USS Illuminar

Mission: Soliloquy
Day: 4
Stardate: 2446.07.08
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(USS Illuminar -- Corrodore -- Acting COO Lt. Tavay -- 0800)
(DS 4 - Conference Room- 2O/CSec/Tac - Lt Commander T’Mur - 0900)
(DS 4 - Officer Quarters - CEO - Lieutenant Jg Tegian Pex - 0902)
(USS Raptor – Officers Lounge – Pilot Ensign Pihi ‘Kestral’ Piripi – 0905)
(DS 4 - Main Shuttlebay - CEO - Lieutenant Jg Tegian Pex - 0935)
(DS4 – Flight deck – Pilot Ensign Pihi ‘Kestral’ Piripi – 0936)
(DS4 – Argos Flight deck – CEO - Lieutenant Jg Tegian Pex - 0940)
(USS Argos – Flight Deck – Pilot Ensign Pihi “Kestral” Piripi – 0942)
(USS Argos – Flight Deck – CEO - Lieutenant Jg Tegian Pex – 0944)
(DS 4 - Shuttle Bay -- CMO Commander Quinna Solice -- 0945)
(USS Argos – Flight Deck – Pilot Ensign Pihi “Kestral” Piripi – 0946)
(DS 4 - Shuttle Bay -- CEO - Lieutenant Jg Tegian Pex -- 0947)
(DS 4 - Shuttle Bay - 2O/CSec/Tac - Lt Commander T’Mur - 0950)
(DS 4 - Shuttle Bay - CEO - Lieutenant Jg Tegian Pex - 0952)
(DS 4 - Shuttle Bay - 2O/CSec/Tac - Lt Commander T’Mur - 0953)
(USS Argos – Aft Section – CMO Commander Quinna Solice – 0955)
(USS Argos – Aft Section – CEO - Lieutenant Jg Tegian Pex – 0956)
(DS 4 - Shuttle Bay - 2O/CSec/Tac - Lt Commander T’Mur - 0957)
(USS Argos – Flight Deck – Pilot Ensign Pihi ‘Kestral’ Piripi -- 0958)
(USS Argos – Passenger section - CSO, Dr. Holis Gralen and FSXO, Lieutenant Tempest Grey
Wolf– 0959)
(USS Argos – Aft section - CEO - Lieutenant Jg Tegian Pex – 1000)
(DS 4 - Shuttle Bay - 2O/CSec/Tac - Lt Commander T’Mur - 1002)
(USS Illuminar -- Bridge -- ACOO Lt. Tavay -- 1003)
(Deep Space 4 – Command Deck – Conference Hall - CO, Captain Sekal – 1008)
(USS Illuminar -- Bridge -- Vice Admiral Vanyssa Winters-- 1013)
(USS Illuminar - Bridge - aFO - Commander Alex Karnovskyy - 1014)
(USS Illuminar -- Deck 6, Sciences Division - Scientist Ketal-- 1015)
(USS Argos --AFT Section--CMO Commander Quinna Solice 1016)
(USS Illuminar - Bridge - ACOO - Lt. Tavay - 1017)
(USS Argos --AFT Section--CEO - Lieutenant Jg Tegian Pex - 1018)

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(USS Illuminar -- Corrodore -- Acting COO Lt. Tavay -- 0800)

Tavay was set to leave on the Rapor when she was unexpectedly called back to Mars station
before departure. She would be part of the leadership team for the Illuminar refit. And now the
time has come and they were.

Tavay stood with a panel open as she checked out the ship's circuitry. The ship seemed more
specialized for a more unique occupant. She hoped Luma liked some of the updates.

Suddenly the red alert Claxtons went off and the sound was loud enough to wake the dead but
not too loud to make anyone deaf. Well, maybe the Ferengi, but that was another thing.
“This is a test, this is only a test,” Tavay muttered herself. Tavay then picked up her PADD,
opened the alert system, and checked off that it was indeed working in her location as others
around the ship also reported the system working in their location.

(USS Illuminar -- Bridge -- Deck 1 -- Acting COO Lt. Tavay -- 0830)

“I have completed my final checklist. The refit was quick but everything seems to be in order.”
Tavay reported as she sat at the COO chair.

(Posted by Kris B)
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(DS 4 - Conference Room- 2O/CSec/Tac - Lt Commander T’Mur - 0900)

The meeting with Sekal and his command staff had been short and logical. He wanted the
department heads to shuttle out and meet the Illuminar that was on its was to DS 4. The thought
was so that they could organize their departments before reuniting the two halves of their crew.
The rendezvous point would give them two days to prepare. The trip to the Illuminar would take
about two days, if they left immediately.

The others had left the conference room to gather their belongings, leaving T’Mur to contact the
department chiefs. She tapped her comm badge.

“Lt. Commander T’Mur to Lt. Pex and Ensign Piripi, pack your bags and meet me in the main
shuttle. We are headed back to the Illuminar with the other department chiefs at 1000 hours.”

(reply Pex and Piripi)

She tapped her comm badge again. “Lt Commander T’Mur fro the USS Illuminar to flight
control.”

=^=Flight Control, go ahead Lt Commander =^=

“Prepare a shuttle for departure at 1000 hours,” she ordered. You should have clearance from
your CO on record.”

