Illuminar Compile: The Greatest Frontier
Dates: November 1st - November 13th
MIssion: The Greatest Frontier
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Mission: The Greatest Frontier
Day: -12 to 9
Stardates: 2446.04.29 to 2446.05.18
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DAY (- 12) - 2446.04.29

(USS Illuminar - Deck 2 - Crew Quarters -CEO Lieutenant Tegian Pex - 0430)

(USS Illuminar - Deck 2 - Officer's Mess -CEO Lieutenant Tegian Pex - 0522)

(USS Illuminar - Deck 10 - Main Shuttlebay -CEO Lieutenant Tegian Pex - 0534)

(USS Illuminar - Deck 14, Brig – ACONN Alex Dyson - 1309)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 14 - Brig - Counselor - Temas Laredo - 1310)

(USS Illuminar - Deck 14, Brig – ACONN Alex Dyson - 1311)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 14 - Brig - Counselor - Temas Laredo - 1312)

(USS Illuminar - Deck 14, Brig – ACONN Alex Dyson – 1312)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 14 - Brig - Counselor - Temas Laredo - 1315)
(USS Illuminar — Deck 14, Brig — ACONN Ensign Alexander Dyson — 1347)
(USS Illuminar — Deck 14, Brig — EO ENS/j.g. Dano Vermyx — 1349)
(USS Illuminar — Deck 14, Brig – ACONN Alex Dyson – 1350)

(USS Illuminar - Deck 4 - Kelly Long’s Quarters - Temas Laredo and Ensign Kelly Long - 1400)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 11 - CEO Office -CEO Lieutenant Tegian Pex - 1834)
(USS Illuminar — Deck 11 — Observation Lounge — EO ENS/jg Dano Vermyx — 1836)
(USS Illuminar — Deck 11 — Main Engineering — EO ENS/jg Dano Vermyx — 1847)
(USS Illuminar — Deck 11 — CEO Office - CEO Lieutenant Tegian Pex - 1849)
(USS Illuminar — Deck 11 — CEO Office — aCEO Ens, jg — Dano Vermyx — 1851)
(USS Illuminar — Deck 11 — CEO Office — CEO Lieutenant Tegian Pex — 1853)
(USS Illuminar — Deck 11 — CEO Office — aCEO ENS, j.g. Dano Vermyx — 1855)
(USS Illuminar — Deck 11 — CEO Office — CEO Lieutenant Tegian Pex - 1857)
(USS Illuminar — Deck 11 — CEO Office — EO ENS/j.g. Dano Vermyx — 1859)
(USS Illuminar — Deck 11 — CEO Office — CEO Lieutenant Tegian Pex - 1901 )

DAY (- 11) - 2446.04.30
(USS Illuminar - Deck 2 -- Personal Quarters -- 3XO/CMO Commander Quinna Solice - 1427)

DAY (-10) - 2446.05.01
(New Romulus — Eryx, Police Station — Civilian Yenna Valerius – 0828)
(New Romulus — Eryx, Police Station — Civilian Tervas – 0830)

(New Romulus — Eryx, Police Station — Civilian Yenna Valerius – 1105)
(SS Ocean Pioneer – Cabin 4 – Emile Schofield – 1205)
(New Romulus – Eryx, Police Station – Police Officer Sam Wavor – 1220)
(SS Ocean Pioneer – Cabin 4 – Gunnery Sergeant Emile Schofield – 1225)
(Klingon Embassy on New Romulus – Klingon Security Officer J’ck – Security Office – 1315)
(New Romulus – Eryx, Police Station – Police Officer Sam Wavor – 1355)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 14 - Brig - Lt. Michael Weston, ACONN Alex Dyson - 1422)
(New Romulus – Eryx, Police Station – Police Officer Sam Wavor – 1430)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 2 - Solice's Quarters - SFI - Lt. Michael Weston - 1430)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 2 - Solice's Quarters - 3XO/CMO Commander Quinna Solice - 1433)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 2 - Quinna's Quaters- SFI - Lt. Michael Weston - 1434)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 2 - Quinna's Quarters- 3XO/CMO Commander Quinna Solice - 1435)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 2 - Quinna's Quaters- SFI - Lt. Michael Weston - 1436)
(USS Illuminar — Deck 4, Explorers Lounge SPA LT JG Ariel Trei - 20.10)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 4 - Explorers Lounge (Prancing Pony)- Minister Pe'tah and CSO Lt. tlha'nISta -
2048)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 4 - Explorers Lounge - SO - Ensign Larry (Lucky) Day - 2050)
(USS Illuminar — Deck 4 — Explorers Lounge — EO ENSjg Dano Vermyx — 2053)
(USS Illuminar — Deck 4, Explorers Lounge – ACONN Alex Dyson – 2053)

(USS Illuminar — Deck 4, Explorers Lounge — EO ENS/j.g. Dano Vermyx — 2055)
(USS Illuminar — Deck 4, Explorers Lounge — ACONN Alex Dyson - 2057)

(USS Illuminar - Deck 4 - Explorers Lounge - CSec/Tac - Lt. Commander T'Mur - 2100)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 4 - Explorers Lounge - CEO Lieutenant Tegian Pex - 2102)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 3 - VIP Quarters - Minister Pe'tah and CSO Lt. tlha'nISta - 2215)



DAY (-09) - 2446.05.02
(Q'onoS — Imperial City — Reception Hall — aCSO LT tlha'nISta' — 1735)


DAY (-3) - 2446.05.07
(New Romulus – Eryx Spaceport – Arrival/departure Hall – 0800)

Day (-1) - 2446.05.09
(USS Illuminar – Corridor – ACONN Alex Dyson – 0800)

DAY 1 - 2446.05.10
(USS Illuminar -- Personal Quarters -- Deck 2 -- 3XO/CMO Commander Quinna Solice -- 0205)
(USS Illuminar - Personal Quarters - Deck 2 - SFI- Lt. Michael Weston - 0207)
(USS Illuminar - Personal Quarters - Deck 2 - 3XO/CMO Commander Quinna Solice - 0209)
(USS Illuminar - Personal Quarters - Deck 2 - SFI - Lt. Michael Weston - 0210)
(Archanis IV – Camp Belleau Wood – Major Audie Murphy – 0600)
(Qo'nos - Star Port - Check Point aH - Lieutenant Galk and Jos of the Imperial House - 0705)

(New Romulus, Eryx – Valerius Residence – Gunnery Sergeant Emile Schofield – 0725)

(Archanis IV – Camp Belleau Wood – Major Audie Murphy – 0800)
(Earth Starbase – Dock Master’s Office – Charles Temerity – 0815)
(Earth Starbase – Office of Major General Eunice Bloom – Charles Temerity – 0850)

(New Romulus, Capital City – Street – Gunnery Sergeant Emile Schofield – 0930)
(New Romulus, Eryx – Street – The Dirty – 0930)
(Archanis IV – Camp Belleau Wood – Kill House - Major Audie Murphy – 1000)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Officer's Watch - CO, Captain Sekal - 1100)
(Qo"Nos House of Mogh SPA LT JG Ariel Trei - 11.00)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Officer’s Watch – Counselor - Temas Laredo- 1101)
(USS Illuminar exterior — Time-Pod jengSI' — aCSO LT tlha'nISta' — 1101)
(Qo'noS — House of Mogh — DevwI' tlha'nISta' — 1102)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1, Officer’s Watch – SO Kelly Long – 1102)

(USS Illuminar exterior — Time-Pod jengSI' — aCSO LT tlha'nISta' — 1103)
(Qo'noS — House of Mogh SPA LT JG Ariel Trei - 11.04)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1, Officer’s Watch – a1/O CMDR Dieter Gregory - 1105)
(USS Illuminar exterior — Time-Pod jengSI' — aCSO LT tlha'nISta' — 1105)
(Qo'noS — House of Mogh — aCSO/DevwI' — LT tlha'nISta' — 1106)

(New Romulus, Eryx – Town Clinic, Waiting Room – Gunnery Sergeant Emile Schofield – 1105)

(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Officer’s Watch – CSec/Tac - Lt. Commander T’Mur and Temas Laredo -
1106)
(Time-Pod jengSI' — Gymnasium — Illuminar aCSO LT tlha'nISta' — 1107)
(Qo'noS — House of Mogh SPA LT JG Ariel Trei - 11.20)

(USS Illuminar - Deck 1, Officer’s Watch – a1/O CMDR Dieter Gregory - 1115)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Officer’s Watch – Counselor - Temas Laredo - 1118)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Officer’s Watch – Counselor - SO CPO P'Rah - 1120)
(New Romulus, Eryx – Town Hall, Office – Gunnery Sergeant Emile Schofield – 1125)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Officer’s Watch – a1/O CMDR Dieter Gregory and SO CPO Hercules Devers
- 1130)

(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Officer’s Watch – Counselor - Temas Laredo - 1132)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Officer’s Watch – SO CPO Hercules Devers - 1135)
(Time-Pod jengSI' — Control Room — Illuminar aCSO LT tlha'nISta' — 1137)
(Time-Pod jengSI' — Control Room — Illuminar aCSO LT tlha'nISta' — 1139)
(Qo'nos - Private Residence - Office - Minister Pe'tah- 1140)

(Time-Pod jengSI' — Control Room — Illuminar aCSO LT tlha'nISta' — 1141)
(Qo'nos - Private Residence - Office - Minister Pe'tah- 1142)
(Time-pod jengSI' — Control Room — Illuminar aCSO LT tlha'nISta' — 1143)

(Qo'nos - Private Residence - Office - Minister Pe'tah- 1144)
(Time-Pod jengSI' — Control Room — Illuminar aCSO LT tlha'nISta' — 1145
(USS Illuminar -- About the ship -- Deck Many-- 3XO/CMO Commander Quinna Solice -- 1145)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Officer’s Watch – a1/O CMDR Dieter Gregory - 1145)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 11 - Corridor - CRSD- Lt. Bohb - 1146)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Officer’s Watch – Dr. Anges Vanderstein - 1147)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 11 - Main Engineering -3XO/CMO Commander Quinna solice - 1150)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 11 - Main Engineering - CSRD - Lieutenant Bohb - 1151)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 11 - Main Engineering - CEO Lieutenant Tegian Pex - 1153)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 11 - Main Engineering - 3XO/CMO Commander Quinna Solice - 1155)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 11 - Main Engineering - CEO Lieutenant Tegian Pex)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 11 - Main Engineering - 3XO/CMO Commander Quinna Solice - 1159)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 11 - Main Engineering - CSRD - Lieutenant Bohb - 1158)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1, Officer’s Watch – a1/O CMDR Dieter Gregory - 1200)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1, Officer’s Watch – SO Ensign Kelly Long – 1200)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1, Officer’s Watch – a1/O CMDR Dieter Gregory– 1205)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1, Officer’s Watch – CO, Captain Sekal – 1206)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Officer’s Watch - Counselor - Temas Laredo – 1206)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1, Officer’s Watch – SO Kelly Long – 1207)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1, Officer’s Watch – SO Kelly Long - 1208)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Officer’s Watch - Counselor - Temas Laredo – 1208)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Officer’s Watch - a1/O CMDR Dieter Gregory - 1210)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Officer’s Watch - CO, Captain Sekal- 1211)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Bridge - CO, Captain Sekal- 1213)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Bridge - CO, Captain Sekal- 1215)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Officer’s Watch - Counselor -Temas Laredo- 1216)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Ready Room - 3XO/CMO Commander Quinna Solice - 1218)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Ready Room - a1/O CMDR Dieter Gregory - 1220)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Ready Room - CO, Captain Sekal- 1223)

(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Ready Room - Counselor - Temas Laredo - 1223)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Ready Room - a1/O CMDR Dieter Gregory - 1225)
(Archanis IV – Camp Belleau Wood – Briefing hut – Major Audie Murphy – 1230)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Ready Room - CO, Captain Sekal- 1230)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Officer's Watch - CO, Captain Sekal- 1240)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Officer’s Watch - Counselor - Temas Laredo - 1241)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Officer’s Watch - a1/O CMDR Dieter Gregory - 1250)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 -Officer's watch - 3XO/CMO Commander Quinna Solice - 1255)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 -Officer's watch - CO, Captain Sekal- 1300)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Officer’s Watch - Counselor - Temas Laredo - 1302)
(New Organia — Village — Village Elder — 1303)
(New Romulus, Eryx – Street – Gunnery Sergeant Emile Schofield – 1305)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Bridge – CSec/Tac - Lt. Commander T’Mur - 1400)

(Earth, Texas – Impetuous Industries Corporate Headquarter {a.k.a. The Ranch}– Charles Temerity –
1920)
(USS Illuminar – Airlock to the Edmund Hillary – ACONN Alex Dyson - 1925)
(USS Illuminar - Airlock to the Edmund Hilary - SFI - Lt. Michael Weston - 1929)
(USS Illuminar - Airlock to the Edmund Hilary -3XO/CMO Commander Quinna Solice - 1929)

(USS Illuminar - Airlock to the Edmund Hilary – ACONN Alex Dyson – 1929)

(USS Illuminar - Airlock to the Edmund Hilary - Stowaway - Leeza Pel - 1930)

(USS Edmun Hilary - Bridge - SFI - Lt. Michael Weston - 1938)
(USS Edmund Hilary – Cockpit – ACONN Alex Dyson – 1940)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 2 - Gregory's Quarters - a1/O CMDR Dieter Gregory and Dr. Agnes Vanderstein
-2200)

(USS Edmund Hilary – Cockpit – ACONN Alex Dyson – 2230)
(USS Edmun Hilary - Bridge - SFI - Lt. Michael Weston - 2234)
(USS Edmun Hilary - Bridge - Leeza Pel - 2237)
(USS Edmun Hilary - Bridge - SFI - Lt. Michael Weston - 2238)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 2 - Gregory's Quarters- a1/O CMDR Dieter Gregory and Dr. Agnes Vanderstein -
2240)
(USS Edmund Hilary – Cockpit – Leeza Pel – 2242)
(USS Edmund Hilary – Cockpit – ACONN Alex Dyson – 2243)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Bridge - a1/O CMDR Dieter Gregory - 2246)



DAY 4 - 2446.05.13
(Earth Starbase – Transient Quarters – 2LT Charles Temerity – 1045)
(Earth Starbase – Office of Major General Eunice Bloom – 2LT Charles Temerity – 1140)

DAY 5 - 2446.05.14
(Earth Starbase – Transient Quarters – 2LT Charles Temerity – 0430)

DAY 9 - 2446.05.18
(Archanis IV – Camp Belleau Wood – Cargo Yard – 2LT Charles Temerity – 1035)
(Archanis IV – Camp Belleau Wood – Command Hut - Major Audie Murphy - 1045)

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>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
2446.04.29>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 2 - Crew Quarters -CEO Lieutenant Tegian Pex - 0430)


Tegian awoke to an alarm going off. He rolled over, disoriented and not recognizing where he was.
"Computer, turn off the alarm." Thankfully, the alarm stopped and he realized he was in his new
quarters. Blearily, he looked at the time and groaned. He vaguely remembered setting an alarm before
going to sleep.


He got up, rubbed the sleep from his eyes and turned on the display showing an outside view of the
shuttle bay. He could see the new tracks were in place and that the crews were still out there fastening
it to the hull, but it seemed like they would be done soon.


Tegian turned off the display and took a shower, turning the water warmer and warmer until it was
nearly scalding. Only then did he feel the chill that he hadn't even realized he had been feeling,
dissipate. Almost twenty minutes later, he was drying off and looking for another clean uniform and
realized he didn't have any more, so he turned to the replicator and made one. He got rid of the two
blood encrusted ones, especially as one had two tears in it.


He then replicated a cup of matcha green tea, needing the extra caffeine while he shaved and brushed
his teeth. He then sat down and read the updates from Ensign T'Lan. She was very thorough. It
seemed that the only repairs were left in the shuttle bay, the track and then, potentially the doors
themselves. That was still unknown.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 2 - Officer's Mess -CEO Lieutenant Tegian Pex - 0522)


Tegian decided to go in search of food, rather than replicate something, bringing his tea with him. He
left his room and headed to the Officer's Mess, noting that it was nearly deserted. He grabbed some
scrambled eggs, bacon and toast from the covered hot trays and sat down at a table by himself to eat.
Once he finished, he headed to the Main Shuttlebay to check out the progress.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 10 - Main Shuttlebay -CEO Lieutenant Tegian Pex - 0534)


He strode into the Shuttle Bay, not sure what he was going to find, but he was amazed to see that all
the debris had been removed and that two new beams had been replicated and were lying on the floor
while a crew cut away the remains of the one of the old beams from the ceiling. Tegian noted they had
attached anti-grav packs to the beam they were cutting as well as lines so that it wouldn't shift on them.
Tegian nodded in approval and satisfaction that the entire area was cordoned off. The shuttles and
fighters had been moved far away, so if anything went awry, it was unlikely anything would get
damaged.
It was at this point that the Alpha shift started filing into the Shuttlebay. Tegian was looking up and
hadn't noticed them until Ensign Zh'Firre nudged him, handing him a PADD. "They've finished with
fastening the new tracks outside and have beamed back in, sir. Do you want to try the doors now?"


