Compile summary Your adoring FO -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2406.10.25 (USS Mystique - Sickbay - Jennah Winters-Dark - 1740) (USS Mystique - Personal quarters - Dr. Riven Mias & CO Winters- 1820) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2406.10.26 (USS Mystique - Sickbay -- Dr. Terry Markstein -- 1130) (USS Mystique -CSO's Office - CSO Ketal - 1220) (USS Mystique -- Corridor - Dr. Terry Markstein - 1437) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Mystique - Conference Room - Ensign Jason Dema - 1046) (USS Mystique - Ten-forward - Ensign Mason Garrett - 1138) (USS Mystique - Chief of Operations Office, Deck 14 - Ensign Mason Garrett - 1235) (USS Mystique - quarters - Ensign Jason Dema - 1305) (USS Mystique - Holodeck Four- Ensign Angeni O. Windsong-Trommashere- 1402) (USS Mystique - Holodeck - Ensign Cytnhia Darson - 1404) (USS Mystique - Holodeck - Ensign Mason Garrett - 1405) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Begin compile Stardate: 2406.10.25 (USS Mystique - Sickbay - Jennah Winters-Dark - 1740) :: Jennah. I know you are scared now and that is to be expected. You must understand it was not your mothers' choice to put you into danger and she is going through some things that are hard to deal with right now too.:: Jennah looked over at Riven, then turned away again, makign sure he wasn't touching her. ::I don't care.:: Jennah replied telepathically. ::She never has time for me anymore, but she has time for Ketal and Herk and lots of others, but never me. When she was on the Nimitz she made time.:: Riven sighed and moved a bit to ease his sore muscles. ::You really don't understand the responsibility and weight of the command your mum has taken on Jennah and that makes her vulnerable right now! . She will find her equilibrium soon, we have just barely started after all but she will! come back to doing those things. This is just... very new to her. I was not 'sent' here Jennah by anyone, I came on my own because I care about you. We have known each other for a long time now and you should know me better.:: This was true, Riven was not lying. Her Mum had not sent him. ::You could hear me on the other side of the ship?:: She asked, embarrassement again, this time at projecting that loudly. Riven grinned and chuckled a bit. ::I have been observing you from just down the hall Jennah. You were not that 'Loud' but I have been watching you closely. No one is mad at you Jennah, everyone was worried sick about you. Until the ship has been cleared and declared safe of spies and saboteurs it is not safe to go about on your own.:: ::So she locks me in my room, under guard? Then locks me in sickbay, again! under guard and a damn forcefield? It's NOT FAIR, Riven. I am tired of being stuck in my Quarters all the time, and I'm tired of not having anyone else around. Leona is dead, and Cassie is missing, and there isn't anyone. And my Mum is too mad. She's mad that she had to take time out of her busy day to come deal with me. If she weren't mad at me, she wouldn't've sounded so mad. And Rich is mad at me.:: She looked over to where her hero and crush was lying on the bed because of her. ::That was my fault:: And then the guilt was almost audible, and so thick a knife could have cut it. ::Mad yes Jennah but you were just a convenient target, she is mad at the situation, the attack, the enemy marines... She has lost a lot of people and needs to clam down for a bit. I am like everyone else young lady, I am ecstatic you are all right.:: Then he hugged her, and she cried on his shoulder, letting it all out. And somehow he made it ok. Then he sat back down, but held her hand. She tried not to let it show how much she needed the hugs. ::There now:: He thought a she let go. ::I needed a hug too, it's been a tiring two days. Now Jennah let's talk.:: ::About what?:: She asked, pouting a little bit. ::Do we have to stay here? I don't like it here.:: Jennah said, indicating all the people around her, all of them watching her, like she was some animal behind a glass cage. One of the beautiful things about telepathy is that all of it was conveyed to Riven and Jennah saw his eyes soften a bit. ::I miss Mum holding me at night.:: Jennah said quietly, indicating the Betazoid custom of sleeping with family members for comfort in times of stress. It was a good custom, but Mum had decided that the human one of sleeping in different rooms was better. ::There were times on the Nimitz, after David died, that that was the only time I had seen her. At all.:: Riven nodded at the sadness and loneliness she was feeling, it was loneliness that stood out most of all now, with Cassandra Dema missing she felt all alone. :: I understand Jennah and I think I will have a little talk with Vanyssa later, in the meantime tell me more about how you are feeling. I really am very interested. You are a very important person to me you know.:: Riven let all the warmth that was in him flow out as he thought these words to her, he really