USS Illuminar

Mission: Through a Mirror Darkly
Day: 1
Stardate 2446.03.04

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(USS Illuminar- Deck 1- Bridge- 3XO/CMO Lt. Commander Quinna Solice -- 1015)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 4 - The Prancing pony - SPA LT JG Ariel Trei - 1335)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 4 - The Prancing pony - SPA LT JG Ariel Trei - 13.40)
(ISS Illuminar - Gym - Detective Ariel Trei MU-1418)
(ISS Illuminar - Deck 5 - Gym - Vulcan High Consort - T’Mur (MU) - 1420)
(ISS Illuminar - Deck 5 - Gym - Detective Ariel Trei MU - 14.25)
(ISS Illuminar - Deck 5 - Gym - Vulcan High Consort - T’Mur (MU) - 1426)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 6 - Laboratory 3 - Drs. Gailus Penn and Teller, Ensign ACSO T’Shalaith
-1430)
(USS Illuminar - The Swamp (Deck 3) - Drs. Gailus Penn and Teller, CMO& 3/O LCDR Quinna
Solice – 1445)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 6 - Laboratory 3 - CEO, Lt. Bohb, ACSO Ensign T’shalaith -1455)
(USS Illuminar - Holodeck 1 SPA LT JG Ariel Trei - 20.00)
(USS Illuminar - Holodeck 1 - EO - Ensign Tegian Pex - 2001)
(USS Illuminar - Holodeck 1 SPA LT JG Ariel Trei - 20.05)
(USS Illuminar - Holodeck 1 - EO - Ensign Tegian Pex - 2007)
(USS Illuminar - Holodeck 1 SPA LT JG Ariel Trei - 20.10)
(USS Illuminar - Holodeck 1 - EO - Ensign Tegian Pex - 2020)
(USS Illuminar - Holodeck 1 SPA LT JG Ariel Trei - 20.25)
(USS Illuminar - Holodeck 1 - EO - Ensign Tegian Pex - 2027)
(USS Illuminar - Holodeck 1 SPA LT JG Ariel Trei - 20.30)
(USS Illuminar - Holodeck 1 - EO - Ensign Tegian Pex - 2032)
(USS Illuminar - Holodeck 1 SPA LT JG Ariel Trei - 20.35)
(USS Illuminar - Holodeck 1 - EO - Ensign Tegian Pex - 2036)
(USS Illuminar - Holodeck 1 SPA LT JG Ariel Trei - 20.40)
(USS Illuminar - Holodeck 1 - EO - Ensign Tegian Pex - 2042)

Day 2

(USS Illuminar – Deck 11- Main Engineering – ACEO Ensign Tegian Pex - 1510)

(USS Illuminar -Deck 3 - VIP Quarters - CMO/3XO Lt. Commander Quinna Solice, (MU) Sienna
Williams-Verin, Csec Lt. T’Mur and SecO, Ensign Galk - 1645)
(USS Illuminar -- Corridor -- Deck 2 -- 3XO/CMO Lt Commander Quinna Solice -- 1730)
(USS Illuminar -- Corridor -- Deck 2 -- CSec - Lt T’Mur -- 1731)
(USS Illuminar Deck 2 - Quinna’s Quarters - 3XO/CMO Lt Commander Quinna Solice - 1740)
(USS Illuminar FO's family Quarters - FO Commander Sienna Williams-Verin - 1900)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 5 - Counselir's Office - Counselor Dr. Riven Mias- 1902)
(USS Illuminar – Deck 14 – Csec Office - CSec - Lt. T’Mur - 1915)

Day 3

(USS Illuminar- Deck 6 - Laboratory- CO, Captain Sekal -- 1018)
(USS Illuminar- Deck 10 - Shuttlebay - Merchant (MU) P’Rah, CSEC - Lt. T’Mur- 1020)
(USS Illuminar- Deck 1 - Bridge - CO. Captain Sekal - 1021)
(USS Illuminar- Deck 11 - Main Engineering - ACEO - Ensign Tegian Pex - 1023)
(USS Illuminar- Deck 10 - Flight Operations Control Center - 3XO/CMO Lt. Commander Quinna
Solice - 1030)
(USS Illuminar- Deck 10 - Flight Operations Control Center – CSec – Lt. T’Mur - 1031)

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(USS Illuminar- Deck 1- Bridge- 3XO/CMO Lt. Commander Quinna Solice -- 1015)

Quinna listened to T’Mur making all everything come together. Quinna originally planned for
T’Mur to take the conn while she went to Lt. Trei and a security team to meet the Ferb.

She waited at the turbo-lift as the door, “Was it your intention to join us, Lt. Commander?”

Quinna turned and faceted T’Mur. “Lt., Take the lead on this one. Find out what we need to
know and see what kind of repairs the Ferb needs.” It may have seemed illogical curse of
action but Quinna knew it wud be better this way.

As the team left Quinna forgot an important step. She knew she needed to talk to the captain
before proceeding any further.

“Solice to Captain Sekal.” Quinna called over the communicator.

(Reply Sekal)

“Sir, we have encountered a small ship that seemed to be damaged. Scans have confirmed the
damage. The individual seems to indicate that we are in danger and was willing to help as a
trade. Right now the ship is being towed into Shuttlebay. Lt. T’Mur has been the one in contract
with the Ferb and I sent her as lead on this one.”

(Reply Sekal)

(Posted by Kris B)

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(USS Illuminar - Deck 4 - The Prancing pony - SPA LT JG Ariel Trei - 13.35)

She considered the offer and decided to do it in progressive increments to better prepare her for
the Rite.

"I accept your offer but we should do it in progressive steps to better prepare me for the Rite.
Meet me in Holodeck 1 at 20.00. I rather not involve Galik until its close to the time of the Rite.
We can do light sparring and move to a series of progressive steps along a gauntlet with pain
sticks. Each step along the gauntlet completed , there will be recovery time to better prepare me
for the Rite."

(Reply Pex)
(Posted by Edward)
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(USS Illuminar - Deck 4 - The Prancing pony - SPA LT JG Ariel Trei - 13.40)

"There is no deadline. I am told I will complete the Rite when we go to Quo'nos. So until then I
can prepare with you. Meet me in Holodeck 1 at 20.00 and we will go from there."

She finished her cheeseburger and left the Prancing Pony with a stop in the ladies room on the
way back to work.

(Reply None)
(Posted by Edward)

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(ISS Illuminar - Gym - Detective Ariel Trei MU-1418)

She left the shuttle bay with 2 of her security team to protect her. She did not trust these people
at all. Her meeting with Princess T"Mur will be at her terms. She entered the gym flanked by
John McClain and Harry Callahan. She looked more like a famed detective Carmen Santiago
than anyone in the known universe. She didn't take a step forward until the princess relayed the
extent of what she was summoned for.

"You have summoned me. What do you need me to be of service?"

(Reply T'Mur MU)
(Posted by Edward)

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(ISS Illuminar - Deck 5 - Gym - Vulcan High Consort - T’Mur (MU) - 1420)

T’Mur had found it logical to put the gymnasium on the same floor as Sickbay. It just saved time
as so many crewmen went from their training to sickbay. Some with minor injuries, non- life
threatening injuries, and others with broken bones or worse.

There was almost always some oversized lunk who would think that looking at the slight Vulcan,
and knowing her position, that she would be an easy target because they were new to the ship.
They would be urged to challenge T’Mur by their… friends or companions. Her mood usually
dictated the expedience in which she dispatched these challengers.

If they had little skill, and only presented and immediate threat through strength she would end
the training quickly, delivering the most amount of pain possible, in the shortest amount of time.
If they showed skill and ability then she would draw it out, putting herself in a difficult position,
only to work her way out of it, and in the end Dinah with a bone break or an injury that would
give them a story to explain to a liver about a scar they carried.

However, today she was not in the mood to play such childish games. She refused all
challenges silently, putting herself through a rigorous physical workout, with forms training. She
had turned the gym’s environmental controls to create a hotter, more humid atmosphere, with a
higher gravity setting. This created the desired affect on her body, making her muscles work
harder, her breathing more difficult and perspiration soaking through her clothes.

Almost all of the rest of the crew had ceased their training and were now standing against the
wall watching. Her already tight leotard was now clinging to her body in an almost indecent
manner, leaving little to one’s imagination. The men, and women, exhausted by the
environment, watched with lascivious awe as she performed movements that were almost lewd.

When she finished she looked around and the gym cleared out quickly. She went to a corner
and began to towel herself when she heard the door open. Turning her head slightly she saw
that it was Ariel Trei and two of her hired thugs.

“You have summoned me,” Trei stated. It was not a question. “What do you need me to be of
service?"

She turned and looked dangerously at the two … bodyguards?

“First of all, they can wait outside,” T’Mur ordered. “Their presence insults my sense of logic. Do
you not feel that you are protected under my service, whilst on this ship?”

(reply Trei)

“Now to business,” the Vulcan High Consort said. “I am certain that you have been made aware
of my impending joining with Sienna Verin, heir to the Williams-Verin empire. Apparently she
has reneged on the deal set between our two families and ran away. I need you to find her.”

(reply Trei)
(posted by Al Muir)

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(ISS Illuminar - Deck 5 - Gym - Detective Ariel Trei MU - 14.25)

She still didn't trust her but told he bodyguards to stand down and wait outside the door. She
heard why she was summoned and tried to formulate a plan to find Sienna. The most logical
place to start will be sickbay. The most logical point of exit will be the shuttle bay They should
sweep the shuttle bay to figure out where Sienna is going.

"The most logical point of exit will be the shuttle bay. We need to investigate the shuttle bay to
figure out where Sienna is going."

The climate of the gym was very hot and humid. That didn't affect her much as it is much like
Betazed. She waited for orders to proceed.

(Reply T'Mur MU)
(Posted by Edward)

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(ISS Illuminar - Deck 5 - Gym - Vulcan High Consort - T’Mur (MU) - 1426)
T’Mur threw her towel over her shoulder and looked harshly at Trei, shaking her head. “The
great Ariel Trei. You are not listening to me. You are not going to find Verin looking for her here
on the ISS Illuminar. Do you think I would be able to do that myself. She, and those who aided
her are long gone. Her pilot is … dead.” She meant to use the pause to imply and confirm that
she had killed them.

There was an awkward moment of silence then she continued, “However, I know where she is,
relatively. She is on the USS Illuminar. A ship from across the dimensional rift. However, I do
not know where they are. And even if I did, I would need you to retrieve my betrothed from that
ship. Is that a task worthy of the daughter of Deltron Trei?”

(reply MU Trei)
(posted by Al Muir)

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(ISS Illuminar - Deck 5 - Gym - Detective Ariel Trei - 14.30 MU )


She had an idea that the princess's betrothed was on the USS Illuminar. The problem she agreed was
where was the ship. There is a possibility that the ship is heading to Bajor. As far as being able to fight
and secure T'Mur's Sienna, she surely was ready for that. Her father taught her well of the ways of the
Warrior. If she had to, she will kill with a Batt'leth .

"Yes ma'am I believe the USS Illuminar is headed to Bajor for reasons unknow. As far as doing whatever
it takes to obtain your Sienna, I am ready when you are."

(Reply T'Mur MU )
(Posted by Edward)

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(ISS Illuminar - Deck 5 - Gym - Vulcan High Consort - T’Mur (MU) - 1431)

T’Mur looked at the odd woman with a look of disbelief. She took a few steps towards her,
menacingly. What this “detective just said was so outside the realm of possible there was only
one likely explanation. She either has informants on this ship, or she has the captain’s ready
room monitored. She needed to find out which.

“You believe they are going to Bajor? What could possibly lead you to that conclusion. They
have only been in this universe a few hours. The mere knowledge of their existence is only
known on this ship. We haven’t even had time to report to High Command. You just heard that
that ship is here. How could you possibly “believe” that it is going to Bajor? That is not logical.”

(reply MU Trei)
(posted by Al muir)

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End Compile
(USS Illuminar - Deck 6 - Laboratory 3 - Drs. Gailus Penn and Teller, Ensign ACSO T’Shalaith
-1430)

Teller sat at one of the computer terminals, staring intensely at the screen. Sounds of
explosions and mayhem coming from the speakers. “Leeroy Jenkins attacking the boss,” he
shouted eagerly as his hands worked over the computer controls. The computer made a sad
sound and Teller turned around, “William Hudson to Corporal Hicks,” he said with a frown.

“Corporal Hicks to Carter Burke,” Penn replied. “After the attack.”