Tegian looked over at the Andorian and smiled. "Good morning, Ensign. I think before we try to close
the doors, we should inspect them from the inside. We looked at them from the outside, but I saw
nothing in any of the reports that we checked the interior. We should do that first, and the rest of us
need to get these new beams in place. So, Ensign, who should work on what?"


"Sir?" was the reply. Tegian smiled. "You got my message, didn't you, Ensign? You're now in charge
of the Alpha shift of Engineering. Me? I'm going to get into an EV suit and go inspect the inside of the
doors with anyone you decide to send with me."


With that, Tegian walked over to the airlock and began to suit up once again. "Care for some help?"
said a familiar voice. Tegian chuckled, not glancing back. "Didn't get enough time in the suit yesterday,
Cadet Ocano?"


"No, sir," came the response. "I had a great time yesterday."


Tegian laughed. "You do know we're staying inside the ship today," he replied as he checked the seals
on his suit. "Yes, Lieutenant, but it's still a good experience that we don't usually get."


"Okay, I've no objection, but not quite as exciting as yesterday. Still, safety lines and magnetic boots,
just in case." He finished checking his equipment and waited for her to get into her suit and do her own
inspection. And then he checked her suit and she checked his.


Grabbing a few safety lines, he handed her one and clipped the end of his to his belt. Turning on his
radio, he said, "Okay Cadet, let's go."


(Response None)
(Posted by Keith)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar - Deck 14, Brig – ACONN Alex Dyson - 1309)

“That is not the plan I was speaking about, Alex,” Laredo began. “and I believe you know and understand that. Is
there a reason you’re avoiding the issue? Do you have permanent plans for Miss Long?”

~Time to come clean.~ “No, Temas, no I don’t. It’s….” He sighed. “I love Kelly. But if I claim that I’m not still
carrying a torch for Yenna, I’d be lying. I’m going to have to choose.” He paused, “And it’s confusing as hell.”
(Reply Laredo)

“I don’t want to break either of their hearts. But I’m going to have to, aren’t I ?”

(Reply Laredo, any)

(Posted by Ruben)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 14 - Brig - Counselor - Temas Laredo - 1310)

"I love Kelly," Dyson admitted. "But if I claimed I'm not still carrying a torch for Yenna then I'd be lying.
I'm going to have to choose... and it's confusing as hell."

"Emotions have a funny way of doing that," Temas mused. "The more you experience them, and more
importantly, avoid them, the more confusing, and difficult things become. Do you think it's fair to Kelly
to hold this from her?"

"I don't want to break either of their hearts, but I'm going to have to aren't I?"

"I think it's the right thing to do," Temas agreed. "You can't have a true relationship with Kelly while
you harbor feelings for Yanna. Living with a lie becomes very problematic. You're going to have to be
honest with her."

(reply Dyson)

"Let me change the subject for a moment and then I'll leave you alone," Temas said. "I've heard of or
heard you mention, on a couple of occasions, your lack of confidence in the command structure of the
ship or the fleet. I think the phrase was "the brass won't want to hear about what you want to do. I
was curious how you came to that deduction."

(reply Dyson)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar - Deck 14, Brig – ACONN Alex Dyson - 1311)

 "I think it's the right thing to do," Temas said. "You can't have a true relationship with Kelly while you harbor
feelings for Yenna. Living with a lie becomes very problematic. You're going to have to be honest with her."

“Yes, I will,” Alex said.

"Let me change the subject for a moment and then I'll leave you alone. I've heard of or heard you mention, on a
couple of occasions, your lack of confidence in the command structure of the ship or the fleet. I think the phrase
was "the brass won't want to hear about what you want to do. I was curious how you came to that deduction."
“Because the job of the Admirals is too keep the politicians happy. And to protect the reputation of
Starfleet. Not to mention that there are factions within the fleet, each with their own agendas and
visions of what is best for the Fleet and the Federation as a whole. Anybody who thinks otherwise, is
hopelessly naïve.”

He shook his head. “You want proof ? There’s Section 31. And I grew up while the ashes of the Civil
War were still coming down. Like I was living under an erupting volcano. Which is fitting, because my
parents were geologists.” He snickered at that. “But seriously, I saw the aftermath of Starfleet factions
and their infighting.”

(Reply Laredo)
(Posted by Ruben)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 14 - Brig - Counselor - Temas Laredo - 1312)

Temas listened carefully to what Alex was saying. Here was a young man who clearly had been
through a great deal in his life. The loss of his family. The loss of his loved ones. The apparent loss of
his world due to the actions of others. However, the world he lives in now is being rebuilt. He has
joined the organization that is rebuilding it. He’s going to need to trust, to an extent, the people that are
being instrumental in that rebuilding.
“Alex, do you believe in the new direction that Starfleet and the Federation is taking?” Temas asked.
“Because if you don’t, I’m not sure why you signed up to be part of something that you fundamentally
don’t believe in.”
(reply Dyson)
“If you believe in the direction, then shouldn’t we hve some faith in the leadership of that movement,
and that they are doing things that are the best, granted in their opinion, for the future of the
Federation?”
(reply Dyson)
“Granted,” Temas continued, “organizations like Section 31 do still exist, and it ismy hope that there is
more oversight on these organizations than existed before. I’m not sure if I believe that they should
exist, but then again, I may not be the best judge for that. However, it has been the people of the
Federation that has instilled the ideology that people like me can’t just walk into a room and read
everybody’s mind and prevent things from happening before they do. Sounds like a good idea? Then
what happens to free choice? No thank you. I believe we are on the right track, for the most part. How
about you?”
(reply Dysons)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar - Deck 14, Brig – ACONN Alex Dyson – 1312)
“Alex, do you believe in the new direction that Starfleet and the Federation is taking?” Temas asked. “Because if
you don’t, I’m not sure why you signed up to be part of something that you fundamentally don’t believe in.”



“People have signed up for three hot meals and a cot for centuries,” Alex began. “But I signed up because I saw a
chance to make a difference, while still getting to see the galaxy. And yes, I do believe in the direction.” ~But not
blindly.~ He was not afraid to ask critical questions when push came to shove.



“If you believe in the direction, then shouldn’t we have some faith in the leadership of that movement, and that
they are doing things that are the best, granted in their opinion, for the future of the Federation?”



“That doesn’t change the fact they are using Section 31 and their tactics,” Alex said. ~The rumors I’ve heard
about those guys are vague and far from pretty.~ “What do you have to say about that ?”



“Granted, organizations like Section 31 do still exist, and it is my hope that there is more oversight on these
organizations than existed before. I’m not sure if I believe that they should exist, but then again, I may not be the
best judge for that. However, it has been the people of the Federation that has instilled the ideology that people
like me can’t just walk into a room and read everybody’s mind and prevent things from happening before they do.
Sounds like a good idea? Then what happens to free choice? No thank you. I believe we are on the right track,
for the most part. How about you?”

“Yes, but that doesn’t we shouldn’t ask critical questions to keep it that way,” Alex said. “And to keep an eye on
things that we don’t approve of.”

(Reply Laredo)

Alex nodded. “Any other questions, Counselor ?”

(Reply Laredo, any)

(Posted by Ruben)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 14 - Brig - Counselor - Temas Laredo - 1315)

"Yes but that doesn't mean we shouldn't ask critical questions to keep it that way and to keep an eye on
things we don't approve of," Alex said, almost defiantly.

"Indeed," Temas said, "I would wholeheartedly agree. But when you lump all brass into the same
category, including Captain Sekal and the command crew of the Illuminar, don't you think that is a little
over-generalization, and not exactly the intention of "critical questioning"? There's a difference between
being critical, and being... for lack of a better term, paranoid. The statements that you've made, can be
construed as crossing that line. After all, if you see something that you think is wrong, who can you
take that to? It seems that you feel the only person who can deal with it is... well... yourself. And that
creates a self-isolation that is difficult to overcome."

Temas stopped and stood up. He picked up the tray of empty plates and cups and said, "Just
something for you to think about, considering where you are, and how you wound up here."

Alex nodded and said, "Any more questions, counselor?"

Temas smiled, "So many more, but I think that's enough for right now. We both have something to think
about, I believe."

With that, he stepped back and nodded to Larry, who turned the security field back on. He looked at
Alex one more time and said, "I'd really like you to consider trusting someone in the command structure
of this ship. Just to see where it goes. I mean, let's be honest, how much worse can it get."

He didn't wait for a reply, that he was certain would have been either acerbic, sarcastic, or a denial.

(reply none)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar — Deck 14, Brig — ACONN Ensign Alexander Dyson — 1347)

Alex was feeling better now that he had some food in his stomach. He knew that he still had to talk to
Kelly about this whole situation, but that was a problem for later. ~One issue at the time.~ Because right
now, he was being visited by his buddy Dano Vermyx. He was glad to see that Dano had brought his
violin and some other things to make his stay a bit more pleasant. ~Presuming we can get it past the
guards and the force field.~

"M'I disturbin' anythin'?" Vermyx began. "I could come back later if now's inconvenient."

“No. Now is it a good time, Dano.”

“I’m going to have to inspect those items, sir.” The guard said.

(Reply Vermyx iyw)

The guard took out a tricorder and scanned the objects that Vermyx was carrying. He cleared the
satchel with harmonica and tin cup, along with the violin. But he stopped when he scanned the cake.
The tricorder beeped and he shook his head. ~What did he do, find a file ?~ Alex thought. And then he
remembered that Dano was Iotian. The man gave Vermyx a look.

“A file, really ?”

(Reply Vermyx)

The security officer extracted the file from the cake and secured it in a drawer. Then he lowered the
force field and nodded. Of course, he was keeping an eye on both them. One the bright side, the apple
pie that the file had come from looked quite tasty. ~More food is better.~ After all, with Luma’s current
mood towards him, dinner was not a given.

“Well, so much for that.” Alex said. “Thank you for bringing my violin, Dano. But first, let’s eat this cake.
You game ?”

(Reply Vermyx)

Alex nodded. "Look, Dano, the plan is kaput. The good news is that I might be able to salvage this
mess once the leu comes back. The problem is Rox," He paused. "If we do come up with Plan C and
Rox shows up while we're doing it...well, he would be like a cannonball through a cabinet full of fancy
glass wear. So YOU need to find a way to distract him."

(Reply Vermyx)

"There is the small issue of the communications blackout. You might have to...get creative."

(Reply Vermyx, any)
(Posted by Ruben)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar — Deck 14, Brig — EO ENS/j.g. Dano Vermyx — 1349)

“No. Now is it a good time, Dano," said Alex.

“I’m going to have to inspect those items, sir.” The guard said.

"Yeah, about dat…" Vermyx said. "Y'r gonna find the standard non-standard items t'be expected in any
such 'care package.' Know-what-I-mean?"

The guard shook his head in consternation at the Iotian's parlance.

"K, I'll explain. If, say, I brought in an odd number'a items — or even an even one, f'r dat matter — an'
there weren't nuthin' wrong t'find, you would natch'rilly assume I was up t'somethin' even if I weren't. On
Sigma Iotia II, though, you know that I know y'gotta look t'ings over. So I gotta include stuff in f'r you
t'ferrret back out. Odderwise, you'd feel like y'wasted y'r time. Nuthin' more disappointin' than search f'r
sumthin' but findin' nuthin'. Tradition, y'dig?"

The still-bewildered guard took out a tricorder and scanned the objects that Vermyx was carrying. He
cleared the satchel with the harmonica and tin cup, along with the violin. But he stopped when he
scanned the cake. The tricorder beeped and he shook his head. The man gave Vermyx a look. “A file,
really?” he said.

"Like I said: tradition," said Dano with his best, most charming smile. "It's an expression'a sympathy
among my people … f'r whenever anybuddy's fool enough t'get hisself incarcermerated."
The security officer extracted the file from the cake and secured it in a drawer. Then he lowered the
force field and nodded. Of course, he was keeping an eye on both of them.

“Well, so much for that.” Alex said. “Thank you for bringing my violin, Dano. But first, let’s eat this cake.
You game?”

"'Game' is my middle name, Sport!" said Vermyx.

Alex nodded, then got right down to business. "Look, Dano, the plan is kaput. The good news is that I
might be able to salvage this mess once the leu comes back. The problem is Rox," He paused. "If we
do come up with Plan C and Rox shows up while we're doing it...well, he would be like a cannonball
through a cabinet full of fancy glass wear. So YOU need to find a way to distract him."

"Distract him? Distractin' hims is what Vermyxes do best! I got y'r back!"

"There is the small issue of the communications blackout. You might have to...get creative."

"Like I said, 'Creative' is my middle name. Trust me," Dano said with a wink.

(Reply Alex)

"May I ask you something? Have I ever given you reason not to trust me? - Do us a favor. I know it's
difficult for you, but please, stay here, and try not to do anything … stupid.

(Reply Alex)
(Posted by Frank)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar — Deck 14, Brig – ACONN Alex Dyson – 1350)



"Like I said, 'Creative' is my middle name. Trust me," Vermyx said.



“Why does that not inspire confidence in me ?” Alex said as he took a bite of the pie.



"May I ask you something? Have I ever given you reason not to trust me? - Do us a favour. I know it's difficult for
you, but please, stay here, and try not to do anything … stupid.”



“I trust you, Dano,” He took another bite. “And don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere.” Even if he wanted to, they
wouldn’t let him. But that went without saying. “Now, dig into your pie.”
(Reply Vermyx)



“Just another day in outer space.” Alex said with a chuckle.



(Reply Vermyx, any)

(Posted by Ruben)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 4 - Kelly Long’s Quarters - Temas Laredo and Ensign Kelly Long - 1400)

Temas had been given much to think about after his conversation with Alex. It did give him some
insights into the relationship with Kelly, who was his next call. It was interesting that Alex tended to
gravitate towards similar types of women. As he approached the door he could already feel the
emotional turmoil on the other side. He found himself pulling back his telepathic reach even closer. He
knew the rules. Riven was clear.

When he got there he reached out and touched the door chime. Kelly heard the door chime ring. She
caught up on her sleep and had eaten lunch. Then she had begun work on the message that
Commander T’Mur had asked her to record. So she was glad that there was somebody at the door.

“Enter,” She called.

Temas stepped to the door, which opened and stepped inside. He took a look around the room to get a
“feel” of the surroundings, and a general consensus of Kelly’s current emotional state.

“Doctor Laredo, what brings you here?” She asked, while already knowing the answer. T’Mur had made
it clear that she also needed a psych evaluation as part of her recovery project.

The Betazoid held up his hand and shook his head, “Temas, please. Doctor Laredo makes things so
impersonal, like a doctor/patient relationship. I think I’ve always been uncomfortable with that title. And I
think you know what brings me here Kelly,”

He took a few steps closer and nodded, “May I come in and sit down?”

“Of course,” Kelly said, while gesturing towards a chair.

Temas sat and looked at her with concern, “How are you feeling?”
“Guilty,” Kelly said. “If we had stayed together, Joy would still be alive.” She paused. “It’s ironic, I was
trying to correct a mistake. We went down there without contacting Commander T’Mur. So I send Joy
back to bring the Commander up to speed.”

Temas nodded, “That sounds reasonable.”

“I don’t have many friends. And neither did Joy, but we just….clicked.” She shrugged. “She was offered
a position on the USS Xanthi. And she was thinking about taking it. If I hadn’t taken her down there…”

Temas reached out and put a hand on Kelly’s shoulder, “You do realize that you didn’t actually kill Joy?
There was no way for you to know what would happen to her.”

“Then why do I feel like I put a giant sign that said “Starfleet officer, ready to kill right here’?”

“Probably because you’re taking responsibility for the action you did take,” Temas said.

“I could have just tapped my combadge to report back in.”

“Kelly,” Temas assured her, “you made a mistake, Kelly. I can’t take that away. Mistakes are things that
you learn from. This one had a heavy price. However, you did not send her off to be killed. And you
did not actually kill her yourself. Whoever, or whatever, killed her, it could have easily been you. And
before you ask, no, I don’t think you were lucky, or she was unlucky. I think that it just simply happened
the way it happened. You had a strong connection to Joy.”

“Yes, I did,” Kelly shook her head. “My parents made it hard to connect with people. They
were…controlling, demanding. They had my whole life planned out for me. Until…”

She paused. “...When I was fourteen, the family doctor told me that I couldn’t have children. Two days
later, they threw me out of the house. My own bloody parents.”

“I understand your feelings,” Temas told Kelly. “I was abandoned by my parents at the age of two.
They didn’t know how to handle me. I know that had long lasting effects on me. How do you think that
abandonment sensation affected you in this decision?”

“I guess…” She thought about it. “...I guess it left me with a deep fear of disappointing authority figures
in my life. I didn’t just send Joy back to correct a mistake, I sent her back to try to avoid the
Commander’s wrath.”

Temas nodded again, “That makes sense.”

“My Academy instructor didn’t help much either. I can’t remember his rank, we just called him Mister
Zavos, sir or Instructor. He was a Tellarite and he was nasty, even by their standards,” She couldn’t
help smirking at the memory.
“Zavos was so bad that even the Vulcan cadets moaned when they learned when they were assigned
to his class. Or what passes for moaning amongst Vulcans.” She figured that enough to make clear
how the instructor treated his cadets.