=^=Affirmative, Lt. Commander, orders are confirmed. You’ve been assigned to the shuttle USS
Argos. Safe flight ma’am.=^=

The channel closed and T’Mur took a moment to reflect. The events from their abandoned night
out had once again left her with that sensation of disappointment. She had hoped to announce
the celebration of her and Sienna’s nuptials. Sienna was right, they had already been bonded
and that was all that was “needed”. However, that celebration would always be in the back of
her mind as something they missed out on. And now she had a solution, but was unable to
announce it.

And nobody had been in the mood to continue the girls night after the incident with Quinna and
Piripi. She would have to find another time. Meanwhile, she had to pack. She left the
conference room to head to their guest quarters.

(reply Piripi, Pex, Solice, anyone else)
(posted by Al Muir)
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(DS 4 - Officer Quarters - CEO - Lieutenant Jg Tegian Pex - 0902)

Tegian was sitting in his temporary quarters reviewing his department's efficiency reports and
considering whom to recommend for promotion. He'd already had breakfast and he was eager
to leave the station. There was something off, but he couldn't put his finger on it.

=^= Lt. Commander T’Mur to Lt. Pex and Ensign Piripi, pack your bags and meet me in the main
shuttle. We are headed back to the Illuminar with the other department chiefs at 1000 hours.
=^=

He hit his combadge. "Acknowledged Commander."
(Posted by Keith)
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(USS Raptor – Officers Lounge – Pilot Ensign Pihi ‘Kestral’ Piripi – 0905)

Pippa was reviewing her last round of simulations and noting what she felt she could do better if
she tweaked the arrangement of the controls. She made some additional notes as she sipped
the tea.

Her com badge chirped =^= Lt. Commander T’Mur to Lt. Pex and Ensign Piripi, pack your bags
and meet me in the main shuttle. We are headed back to the Illuminar with the other department
chiefs at 1000 hours.=^=

She tapped her com badge, “Acknowledged Commander,” she replied.

Fortunately, she traveled light, so light she’d not even unpacked since she got to the Raptor.
She went to her quarters and grabbed her kit. Checking the flight status board, she saw the
USS Argos was assigned to Commander T’Mur.

(posted by Pippa)
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(DS 4 - Main Shuttlebay - CEO - Lieutenant Jg Tegian Pex - 0935)

Tegian strode into the shuttlebay, carrying his bag and found someone to tell him which shuttle
had been assigned to them. He found a crew inspecting the shuttle as he approached it. One
of them stopped their inspection to shoo him away from it. "I'm Lieutenant Pex, the Chief
Engineer of the Illuminar and this is the shuttle that will be taking me and the rest of the
command staff back to our ship. I'm going to inspect it along with the rest of you," he said
cheerfully. "I'll stay out of your way, just point me to a console you won't be using."

With a few sideways glances between the crew, they grudgingly pointed to one of the consoles
in the back. Tegian stored his bag and began to run through the shuttle diagnostics, duplicating
all the work that the crew was doing. He'd do a visual inspection after they left so as not to
completely annoy them.

(Reply Any)
(Posted by Keith)
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(DS4 – Flight deck – Pilot Ensign Pihi ‘Kestral’ Piripi – 0936)
Pihi checked in with flight control before heading to the Argos. She quickly stowed her kit and
moved to the pilot’s seat. She logged into the system and began her pre-flight checklist.

(Reply Any)
(Posted by Pippa)
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(DS4 – Argos Flight deck – CEO - Lieutenant Jg Tegian Pex - 0940)

Tegian had been discussing his right to check over the shuttle as part of the Command crew of
the Illuminar when someone just breezed through unchallenged and went to the Flight Deck of
the shuttle. Tegian wasn't sure if anyone else even noticed, although he'd picked up the
movement when he was pulling rank.

As soon as he stowed his bag, turned on his station and started running a diagnostic, he moved
forward to the flight deck to see who had snuck aboard.

Poking his head in, he knocked on the partition so as not to startle them. "Hello? I don't mean
to be rude, but are you perhaps Ensign Piripi?"

(Reply Piripi)
(Posted by Keith)
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(USS Argos – Flight Deck – Pilot Ensign Pihi “Kestral” Piripi – 0942)

Pihi was just starting up the checklist when she heard a knock behind her.

“Hello? I don’t mean to be rude, but are you perhaps Ensign Piripi?” came the male voice.

Pihi turned around, “I prefer Kestral,” she replied as she looked over the man. Her VISOR
registered two unique heat signatures. Lots of interesting electromagnetic changes. A joined
Trill, she decided. “And you are?”

(reply Pex)

"Just going through the startup checklist, once I have the systems warmed up, I’ll do a
walkthrough outside. The records suggest there are some issues in the port Nacelle. It is still
operating within normal parameters, but it doesn’t hurt to be sure.”

(reply Pex)

“I appreciate that, but it’s my ship, so I’ll do my walkthrough as usual. Don’t want any mishaps
on this milk run,” she said.

(reply Pex)

She nodded and turned back to the checklist. She continued through the startup sequence and
checklist. Even though this was a shuttle craft, and recently used, you became an old pilot by
following your superstitions, and your protocols. No reason to cut corners, this wasn’t a fighter
or she wasn’t flying into combat.
Absorbed in her work, looking over the readings on her screen, she didn’t hear the Vulcan come
onto the flight deck.