Standing up, he walked over to a table with various parts and isolinear chips laid out. Teller took
an isolinear chip and plugged it into a socket. “Sherlock Homes to Doctor Watson,” he said in
triumph. “Chien-Shiung Wu and Shaknov’s photons. “

Penn chuckled, “Bruce Banner, in the bunker. Dr. Bruce Banner after the explosion.”

People often look at physicists as weak and timid people. How working in quantum theory at
their level actually requires quite an extraordinary amount of courage as one never truly knows
the outcome until it actually happens. Some might think that they take their lives in their hands
with every experiment.

Teller put the Maelstrom on one of the computer screens and started running a simulation based
on the data they had, and the equations they were given. By manipulating the variables, they
could build up a better understanding of how get back to their own universe when the time
came, as this seemed to be a rip in the fabric of the universe. The hope was these simulations
would give Penn enough information to formulate a theory how to further protect the crew from
the radiation.

The computer merrily chugged away at the data, so Teller got up and went to make the pair
some drinks.

The door to the lab opened and Bohb walked in. “Good afternoon friends,” he said loudly. He
looked over at Teller and saw what he was doing and said, “Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffet on
the Hullbilly?” Quoting one of the Tamarians favorite phrases.

“Sokath, his eyes open. Don Corelone to Johnny Fontane,” he says with a smile.

“First, I have something to show you,” the Magillan handed him the PADD with the data from the
box. “Do you recognize these calculations?”

Teller handed a drink to Penn and one to Bohb before taking the PADD and looking at it.

“Willy Wonka to Grampa Joe, in the office,” Teller said with a frown as he put the code on the
PADD on another screen.
Penn went over to the screen and looked at the numbers. He picked up his own PADD and
began to input data. He compared what he was doing to the data he was seeing and looked
over at Teller in disbelief.

“Mr. Crabs to Spongebob,” he said. Then he turned to Bohb, “And this information was from a
working device?”
“Well,” Bohb replied, “I suppose it’s all in how you define ‘working’. It was the device left by the
intruder. Does this mean what I think it means?”

“Little Carol Anne, by the television,” Teller replied.

Bohb searched his brain for the reference. He’d spent as much time with the pair as anyone
else on the ship. What he was always astounded by was the sheer quantity of material that they
had gone through to create the common references they had. At least he was able to
comprehend most of their scientific references. But some of the cultural ones. Where did they
get that material from?

Still he thought he got the gist of the reference. It seemed to indicate that they were headed to
the next stage.

“These are not the exact same calculations we used,” Penn said, “but the results would similar.
They have addition data that would not only coordinate a movement through the dimensions but
control any temporal or spatial shift. This is technology that has been practiced.”

“Glad to hear you say that,” Bohb said, “since Lt. Commander Solice has promised a vehicle to
investigate with. She said she would give us a shuttle.” (She said she will do what she can to
get the shuttle. No pressure there.)

T'shalaith entered the lab, a PADD in her hands. Her relationship with the two scientists was
tenuous at best. Her full Vulcan idealogy and devotion to logic made it a challenging experience
to understand the two. She quietly resolved to work on improving her relationship with them at
a minimum.

“Doctors. Lieutenent Bohb.”

Teller looked over to T’shalaith and to Penn, “Ray Stantz to Veckman, on the steps. McCoy, the
doctor, to Akuta of Vaal.”

She held up her PADD, “I was coming to discuss with you the results and hypothesis regarding
our first officer and her ongoing...condition.”

Teller eyed the PADD, “Audrey two to Seymour,” he said, holding out his hand. “Timbur, his arms
are open,” Penn said. He took the PADD and looked at the information on it then handed it to
his partner.

Quinna has quietly slipped into the science lab with her hands behind her back. She hoped for
one of their drink but this time, she was on duty. She remained a silent observer to the party.

Teller noted that Dr. Solice had joined the party, “Don Vito Coreleone to Tom Hagen. Bogart, the
actor on world troubles,” he said as he grabbed a glass, filled it and offered it to Quinna. “Tyrion
Lannister to Missandei,” he concluded as he took a drink from his glass.

Quinna took the offered glass and took a sip.

Penn winked at the doctor and took a sip of his own glass, “It’s gotta be five o’clock somewhere
in this universe.”
“I certainly agree.” Quinna taking another sip.

The two of them had had several conversations regarding Commander Verin’s status. They had
begun to work out the physics of how Luma was able to do what she did and how that had
affected the First Officer. It was stunning that she survived the experience at all. She was a lot
tougher than people gave her credit for.

“So tell us Ensign T’Shalaith,” Penn said, “about this hypothesis? What are your thoughts?”

T’Shalaith put her hand up when she was offered a glass. “The understanding of how space,
time, and the various variables involved in transporting through all of it…is still evolving.” She
proffered a padd to the two scientists, “Whatever the first officer went through in her transition
that was aided by Luma has not faded with time. It is increasing in its impact, perhaps aided by
the presence of her opposite. There is a possibility that our first officer’s existing DNA has been
modified in the transitionary experience.”

Penn shrugged, :The understanding of how is not in question. Luma exists in all times. How
she is able to move between them is as much metaphysical as it is quantum physics. I am
curious, though, on what you mean by having not faded? The portal that Luma initiated has
most assuredly been closed. How Luma was able to single out one single life form and pull it
from that time and space requires her to have some kind og connection or anchor with that
person. I was informed that Luma temporarily anchored to Commander Verin in a previous
manuever. We were assuming this was how she was able to… latch onto the commander and
pull her from the Rhyne.”

The ACSO paused as she listened to what the man was saying. She thought carefully before
speaking, “The affliction currently affecting Commander Verin continues despite the closing of
the portal. I do not think the two are connected as I continue to evaluate it. I think the portal
and her transition through it is at the root of her condition. Whatever occurred from place to
place to where she is now may in fact be slowly killing the commander.” T’Shalaith
contemplated the next revelation and decided to share what she felt was connected to the
ongoing conversation.

“There is an additional layer. I have experienced…a connection with my other self in this
universe.” She glanced at the CMO. T’Shalaith chose to keep certain details from the pair
about her complete condition. “It was not a strong connection, but I am aware of her existence.
As a Vulcan in this universe, she has embraced emotions along with many others in her group.
It is possible others may experience similar or adjacent connections. There is much unknown
still at play in this place.”

Penn sat down and took a sip from his mint julep, and contemplated what he was hearing. He
looked over at Teller, who shrugged.

“While it is true that there, there is the law of conservation of mass,” Penn said. “All of our
research has shown that it exists across dimensions. Having the Commanders in such close
proximity could prove to have a negative effect on them both, over time. More so over our
Commander, as she is already in a weakened condition. However, the fact that you seem to
have an “awareness”,” he said using air quotes, “of a T’Shalaith in this universe would suggest
that they are closer that we might think. But even still, Commander Verin is a strong telepath,
and their proximity is immediate. We’ll have to think of how this is possible at greater
distances.”
Teller shrugged, “Groblacher and Sillanpaa on quantum entanglement,” he replied matter of
factly. “Einstein and Pauli, the Nobel prize. Spinning electrons.”

Penn nodded, “Ensign, I believe we need to borrow you for a time and take some scans of your
body and your brain.”

T’Shalaith considered both scientists for a moment and then glanced at the chief medical officer,
“It was a similar request made by Lieutenant Commander Solice. I accept the need for the
scans as it will possibly answer other questions that are needing answers.” She shared a look
with Penn and Teller, “Questions that are currently between myself and the chief medical
officer.”

“Igor to Frankenstein, the brain, the monster.” Teller said to Penn as he looked over the Vulcan.
Taking out a strange device, he started moving it up and down of T’Shalaith’s body as the
device made various sounds and beeps, while two arms opened from the side. He passed the
device to Penn as he shook his head.

T’Shalaith raised an eyebrow but allowed the scan to continue. She was seeking answers both
for the commander and for herself. To do that would require her to put aside her minor
challenges in relating and communicating with the two scientists.

Penn looked at the device in his hand and ran the scan again. His nostrils flared with intrigue.
It was all very curious. “Eyegore to Dr. Frodrick Frankensteen, with the brain.”

He made and adjust on the device and nodded at the results, “Interesting. Ensign T’Shalaith,
tell me what you know about quantum entanglement.”

She furrowed her brow, “A topic of great simplicity and complexity. The concept is that two
particles link together and it does not matter how far apart they are in space or even time.
Some early theories suggested that animals like domesticated dogs and cats were entangled
with their owners in being able to detect distress or when they were coming home. It would be
logical that this concept could relate to the commander’s situation. What is your theory?”

“And your own,” Penn added.

Teller laughed, “The Doctor Kelso to Doctor Dorian. Jenny to Forest on the bus.” His demenor
turns serious. “Nomi to Bond.”

T’Shalaith wasn’t sure of the connections or allusions the scientist Teller was making, but she
was at least grasping pieces of the argument. “It is an accurate hypothesis that my situation is
related to the experience of the commander. Perhaps an element of her deteriorating condition
is the manner in which she interacted with the walls of reality and time versus the rest of us -
she was pulled through them forcefully while we were willing participants with a narrow formula
to ensure as much safe travel as possible.” She considered, “It does ask the question of how to
reverse the commander’s condition.” She nodded to the two, “You may have thoughts on this
already.”

Teller looked at the Vulcan, “Martin Riggs and Rogert Murtaugh by the bomb, MacGruber with
the warhead. Michael Dundee with Sue to the teenager,” he grins as he pulls out a strange
looking device. It appears to be a metal bowl, with poles mounted around the circumference.
These poles are attached to wires that lead to an ominous looking device that has a random
collection of isolinear chips, lights and switches. That is connected by a ribbon cable to a
PADD.

Teller grabs a chair, bringing it close to the contraption and points to T’Shalaith, “Gibson to
Helen, his voice disguised.”

T’Shalaith looked to Teller and then to Penn. “I am drawing the conclusion that Mr. Teller wishes
for me to put his…device on my head.”

Penn shrugged his shoulders and smiled, “It’s your head. But if you want answers,” he grabbed
the Bulcan by her shoulders, “you should listen to this man. He has your best interests at heart.”

The Vulcan ACSO contemplated saying no and leaving. They were two very strange scientists
but they had a track record. “Very well.” She sat down in the chair, lightly grabbing the metal
arms. “Do what you need, Mr. Teller.”

“Nothing my dear, you’re not qualified,” Penn said with a chuckle. Then he dropped to a knee
beside her and put his arm around her shoulders, and said softly, “And just so you are aware,
it’s Doctor, or just Teller, not Mister. We are not officers in your fleet. It really irritates him.” He
moved his head towards Teller. “Me, I don’t care what you say. And I mean that.”

T’Shalaith looked at Doctor Penn and then her shoulders and then Penn again, “Your advice is
welcome. Your physical contact is not.”

“Now,” Penn said, “just still still.”

Teller, someone oblivious to T’Shalaith’s discomfort, placed the device on her head, fastening it
with a chinstrap. Moving to the controls, he activated the device. Lights started flashing and
random sounds began to be emitted.

On the screen, Teller added an equation Xn+1 = rXn(1-Xn) onto one screen. Onto the second
screen data started appearing while on a third screen a graph started populating.

Taking a sip of his drink, he turned to Penn and Dr. Solice. “Brooks and Matelski on the Möbius
transformation. Mandelbrot in Yorktown.”

Quinna bit her lower lip and nodded while thinking. Out of nowhere she let out a huge belch
that brought a little soreness to her throat. “OOPS, sorry. Must have a bit of indigestion.”
Quinna closed her eyes and reopened them. “I see where you are going with this.”

Penn came beside the doctor and patted her on the shoulder, “Better up than down Doctor
Solice,” he said jovially then took hold of her shoulders and stepped back from his partner’s
experiment. “Just in case. If it explodes we don’t want to be covered in the ensigns brain
matter.” He saw the look on Quinna’s face and smiled, “It hardly ever happens.”

He then looked over at Teller and said, “Ray Arnold about the main frame.”

Teller was lost in thought as the data continued to look at the data, “Feigenbaum in New
Mexico,” he said, shaking his head. The graph had taken an unusual turn as the fourth
dimension was added to the plot.
Penn stepped around Solice and put his face to the monitor. He traced some invisible
calculations on the screen and looked over at Teller. “Stephan Smale, in Chicago with the
Poincaré conjecture.”

Quinna stepped next to Penn whispered, “Dr. Penn, for the benefit of our science officer here, I
think a little translation may be in order.”

Penn nodded, “Of course, we often forget that we’re not alone. We get so few visitors, you
know. Especially when we’re working.”

T’Shalaith resisted the urge to let out a human sigh. Instead she said, “Translation, please,
Doctors.”