“I’ve heard about those kind of instructors,” Temas said. “I don’t prescribe to that brand of training, but
then again, I’m not fleet so I guess it doesn’t matter what I think. However, Tellerites are well known for
their… shall we say abruptness.”

Then he looked at her and asked, “Is that why you think that those in command don’t care about you? I
believe you accused Lt. Commander T’Mur of,” he looked at his PADD, “pretending to care about red
shirts.”

“Yes, that's how I feel, sir. And yes, I did” She paused. “After all, if Starfleet Command doesn’t approve
of instructors and attitudes like that, why leave them in place ?”

Temas paused for a moment, “I’m sorry to hear that you feel that way. I think it’s a little unfair to Lt.
Commander T’Mur to generalize how you feel about the instructors to her.”

“Logical demands that T’Mur cannot care.” She stared ahead. “The needs of the many and all that…”

“Hmmm…,” Temas said thoughtfully. “And yet logic also dictates the IDIC, Infinite Diversity in Infinite
Combinations. The bottom line is that T’Mur is an individual, who may not always have the same
thoughts and beliefs as others. If you can accept her individuality, then to judge her without actually
getting to know her is a little unfair, don’t you think?”

“Since when is life fair?” She sighed. “But yeah, maybe it’s a bit unfair.”

Temas frowned, and had to remind himself that therapy worked in baby steps. She took a small step in
accepting that she was making a generalization with T’Mur. That was the step. This was, clearly, going
to be a long process. But they had the time.

“Good,” Temas said, with hope in his voice and smiled. “That’s a good step forward. Life may not
always be fair but how we handle life and that unfairness is totally up to us.”

“So, what happens now ?” She shook her head. “Either I get labeled as incompetent or as the ‘crazy
one who got away with murder’. There’s no way this doesn’t end without me getting thrown under the
bus.”

And there was the other shoe. He had heard that phrase before and he had to stifle a giggle when he
heard it. “Well, being thrown under a vehicle implies that there is no sense of responsibility or control,
Kelly. I do not believe that. We have made some progress today, but I think it’s going to take time.
Where we go from here is up to you.”

Temas stood up creating a physical separation, “What do you want?”
“I wish I could go back in time and stop myself from going down there. But since I can’t do that, I want
to find answers.” She paused. “I wish we could tell her family who did this.”

“I wish I could tell you that as well,” Temas said. “I do know that people are working on it. It sounds like
you want to stay in the fleet and on the Illuminar. You’ve taken a step forward today. If we keep
working together, I think we can get you back to where you want to be. Will you work with me? What
are you willing to do.”

“Whatever it takes,” Kelly said. “But right now, I need some alone time.”

Temas chuckled, “I can only imagine. Let’s talk again tomorrow, Maybe I can talk T’Mur into letting us
have lunch at the Prancing Pony.”

He started to head out. The door opened and he turned around, “You got this Kelly. I believe in you.”

Then he left.

(reply none)
(posted by Al and Ruben)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>



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



>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 11 - CEO Office -CEO Lieutenant Tegian Pex - 1834)


Tegian was sitting in his office, finishing a report. Lieutenant Bohb hadn't really explained the amount of
'paperwork' this job entailed. The Bravo shift had finished the repairs to the ship and had even taken
care of painting the Shuttlebay so that there was no longer any evidence of the explosion.


There had been some tense moments in the morning when they'd tried to close the doors. The doors
had gotten about two-thirds of the way and then stopped and it took a few hours of repairs to the
circuitry to get them to close all the way. The doors had been tested a couple of dozen times since then
and had continued to function.


Tegian did more than a full shift down in the shuttlebay before coming back to his office to catch up on
everything else that seemed to be piling up. He also knew he needed to ask Bohb about work hours.
He didn't think he'd be able to keep up working this many hours each day, but he wasn't sure that he
trusted Vermyx to run his shift. The man was a good engineer, but Tegian couldn't decide if he was
interested in being a leader. Tegian had a few other Ensigns he could put in that role, but Bohb had
made him an ACEO and Tegian was trying to respect that. Tegian wasn't looking forward to it, but he
decided it was part of the job. It was time to talk to Dano Vermyx and see what he wanted.


He hit his comm badge. "Lieutenant Tegian Pex to Ensign Dano Vermyx. Please come to the CEO
office."


(Reply Vermyx)
(Posted by Keith)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar — Deck 11 — Observation Lounge — EO ENS/jg Dano Vermyx — 1836)

=^=Lieutenant Tegian Pex to Ensign Dano Vermyx. Please come to the CEO office.=^=

Dano had been sitting in an observation lounge, reading his "newspaper" (which was really a custom
fabricated PADD that would display data on pages that felt like they were made of wood pulp).

The Iotian tapped his combadge and said, "K, I'll get a wiggle on pronto."

He folded his newspaper and tucked it under one arm. Dano retrieved his Engineering-gold fedora,
which had been dangling on one of his feet while Vermyx relaxed, and put the chapeau in its proper
place. 'The Kronk' got up and strolled out of the observation lounge and headed toward M.ENG. The
man tapped his combadge in a particular manner that caused the modified device to play music from
home. His steps fell in sync with the beat of the tune while he moved. Even without such
accompaniment, Vermyx's gait was somewhere between a conventional walk and an almost dance-like
swagger.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar — Deck 11 — Main Engineering — EO ENS/jg Dano Vermyx — 1847)

"Whatcha got f'r me, Boss?" Vermyx asked once he reached the threshold of the CEO's office. He
leaned casually against the doorframe as he waited for the answer.

(Reply Tegian Pex)
(Posted by Frank)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar — Deck 11 — CEO Office - CEO Lieutenant Tegian Pex - 1849)

"Whatcha got f'r me, Boss?" Vermyx asked once he reached the threshold of the CEO's office. He
leaned casually against the doorframe as he waited for the answer.

Tegian looked up from the PADD he was reading when he heard Vermyx's vernacular. "Ah, Ensign.
Please, take a seat."
As Dano was sitting down, Tegian moved his seat around from behind the small desk. He never liked
the power games intimated by sitting on opposite sides of the desk. "Before I was promoted,
Lieutenant Bohb had made you an Assistant Chief of Engineering. I wanted to talk to you about being
the Bravo Shift leader. That means you're in charge between 1400 and 2200. Is that something you
would be interested in doing? And do you understand the duties that entails?"

(Reply Vermyx)
(Posted by Keith)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar — Deck 11 — CEO Office — aCEO Ens, jg — Dano Vermyx — 1851)

Tegian looked up from the PADD he was reading when he heard Vermyx's vernacular. "Ah, Ensign.
Please, take a seat." Tegian moved his own chair around from behind the small desk. "Before I was
promoted, Lieutenant Bohb had made you an Assistant Chief of Engineering. I wanted to talk to you
about being the Bravo Shift leader. That means you're in charge between 1400 and 2200. Is that
something you would be interested in doing? And do you understand the duties that entails?"

"Yeah, I can handle that," Vermyx said as he took an imaginary cigarette out of his case. "Bravo's short
f'r Bravado, ain't it?" the Iotian joked. "I work best outta da fish bowl anyways. Anyt'in' in particular
y'want me t' pay attention to?"

(Reply Tegian)
(Posted by Frank)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar — Deck 11 — CEO Office — CEO Lieutenant Tegian Pex — 1853)

"Yeah, I can handle that," Vermyx said as he took an imaginary cigarette out of his case. "Bravo's short
f'r Bravado, ain't it?" the Iotian joked. "I work best outta da fish bowl anyways. Anyt'in' in particular
y'want me t' pay attention to?"

Tegian looked puzzled at the Iotian's response. "The shifts on this ship are known as Alpha, Beta and
Gamma. I honestly don't know why I said Bravo. Your shift is from 1400 to 2200. Can you explain to
me what you mean by working out of a fish bowl? As far as what you should pay attention to, regular
maintenance, improving the skills and teamwork of the members of your shift, and, of course, dealing
with any issues that arise during your shift."

"I plan on having a meeting with all three shift leaders tomorrow, probably during your shift. I need to
talk to Ensign T'Lan to make sure I'm not interrupting her sleep cycle. At that time, we'll talk about
goals for the department and any upcoming projects for us."

"Any thoughts or questions?"

(Reply Vermyx)
(Posted by Keith)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar — Deck 11 — CEO Office — aCEO ENS, j.g. Dano Vermyx — 1855)
Tegian looked puzzled at the Iotian's response. "The shifts on this ship are known as Alpha, Beta and
Gamma. I honestly don't know why I said Bravo. Your shift is from 1400 to 2200. Can you explain to
me what you mean by working out of a fish bowl? As far as what you should pay attention to, regular
maintenance, improving the skills and teamwork of the members of your shift, and, of course, dealing
with any issues that arise during your shift… I plan on having a meeting with all three shift leaders
tomorrow, probably during your shift. I need to talk to Ensign T'Lan to make sure I'm not interrupting
her sleep cycle. At that time, we'll talk about goals for the department and any upcoming projects for
us. Any thoughts or questions?"

"Surely! Da fish bowl is any shift there's someone lookin' over y'r shoulder. You an' I both know the real
work gets done by the people hist'ry don't ever remember. It's all 'Kirk did this' or 'Sisko did that' but it's
never 'Finnegan was amazing!'"

Dano took a prolonged imaginary drag off his pretend cigarette then continued. "Ensign T'Lan, y'say?
Must be Vulcanian. I can handle that."


(Reply Tegian Pex)
(Posted by Frank)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar — Deck 11 — CEO Office — CEO Lieutenant Tegian Pex - 1857)

"Surely! Da fish bowl is any shift there's someone lookin' over y'r shoulder. You an' I both know the real
work gets done by the people hist'ry don't ever remember. It's all 'Kirk did this' or 'Sisko did that' but it's
never 'Finnegan was amazing!'"

"Well, to be fair, Lieutenant Bohb did a lot of the work in this department. And there are plenty of
engineers celebrated in Starfleet's history. It's true that captains tend to be more recognized, but that is
to be expected. Anyway, I will not be in charge of any shift, but will change my hours daily so that I can
observe the workings of all shifts and assist where I'm most needed."

Dano took a prolonged imaginary drag off his pretend cigarette then continued. "Ensign T'Lan, y'say?
Must be Vulcanian. I can handle that."

Tegian watched curiously as Dano held the imaginary cigarette, took in a breath and exhaled slowly. "I
don't want to be insensitive to your culture, but is what you're doing some Iotian ritual?"

(Reply Vermyx)

"And yes, Ensign T'lan is a Vulcan and the Gamma shift leader. Ensign Zh'Firre will be the Alpha shift
leader."

(Reply Vermyx, iyw)
(Posted by Keith)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar — Deck 11 — CEO Office — EO ENS/j.g. Dano Vermyx — 1859)

Dano Vermyx took a prolonged imaginary drag off his pretend cigarette then continued. "Ensign T'Lan,
y'say? Must be Vulcanian. I can handle that."

Tegian watched curiously as Dano held the imaginary cigarette, took in a breath and exhaled slowly. "I
don't want to be insensitive to your culture, but is what you're doing some Iotian ritual?"

"Oh. This?" Dano gestured with his pretend cigarette. "Yeah. 'V'rybuddy smokes. S'good f'r ya. But I
been in too many arguments with automated fire suppression equipment to keep tryin' t'do it f'r real.
Y'follow? S'like bein' armed, keeps me calm. But the Big Wig appropriated m'hardware when I first
came aboard so … gotta make do."

(Reply Tegian Pex)
(Posted by Frank)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar — Deck 11 — CEO Office — CEO Lieutenant Tegian Pex - 1901 )

"Oh. This?" Dano gestured with his pretend cigarette. "Yeah. 'V'rybuddy smokes. S'good f'r ya. But I
been in too many arguments with automated fire suppression equipment to keep tryin' t'do it f'r real.
Y'follow? S'like bein' armed, keeps me calm. But the Big Wig appropriated m'hardware when I first
came aboard so … gotta make do."

Tegian shook his head in complete bewilderment. "I don't suppose you could recommend a tutorial on
Iotian idioms for me? I understood very little of what you just said."

(Reply Vermyx)
(Posted by Keith)

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


2446.04.30>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar - Deck 14 - Brig - Lt. Michael Weston, ACONN Alex Dyson - 1422)

Alex wondered if Counselor Laredo was coming to see him again today. For now, however, he was
playing his violin. It helped him think. The door opened and he expected to see Laredo, but instead
Lieutenant Weston came in.

As Michael entered the brig the room was filled with violin music. He had to admit, it wasn’t his cup of
tea, but it was pleasant to listen to.

“So I see you’ve finally found a place to play,” he said, coming up to the security field.
“Lieutenant, what brings you here?” Dyson asked.

“Apparently there’s this idiot on the ship who decided to plan something and set up a series of
communiques that were intercepted before they could be sent, that implicated him as some kind of
wannabe spy,” Weston’s voice dropped in sarcasm. “Can you imagine who would be so stupid?”

“You can save me the speech, Lt,” Alex said as he stopped playing. “Commander Gregory, Temas
Laredo and Luma already grilled me about this whole mess.”

Weston shrugged, “I had no speech prepared. I would say that I’d prefer that you didn’t bandy my name
about in the wide universe. I’m still a persona non gratis in in most of it.”

He put the violin down. “And I had a private session with the counsellor about my many, many faults
yesterday. But this is not about me, this is about Mackenzie. She’s my daughter, she’s real and she’s
my responsibility.”

Weston winked, ”Well, to be honest, that’s still to be determined. However, I’m not going down that
road. Have you cooked your heels long enough and are ready to get out of here?”

“Yes, I am.”

He looked over at the security man at the controls and nodded. The hum died down leaving Alex free to
step.

“So, do you want to tell me what’s going on?” Michael asked. “And what’s with the cryptic message?
When did I ask you to check on a ship?”

“You didn’t…” He paused. ~Not really helping your case, Shep.~ “...yet. But that smell that caused Kelly
to go down into those ventilation ducts was caused by orphans trying to escape slavers. And that the
Chalche’yon is a slaver ship.”

~Still not helping your case, Shep.~ He was trying to sound more organised then he had really been.
~Crossing Lake Crichton, Shep, crossing Lake Crichton.~

“Before you ask, I heard about the break-out from Kelly and about the ship from Dano Vermyx. And I
know, amateur stuff, amateur stuff.”

Once again Michael shrugged, “Wasn’t gonna ask. I am, however, curious about you using my name in
a communique stating that I asked you something that you are now saying I didn’t. Or why would you
tell someone halfway across the system of my involvement in the matter.”
He went to the computer interface and ran a search on the Chalche’yon. There was a beep as the file -
or the part that he could access with his security clearance - appeared. The file had a picture of the
craft and a large section of text. But Alex didn’t make it past the part about the owners.

“Is it me, or does that second name appear to be our Chief Science Officer ?” ~Even a broken clock is
right two times a day.~ Sometimes, there was nothing better than what Alex and Emile called PDL.
~Plain, dumb, luck.~ “And if it is..?”

Weston was starting to lose patience. Dyson was not answering his questions and only creating more.
Now he was trying to access the computer system in the brig level.

“Alex, stop,” Michael said harshly. “Do you ever think about what you’re doing? You’re not going to get
what you want here in the detention centre. Let’s go back to my office and you can show me what
you’re up to there. And maybe, just maybe, answer a question or two.”

“Okay, lead the way,” Alex began. “And I promise you’ll get your answers. But I suspect you wont’ like
them.”

“I already don’t,” Weston said. “Let’s see what we can do to fix that.”

Alex collected his things and followed Weston. “And for the record, I think about things. And recently,
I’ve been doing that a lot.”

“I bet,” Michael replied.

(USS Illuminar - Deck 14 - SFI Office (The Dungeon) - Lt. Michael Weston, ACONN Alex Dyson - 1426)

Once his door scanned his biosignature it opened and Michael led Alex into the Dungeon. The lights
clicked on and Michael indicated to a chair as he moved behind his desk.

“Have a seat,” he said. “Tell me why you’re looking at that ship.” He pulled up the image Dyson had
referenced in security.

“Because it doesn't matter if Mackenzie is my daughter or not. Either way, I’m going to have to go to
New Romulus to get answers. The problem is that it would be a personal mission. One that is a political
powder keg which could result in a diplomatic incident with both the Klingons and Romulans. It would
be career suicide for the captain once word got back to Starfleet Command. Especially if using one of
the ship’s support vessels. Which would be equal to putting up a giant sign that said “Starfleet
involvement here’.”
He paused and scratched his beard. “So, I wasn’t going to ask. Which is where the Chalche’yon comes
in. It’s a slaver ship of Klingon origin. And no, I didn’t know about the link to Lieutenant Lanista. With a
bit of help from a Klingon officer called Rox, we would be able to generate a paper trail that would make
it seem like the Klingon asked us to find and impound the vessel.”

~Crossing Lake Crichton.~ “In fact, with a bit of luck and Mister Vermyx connections, we could have
found and impounded the vessel. If it had worked, only the people going to New Romulus would have
known the truth and everybody else would have known nothing or had plausible deniability.”

