USS Illuminar

Mission: In the Vanguard
Day: 5-7
Stardate: 2446.06.24-26
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Day 5

(U.S.S. Raptor - Deck 17 - OIC Office - Marine - 2LT Charles Temerity - 2010)
(USS Raptor - Deck 1 - Bridge - CO, Captain Sekal - 0430)
(USS Raptor - Deck 1 - Bridge - CSec/Tac - Lt Commander T’Mur- 0435)
(USS Raptor - Deck 1 - Bridge - FO, Commander Sienna Verin - 0436)
(USS Raptor - Deck 17 - Marine County - Major Audie Murphy - 0600)
(USS Raptor - Deck 14 - Shuttlebay - Pilot Ensign Vic 'Raid' Montero - 0614)
(USS Raptor - Deck 19 - Tactical Department - SO CPO P'Rah and Hercules Devers - 0804)
(USS Raptor -- Personal Quarters -- Deck 6 -- Science Officer -- Ensign Tavay -- 1435)
(USS Raptor -- Deck 6 - CSO's Office -- CSO, Lieutenant Commander Holis Gralen -- 1445)
(USS Raptor -- Deck 6 - CSO's Office -- Science Officer Ensign Tavay -- 1447)
(USS Raptor -- Deck 6 - CSO's Office -- CSO, Lieutenant Commander Holis Gralen-- 1450)
(USS Raptor -- Deck 6 - CSO's Office -- Science Officer Ensign Tavay -- 1452)
(USS Raptor -- Deck 6 - CSO's Office -- CSO, Lieutenant Commander Holis Gralen -- 1455)

Day 6

(USS Raptor - Deck 6 - Personal Quarters - FO Commander Sienna Verin & SFI Michael
Weston - 1600)
(U.S.S. Raptor - Deck 17 - OIC Office - Marine - 2LT Charles Temerity - 2010)

Day 7

(USS Raptor - Deck 3 - Personal Quarters - FO Commander Sienna Verin & 2O Lt. Cmdr. T’Mur
- 2000)
(USS Raptor - Deck 6 - CO, Captain Sekal and SPC Luma'lenai - 2005)
(USS Raptor – Personal Quarters – Deck 6 – 30/CMO Commander Quinna Solice, FO
Commander Sienna Verin & 2O Lt. Cmdr. T’Mur, CO, Captain Sekal and SPC Luma'lenai –
2007)
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Day 5

(USS Raptor - Deck 7 - Cargo Bay 1 - Bridge Pool Officer Ensign Tavay and DCO Ensign
James Shaw - 0020)

Having agreed to the bunk bed caper, Shaw led Tavay to Deck 7. “OK, this is upper cargo bay
1. The ship manifest says the mattresses should be in section 31,” he pointed to the map of the
cargo bay. “Simple grid pattern, so sould be easy to find unless.”

“Are you sure about that? The quartermaster cannot tell the difference between her bumm and
the thing at thing above her neck.”

“Unless someone messed up the inventory. I know it’s operations job to keep it updated, but
you Illuminar people came on the ship so quickly we didn’t have time to prepare for your arrival.”
“Well that is what you get when you do not throw a welcome party.”

He pushed the palm lock next to the door, which slid open. The lights were dimmed at the
moment. “Lets go,” he said quietly.

Shaw opened a small flashlight, and started leading them into the cargo hold. He only got
turned around twice, both times Tavay pointing the right direction and trying to hid her irritation.

Finally they were at Section 31. “Ok, might have to open a few crates, the manifest says they
are in containers 1701 and 1764,” Shaw said, shining the light on the stacks of boxes.

Tavay moved around the boxes and found one, “Hey, I have 1764 here.” She pulled a couple of
boxes off if it as it was buried. She opened the box. “However I do not think it is what you are
looking for.”

He looked over at what she had found, “That is quite blue,” he said

“Unless you are looking for some Romulan Ale. I don’t think 1764 is out box.” Tavay said as
she pulled a bottle out of the crate.

“Never had it, I’m more of a Guiness man myself,” Shaw said.

“All a rarity. 2264. I wonder how someone came about a case of it. These bottles are 182
years old.”

“Wow,” he said, “Is that good. Think anyone would notice if it went missing?” Shaw said, “For
educational purposes only, Ms. Tavay. Education.”

“You know we should try a bottle and test the quality.” Tavay suggested.

“Here, help me move this crate,” he said, “I think I found 1701.”

Tavay put the bottle down and helped Shaw with the box. “You should do the honors of opening
it.”

Shaw looks at the crate, and found the latch. Opening the box, he shined the light into the
space. It was quite full with long, round objects wrapped in some plastic coating. “Hold this,” he
said, handing the light to Tavay.

Reaching to the top, Shaw pulled on one of the plastic wrapped cylinders, which slowly started
sliding out of the crate. It was heavy. Whoever had loaded the crate had but the item code on
the other side. With cylinder fully out, it was clear it was the mattress. “Tá buaiteoir againn.
You’re good luck Ms. Tavay. You need to come with me when I play darts next. I could use
some luck.”

“You don’t need me. You just need better eye/hand coordination, and a few drinks of that
Romulan ale we found back there.” Tavay replied.

“Here, help me get this on my shoulder. I should be able to carry it, but might need you to guide
the way or hold doors,” Shaw said.
“Don’t be such a man. Here, I can carry that and hold the door.” Physically Romulans were a bit
stronger than humans but not by much. They too could be snapped like a twig by a Klingon.
“Or will I hurt your male Bravado?” Tavay quipped.

“Just being a gentleman the way my Ma raised me,” Shaw said. “If you want to carry it, be my
guess.”

Tavay heaved the heavy mattress, “Oye, you struggled with this?” She gave out a sly smile.
“Lets get the rest of what we need.”

Shaw chuckled, “I’m a football and rugby player, not a weight lifter, good thing I have a roomie
who’s strong,” he said as he lead the way to their room.

“Let’s Go. We want this done before I go on duty, and so you can sleep.” Tavay commented.
Tavay did not want to admit that the Mattress was a bit heavier than she anticipated.

(Reply none)
(Posted by Tim B. and Kris B)
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(USS Raptor - Deck 1 - Bridge - CO, Captain Sekal - 0430)

Permission had been given, the last of the technical staff had left the ship on time after
completing their duties and the crew was poised. It was early in the morning, far earlier than
Alpha shift warranted but there is one thing about the launching of a vessel that never varied, no
less than the captain was expected, nay demanded, to take her out. It was more than tradition, it
was about accountability and should an issue arise he was the one who would be culpable
should an accident and damage accrue, therefore the CO sat in the hot seat at this time. In the
future others would be expected to do such duties ... but not now. First the template had to be
laid.

And the feel, the vibe of this ship was different, even the Vulcan felt it. Illuminar had been built to
his exacting specifications and designed essentially for and by him. She was a smaller vessel
with a less defined role. She was a sleek greyhound waiting at the gate for the starting shot.
She was also ... cozier for lack of a better term with his senior people clustered around him.

But here.... he was on an island in the midst of the bridge, an upthrust rock rising above the
waterline. Perched in the command chair with everyone manning a station around the periphery
except those two at the center console between himself and the main viewer, Tempest Greywolf
and the android named William.

Raptor in contrast was a brute, larger, heavily muscled and almost as fast, it had a more
defined role. It was a hunter, a warrior, a punisher. While it could fill the role of Illuminar to a
lesser extent that wasn't where its greater strengths lay. Raptor was a warship, designed and
developed to carry ordinance to the enemy and to protect as well as destroy. A spartan among a
multitude of greeks. Its purpose? Battle. In every army there were also scouts, explorers...
Raptor could fill that role as well.