“What my esteemed colleague is referring to is chaos theory,” Penn said, circling around the
Vulcan on the chair, not really looking at her. He had gone into teacher mode. “You are, of
course, aware of chaos theory, are you not.” He looked at T’Shalaith almost accusingly.``

The ACSO remained silent for a moment before she spoke evenly, “I am aware of chaos theory,
Doctor. I’m curious to understand the connection it shares with the various situations aboard
the Illuminar.”

Then he continued with his dissertation, “Chaos theory states that no matter how random an
action is, it is still connected to the universe as a whole. Most people believe that they are not
because they feel that quantum mechanics is not chaotic but probabilistic. However Quantum
Chaos tries to bridge the theories of quantum mechanics and classical physics.”

“In physics, the correspondence principle states that the behavior of systems described by the
theory of quantum mechanics, or by the old quantum theory, reproduces classical physics in the
limit of large quantum numbers. In other words, it says that for large orbits and for large
energies, quantum calculations must agree with classical calculations.”

“Classical quantities appear in quantum mechanics in the form of expected values of
observables, and as such the Ehrenfest theorem, which predicts the time evolution of the
expected values, lends support to the correspondence principle.”

“Quantum chaos rejects those limitations and makes connections beyond the classical
calculations of both quantum and classical mechanics.”

He paused and looked at his students, companions, suddenly realizing he may have gotten a
little carried away. “Does that make sense?”

T’Shalaith dared not move her head with the contraption strapped to her head. She
contemplated a moment longer, “In short, quantum chaos rules all. The rules made by quantum
mechanics and classical physics are absorbed into the master of the domain - quantum chaos.”
She furrowed her eyebrows as the implications connected in her mind as she spoke, “Given
what you explained, the Illuminar is in the middle of all that.”

“General Waverly to Wallace and Davis in Vermont.” Teller said frowning. Pointing to a blue line
and divergent red line on a different screen. “Gottlieb to the Marshal, on liars.”
Penn nodded, “Of course, why didn’t I see that before.”

T’Shalaith looked from scientist to scientist to the CMO and back again. “Meaning,
contextually?”

“Oh, contextually?” Penn said, “The bifurcation theory showing changes in the qualitative or
topological structure of a given family of curves, such as the integral curves of a family of vector
fields, in comparison, do not fall within the expected parameters set by Feigenbaum. Now don’t
move.”

With that being said he turned to Penn and Solice, “Christian Grey to Anastasia Steele, at the
gallery.” He turned to Quinna who looked a little perplexed, “Can we talk, in private?” And he
led them out of the room.

(reply none, or any)
(posted by Aaron, Al, Tim B, and Kris B)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar - The Swamp (Deck 3) - Drs. Gailus Penn and Teller, CMO& 3/O LCDR Quinna
Solice – 1445)

Leaving the ASCO alone in their laboratory, Penn and Teller, along with Dr. Solice, headed out.

“Jimmy Buffett and Alan Jackson on the docks,” Teller said to Penn.

“On the Hullbilly,” Penn replied. He looked over at Quinna and winked, “It’s gotta be 5 o’clock
somewhere.”

He pulled a flask out of his picket, unscrewed the top and handed it over to Teller.

Teller smiled and took a drink. He passed the flask to Quinna. “Timba, his arms wide,” he said.

Quinna took the flask and had a long drink for herself and passed it on, “Yeah”

Teller opened the door to their quarters, and motioned for Quinna to enter. The Tamarian waited
till his partner entered before heading in and sitting in his lounge chair.

Quinna found a seat of her own and burped again. “Sorry. Indigestion.” After a few more small
burps. “What are you two thinking?”

Penn patted the doctor on the shoulder, “You really should eat something before visiting our lab
Doctor Solice. Here, try this.” He handed her a small tablet and indicated that she should
swallow it. “It should absorb much of the alcohol that gives you “indigestion”. I actually
developed it for Bohb. Alcohol really does tear up his intestinal tract. Evident in our bathroom
every time he drinks with us.”

Then he addressed her question, “We’re trying to see what the fundamental quantum
differences are between our two universes. To be honest nobody understands this better than
Teller but nobody seems to think that we are competent scientists, well except for a few of you.”
He looked at Quinna then looked at Teller and gave him an odd shrug.

Teller looked at Quinna and smiled, “Never send a biologist to do a physicists job,” he said in
standard. “First telepathic space plants and now this? The problem Doctor, is that there is a
detectable quantum filament connecting Ms. T’Shalaith to something. Thus the quantum
entanglement problem. However, there is something fundamentally off in this universe. Mitchell
Feigenbaum and others discovered something called the Feigenbaum constant, which relates to
chaos theory, but I won’t bore you with the details. It was our hope that we could calculate the
appropriate fractal that would let us sever the connection, but the calculated values diverge from
the theoretical by 27.953 percent, approximately.”

Teller poured three glasses and handed them around.

Quinna’s jaw dropped to the floor. She took the offered drink and chugged it down at one time.
“Am I drunk or did you….” Quinna was pointing at Teller but then looked back and forth
between Penn and Teller.

“Did he what?” Penn asked, taking a long drink from his glass.

“Why haven’t you…” Quinna went to take another drink but realized her glass was empty.

Penn relieved her of the empty glass and held it out for Teller to give her a refill. He handed the
glass back and winked. “The concepts really are easier to grasp on an unclear mind.”

“Please, You two have been holding out.” Quinna said. “Your secret is safe with me.

Teller chuckled as he handed the glasses back, “Temba, his arms wide. The woman, the old
woman, in the deli with Harry and Sally,” he said.

“Zima and Bakor, Zima at Anzo. Kira at Bashi. Kadir beneath Mo Moteh. The beast at Tanagra.
Fermat, his conjecture. Wiles at Oxford. Hall,” he said suddenly. “Hall and current, Hall and
fermions.”

“Exactly,” Penn said looking at Quinna, who still didn’t look up to speed. He took his glass and
took a sip. “The problem with most people is that they don’t take the time to pay attention to the
little details in life. Our form of communication takes time and effort that came from years of
patient cooperation. They want answers now, and when we give them the answers they don’t
take the time to understand what we’re saying.” He turns to his friend and smile, “Zinda, his
face black, his eyes red.”

Then he turned back to Solice, “Tell me doctor, do you really think, in all of that time that we
spent together, that Dr. Teller was not capable of picking up something as simple as standard
language? We speak Quantum physics most of the time. It’s not like you don’t understand the
words.”

“Actually, I think anyone is capable of anything. Maybe my shortsightedness kept me from
understanding earlier.” Quinna admitted. “Now the hooch you make is great.”

Teller smiled at Quinna, “Thank you. You are the first person in a while to advocate for us, see
beyond the veil, as it were. As my esteemed partner said, we communicate a great deal with a
few words, if only one listens. Dylan, seeking answers,” he finishes with a smile.
Penn threw an arm over Quinna’s shoulder and smiled, “You are part of a small and elite band
my dear. It is a huge honor that Teller has put such trust in you. He… we… consider you a true
friend.”

Teller looked at the Doctor and his partner. “How long do you think it will take before our ASCO
figures out that the hat she is wearing is nothing more than a decoration? The hospital
administrator, to the doctors in the operating room.”

(Reply none)
(Posted by Al, Kris and Tim)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar - Deck 6 - Laboratory 3 - CEO, Lt. Bohb, ACSO Ensign T’shalaith -1455)

Bohb had stepped back to watch Penn and Teller run their routine on the new Vulcan ACSO.
He had trouble holding back his mirth, as he constantly reminded himself that they had totally
forgotten about him, and the device. T’shalaith’s issue seemed to take precedence over his.
Perhaps because it included the medical issues with Commander Verin. So he found a seat
next to a table, put the box down and worked on his drink.

The scientists quickly found that the alcohol they consumed so much of did not agree with the
Magillan’s digestive system, so they now made his drinks without alcohol, much to their dismay.
However, they also learned that Bohb did not need alcohol to act like an idiot, so he immediately
regained status in their eyes.

They attached a device to T’shalaith that resembled a vegetable colander with flashing lights
and items that made bloops and bleeps. Penn warned the scientist to sit still, and then they left
the room with Doctor Solice. Even for them this was odd. Mostly because by now it was clear,
they had forgotten about their engineer buddy. He pursed his lips together and made an “oo”
sound.

Then he stood up and moved over to T’shalaith, who looked as lost as he felt. He smiled down
at her and said, “Another fine mess we’ve gotten ourselves into Ms. T’shalaith.”

The Vulcan ACSO glanced at Bohb. She had seen him out of the corner of her eye as the two
doctors had worked on her. She had been patient to a point and as they had told her to stay still
and then proceeded to walk out - she was finding that point of Vulcan patience being pushed to
an end. “To my knowledge, Ensign Bohb, we have never, ‘gotten into a mess’ together previous
to this occasion.” She shifted her eyes to meet his, “However, the attempt at camaraderie is
accepted. This would quite possibly qualify as a, ‘fine mess’. She frowned. “I do not know
what metaphor to employ to suggest how to clean it up, however,.”

Bohb nodded, “Very true, but I have a feeling that there are many more messes ahead of us.”

Suddenly they were interrupted by Bohb’s commbadge.

=^=Tegian to Lieutenant Bohb. Sir, the power drain is exponential. Up to a five percent loss of
power at our current speed. I think we need to make some changes to the warp field. I'm going
to begin running simulations.=^=
Bohb tapped his badge, “Good work Tegian. I did not realize this would take as long as it has.
Go ahead and begin your simulations. I will join you as soon as I can.”

He turned his attention back to T’shalaith and shrugged. “An engineer’s work is never done.
Solve one problem and two more take its place. Let’s have a look at this thing and see what it’s
doing.”

T’shalaith held up a hand, “I am compelled to warn you as a scientist - having a look could upset
the balance, settings, or otherwise cause scientists Penn and Teller significant stress.” She let a
beat pass, “But I am not going to physically prevent you from having your ‘look’, Lieutenant.”

“Well…” Bohb took a deep breath, “unlike most engineers I am capable of looking with my eyes
and not with my hands.”

He walked around the chair and leaned in closely to look at the device. The part that really
confounded him were the handles. He resisted the urge to grab them, but suspected they had
no way of transferring data. Then he noted that there was another device not far away taking
readings from elsewhere. The readings showed a quantum flux around T’Shalaith but they
weren’t coming from the helmet.

“One thing is for sure,” Bohb admitted, “I’m a way better engineer than I am a scientist. I have
no idea what it’s saying.” Then he began to record the data remotely on his own PADD.

He showed the PADD to T’shalaith. “Not sure what your specialty is, but any ideas what this is
about?”

T’shalaith searched the readings, “It seems to suggest I am a source of quantum flux.” She
thought for another moment, “The readings are significant…and appear to be growing at a
certain rate.” She looked closer, “It is not exponential growth, but it is measurable.” She shifted
her eyes to Bohb, “This would qualify within the human expression of, ‘I have a bad feeling
about this”, I believe.”

Bohb chuckled, “I suppose it would. In the parlance of Dr. Teller I’d say, ‘Han Solo, in the trash
compactor.’ They introduced me to Earth science fiction a few days ago. You should check it
out some time. Although highly improbable, it is entertaining.”

He continued his walk around the ACSO shaking his head, “I really can’t see the point of this
gizmo on your head though, Ensign. Guess we’ll just have to wait for the good doctors to return
to find out.”

(reply none)
(posted by Al and Aaron)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Holodeck 1 SPA LT JG Ariel Trei - 20.00)

Ariel modified the training program to feature a sparring ring and an area for a gauntlet run
through simulation of the Rite. When the program was ready, the computer chimed that it was
ready. She entered the program wearing her cheerleader warmup track suit. She did a few
stretches and tapped her COMM.
^= Ensign Pex report to holodeck 1 please and wear something loose and comfortable ^=

(Reply Pex)
(Posted by Edward)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar - Holodeck 1 - EO - Ensign Tegian Pex - 2001)

The doors to the holodeck opened and there was a brief echo until Tegian hit his comm badge
to turn it off. "Reporting as requested, Lieutenant," he replied with a smile and bow. Tegian was
dressed in a skin tight outfit that he used for fencing that showed he had muscle tone in his tall
body. "I did a few laps on deck 11 to warm up. So, how do you wish to start, Ariel?"

(Reply Ariel)
(Posted by Keith)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar - Holodeck 1 SPA LT JG Ariel Trei - 20.05)

She saw Tegian walk in with a tight fitting outfit showing off his muscles. She admired the
muscles but was not overly impressed She instructed the computer to replicate paddles to spar
with. One pair for her and one pair for him. She put the paddles on her hands first and took an
opposing position in the center of the ring. It was time to see if Tegian had the skill and
athleticism to match his muscles.