“Ensign Piripi. Do you require any assistance in your preflight checks?” said T’Mur.

Pihi looked up, a flash of ire on her face, “No thank you Commander, “ she replied.

The Commander continued, handing her a isolinear chip. This contains the flight plan to
intercept the Illuminar. If you do not mind, I would prefer to sit in the co-pilot seat.”

If Pihi could roll her eyes, she would. She took the data chip and placed it to the side. Did the
commander not think she could navigate that she needed to provide her with a navigation aid.

“That is your prerogative,” she said. “Is there anything else Commander? Or can I continue
preparing the shuttle for departure?”

(Reply T’Mur, Pex, others)
(Posted by Pippa)
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(USS Argos – Flight Deck – CEO - Lieutenant Jg Tegian Pex – 0944)

The Ensign turned around and informed him of her callsign, Kestral, which is how she preferred
to be referenced as she looked him over. And she asked him his name.

Tegian smiled and extended a hand as he noted that most humans liked to shake hands when
first meeting. He noted the VISOR and was curious, but it wasn't his place to ask so he made
no comment.

"I'm Tegian Pex, the Chief Engineer of the Illuminar. It's nice to meet you, Kestral. I presume
that's your callsign? Do I have that terminology right?"

(Reply Kestral)

Then she mentioned going through her preflight checklist and that there was something in the
Argos' records to suggest a problem with port Nacelle.

Tegian nodded. "I'm glad you're thorough. I'm running a system-wide diagnostics now and as
soon as it's done, I'll make a visual inspection of the outside of the shuttle. I'll run an extra
diagnostic on the port Nacelle. Good catch, Kestral. If you decide to do a visual inspection,
please grab me when you're ready."

He leaned closer to her so that the DS4 crew couldn't hear. "I'm just waiting for the crew outside
to leave. I've already annoyed them enough by showing up early to run my own diagnostics."

(reply Kestral)

Kestral indicated she was going to do her walkthrough, no matter Tegian's diagnostics and
visual inspection.

Tegian smiled and then almost put his foot in his mouth. "As any good pilot does. Only the
touchy engineers get upset by that. It never hurts to have an extra ... brain check things out."
(reply Kestral, iyw)

Tegian went back to his station and checked the diagnostics, which were still running and then
pulled up the records on the Argos to see what issues and repairs had been done on the shuttle
for the past two years.

(Reply Any)
(Posted by Keith)
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(DS 4 - Shuttle Bay -- CMO Commander Quinna Solice -- 0945)

Quinna arrived in the shuttle bay early. Her black go backpack was slung over one shoulder as
she fiddled with a PADD playing a game. She was happy to be going home. Back to the
Illuminar.

She already made a to-do list for sickbay. She needed to verify the inventory updates and be
sure that everything that was on the manifest was indeed on the ship, and then she needed to
rearrange the sickbay to her standard. Quinna’s way was very efficient.

Quinna was also considering a request that was made for her to sponsor a fellowship on the
Illuminar. Future Doctors would be coming to learn from her. Quinna was not sure if that was a
good idea. She was almost sure it was not. So now she stood there and waited for the mission
commander to arrive, while she was playing her game.

(reply Piripi, Pex, T’Mur, anyone else)
(posted by Kris B)
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(USS Argos – Flight Deck – Pilot Ensign Pihi “Kestral” Piripi – 0946)

"I'm Tegian Pex, the Chief Engineer of the Illuminar. It's nice to meet you, Kestral. I presume
that's your callsign? Do I have that terminology right?"

“Correct,” the pilot replied. “Easier to say and remember. Small, agile and deadly, like the falcon”
she added and turned back to the console. After mentioning the port nacelle, the engineer
replied.

"I'm glad you're thorough. I'm running a system-wide diagnostics now and as soon as it's done,
I'll make a visual inspection of the outside of the shuttle. I'll run an extra diagnostic on the port
Nacelle. Good catch, Kestral. If you decide to do a visual inspection, please grab me when
you're ready. I'm just waiting for the crew outside to leave. I've already annoyed them enough
by showing up early to run my own diagnostics."

Pihi nodded and turned back to her work, over her shoulder she said, “There is no decision to
be made, I’ll be doing the walkthrough before I take this shuttle out.”

"As any good pilot does. Only the touchy engineers get upset by that. It never hurts to have an
extra ... brain check things out." He replied.
Pihi chuckled, “With my VISOR, I can see in the electromagnetic spectrum between 1 Hertz all
the way up to 100,000 Terahertz. I’ve learned to see things that good pilots miss. Touchy
engineers too. I plan to be an old pilot, Lieutenant,” she replied.

(Reply Pex)
(Posted by Pippa)
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(DS 4 - Shuttle Bay -- CEO - Lieutenant Jg Tegian Pex -- 0947)

Tegian was inspecting the shuttle when Quinna arrived at the Argos. "Good morning, Doctor
Solice," said Tegian somewhat absentmindedly as he continued to scan the shuttle.
"I hope you were able to have some down time," he called as she entered the shuttle.