Weston sat back and shook his head, “So many assumptions in such a short time and most of them
wrong. Believe it or not I already started delving into the matter and I don’t see the political powder keg
you are. You have a child that nobody seems to want in a place that probably would be glad to be rid of
her. That is not a political powder keg. Leaving here there might be.”

He sat forward and leaned his elbows on the desk to continue, “Second, no matter how you slice this,
this would have zero effect on Captain Sekal. Even if, and I do mean if, we were to be caught in New
Romulus. Career suicide? A bit melodramatic don’t you think. At worst he’d get a black eye. Again,
only if we got caught.”

He turned the image of the ship on Dyson, “And if you’re so all fired worried about an intergalactic
incident why would you choose a Klingon style ship to go into Romulan territory. I have a much better
option.”

He frowned, “Look Alex, I like you, but this whole, it’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission thing
you’ve got going on is not in your best interest. You don’t ask permission then return from New
Romulus with a kid? How do you think Sekal will react to that? Unless you are looking at simply
throwing away your career. That’s up to you. I know you don’t trust anyone and if there’s one person in
this universe that might understand that is sitting right in front of you. And I’m telling you, you need to
talk to Sekal.”

“And now you’re talking about Vermyx coming,” Michael sounded incredulous. “When this whole thing
started we had been talking about you and me. That’s already one more than I’m used to. Now you’re
talking about including somebody else because they have nefarious connections.”

“Look, Alex,” Weston said, “let’s not make this more complex than it has to be. I’m not saying it’s going
to some kind of joy cruise, but you’ve got stuff going on here that just doesn’t need to be.”

“Is there anything else you want to tell me?” Michael asked.
“Two things. One….Rox is K’Nera’s father. She might not take my calls anymore, but she still talks to
him. He recorded their conversation and she confirmed the child’s existence and renounced her
parental rights. And two, I can tell Mister Vermyx that he will not be coming and he won’t come. But
Kelly…,” He shook his head. “...she wants to come and there will be no changing her mind.”

The first piece of information only confirmed his first comment, nobody was going to be upset that Alex
was planning on taking Mackenzie with him. Second one was like a brick through a glass window.

“This is the same Kelly who is currently confined to quarters for causing the death of someone else?”
he said, indelicately. “I have serious doubts that it will even be possible. Changing her mind might not
be necessary. However, what possible benefit would bringing her have to the mission?”

“That part was not my idea. She decided upon it herself.” If things kept going the way they had been
going, however, Commander T’Mur would deal with this issue for them.

“And for the record, I think you hit the nail on the head.” He sighed. “I’ll submit the paperwork to Sekal
and see what happens then.”

Weston chuckled, “You’re so cute. This is not a “submit the paperwork” situation. In one thing you are
correct. The fewer people who know about this the better. Let’s talk to Sekal. I have a thought about a
ship that will need his permission.”

Michael stood up and came around the desk. He put his hand on Alex’s shoulder, “And no more
communications to anyone. And I mean anyone. If we do this right it will be in and out of Romulan
space, hopefully, before anyone realises we were even there. Once we’re back in Federation space,
with the girl, you can tell whoever you want. Got that?”

“Understood.” There was the Rox issue, but he trusted Vermyx to deal with that. “So, when are we
doing this ?”

Michael chuckled and held up his hands, “Easy there big guy. First we wait for Sekal to return to the
ship. We can talk to him about “borrowing” the Edmund Hillary.” He handed Dyson the PADD on his
desk. “This is all the information on the captain’s yacht. You’re the pilot. Familiarise yourself with it.
Meanwhile, for the love of God, keep it in your pants buddy.”

“Sounds like I have homework to do, anyway.”

“Then get the hell out of here, boy,” Michael said. “I’ll be in touch soon.”
Dyson nodded and left the Dungeon. Michael sat back at his desk shaking his head, thinking how
Dyson’s life is going to change with a kid it. Was Alex ready for it? Absolutely not. The thought of it
made Michael life. Then it made him think of another child on the way.

Tapping his comm badge he said, “Weston to Solice, you got a minute or fifteen.”

(reply none)
(posted by Ruben and Al)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 2 -- Personal Quarters -- 3XO/CMO Commander Quinna Solice - 1427)

        Quinna sat gently on the couch. She still ached from being thrown around by the explosion and
by the Klingon handlers of the chancellor. After check-in with Dieter, Quinna went to sickbay and there
Quinna had herself and the baby checked by Agnes. Kyllee seemed to be occupied and it was nothing
serious. She just wanted to make sure everything was ok. Rest was prescribed. So here she is on her
couch with a sack of PADDs checking on the departmental reports.

        “Hungry, baby?” Quinna looked at her abdomen as she talked. “You know Peanut butter and
Jelly was in order.” Quinna got up and went to the replicator, “Three peanut butter sandwiches with
grape jelly and chocolate-covered bacon. With a side of Cheetos”

        The food materialized and Quinna took the plate. As she sat back down and put her feet up on
the coffee table, her combadge went off.

        “Weston to Solice, you got a minute or fifteen.” Quinna smiled at the sound of his voice.

        “I got all the time you need. I am in my quarters.” Quinna replied. “Solice out.”

        Now all Quinna had to do was wait. She took her plate and opened up the first sandwich. She
put some Cheetos in with the rest and closed it back again. She then took a huge bite of her sandwich.
“Hmmmmm.”


(reply Weston)

(posted by Kris B)
2446.05.01>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(New Romulus — Eryx, Police Station — Civilian Yenna Valerius – 0828)

"I think I would have preferred a less interesting day than this…" Tervas grumbled.
“This is why nobody likes you,” Yenna began. “You’re a grumpy old fart.”

“A selfish grumpy old fart,” Mackenzie added, making Yenna smile.

“Who makes useless, ugly stuff that nobody wants,” Toni said, causing Yenna to snicker. ~Not afraid to speaking
their mind.~ Yes, they were really Alex’s children. “And then tries to make them pay for it.”

(Reply Tervas)

“Don’t look at me. I think they’re right.”



(Reply Tervas)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(New Romulus — Eryx, Police Station — Civilian Tervas – 0830)
“This is why nobody likes you,” Yenna began. “You’re a grumpy old fart.”

“A selfish grumpy old fart,” Mackenzie added, making Yenna smile.

“Who makes useless, ugly stuff that nobody wants,” Toni said, causing Yenna to snicker. ~Not afraid to
speaking their mind.~ Yes, they were really Alex’s children. “And then tries to make them pay for it.”

"I'd expect no other allegation than from those such as you. Those who do not share my vision because
they cannot understand it! If my customers are willing to part with a bit of their value, that tells me they
appreciate my artworks' worth," claimed Tervas.

“Don’t look at me. I think they’re right.”

"Whoever told you that they care what you think did you a tremendous disservice."

(Reply Yenna, Mackenzie, any)
(Posted by Frank)
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(New Romulus — Eryx, Police Station — Civilian Yenna Valerius – 1105)

The past couple of hours had been very busy. Erick and Ginara had taken statements from everybody, except
Tervas. Yenna had asked the Sheriff about why, which had gotten the reply that ‘we might need to throw the
bosses a bone later, the town’s crazy will be a good one’.



Next, while Erick and Sam had searched the Valerius house for any evidence, while Ginara had taken DNA
samples and fingerprints from Yenna, Mac and Toni. She had then processed both the prints and the DNA in a
corner of the Police Station that served as the forensic lab. This had proved that Yenna was Toni’s mother and that
Toni and Mac were half-sisters. Erick and Sam returned as Ginara was reading up on the SS Ocean Pioneer. The
two men dropped the evidence they had gathered in the lab, they joined Ginara at her desk.

“What did you find ?”

“The SS Ocean Pioneer is a Edmund Fitzgerald-class freighter with a top speed of warp 6.2. However, it’s
currently docked with a warp sled called the Dinges Geval. According to the traffic monitoring system, the
combination is on course to New Romulus at warp 9.39,” She hit several keys and a schematic of the Dinges
Geval appeared. “But the sled is scheduled to separate at this point here,” She worked the console and a map
appeared, with a red dot indicating the separation location. “So, what are we going to do now ?”

“You and Erick are going to do lab work, while I make a call.”

“Lab work,” Ginara said as she got up and headed for the lab corner, walking past Tervas’ cell. “Does that mean
we finally get to use the brain probes ? Maybe on our grumpy friend here ?” The department didn’t have brain
probes, but that was not a well-known fact. “O wait, you need to have brains for that.”

(Reply Tervas)

“You have forensics to do.”

(Reply Tervas)

Ginara and Erick set to work in the lab, while Wavor made a call to the Dinges Geval. Yenna listened as he
strong-armed the skipper of the Dinges Geval, a Chief Watoo Katweer, into carrying the Ocean Pioneer all the
way to New Romulus. Wavor did this by threatening to bring charges of obstruction of justice against the whole
crew if he did not comply. He also told the Caitian, who was very unhappy with him, to increase speed to warp
9.47. Which was as fast as the craft could go. Then he cut the link.

“Those charges would never stick, you know,” Yenna said.

“I know that and so does the Chief. But if we drag our feet, we can keep him tied up for a weeks. He can’t afford
that delay,” Wavor leaned back. “Flying the Ocean Pioneer to New Romulus is faster then dealing with the
paperwork. Speaking of which, I think it’s time we take your statement.” He got up and unlocked Tervas’ cell. “To
the interrogation room, you piece of scum and villainy.”

(Reply Tervas, any)

(Posted by Ruben)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(SS Ocean Pioneer – Cabin 4 – Emile Schofield – 1205)

Claudia was in the shower, cleaning up after their…interaction. Emile had showered first and was now getting dressed. He
had just finished when the cabin’s communication unit activated. Claudia walked out of the bathroom and started to get
dressed as he answered the call. It was the Captain, who told him that he was getting a call from New Romulus.

He told the Captain he would accept the call and the man vanished from the screen. He was replaced by a progress bar above
the announcement that the system was connecting to the Eryx Police Department. This was then replaced by a young
Romulan woman. She had tanned skin, which was marked by a scar on her left cheek. There were also burns on her left
shoulder. Above her eyes, her red hair was in what Humans would call a pixie cut.

“Can I help you, Ms..”

“I’m Yenna Valerius…” ~Oh, awkward !~ “…and you still look like your graduation photo, Joker. Is Claudia there ?”

“She is.” Claudia was almost done getting dressed. “Yenna, what’s wrong ?”

 “Everything. You know that cliché from Terran movies, where you get ‘one call’ when you’re in jail,” Yenna began. “Well,
this is mine. And the children are here too, Joker.”

Claudia had finished getting dressed and joined Emile at the communications unit. There was a moment of silence as the two
women locked eyes. ~Even more awkward.~

“Tell me all about it, Yenna.”

 So that was exactly what she did. When she was done telling them about the problems she and Mackenzie had, they began
discussing what they could do to solve them.



(Reply any)

(Posted by Ruben)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(New Romulus – Eryx, Police Station – Police Officer Sam Wavor – 1220)

Sam Wavor didn’t like playing politics. He also didn’t like playing bad cop. But right now, it was the only option
he had. At least, until he could spring the trap. His first move was to allow Yenna Valerius to contact Emile
Schofield, while Erick and Ginara were working in the lab. ~Be patient, Samoset.~ As Yenna and her friends
planned their next move, Sam writing his official report on the arrests. He finished the report and send it to his
superiors. That would keep them at bay for the rest of the day.

Next, he began working on report for the Sayollis City Orphanage. Sayollis City was the nearest large town in this
region of New Romulus. Very uncreatively, this area was called Sayollis Province. Besides the City Orphanage, it
was also home to the Police Headquarters where his superiors had their offices. His orders were to deliver Toni to
the orphanage before 10.00 hours tomorrow. But had no intention of just handing Toni over to those….vultures.

Sending the report would hopefully buy him them some time. ~An extra day, maybe two.~ And that would allow
Valerius and Schofield to make and execute plans of their own. Which was part of Wavor’s trap. ~Patience is
weapon as well.~ For now, he had a report to write. Which was exactly what he focused on.

As he typed, Yenna finished her call. She knew that Sam was putting on an act and playing some kind of game.
But she knew that she was better off playing dumb. So that Emile could make his move…
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(SS Ocean Pioneer – Cabin 4 – Gunnery Sergeant Emile Schofield – 1225)

It was as if a switch had been flipped in Emile’s head. He was no longer in shore leave mode. This was Emile in
mission mode. ~We need to get this done.~ And they had a plan. Emile and Claudia left the cabin and went
headed for the Mess Hall. He explained to Henry and Sam that Mac and Toni were in trouble and that they needed
help. Henry and Sam agreed and the group – including Sarah – headed for Sickbay.

Once they got there, the ship’s medic – Doctor Is’dat – and his assistant – Nurse Een Zie’kte – took cheek swabs
from everybody and scanned them. Once the necessary permission paperwork had been filled in and added to the
database, Doctor Is’dat then send the DNA profiles to the Eryx Police Department. That done, Sarah took the
children back to the Mess Hall.

Meanwhile, Claudia and Emile headed for Cabin 4. Emile sat down behind the communications unit. Doctor
Is’dat had given him a copy of the DNA results on a PADD. Emile hit several keys and the files were copied to
the communications unit times. That done, he set to writing to a message. The original would go to the Federation
embassy, while a slightly modified version – he would have to replace some names – would go to the local
Klingon Embassy.

If everything went according to plan, the Klingon Embassy would immediately begin kicking up a fuss. ~To both
the Romulans and the Federation.~ As for the Federation embassy, they would inform Starfleet Command and
they would see to it that the news would make it to Alex. After that, it would be up to the people running the
whatever ship he was serving on. He had heard rumors that the ship in question was the USS Illuminar, but there
was no way to confirm that. ~And I only know about those rumors because I’m a Marine.~ The average
Federation citizen would know nothing.

He finished writing the messages and send them. Next, he copied the text section of the Federation version and
send it to the Eryx Police Department.

“So, now we wait ?” Claudia asked.

“Yes, but we’re still moving towards New Romulus. And I might have an outstanding favor or two to cash in.”

Emile scratched his face and sighed. Even at warp 9.47, this trip was going to feel like it would take forever. On
the bright side, the message he had send were moving much faster…
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Klingon Embassy on New Romulus – Klingon Security Officer J’ck – Security Office – 1315)

J’ck walked into the security office and took the place of the officer who had been on communications duty. He
read the message from the SS Ocean Pioneer, then took out a PADD. The PADD had the Farius Prime report on
Mackenzie, daughter of K’Nera. J’ck added the new message to the PADD, then set about writing a message to
the Eryx Police Department.

The two messages together were not enough to go to the Ambassador yet. But he had enough information to
contact the Eryx PD and demand information about Mackenzie and the charges against her. Once he got a reply to
that, he would have enough to add it to the Ambassador’s daily briefing. Who would them go and make a scene to
both the Federation and the Republic. So he set about writing his message.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(New Romulus – Eryx, Police Station – Police Officer Sam Wavor – 1355)

Sam had a huge grin on his face. He had received a message from Emile Schofield and the Klingon Embassy. He
set about writing his reply. Once it reached the Klingon Embassy, the Klingon Ambassador would start applying
political pressure. The Klingons would send a copy of his reply to the Federation Embassy. With a bit of luck,
there would be a stack of files and messages heading towards Federation soon.

And while the politicians and the diplomats bickered, he would be able to continue his investigation. ~And then
there’s the second part of the plan.~ But that was another thing. He finished writing his reply and send it.
Tomorrow morning, both the ambassadors would be briefed on this situation and the game would truly be afoot.

(Reply any)
(Posted by Ruben)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(New Romulus – Eryx, Police Station – Police Officer Sam Wavor – 1430)



“And stay gone !” Erick said as he and Ginara threw Tervas out the back door of the police station. “Trash man !”



Wavor had interrogated Tervas and then throw him into the station’s only isolation cell. It was part of his bad cop
routine and would keep Tervas from overhearing the conversation Yenna was having with her friends on the
freighter. And to see the reports he was writing. After Yenna had finished her conversation with Mister Schofield,
they had all eaten lunch. Well, except Tervas, of course. That done, Erick and Ginara had taken the trash man
from the cell and thrown him out the backdoor. Which brought them to now.



“Finally, I can stop playing bad cop,” Wavor said with a sigh as he sat down behind his desk.



“Samoset Wavor,” Yenna began. “What have you been up to ? I want an explanation THIS minute.”



In the next cell over, Mac made a face. She’d only been living with the Valerius family for a couple of days, but
she knew that tone. It meant that Yenna was in Mama Bear mode. And when she was in Mama Bear mode, you
did not want to mess with her. This tone was not lost on Wavor either, who approached the bars of Yenna’s cell.



“Well, it’s simple. I knew the charges against you and Ms. Dyson were more about politics then they are about
law. In fact, I think Earthers would call them hooey. The problem is that I can’t just go ahead and say that. I need
to investigate and provide evidence that it is true. And then the bosses need to accept this evidence. But without
political pressure and popular opinion being against them, my bosses will drag their feet and nitpick.”
“That why you let me make that call. You knew I’d, somehow, bring you the political pressure part of the
equation,” Yenna said.