The viewer showed traffic diverted well away from their departure lane and dock struts on all
sides. William looked back.
"Dock control shows green sir."

"Bring up the fusion reactors and prepare for umbilical retraction."

"Aye sir." William tapped the comm. "Lieutenant Pex, please bring up the impulse reactors."

(Reply: Pex)

As operations and engineering worked to ready the ship for departure he looked about the
bridge at the assembled and expectant officers. He was aware that in human circles the launch
of a ship was a festive occasion as Q had once mentioned upon suddenly interfering with
Illuminar mere days after her departure. Hopefully this would not be repeated. It wouldn't, at
least not in the same way.

"Routing power sir."

"Doctor Gralen?"

"Sensors coming online captain."

"Security?" His eyes turned to T'Mur.

(Reply: T'Mur)

"The medical department?" Quinna was sitting at one of the universal stations forward.

(Solice)

He nodded. "Good."

All was in preparation.

"Umbilical retraction complete sir, the Raptor is on full internal power."

The chronometer finally kicked over to 0500.

"Lieutenant Greywolf take us out, thrusters at one quarter."

"Aye sir."

Raptor was now on the hunt.

(Reply: All)
(Posted by Charles Gatling)
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(USS Raptor - Deck 1 - Bridge - CSec/Tac - Lt Commander T’Mur- 0435)

When the news that the Raptor had been cleared to depart from space dock early came out
everyone had been activated to their duty stations. That meant all hands on deck, just in case
something catastrophic happened during the launch. It had been nearly a century since such an
incident occurred but there was always an air of tension for the possibility.
T’Mur had activated the holographic interface for the tactical station and checked all of the
systems. A red circle appeared at the bottom of the screen, noting an incoming report. She
pressed the button to see the report stating that all decks were secure and all systems were
functioning within normal parameters.

When Sekal ordered the reactors to be brought on line she could feel the power levels rise
through the deck playing. The tiny vibrations almost tickled the soles of her feet. Engineering
brought the impulse reactors on line and Gralen reported that sensors were online.

“Security?” Sekal inquired, looking over at T’Mur.

T’Mur glanced over the projected screen one more time and replied, “All security systems
online.. Shields are at 100%. All weapons systems are fully functioning and all decks are
secure.”

There was a soft clunk and the umbilical released and retracted. A momentary power transition
cause a minor dip in the display’s brilliance but it was quickly restored. The report that the
Raptor was now on independent power was followed by Sekal’s order to engage thrusters to
pull away from space dock.

A momentary lurch caused T’Mur to readjust her footing before the inertial dampened came into
effect. T’Mur watched the view screen and maintained her view on the tactical display as the
ship pulled away and turned into space.

T’Mur ran a ship-wide check. Nothing exploded. It was a good start.

(reply none)
(posted by Al Muir)
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(USS Raptor - Deck 1 - Bridge - FO, Commander Sienna Verin - 0436)

Sienna was not a morning person. Not by any stretch of the imagination. She felt odd benign so
far from the command chair, but this set up, the screens. She ran her hands over the controls
and watched input from every single department. She could do this on the Illuminar, with her
command consoles, but this was more 'efficient', easier, more data. She could see everything.

She hated it. She was a Fleet brat, and she had been raised that her place as Executive Officer
was beside the Captain, his right hand being. This bridge was huge, people were spread out
further than she'd like. In a way that was good, testing had shown that this would preserve life in
a battle. She still hated it.

Turning her chair towards the viewscreen annoyed her. In front of the Captain, a bright white
snowflake appeared and appeared to be dancing, the feeling was joy. Luma loved the Raptor's
engines and likened them to a sports car. She really wanted to push them hard, but they were
still being broken in.

=^= Luma is so excited! The Raptor will go vrooom and has big teeth! =^= The exuberant Lenai
loved the ship. She missed her roses but she was excited about the change. Sy looked over at
Temas, he had his own small console. Luma's snowflake form floated over to stand by him.
Catching his eye she winked and then turned back to the viewscreen.
When the Illuminar had launched, it was beside the Exeter, the two new ships, the hope of
Starfleet. She had felt like she had lost a part of her with that. The Raptor felt the same. As they
cleared UP, a collective cheer could be heard and Luma began to sing another song of the
Lenai, having learned to be 'quiet' on the volume so that it was more subtle.

Sienna would adjust. She just needed time to get used to this console. But dang, she really
missed being beside Sekal. Sy usually thought of the command crew as a team. This new
arrangement didn't feel teamworky.

Life in the fleet was always changing. The ship was the future and one day Sy might be in
command of something like it. She needed to adjust. Fortunately there would be several days to
cruise towards the Expanse.

(reply any)
(posted by Mel)
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(USS Raptor - Deck 17 - Marine County - Major Audie Murphy - 0600)

Murphy had debated going to the bridge to watch the departure, but if you've seen on ship leave
space dock, you've seen them all. Besides it was better if he was with his marines at this early
junction. The word had gotten out about the potential enemy they would be facing and there
was an undercurrent of what steps the marines could take. The meeting yesterday came up
with ideas, but all of them were pure speculation. What was known about the Xenolithe was not
encouraging.

The sergeant leading the PT was very enthusiastic this morning. Murphy wondered if the man
was trying to show off to him. Never the less, he was keeping up. It would not do good for the
old man to drop behind the men. As they finished the daily dozen, the platoon leaders began
breaking down their teams into squads and started out into the hall at a trot.

Forty-five minutes later, the marines returned to the main space. After reassembling in
platoons, the marines were dismissed for breakfast before the days work began in earnest.

The major watched them go as Skipper approached, "Sargent Major," he said.

"Sir," he replied. "You feel the undercurrent?" he asked.

"Hard to miss. You could cut it with a knife," Murphy said. "You talk to the Platoon Sargents and
make sure they are keeping track of the men. We will need to be at 100% when we face the
Xeno's, if we have a chance. And I am sure we'll be facing them."

"Aye, aye, Sir," Skipper said. "Are you joining us for some hand-to-hand today? Corporal Troya
is planning to cover dirty tricks, and she is nasty, even for a Cardassian."

"I'll be there."

(reply marines)
(posted by Tim)
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(USS Raptor - Deck 14 - Shuttlebay - Pilot Ensign Vic 'Raid' Montero - 0614)
Vic stepped into the pilots ready room in the shuttlebay. He grabbed a cup of coffee and sat
down. The screen showed the star field as the ship was at warp. He had the briefing on his
PADD and was reviewing what they knew, and what they didn't know. He was going to see
about
getting some simulations setup so he could put the Void Sphinx through its paces.

He was lost in reading when he heard the door open. Looking up, he noticed the rank and
jumped up. "You're Raid?" he asked.

"Yes, Sir," he replied.

"You don't recognize me, do you?" the Lieutenant Commander said.

Raid cocked his head to the side, "Can't say I do. Maybe if you hum a few bars."

"I am the man who was in the control center when you and your wing mate pulled that little stunt
on Mars."

Raid suppressed a chuckle, "Oh," he said. "Small world."

"Indeed. Your reputation proceeds you Raid. I want you to know, I don't care how good a flyboy
you think you are, I run a tight squad and there is no room for ego-driven, medal chasing pilots
here."