(reply Solice, iyw)
(posted by Keith)
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(DS 4 - Shuttle Bay - 2O/CSec/Tac - Lt Commander T’Mur - 0950)

T’’Mur entered the shuttlebay with a bit of haste in her step. She had expected to arrive much
earlier, but her parting from Sienna had been a bit more expanded than she had estimated. The
memory of their parting embrace made a slight smile appear on her face.

She noted that Quinna had already arrived. She nodded to the CMO as she stepped up to her.

“Quinna,” she said in greeting, “are you ready to get back to the Illuminar?”

She didn’t want to bring up the events from two days prior with Michael Weston. If Quinna
cared to share she would be pleased to listen. Their friendship had managed to thrive while
Sienna was… on the Earth. It had been a difficult time for the Vulcan, but Quinna had continued
to be a friend.

(reply Solice)

“I must admit that I am anxious,” T’Mur said. “I enjoyed the modern amenities of the Raptor,
some of which I hope to add to the Illuminar, but the Illuminar… she is home.”

(reply Solice)

They moved over to the shuttle to find Pex, who was inspecting the outside of the shuttle.

“Problems, Mr. Pex?” T’Mur asked.

(reply Pex)

“We will meet you inside.”T’Mur told him. They entered the shuttle and T’Mut noted that the pilot
was already in the cockpit area running her preflight checks.

“Ensign Piripi,” T’Mur greeted with a nod. “Do you require any assistance in your preflight
checks?”

(reply Piripi)
She handed the pilot a data card, “This contains the flight plan to intercept the Illuminar. If you
do not mind, I would prefer to sit in the co-pilot seat.

(reply Piripi, Pex, Solice)
(posted by Al Muir)
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(DS 4 - Shuttle Bay - CEO - Lieutenant Jg Tegian Pex - 0952)

Tegian was doing a visual inspection of the shuttle, spending more time at the port Nacelle with
his tricorder when he heard footsteps behind him. Kestral was looking at another part of the
ship, or maybe she was back inside, he'd lost track of her.
“Problems, Mr. Pex?” T’Mur asked.

Tegian turned around. "Good morning, Lieutenant Commander. There's been problems in the
past with this shuttle on the port Nacelle. I just want to make sure that we don't experience any
on our trip. The readings..." Tegian looked down. "well, if we didn't have to leave immediately,
I'd tear it apart. As it is, I'm going to grab some spare parts. Do me a favor, Commander?
Check to make sure there's enough suits for all of us. I didn't get a chance to check."
(Reply T'Mur)

“We will meet you inside.”T’Mur told him. They entered the shuttle and T’Mut noted that the pilot
was already in the cockpit area running her preflight checks.

(Reply Any)
(Posted by Keith)
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(DS 4 - Shuttle Bay - 2O/CSec/Tac - Lt Commander T’Mur - 0953)

“That is your prerogative,” Piripi said.

T’Mur nodded ignoring the ire that may have been in the pilot’s voice. It was, indeed, her
prerogative. She sat in the copilot’s seat and pulled out her PADD.

“Is there anything else Commander?” the woman added, “Or can I continue preparing the
shuttle for departure?”

T’Mur raised an eyebrow at the unnecessary question. “That would be satisfactory, Ensign.”

She engrossed herself in the data from Starfleet that she had received as Chief of Security.
Meanwhile she listened as everyone completed their checks. At 1000 She stowed her her
PADD and looked over at Piripi.

“Are you ready to depart, Ensign?” she asked.

(reply Piripi)

Turning she called back to the aft section of the shuttle, “Is everyone ready? Dr. Solace?
Ensign Pex?”

(reply Solice, Pex)
She tapped her comm badge, “Lt. Commander T’Mur to Deep Space 4, the Argos is ready for
departure.”

=^=Affirmative Commander. The Argos is cleared for departure. Safe journey. The Illuminar is
en route and you should be on an intercept course in 48 hours.=^=

“Roger that,” T’mur replied. “Argos out.” She turned back to the pilot, “Then at your leisure
Ensign Piripi. Take us out.”

(reply Piripi)
(posted by Al Muir)
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(USS Argos – Aft Section – CMO Commander Quinna Solice – 0955)

Quinna entered the shuttle and was surprised that two others had once again beaten her there.
Quinna was standing there like an idiot thinking she was the first one there. One day she
decided that she was going to be the first one. She said her hellos and quietly went to the back
of the shuttle. She stowed her stiff and took a seat. It was quiet and she was able to put her
feet up. From the look of things, no one was following her.

She thought about the conversations she had with T’Mur prior to boarding the shuttle.

“Quinna,” she said in greeting, “are you ready to get back to the Illuminar?”

“I am looking forward to going home.” What did she call T’Mur, Was it Ma’am, Commander, or
T’Mur? She opted to just let it be.

“I must admit that I am anxious,” T’Mur said. “I enjoyed the modern amenities of the Raptor,
some of which I hope to add to the Illuminar, but the Illuminar… she is home.”

“Just remember, Newer is not always better.” Quinna had said.

Quinna was now sitting in the back of the shuttle waiting to go home. Closing her eyes for a
moment she took in the start of the ‘road trip’.

Turning she called back to the aft section of the shuttle, “Is everyone ready? Dr. Solace?
Ensign Pex?”