“Exactly. You brought the Klingon and Federation embassies in on this,” He paused. “And I don’t have the access
and resources needed to find Mackenzie’s father, but there’s a chance the Federation embassy can. I know you two
have issues. But I’m just trying to do what I think is best for the girl.”



“I know you are. But how does Tervas fit into whatever you’re planning ?”



“Basically, I’m trying to reverse psychology the whole town,” Everybody looked at Wavor like he was crazy.
“Remember, he’s the town crazy. Whatever he says, everybody will believe the opposite. And it’s not a
coincidence we threw him out the backdoor. Because that’s where Ms. Prisca aka Ms. Gossip lives. Between those
two, the entire town will know by sunset.” He unlocked Yenna and Mac’s cells.



“Come on, let’s get you a bit more comfortable.” Yenna and Mac left their cells and sat down at Sam’s desk.
“Now, what a bit of luck, here’s what going to happen..” He paused and sat down on Erick’s desk. ~Here goes…~



“Tomorrow morning, the two ambassadors will be briefed and will start yelling at people. In the meantime, the
gossip will reach the Mayor and the City Council. And knowing the mayor, it will drive him nuts. So, by
lunchtime he’ll call me to his office for an update. I’ll explain the situation and knowing him, he and the council
will back up my final report.”



“But how will he get that support out into the world ?”



“By means of Eryx FM, it’s a local radio station and it’s very popular. Their transmitter has enough range to cover
Eryx and the outlying farms. All he needs to do, is send them an official press release. From there, it’ll spread to
other local stations and once it reached the bigger towns, it will blow up all over the media.” He paused. “By
dinner time tomorrow, the charges will be dismissed and you will on your way home.”



“And then what ?”
“And then you should have several days of peace and quiet while the politicians, diplomats, officials and cops
over in the capital yell at one another,” He smiled. “Trust me, it’ll be about you. But they will be too busy to
actually come and bothers you. By the time they dust settles, the Ocean Pioneer should be here. And then he can
come up with Plan 2.”



“You do realize that this is a crazy plan, right ?” Yenna asked.



“No, this is playing politics. And I wouldn’t have survived to be my seventh years as Sheriff if I hadn’t figured
out how to play years ago.”



“I just hope you’re right and this works.”



Wavor nodded. He knew that this whole thing had the potential to somehow blow up in face. But if it did…well,
seven years was not a bad run. The previous record for a Sheriff in this town was three years. And when he had
gotten the job, it had come with just one deputy. It was during his watch that the City Council had been convinced
to give the department an extra body. Who knew, maybe he could get another one by the time the dust settled on
this mess. Or maybe not. Only time would tell.



(Reply any)

(Posted by Ruben)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 2 - Solice's Quarters - SFI - Lt. Michael Weston - 1430)

Michael stepped up to the door and it opened letting him. When he stepped inside he Saw Quinna
sitting on the sofa with a plate of… he really couldn’t identify what it was.

“We’ll hello there sexy,” he said with a smile. “What are you eating?”

(reply Quinna)

“Yum,” Michael said facetiously. “Wanna share?”

(reply Quinna)
(posted by Al Muir
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 2 - Quinna's Quaters- SFI - Lt. Michael Weston - 1436)
“So what is the plan?" Quinna asked. "Winging it is not going to make it. Diplomacy is on thin ice as it
is if not broken altogether.”


Michael nodded, "At present there are no official diplomatic relations with the new Romulan
government. So yeah, that won't be an option. Even if there were, the years of red tape that Dyson
would have to go through is probably pretty daunting. And he doesn't strike me as the patient sort."


“So, when do we leave?” Quinna asked.


Michael smiled, "We? The only we for this mission is Dyson and myself. It should be a quick in and
out. And I'll be back before you know it."


“You don’t honestly think you and Dyson are going into Romulan territory without anyone with
diplomatic skills?" Quinna laughed. "I think not.”


Michael shook his head, "I have all the diplomatic skills that we should need for this mission. I'm not
planning on running into anyone that would require them."


“Too many things can go wrong. I love you, and you have your skills, but …” Quinna trailed off.


"But nothing, love," Michael said, finally, "I do this the Michael Weston way. I've already banished
everyone that Dyson wanted to bring along. It's better that way."


“Tell me why I cannot go. Better make it good because.” Quinna challenged.


Weston looked at her, with love in her eyes, and took her hands in his, "Because, my dearest, most
beloved Quinna," he then put one hand on her rolling belly, "you need to take care of someone else
who is far more important than I am. I'm sorry Quinna, but no. I'd be hard pressed to allow it in the
best of times. But look at it this way, at least I have a reason to come back."


(reply Quinna)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar — Deck 4, Explorers Lounge SPA LT JG Ariel Trei - 20.10)

Ariel entered the Lounge and immediately downed a flagon of blood wine. It will take several more to
get her in the drunk state she wants to be tonight but not so drunk that she falls face first on the floor.
She wants a heavy euphoric buzz which will take some time for she can throw it down with the he best
of them. She sat down at a table and watched her friends get hammered. The drunken states of her
friends amused her. She told the bartender to keep the blood wine flowing . She would be game to
fight but it is better to tell stories of the glory of her Ascension and other battles. She started to work on
her buzz

(Reply Any)
(Posted by Edward)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 2 - Solice's Quarters - 3XO/CMO Commander Quinna Solice - 1433)


“We’ll hello there sexy,” he said with a smile. “What are you eating?”


Peanut Butter, Chocolate Bacon, Jelly Sandwich with Cheetos. Baby wants the darndest things.


“Yum,” Michael said facetiously. “Wanna share?”


Quinna patted the seat next to her, She looked at him suggestively, “Why not come sit for a spell and
take a taste.” And Quinna’s hormones have left the gate on the sprint around the track.


(Reply Weston)


“The baby learned a new trick and does not seem to want to stop.” She took Michael’s hand and let
him feel the kicker in her. “Doesn’t stop.”


(Reply Weston)


“Why do I have the feeling this is not a bo…social call?” Though she almost said booty call.


(Reply Weston)
(posted by Kris B)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 2 - Quinna's Quaters- SFI - Lt. Michael Weston - 1434)
When Michael heard what Quinna was eating his stomach made a noise of complaining of the very
idea. She patted the seat next to her and bade him sit down and try. With smile he sat but held up
a hand at the offer of the food.

"I don't want to deny the little one of its pleasure," he said. "Besides, he might come out holding it
against me."

He leaned in for a kiss and Quinna stiffened a little, “The baby learned a new trick and does not
seem to want to stop.” She took Michael’s hand and put it on her belly. “Doesn’t stop.”


What Michael felt was amazing. There was a slight rolling sensation that moved in a wave across
Quinna's midsection. Then the wave moved back. It was as if the baby's tiny little feet were running in
a circle. His smile broadened.


"Whoa, that's amazing," he said. "Must be playing havoc with your insides."


“Why do I have the feeling this is not a bo…social call?” Quinna asked.


Michael did not miss the near Freudian slip from Quinna and completed his first mission of the kiss, and
lay his head on Quinna's shoulder, batting his eyes seductively. "Isn't that enough? It may not be my
only reason for coming here, but I can't say that it's not on my mind."


He smacked Quinna's booty and sat up, "But in all seriousness, we should get this out of the way first. I
need to tell you that I'm going on a little private mission with Alex Dyson, once we get back to
Federation space."


(reply Quinna)


"Apparently the boy has... loose morals, or a quick return rate on his emotional investments," Michael
said trying to be delicate about the situation. "It seems that he believes that he has a child, half
Klingon, that is currently residing on New Romulus, that he is planning to bring "home". He can't be
talked out of it, so if he wants to get back alive, with the child, then he'll need my help."


(reply Quinna)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 2 - Quinna's Quarters- 3XO/CMO Commander Quinna Solice - 1435)
"But in all seriousness, we should get this out of the way first. I need to tell you that I'm going on a little
private mission with Alex Dyson, once we get back to Federation space."


“You are?” Quinna’s curiosity peeked.


"Apparently the boy has... loose morals or a quick return rate on his emotional investments," Michael
said trying to be delicate about the situation. "It seems that he believes that he has a child, half
Klingon, that is currently residing on New Romulus, that he is planning to bring "home". He can't be
talked out of it, so if he wants to get back alive, with the child, then he'll need my help."


“That is not the best situation to be in.” Quinna bit her lower lip. “So what is the plan? Winging it is not
going to make it. Diplomacy is on thin ice as it is if not broken altogether.”


(Reply Weston)


“So when do we leave?” Quinna asked.


(Reply Weston)


Taking a deep breath, Quinna started to laugh, “You don’t honestly think you and Dyson are going into
Romulan territory without anyone with diplomatic skills? I think not.”


(Reply Weston)


“Too many things can go wrong. I love you, and you have your skills, but …” Quinna trailed off.


(Reply Weston)


“Tell me why I cannot go. Better make it good because.” Quinna challenged.


(Reply Weston)


(Posted by Kris B)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 4 - Explorers Lounge (Prancing Pony)- Minister Pe'tah and CSO Lt. tlha'nISta -
2048)

For nearly the next hour Pe’tah and tlha'nISta sat and drank. They talked of life, death and
conquests. At one point in time somebody had come by with a large bottle of an amber liquid. They
had told them that there was a Saurian on board and they had offered some of their stock of
Saurian ale.

By the time they had polished off the entire bottle neither of them were in complete control of their
faculties. The noise in the background was now simply an aphrodisiac to Pe’tah. He looked over at
tlha'nISta and drew back his lips in a snarl.

“You are the most desirable woman I have met in a long time,” he said.

With a growl he reached across the table and grabbed her by the hair. Pulling her towards him he
drank in the odor of her pheromones and rolled his eyes.

Suddenly his other reached across and backhanded tlha'nISta’s cheek, sending her to the floor.

tlha’nISta’ responded with her a growl of her own as she got back up.

“Well-hell-hell! NOW we’re talkin’,” said Dano ‘the Kronk’ Vermyx from across the room,
misinterpreting what he had just witnessed and he sucker-punched the Klingon warrior nearest to
him. This fight would probably not remain between just the Iotian and his opponent chosen
essentially at random.

Lani’ returned to her table and with one hand slid it aside, removing Pe’tah’s ‘cover.’ She reached
down and grasped his tunic tightly with one hand, then began to lift him from his seat.

Pe’tah could feel the power in the woman’s arms as she lifted him off his seat and his smile
widened. He grabbed her arm and hand and twisted her wrist until she released her grip.

“You are indeed stronger than the bloodwine you offered me. I do hope you have something even
more potent to bring into play!” Lanista rarely growled. She seldom found a person sufficiently
provocative.

With a turn of his hips he laid Lani’ across the table with a crash. The pandemonium of the fight
that had begun behind was only symphonic harmony to his feelings of desire.

“Milady, you are welcome to explore my potency at your request,” Pe’tah said, as leaned forward
and took her ear between his teeth.
Suddenly a chair broke across his back, distracting him for a moment. He looked back at the
scene of the growing brawl and smiled. ~Humans, perhaps they have finally got the right idea.~
He turned back to Lanista.

“Perhaps…,” he said with a suggestive tilt of the head, “another venue would be in order. Captain
Sekal has afforded me quarters one floor up.”

“At my request, you said?” Lanista rasped, her lip still bleeding from Pe’tah’s first blow. Her blood
was neither Klingon lilac nor Vulcan green, but a mixture of the two hues. “A warrior — a _pirate_ —
TAKES what they want!”

Hand-to-hand battles involve a great deal of footwork. Lanista knew this, and surely Pe’tah would
too. In almost a choreographed ‘dance’, she led him toward the exit from the Prancing Pony.

(reply none)
(posted by Al and Frank)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 4 - Explorers Lounge - SO - Ensign Larry (Lucky) Day - 2050)

Larry was enjoying his time off. He'd always wanted to go to a Klingon celebration, and he hadn't been
disappointed so far. He'd spent some time watching the Penn and Teller drinking show as they
managed to put several Klingons on their butts, drinking Bloodwine. And they were still going strong.

He was still nursing his first flagon. Larry had never been much of a drinker. That had been Dusty's
forte. Ned had always been a tea totaler. Dusty had agreed to come with him to the party, but to be
honest, they hadn't spent much time together. Larry had hoped that this would be a chance for them to
reconnect.

As he made his way through the crowded room he noted that there was an equal number of Klingons
as there were Starfleet. It was good to see them getting along.

Suddenly a dignfied looking, older Klingon stood up and backhanded the new CSO to the ground.

“Well-hell-hell! NOW we’re talkin’,” Vermyx said, getting Larry's attention. he turned and cold-cocked
the nearest Klingon to him. That Klingon fell to the floor and two others took his place. One picked
up the Iotian.

"Typical Human behavior," the Klingon said and threw Dano across the floor.

Larry lost sight of the engineer in the crowd of bodies. Then a group of Starfleet officers joined the
foray, including Dusty. Fists started flying, soon followed by bodies, which progressed into
furniture. Larry was trying to get to Dusty.
"Dusty," he said, "we should probably try to stop this, don't you think."

Dusty shook his head, "Good luck with that Day. This wave has started and I doubt anything short
of Sekal could stop it."

With that, a Klingon grabbed Dusty and pulled him into the brawl. Larry ducked under and around
several attempts to hit him. A Klingon squared off with him. He slipped and rolled under his
assault, then countered, stinking the Klingon's midriff and chin.

The next thing he knew he was struck on the side of the head. Looking over he noted that it was
actually an engineering officer that has hit him by mistake. Larry could already feel the swelling in
his jaw. His eyes narrowed at the man who held his hands up in apology. He was quickly taken out
by a cross from a Klingon.

Larry laughed at the karmic event until a chair crashed across his back, sending Day to the floor.
Larry shook his head. ~Why do these things keep happening to me?~

(reply anyone)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar — Deck 4 — Explorers Lounge — EO ENSjg Dano Vermyx — 2053)

Dano contemplated his prone position. ~I'm on the floor. How'd I get on the floor? Oh, yeah! Klingons!~
He shook his head then got back upright, slowly. He'd downed a Klingon, but he'd gotten thrown to the
deck for his efforts. He stood, assessing the situation through the haze of inebriation. Dano looked at
his wrist-communicator and pretended it was a timepiece. ~There'll be a raid soon. There's always a
raid. That's how every party ends…~

In no immediate hurry to return to the fight, Vermyx picked up the nearest abandoned drink. It didn't
really belong to anyone; nobody on a Fleeter ship ever paid for nothin'. ~SOMEbuddy's gotta pay f'r this
stuff. Hooch don't grow on trees, f'r Pete's sakes. Don't care that they say there's no money in the
Federation. Yeah, they use 'credits' f'r stuff. But all their neighbors use some kinda moolah. F'rengi use
latinum. These Klingons use darseks. Providers quatloos. Bajoran litas. Can't do business widd people
and just say 'I'll take it on credit.' Can't pay nothin' f'r goods and services.~

Vermyx ducked under a flying chair, then resumed his musing. ~Well, y'can, but it's called stealin', ain't
it? I should know. Accounts gotta get settled though, usually … somehow.~

The Iotian helped himself to another two drinks before his thoughts returned to the brawl. ~Speakin'a
settlin' accounts!~ He looked at his wrist-communicator again. ~Hmm. Raid's late. Should'a prob'ly
been here already, all heaters and badges.~ He shrugged. ~Well, better get back at it!~

Dano couldn't locate the Klingon he attacked initially. All these fuzz-faced goons tended to look alike
from Vermyx's perspective. Since it therefore didn't really make a difference, he just attacked the first
one who presented himself as a target. He struck him squarely in the face and the Klingon attempted to
retaliate but missed, due to the bloodwine he'd had thus far.

"Ah, ya fight like a Moon-Maid!" Vermyx taunted.

The warrior slurred out some sort of Fuzzy gibberish and Dano laughed it off. The Iotian spoke Klingon,
among several other tongues. He understood what had been said but didn't particularly care what the
man thought of his mother. Dano grew up not knowing his mother. This guy might have been right, for
all Vermyx knew. He laughed more as the groggy Klingon whirled inadeptly about for another shot at
the Iotian.

The laughing stopped when the Klingon drew a knife!

(Reply any)
(Posted by Frank)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar — Deck 4, Explorers Lounge – ACONN Alex Dyson – 2053)



Before the brawl had started, Alex had been chatting with several members of the crew. He had mostly been
talking to enlisted people, along with several Ensigns. Then he fight had begun and found himself punching
Klingons and dodging flying objects. Some of those objects were furniture, others were table wear and then there
was the occasion flying combatant. Alex had just knocked out a Klingon when he noticed that Vermyx was
brawling with a Klingon of his own.



"Ah, ya fight like a Moon-Maid!" Vermyx said.



The Klingon didn’t like that, or the fact that Vermyx was laughing at him. He took out a knife. ~Oh, no, you don’t
!~ He pushed his knocked out Klingon aside and bolted towards Vermyx’s Klingon.



“He, stupid ugly and drunk !” That got the Klingons attention. But before he could move, Alex landed a punch.
He followed it up with another one. This was followed by a kick, which send him down. Before he could get up,
Alex chopped him in the neck. And that was it for the Klingon with the knife. “You just got your butt kicked by a
Human. Good luck living that down, mudsucker.” He turned to Vermyx and offered his hand. “Time to get off the
floor, Dano.”