did worry about her and though he decided he had hit close to the root of what she was feeling he wanted to make sure. ::What would you do with your mother or any other if you had the opportunity?:: ::Leave and go back to Betazed and Kat. I miss her. I miss Grandmum. Or go back to the Nimitz and Katie and Sash. At least there I had a job, and friends, and I meant something. Here... I'm just a tag along, a wanna-be that no one wants.:: She closed her eyes and tried to think the scene with Rich Lee, and felt Riven's understanding. ::And Rich just sees me as some little kid. I know it's just Betazoid puberty, Riven, and I know that the need is documented, and that I should be able to resist it, and that I'm half human and should therefore be less susceptible to it, but there are times that I don't feel like a human. Strange, isn't it? There are Betazoids aboard this ship who don't feel as Betazoid as I do.:: It was a remarkably grown up statement from a 12 year old who was insatiably curious about everything around her, and especially her own body. Jennah looked down at her hands and showed Riven, without words the surprise that she had left in Lee's Quarters, and that that was why she had gotten caught. ::I didn't think. I guess it was just instinct.:: She said, looking over at Lee, who was mercifully appearing to be asleep, and who wasn't a telepath, so therefore had no idea what was being said. ::Riven, get me out of here. Please. I'll go anywhere, I just hate this place.:: Riven leaned forward and tousled her hair with his left hand as he considered the difficult question. ::I'll tell you what Jennah. I'll talk with your mum about letting you out under my recognizance with the stipulation I would have to know at all times where you are and what you are doing. I observed a little trick from Telan that should do the trick.:: He considered the 'hook' Telan had used in a shielded place in his mind. ::What do you think of that?:: ::I think Mum is not gonna like it. But I can't shield from you, can I?:: She asked him. She could shield from her Mum. ::Why would you want to be responsible for me? Mum doesn't wanna be responsible for me anymore. She regrets adopting me.:: ::Only if it meant bringing you into harms way Jennah but not because she doesn't love you. Oh and no you can't hide from me. It is something to consider anyway but not permenantly, only to give you a little freedom of movement. I don't plan on adopting you, ! just supplementing the watch the Marines are keeping on you so don't think you can wander off on your own that way. Do you understand that? You couldn't come and go as you please but if you did wander off I could find you... very quickly.:: She sighed and turned away from him, shunning him. ::That was mean, Riven.:: She sent him, turning each word into a scalding dagger that she flung at him. ::Even YOU don't trust me. Fine. Go away. Some great Counsellor you are.:: Riven sighed. ::You still don't understand Jennah. Everyone worries about you. It's hard for adults to let youngsters grow up sometimes. And I meant that for your protection, not to cage you and as a compromise to your mother but if you don't like it then I understand and I'll go away and leave you alone here behind your forcefield. Of course there was no guarantee she was going to accept it anyway...:: She turned around and then flung herself forward, hitting him. ::You're supposed to be sympathetic and help me!:: She cried out, attracting all the attention of every eye in sickbay. "And instead," She continued vocally, "All you do is help my mother. What she's sleeping with you too?" Jennah spit at Riven, getting angrier by the second. "I'm sorry I contacted you and asked you to come save her." And with that, Jennah went running for the door of sickbay, hoping to get anywhere but there. It was intolerable for her, as an empath, to be washed over by so many different emotions, and it was half of her current problem. She just knew that she had to get away. Riven shook his head and said. "Computer seal sickbay doors." [Affirmative Dr. Mias] The medical hologram suddenly appeared beside him. As Jennah banged up against the unyielding doors Riven said calmy. "That was a very nasty thing to say Jennah and untrue. I believe we need to speak at length. Now Jennah I understand your hormone levels and emotions are very unstable right now, " As he walked toward her. "However I don't want to have to sedate you. Please sit down for a moment and calm down." ::LET ME OUT OF HERE RIVEN!!:: Jennah screamed at him. ::I can't stand this place. You are a telepath, how can you not know what is bothering me?!?!:: She let him see what was washing over her, all the pain and suffering and how it was just intolerable to her. ::I have to get out of here.:: She banged her fists against the door, wanting her scrambler, but Rich had confiscated that. She looked back over at Rich who was watching her curiously. Jennah was pretty sure that he had never seen her lose control quite like this. ::I