Quinna opened her eyes not realizing when Pex showed up.

“I am ready, and I already went potty before we boarded. I cannot speak for Mr. Pex here.

(reply T-Mur, Piripi, Pex)
(Posted by Kris B)
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(USS Argos – Aft Section – CEO - Lieutenant Jg Tegian Pex – 0956)

Turning Lt. Commander T'mur called back to the aft section of the shuttle, “Is everyone ready?
Dr. Solice? Ensign Pex?”
Quinna opened her eyes not realizing when Pex showed up.

“I am ready, and I already went potty before we boarded. I cannot speak for Mr. Pex here.
Tegian called back from outside the shuttle. "Hold up, please. Still collecting parts in case we
have issues with that port Nacelle."

(reply T-Mur, Solice, Pex)
(Posted by Keith)
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(DS 4 - Shuttle Bay - 2O/CSec/Tac - Lt Commander T’Mur - 0957)

T’Mur listened to Pex’s concerns over the port nacelle. Then he said something that invoked an
almost emotional reaction. Irritation.

“Do me a favor Commander,” he said, “Check to make sure that there’s enough suits for all of
us. I didn’t get a chance to check.”

She took a breath and centered her mind. “I cannot believe that the commander of this station
would assign us to a shuttle in any state disrepair, Lieutenant Pex. I am equally certain that the
shuttle will have ample emergency equipment if necessary. “

She shook her head, “There will be no delay in our departure because of your lack of trust in the
engineering team of this Starbase. We will be leaving on time. I suggest you pack up your tools
and get ready to go.”

(reply Pex, if you want)
(Posted by Al Muir)
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(USS Argos – Flight Deck – Pilot Ensign Pihi ‘Kestral’ Piripi -- 0958)

After Pihi mentioned the detection capabilities of her VISOR, the engineer replied.

“Fascinating, I hadn’t realized you could see that much of the spectrum or that your brain could
process that information. That’s incredible. I only wish we could safely test the port Nacelle so
that you could tell me what you see. Right now we’re going to have to rely on whatever the
system diagnostics tell us.”

Pihi shrugged, “I don’t know the engineering or computation sides of things, but I’ve been
wearing this since I was 5. I was born without an optical nerve, so the more modern options
were not available to me. So I just see, and have trained for years to interpret what those
signals mean. I am sure the doctor could provide you with more details. I just fly things from
point A to point B, while trying not to get hit by anything,” she replied.

(Reply Pex)

Pihi continued her pre-flight check when the second officer came onboard. She sat in the
co-pilot’s seat and after a brief exchange left her alone to finish her work.

She inputted the navigational information that the Commander had provided and was studying
the recommended course, shaking her head softly. A less direct route than she would have
taken, so she called up information on the possible space hazards between the station and the
rendezvous point.

Lieutenant Pex came forward and strapped into the Engineering consol. “All set,” he said.

Pihi typed in some final commands to the shuttle and paused as she connected her VISOR to
the sensors. She liked having the extended view when she was flying, it gave her that special
edge.

She heard Commander T’Mur tap her com badge, “Lt. Commander T’Mur to Deep Space 4, the
Argos is ready for departure.”

=^=Affirmative Commander. The Argos is cleared for departure. Safe journey. The Illuminar is
en route and you should be on an intercept course in 48 hours.=^=

“Roger that. Argos out. Then at your leisure Ensign Piripi. Take us out.” The commander said.

“This is Kestral, I have the con,” she said outload as she tapped the final controls to complete
the startup sequence. She looked out to see the signals from the flight deck crew. She flashed
her acknowledgement and the shuttle started to move.

Moments later, the shuttle was outside of the space station. Pihi did a circular flyby of the
station, to check the responsiveness of the shuttle.

Satisfied, she entered another set of commands and the shuttle started on the heading given to
her. “Course executed Commander, warp factor 5.”

Pihi paused, “Commander,” she said, “We can shave 6 hours off the journey if we alter the route
slightly,” she said, “We will skirt the FLIERS of the Ghost of Jupiter, but that should not be an
issue for the shields, and I can guide us through the worst of the eddies.”

(Reply Pex, T’Mur)
(Posted by Pippa)
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(USS Argos – Passenger section - CSO, Dr. Holis Gralen and FSXO, Lieutenant Tempest Grey
Wolf– 0959)

Holis was sitting in a comfortable seat near the front, his eyes closed and unmoving until the cry
ripped through the shuttle.

“Is everyone ready? Dr. Solace? Ensign Pex?”

“I am ready, and I already went potty before we boarded. I cannot speak for Mr. Pex here."

His face blanched at the reply before he opened his eyes. "Science is present and Lieutenant
Grey Wolf should ..."

"... Is already here Doctor."

Holis chuckled as Tempest boarded behind Quinna.
"Excuse me please Commander." Tempest gave Quinna a quick smile as she passed her.

(Reply: Quinna, any)

Tempest glided forward then took a seat opposite Holis, he nodded to her before closing his
eyes again.

A burst of activity started up as the CEO walked through to report to the pilot then took a seat.

Tempest wasn't used to being flown about, instead she was normally the pilot so turning over
control was a new thing. She took a deep breath and settled into her seat.