(Reply Vermyx)
He noticed Larry ‘Lucky’ Day on the floor. “Give me a hand, this guy is heavy.”



(Reply Vermyx, Day, any)

(Posted by Ruben)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar — Deck 4, Explorers Lounge — EO ENS/j.g. Dano Vermyx — 2055)

"Ah, ya fight like a Moon-Maid!" Vermyx said.

The Klingon didn’t like that, or the fact that Vermyx was laughing at him. He took out a knife. Alex
pushed his knocked-out Klingon aside and bolted towards Vermyx’s opponent.

“Hey! Stupid, ugly, and drunk!” That got the Klingon's attention. But before he could move, Alex landed
a punch, followed by another, and then a well-placed kick to the QIvon that incapacitated the
intoxicated warrior. “You just got your butt kicked by a Human. Good luck living that down, mudsucker.”
He turned to Vermyx and offered his hand. “Time to get off the floor, Dano.”

"Oh, I dunno. I'm kinda gettin' used t'the floor. Might be a nice place t'retire." Vermyx accepted the hand
up. The duo of Alex and Dano then moved toward 'Lucky' Day.

“Give me a hand, this guy is heavy,” said Alex, which prompted Dano 'the Kronk' Vermyx to begin
applauding. He stopped once Alex smirked at him, then the two men helped the third one up.

(Reply Alex, Day, any)

Dano then moved to a nearby table and managed to find 2 drinks not yet spilled. He approached a
nearby Klingon and offered the guest aboard the Illuminar one of the drinks. The Klingon looked at the
Iotian quizzically but accepted the drink and then the seat Vermyx motioned toward. Dano looked at his
chronometer and harumphed. "Raid ain't officially started yet. Flatfoots are late, looks like." Vermyx
glanced over at his Klingon 'friend' and said, "Best way t'avoid gettin' snatched up in a raid is t'look like
y'ain't doin' nuthin' wrong, see?" The alien just grunted at the Iotians nearly unintelligible gibberish,
electing to pay more attention to his drink.

"Dyson! Day! 'Dayson?' Anywho, come join us!"

(Reply Alex, Day, any)
(Posted by Ruben)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar — Deck 4, Explorers Lounge — ACONN Alex Dyson - 2057)

“Give me a hand, this guy is heavy,” said Alex, which got him applause from Dano.
Fortunately, his smirk got the point across and Dano helped him move Day out of harm’s way. ~What a
mess.~ It had been only a couple of weeks since he had been assigned here and this was already his
second bar brawl. ~I can hear Commander T’Mur yelling now.~ He leaned Day against the bulkhead
and gently tapped him on the face.

“Lucky, Lucky, now would be a really good time to wake up.”

(Reply Day)

Meanwhile, Vermyx had managed to find himself a table and a Klingon drink companion. ~Typically
Dano.~ He was trying to play Mr. Innocent, which Alex figured was the best chance they had. Of
course, it still wouldn’t be a big chance. But it was better than nothing.

"Dyson! Day! 'Dayson?' Anywho, come join us!"

Then the room began to move for the clean up. T’Mur turned to Dogan. “Make sure it happens,”
she said, gently touching the swelling that was starting.

“Sounds like a plan to me.”

(Reply Day)

There was an empty chair left, so he parked Day there. Then he grabbed another chair and sat down
himself. He looked around and spotted a bottle of whisky that had survived on the bar. Alex grabbed it
and two glasses. He put one glass in front of Day and filled it. Then he poured himself a drink.


He was sipping the drink when Lieutenant-Commander T’Mur came in. The brawl was still going on
around them. But things came to a sudden end when all the Klingons, including Vermyx’s drinking
buddy, were beamed away.


(Reply Vermyx, Day, any)


Some of the people looked confused, while others headed for the exit. But Commander T’Mur had
other plans. She read everybody in the room the riot act. ~Well, at least this time she is not mad at
me specifically.~


When her speech was done, she had a conversation with Lieutenant Dogan, who was part of the
security team blocking the entrance. It was Dogan who left in charge when she left the room.


“I guess we should join the clean-up to keep the Commander happy.”
(Reply Vermyx, Day, any)


Alex finished his drink and then set about helping with the clean-up. ~This is going to take forever.~
He was putting an overturned table back in its proper position when Lieutenant Pex came in.

"Has anyone seen Lieutenant Trei?"

“Not me, Lieutenant,” Alex began. “I was talking to other people. But I’m pretty sure she was around
here somewhere,” He turned to Vermyx. “Over to you, Dano. You’ve seen her ?”

(Reply Vermyx, Day, any)
(Posted by Ruben)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 4 - Explorers Lounge - CSec/Tac - Lt. Commander T'Mur - 2100)

When they received the call from Riolra T'Mur could hear the raucous in the background. She grabbed a
team of 6 security officers and headed up to Deck 4. As they stepped off the turbo lift they could hear the
noise down the corridor, so she wasn't too surprised by what she saw.

There were unconscious bodies laying on the floor, and broken furniture and glassware strewn
throughout the room. In the middle of the room stood Cal Dogan. He was surrounded by five
Klingons, all of which were wailing on him with pieces of wood, which the Vulcan had no idea
where it came from. He, of course, was completely nonplused by the event. The blows fell on his
tough hyde, as though he barely felt it, which was probably true.

As T'Mur started to walk across the floor towards the Brikarian she dodged the blows from several
Klingons. Unfortunately, when did not see a strike from behind her until too late she was struck on
the side of her face by a large Klingon fist.

Her eyes narrowed and she grabbed the hand that struck her. She turned and twisted the wrist and
the Klingon’s feet flew over his head. As the Klingon was still in the air T’Mur lashed out with a
wicked side kick and sent the unexpecting warrior flying into a group of fighters.

She Could feel her eye already start to bruise as she looked around the room. Shaking her head
T’Mur went to the wall and touched it.

::Luma, I need you to transport everything Klingon on deck 4 to the planet immediately.::

(reply Luma)
Suddenly the room emptied of Klingons, leaving only the Federation crewmen involved with the
brawl. At first the look of confusion fell over the room, then realization. Some the people started
move to the exit.

“Everybody stay where you are,” T’Mur said in a dangerous tone. “Dogan, ensure nobody leaves.”

“On it,” the Brikar said and planted himself in front of the door, crossing his arms.

“Now,” T’Mur said in a calmer voice, “you will all stay here until this room is cleaned up. Riolra did
not authorize this.. display of aggression, so she should not have to pick up after it. “

There were a few grumbles, but nobody started to move. T’Mur looked at the security personnel,
batter and bruised. “Take your time, ladies and gentlemen, but I promise you, you will all stay here
until every scrap of debris has been removed. Am I clear?” There were a few groans of agreement.
“I said, am I clear?”

Then the room began to move for the clean up. T’Mur turned to Dogan. “Make sure it happens,” she
said, gently touching the swelling that was starting.

“Dagon shrugged, “I don’t know. I kinda like it.”

T’Mur’s response was a raised eyebrow as she made her way around the huge Brikar and headed to
sickbay.

(reply Luma, Vermyx, Dyson)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 4 - Explorers Lounge - CEO Lieutenant Tegian Pex - 2102)

Tegian was late to the party. He'd been working on a gift for Lieutenant Trei since he'd heard that
she'd passed the Rite of Ascension and gained her own house. Tegian had researched the House
of Mogh, found the crest and had made a matching pair of single-handed mek'leths. He'd spent
some time in the holodeck to replay the Lieutenant's training sessions so that he could get
measurements of her hands and had made the grips to fit just her hands along with placing the
house crest on the blade.

When he got to the Prancing Pony, he stopped in the doorway, aghast at the destruction. He was
holding a large wooden box under one arm. He cleared his throat. "Has anyone seen Lieutenant
Trei?"

(reply Luma, Vermyx, Dyson, T'Mur)
(posted by Keith)



>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 3 - VIP Quarters - Minister Pe'tah and CSO Lt. tlha'nISta - 2215)

The dance to deck three and to Pe’tah’s quarters would have been a tutorial of close combat,
hand-to-hand tactics as anyone in the fleet might have wanted. It went back and forth Down deck
four. When the turbo lift door opened Pe’tah pressed an advantage and pinned Lanista to the wall
as he growled, “Deck 3.”

When the door opened he had only barely managed to maintain his position by holding her arm
behind her back and placing his knee in the small of her back. There were a couple of officers
standing at the entrance and looked, wide eyed, at the sight in front of them.

“You look like you’ve never seen DaHar Masters engaged in mok’bara!” Lanista barked at the
on-lookers. “Perhaps you are in need of a lesson?”

Pe’tah laughed, “If they keep watching much longer they will and even greater education.”

Lanista laughed just as heartily, and continued the ‘dance’ the duo was engaged in. “I am not a
DaHar Master,” she admitted in a low voice for just Pe’tah’s benefit, “but my father claims to be.”

As they approached the door to his quarters he leaned in close, “Perhaps you simply need more
practice. I’m certain we could hit master status tonight.”

The door to his quarters opened.

Once the doors closed again, Lanista started ripping apart Pe’tah’s attire. Some of it was leather
but she proved to be stronger than she looked. Both Vulcans and Klingons were stronger than
Humans. Lani’ seemed to have been doubly blessed in this regard. “Master status, eh? A shame
there won’t be any songs sung of your conquest this evening. :out wouldn’t want any rumors
spread about that you mated with a mere «kuve.» ‘Kuvay’ was a non-tlhIngan word used in the
‘hinterland’ of the Empire meaning ‘slave’ or ‘servitor’ but also conveying ‘species not of Imperial
Klingon stock.’

Lanista growled more fiercely than in times just prior to this. “I certainly won’t tell anyone if you
don’t,” she said with a broad grin.

“The warriors of Stov’a’kor will know of this evening, and there WILL be songs sung of it.” With that,
he pulled the two halves of her gown apart.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 3 -Corridor - Crewmen Johnson and Stanislaus - 2220)

Outside the VIP quarters, the two crew passed by the door in time to hear a crash. A moment later
there was more crashing and the sound of furniture breaking. The two crewmen looked at each
other in shock as the sound of the demolition continued on and on, with no sign of stopping.

Since there seemed to be no cries for help the two shrugged, and slowly moved on, curious about
what could possibly be going on inside that room.


2446.05.02>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Q'onoS — Imperial City — Reception Hall — aCSO LT tlha'nISta' — 1735)

Lanista stood silently in the presence of the others. She reflected on what had transpired and also upon
how incongruous someone like her was with respect to these recent goings-on.

Lani' was only half-Klingon, the daughter of a Klingon pirate and his Vulcan mate. Lanista had no
homeworld, having been born on her family's starship, and she had never in her entire life ever
imagined or dream of being on the Empire's throneworld — for any reason. Being close to transitions of
power (let alone being involved in them) had never entered her mind. Yet here she was, witness to a
high-level assassination attempt and to a diplomatic coup by the United Federation of Planets. Starfleet
personnel's involvement in preventing the killing of Chancellor Morek contributed to the successful
resolution of the Federation's agenda in the matter.

Of course, the victory had not come without cost. Lanista was not aware of the statistical likelihood of
Spontaneous Vulcanian Explosion but she had been tasked with participating in getting to the bottom of
this matter. Green, gooey matter, but matter nonetheless.

Repercussions for the assault on Morek would be swift, of course. The House of Antaak had been
blamed for this effrontery, without a trial, and vindication would be almost immediate, surely. But there
were more consequences to come. The Empire had agreed to cease its war of expansion into the
territory of the Romulan Star Empire, but Imperial Forces would retain the worlds already taken.
Certainly the Romulans would eventually attempt to retake those, when and if they were able to. But
Klingons were always at war — with someone or something. Lanista's father had taught her, when she
was still quite young, "We cannot live without war. Once we defeat any enemy, we must immediately
find or make another one."

Thus, the Klingon 'Defense' Force would shift its posture away from Romulans but to such other nearby
traditional adversaries as perhaps the Gorns or even the Kinshaya.

The Chancellor declared, "…let the Empire and the Federation continue into the future as allies!" The
room erupted in the banging of fists on tables and bellows for bloodwine. Songs were belted out
impulsively by some present. Lanista took advantage of the din and commotion to move close to her
Captain and speak softly to him in Vulcan. "Captain, I do not know the terms of this renewed alliance,
but the Klingons will redirect their unquenchable bellicosity elsewhere. At the first opportunity. Is
Starfleet to be expected to fight alongside our 'allies' in these wars to come?"

(Reply Sekal, Trei iyw; McKenzie if close-by enough)
(Posted by Frank)
2446.05.07>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(New Romulus – Eryx Spaceport – Arrival/departure Hall – 0800)



The Sheriff’s ‘crazy plan’ had worked like a charm. His prediction of what would happen the next day had been spot on. And
by dinner time, Yenna and the children had been back in the Valerius house. They had partied loudly to celebrate, not caring
for how much it would anger Tervas. But even more surprising had been fact that the second part of his prediction had also
come true.



The Klingon embassy had begun yelling at the New Romulus City Police. And the Police had not been afraid to return the
favor. Soon, the Capital City Council had gotten involved. Meanwhile, the Federation Embassy was sticking its fingers in its
ears and going la-la-la real loud. They were trying to stay out of this fray, while Starfleet did their best to find Alex Dyson. In
the middle of this, the Ferengi embassy was trying to cover itself because the money used to buy Mac’s ticket had come from
Ferenginar. In short, it was a complete and utter shambles.



But for the Valerius’ family, this was good news. The SS Ocean Pioneer had arrived in orbit as Wavor had hoped. She was
docked at one of the local space stations, while her crew enjoying shore leave. The ship had arrived far ahead of schedule, so
they could enjoy themselves for a couple of weeks. As for the Dinges Geval, she had undocked from the freighter, then bolted
away at maximum warp. Her little detour had put her far behind schedule, so she had been in a hurry to leave.



And that would not be the only arrival today. Because Starfleet had managed to locate Dyson’s post and all the paperwork
created by Mackenzie Incident, including the latest angry message should be delivered to his posting today.



NRPG: Leaving this vague on purpose, not saying who is on the receiving end. RPG:



At the same time, the original report from the Farius Prime Embassy had finally arrived at Qo’nos. But that was somebody
else’s problem. And while the Federation Embassy had not said which ship he posted on, they had send Yenna a notice that
confirmed he was in Starfleet and that his ship was nowhere near the Klingon Homeworld.



Yenna was glad to know that. ~Can’t have anybody else kill Alex before I get my hands on him.~ Then she noticed a group
of figured and all her pondering vaporized. To make this moment a bit less awkward, the children had been talking over
subspace daily for the last six days. Despite everything, she couldn’t smiling as she saw Claudia, Joker, Sarah and the kids
approach.
“Uncle Joker !” Toni yelled as she pulled away and ran to Schofield.



Joker picked up the little girl and hugged her. Mac stood back and watched. She was clearly nervous about this whole
situation. But Joker was not going to let that fly. ~I can see why Alex likes him.~



“Come on, Mac. Bring it in,” He began. “No reason to be nervous about family. Especially for a Klingon lady like you.”



“Hello, Uncle Joker. So, what happens now ?”



“Well, I figure first you show us your house. Then we have a loud party to make Tervas even more cranky then he usually is.
And after that, we come up with a plan to save the day.”



“You’re going to come up with a plan to save the day ?” Sarah asked. “Yeah, right.”



“Of course, he’s going to come up with a plan to save the day,” Toni began. “He’s a Marine. It’s what they do, right ?”



“Semper Fi,” Joker said with a nod. ~She’s Alex’s kid alright.~ From what he had heard from Toni, she wasn’t the kind of kid
to hide her opinion. Of course, he had a feeling that it was not just Alex’s genes. He had gotten the impression from their
conversation that Yenna was not the kind to pull her punches either. “That’s a Marine way of saying yes.”



“Come on, let’s go,” Yenna said.



The group headed out. They had a party to get to.



(Reply any)

(Posted by Ruben)
2446.05.09>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar – Corridor – ACONN Alex Dyson – 0800)



Alex rang the bell to Laredo’s office. Tomorrow was the day of Kelly’s hearing and Alex had no intention of sitting it out if
he could do something to help Kelly. ~She’s still my girl. At least until the New Romulus trip happens.~ Which was why he
was here.
(Reply Laredo)



“Morning, Counselor,” He said.



(Reply Laredo)



“Look, I’m just going to get straight to the point. I think you should put me on the stand during Kelly’s hearing,” He held up
a hand to make it clear that he was not done. “I know, I wasn’t there. But Kelly knew what Tylium was because of my
holodeck program. If I take the stand, I can explain what exactly the element is within the program and why it alarmed Kelly
so much.”



(Reply Laredo)

(Posted by Ruben)
2446.05.10>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar -- Personal Quarters -- Deck 2 -- 3XO/CMO Commander Quinna Solice -- 0205)

It was dark. Even the windows were covered to block the lights from the stars. It was dark and Quinna
liked it. She had been asleep for a few hours and it was one of the best nights of sleep she had had in
a long time, or so she thought.