understand more than you think I do Jennah.:: Riven said as he began to move through her thoughts, using his mind to drain off the feelings that were washing over her. He began to sense a pattern to the underlying emotions that had nothing to do with Jennah. Up until this time he had tried to reason with her and talk her problems out but the root did not lie with her, much of the foundation was tied up with the run off from her mother. Riven moved closer to her as she calmed and slumped against the unyielding doors and began to weave a net of calm around her, cutting her off from the negative emotions channeling into her. As she looked up at him in relief he spoke to her again. ::I need to have a talk with your mother and you both about this Jennah. You do feel better now don't you?:: Jennah nodded, moving over into his arms, which he held open. She began to weep against him, venting the last of it. ::What is happening to me, Riven?:: She asked, looking up into his impossibly dark betazoid eyes. Eyes that she wished she had, so she could be good enough too. :There, there. That is better.:: He soothed. ::That is why I need to speak with the both of you, your mums issues are venting over to you and we need to get to the root of it.:: He held her for a long moment until she had stopped weeping then led her to a chair and waited as she sat down. ::The issue is what to do with you until I can speak to her.:: "Hmmm." ::How would you like to go to my quarters where I can watch you until I can speak to your mum?:: ::Please?:: Came the very plaintive plea. Riven turned to the medical hologram and spoke. "I am Counselor Riven Mias and I am releasing Jennah Winters- Dark from sickbay under my recognizance." The hologram replied obligingly. [Understood Doctor, Jennah Winters- Dark has been logged out of sickbay.] Riven then turned to Rich Lee as he took Jennah's hand and began to lead her from the chamber. "I am going to cantact Vanyssa as soon as I get to my quarters Mr. Lee. If the Captain asks of her whereabouts before I get in touch with her please refer her to me." After a brief conversation he led Jennah from Sickbay. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2406.10.25 (USS Mystique - Personal quarters - Dr. Riven Mias & CO Winters- 1820) After making sure Jennah was fed and made comfortable in his quarters Riven sat down heavily at his desk and thought for a moment about the firestorm he was probably about to get into. From the way Vanyssa had acted when he had happened into sickbay it was highly probable this wasn't going to be pleasant. After a moment he reached to the computer and activated the desk com. "Captain Winters this is Riven. I need to speak with you on a matter of some importance in my quarters. Oh. And by the way I have Jennah here with me." Vanyssa, who had been in her ready room, working on the progress reports sighed as she heard Riven's voice. ::Riven, if that isn't an order, I have a ship to hold together. Thank you for watching over Jennah, but I don't have time for her right now.:: Vanyssa sent, to a mind she knew almost as intimately as her own. Jennah, who had heard her Mum's voice looked up at Riven. "She isn't very happy, Riven." Riven winked at Jennah and thought. ::I understand you are busy Vanyssa. What time will you be available?:: ::A week from now.:: Vanyssa sent back, closing her eyes. ::Hopefully.:: She sighed softly. ::But if I don't come, you'll make it an order. I'll be there in a few minutes.:: Vanyssa walked out of her ready room, and onto the bustling bridge. People were running around everywhere, and so she just walked over to the turbolift and dialed the deck to where Riven's Quarters were. She arrived and walked into them, seeing Jennah disappear into a back room. Vanyssa frowned. ::Now what's so damn important, Riven?:: She asked, placing her hands on her hips and trying not to sound too impatient. Riven had been sitting on his couch as she entered, hoping to present a relaxed pose and trying to defuse a potentially disruptive meeting however it was obvious she was not going to make it easy so he got up and stood before her with a small frown on his face. He was tired and irritated at her recalcitrance and made no attempt to hide it, as a matter of fact he judged it might work in his favor. ::Vanyssa, now is not a good time to irritate me. I have just come back from a short but exhausting mission and found the whole ship in an uproar with its Captains' personality being suborned by the remnants of an implanted memory. And not only is that alter Kestra remnant rearing its ugly head but the mental and emotional link between you and Jennah is causing it to spill its poison over into her. You're damn right I would have ordered you to come if you hadn't made time!:: Vanyssa backed up two steps, shocked at what he said. ::Riven, there is no possible way that could be true.:: She temporized, trying very hard NOT to think of how she had nearly seduced Hhril and had succeeded in seducing Herk