(Reply: Any)
(Posted by Charles Gatling)
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(USS Argos – Aft section - CEO - Lieutenant Jg Tegian Pex – 1000)

Tegian entered the shuttle with armful of parts, this being his second trip and dumped the pile
next to the first pile. He called forward. "Kestral, Tempest, please give me a few minutes to
store away the extra parts before you take off. I don't want anything rolling around back here."

(Reply: Kestral, Tempest, Solice, T'Mur, Hollis)

Tegian opened up storage compartments and began quickly storing all the parts he'd acquired
into the bins in less than a minute. Once done, he hurried to the station that had been running
diagnostics and checked them.

He sat down and strapped himself to the seat. "All set," he called to the front.

(Reply: Kestral, Tempest, Solice, T'Mur, Hollis)
(Posted by Keith)
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(DS 4 - Shuttle Bay - 2O/CSec/Tac - Lt Commander T’Mur - 1002)

The shuttle left the station and Piripi executed the course to the Illuminar. Then she looked over
at T’Mur.

“Commander, we can shave 6 hours off the journey if we alter the route slightly,” she said, “We
will skirt the FLIERS of the Ghost of Jupiter, but that should not be an issue for the shields, and I
can guide us through the worst of the eddies.”

T’Mur looked at the route she was suggesting then shook her head. “Negative Ensign. I
appreciate your desire for efficiency, but the course we have set will intercept the Illuminar at an
exact spot at a predetermined time. Altering the course might jeopardize that outcome. If we get
to the same location that we need to be in six hours earlier than expected we will be sitting
around for that time waiting. Please maintain the plan provided.”

(reply Piripi)
T’Mur found it interesting how people often had to feel as though they could do a better job at
plans that had already been made. It was no different than Pex’s desire to rebuild a warp
nacelle on the shuttle that had already received the necessary maintenance.

She looked around at the engineer who had managed to settle himself into the seat at the
engineering section. No doubt he was still running diagnostics on the warp nacelle. At warp 5
they’d have about a two day trip to meet the Illuminar. He might as well keep himself busy.

She reached forward and opened a comm channel. “Lt. Commander T’Mur to the USS Illuminar,
we have left Starbase Deep Space 4, and are en route to the rendezvous point.”

(reply Illuminar)
(posted by Al Muir)
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(USS Illuminar -- Bridge -- ACOO Lt. Tavay -- 1003)

Tavay was at her temporary station running diagnostics on the ship’s systems. Diagnostics
were interrupted by a transmission, “We are getting an incoming communication from
Commander T’Mur.”

Tavay opened the communication. =/\= Lt. Commander T’Mur to the USS Illuminar, we have
left Starbase Deep Space 4, and are en route to the rendezvous point.=/\=

(Reply Any)

After the communication was confirmed, Tavay closed the communications and went back to
her diagnostics. She was about to report that all systems were stable when a wicked shimmy
ran through the deck plate.

Tavay moved to the engineering console. The shimmy on the floor made walking difficult, and
she was getting a bit dizzy from it.

“The good news is the problem is localized to this area. Looks like one of the artificial gravity
plates under the bridge has become loose. The deck plates were replaced. I can fix it.”

(Reply any)

Tavay grabbed the tool kit and headed to the floor access panel. She opened the panel and
then she no longer felt the shimmering. In fact, she did not feel the floor at all. The gravity of
the bridge had shut down and she was beginning to float. “Oye,” Tavay said as she took hold of
the panel opening. “I think I am going to be sick.” This could possibly be because she had a
huge breakfast of pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, and hashbrowns.

Tavay noticed that some loose couplers were the cause of the shimmy and the shimmy resulted
in losing the controls to the plate and within a few minutes, Tavay had it all fixed again.

(Reply Any)

“This is what happens when people are in a rush to refit the ship. Hopefully, all the demons are
not out of the ship and it will be smooth sailing from here.”
(Reply Any)
(Posted by Kris B)
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(Deep Space 4 – Command Deck – Conference Hall - CO, Captain Sekal – 1008)

A number of Admirals were in attendance through holographic means. One of those who had
been in attendance at the last mission briefing was en route with Sekal's ship along with a large
number of officers and crew of the USS Raptor. The larger change would be made here at DS4
but the senior officers of Illuminar had been dispatched to meet that ship incoming. There were
a lot of moving parts currently in motion, ~Too many moving parts.~ It was illogical and
unnecessary and space was an unforgiving medium, too much could happen.

"So in summation Captain, your crew is due commendations for their actions in saving what was
left of the colony. Norkan has been completely evacuated until this standoff with the Xenolithe
has concluded."

The Vulcan's eyes returned to those of Jericho Haynes who was currently on Earth. The
commander of StarFleet tactical were his ever present sober expression as he sat easily,
completely in charge of the room. Not easy for anyone sitting over 30 light years away to
dominate a meeting.

"Our mission was not satisfactorily concluded according to the orders given however I am in
agreement that the xenolithe have exposed both themselves and their plans."

"And that is all that was needed." Jack looked about the table. "Are there any final questions?"

"None." Commodore Jerl replied. "Thank you Admiral. Is it true that you are re-assigning the
Raptor to patrol in this area?"