"Come to the ring and show me what you got. Be aware that I am way quicker than you think."

(Reply Pex)
(Posted by Edward)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar - Holodeck 1 - EO - Ensign Tegian Pex - 2007)

Tegian studied the pads on her hands, curious. "Forgive me, Ariel, if I am unfamiliar with any of
this. I presume you wish me to strike you in the pads with my hands and feet?"

(reply Ariel)

"I've no doubt that you're far better at this than I am. If I've said anything to indicate otherwise, I
apologize. But, I did say that I wished to help you and that I would be glad to spar with you."
Tegian smiled. "I wanted that out of the way before I ended up on my back, multiple times."

He bowed to her, remembering he'd seen that in some martial arts movie that he'd watched
when he was studying human culture. Then he assumed a defensive position with his hands in
front of him. He had had some self-defense courses growing up, so he had thrown punches
before, but he was pretty sure he was out of his league with the woman across from him.
Perhaps in more ways than just hand to hand combat.
He jabbed at her right pad with left fist, trying to make contact without much force, just to get a
feel for how this was going to work. It felt odd, because he had to take a half step to reach her.
He moved closer and said, "Sorry," and took his stance again. and tried another jab, to her left
pad with his right fist, this time with more force. That felt better. So, he took a couple of more
jabs on each side with a little more force each time. She barely moved with each jab.

He took a half step back and punched from his left to her right pad and involved a lot more of his
body. He still wasn't using all his strength, because he'd likely miss, but he was trying to see if
this would at least move her a bit.

(reply Ariel)
(Posted by Keith)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar - Holodeck 1 SPA LT JG Ariel Trei - 20.10)

She felt that Tegian was holding back. She understood why he was doing that but was a bit
disappointed. She decided to have her turn with the paddles be a round of random placements
generated by the computer. She took the paddles off her hands and told Tegian to leave the
ring.

"That was good but you didn't have to hold back. I am tougher than you think. I will be doing this
round by myself. The computer will be generating the challenges. Enjoy the show."

She took a defensive stance and attacked the first paddle placements. The second random
placements were lower than the first causing her to do some thing she used to do in
cheerleading competition. It was good to move like that again. The third placement round was
a moving target round which challenged her more than she expected to be. That was good
though because she will be more flexible for the Rite when the pain sticks come. She sweated
more than she wanted to so she took a seat out of the ring. She used a towel to wipe sweat off
her forehead and rested.

(Reply Pex)
(Posted by Edward)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar - Holodeck 1 - EO - Ensign Tegian Pex - 2020)

Tegian bowed to her and then left the ring. He watched her work out against the computer,
enjoying her movements, especially her flexibility. He tried to keep any prurient thoughts out of
his head, but her outfit left little to his imagination. Still, that wasn't his motive for being here, so
he just tried to focus on what she was doing so that he could understand how he could better
help her.

When she finished, Tegian came over to her and apologized. "I held back because I don't really
know what I'm doing, Ariel. I was afraid I'd miss the pads and hit you or hurt myself trying to hit
too hard." He looked at his hands and noticed that they were bleeding a little from punching the
pads. "Guess my hands are a bit softer than I realized. My calluses are on my fingertips, not on
my knuckles." He took a towel and wrapped it around both hands.

I'm more than willing to help out, but you can't expect me to be anywhere on your level. Now, if
you want to try something that I'm good at, then I'll give you a challenge," Tegian said with a
smile. "But, I won't give up trying to help you. You just have to be patient." Tegian waved to the
ring with his towel cover hands. "I couldn't do any of what you just did. Not without lots of
practice. And probably not without lots of pulled muscles."

Tegian pulled away the towel to see that the blood was gone and his knuckles didn't look too
bad. The towel wasn't too badly stained. "So, what should we try next?"

(Reply Ariel)
(Posted by Keith)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar - Holodeck 1 SPA LT JG Ariel Trei - 20.25)

She rested for a bit then came up with a progression to the training.

"OK. lets try this. I will walk a line like a gaunlet. The first time through the gauntlet will be
practice for what I am to experience for real. The first time through, the pain sticks will have
caps on the ends so I get the feel of being jabbed but not for real. The second time through, the
sticks will be live."

She stood at the beginning of the gauntlet ready to receive the first jabs of the sticks.

(Reply Pex)
(Posted by Edward)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar - Holodeck 1 - EO - Ensign Tegian Pex - 2027)

Tegian picked up the pain stick, held it like a fencing epee' and took a few experimental jabs in
the air to get a feel for the weight of it. "Ariel, I watched a video of this rite. There were Klingons
on both sides hitting the applicant with these. Do you want me to jab you with two at a time?
And is there a particular place on your body that you want me to hit?" He looked her over, noting
she was lean, but not eager to hit her chest, knowing that hurt his female opponents when
fencing.

(reply Ariel)

He picked up a second pain stick and tried a coordinated attack in the air, just to make sure he
could manage the feat, if that's what Ariel wanted. It was a good thing he was ambidextrous as
the pain sticks were a bit cumbersome. They were obviously not really intended to be used as a
weapon, although he could see how one could use one.

He stood in front of her, ready to poke her hard, when she gave the signal. And then he'd back
off, let her step forward and poke her again, like he'd seen in the video.
(Reply Ariel)
(Posted by Keith)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar - Holodeck 1 SPA LT JG Ariel Trei - 20.30)

She made like she would in the real Rite. She stepped forward and experienced the jabbing
sensation of the pain sticks without the searing pain she will feel later. Pex did as good a job as
he could without witnessing the Rite in person. She continued down the gauntlet as she would
when she did the Rite for real. When she completed the gauntlet, she stepped out of the ring to
rest.

"Good job. Now lets do it for real. 4 progressive increments."

(Reply Pex)
(Posted by Edward)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar - Holodeck 1 - EO - Ensign Tegian Pex - 2032)

Tegian was starting to sweat. And he was a little worried. Ariel just ignored his questions and
that made him very nervous with the next step. Now, he could really hurt her.

"Okay." He hefted the pain sticks again. "I am ready when you are."

He assumed a stance to jab both pain sticks into her torso, each time for a longer period,
backing off and letting her come to him to indicate she was ready for the next set of jabs. When
she seemed like she would falter, he would hold them for a second longer and then pull them
away.

After the fourth time, he put them down and waited for her to make it to the end of the gauntlet.
From the videos he watched, he recognized he shouldn't help unless she needed medical
attention.

(Reply Ariel)
(Posted by Keith)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar - Holodeck 1 SPA LT JG Ariel Trei - 20.35)

She went through the gauntlet as said in the Rite. Each step along the gauntlet was more
painful than the last. When she finished the last station, it took a while to recover to full upright
position. She did not speak Klingon throughout the Rite as she will on Quo'nos. She turned to
face Tegian.

"Thank you. I think I am ready for the real ceremony of the Rite. It is customary to drink blood
wine to celebrate the completion of the Rite. I would be honored if you do that with me."
She told the computer to replicate a flask of Blood wine and two glasses. She poured some in
the glasses and gave one to Tegian. She raised her glass and said in English this time but it will
be in Klingon then. a common Klingon toast. "May your blood scream."

She waited for Tegian to drink before she did.

(Reply Pex)
(Posted by Edward)

(USS Illuminar - Holodeck 1 - EO - Ensign Tegian Pex - 2036)

"I would be honored." He took the glass and raised it and said, "'IwlIj jachjaj!" in almost passable
Klingon before draining the glass in one gulp. Over the glass, he look at Ariel, with one eyebrow
raised.

(Reply Ariel)
(Posted by Keith)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar - Holodeck 1 SPA LT JG Ariel Trei - 20.40)

He raised his glass and downed it honoring her with pretty good Klingon saying may your blood
scream as passionately as it should be said. She had a response usually used before a battle
that honor will soon come from a glorious battle. That will have to do in place of the dagger she
would surely get later. She downed her glass and a great sense of honor filler her.

"ghIlah ghE'e heart burn with the fire of a thousand suns"

There was no need to continue the program so she told the computer to save program before
ending the program. The arc appeared and she waited for Tegian to leave before she did. She
will run this program again to practice before the actual Rite. She left the Holodeck satisfied
that she was ready to become a warrior.

(Reply Pex iyw)
(Posted by Edward)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar - Holodeck 1 - EO - Ensign Tegian Pex - 2042)

Tegian watched her down the glass of blood wine and grabbed her shoulder saying, "majQa'!".
He was running out of Klingon phrases that he remembered from his childhood. He'd have to
refresh his memory.

The program ended, the door opened and Ariel seemed to be waiting for him to leave. She was
a mystery. He kept expecting her to communicate more. Perhaps she was sublimating the
Betazoid in her to prepare for her rite. Klingons were known to be more taciturn. He left the
holodeck and turned to face Ariel.

"I hope I was of some use to you, Ariel. Other than being somewhat hapless in attempting to
punch you, the pain sticks were at least close enough to a fencing weapon that I could be
accurate. Although causing you that kind of pain." Tegian grimaced. "I didn't enjoy doing that
to you. I hope it'll prove to be worth it when you undergo the real Rite."

(Reply Ariel)
(Posted by Keith)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Day 2
Stardate 2446.03.04
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar – Deck 11- Main Engineering – ACEO Ensign Tegian Pex - 1510)

Since T’shalaith had left him, Tegian had rapidly been reading everything he could find on
Quantum entanglements that he didn’t already know. He was frustrated that he couldn’t find
anything that related to other universes. And, that he couldn’t reference any of the papers
from Trill. He was on the right track with magnetic shielding, he just needed to give the
computer more time. Already it had spit out a few resonances, but the power requirements
were too high for his liking, so he had the computer keep going. He also wasn’t sure he
could put a magnetic shield around the ship while in warp. That was a question for Bohb.

He downloaded his current results to a PADD along with his equations and sync’d the
computer to the PADD to deliver any additional results it found.

He then hit his comm badge. “Tegian to Lieutenant Bohb. Lieutenant, I think I may have
discovered the source of the power drain and perhaps a solution, but I need help.”

=^=Bohb here. Really, that’s incredible. I’ve been running some tests myself with the gel
packs. I’ll be there shortly.”

“Could you meet with me and the Doctors Penn and Teller? I understand they are a little
hard to understand at times and they’ve never met me.”

A chuckle came over the comm line. =^=That might be the road to go. How much Earth
popular culture do you know?=^=

“Not much Lieutenant. I’ve seen a few movies. Why? Is that important to the power
drain?”

=^=Quantum physics?=^=
“I know quite a bit about quantum physics, sir. After all, we need to know the theory behind
how our engines work,” replied Tegian.

=^=Yeah, I better come with you. Meet me at Science Lab 3 in about ten minutes. Tegian,
do you drink?=^=

“Alcohol? Yes, sir. In moderation. I’ve been trying some of the different drinks available on
the Illuminar. I had a beer yesterday for the first time. These seem to be odd questions,
Lieutenant.”

=^=You’ll understand soon. Bohb out.=^=

(USS Illuminar - Deck 6 - Laboratory 3 - Drs. Gailus Penn and Teller, CEO Lt. Bohb, ACEO
Ensign Tegian Pex - 1518)

Tegian arrived to find the Lieutenant waiting for him. He held his PADD aloft. “I have
everything here, plus the computer will update any additional magnetic resonances it finds.
Shall we go in and explain everything to the Doctors and see if they can help?”

Bohb shook his head. ~Ah the exuberance of youth.~ He nodded and looked at the young
Trill thoughtfully. “First of all, let me assure you, nobody explains anything to Penn and
Teller. We will give them the information and let them ask you questions.
Understand?”

“Oh, okay. I meant explain everything I’ve tried to do so far,” explained Tegian. “But, I
figured they understood quantum entanglements better than I did. Some of the papers I just
read had their names on it.”

“Indeed you may have,” Bohb said, “however they, Teller especially, do not tolerate fools too
well. So let them look at your data. They will have an idea of what you’ve done to get it. If
they need clarification they will ask. I tell you this in your own best interest.”

“Understood, sir,” said Tegian, worried now that he was walking into unfriendly territory.

He tapped the door chime and waited for the door to open. When it did he ushered the
junior officer inside and stopped. He did not want to step into anything unexpected.

Inside the laboratory, the Tamarian was sitting at a table at the far end of the room. A small
table in front of him. The room smelled of grilled meat. Teller looked up as the door
opened, pulling a skewer off the table and holding it up for inspection. It was a concoction
of cubes of some meat, mushrooms, tomatoes and peppers layered on the skewer.
“Cogsworth, to Belle,” he said to his partner, “in the castle. Frank and Elise on the train.”