"Copy that, Commander," Raid said. He never chased medals and his ego was in check. He
was one of the top 5 pilots in Star Fleet, that was no boast, it was fact. Two of them taught on
Mars and two more were on the Raptor. It was a hair difference between them. "Can I ask the
Commander's name?" Raid said.

"Damon Walto, call sign Belly," he replied.

~There is number 5~ Raid thought. ~Star Fleet was sending the big guns on this mission. They
were scared of something.~

"Well met Belly," Raid said with a smile.

The man nodded, "Now that the introductions are out of the way," Walto said, "I need you to
mop the deck. By that, I mean the flight deck. Fore to aft. There is a mark 1 mop and bucket
with your name on it. Hop to it Ensign and be ready for our briefing at 1100."

Raid's smile only broke for a moment. "Yes, Sir," he said formally

(Reply pilots)
(posted by Tim)
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(USS Raptor - Deck 19 - Tactical Department - SO CPO P'Rah and Hercules Devers - 0804)

The two NCOs, fresh from breakfast, stood at the armory. The armory officer was slow this
morning. He finally returned and placed two phasers on the counter. "Thumbprints, please," he
said.
The two took the weapons and attached the holsters to their belts. "Double or nothing," P'Rah
said.

Devers smiled, "You like losing?"

"Not today, old man," P'Rah replied.

Entering the target range, Devers programmed the system for a 30 point, fast draw match.

Twenty minutes later, the two walked out, P'Rah smiling, "That's how you do it," he said. "You're
getting slow old man."

Hercules chuckled, "Lucky day for you, my friend."

"Time for patrol," P'Rah said.

"Copy that," Devers said as they headed for the turbolift.

(Reply any)
(Posted by Tim)
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(USS Raptor -- Personal Quarters -- Deck 6 -- Science Officer -- Ensign Tavay -- 1435)

Tavay looked around the crew quarters. It looked sparse. It was kind of fun having a roommate
but suddenly Shaw was transferred off the ship. Apparently, Shaw had a talent for refitting ships
and he was needed on another ship. Now Tavay was left with no partner in crime.

With that came another change. Tavay was what they say, a jack of all trades. As a bridge pool
officer, she needed to be a pilot, operations officer, security/Tactical, Navigation, and science.
By education, her astrophysics degree would come in handy as she was now a blue uniform.
Tavay went from the bridge pool to the science department.

In a way, she sees this both as a promotion and a setback. She was now a full member of a
department but she is going to miss the act of having to be on call and honing her skills on a
multitude of levels.

Donning a new crisp blue uniform, Tavay headed to science to meet with the person in charge.

(Reply any)
(Posted by Kris B)
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(USS Raptor -- Deck 6 - CSO's Office -- CSO, Lieutenant Commander Holis Gralen -- 1445)

The Betazoid had been busy, busy, busy. His warning to Khatri hadn't been in error as the
calculations needed to read the tachyon emissions, neutrino shifts and chrono flux in
combination picked up by the sensors on Illuminar were being difficult. And Khatri, while
intelligent was green which meant the duty fell primarily on him. Of course these lay within his
specialities as well so an officer just graduated from cadet status could hardly be expected to
jump directly into such advanced parameter setting. Which was what this duty entailed, setting
up the parameters so that the computer could perform the necessary calculations.
That left little time to get acquainted with the full staff and he was aware that another officer had
just been transferred to his department, he had seen that note along with attached bio within the
last few hours but hadn't been able to do more than skim it as of yet.

He was inputting a string of parameters into the monitor, essentially writing code when his door
opened.

"Yes?" He asked, his brow was furrowed over his spectacles due to his concentration.

(Reply: Tavay)

"What? I'm sorry, what did you say?" He sighed, looked up and leaned back in his chair, his
eyes and attention on the newcomer.

(Reply: Tavay)

"Oh! My transfer! Welcome to the science department Ensign Tavay. Come in and have a seat."

He watched as she sat down. "I'm going to have to beg your pardon. I've been atrociously busy
since yesterday. They've dropped enough data on me to bury three people. Please tell me a
little about yourself and what you expect from the department."

(Reply: Tavay)
(Posted by Charles Gatling)
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(USS Raptor -- Deck 6 - CSO's Office -- Science Officer Ensign Tavay -- 1447)

Tavay strolled down the science area. She had not had any practical use of her science degree.
Not many knew that she held a Ph.D. in astrophysics. She was happy to be aboard a starship
and even more happy to have a permanent position. Here Tavay was now at the first minute of
her science career.

"Yes?" He asked, his brow was furrowed over his spectacles due to his concentration.

“Excuse me, I have been reassigned to science,” Tavay said.

"What? I'm sorry, what did you say?" He sighed, looked up, and leaned back in his chair, his
eyes and attention on the newcomer.

Tavay spoke up more, “I am Ensign Tavay, I am your new science officer.”

"Oh! My transfer! Welcome to the science department Ensign Tavay. Come in and have a seat."

Tavay looked around but wasn’t intrusively nosey. She took a sat. She held herself to a strong
posture while seated. There were still some traits of her Romulan culture that was instilled in
her such as dominant posture. Take notes of your surrounding without being obviously nosey
and above all else, keep eye contact with all you are speaking with.
He watched as she sat down. "I'm going to have to beg your pardon. I've been atrociously busy
since yesterday. They've dropped enough data on me to bury three people. Please tell me a
little about yourself and what you expect from the department."

“Not much to tell. I am third generation Rumulan born on Earth. Family dates back to relocation
associated with Admiral Picard’s relocation but I have a feeling you are not interested in that
information. I have a strong science background. I have a degree in Astrophysics with
credentials in statistical theory and field harmonics.

(Reply Gralan)

“I found, though my scientific studies were not well utilized, I found my time as a bridge pool
officer quite enlightening. I know a lot about all the ship’s functions. It could all come in handy
with the science.”

(Reply Gralan)

“Well, how about I start weeding through that data you got.”

(Reply Gralan)
(Posted by Kris B)
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(USS Raptor -- Deck 6 - CSO's Office -- CSO, Lieutenant Commander Holis Gralen-- 1450)

“Not much to tell. I am third generation Rumulan born on Earth. Family dates back to relocation
associated with Admiral Picard’s relocation but I have a feeling you are not interested in that
information. I have a strong science background. I have a degree in Astrophysics with
credentials in statistical theory and field harmonics.

"Ah, yes. Admiral Picard." Holis gave a slight smile at that. "Admiral Nogato is a contemporary
of his I hear. It's a shame but all have to retire eventually."

She nodded and continued.
“I found, though my scientific studies were not well utilized, I found my time as a bridge pool
officer quite enlightening. I know a lot about all the ship’s functions. It could all come in handy
with the science.”

"Absolutely, it makes for a well rounded officer and that method is too often under-utilized in my
opinion." He noted. "Well Ensign Tavay, I'm glad to have you, there's plenty of work for
everyone."

“Well, how about I start weeding through that data you got.”

He scratched his chin with a smile. "Absolutely, wade right in." He inputted a series of
commands on different screens before looking back up. "You now have access to the raw data.
I'm building the parameters for navigation prompts due to situational scans based on the
readings taken by Illuminar. I need you to differentiate and file these readings by intensity and
real time intensity scale so we can properly time anomaly appearances and severity. Once you
are done with that get back with me and we will begin prioritizing reading set points."