(Dreamtime)

Michael had taken Quinna by the hand and led her down the corridor of deck 2. “I want you to close
your eyes. I have a surprise for you.” Michael told Quinna.

“Oh how sweet, I have a surprise for you too,” Came the familiar voice of Fiona behind her.

Michael and Quinna turned to the voice, but no one was there. “What the hell…” Quinna exclaimed.
Then the deck lights went out. “I don’t like this,” Quinna said quietly.

“Yeah,” Michael replied and then moved into a more protective stance around Quinna. “Let's get
moving.”

Before the two moved, Quinna touched her commbadge. Nothing happened. Michael followed and still
nothing. With no emergency lights, the two started to head back to her quarters. As they walked,
Quinna started to panic as she felt Michael’s hand left hers. She turned “Michael?” she called out.
Suddenly the lights came on and there 10 feet away laid Michael’s body.

“Vengence is complete,” The dark male figure said, “The burn notice is now concluded.” the figure then
held up Michael’s head.

“MICHAEL” Quinna yelled in her dream.

Outside of the dream, Quinna was screaming Michael’s name as well as she shot up in a seated
position.

“Michael.” Quinna kept crying out. Her body was drenched in sweat as she was still having her
nightmare.

(Reply Weston, IYW)

(Posted by Kris B)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Personal Quarters - Deck 2 - SFI- Lt. Michael Weston - 0207)


Michael was typically a light sleeper, so every time Quinna moved it usually woke him up. This night
was no different than any other night. But the movement was different. It was as if she were having a
struggle in her sleep.

Suddenly she shot upright and screamed, "MICHAEL!"

Michael was out of the bed in a fighting stance. Quinna was now crying his name. "Michael."

He sat back on the bed and reached out for Quinna, "I'm right here Quinna. I'm right here. Everything
is alright."

(reply Quinna)

Michael stifled a yawn and stretched his back, "You want to tell me about it?"


(reply Quina)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Personal Quarters - Deck 2 - 3XO/CMO Commander Quinna Solice - 0209)
Quinna was starting to wake. She felt familiar strong arms around her as she hears the owner of
the arms calming her, “I'm right here Quinna. I'm right here. Everything is alright."


Quinna opened her eyes to him and she touched his neck and head. “Everything seemed and felt
so real.”


Michael stifled a yawn and stretched his back, "You want to tell me about it?"


“Umm, nope.” Quinna said as she laid back down, “Can you just hold on to me tonight?”


(Reply Michael)


“I wish we could get away, just you and me for a few days. Completely off the the grid of everyone
and everything.” Quinna said as she let out a big yawn.


(Reply Weston)


“I’m sorry I woke you.” Quinna apologized as she drifted back to sleep.


(Reply Weston)
(posted by Kris B)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Personal Quarters - Deck 2 - SFI - Lt. Michael Weston - 0210)


Michael frowned a little when Quinna told him she didn't want to talk about her dream. Clearly it was
some that bothered her. She complains about him not opening to her, it seems a bit hypocritical that
she refused to talk to him. That door swung both ways. But now was not the time to through that.


“Can you just hold on to me tonight?” Quinna asked


Michael lay back down in the bed and scootched towards her. "That will be my pleasure."
He spooned into Quinna's back and wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight. He could feel her
breathing settle as they came together.


“I wish we could get away, just you and me for a few days. Completely off the the grid of everyone and
everything.” Quinna let out a big yawn.


"When I get back from this little field trip with Dyson I can make those arrangements. Off the grid does
sound nice."


“I’m sorry I woke you," Quinna said softly. She let out a big yawn.


"Never apologize, kid," Michael replied." He nuzzled into her neck and kissed it gently. "I love you,
Quinna Solice."


(reply Quinna, if you're still awake)


He held onto her tightly for ten minutes until he was certain that she was fully asleep. Then he rolled
away, slowly. He knew that he was not going back to sleep any time soon. He got out of bed and
padded across the floor. Picking up his PADD he sat in a chair at the foot of the bed and began to go
through the arrangements that he and Alex had already made for their trip.


After about an hour he could feel his eyes get heavy again. Before he went back to bed he started to
search for a little vacation spot that the two of them could have on a habitable world. He found, what
hoped would be a good location to "disappear" for a week, and began the process to set things up. He
wanted to keep it. surprise for a while.


When he finally felt the exhaustion hit him he crawled back into bed, sniggled back up to Quinna and
closed his eyes.


(reply Quinna)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Archanis IV – Camp Belleau Wood – Major Audie Murphy – 0600)

Major Murphy sipped what passed for coffee here at Camp Belleau Wood. He had deliberately chosen
not to have the standard comforts like replicators and all. He wanted training for the mission to be as
tough as possible, since this was going to be an experimental unit destined, he hoped, for greatness.
Having such a small, mobile, unit as a game changer would have been very useful during the Civil War.

The computer terminal beeped, incoming message from Major General Bloom. Murphy read it twice,
before cursing. He’s like another 6 months of training, but that was not in the cards. “Skipper,” he
called out.

A Tellarite in BDUs walked in, “Sir?” he said as a question and a challenge.

“Tell Kowalski that his latest fix to the coffee maker isn’t working,” he said pointing to his cup.

“Aye, Sir,” he replied. “Is that all?”

“No. Orders came in from home. Seems we are being seconded to the USS Illuminar,” Murphy said.

“A science vessel?” Skipper asked. “What, did someone’s science fair project try to eat them?”

“Your guess is as good as mine Master Sergeant,” Murphy replied. “And one other thing,” he added
knowing how Skipper would take it.

“Are you trying to kill me with this dribs and drabs of information?” the Tellarite growled.

“You’re going to love this. We’re getting a nugget,” he replied.

“No.” Skipper said.

“Yes, we are, and you and he will become close friends, I am sure.” Murphy laughed.



“If he was like the last one, may the gods preserve us,” he replied.



“Enough, the men ready?”



“Aye Sir, Gloria was taking them though the daily dozen. Is the Major up for a little run?”



Murphy stood up and stretched, “Might as well. Don’t want to get too lazy from the chair parade and
forms. We really need a clerk,” he said.
“As the major says.”

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

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Qo'nos - Star Port - Check Point aH - Lieutenant Galk and Jos of the Imperial House - 0705)

Galk was in full House attire which consisted of a metal sash with red and gold wire wound through it in
pattern over his armor. He was accompanied by four trusted warriors, two had been recruited from his
former ship the Ha'Gok and one was gA'esh who had sworn to the honor of the others. A full military
escort was unwanted by their head of house but it was traditional and during the early days of
reformation of his holdings a necessity.

He had been waiting patiently, arms folded as his guard watched in every direction the comings and
goings of others, some singly and the rest in small groups. The pressurized valve before them had
disgorged a number of crew of the arriving ship. A few had scowled upon seeing them and veered
around the group while the rest had saluted the new Councilor and passed by respectfully. Finally the
door cycled open and he spied a familiar figure.

Jos was accompanied by two others and looked like he had just returned from Gre'thor, in the five years
since he had seen him he appeared to have aged ten. Rura Pente was not kind to those who were held
there and even though Jos' workload such as it was had been light in comparison to the others and he
had been segregated so that knowledge of his presence was limited it had been a hard life... if you
could call existence on a penal planet living. The ship he was being transported aboard had been
delayed and had only now arrived.

Galk stepped forward. "nuqneH par'Jos. Suh? khi GOSH!"

Jos limped to him and growled in his face. "kesk koruts Kos'Karii. Go's!

Galk glared at him for a moment before throwing back his head in a bellowing laugh which Jos
returned, stepped forward then embraced his son for an instant.

NRPG: What follows is translated to Federation Standard.
RPG:

After Jos stepped back Galk slapped him on the shoulder, it rocked the older man but to pull the blow
would have been an insult.

"You need food and sleep old man."

Jos straightened. "And a woman." His lips pulled back. "I thought I might die waiting for you to
accomplish your task."

Galk motioned for his father to follow then turned and walked at a slow pace so that they could speak
as they moved. The pair that had accompanied the elder moved to join with the guard detail.
"I struck when the time was right. Much has happened of which you were not aware."

"Of course it has!" Jos spat. "I have been detained kesh! on Rura Pente! What has been happening?"

"The Empire has successfully taken a part of Romulan space and holds it. I have been informed that
the Chancellor was planning to open a second front against the Federation."

" I have heard of the first, had no knowledge of the second."

"Yes. I have frozen our forces within our new, extended holdings and recalled those ship and warriors
not needed to hold it. But some have refused the recall and I will have to punish them."

"Gay'cha! When do you depart?"

"In three days time aboard the oj'kU!"

"And your support?"

"Enough. I will tell you all after we have eaten and drunk. You need bloodwine to thicken your blood."

"Ha! After I have slept it off THEN you will tell me all so that I will remember it."

"Agreed." He kept the pace slow until they reached the transport station and were beamed to a pickup
point near the fortified compound that surrounded the headquarters of the Imperial House.

True to his word Jos passed out after eating and had drunk 2 tankards of the potent liquid, it would take
time to regain his tolerance for it. His sleep would be deep for the first time in recent memory.

(Reply: None)


Posted by Charles G

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

(New Romulus, Eryx – Valerius Residence – Gunnery Sergeant Emile Schofield – 0725)



The original house was not big enough to hold them all. Fortunately, there was a disused piece of farmland behind the house.
By trimming the grass, they had been able to carve out a nice chunk of land. Then Emile had put his Marine training to use.
Eryx was considered in the middle of nowhere by most people, but for Schofield that had actually been an advantage.



He had brought some tools and gotten extra bits and pieces in the town’s one camping story. That done, he had gone into the
lands and come back with all the resources he thought were useful. Then he had turned the chunk of land into a camp. It even
came with a perimeter fence. True, it was made out of razor wire and wooden poles. But it was the best he could do. On the
bright side, he was finally back in his BDU. Civilian clothes were really not his thing. He was sitting at the campfire when
Yenna came out of the house with a cup of coffee.



“So, how are we doing in the plan department ?” She said as handed him the coffee.



“Well, phase one has been completed. Back in training, they drilled it into us that preparation is key. Otherwise, things tend to
blow up in your face,” He took a sip of the coffee. “I needed time to do research. And I figured that giving the kids time to
bond wouldn’t be a bad thing.”



“I’m still surprised you managed to fix the coffee maker. I’ve taken it too several shops and nobody got it working.”



“I’m a Marine Engineer,” He said with a shrug. “It’s what I do. Well, one of the things that I do. It’s a varied job.”



“Now, about Phase Two ?”



“Well, to begin with, it’s a school day, so we have kiddos get to school. Sarah can stay here and hold down the fort. Then you,
me and Claudia are going down the Federation Embassy. While you and Claudia try the front door, I’ll try to see what I can
find out at through the back channels. I might not have clearance for the Embassy, but there are other ways to find out
things.”



“Sounds like a plan to me.”



Emile finished his coffee and the two of them went into the house. It was time for them to get to work.



(Reply any)

(Posted by Ruben)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Archanis IV – Camp Belleau Wood – Major Audie Murphy – 0800)

“Fall out,” came the order from Gunny Gloria. She had set a fast pace today in the run, and the hour
passed without incident.

“Assemble at 0930 at the kill house,” Skipper called. “Kowalski you are OPFOR. Gloria will lead the
BLUFOR.”

(reply none)
(Posted by Tim)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Ready Room - CO, Captain Sekal and Lieutenant (jg) Tha'lanista- 0800)

The ship would be arriving at Archanis in nine hours, in three would begin a hearing upon which hung
the future career of one of his crew. Preparations were nearly complete. "Come". He spoke as the
chime for the door sounded and he lifted his eyes from the monitor.

"Captain," said Lanista, "I believe I owe you a tour of my time-pod…"

The Vulcan tilted his head. "Indeed." Events have gotten in the way until now and I accept your
invitation before they once again intrude." He stood to his feet.

"Events can't intrude upon Time, sir. It's useful sometimes to be able to step away — for even a
moment, but without losing the initiative," Lanista said. She stepped closer to the Captain and raised
her vambrace. "It doesn't feel the same as a transporter, but some find this means of re-location
somewhat disorienting. Ready?"

He cupped his palms behind the small of his back. "Affirmative."
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Time pod - CO, Captain Sekal and Lieutenant (jg) Tha'lanista - 0803)

Lanista toggled the activator and the two officers were moved from the Ready Room to the central
control station of the time-pod, which Lanista had named «jengSI'». The room was small but the ceiling
was higher than the standard over-deck height on Starfleet vessels. There were only two doors leading
out of central control.

"Take a deep breath, if you need to," Lani' said.

He inhaled normally, the disorientation had passed quickly and looked about. The ceiling had no doubt
been adapted to her greater height which was unusual. Sekal was considered well within the range of
tall but she overlooked him by over a head. Her arms were also longer in proportion giving her a
significant reach advantage.

The interior of the control room was indeed spacious with a huge, transparent orb suspended from the
ceiling in its center. Around it base was a large panel with levers, cranks and buttons. Upon an arm
protruding from the orb was a small base that held a push button panel of keys and tiny view screen.
Within the orb were multiple concentric circles attached to a central spike. Where the two doors led
could be logically extrapolated, Engineering spaces down one and perhaps living quarters through the
other.

"What would you like to see first? When I first came aboard, I believe I handed over some artifacts from
Vulcan's past. At least, I intended to. Would more History be to your liking?"
An eyebrow lifted in bemusement. "I agreed to a tour of your vehicle, not travel through time so this
invitation is unexpected. As Captain I have important duties to attend to that would be adversely
affected if the equipment were to go awry."

"Very well then, Time can wait till another time. As far as the tour, right this way," she said with a slight
smile.

One of the two doors did indeed lead to Engineering. The layout of the small craft would look odd to
most people more acquainted to right-angled architecture. "There are several compartments, but only
the most vital always exist. Anything not usually accessed is 'stored' — for lack of a better word —
'elsewhen.'"

He absorbed her comment as his eyes traveled over the alien though archaic and low tech looking
architecture.
"Fascinating though it would logically follow in a time travel device far enough advanced. You did say
you acquired this vehicle." His eyes turned and lifted to hers. "How was that accomplished?"

"Section 31 'commandeered' it from Temporal Investigations. The Section sometimes has need to pose
as operatives of other agencies. A time-pod is essential in passing yourself off as T.I."

"Logical". He noted. He approved of neither the time police of temporal Investigations nor Section 31
though it could be argued they had their uses. It was the abuse of power that accompanied such
agencies that made them dangerous.

Lanista led her Captain through another door, which led to a small compartment with nothing in it. On
the opposite wall, there was another door.

"I don't know what this room's for. And Rhett won't tell me," Lanista admitted.

He looked around which didn't take long. "An antechamber perhaps or it might have some
mechanization of which you are not aware." He turned to her with a searching expression. "This pod
would be useful for escaping notice. Were you aware of the Section 31 attack on Earth and attempted
coup three years ago or were you perhaps out on assignment?"

"I wasn't a part of that detail, no. But yes, the pod would be useful for escaping notice — such as for
duck-blind away missions, for instance," Lani' suggested. "Oh, I should clarify. Rhett, Rhett Connor, is
the ship's A.I. Introduce yourself Rhett."

[Greetings, Carbon-Based Unit,] the A.I. said.

"A logical conclusion though my blood is copper based and not iron. What year was your programming
created?" He inquired of the AI.

[Temporal protocols prohibit me from giving a direct answer to your enquiry. I am so sorry.]

He shrugged. "That was to be expected."
[tlha'nISta', forgive me for bringing this up again, but the R.T.L.S. circuit remains broken.]

"Yes, I know. I also know that you know the tool I need to fix that hasn't been invented yet."

"And the AI does not have the specification stored in its databank?" An eyebrow rose.

"It does. But ... temporal protocols," Lani' said with a wink. "The RTLS is 'Return To Launch Site.' That's
why the pod couldn't leave Illuminar when my transfer was authorized."

He began to walk about the small room. "Curious. This device is a case study in contradictions. It uses
advanced technology beyond our own but operated by low technology devices with knowledge of how
to fix itself yet without the authorization to do so. Such devices created within the continuum created by
the time pod should be exempt from such a restriction. The reason being that if created here they would
be no more harmful than if such a tool already existed within it. Or am I to assume that any piece of
technology more advanced than the time period it occupies is hidden until a more advanced time period
is reached?"

[The specifications for the tool have not been disclosed because Lady tlha'nISta' is not authorized to
operate it's other applications. While it would advantage me to be fully functional, I am still operating
within acceptable parameters.]

"Ah. An unexpected protocol."

"Yes, he's full of those," said Lani', opening the opposite door. "This way to Medical?" she invited.

Sekal followed her through the passageway.

Medical was small, with only one exam table. There were banks of computers and consoles lining the
walls. A small robot hovered nearby on one such workstation. It would put one in mind of an exocomp,
but had a far different configuration.

"Med-Bay," Lani' announced. "And that," she said, indicating the automaton-esque construct, "is
V.I.N.Cent. My 'doctor.'"

"Vital Information Necessarily Centralized," the levitating 'droid' intoned, giving a slight bow by tipping
itself slightly forward then restoring itself to an upright position.