Standing up, the scientist started taking the rest of the skewers off the table, placing them
on a tray. “Po to Tai Lung, with the scroll.”

Tegian looked at Bohb, confused by the statements. Bohb chuckled. He leaned over and
whispered, “There is no secret ingredient.” Tegian nodded, no more enlightened, but
figuring it didn’t really matter.

He led Tegian over to the table, “Smells good gentlemen. I hope we’re not disturbing your
dinner.” He reached out and took a skewer, and took a bite of a piece of charred
vegetation. It had a smokey flavor to it he didn’t recognize, but it was delicious. He
indicated with a move of his head for Tegian to accept an offered skewer. He looked at
Penn and Teller and said, “Skadoosh.”

Tegian took a skewer. “Thank you, Doctor.” He tentatively took a bite, being careful not to
skewer himself in the process. It was hotter than he realized. He wasn’t sure what kind of
vegetable he was eating, but he knew it wasn’t meat. “It tastes a bit like what was on the
Philly Cheesesteak I had for lunch.”

“Gentlemen, I hate to disrupt your repast, but young Ensign Pex here has made a discovery
that we had hoped that you could make sense of,” Bohb said.

Tegian held out his PADD, not sure to whom to offer it. “Please.”

Teller turned around with four glasses, filled with a clear liquid, two olives on a wooden
skewer resting in the bottom of the glass. “Temba, his arms wide,” he said as he offered the
glasses to Tegian and Bohb.

Tegian took the glass with his free hand, “Thank you.” He sniffed it, not quite sure what it
was. Now the earlier question from Bohb made sense. It was alcohol. He took a cautious
sip. Whatever it was, it was strong by human standards.

Putting the tray down, he sat back and stirred his drink with the olives as he took the PADD.
Connecting it to some wires, he activated it, and the contents began to stream on the
screens in the lab.
As the Tamarian absently started taking the food off the skewer, he began to use the sharp
metal object as a pointer. “Fermi and Dirac, Rabi and Lamb?”

Tegian looked at Bohb. He recognized some of the names, vaguely, as Earth scientists, but
he had no idea what was being asked.

Bohb smiled and looked at the scientists and said, “Forgive him, he’s young.” Then he
turned back to Tegian, “You need to brush up on your quantum stats my young friend. Fermi
and Dirac refers to identical particles that obey the Pauli exclusion principle. Please tell me
you know that. And that you know a Lamb shift?”

Tegian chuckles. “Okay, so I need to translate it to human terms. I see. Well, we all need a
common reference and we’re all in Starfleet. I suppose that it’s fair to do so.

“Many of the Quantum mechanics terms are based on Earth resources for a common frame
of reference,” Penn interjected. “But many of our common references are based on
Tamarian and human culture so that we had a common frame of reference for each based
on the historical data we received from transmissions across the quadrant.”

“Oh. I wasn’t taught any of that on Trillius Prime, but I should be able to follow, albeit a bit
slowly.” Tegian wracked his brain. “The Pauli exclusion principle is that two or more
identical particles with half-integer spins can’t occupy the same quantum state within a
quantum system simultaneously. The Lamb Shift is a difference in energy between two
energy levels of the hydrogen atom. If I remember my human physics history, this allowed
the development of quantum electrodynamics. Is that what you were looking for?” asked
Tegian as he took another bite off the skewer and then a large drink of the alcohol before
realizing what he’d done. While it wasn’t stronger than some of the things he’d drunk on his
homeworld, it had a different kind of burn going down. He suppressed a cough and let the
burn continue into his stomach. He looked at the others, awaiting a continuation of the
conversation.

Teller took another drink and looked at the Trill. “Hund, Mandelstam and Lentovich
describing a tunnel. Born, the German, after Gamow.”


Pouring more liquid into Tegian’s glass, he started typing on a keypad under his ‘grill’ On
the screen danced colorful lines and points moving in multidimensional space. Each screen
had a different observation point. “Einstein and Rosen, their bridge across the universe.
Visser’s negative strings.” Some of the vectors started turning red. Others, green.

Pausing again, he pointed to Tegian, “Carl Perkins. Elvis, the thief.” Suddenly one of the
lines turned blue, and disappeared from the screen, only to appear again on a different
screen, with a time component .

Bohb had become engrossed in what was going on in the monitors. He nodded and turned
to Teller, “Elvis. Definitely Elvis.”

Tegian felt like he was being tested and he looked at Penn, who still hadn’t said anything, so
perhaps his intuition was right. “Quantum tunneling. Born, the German?” Tegian puzzled
over that. “Ah, Max Born, so Quantum Mechanics. I’m familiar with Albert Einstein. His is
a celebrated enough name in human history. And the bridge is what we have come to call
wormholes. I don’t know the name Visser. Is it something to do with wormholes?”

Tegian looked at the next screen and then at Bohb. “Carl Perkins? I don’t know of a
physicist or scientist by that name. Or Elvis. Are you trying to show me how we jumped
from one universe to another using a wormhole or an approximation of one?” asked Tegian,
a bit confused. This wasn’t going the way he thought it would. Then again, he wasn’t sure
how he thought this was going to go. He ate some more food off the skewer.

Penn grabbed the Trill by the shoulders and shook him. “Striker to the Doctor on the
Airplane. You don’t know two of the greatest human philosophers of the mid twentieth
century? Young man, you have been poorly educated. Allow me to further your studies.”

He went over to a console and tapped several commands in. Suddenly the room filled with
loud, driving music.

🎶 It’s one for the money… two for the show… three to get ready now go cat go, and don’t
you… step on my blue suede shoes. 🎶

Penn returned to Pex and said, “Now listen to the music and watch the blue line. If anyone
understood quantum mechanics it was Carl Perkins.

Tegian resisted the urge to cover his ears. This music was unlike anything played today
and anything he’d ever heard. “Yes, I don’t know my Earth culture. I’m sorry,” he said
loudly, trying to be heard over the music. He watched the blue line and listened to the
music. But, he wasn’t sure what he was supposed to be correlating between the two.

“Forgive me for being ignorant, but I’m not sure what this has to do with magnetic shielding
inside a warp field, Doctors,” he said. He took a long drink. “Wait, let me try this in your
verbiage.” He took another drink, hoping it would help. “Faraday and Zefram, combined.”
He frowned. “Did that make any sense?”

Teller looked at Pex, closed his eyes and shook his head.

Penn looked amusingly at the Ensign, “Well that depends on what you were attempting to
say. If you were talking about a connection between electromagnetic shielding and warp
field theory then… sort of.”

Bohb came up behind Pex and put his large hands on the junior engineer’s shoulders. “But
it was a good effort, my friend, and they do appreciate the effort. However, as to your
question about creating a magnetic shield around a warp field it will take me some time to
explain to you why that won’t work. But suffice it to say that it would create an unstable warp
field, since the magnetic resonance to maintain the plasma flow.”

He pulled the ensign to the monitor, “Watch the blue line. That is power levels random
changing levels in your magnetic field. But I get the impression that your theory is a good
start. Let’s give them some time to look at your theories.”

He paused to see the disappointment on Pex’s face. “Let me buy you a drink,” he said,
putting a glass in the Trill’s hand, and we can watch.”

“Actually, I was thinking about trying to create a magnetic shield within the warp field,”
replied Tegian, glad to be on the subject. “And, yes, the magnetic resonance can interrupt
the plasma flow. That’s where I was having problems. Plus, generating the magnetic field,
for some of the resonances, is almost as bad as the energy drain.” Tegian got very
animated. “ But, the magnetic shield cuts off all the quantum entanglements. That’s why I
came looking for help.” He held up his hands. “I read a lot of papers today. There’s
suggestions in them that this can work, if we can find the right resonance and solve the
interruption of the plasma flow.”

Tegian looked at the glass in his hand and drained it. He found something steady to lean
against and waited.
(Reply Dr.s Teller and Penn)
(Posted by Tim, Al and Keith)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar -Deck 3 - VIP Quarters - CMO/3XO Lt. Commander Quinna Solice, (MU) Sienna
Williams-Verin, Csec Lt. T’Mur and SecO, Ensign Galk - 1645)

Quinna stood there with her medkit. She needed her medical tricorder and an extractor to
retrieve a blood sample. She also was prepared with a broad-span hypospray just in case. She
walked next T’Mur. “Tell me about this Sienna. Anything I need to be alert about?” Quinna
asked.

“She is… different,” T’Mur said vaguely. “Different from our Sienna. Her basic shape is similar
though a bit more muscular. However, the big difference is in her eyes. I do not know why, and
it may not be very logical by Captain Sekal’s standards, but I do not trust her.”

“Has she had any adverse effects on you?” Quinna was a bit concerned.

The Vulcan shook her head, “Negative. My connection to Sienna has not transferred to
Giovanna. Beyond her own concerted efforts to mask her thoughts from me, she has had no
effect whatsoever.”

They stopped outside of the quarters assigned to their visitor and T’Mur touched the door
chime. When the door opened T’Mur stepped on first, then followed by Solice.

Galk watched the females enter then followed them inside. While his duty was to make sure that
the one they now called Giovanna didn't roam un-chaparoned around the ship the intent was to
insure she caused no trouble and being a bodyguard to the acting executive officer fit nicely into
that duty.

Quinna was in awe of how much of a perfect match she was to her Sienna but understood what
T’Mur was saying about her eyes.

“Hello,” Quinna said. “I am Dr. Solice. I wanted to check on your physical well-being.”

T’Mur stepped to the side, and stood near the door entrance watching what transpired next.

Lying reclined across the couch, Giovanna smiled. She looked very different than their current
Sienna did but much as she had before. The soft padding on Sy was all muscle on this woman
and the look in her eyes was harder.

Quinna stepped closer to a chair next to the couch. “May I sit? How are you feeling?” Quinna
was hoping to elicit a response. She made an observation of her health. She was trying to
judge if this Sienna was having any medical issues as well.

“Tired. I want to explore, but my Klingon bodyguard insists on keeping his eyes on me the
entire time. I’m not even allowed to rest in the bedroom without his glowering and he absolutely
refuses to play with me.” Giovanna pouted at Galk. “I’ve really been enjoying the food and drink
but the replicators won’t give me anything new to wear. I suppose that means I should just strip
and walk around the ship, but wouldn’t that be a sight. Damaging to your Sienna’s authority too.
I don’t care but my leather is getting ripe and I want to change.” She directed that barb towards
T’Mur.

Pulling a tricorder, Quinna started to scan the lady.

Giovanna reacted to the tricorder like it was a torture device. From how quickly and
automatically she swatted that thing into the wall, it was done without any rational decision.
Giovanna was unsurprised when Galk growled and came forward. “Of course Sekal’s stooge
would assist his pet torturer.” She spat, having rolled off the couch and away from Quinna when
Giovanna attacked the deadly tricorder.

T’Mur tensed, positioning herself to move to Quinna’s defense. Galk was there, but he was
further away than she was, and clearly had more of Giovanna’s attention than she did. She
moved closer, getting ready to reach out.

Quinna sized up Giovanna. This seemed like odd behavior. Quinna moved over to the woman
and made herself vulnerable by squatting next to her. “How about a little quid pro quo here?
You want clean clothes, and some privileges. I want to get a heath scan and a blood sample.
Work with me, and I have it in my power to allow you some things.”

Giovanna eyed Quinna like she was dangerous but didn’t attack her again. “My world doesn’t
trust, ever. The other version of you is very dangerous and likes to torture. Most of her toys look
normal but are not. If you hand it to me, I will ascertain whether or not it will harm me taking this
scan.” She wanted distance between herself and Quinna but with Galk moving in, she was
running out of escape routes.

“It is a good thing I am not her, but let's do this. You hand me the tricorder and I will hand you
the scanning node. You can use scan yourself with the medical node. Afterward, I will order
you some new clothes.” Quinna negotiated.

Giovanna handed over the tricorder. Quinna’s words weren’t de-escalating the situation, but it
was better than it was a few moments before. Giovanna was being careful not to scratch Quinna
with her nails when she snatched the scanning module from the other woman. Using it properly,
Giovanna scanned herself from the tip of her hair to the painted red nails on her hands and feet.
The scan showed the poison sack under one of her nails, but that it was apparently empty.
She’d gotten rid of that weapon in good faith.

Quinna was satisfied that it seemed to work. She was not sure if she was going to get that
blood sample. “Thank-you. Now let's see what we can do about your clothes.” Quinna stood
and her knees creaked as she stood. She held out a hand for the woman hoping that they
made a small breakthrough.