(Reply: Tavay)
(Posted by Charles Gatling)
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(USS Raptor -- Deck 6 - CSO's Office -- Science Officer Ensign Tavay -- 1452)

He scratched his chin with a smile. "Absolutely, wade right in." He inputted a series of
commands on different screens before looking back up. "You now have access to the raw data.
I'm building the parameters for navigation prompts due to situational scans based on the
readings taken by Illuminar. I need you to differentiate and file these readings by intensity and
real time intensity scale so we can properly time anomaly appearances and severity. Once you
are done with that get back with me and we will begin prioritizing reading set points."

Tavay looked at the screen, “You do have your work cut out for you, luckily you have me. Do
you have a place for me to work? It may take me some time but I will get it all organized for
you.”

(Reply Gralen)

“Now off the record, what you are looking for, I can look for that as well,” Tavay suggested.

(Reply Gralen)
(posted by Kris B)
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(USS Raptor -- Deck 6 - CSO's Office -- CSO, Lieutenant Commander Holis Gralen -- 1455)

“You do have your work cut out for you, luckily you have me. Do you have a place for me to
work? It may take me some time but I will get it all organized for you.”

Holis waved a hand. "On a ship this big? There are a number of unassigned offices and labs
that aren't currently being used on this deck alone. Pick one and take it over, notify me which
one and I'll assign it to you officially."

That aspect handled she got to the point of business.

“Now off the record, what you are looking for, I can look for that as well."

"Excellent!" Holis folded his hands. "The problem with the Expanse is its instability as you might
know and fortunately or unfortunately the Illuminar crew ran into something very much like it in
romulan space and not terribly far from it. Their readings give us a baseline to work from."

He waved a hand, "I know you're aware of this, pardon my rambling. Neutrino and tachyon shifts
are early warning signs of local space/time destabilization as are chronitron flux levels,
chromatic absorption rates and cosmic microwave background fluctuations or CMB. The issue
in the past has been detecting it in time to do anything to avoid them. And that ensign Tavay is
our assignment."

He stood up and began to pace as he clasped his hands behind his back and wiggled the
fingers of his right. Why? Who knows, it's something to do with his cerebral nature.

"So I'm building a framework for the computer to enable it to note these errant readings and
pinpoint their source. That's the key, find the leading indicators which warn of an upcoming
event, how much time elapses as that event is building to a tear in space/time and where it's
coming from so that we can avoid it. Your task is to isolate those factors, the leading indicators
and follow them to their conclusion, prioritize and compare them and shoot them to me when
you are done. With you isolating what's important from all the other scan data my job will be
scaled down immeasurably and become remotely possible. Have you got that?"

(Reply: Tavay)
(Posted by Charles Gatling)
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Day: 6
Stardate: 2446.06.25

(USS Raptor - Deck 6 - Personal Quarters - FO Commander Sienna Verin & SFI Michael
Weston - 1600)

Carrying a small, blue cloth carrier over her arm, Sienna presented herself outside of Weston’s
quarters. The carrier under her arm was making peeping meow sounds, protesting the loss of
her warm incubator and the transfer from ship to ship and now to wherever Sienna was carrying
her. And she was loud in her demands, like most children were. The 8 week old kitten was
mewling her head off. Fluffy with bright blue eyes and light lavender points that were forming on
her paws, ears and face. She knew that she was royalty.

Sy smiled as she heard the complaints of the genetically engineered kitten in the carrier. Sy had
created it when Alaya Ravenstone had expressed an interest in acquiring a pet to help Leeza
cope. But Leeza was gone now, and Sy had a small problem on her hands. Alaya and Steven
were grieving for Leeza, and Quinna wasn’t the correct person to receive it. She had ideas as
to whom, but it seemed as if Weston was the best choice. Not that Sienna didn’t want to toss the
rat bastard out of the nearest airlock without an environmental suit. But this was a step, a
bridge between the two. A small one but necessary.

Sienna hit the buzzer and plastered a smile on her face. This was gonna be interesting.

Weston had been going through the data he had acquired about the Xenolithe, and the Nageri,
when the door chime interrupted him. He cursed under his breath as he was almost ready to
give a report to Sekal.

Grumpily he moved over to the door and unlocked it. The door opened to show Sienna Verin
standing there, with something in her arms.

“Commander?” He was clearly shocked by her presence. If there was one person he had never
expected to be at a door waiting to see him, unless it was a door to an airlock and she was
waiting for him to be jettisoned into space, it was the first officer. She had never made her dislike
of him a secret. And he was well aware that it was a source of tension between herself and
Quinna. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

He stood in the doorway, absentmindedly forgetting to invite her inside.

Sienna waited with a nervous smile. “I am not here to drug you. Or throw you out an airlock.
Regrettably, I have come to the conclusion that you are somewhat good for Quinna. But if you
ever hurt her, I will take a knife and carve your still beating heart from your chest.” Sienna was
such a truthful person, her tone even and measured.
Michael considered her words for a moment then nodded. “Fair enough. Come in commander.”

He stepped to the side granting her access. His quarters were his typical Spartan in decor. He
had a small workout area to the side with a variety of weights and a well used punching bag.
Leaning against a wall was a variety of melee weapons. On the other side of the room was a
table with his computer, a chair and small sofa.

“Care to have a seat?” he offered, indicating to the sofa.

Sy looked around then sat down hard. She carefully placed the blue cloth bag down. The bag
decided to make some interesting commentary on the subject. Loud demanding chirps and
meows

He tried not to show too much interest in the blue cloth item, but it seemed to be permeating a
sound and… moving.

“Soooo… what can I do for you?” he asked.

Sienna glanced down at the bag and took a deep breath and looked to the side of Michael’s
head. A long stream of words poured out of her, “Alaya asked me to engineer a companion for
Leeza. I designed my cat Kenna. This baby has no name, and she finished in her incubator
about a week after Leeza… left. I was wondering if you might like her? She’s wickedly smart,
will never go into heat and is sterile.” Sy knew what was important on a starship. “I designed
her to be smart enough to be Leeza’s companion. If you’d like to see?” She took another deep
breath, more like a pant, as she finished her stream of verbiage.

Michael was stunned. A genetically engineered cat? For Leeza? He stepped back and sat on
the edge of the table. He had never considered himself one for a pet. After all, his lifestyle,
typically, was not conducive to having to take care of something like a pet… of any kind.

Then his mind latched onto the words “smart enough for Leeza.” He regained his footing and
stood up again.

“Really?” he sounded unconvinced. “Smart enough for Leeza? This I have to see. A
demonstration would be a great idea.”

Sienna’s dark betazoid eyes gave Weston a look of disdain, “My own girl, Kenna was my senior
project. I bred empathy, compassion and support into her. But this baby, she can’t do tricks yet.
She’s about 9 weeks old But. Uhm. Alaya wanted support, empathy and intelligence. She’ll be
incredibly loyal and your best friend.” Sienna unzipped the carrier and the little white bundle of
fluff rolled out. The kitten was about two pounds and her gaze fastened onto Weston. The kitten
gave a trilling sound, then hopped onto Weston’s lap. The kitten has very slight grey-blue
markings on her paws, tail, ears and very lightly on her face. Now that she was on Weston’s
lap, she settled right in as if it was home.


Michael jumped a little when the cat hit his lap. His initial instinct had been to knock it off, but he
stayed his hand. Then it gave off a little sound, like a song and looked into his eyes with its own
light blue eyes. Weston looked back and deeper. Then he saw it. He could actually see the
damn thing thinking. It was sizing him up. Evaluating him as a threat then deciding on its best
course of action. Which had been to make a nest where it was and offer up its head.