and Ketal. She winced as she saw Riven nod as he caught it. When had he become so damn powerful? I mean, he was always powerful, but not like this.... She looked down into his eyes, and his face. He was older than her but that didn't matter. She leaned down and pushed him back to the couch and kissed him. She kissed him the way he had always wanted, pressing her body against his, feeling his shock at it, and some part of her delighting in it. ::It's what you've always wanted...:: She teased him prolonging the kiss. ::isn't it?:: Had this been any other time, any other place Riven could easily have lost himself in that embrace and even knowing what he knew it was all he could do to resist. What proved to be the pivotal point in the exchange was when he sensed the malignant lust emenating from her that reveled in his newly found strength, a desire that dripped with self loathing and obsequeince even as it attempted to turn his own weakness to its advantage. This was not the Vanyssa that Riven knew, not even close and had he turned away from his duty and satisfied what his whole being cried out for he would have hated eveything he stood for from that point forward. Riven forced her back as he looked angrily into her eyes. ::Can't you see Vanyssa? Can't you see what you've become? Had you offered yourself to me like this four days ago I would have made you mine forever, just as I've always felt you were destined to be. But this! This THING you are turning into is loathsome and I will have no part of it!:: He grappled with her and managed to catch her arms in his hands and turning her pushed her onto the couch under him,pinning her there. With his mind he delved through her thoughts, seeing in his minds eye the alter Kestra entwined like a choking vine around her own base personality. He hardened his own defenses before speaking to her again. ::This didn't happen overnight, it's been going on for some time now. Why didn't you come to me and tell me?:: She flushed and looked away, but it was hard to escape his gaze. ::I...I couldn't. I had to be strong.:: She sent, flashing back on her evenings with Herk and Ketal and what had happened. ::Too much happened all at once, and I didn't ... I couldn't... If Robert knew he would have taken the Myste from me.:: She said, getting to the heart of her fear. ::And..I enjoyed the things that she showed me how to do:: She flushed with the guilt, and the shame of enjoying it. ::You don't love me.:: She accused him, pushing up against his hands. All she had to do was call out to Oo'lish, and part of her opened her mouth to do so when Riven's mouth covered hers, preventing her from doing so. ::I'm scared, Ri. So scared.:: She sent to him, dropping all her shields and letting him completely in. Fortunately for Riven she had telegraphed her intent before calling her guard and he was able to head off the attempt but he found himself now in a very compromising situation while the alter Kestra continued working against his weakness, whether she was genuine with her questioning of the love he had for her was inconsequential at this point. As her shields dropped he sent a mental wave at Jennah to make her sleepy, something he had learned by observation of Prince Hanaldine, it would not hurt her at all but make sure she wouldn't happen upon them while he was trying to get Vanyssa under control. Dividing his attention nearly proved to be his undoing though as the kiss nearly swept him under her spell. It was with great difficulty Riven distanced! himself again from the pleasure of the contact and after finding himself again resumed the work he had begun, the memory itself was too deeply rooted to excise at this time but using all the techniques he had learned in the temple as well as that gained from many years of experience he began plucking the tendrils of its control from her psyche. ~Goddess it is so far advanced, a few more days and it would have been nearly impossible to do this. And it will take more days to unravel.~ Only after he was certain he had her complete trust and cooperation did he remove his mouth from hers and even then was prepared to swoop quickly back in to stop an outcry. Or was that a rationalization? "Ri..." She said out loud, sounding like a lost child. "Please, I'm begging you, whatever happens, don't tell Robert. Don't let him take the Myste from me, please, Ri. Please." Then she snarled at him, turning into a wild thing, lashing out with her claws. "I'll never be completely gone, there will always be a seed." It said, flashing back to the vulnerable, scared Vanyssa for a moment. ::Riven!:: She cried out, losing herself in the tangle of thoughts, memories and emotions. That did it! Riven delved down into her thoughts, dropping through darkness into a secret place and began forming a protectve haven while outside in the darkness the entity stalked about trying to find a weakness and a path inside. Riven had not wanted to go this far this fast but the problem was too far advanced to do this