T’Mur moved next to Quinna, her eyes resting coolly on the other woman. Warning her to be
wary of how she touched the doctor. She could feel her mind reach out to scan, and shored up
her shields, making sure that she did not give her an entrance to Sienna.

Giovanna stood, not touching Quinna. Giovanna wasn’t fond of being touched under the best of
circumstances and this was certainly not it. As T’Mur moved closer, Giovanna took the time to
move away. “I can almost accept that the Doctor is not a torturer, but I can’t accept that you are
not the face of my nightmares.” At least she was being honest. She’d promised to be honest
after all.

“I suppose that I could always go raid the closet of this universe’s Sienna.” Giovanna watched
T’Mur for that reaction.

T’Mur’s eyes narrowed, “That will not be necessary.”

She disappeared into the bedroom, after shooting a warning look towards Galk, and went to the
replicator. A minute later she returned with an outfit from Sienna’s files that should fit her well
and was of a lighter material to make it easier to move around, and provide a little less
protection than the leather body armor she now wore. She dropped the clothing on the table by
the sofa.

“These should fit you,” the Vulcan said. “Let me know if they need adjustments.”

Giovanna took the clothing that was sitting beside her and went to the bedroom. She was being
followed by Galk.

“Seriously?” Giovanna stopped in the doorway, “Peta’Q! Leave me be!” Giovanna hissed at the
Klingon then turned to T’Mur, “My Princess would -never- allow what was hers to be so
disrespected by such filth.”

"You are not thl'ingan…" Galk rumbled, "... such an insult means nothing. You are here on the
Captain's license else I would thrash you for your challenge."

T’Mur gave the woman an impassive look then turned to Galk. “The captain has allowed our
guest some modicum of freedom Mr. Galk. She may have privacy to dress.”

The Klingon merely nodded and stepped to the side, he hadn't been preparing to watch her
undress though he was certainly male, merely setting himself before the door however
correcting the error was more trouble than it was worth.

Going into the bedroom, Giovanna stripped off her leathers, but left most of her jewelry on. She
felt odd not having her twin blades at her side. The blades had been passed down by her
betazoid side. She decided to humor her jailers, “Your Captain has my blades. If something
happens to me, make sure they get returned to Sophie Verin. They are heirloom blades,
passed down from mother to daughter through our Betazoid line.”

T’Mur shook her head, “Actually I have your blades, and they are safely stored in a secure
location.”

When the woman came back into the roomT’Mur was almost startled by the resemblance to her
Sienna. She had to admit that there was a physicality to her that was… enticing. She was
intrigued to see how she would perform in hand to hand combat.

Quinna stood there. Though Quinna was making the offers, T’Mur was following through. This
was going be harder to gain some trust. “Now, if you could be so kind as to return my
diagnostic node, I will leave you.” Quinna held out her hand waiting for the node.
Giovanna had left the node on the table by the sofa, so she walked over, her stride indicating
power. Snatching it up, Giovanna tossed it towards Quinna. Testing her reactions. Giovanna
didn’t do it consciously, part of her was always calculating, always trying to find the angle that
made her a winner. In her world that was the only thing that mattered. If you were not a winner,
then you were most likely dead, or wishing for the oblivion of death.

“I guess my job is done here,” Quinna said as she looked at T’Mur.

“I never thought of you as a coward, Doctor. My version of you certainly isn’t. Stay. Entertain me.
Ask me questions. Visit. Have you ever had egg rolls? I’ll get some from the replicator. Or
nachos. We don’t eat such food in my world.”

“Excuse me? Thank you but no thank you. Not hungry.” Quinna thought for a minute. She
looked at T’Mur and then back at the Mu Sienna. “Why were you running? I know it is more
than running away from an arranged marriage.”

Giovanna leaned back with a grin, “Not only, but you know that Vulcans bond mentally with their
partners. Since I was 16 or so, I was part of the resistance. I moved up in the ranks both on
mars and on the Illuminar, assassinating as I went until I met my match in Sekal. His loyal dog
over there is difficult at best to get past, but I’m settled nicely. Then Starfleet and Vulcan decide
that the Princess and I are -to wed- to secure the alliance. If she’d wanted a guy, she’d have
gotten my twin, but she wanted a girl.” Giovanna shrugged, “Needless to say the Princess
wasn’t a part of the Resistance. She’d break me and enjoy the process. When she catches up
to me, she is going to rape my mind and forcibly join us and because of what I am, i won’t be
able to hold anything back from her. Maybe if I were a full betazoid.” She shrugged, “When I’m
caught and you all are enslaved, I will spare a moment of pity for you, before she destroys my
psyche. And when that happens, my cell, and anyone vaguely associated with it, will be
revealed and destroyed. There is an Admiral in our ranks and that absolutely can not get out. So
I cut ties and ran.”

She got up and went over to the replicator and ordered Johnny Walker. Taking it out of the
replicator, she tossed it back and then coughed, “My God, what in the name of the Goddess is
that? It’s not whiskey.” Giovanna stared at the whiskey glass like it was foul. She slammed it
back into the replicator and moved back to the sofa.

“Our replicators can only create a semblance of an item,” T’Mur explained. “Synthehol has often
been met with disdain from those who have consumed more natural alcoholic beverages. The
benefit of synthehol is that the negative effects of drinking alcohol have been eliminated. Does
your universe not have such things?”

“Yes and no. We don’t drink synthehol. My world is much more violent, and we play hard."

“I can imagine,” T’Mur replied. “Perhaps Mr. Galk can be convinced to escort you to our Officer’s
Lounge to drink some real alcohol.”

Galk shrugged, if alcohol made her violent it would be good to know and he wasn't afraid of a
little row.

T’Mur looked at the woman wearing Sienna’s clothing style, thinking about Sekal’s words
"I look forward to the excursion, and I look forward to meeting your version of the enslaved
entity." Referring to Luma.

T’Mur bristled slightly at the reference to Luma as a slave, “Luma is not a slave to the
Federation or to the Illuminar. She is a free entity, a part of the ship, and a valuable member of
the crew. I would appreciate it if you referred to her as such. If she so chooses to meet with
you it will be by her leave, not by ours.”

Gio looked back at T'Mur, the last of her telepathic blockers fading. "I promised the Captain that
I would report when the blockers wore off. I am not sure if he decided that I would keep my
abilities." Having moved back to the couch, she leaned back.

All of a sudden Quinna felt like an intrusion It seemed like she was invisible in the room all of a
sudden. “Do you know how you crossed over to our universe?” Quinna said diverting the
conversation back to her. She was wondering if she was still in the invisible mode.

“Yes. I used the anomaly’s energy and surfed it. I gave the equations to the Captain, and he has
the cloaked shuttlecraft. I gave him access to it, in good faith. When I saw the Rhyne being
pulled back into the anomaly, I piloted myself close then slipped in when the shields were down.
There was enough time for me to get in.” Giovanna shrugged.

T’Mur observed Giovanna as she answered Quinna’s inquiries. There was something… off with
her responses. She was calm and relaxed. Perhaps a little too much so. It was as if she were
making an effort to not looked threatened. And that may have been all there was to it. She didn’t
want to appear weak in front of, especially, the woman who resembled her princess. But it
seemed more than that.

“May I ask one final question?” T’Mur asked.

Giovanna looked to T’Mur, narrowing her eyes but she nodded curtly.

“Do you feel that your trip through the anomaly has altered you in any way?” she asked. “Do you
feel different? Off?”

“Yes. I feel less tense more relaxed, like something is telling me that it’s all right to relax, to
rest, that I’m safe. I’ve never been safe in my life before. It’s intoxicating.” Gio looked surprised
that she had answered so honestly. “I see a gaunt woman sitting on a turquoise couch, with a
purple throw wrapped around her. She’s got a white streak in her hair and is so thin.” Gio shook
her head trying to dispel the images.

“Your doctor wanted a blood sample. I want to play. Come try and take it. We could go to a gym
if you wish.” A slight tip up of her lips.

T’Mur’s eyes narrowed at the description she gave of Sienna and how her mate had left her.
Was she describing what she saw now, or what she was seeing through T’Mur’s mind? She
checked her mental safeguards to find them intact. Then she looked over at Quinna who shook
her head.

“Perhaps another time,” T’Mur said, answering to her challenge.
“Then I wish you a pleasant day. I am hungry..again. I’ve never eaten so much before and it
seems like I’m shrinking. All I want to do is eat, and eat.” She shugged, standing up and
heading for the replicator again, “And if you could send over some real whiskey I’d really
appreciate it. After all, a girl on the eve of her death should get her wishes, mhmm?”

“Do you believe you are going to die tonight?” The Vulcan was surprised.

“Not tonight, Vulcan. Soon though. When my Princess catches me, my death will be a blessing,
mercy. Hopefully, it will happen sooner before she begins the process of breaking me to her
will.” Gio’s voice caught in her throat as if she was incredibly aroused. And the way Gio’s eyes
fastened onto T’Mur promised that if they tangled she’d do her best to win.

“And you, Doctor?” Gio turned her eyes onto Quinna, but in a much different way, the way a
predator would eye potential prey. “Do you wish to play? I wouldn’t want you left out.” Gio was
projecting the innocent, dangerous thrill.

Quinna suddenly grabbed Gio’s hand and applied a hypospray, “You already have. I think you
would rather play with Lt. T’Mur.” Quinna let go of Gio and stood. “I gave you a neuro-inhibitor.
You are not allowed in anyone’s head.”

T’Mur watched Quinna move and prepared herself to defend her. Her hands were already set to
grab this Giovanna and she stepped forward. But Quinna had applied her hypospray and moved
away before either of them could react further.

“I am not in the mood to play. I am sure if you need help, someone will be able to assist you.”
Quinna did not feel comfortable in the room anymore. She felt more of a pawn in a bigger game
that was to happen.

The Vulcan could sense her friend's sudden discomfort and put a hand on her arm. “I believe we
are done here, Doctor.”

Then she turned to Giovanna and said, “I am not your princess and I seriously doubt that I am
anything like her. However, rest assured that if you try anything like that again you will have to
wait for her to die. I will have Luma monitor any telepathic activity from you. I do not believe that
you and I have the same definition of play. I believe when you say play you want someone to
get injured. Whether it is your partner or yourself.”

She turned to usher Quinna from the room. As they approached the door she turned back.

“As I said, I do not know your Princess,” T’Mur said, “but as long as you are on this ship you
should be more wary of me than of her. She would have to destroy this ship to get you and that
is not as easy as you might believe.”

With that, the door opened, they stepped out and the door closed.

(Replies none)
(Posted by Mel G., Charles G, Al M., and Kris B.)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar -- Corridor -- Deck 2 -- 3XO/CMO Lt Commander Quinna Solice -- 1730)
Quinna stepped out of the VIP Quarters and took a few steps down the corridor. She saw
Michael’s quarters. She knew that they were close to her quarters. She turned, “Lt, follow me,
please.”

(Reply T’Mur)

The two went to Quinna’s quarters and entered.

(USS Illuminar -- Quinna’s Quarters -- Deck 2 -- 3XO/CMO Lt Commander Quinna Solice --
1732)

“Lt. is it customary to step in front of your commanding officer or is it just me?”

(Reply T’Mur)

“If I was Captain Sekal or Commander Verin, would you jump into their conversations or just
stand back until you are cued in to the conversation?” Quinna asked. Deep down she knew
that T’Mur would not have acted in the manner that the did when Quinna was in the room.

(Reply T’Mur)

“Remember, Lt. you were not asked to join me. You informed me that you were going. I did not
question that because I probably you were following orders of Captain Sekal or Commander
Verin, but when we were there…” Quinna said in her normal voice. She never raised her voice
or showed her anger in talking with Lt. T’Mur, “Lt. I am the type that would like to establish trust
but you seemed to stop me in my steps every time. I offered her clothing, you took care of that
yourself. I started to ask questions and when she replied to me, you replied instead,
overstepping me. I feel that you have no confidence in me and that I have not earned your
respect as a commanding officer.” Quinna paused for a moment. “I am sure you are going to
go and report this to Commander Verin. Perhaps she will have my command privileges revoked
and then you can take my place.”

(Reply T’Mur)

“Let’s hope this does not end up on your service record. Dismissed, Lieutenant,” Quinna said
calmly.

(Reply T’Mur IYW)
(posted by Kris B)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar -- Corridor -- Deck 2 -- CSec - Lt T’Mur -- 1731)

T’Mur followed Quinna out of Giovanna’s quarters. The move to have her leave was logical, but
she knew that she and Quinna would need to debrief before this was actually over. Then Solice
turned and looked at her. She was having a difficult time reading what was in the third officer’s
eyes.