Almost by instinct Michael reached down and placed his open hand on the cats head. It pushed
back against his hand, causing him to give it an affectionate rub. Then… it purred. But not a
typical cat purr. This purr was almost speech. He could almost hear it say, “You’re a good guy. I
like you.”

Michael shook his head and looked at Verin incredulously. He looked back at the cat then back
at Verin. “Okay, it’s smart. And apparently has great taste. But,” he toyed with the blue bow tied
onto its head, “do I have to keep the bow? Leeza was not a bow girl.”

Sienna snorted, “No. One of the cadets in the biolab thought it looked cute on her. You got a
name? She’s fully papered.” Sy moved her gaze from the wall to Weston’s face. “Please take
good care of her. I promise that if you are good to her, she will be very good to you.” Sienna
took a deep breath, “I prepared a file with food and medical things. You can replicate the few
supplies you need. Play with her a lot. Ensign Celiste Winters in science has the training and is
our vet aboard. Admiral Winters’ daughter.” Sienna grinned, a true expression for a moment.
“Anyway. Thanks for taking her. I’d like to know what you name her and how she develops.”
Sienna waited a moment, the awkwardness growing between the two of them.

Michael looked at the cat for a second then stood up. He picked the creature up under its front
leg pits and scanned it hard with his eyes. Finally he said, “I’d like to name her after Leeza. I
was thinking… LK, for Leeza kitty, or Ellie. Or KL for Kitty Leeza, or Kelly. What do you think?”

Sienna leaned back and relaxed, “Try both. She’ll respond to one or the other. Or you could ask
her, but you should be alone with her. The empathy quotient is high, so don’t be surprised if she
starts communicating with you. She’ll use anything to get her way though. Or it could have
failed, but Kenna was the model I built her on.”

He actually had already experienced that. He pulled the white cat into his chest and looked at
Sienna feeling the awkwardness as well.

“I don’t know what to say Commander,” he said. “This gesture is… well… thank you.”

Sy looked down for a moment, “The only person I care about between you and her is Quinna.
Please don’t ever hurt her. I should go. I need to be with my mate.” She stood and smiled, and
for the first time it reached her eyes. “Good day Mr. Weston.” Sienna stood and headed towards
the door, her point made, her olive branch extended. Perhaps peace, or at the very least, a
working relationship would result.

Verin left his quarters and Weston sighed. He looked at the cat that had snuggled into the crook
of his arms. She looked into his eyes again with a sense of knowledge and compassion. She
reminded him of Leeza. Suddenly he felt an urge. He pulled the cat into him closer and tears
escaped from the corner of his eyes.

“God I miss you kid,” he said as he buried his face into the cat’s soft, purring fur.

(reply none)
(posted by Al and Mel)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(
(U.S.S. Raptor - Deck 17 - OIC Office - Marine - 2LT Charles Temerity - 2010)

It had been two days since the mission brief in with the ship’s captain and the Marines received
a copy of the requested operations order (op-ord) the same time as all other departments
onboard the Raptor. So for the Marines the last couple of days consisted of physical fitness
training, firing ranges, familiarity development with new equipment and weapons, hand-to-hand
combat training, and required annual classroom instruction. Apart from assigned duty
schedules, days ran 0500 to 1700 ship’s time. In the evenings, starting at 1900, the officers and
senior non-comms got together in civilian attire for a ‘social working group’ to go over the op-ord
to better anticipate complications and plan accordingly.

Charles returned to the office with two bottles of Saurian brandy in hand. He listened to what
was being said as he perched himself on an arm of the couch that 2LT S’Ila and Gunnery
Sergeants “Remy” Rembrandt (2nd Platoon) and Sonja Reddington (Recon Platoon) sat on.
This was one of those gatherings that was more of a working social than anything. “M’Melar,
isn’t criminal activities still a regular part of op-orders or was that section simply overlooked or
missing?” Charles asked as he opened one of the bottles after passing the other to one of the
other platoon leaders.

(Reply: M’Melar)

As drinks were being poured into glasses Temerity pushed ahead on something that deep
down, he knew would be an unwelcome idea, “Well, it occurred to me that by operating in
Xenolithe territory without their permission, if I understand this document correctly, we will be
hounded like pirates or renegades once they discover us.”

(Reply: Any)

“As the captain of a civilian freighter, I’ve developed a handful of contacts that continue to
operate regularly within the Expanse on a variety of …umm… questionable ventures.” He said
as he looked around and saw the looks of questioning disbelief.

(Reply: Any)

Slowly nodding his head and emptying a glass of brandy in a single gulp he simply said,
“Pirates”. After a moment he simply asked, “We can’t simply ask the Xenolithe how we can
defeat their armor. So why not ask those that can regularly kill enough of them hand-to-hand to
avoid capture or incarceration and escape? If Sekal and Williams are game, I can meet with
them and find out what we need.”

(Reply: Murphy, Any)

(Reply: M’Melar, Murphy, Any)

(Posted: Charles Raschen)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Day: 7
Stardate: 2446.06.26
(USS Raptor - Deck 3 - Personal Quarters - FO Commander Sienna Verin & 2O Lt. Cmdr. T’Mur
- 2000)

Sienna had been agonizing over this decision for several days. The Raptor had occupied all of
her attention, and there had been little leftover for personal business. So when she found
herself in her quarters with a block of time that wasn’t demanded by the ship, the crew or Luma;
Sienna found herself reaching for T’Mur. If she was going to be speaking with Quinna, she
wanted T’Mur with her. The potential for it going badly was high. Standing up from her
comfortable chair, Sy went to the replicator. She didn’t know what Quinna liked, she barely knew
Quinna anymore and certainly not this Quinna. Sienna wasn’t sure what she should be
ordering, going for a grilled cheese and a cup of black coffee. It was going to be a long night.

Sienna found herself remembering when Trip would try various alcohols and let Sy experience it
through their twin bond. She found herself smiling as she ate her sandwich and T’Mur
appeared, as if conjured by magic.

T’Mur stepped behind Sienna sensing her mate savoring the flavor of the cheese. The coffee
did not add to her enjoyment. She had never really liked its bitter taste.

“I enjoy the way you play with the cheese,” she said and stepped around to kiss her. “But you
must stop procrastinating. If you wish to repair the damage to the friendship between you and
Quinna, now is the time. She needs us more now than ever.”

She had had time to speak with Quinna a few times, but Sienna had not. But now they were
heading to Quinna’s new quarters, off the senior quarters deck to rectify that situation. She did
not understand Quinna’s need to separate herself from those who care about her. But they
were, hopefully, going to find answers. Or at least… repair bridges.

Sienna knew that Quinna had asked for smaller quarters, and that bothered her. The Third
Officer deserved the amazing quarters that were available for the senior staff. In Fleet higher
rank meant bigger. Sienna hoped that this would work. She had finished her snack and wiped
her fingers. “I brought a lavender plant from the arboretum. It should work well as a
housewarming gift.” Sienna quickly replicated a sparkly bow and tied it around the plant, picking
up the pot.

“I think she will appreciate the gesture, at the least,” T’Mur replied holding her hand out for
Sienna.

Sy took her mate’s hand and the two headed for Quinna’s Quarters.

(reply any)
(Posted by Mel and Al)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Raptor - Deck 6 - CO, Captain Sekal and SPC Luma'lenai - 2005)

Sekal stepped out of the turbolift and followed his companion as she made a turn to the left.