delicately. With him he dragged the vulnerable psyche of Vanyssa that had just surfaced, speed had been necessary, before the alter Kestra had had a chance to gain another foothold. Within the sphere he formed a light grew as it was strengthened, when he was satisfied that it would hold he turned to the frightened mental representation of the Vanyssa he knew and forced a smile upon his face. ::You are safe here now for a time Vanyssa. Your psyche that has not been perverted is protected from further encroachment by the alter Kestra but it will not hold her off forever. I do not have the time to do everything that is necessary at this time or the strength. I should imagine it will take a minimum of several days to winnow out the chaff so to speak.:: He realized his face had formed a hard mask because of the depth of his anger and forced it away again, making himself smile. ::The last time I attempted to free you I was not able to get out all of the implanted memory but the Ancient One on Raelleus showed me something that I am going to use. I am expecting a full recovery after our sessions are completed.:: He sighed as he looked into her blue eyes. :: Everything is going to be all right Vanyssa, I guarantee it. I even have a very capable second if I need the help but I won't let this go any farther unless it is necessary.:: He softened his tone even further. :: Assuming a complete recovery Robert will not be told. The only reason I would be forced to inform him is if, in my judgement you were unable to function as Captain of this ship.:: He walked up to her and gathered her in his arms to comfort her for a moment longer. She curled up in Riven's arms, taking comfort in what he offered. She knew that he was worried, some of what he was worried about was her and some of it was from the away team. "What really happened on that away team?" She asked sleepily. "What happened to you, why did you change? And who is she?" Vanyssa asked, with a smile. Riven pulled back from her mind slowly and they rose from the darkness till he was back lying on top of her again. Since he had set her unfettered psyche in complete control he disengaged himself from her and settled back against the arm of the couch on the other side. ::First of all let me tell you what to expect. You are in control now and should remain that way for a few days, before the alter Kestra gains more of a foothold though I expect we will have made a great deal of headway in solving your dilemna. We will extend the boundaries of your control more and more every day I should think. Make an appearance on the bridge in the morning then come directly to my office, I will expect you by 0900 and no later.:: He moved until he had found a more comfortable position. ::As for the away team and Alesia...:: He found the spot he had settled into was entirely too comfortable and began to drift off, he had had too little rest over the last two days and the procedure he had just used had drained the last of his strength. ::I'm sorry... I am so tired.:: His head settled back and he fell soundly asleep. Vanyssa realized that she was tired too, and so when Riven curled up next to her to sleep, she pulled the blanket over the both of them and snuggled down in his arm, her head on his chest, and promptly fell quite quickly asleep also. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2406.10.26 (USS Mystique - Sickbay -- Dr. Terry Markstein -- 1130) With a sigh, Terry leaned back from the console. She had reviewed all of the away teams' individual reports. A glance at her padd confirmed what she thought. There wasn't a single common factor among all of them. Some had crossed paths and traveled in the same areas, but not all. Terry swiveled in her seat and spoke with Ensign Brian West, the xenogeologist Ketal had recommended. "West, any luck in finding a common thread in the geographic locations of the away team?" The ensign spun around from his console to face her. He shook his head. "None, that I can determine. Other than the basics that comprise the atmosphere and basics of soil, excluding foliage and basic soil composition." "Damn. Okay, why don't we move on. We know there was a meteor crash on the planet a long time ago. Let's see if you can locate the layer of sediment to match the time of the meteor. Perhaps something extraordinary found a way into the ecosystem. Anything out of the ordinary is a start." "I'm on it." West spun back around. No one had tried any fruit or food without authorization or having it cleared. Even if someone lied, it was doubtful all of them did. So, food and location could effectively be eliminated. She tapped a sequence into her console, instructing it to separate the components of the atmosphere and flag anything that appeared abnormal. She also set an instruction code to randomize the elements in various connections to see if that yielded any interesting possibilities. She stood, tapping West on the shoulder. "I'm gonna stop in the galley and grab some food. Mostly just for an opportunity to stretch. Can I get you something?" West shook his head. "Naw, I'm good, thanks." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2406.10.26 (USS Mystique -CSO's Office - CSO Ketal - 1220) After reseating himself in his office Ketal spoke. "Computer activate." [Working] "Give location of Geologist Daniel West." [Ensign West is currently in Holodeck 2.] "Take a message for Ensign West." [Ready] " Ensign West this is CSO Ketal. I would like to see you in my office at your earliest opportunity. Message ends. Computer route message to Ensign West's terminal." [Message routed.] Ketal nodded and began looking through the reports again. The notices on ships damage to the sensors were his first priority but later reports confirmed repairs were almost completed. He returned to looking at the accumulated data on Raelleus IV. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2406.10.26 (USS Mystique -- Corridor - Dr. Terry Markstein - 1437) Terry hurried down the hallway towards the galley, jotting notes down in her padd. She wasn't feeling very hungry but eating would allow her to go through the night if she needed to. She wasn't close yet to finding out what had caused the strange telepathic anomalies in the away team. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Mystique - Conference Room - Ensign Jason Dema - 1046) "You are most welcome, Ensign." replied HHril. "But I did nothing more than any other senior officer would have done in my place. Innocent until proven guilty. You had given me every reason to trust you, and none not to. I am just sorry that it took so long to find you." "Don't be sorry Sir," replied Dema. "at least I was found, that's what is important." "It most certainly is, Ensign. And dare I say, I'm certain Ensign Nevada would fully concur." HHril winked at the Ensign. "Take some time to rest up and get strong. And perhaps to show her your appreciation." Jason blushed a bit at what Hhril said. "I sure will Sir, but still, thank you for your trust." "If there is nothing else, Ensign, there are a few things that require my attention before I am able to follow the Captains order." "Well, if you ever need anything, just give a shout, and I'll be the first player in the game to get the match back on our side." "It is good to have you back." HHril tapped Jason on the shoulder and then passed by and onto the bridge. "It's good to be back Sir." replied the Ensign with a smile which was quickly replaced by a grimace. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Mystique - Ten-forward - Ensign Mason Garrett - 1138) "I know you probably have to get going soon and all...as well as I," Angeni said. "So...how about dinner tomorrow...say...1900?" Garrett nodded as he sipped from his glass. "Sounds very good. I'll be there. I would like to see those artifacts you mentioned also. I can imagine there's any number of stories behind them." Angeni blushed hard and nodded, her smile growing all the way across her face. It was an accomplishment...small to some...tremendous to her. She ran her index finger across the smooth surface of the table as she spoke quietly. "I believe they do. Some of them are very old, most are things my mother, grandmother, and great grandmother made me years and years ago..." "Technically, we're both off duty for the rest of the day, as per the captain's orders, but I'm going to spend a little of my free time getting acquainted with my new job," Garrett said. "I'm just trying to keep myself busy, so I thought it would be a good idea to re arrange the hypospray vials ... again ... well ... since I just did it yesterday..." "As a matter of fact, unless Mr. Sarouk needs me for something this evening, I'm going to go rock climbing on Vulcan. This is spur of the moment, but can you come?" he knew this was a sudden shift. He'd been planning to try the program in a day or two but he could make time that day. His mind was trying to adjust to having a little free time after so many days of working almost non-stop. Angeni's eyes flew wide open, and her blush spread all the way across her face, and down her neck. She nodded slightly then started talking, words tumbling forth awkwardly. "Sure! I mean...yeah...that sounds nice...to go rock climbing...with you and have a change of terrain for once...you know...on Vulcan...I've never been to Vulcan, is it nice?" She thwapped herself in the forehead, sighing softly. "Okay....I'd love to go with you, and I'm guessing a uniform change is in order?" "Might be a little uncomfortable climbing in a standard issue," Garrett said. "Speaking of 'issues,' I need to go by the armory and requisition a phaser then lock it up in my quarters somewhere. One of the perks of being ACEO. Would've come in handy four days ago." Garrett added with an edge of sarcasm but decided not to continue in that vein. "I'll see you in Holodeck Four at — let's say — 1400." "Alright...I'll meet you at the holodeck." Angeni bowed her head slightly, then glided her lithe form across Ten-Forward with its usual graceful motions. She turned as she moved and gave him one of her endearing smiles before disappearing through the door, "Careful with those feelings, Ensign. They'll get you in trouble again," Garrett thought to himself, as he turned back to his half-filled bowl. He set his spoon to work again with a little more unction. The pale red and gray vegetation looked unappealing to most non-Vulcans, except those who spent most of their lives on that planet. But trying to shovel down cold Vulcan veggies was not a meal. It was a chore. After he'd finished he wiped a thin film of juices from his mouth one final time and headed for the exit, tossing his wadded napkin into a receptacle on the way out. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Mystique - Chief of Operations Office, Deck 14 - Ensign Mason Garrett - 1235) "Lt. Hhril," Ensign Garrett said as he entered the office to the Mystique's newly-appointed second officer. He couldn't say seeing a Romulan in a Starfleet uniform was the most bizarre experience he'd had in her first week aboard the ship, but it was certainly an unexpected novelty. He approached Hhril who was sitting in front of a computer panel. The display was turned away from Garrett so he couldn't see what the lieutenant was viewing. Garrett handed over the PADD he'd carried under his arm from the Computer Core. "This is an analysis of the intrusive programs Ensign Bartok and I found in the cloaking, shield and navigation systems." (Reply: Hhril) "You already know these programs are capable of infecting many different systems throughout the ship by replicating themselves," Garrett said. "There purpose seems to be to lie dormant until triggered by a specific signal. Once activated they would begin rewriting command codes for power feed contollers to vital systems. It's also written with its own "move and counter-move" strategy. Although power can be diverted from other systems to compensate for any power cutback, the programs adapt by rewriting the necessary codes blocking any efforts to shore up the infected systems. Fortunately, the programs' creators did not anticipate the computer lock down. That more than anything may have prevented it from spreading deeper into system than it did." (Reply: Hhril) "In the event we escaped the boarding, the program held another back-up feature. This program resets the tachyon flow of our cloak to a specific pattern. Normally it probably would not be detected by us or anyone else unless a ship's sensors were set to look for that specific pattern. If someone knows what to look for, the tachyon flux would act like a beacon and the cloak would be useless. And since deflectors don't operate while the cloak is in use, an enemy ship might have a chance to get in a solid first strike against an unshielded vessel." (Reply: Hhril) "Sir. Ensign Bartok pointed out some of the implications. It's logical to assume this program could easily be put into the computer of a ship during construction or while undergoing repairs at any space station. I wasn't sure it was my place to mention that possiblity to the captain at the conference this morning, sir. But ... I just felt it needed to be said." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Mystique - quarters - Ensign Jason Dema - 1305) Jason was in his quarters looking at his sister, who was still sleeping ~Poor sister, you've been through a lot.~ He had a hunch that Sarah would still feel guilty about what happened, so he decided to replicate some flowers. He took the bouquet, and went over to her quarters. Jason entered, but it seemed whe wasn't at home. he placed the colourfull bouquet, on her table, with a small note saying. "This evening, at 2000 in holodeck 2. From a spy." It became a small joke between them since they've got to know he was thought as a spy. He walked out, the doors closing behind him. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Mystique - Holodeck Four- Ensign Angeni O. Windsong-Trommashere- 1402) Angeni stood outside holodeck four, a nervous look on her face. She danced around lightly in her blue and silver climbing shoes, which perfectly matched the black pants and blue tanktop she was wearing. She left her hair out and it billowed behind her slightly as she moved. She stood there, a nervous look on her face. She was trying to give herself a mental pep talk...something to steel her nerves and keep her from doing or saying something stupid. ~It's just like rock climbing back home...just this time you have a partner to climb with...and no way of falling and hurting yourself...again...