“Lt, follow me, please.”
~Lieutenant? This was to be official then. Just as well.~. She followed Solice to her quarters
and entered, realizing it was the first time she’d ever been there.

(USS Illuminar Deck 2 - Quinna’s Quarters - 3XO/CMO Lt Commander Quinna Solice - 1735)

Suddenly Quinna began to speak. Her voice was even and calm, but there was an edge to it.

“Lt. is it customary to step in front of your commanding officer or is it just me?”

T’Mur considered the question for a moment before responding. “I believe I acted in a manner
which Persians to my role as Chief of Security. If I perceive a threat I will intervene.”

“If I was Captain Sekal or Commander Verin, would you jump into their conversations or just
stand back until you are cued in to the conversation?” Quinna asked.

This time she tilted her head slightly, perplexed, “I am uncertain as to any time that I “jumped
into” your conversation Lt. Commander. If you feel I overstepped my authority as Chief of
Security I apologize. It was not my intention. However, I assure you that I did not act any
differently than if any other officer were there. Well, perhaps not the Captain, but I also feel
more confident in his ability to withstand the telepathic manipulations of Giovana.”

“Remember Lt., you were not asked to join me. You informed me that you were going. I did not
question that because I probably thought you were following orders of Captain Sekal or
Commander Verin, but when we were there…” she paused.

“Lt. I am the type that would like to establish trust, but you seemed to stop me in my steps every
time. I offered her clothing, you took care of that yourself. I started to ask questions and when
she replied to me, you replied instead, overstepping me. I feel that you have no confidence in
me and that I have not earned your respect as a commanding officer.”

“I am sure you are going to go and report this to Commander Verin. Perhaps she will have my
command privileges revoked and then you can take my place.”

The pain of Quinna’s words finally struck a chord with the Vulcan. Her eyes narrowed as she
contemplated her next statement. But Solice had cast out a great deal of ire towards her in her
statements

“Let’s hope this does not end up on your service record. Dismissed, Lieutenant,” Quinna said
calmly.

When she spoke, T’Mur was clear and cold. All emotion stricken from her face and voice. If
Quinna’s intention was to end their friendship she had just succeeded. If Sienna decided to
pursue the relationship she would not stand in the way. But as far as T’Mur was concerned a
positive work relationship was the best the doctor could hope to achieve.

“If this is something that belongs in my service record and has a deleterious effect on my career
then I will accept that. If you feel that I overstepped my role as Chief of Security I do apologize.
No, I was not “invited”, as you put it. However, a command officer was going to interview and
examine a dangerous, and most like unscrupulous guest on our ship. I would say that it falls on
the Chief of Security to ensure the safety of all members of the crew, especially the command
staff. And if you will excuse me for saying so, Lt. Commander, you are not adequately prepared
to handle an opponent such as Giovanna. So yes, I availed myself to the detail. If I overstepped
the boundary of my position it would have been in your best interest to inform me before we
entered. I would, as I should, acquiesce to your requests.”

She moved to the other side off Quinna, closer to the door. “As far as offering Giovanna clothing
I simply did not relish the prospect of the woman going through Sienna’s clothing. Perhaps there
was a modicum of emotion in my intent, and desire to protect my mate. But to my knowledge I
never overstepped your questions. If I overstepped, it was because I could sense her attempt to
manipulate you telepathically and I wished to remove you from that danger. It may not be an
adequate excuse but it was my reason. If I deserve a negative report on my record then I will
accept tha.”

She turned to the door and stopped. “I will leave you with this piece of advice. You seem to feel
that I took your authority, your power, away from you. An Earth poet, Alice Walker, once said,
”The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any.” You are
a strong woman who has earned her place in command, as I have earned my position as Chief
of Security. And if you believe that I would use my relationship with Commander Verin to
improve my position on this ship then your perception of me, and of her, is pretty poor. It is very
difficult to insult a Vulcan. But I believe you have done just that.”

She turned to door and didn’t look back when she said, “Good bye, Lt. Commander. I look
forward to reading your report on my behavior.”

(reply Solice, IYW)
(posted by Al Muir)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar Deck 2 - Quinna’s Quarters - 3XO/CMO Lt Commander Quinna Solice - 1740)

Quinna dropped her tricorder on the couch and went to her replicator where she ordered up a
cheesecake and some coffee. She reflected on the conversation she just had. She was not
going to go and apologize. Quinna believed she was not wrong.

Filing a grievance in T’Mur's record was a bit extreme. Although she was upset that she was
treated differently because she was human. True that Humans may not have the mental
strength that Vulcans have, but Quinna felt that it did not justify T’Mur’s actions. She felt that
maybe T’Mur was too emotional when it came to the Alternate Sienna.

As for the Friendship, Quinna knew she could separate her personal and professional life. Their
friendship was in the hands of T’Mur.

(reply none)
(posted by Kris B)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar FO's family Quarters - FO Commander Sienna Williams-Verin - 1900)
Something was bothering Sienna. Intruding on her sleep. Waking up she looked around their
quarters for a long moment, trying to figure out what had disturbed her rest. Something was
wrong with T'Mur. The telepathic blockers in her quarters were still operational and for the first
time since returning from the Rhyne so unexpectedly, Standing up, Sienna tested her legs.
They seemed to be interested in actually functioning, and there was little of the weakness that
had been there. Her nerves no longer seemed to misfire as she took a cautious step towards
the nearest telepathic blocker and turned it off.

Standing there, by the ship's wall, some of the telepathic noise seemed to drift in. It wasn't
terrible, or overwhelming like it had been. Closing her eyes, she recalled the very first lessons
in telepathic control that Sophie Verin had taught her twin children, then the adopted children
she welcomed into her home and heart. Sienna counted her adopted siblings as full members
of the Clan, though she knew that some of the children struggled with their identities. A thought
for another time.

Slowly, Sienna built the proper shields. Flimsy, thin, and they wouldn't keep out a concentrated
assault. There were easier ways to do this. She could call Riven and ask him to impose shields
on her from the outside. She could call Quinna...

No, she couldn't call Quinna. Something was wrong with Quinna. That was what had woken her.
Something had disturbed T'Mur. Something to do with Quinna. So Sienna would investigate.

Moving slowly to her bedroom, she turned off another of the telepathic inhibitors. Sy knew that
they made the other telepaths on the ship itchy, so she was determined that she wouldn't
require them.

Another few, not shaky steps to her closet, pulling out one of the form fitting dresses that T'Mur
preferred. But on Sy's gaunt body, it hung like a tent. This was...frustrating.

"Computer, input the latest medical scans and formulate an outfit based on those scans, and my
fashion file." Obediently the computer spit out an outfit. Long flowing skirt, tight bodice, sandals.
The outfit did nothing to hide the gauntness, but it fit and she didn't feel like she was wearing a
tent. Would she make it to the pony on her own? That might be pushing things a bit.

Drifting over to the vanity, Sy studied her face. The dark circles under her eyes didn't seem to be
as pronounced and her cheeks didn't seem as hollow. She cautiously thought that she was
recovering. Moving around her quarters to turn off the two other telepathic blockers, Sy sat on
her couch and just felt the ship come alive around her.

Tapping her comm badge, "Commander Verin to Lt. T'Mur - would you be so kind as to meet me
in the prancing pony for a meal?"

Waiting for T's reply, Sy told Luma, telepathically, to send her to the prancing pony.

(Reply T'Mur)
(posted by Mel)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar - Deck 5 - Counselir's Office - Counselor Dr. Riven Mias- 1902)
There hadn't been much to do after the initial trauma of penetrating the Maelstrom and Alaya
was doing her job, considering she was the senior counselor here he deferred to her. It was
awkward at times since Alaya routinely deferred to him but he would kick it back at her until her
schedule filled then would take the overflow. Doctor Riven Mias above all was a mind healer
and Ambassador and his time here was to help, not to take over.

 At the moment the Betazoid was taking time between appointments, the next being about an
hour away and ruminating. His mind was active as always testing the mood of the ship. It was a
pleasant shock and surprise when a mind that had been absent abruptly 'woke up' and made
itself known.

"Turned off your telepathic blockers Sienna?" His face lit in a pleased smile as he sensed her
building her mental shields. The sensation of them continued to get stronger though they were
at a low level.

The charms in his long, white hair sounded lightly as he began to chuckle and nod his head.
"Good, good. Our resident patient is getting stronger and testing her limits."

He sent out a telepathic communication. ::Alaya do you sense it? Sienna Verin is waking up.
With your permission I'm going to have an impromptu meeting with her to see how she's
feeling.::

(Reply: Alaya)

:: Oh, stop that. I'm just letting you know my plans for the day. Think of it as a visit from a
concerned friend. I'll let you know what I find.::

(Reply: Alaya)

:: Very good.::

He ended the communication and stood to his feet, smoothed the while robe which he always
wore during mind healing sessions and began walking to the door. The chimes on his sandals
tinkled merrily as he moved. When Riven walked about the ship he became a softly musical,
smiling and mood lightening center of attention. He could have communicated with Sienna
telepathically if he wished but forcing her to juggle that with her shields in her weakened state
wasn't an option at this point.

He strolled down the hall to the lift, nodding and smiling to the crewmen he passed. Illuminar
didn't hold a large crew so random passers-by on the medical deck were few.

"Deck 2." He said as he entered and stood with that smile on his face as it moved.

(Reply: Any)

(Posted by Charles G)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar – Deck 14 – Csec Office - CSec - Lt. T’Mur - 1915)
T'Mur sat at her desk perusing the reports of the Alpha shift team leaders, but a portion of her
mind was still replaying the events with … Giovanna. She found the woman to be both an
assault to her sensibilities and attractive at the same time. It was an odd realization. The
woman was clearly dangerous, and she had to wonder how much of the interaction with Quinna
afterwards might have been affected by her telepathic influence.

She had gone over the interactions time and time again, trying to see where she might have
overstepped her authority or even propriety. She just wasn’t sure. She needed input from
others, but did not have anyone she could turn to without involving them in the conflict. Quinna
had clearly been upset, yet she had been so calm and collected. She had mad effort not to
show emotions. Perhaps that was what was most disturbing.

She had to accept, for the moment, that from her perspective, Quinna felt she’d been slighted.
However the one statement that she was having the most trouble with was the last.

“I am sure you are going to go and report this to Commander Verin. Perhaps she will have my
command privileges revoked and then you can take my place.”

Where did that comment come from? She had never indicated any desire to replace Quinna as
third officer, or to be XO in Sienna’s absence from the bridge. Why would she say that? That
was the statement that was driving the wedge between their friendship. She could accept that
she could have miscalculated her responses to Giovanna, and that perhaps she may have even
reacted with… emotion. But for her to accuse her of using her relationship to further her
career? That was unacceptable. But who could she ask advice from. Clearly not Sienna, that
would feed right into Quinna’s fears. Sekal? Would that be even worse?

Suddenly the Vulcan felt a slight activity along her telepathic connection to Sienna. Her mind
immediately focused and began to trace along the line of the disturbance.

=^=Commander Verin to Lt. T'Mur - would you be so kind as to meet me in the prancing pony for
a meal?=^=

She tapped her comm badge, surprises, not only to hear her mate’s voice but to hear her offer.
When she last left her, Sienna was feeling as though her condition was worsening. Now she
was ready to venture out. She had no idea what had changed but she had to take her up on the
opportunity.

“It would be my pleasure, Commander,” T’Mur replied. “I will see you shortly.”

She took one more look on her monitor for the report from Quinna that had never come then
shut it down. Standing up, T’Mur smoothed down her uniform, and brushed out her long hair,
tying it back in a ponytail. Finally she headed out towards her destination,

(reply none)
(posted by Al Muir)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Day 3
Stardate 2446.03.05
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar- Deck 6 - Laboratory- CO, Captain Sekal -- 1018)

They were traversing a hostile space but the course to Bajor was technically clear of enemy
forces for most of that distance so the Captain had been doing something he had been afforded
little opportunity up to now.

The workstation in the lab was currently set up with the framework he had downloaded from the
personal PADD he had brought into the fleet with him along with the crystal that had eventually
turned the technological status quo upon its head. That framework had been his final doctorate
work in stellar mechanics. It was something he had intended to test upon being posted to Mars
but Admiral Remae's orders had forced him to focus on the Anelurian crystal exclusively as well
as updating other Federation technology. All that remained was to initiate the program.

He picked up the mug of water and was about to take a sip when his combadge chirped.