"The Quinna is sads and this makes Luma sads." The creature animated by the holo projectors
skipped along beside him. Luma appeared as a purple furred, cat eared being that stood no
taller than his waist and her long, puffy tail swished about in agitation.
Sekal nodded to crewmen as they passed, the hallway was busy with foot traffic at this time of
the day since it was not long after beta shift change. Many crewmen housed on the deck had
recently taken their meals, worked out and/or mingled before returning to their rooms; these
were predominantly the people moving about.

"I am uncertain as to the cause of her requesting a berthing on this deck. It was most …
curious."

Luma stopped and hopped up and down beside him several times with an angry squeal, the
anime cat creature form drew a lot of attention toward her. "The Quinna puts herself in the times
out! Our Sekal should not have allowed this!"

He gave her a sideways look. "While unprecedented, her request was not unmanageable. Nor
was it onerous. As a command officer she has every right to choose her berthing."

Luma hissed. "Our Sekal must make the fixes."

He held out an upturned hand. "I am investigating the matter as requested."

Luma's scrunched up mouth sprang back and her whiskers trembled with the movement as she
returned to skipping ahead. "Our Sekal will make the fixes and the Quinna will no longer be
sads." She squealed in delight.

Approaching the Captain and Luma, Sienna smiled, a potted plant in one arm and her other
hand taken by T’Mur. “Hello Sir. Good evening Luma.” Sienna could not help but grin. It was
unsurprising that Luma was involved.

T’Mur nodded at Sekal, surprised to see him, “Captain.” Then shel looked at Luma’s purple cat
persona and couldn’t help but smile a little. “Hello Luma.”

"Commander." The Vulcan nodded. "Lieutenant Commander."

“Our Sienna and our T’Mur! It is good that you have arrived too!” Luma seemed so excited to
have conspired to get people here, to fix one of the issues. Luma wanted the crew to be
harmonious and whole and they had not been for a while. With a happy squeal and a clap of her
hands, Luma hit the button on Quinna’s very junior quarters.

(reply any, none)
(posted by Charles and Mel and briefly Al)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
((USS Raptor – Personal Quarters – Deck 6 – 30/CMO Commander Quinna Solice, FO
Commander Sienna Verin & 2O Lt. Cmdr. T’Mur, CO, Captain Sekal and SPC Luma'lenai –
2007)

Quinna sat in her small quarters. She seemed satisfied with the space and most everything
was within arms length. After getting the replicator programmed for her special brew, Quinna
was happy to have that sensation back in her life. She so missed her coffee, She sat back and
picked up the daily sickbay reports. She needed to compile them into a singular report.

When she heard the chime, she looked up, “Come,” Quinna called out. She stood as the door
slid open to reveal the command team.
“Sir, Ma’ams, please come in.” Quinna bent over and picked up the PADD off the couch. She
stepped aside and closer to the door as they entered.

Sekal followed Luma who had bounded through the doorway.

"Commander." He gave a dip of his chin then looked about the room. General crew quarters
were little more than a small bed behind a partition, a table with a chair, small couch, desk
monitor, closet space and replicator besides the small and utilitarian bathroom compartment.
Storage was limited as was floor space. For this reason personal clothing would not be
abundant, often being replicated for use then recycled afterward. Since he was not the only
visitor he stepped across the room to the monitor and turned as the ladies entered. His business
could wait until greetings and an exchange of information had taken place.

T’Mur’s face soured a little at Quinna’s greeting. She stepped inside and looked at the doctor,
“Quinna, I am not a ma’am to you. You are my superior officer. And today we are here as
friends.”

“Friends are always welcome, please come in and have a seat.” Quinna offered.

Sy stepped in behind Sekal, carrying the plant. She held it out to Quinna with a grin, “House
warming gift? I’m not a Ma’am either, but him? Sekal is a Sir but that’s not why he’s here either.
Or Luma for that matter.”

Luma leaned around them with a grin, “The Quinna! The holo-emitters are seamless! Luma can
appear anywhere! Luma is so happy to have the bigger skin, the vrooooomms of the engine.”
Luma used the transporters to summon a bottle of tequila and put it in Quinna’s lap.

Quinna took the lavender and placed it on the work station, “Luma, you look amazing.” Quinna
was curious what was going on. She put on a grin, “What do I owe the pleasure?” Quinna
asked.

"I cannot speak for the others…' Sekal folded his arms, "... but a concern has been voiced over
your choice of quarters and its location." He glanced at Luma who was bouncing up and down in
excitement.

"Make the fixes!"

He looked back to Quinna. "These quarters are not suitable for one of your rank. It is isolated
from the rest of the senior officers and has inadequate storage and living space. It sets a poor
example for the rest of the crew and may have negative consequences on their morale and
performance. While I would find such quarters satisfactory I do not use one due to the
expectations of the fleet and crew because more suitable quarters have been provided. More
space is necessary in case I have visitors or need to conduct ship business from my cabin." He
cocked his head slightly to the side as he peered at her. "And Luma believes that you are
punishing yourself for some unknown error."

"Uh, huh!" Luma's furry head was bobbing up and down.

Quinna took a deep breath. “Look, I don’t expect you to understand. But I hope you will respect
my decision. I chose small quarters for a reason.” Quinna looked down, “It has not been easy.
I need a space where I can just be on my own. It is not a Caribbean health spa but the place is
quiet, and set with the basics. It is what I feel I need right now. Less focus on the
accommodations and more focus on my feelings. I am not trying to cause a problem.” Quinna
said as she sat on the coffee table. She was still confused as to why the intervention was taking
place, but she was willing to hear every one out. She remained relaxed and open.

T’Mur stepped over to Quinna and put a supportive hand on her shoulder. She looked into the
woman’s eyes and her eyes smiled back, even if her face didn’t.

“We respect and honor your choice,” the Vulcan said. “Having a place that is easy to maintain
and keep your thoughts organized,” she looked around the room and saw the appeal, knowing
that sharing a domicile with Sienna did not always have that sense of order, “is logical. We just
want you to know that you are not alone. You do have friends who care about and love you. We
just want to make sure that you are healthy, physically as well as emotionally.”

“If we are being honest, it is slow-going. Slower than I anticipated. I will go to counseling but
there are still a lot of raw emotions I wish to deal with and process. The only person I can do
that with is Michael. He is hurting the same as I am. I just feel empty both physically and
emotionally at this moment.” Quinna said. She looked at Sienna when she mentioned Michael.
At one point, Quinna felt like she had to make a choice between the two of them. Michael was
not forcing her to do so.

Sienna gripped her hands and sat quietly until Quinna mentioned Michael, “I believe that
Weston and I have come to an arrangement.” She wasn’t stupid enough to say what that
arrangement was going to be. “But I trusted him yesterday with a baby kitten that I had
bio-engineered as a request from the Hammons for Leeza. The baby took well to him and
seemed to help. If you need a baby kitten too, it will take me about 12 weeks. Or we can go
steal one from the Mars cat colony.” Sienna looked up then to Quinna, Sy’s dark betazoid eyes
shimmering with emotion. “Or if Bracken left the love birds I gifted her on Earth, we could steal
those?” Sy’s heart ached at the memory, one of the last things she had done for Bracken before
the break up had been to give her the rare trill love birds. A pair. The memory still stung. “I can’t
say that I’m wrong about Weston, Quinna. I have a strong feeling he’s going to hurt you badly.
But I wouldn’t care if I didn’t love you. I’ll leave Weston alone. As he is good for you -now- and
now is what I am going to focus on. When it’s not alright, then I get to lead the pitchfork and
torches with you at my side? But only when you authorize it.”