~ She chuckled at the memory...sure it wasn't the best one...her taking a ten foot ground fall and all, but the humor was still there in how she stood up and went right back to it, cursing the rock face out in both English and Tsalgai...at that time, it was only her third time on a real rock face...about a decade later, and about seventy more climbs under her belt, she figured she should do a little bit better this time around. She pulled out her gyro-ball, a little plastic ball with a gyroscope type thing in it to strenghten the grip and wrists of climbers. She started working it around in her right hand, and she pulled out another one, working the other in her left. She waited patiently, humming a simple song to herself... --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Mystique - Holodeck - Ensign Cytnhia Darson - 1404) Ensign Cynthia Darson had not met Dr. Trommashere, but recognized her when the turbo-lift doors opened and saw her standing in front of the double doors leading into holodeck 4. The doctor's hair was as dark as her own but considerably longer. Cynthia preferred to keep her wavy tresses cut just above her shoulders, because it was easier to manage. Both women were attired for climbing. Cynthia's form-fitting suit, mostly black with a yellow strip down either leg, complimented her prominently curving features. She carried pair of spiked shoes in her left hand and held a flowery pink and yellow duffel bag slung over her right shoulder. "Dr. Trommashere," she said approaching the other woman and offered a friendly smile. "I'm Cynthia Darson. I saw you in sickbay a few days ago. How are you?" (Reply: Angeni) "Have you been waiting long?" (Reply: Angeni) "We might as well go inside and wait for him, if he isn't here already," Darson said, and elbowed a button next to the double doors. The sound of a phaser discharge issued from within as the doors slid open. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Mystique - Holodeck - Ensign Mason Garrett - 1405) Garrett didn't have time to aim at his target. He swung his arm to a high angle and pressed the firing stud, releasing an incandescent beam of energy. The Nulian carn-bird vanished as it swoop toward him with talons extended. A rustle in the brush to one side warned him that he still was not alone. He turned just as a large, furry primate hurled itself from the thick bushes no more than five meters away and it moved fast, eyes blazing fiercely at him. Garrett swung around and fired. The creature disappeared in a hot mist of vapors. The program was a variation of the workout Bartok had introduced to him two days before. Only this time, instead of close-quarter fighting, Garrett was practicing with a holographic simulation of a type I Phaser. The real weapon was safely locked away in his quarters. "Computer, what time is it?" "Ship's time is 1405," came the reply. Angeni and Cynthia would be arriving soon. Whoever had used the holodeck beforehand left ten minutes early so Garret decided to use the time for a little target practice with his newly-issued weapon — or, one like it. He'd recieved the standard combat training at the academy, but after Dian Chang's attack four days ago, it seemed a good idea to sharpen those skills. He'd been very fortunate to come out of the last attack alive. He wasn't going to gamble his life on sheer dumb luck for the next one. "Computer reset and run program." The computer made a minute change in the timbre of animal noises around him as the practice scenario began again. With the sounds and odors permeating the room, one could almost believe the jungle around him was real and alive with dangerous predators. He caught a glimpse of a carn-bird swooping overhead again and he fired too late. Missed. A moment later the holodeck's arch-shaped entrance appeared and the doors slid open. Angeni and Cynthia entered the room. A sound behind made him turn. Another of the large furry primates was suddenly upon him. Distracted by the newcomers, Garrett didn't have time to lift his phaser before two massive paws grabbed his arms at the elbow and lifted him in the air. Intellectually, he knew the failsafe's would not let the ape-thing chew him up as its long seemingly razor-sharp fangs suggested, but his primal instincts reacted to the impetus with a momentary feeling of alarm. He suppresed an urge to struggle and kick at the monster. "Freeze program,," he called out. Everything went perfectly still except the two women entering the room. "Remove jernik." The ape-thing vanished. He dropped to the jungle floor, bending his knees to control the fall, even so the impact of his weight stung his ankles. He turned to the two ladies feeling a little sheepish. "Hey, come on in," he said. "I was just getting in a little phaser practice." "Looks like you need more," Cynthia teased him as she set her bag and shoes on the ground. "How could I be anything but distracted with you two walking in," Garrett replied. Darson laughed good-naturedly, went to him, encircled an arm around his neck and pecked him on the cheek. "Don't be a smart a—, John," said and bump him with her hip playfully. (Reply: Angeni) "Computer run program Garrett-Nulii-One," he called into the air. The jungle dissolved around them to be replaced by a dried river bed with ashy gray soil, bluish-green grass and high banks on either side. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- End compile