=^= Solice to Captain Sekal. =^=

"Sekal here." Was his reply.

=^= Sir, we have encountered a small ship that seemed to be damaged. Scans have confirmed
the damage. The individual seems to indicate that we are in danger and was willing to help as a
trade. Right now the ship is being towed into Shuttlebay 2. Lt. T’Mur has been the one in
contract with the Ferb and I sent her as lead on this one. =^=

"Understood." The order was a logical one. He gave the console a long glance, once again his
research would have to wait. "On my way."

(Reply: Quinna)

Taking the mug with him he stepped into the corridor but stopped at the door. "Luma seal this
lab, no entry allowed except on my order."

There was nothing here that would compromise the ship or crew but he could not allow
tampering with the program, any alteration would render the results unusable.

Having done so he strode to the lift.

(USS Illuminar- Deck 1 - Bridge - CO, Captain Sekal -- 1025)

The door opened and he stepped once again into the nerve center of the ship.

"All stations report." He said as he strode to the command chair and slipped into it.

(Reply: All)

(Posted by Charles G)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar- Deck 10 - Shuttlebay - Merchant (MU) P’Rah, CSEC - Lt. T’Mur- 1020)
Larry strode into the Shuttlebay to be met by the glares of his two former best friends. He
slowed his pace for a moment, then took a deep breath and plodded forward.

“Gentlemen,” Day said, trying to ease the tension.

“Hey there… umm.. Larry,” Ned stumbled over his words. He was uncomfortable knowing that
this man had intimate information about him, but he barely knew Lucky Day. He literally just
appeared weeks ago.

“I didn’t know you were on this shift,” Bottoms said, trying to engage as little as possible.

“Is that a problem?” Lucky asked.

“As a matter of fact,” Sandy started, but Ned cut him off.

“No,” Ned said, “not a problem. It was inevitable, really. We’re going to have to get used to used
to you Larry.”

With that the door to the bay opened and T’Mur walked in. She noted the air of tension in the
group.

“Is there a problem gentlemen?” she asked.

“No, no problem,” Ned countered.

“Good,” T’Mur said. “Let’s greet our guest. Be ready for any danger.”

She led the team to the hatch and tapped her comm badge.

“Attention occupant of the Ferb, you may disembark now.”

P’Rah grabbed his jacket. He felt like he was going to need it. Slipping it on, he stepped off his
ship but only took a couple of steps away from it. “Oh my, your highness. Well you look like her
at least. I am P’Rah.”

T’Mur raised an eyebrow at the greeting, “Princess indeed? I am not a princess, by far.
However I am aware of someone that is similar to me.” She chose not to divulge of the Caitian
twin on the Rhyne.

P’Rah leaned against his ship like a cool cat. “So you are really from the other side huh?”

“That depends of what you mean from ’the other side’,” T’Mur replied.

“You come from the Mirror universe. Your dead give away is that your ship is marked USS. You
know that will get you killed here. Since the Kirk came through, we have had more crossings
than there ever should have been.” P’Rah said.

“Intriguing,” T’Mur said. “The existence of an alternate universe is widely known among those on
this side of the portal. I am curious about the perception of our universe.”

“You do not want to know what will happen with your ship and crew if you were caught.” P’Rah
She raised an eyebrow at the threat, “The Illuminar is not without its ability to defend itself. But I
appreciate your warning. You claimed that you can help us. How could you help us?”

“If you are not going to heed my advice and remove your markings, perhaps you would want a
map of the sector. You know, places where it is safe for you and where you need to stay away
from.”

T’Mur looked at the trader skeptically. She recognized his style from her time with her parents.
She wondered what her parents were like in this universe. They had rejected her in their own.
But they were merchants. Her near instinctive need to haggle with the Cait.

“And what would you desire for this information?” she asked.

“I would consider that more than proper restitution for fixing my ship.”

T’Mur considered his proposal. Having such information could save them time and conflicts, in
the long run. It is possible that it might even help them find the Rhyne and their missing crew.

“I will give your proposition to our captain,” she said. “In the meantime I will arrange for our
engineering staff to evaluate the repairs your ship will require.”

“You know you are not the first USS ship I have found. You are like the third. But I am going to
give you something free of charge.” P’Rah rifled through his jacket. “I have this data strip. I
found it on a salvage called the USS Nautilus. And I had forgotten about it when I did some
trading with the other USS ship.” P’Rah said.

“What other ships have you run across?” T’Mur asked, taking the offered strip.”

R’Rah thought for a moment. “I cannot remember the name. I ran into them on Betazed. Cute
little girl though.”

“Little girl?’ T’Mur was intrigued further. They hadn’t sent any little girls over in the away team.
Do you remember any names?”

“There was a man named Eggery.” P’Rah said. “I can…” but was cut off.

“Eggery? Could you possibly mean Gregory?” T’Mur inquired.

“I am sure I heard Eggery. Look I can tell you more after I get my computer fixed. I keep
records on them because my short term memory was stolen from me.” P’Rah added.


That was a whole other story that may or may not require explanation, later. In the meantime, it
now became more imperative to get this P’Rah’s vessel back in working order. She tapped her
comm badge.

“T’Mur to Lt. Bohb, I need and engineering team in the shuttlebay immediately to evaluate a
craft just brought on board.

=^=Roger that Lieutenant. I’ll send someone now.=^=
“Thank you,” she said, “T’Mur out.” Then she turned back to P’Rah. “Someone will be up soon.
Meanwhile I will explain the situation to the captain. Wait here. When I come back we’ll get you
situated with accommodations.”

“Thank-you, Ma’am. But you do not have to go to all that trouble. I can stay right here on my
ship.” P’Rah nodded his head as if he was tipping his cap to her.

T’Mur nodded back, turned and headed out of the Shuttlebay leave the three security men to
watch over him. She tapped her comm badge on the way out.

“T’Mur to Sekal and Solice, I wish to speak with you. Are you available now?”

(Reply Sekal and Solice)
(posted by Al Muir, Kris B)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar- Deck 1 - Bridge - CO. Captain Sekal - 1021)

=^= T’Mur to Sekal and Solice, I wish to speak with you. Are you available now? =^=

"Affirmative." Sekal replied. He had been going over the readings taken of the small ship they
had taken aboard which showed evidence of a fault in the reactor which powered it owing to the
radiation it had been emitting. "I will meet you in the Flight Control Center in five minutes."

He ended the comm then hit the direct channel to Engineering. "This is the Captain, send a
decontamination detail to the main hanger bay along with a repair team. The merchant ship will
need additional measures due to a leak in their reactor core."

(Reply: Engineering)

He ended the communication and stood to his feet.

(USS Illuminar- Deck 10 - Flight Operations Control Center - CO. Captain Sekal - 1027)

He entered the control room to find T'Mur and Solice already in attendance along with the
Operations crew who were busy routing maintenance crew around the small ship which was
taking up a large amount of space in the main hanger. The addition of three fighters on the
Illuminar had already made space in the bay a much reduced commodity.

He moved toward the two. "What is the issue?"

(Reply: T'Mur, Solice)

(Posted by Charles G)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar- Deck 11 - Main Engineering - ACEO - Ensign Tegian Pex - 1023)
Tegian was sitting at one of the workstations still


He ended the comm then hit the direct channel to Engineering. "This is the Captain, send a
decontamination detail to the main hangar bay along with a repair team. The merchant ship will
need additional measures due to a leak in their reactor core."

=^= Acknowledged, Captain. A team will be sent immediately. Ensign Pex, out. =^=

Tegian looked around the room and motioned to four other ensigns. "Okay, you heard the
Captain. We're needed in the main hangar bay for decontamination along with repair. Since the
Lieutenant isn't here, I'll take care of handling the repairs with one of you, leaving the other three
to handle decontamination. Check the ship's engines to make sure there isn't any antimatter or
plasma leakage. Take appropriate precautions."

Tegian got nods from the other four.

(USS Illuminar- Deck 10 - Main Shuttlebay - ACEO - Ensign Tegian Pex, 4 unnamed EO
Ensigns - 1030)

The five engineers arrived at the Main Shuttlebay, tricorders in hand, assessing the ship from
afar before approaching. Scanning, they found nothing alarming and came closer, noticing the
three security officers stationed outside.

Tegian nodded to three of his engineers to start scanning the outside of the ship, while he and
the other approached security. 'Hello Larry. We've been asked to do some repairs on this ship.
May we enter?"

(reply Larry)
(Posted by Keith)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar- Deck 10 - Flight Operations Control Center - 3XO/CMO Lt. Commander Quinna
Solice - 1030)

Quinna received the call but had already left the bridge by that time. She made her way to the
flight deck where she waited for the Captain to attend.

“Lt. How is the merchant doing?” Quinna asked looking around and not seening anyone she
did not already know.

(Reply T’Mur)

Quinna turned when she heard the captain open the door.

He moved toward the two. "What is the issue?"

Quinna turned to look at T’Mur as she held the answers.

(Reply T’Mur, Sekal)
“Has Dr. Quincy checked out the merchant yet?” Quinna asked.

(Reply: T'Mur, Sekal)
(Posted by Kris B)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar- Deck 10 - Flight Operations Control Center – CSec – Lt. T’Mur - 1031)

T’Mur was standing at the entrance of Flight Ops when Solicearrived. It was the first time they’d
been, mostly, alone since Quinna registered her displeasure at T’Mur’s performance with
Sienna’s doppleganger. Since nothing had been said earlier T’Mur assumed that the tension
was past, but she would be more careful today.

“Lt. How is the merchant doing?” Solice asked

The Vulcan shrugged, “I am uncertain of his physical well being, however he appears
undamaged.”

Sekal then came into the center and stepped over to them.

"What is the issue?" Sekal asked.

“There is no “issue” per se,” T’Mur replied. “However I did wish to report my interaction with…
Captain if the vessel. His name is P’Rah.” She let that sink in a moment.

“Apparently he is a… transporter of good from a nefarious source,” the security chief went on.
He is very concerned for our well being. He believes that our ships marks creates a hazard. He
has offered to guide us in order to avoid unwanted conflict. I thought it best to present you both
with his offer.”

“Has Dr. Quincy checked out the merchant yet?” Quinnaasked.

“Negative,” T’Mur replied. “His medical condition did not appear to warrant an immediate
medical assessment and no medical team has been called to shuttlebay. Do you have cause to
believe that he might require medical assistance?”

(reply Quinna)

"I also believe that he may have been in contact with the Rhyne." T'Mur added. "He said that he
had run across other Federation starships. I believe one of them may have been the Rhyne. He
mentioned dealing with a man named Eggery. I believe it is too close to be a coincidence.”

(reply Solice/ Sekal)

Finally she produced the data strip P’Rah had given her, “He also gave me this. With your
permission, I was going to find what was on it.”

(reply Sekal/Solice)
“Would you care to meet the pilot?”

(reply Solice, Sekal)
(posted by Al Muir)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar- Deck 10 - Flight Operations Control Center – CSec – CO, Captain Sekal -
1033)

Sekal was greeted by an exchange between the two officers.

“Lt. How is the merchant doing?” Solice asked

“I am uncertain of his physical well being, however he appears undamaged.”

"What is the issue?" He asked, wondering why he had been called down for the impromptu
meeting.

 “There is no “issue” per se, however I did wish to report my interaction with… Captain if the
vessel. His name is P’Rah.”

The Captain did not find that in the least surprising. Documented interactions in the mirror
universe pointed to a serendipitous gathering of mirror opposite individuals. As a Vulcan the
Captain was not a believer in fate or destiny, these things were unquantifiable and not open
to logical interpretation therefore they were not considered. Logic however was not
applicable as the meeting of a handful of individuals within a Galaxy composed of billions
of beings happened on a repeated basis. The logical hypothesis then was that even though
opposites in attitude or deed the activities of those individuals would tend to bring them
together despite the long odds.

“Apparently he is a… transporter of good from a nefarious source,” the security chief went
on. He is very concerned for our well being. He believes that our ships marks creates a
hazard. He has offered to guide us in order to avoid unwanted conflict. I thought it best to
present you both with his offer.”

“Has Dr. Quincy checked out the merchant yet?” The question came from Solice.

“Negative. His medical condition did not appear to warrant an immediate medical
assessment and no medical team has been called to shuttlebay. Do you have cause to
believe that he might require medical assistance?”

(reply Quinna)

“Would you care to meet the pilot?”
The Captain gave a slight shrug. "It would be logical to meet with him as I consider his
offer."

He turned to one of the Flight technicians. "Have the pilot of the vessel brought in."

(Reply: T'Mur, Solice, P'rah)

(Posted by Charles G)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>