"Absolutely." Jack's nod was crisp. "We aren't going to leave you waving in the breeze, Raptor
will help you tremendously. Illuminar is already enroute to DS4 to rendezvous with the Captain
and his crew. The replacement officers for Raptor are aboard her."

"And my senior officers are meeting them in transit." The Vulcan's look was severe. "Despite my
objections."

Jack shrugged. "You and they have your orders and I don't need to explain them. Gentlemen
this concludes the final hearing on the Xenolithe affair. Well done." Jack looked to his left and
nodded then turned back. "And just in time. StarFleet Command out."

Jericho Haynes and 3 other figures disappeared from their places around the table as those
present in the flesh rose to their feet.

"My thanks captain, please pass my appreciation on to your crew."

"I will do so Commodore, if you will excuse me?"

Jerl nodded and Sekal turned away, his things had already been transferred to DS4 from the
ship but there remained a few, last minute chores before final departure.

(Reply: Any, none)
(Posted by Charles Gatling)
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(USS Illuminar -- Bridge -- Vice Admiral Vanyssa Winters-- 1013)

It had been far too long since Vanyssa had stood on a bridge, commanding a ship. She had
gone from the Mystique to Betazed, and then from there back to the Fleet, riding a desk. So
when presented with the chance to take the recently refitted Illuminar out with some of the crew
that had stayed behind to work on the ship, Vanyssa had leapt at the chance to take the ship to
DS4, where two of her children were present.

There was much to like about the Iluminar. As the first bond-mate of Luma and the discoverer of
the entity, Vanyssa was impressed with the little touches, and understood why her daughter,
Celiste, was so proud of the work she was doing aboard the ship as the botanist that tended the
roses that dotted the ship at most of the turbolifts. The Admiral had studied the changes that
had been made, to accomodate Luma.

Vanyssa had a checkered history with Luma - the destruction of the last of the Lenai had
broken Vanyssa's mind, the channeling of the energy had burnt the telepath out and forced teh
Captain to retire early.

Without Luma, the ship seemed to run sluggishly, as if it was missing the entity that usually
inhabited it. Running her hands over the arm rests of the Captain's chair, Vanyssa felt a soft
shudder through the deck plates. She glanced over at the Romulan. Vanyssa felt a slight
revulsion, remembering fighting other romulans during the civil war. Time had marched on,
however and the romulans were now allies of the Federation with several serving in the Fleet.

“The good news is the problem is localized to this area. Looks like one of the artificial gravity
plates under the bridge has become loose. The deck plates were replaced. I can fix it.” The
romulan spoke competently. Tavay, Vanyssa remembered after a moment.

"Good work, Lt." She spoke positively, watching the woman work efficiently. Not that Vanyssa
knew a hell of a lot about engineering matters, just the standard courses that command officers
took. Her background had been in counseling, and diplomacy. The Mystique had been an
exploratory ship primarily

“This is what happens when people are in a rush to refit the ship. Hopefully, all the demons are
not out of the ship and it will be smooth sailing from here.” Tavay spoke and Vanyssa found
herself liking the woman better, in spite of her being romulan, something that Nessa knew that
she was going to have to work on.

 "It's not terribly unusual for there to be minor gremlins in the ship - that's why we have shake
down cruises." Vanyssa agreed with the woman. "Be sure to run a lvl 1 diagnostic on the
gravitational systems, please and let me know the results. We want to return the Illuminar to
Captain Sekal whole and functional." The betazoid's lips quirked up as reports began to come
in, and the ship sailed towards her destination.

Nessa was looking forward to seeing her kids, in a few days. She could almost feel them. It'd
been over a year since she had seen them in person.

(reply Tavay iyw)
(posted by Mel)
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(USS Illuminar - Bridge - aFO - Commander Alex Karnovskyy - 1014)

Sasha had stepped onto the bridge to see that diagnostics were still being run on the ships
systems. The pace that had been set for some of the refit items was breakneck and he had
lodged several dissenting opinions that the ship was actually ready. He would have liked
another twenty-four hours, but that had been explained to not be an option.

“Recalibrations and diagnostics can be made en route,” he’d been told. He closed his mouth,
realizing further argument would be considered disrespectful and nodded.

He moved over to the command station and nodded to Vice Admiral Admiral Winters. He had
volunteered to be the aide to Vice Admiral Winters for this voyage. The crew of the Illuminar had
been more than a passing interest for him since the war games. Returning the ship to its crew
would give him a chance to see them and perhaps reunite with Galk.

“We are getting an incoming communication from Commander T’Mur,” Tavay announced.

“Put it through,” he said with his thick Russian accent.

=^=Lt. Commander T’Mur to the USS Illuminar, we have left Starbase Deep Space 4, and are
en route to the rendezvous point.=^=

He tapped the comm channel and answered, “Roger that Lt Commander. We should arrive at
the rendezvous point in a little over fourty-eight hours. Illuminar out.”

The channel closed as the deck plating vibrated harshly. “If the ship is still in one piece,” he
muttered to himself as he felt the gravity on the bridge disengage.

It was quickly set to right and his stomach felt the sudden return of gravity. He agreed with the
Romulan’s synopsis of the speed of the retrofit.

"It's not terribly unusual for there to be minor gremlins in the ship - that's why we have shake
down cruises,” the Admiral said.