Quinna signed, “Thank-you but no thank-you on the pet. What I really needed and wanted was
unconditional friendship. I am beginning to think you might be realizing that.”

Sy had to look away from Quinna for a moment and catch her breath. “You were there through
my brother, my twin, choosing his command, his wife over me. You were there through my
Imzadi abandoning me and the two leaving me in pain. You kept my secret that I was unfit for
command. You protected me. I tried to protect you and I went about it entirely the wrong way.
Putting you in danger infuriated me.” If Sienna was going to bare her soul, and she knew that
this was the right time, she might as well continue. “It still does. When you became pregnant, I
got even more protective. And when your child was stolen from you, Starfleet should have had
your back.” She sighed and used a hand to rub her tired eyes, “And we didn’t. Because the ship
came first, then my mate, then everything else. And that’s the nature of the Fleet. It’s something
that my parents tried to tell me, that I’d have to make hard choices in this route. It broke my twin.
I was going to call him while we were at Mars. And once we got there it was running non-stop to
get the ship launched.”
Luma took that moment to interject, “Many dum-dums. ‘Specially ‘round the skin’s engines.
Keep saying no to going vrrrrrooooms. If has engines, why not make use? Go vrooom!” Sienna
blinked as the ship suddenly seemed to be accelerating very very fast for a moment, then
returned to normal speed. Luma giggled like a schoolgirl who had stolen a sweet. “The Quinna
is still sads. Luma brought the important people to the Quinna but…”

Suddenly Weston appeared in Quinna’s quarters as Luma chimed cheerfully, “That Weston is
here to help make the fixes of the Quinna. Is alcohol required? The Quinna has tequila. Our
Sienna thought that a plant would improve the Quinna’s sads, but Luma knows best. The small
ones deal with painful best with alcohol and drugs. And someone from Earth once said rock
and roll. Luma can make the rock and roll for that Weston?”

Michael had been swimming in the ship's pool when he felt the pull of the transporter. When he
rematerialized he found himself laying face first on the floor of a small room full of people, as his
body leaked water all over the floor. When his vision cleared he realized that it was Sekal,
Verin, T’Mur, Quinna, and Luma in her cat form.

He brought a knee up and stood up, looking at everyone with a puzzled expression, “Ummm…
hey everyone. What’s going on?” Then his brain connected with Luma’s words and sighed. He
squelched over to stand beside Quinna. “No, Luma, I don’t think loud rock and roll will be
necessary. Nor are drugs and alcohol the solution. I’m assuming you’re all here for a
housewarming party?”

Quinna looked up at Michael. She stood and despite his soaked state she moved closer to him.
“Michael, Dear, I think this is an intervention.” Quinna said. “I will go get you a towel.” Quinna
moved away from the group to the small yet adequate bathroom.

This was the first time he’d actually seen the inside of Quinna’s new quarters He was a little
surprised but also noted that they were functional. The two of them had spent time together in
more public settings, and their private time… had been in his new quarters or his office.

He accepted the offered towel and noted that the excess water had been transported out of the
apartment, most likely by Luma. A thought suddenly occurred to him and he held out the towel
so Luma could see it, before she decided to dry Michael off in a similar manner, accidentally
taking his trunks with it.

Quinna looked that the comical scene and almost laughed. She still had her sense of humor
even thought her heart hurt, She stepped in front of him to cover him a bit. “No peeking!”

Sienna very quietly hit her comm badge and spoke to the bridge, apologizing for the
unauthorized increase in the speed for a moment. Making sure that the bridge understood that it
wasn’t an issue with the Raptor. She looked back up in time to see Weston with a towel and
grinned sheepishly. “Sorry, I had no idea she was going to pull you over, but you are important
to the conversation it seems.” Sy blushed lightly, “You could replicate clothes and very quickly
get dressed…and we can find another chair. Not sure where to put it.” Sy gently pulled T into
her lap, creating available seating. Creatively. It was only logical after all.

Quinna sat back on the coffee table which has since been pushed aside to create a
conversational area. Though Sy did clear a place for Michael, Quinna did hope he would sit
with her at the table.
Michael smiled at Verin and T’Mur, the Vulcan sitting on the FO’s lap, unperturbed by the scene.
He chose to sit with Quinna. It seemed she’d need his moral support. He appreciated what the
others were trying to do. Clearly they cared, and that was all he needed to know. He reached
over and took Quinna’s hand.

Quinna turned to Luma, “Luma do you understand why I am sad?”

Luma took a few steps forward. Her anime-cat form was the one that she chose to be ‘most’ like
her small ones. “The Gods that live in the Hole got mad at the Gods that helped the Lenai and
took the small one child of the gods from the Quinna. The Gods in the Hole took that Dieter as
well as that Leeza. It made everyone sad. Our Alaya is sads. The Quinna is sads. The Steven is
going to get in trouble if the anger persists. Luma feels,” She tried to use the things that Temas
was teaching her, “That the Quinna is feeling left out and that made her sads. Luma brought the
big brother Our Sekal to make the fixes. If the Quinna is residing here, the Quinna can not do
the ad-min-is-stray-tion here. That requires office. CMO has one, but the Quinna isn’t sure that
the CMO is who she wants to be?” Luma asked as helpfully as she could.

Sienna hugged T’Mur against her, thankful for her mate. She kept quiet to allow Luma to try and
help. “Our Temas is not needed right now, though is a Quinna friend. Our Sienna and the T’Mur
are FRIENDS. Our Sekal is FRIEND.” Luma pointed to each, “That Weston is BOY-Friend. And
Luma is bestest friend. Luma takes care of all the small ones as best she can. Luma is a very
good girl.” Sienna couldn’t help but be amused by Luma’s antics. “The Quinna is all of us friend.
The Quinna is not alone. The Gods of the Hole took a part of Quinna. Luma has seen many
small ones embrace entropy. Luma has seen the processes. Luma knows that if the Quinna
continues this time-out that the Quinna will eventually embrace entropy. Luma refuses to allow
the Quinna to embrace entropy.” Luma sounded as firm as she ever did, “And if the Quinna
wants to be BADS then there is a shuttle designated for times-out. The Quarters are a safe
place, not a time-out place.” Luma smiled brightly, her tail swishing with emotion.

Quinna’s head lowered a bit. She held on to Michael as Luma continued, but now it was
Quinna’s turn. She released her hand and stood face to face with Luma but never far out of
Michael’s reach. She gave Luma a hug, “Luma, you are right. A lot of things happened that
shouldn’t have happened. I need to grieve and it will take more than a day or two. Grieving is a
process, and I need this process.” Quinna turned and met Michael’s glaze, “We need this
process.” Quinna turned back to Luma, “We all grieve in our own ways. For me, I need this. A
small place where I can gather my thoughts, a place that is void of distractions.” Quinna turned
to the rest of the group. “I know my limitations. Right now I cannot physically see patients. I
hurt beyond belief right now. My body chemistry is readjusting to the no-baby. My mental grief
does not help. It is not fair that I cannot maintain focus on the individual. That does not mean I
do not want to be CMO, it means that a patient comes first. I can and have been doing all my
other duties.” Quinna turned to Michael and bit her lower lip. “I cannot help the way I feel right
now, In a couple of weeks, I anticipate I can be back to full sickbay duties.” Quinna sat back
down and took Michael’s hand “I need just to simplify things right now so I can be at peak
performance when needed. I am only human. As much of a flaw as that may be.”