“Gremlins?” Karnovskyy scoffed. “More like Baba Yaga.”

"Be sure to run a level 1 diagnostic on the gravitational systems, please,” Winters ordered, “and
let me know the results. We want to return the Illuminar to Captain Sekal whole and functional."

Testing the floor with his feet, he stood up to his full 2 meter height. He moved over to Tavay. “I
can assist you with the diagnostic if you like.”

(reply Tavay)
(posted by Al Muir)
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(USS Illuminar -- Deck 6, Sciences Division - Scientist Ketal-- 1015)

He no longer carried a fleet rank though he could flourish his old one if he wished. It had been
over three decades since the half-Vulcan had served aboard a starship, since that time he had
married, fathered children and worked on Betazed with said wife whom he was accompanying
on this trip. Why was an Admiral ferrying a ship from one place to another? Because they could.

Some Admirals had dedicated fleet command ships such as Saleke, a well known figure in the
group. That Vulcan had quietly had his old ship taken out of mothballs and refitted to the new
fleet standards which were a far departure in some ways. The USS Hades was a highly
celebrated ship which was enjoying a resurgence.

Vanyssa had no dedicated command ship as of yet and he was aware she wasn't really
interested in one, not after what had happened on the Mystique.

Ketal gave a gentle smile and nod to the geophysicist as he let himself out of the lab, the
woman's eyes had widened as he left, it was unnerving having a vulcanian show emotion like
that.

Ketal had been tormented for many years by his dual nature. Whereas Spock had largely
maintained discipline over his lifetime, Ketal, born over a century later had not. His breaks from
discipline had been numerous and painful.

Becoming a husband and father had calmed him however, Vanyssa was an anchor to his katra
and he had learned in time to be at peace with himself.

He stepped into the turbolift and considered as it rose, there were many things about this ship
that were atypical, the roses grown in the bulkhead by the turbolift were only the most visible
example.

(USS Illuminar -- Deck 1 - Bridge - Scientist Ketal-- 1017)

He opened his mouth to speak as the lift door opened, to announce himself but remained silent
as Vanyssa addressed a young officer with vulcanian features who wore the colors of
operations.

Rather than stare curiously he turned and walked the bridge, passing the engineering and
science stations as he made a slow circuit of the starboard side.

"We want to return the Illuminar to Captain Sekal whole and functional."

"Indeed." He turned to his wife as she finished speaking. "An unusual ship in some respects,
astonishingly advanced in others. A trend setter and pioneer for a number of systems within
Starfleet."

(Reply: Nyssa, Tavay)
(Posted by Charles Gatling)
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(USS Argos --AFT Section--CMO Commander Quinna Solice 1015)

Quinna sat in the back of the shuttle. It was time to get some good rest as she was really not
needed for anything besides just sitting there and looking pretty. The sad part is that she was
not tired. She was bored.
Quinna reached down into her go-bad and pulled a deck of cards from it. She almost forgot she
had put them in there when she initially packed that bad, along with a fresh pair of socks and
undies. She did not want to be caught completely off guard just in case a 3 hour turned into
something longer. After all, a girl could never be too prepared for anything.

Scanning the aft area, there were more people than she planned. It was perfect for striking up a
game. Holding up the deck of cards and smiling, “Does anyone care for a game?”

Looking around she was hoping for some takers.

(Reply Pex, Gralen (Not to exclude but assuming on the flight deck is T’Mur, Piripi, Grey Wolf,
IYW))
(Posted by Kris B)
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(USS Illuminar - Bridge - ACOO - Lt. Tavay - 1016)

Tavay had been dancing about the Illuminar for the last few days. She had a tight reign on the
refit and wanted to make sure it was perfect. With the incident with the gravity deck plate, Tavay
was sure that there was more to come.

"Be sure to run a level 1 diagnostic on the gravitational systems, please,” Winters ordered, “and
let me know the results. We want to return the Illuminar to Captain Sekal whole and functional."

Tavay did not need to be told that, she was already on it. She thought it was common sense to
run a diagnostic of the ship after an incident like that.

Tavay did not turn her head when she was approached, “I can assist you with the diagnostic if
you like.”

“Thanks, I have it already running. If you like, you can monitor the diagnostic while I go and
check the deck relays through the ole girl here.”

(Reply Winters, Karnovskyy, any)
(posted by Kris B)
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(USS Argos --AFT Section--CEO - Lieutenant Jg Tegian Pex - 1017)

Tegian was going through the diagnostics again. "What the Lieutenant Commander had said
stung, but something back on DS4 was off and he found himself feeling uncomfortable about it.
He was also curious why some of them were returning when the rest of the crew was still on
DS4. That hadn't been explained, but like many things, orders were orders. And you just
followed them and didn't ask. He mulled over the logic of their trip while he ran through the
repair logs for the shuttle.

All of a sudden, in the relative silence of the shuttle, he heard the Doctor's voice, “Does anyone
care for a game?” He quickly turned from his station to look at her and saw her holding a deck
of cards. Realizing that he was probably obsessing, he nodded. "Sure, Doctor. What were you
thinking?" he responded.

(Reply Solice, Gralen (Not to exclude but assuming on the flight deck is T’Mur, Piripi, Grey Wolf,
IYW))
(Posted by Keith)
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End Compile