Luma looked over towards Sienna and directed on a thin path ::Luma could take the Illuminar to
where the Dieter is. Maybe. May end up with not-our-Dieter.::

::Luma, do not mention that to Quinna, all right? She doesn’t need to know. Temptation is
strong in our sort of small ones.:: Sienna tried not to let the knowledge show on her face.
“You need to see people in an office though, Quinna. For appearances sake. Can you handle
meeting people in your office when you are ready to do so? The Third Officer’s office that is.”
Sienna couldn’t budge on this point. “You know that it’s going to be around the ship in less than
24 hours that you are using ensign-level quarters. Every starship is a gossip-fest. It lives in the
air. The crew have to have faith in you as their third officer. And I am not going to have it said
that T’Mur was promoted over you. She wasn’t. You are in no shape currently to be the second
officer. And I promise you that you don’t want my job. I really am as exhausted as I look. But as
your friend, and I’d like to think I am, I guess we need to know what you need from us. All of
us. We need to talk, Quinna. There is a lot unsaid that has to be said so that when we face this
greatly expanded crew that they get over the rumors. That we’re fleet brats, promoted out of
favoritism. That's a big one. Then there is T’Mur slept her way over you.” Sy sounded bitter
about that but as the XO, she kept her pulse on the tenor of the ship.

T’Mur shook her head and put a hand on her mates cheek, “Hush beloved. I am unconcerned
by the idle gossip of others. If they wish to question my qualifications then they are free to do so
in the normal channels, through the captain. It’s illogical to be concerned about what others
think. They will think thusly no matter what.”

Luma helpfully chimed in, “One is that Father sent us out with the newest AI and they are trying
to prove that a real person doesn’t live in the ship. Another and the most accurate one is that
the reason leave was canceled was because Starfleet discovered a ‘Boogey-Man’ and the
newest and bestest ship was being sent out captained by Father’s Son. Luma likes that one. But
most of the gossip has been pretty negative recently. Luma likes the gossip best when it is
happy and good natured.”

“I didn’t think of how my actions would make the rest of command team look. How selfish of
me.” Quinna did not mean to be snippy. But Michaels hand may something different as she
squeezed it tighter. “Sorry. It was not my intention to make you all look bad.” Quinna needed to
get herself in check, taking a deep breath she went back to a normal conversational tone. “But
then I was never one to care about what people thought of me. It never once occurred to me
that it was making the rest of you look bad. Of course, I will go back on full duty. I will see
patients during first shift, hold office hours for 3rd officer during second shift and have bridge
duty during third shift. Will that be acceptable? And then we no longer have to worry about the
crew and what they are saying.”

It was time. "No one came here to make the point that your behavior was questionable or
unseemly." The Captain had been watching the exchange. "Our purpose was to ensure you are
included and aware of the fact. This, according to my understanding, proves that we 'care' in
emotional circles. However emotion is a double edged sword that cuts both ways. It would
appear that this is not being perceived. Gossip and rumor are fallout of negative emotions for
the most part and do not belong on a starship and the ones that bear them will be disciplined if I
learn their source. As for you, Doctor Solice… you will continue your current schedule and
remain in this berthing for the specified two weeks, at the end of that time we will revisit the
subject."

His look swept to the others in the room. "I do not find the laundering of gossip, rumor or
innuendo to be civil conversation in this venue. There are more acceptable locations and
circumstances to discuss it."
Sienna sighed, “It is what it is. I am trying to head off the repercussions if Commander Solice
meets staff here. It is going to be said that we don’t support or believe in her, and you know it. I
love you Quinna. I’m here for you and I’ll do my best for you.” Not the word she would have
chosen but it worked. Sy nudged T’Mur, “And I really am sorry I couldn’t get here before now.
Launching this boat took a lot of time.” Sienna smiled a radiant, happy smile. This was as good
as it was going to be right now.

“Don’t want to goes! The Quinna is not fixed. Luma loves the Quinna, as the Quinna is one of
Luma’s small ones!” Luma threw her holographic arms around Quinna.

Quinna tilted her head and gave Sienna a funny look. “Wait a minute. Are you under the
impression that I am going to shut myself in this room and not leave like a shut-in?” Quinna
shook her head.

Luma's voice was muffled as she snuggled the doctor. "Uh, huh! That is what the times out is
for. Is it not?" She pulled her head back and her violet eyes looked up into Quinna's.

Quinna looked into Luma’s eyes and it reminded her of Iris. “That is not the plan at all. I prefer
my quiet time to be here, my time of solitude. I have been out and about the ship.”

Michael had heard enough. He’d listened to the others speak their concerns in silence since he
came to the party late, and to be honest. Quinna was doing a fine job of speaking up for herself.
But this whole idea of “how does that make us look” irritated him.

“Look,” he said suddenly and with a bit more emphasis than he’d intended, “it’s clear that you
people care about Quinna.” He didn’t bring up the fact that they’d all be happy if he were to take
up quarters in a warp manifold. Even Sekal, who was usually a voice of reason, had blamed him
for the loss of Dieter upon their return. After all, he only returned with the ship safe and sound
and his CMO. But this was not about him. It was about Quinna.

“If you are here to celebrate that we are still here and alive then you are welcome,” he
continued. “But you can’t come in here to make Quinna feel badly because you “look bad.”
Perhaps you might even get a reputation for respecting the choices of your command staff.”

He paused to take a breath, “Besides, who said she’s shutting herself off. I seem to recall her
saying that she was maintaining her duties other than seeing patients. Unless you no longer
have confidence in Stev.”

Weston looked over at Luma and nodded, “Perhaps now is a good time for that loud rock and
roll music. Do you have access to a 20th century band called Twisted Sister?”

Luma grinned happily and ‘I wanna rock’ began to play, but at a volume that they could speak if
they wanted. Luma started bouncing around the confined place as she danced to the song, her
tail swishing in time as the Lenai partied.

Sienna kissed T’Mur’s neck gently, “We gonna party, my wife? My mate?” Sienna’s eyes were lit
up with joy.

T’Mur raised an eyebrow as she listened to the lyrics of the song. “This song seems to have
overtones of defiance against authority. I wonder if Mr. Weston was sending a message with his
choice?”
Sienna tugged her mate up with her and began to dance to the beat while singing along to the
song, her voice professional level again as she sang for the crowd. Luma had set the tone for
the dancing with her bopping and Sy was determined to have fun

"Perceptions can be misleading..." Sekal noted ",... though intent may be judged impartially.
However it was Luma who chose the song though Mr. Weston the band. I do believe this
meeting has reached a conclusion and a consensus has been met. You may remain for as long
as you wish but I believe my presence is no longer necessary." His eyes swept about the room,
attempting to meet the gaze of all however he was not the center of attention, the music was.
And perhaps this was a good thing.

Shrugging, Sekal carefully skirted the dancers on the cramped floor and walked out of the room.

Michael looked around the room as Sekal left. He wondered what had just happened. Moments
ago the tension in the room could have been cut with a knife. Now he watched as Luma, Sienna
and T’Mur jumped around as if they had not a care in the world. He looked down at Quinna,
eyes filled with questions. Then he too shrugged.

Holding out his hand he said, “Care to join the madness?”

It wasn’t the quiet time Quinna had thought about, but she placed her hand in Michael’s to join
them.

(reply any, none)
(posted by Kris, Charles, Mel and Al)
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