He positioned himself before it and studied it intently. "This technology is not far removed from our own.
I have noted that the artificial intelligences aboard are very polite." He addressed V.I.N.Cent directly.
"Your courtesy is appreciated. How many species does your databank contain?"

"All on record, Good Sir."

"No number given. Sound reasoning behind that I conclude due to its purpose and the current timeline."

How far into the future did the history of these mechanisms extend? There was no way to be certain
and he was certain they would not volunteer that information.
"You'll find that Rhett and Vincent can be particularly recalcitrant about revealing possible fate, Captain.
They're frustratingly dedicated to the T.P.D.," offered Lani'.

"I had already concluded that." He noted. "From the perspective of their designers it is a reasonable
and logical safeguard."

Rhett announced, [… though Lady tlha'nISta' does pry, Sir.]
V.I.N.Cent approached Captain Sekal and asked, "Do you require attention?"

An eyebrow rose. "I would expect no less." He looked to the hovering mechanism.
"Negative. My functions are currently at optimal capability."

Vincent pivoted to face Lanista and quipped, "Sir is somewhat … stiff."

"He's full-blood Vulcan," Lani' said.

Sekal moved about the room looking at the other pieces of equipment and inspecting one of the
readouts before moving to the next door. "And what is in the next chamber?"

"That's one of the funny things about the Pod," Lanista admitted. "The doors lead to the rooms you
intend to access. As I mentioned earlier, compartment don't exist in our space-time unless they're
needed. And I haven't fully explored its 'floorplan' yet. I probably never will. That door will lead to
whatever you wanted to see next."

"Convenient. Engineering." He spoke and stepped through into a multi-level facility, they stepped out
onto a catwalk midway up the wall. The walls were dark and appeared wet. Pumping noises came from
below from what looked like large tanks spouting steam. He shook his head unconsciously. "Illogical.
Such an advanced device would demand a powerful and high tech power source. I am beginning to
form the theory that the true technological state is disguised in order to divert attention and suspicion on
the chance it is discovered by one with no knowledge of its capabilities."

"If I can offer an alternative theory, Captain," said Lanista, "simpler tech is easier to fix. Witness the
RTLS quandary. The tool I need for that doesn't exist yet. But many of these other components can be
swapped out for the very most basic equipment."

He nodded his head. "Both theories hold merit and are equally plausible."

"Rhett, which theory is correct?" Lani' asked.

"Authorization for that answer would require a Command Override," Rhett Connor responded.

He shrugged his shoulders at the answer, it would certainly not accept his command codes.

"Rhett, this _is_ my Commanding Officer," Lani' said, venturing a gambit and winking at Sekal.
Her intent was clear but that presented a paradox, his command codes were not something to be given
out to any entity not of his ship and once given the databank would store and could make use of them.
So in short, he was forbidden from using them outside of an emergency . However he could make a
different attempt using readily available information.

"Rhett this is Captain Sekal of the United Federation of Planets, serial code 8754269. I authorize you to
answer her query."

"I shall recalibrate," said Rhett. "This will take time."

"Well _that_ was unexpected," Lani' said.

"Quite."

"Sekal. Data on file. Lady tlha'nISta's Commanding Officer from Stardate 2446:04:27 at 1301 verified.
Both theories are correct. What you perceive is presented in a manner your cognition is able to
process. The simpler components are proxies for their actual counterparts."

"So…" Lanista said, "There's a gym. And a swimming pool. There's even a library, but the Histories
section is locked."

"Logical." He checked his chronometer. It is about 'time' I returned to the ship Lieutenant. This tour has
been ... fascinating."

"Door's open whenever you'd like, Sir," said Lani'. "But I can have you back before you left, so 'time you
returned' is relative."

"Understood. However I have much left to do and we can complete the tour at a later opportunity. Also I
have the impression that short-cutting time will take some adjustment." He turned to the door which had
closed on its own behind them and spoke. "USS Illuminar Ready Room fifteen minutes after the
departure and myself and Lieutenant Lanista." The door opened and he stepped through.

"Captain, you don't actually need to voice your intent. Rhett reads it," Lanista revealed.

He heard her comment, nodded and stopped with his foot in the doorway then turned his head to her
for last minute instructions. "No one is to be allowed access to this device without express authorization
given verbally by myself Lieutenant."

"Understood, sir," Lanista acknowledged.

Another step and he found himself alone in his office once again fifteen minutes to the second after he
left. The possible abuses of such a device were unimaginable and its use would have to be strictly
regulated.

(Reply: None)

(Posted by Charles and Frank)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Earth Starbase – Dock Master’s Office – Charles Temerity – 0815)

Charles Temerity wasn’t much of a man to look at, and at the same time managed to stick out. He stood
about 5foot 8inches tall (1.73 meters), weighed in at around 220 pounds with tanned skin, blue eyes, and
dark blond hair that ran down to his shoulders with the top of it pulled back into a short ponytail. He
had a shallow scar that ran over his left eye and looked like he hadn’t shaven his face in over a week.
From the way his nose was slightly offset, one could tell, he had been in a scrape or two. He looked
more like a pirate swashbuckler or some outlaw cowboy from a movie. He had the baring of a Soldier,
no longer in service perhaps, but a Soldier none the less.

As he entered the Dock Master’s office, he greeted the Starfleet officer there, “Hello Jermaine, how are
things?” Charles asked the dark-skinned human. “Family doing good, I hope.”

“The family is doing fine. My daughter got a soccer scholarship to England, and my son is thinking of
going into the Marine Corps. I’m not sure how I feel about that, my experience with Marines is virtually
non-existent. Rhonda, my wife, knows you were in the Corps, and she was hoping you would talk to
him.” Commander Jermaine Holley had responded.

“Sure, that is not a problem. Just let me know when would be a good time, because it would be best
with you and Rhonda both there, and if you and your son like, have the recruiter there as well. Is that
why you called me up here?”

“Actually no. I wanted to tell you that the offload of your ship will be completed 40 hours early, but
because Impetuous Industries has prepaid for the dock space you have been granted permission to
remain in the spot until your permit expires so you and your crew can get some liberty.”

Charles beamed at the good news, T’Lela always did take care of her people. “Anything else?”

Commander Holley began shifting his weight from side to side like a man who is about to do something
he doesn’t feel is right. “You have two messages. One is from your boss, she said to tell you to go see
her at your earliest convenience. And the second is from the office of the Commandant of the Marine
Corps.” Holley said as he held out a padd, and just then four personnel from base security stepped up to
Charles.

“What the hell, Jermaine!?” Charles exclaimed looking around at the phaser rifles held at the ready and
holstered pistols.

Looking like a man ashamed of his own cowardice, Jermaine answered, “I have been ordered to inform
you that you are to sign for the message from the Commandant or you will be placed in custody and held
in the brig until you sign.” After a brief pause, “I’m sorry, this is not how I would have done this.”
Charles just stared daggers at his friend for several seconds and then relaxed, “I’m peeved, but at the
situation, not you. Contact T’Lela for me, let her know that I will meet her at ‘The Ranch’ as soon as I
can, and please let her know what is going on.”

Jermaine nodded and began putting the call through as Charles signed receipt of the message and began
reading. The message was addressed to Gunnery Sergeant Charles Temerity, Retired from the Bureau of
Personnel on behalf of the Commandant of the Marine Corps. You are directed to report to Earth
Starbase to Major General…” in his mind, the rest of the message was just a incoherent blur. So he
turned to the security detail and passed the padd to the senior ranking one, “Alright, take me to Major
General whoever the hell this yahoo is.” And started heading for the door.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Earth Starbase – Office of Major General Eunice Bloom – Charles Temerity – 0850)

As Charles was escorted into the reception area of the General’s office, a woman with long blond hair
and a sultry figure in a civilian business suit with skirt said with the distinctive accent of a Georgia
southern bell, “And what can I do for you today, sir?” she said to the leader of the security detail. His
only response was to pass her the padd that Temerity had given him. After reading it, she looked
Charles in the eye and said, “Thank you gentlemen, I’ll take the Gunny from here.” As the security
detail turned to leave, “Please follow me, Gunny.”

Charles simply nodded and gestured for her to lead the way. He was starting to realize just how long he
had been in space this last round as he watcher her body move as she walked. Realizing he was starting
to stare, he shook his head and focused on the matter at hand. As she led him into the inner office she
announced, “Gunnery Sergeant Charles Temerity retired, I am Major General Eunice Bloom.”

“Pleasure to meet you ma’am.” He said as he came to a stop in front of the desk that she had walked
around. As she sat down, he continued, “Would you be so kind as to explain to me why I am here.”

“I actually have a simple straight forward answer for that question, but if you don’t mind, I’d like to
review your file with you here so you can answer my questions.”

Charles again, simply nodded and buried his hands in his pockets and waited.

General Bloom began reading quietly and commenting aloud “Enlisted at 21, ten years active, honorable
discharge up-or-out, involuntary recalled, placed in reserves 2 years, conditional release, four and a half
more years active, honorable discharge again up-or-out, involuntary recalled upon separation, ten years
reserves, retired.” She paused and looked at the long haired, unshaven man standing before her and
compared it to his official photo in his record before continuing, “Service in, Service in, Service in,
Deployed to, Deployed to, Deployed to, Mobilized to, Mobilized to, Mobilized to, experience in urban
warfare, experience in boarding assault operations, expert in ship to ground assault operations, expert
ships pilot, expert ship navigator, qualified expert pistol, qualified marksman on rifle.” She paused
again, looked up and asked, “How does that work Marine?”
Charles smiled at her, “I don’t use optics and I am accurate only as far as I can see.”

She nodded in understanding and followed up with, “It says here you are a civilian licensed ship captain
in charge of a freighter and a licensed bounty hunter. Please explain.”

With his hands still in his pockets, Charles shrugged his shoulders, “That’s easy, by having a bounty
hunter ticket, if we get boarded by pirates or the like and we capture or kill, I am able to collect on the
reward and I divide it evenly with all surviving crewmembers of my ship.”

“And does you boss at Impetuous Industries, this T’Lela, approve of your little side hustle.”

Charles really smiled now, “She had better. It was her idea and she sent me to the school.”

General Bloom simply said “Very well.” And then continued, “Now for my answering your question.
As you may have noticed over the last couple of decades a shift of responsibilities has been taking place
in the Corps. Officers have been passing their responsibilities off onto NCOs while at the same time
trying to take old NCO responsibilities on for themselves. There are also many things that the Corps
used to train and teach Marines that are no longer taught. You are being recalled because we are setting
up a Marine Detachment to be assigned aboard the Illuminar. Now we have come across only two
people with the skill set desired. You, and a man who has been dead for several years. Except for five
records of Non-Judicial Punishment, your record is clean as a whistle. Though apart from the two field
grades, we expunged the other three.”

Taking his hands out of his pockets and going to the position of At-Ease, he asked, “Ma’am, what is it
you’re not telling me.”

Bloom just smiled, “The Marines we are sending are not the best, as a group they’re middle of the road
type Marines. I need a leader that can motivate, mentor and teach them. Not just the junior enlisted and
the NCOs, but officers as well. To assist you with that, you are being promoted to Second Lieutenant.
Welcome to the world of the Mustang officer. I will be sending you a data packet to include your orders,
along with your approved uniform and equipment draw. If you have any issues, you have whoever
contact me directly. Now, unless you have any questions, you have one week to get your affairs in order
and get to the rendezvous location to meet up with your unit and ship. Godspeed, Lieutenant.”

Charles went to the position of attention and saluted before turning and heading for the door. Just as he
reached the door, he turned back around when he heard the general call out, “And Charles…”

Looking at her he raised a questioning eyebrow at her “Ma’am?”

“I wanted to say thank you. My husband stopped staring years ago.”

With a grin and a wink, Charles left the office before anymore could be said.
(Reply: None)
(Posted by Chuck)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(New Romulus, Capital City – Street – Gunnery Sergeant Emile Schofield – 0930)



The children were at school and Sarah was keeping an eye on the house. While Yenna and Claudia had gone into
the Federation Embassy to ask about Mackenzie and get some answers the official way, Emile had walked around
the building. He had found the literal backdoor and was now walking down the street that it led to.



It was no secret that the Embassy was guarded by Marines. And that when off-duty, Marines loved to find a
nearby bar to unwind. These bars tended to be really close to the Embassy in question. And, much to Emile’s
relief, this cliché was true here as well. Three doors away from the backdoor, he peeked into the window and
found a bar full of marines.



He walked into the place and everybody spotted talking and looked at him. Except the barkeep, who was
struggling with a subspace radio that refused to work. Emile reached into his BDU and pulled out his dog tags.



“Gunnery Sergeant Emile Schofield, Maintenance Battalion Excalibur.”



“That’s a pretty new outfit,” The Barkeep said.



“Why do you think I’m burning off a ton of leave with a trip to New Romulus ? Once we start getting
deployments, you kiss any chance of getting time off good-bye. You know how the brass are, especially Bloom.
The only reason she created Excalibur, was to keep the pile of complaints from getting too big.”



“Yeah, that sounds like her alright.” The marines went back to chatting and Emile sat down at the bar. “Now,
Mister Excalibur, there’s a Parrises Squares game two towns over and I want to hear it, but this…” He pushed the
radio towards Emile. “…piece of junk is not working. So, you fix the radio and tell me what brings you here.”
“Okay,” He took an old-school Swiss Army Knife from his pocket, it was engraved with the words ‘For Joker,
from Shep’. “I know, not exactly standard issue. But I got it from my best friend, back in the day. And it’s very
handy.” He said as he began taking the radio apart.



“Yes, they are,” The barkeep said, holding up a Swiss Army Knife of his own, before returning it to his pocket.
“So, what brings you here, Marine ?”



“I’m looking for the scuttlebutt about this whole Mackenzie mess. That best friend, he’s her dad. And I’d be a
pretty rubbish friend if I just sat on my rear while his daughter is in a pickle.” He began searching the circuits for
the problem. “So, what can you tell me, barkeep ?”



“It’s Ernie, Gunny. And from what I hear, the Eryx sheriff dealt with the Romulan hardliners, pretty much cut
them off at the knees from getting involved,” Emile found the problem as he said that, there were two loose
screws and dirt had gotten into the memory circuits. “The Federation is not going to be the problem. All he’ll have
to do, is fill out a couple of forms and he’ll be set. Hell, he can request the forms over subspace. He wouldn’t even
have to set foot in the Embassy.”



“So, it’s the Klingons who are going to be the problem ?”



“Yeah,” Ernie began, while Emile secured the loose screws. “You know about the recently shift in the Houses,
right ? The Imperial House making a comeback and the House of Mogh getting back on the chart ?” Emile
nodded yes as he pulled out the memory module. Then he blew out the dust. “Well, the hardliners at Diplomatic
Service Headquarters lost a lot of ground when that happened. They are looking for a win, ANY win to patch up
their reputations and egos.”



“So they don’t care that she’s a fifteen year old ?” He snapped the memory module back in place, then pressed
several buttons to reset the circuit. “They simply want somebody to throw the book at ?” The radio came back to
life, Emile turned the dial and a voice came out of the speaker. “So, what charges are we talking about here, Ernie
?”



“Abandoning her post, fraternizing with a known enemy of the Empire and causing a diplomatic incident,” Ernie
said as Emile gave him back the radio. “Thanks for fixing the radio. Anything else I can do for you ?”
“Well, a big Cola on the house as a thank you for fixing the radio,” He paused. “Oh, and what was your
assignment ? I know a retired Marine when I see one.”



“I was a Gunny like you. And I was assigned all over, but my last post was three doors away,” Ernie said as he put
down the cola. “This bar was a dump while I was serving here. I needed a project or else I would have gone nuts.
So I decided to kill two birds with one stone. Now, it’s a little piece of home away from home.”



“Semper Fi.”



“Semper Fi.”



Emile set to drinking his cola. From the way Ernie had said it, these hardliners were pretty serious about throwing
the book at Mackenzie. But he had no intention of passing up a free drink. And if they did come for Mackenzie,
they would still have to get past Sam Wavor. And the Eryx sheriff had proven himself to be a sharp cookie. So he
had time for his cola.



(Reply any)

(Posted by Ruben)

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

(New Romulus, Eryx – Street – The Dirty – 0930)



The Dirty had returned from his vacation on Risa. A mountain of a Klingon, he was carrying a heavy disruptor
rifle. He had not been allowed to bring his beloved weapon to Risa. But he had still been able to have plenty of
fun spending time with exotic women, getting black-out drunk and throwing security guards around like they were
rag dolls. Whoever was going to the Golden Sunrise Spa and Resort next would find the place in far from optimal
shape. But that was not The Dirty’s problem. He had been banished from the planet for life anyway.



Beside his love of weapon, his nickname came from the fact that his appearance was far from clean. He also had a
long beard and wild, unkept hair. The ambassador had ordered him to go and get Mackenzie Dyson. The problem
was that the Romulans refused to provide them with the exact address. A fact he was about to correct.
He entered the City Hall and found a lobby with two clerks – one male and one female – manning a counter.
There were several Romulans in a queue, waiting for their turn to ask for information. The Dirty shoved them
aside and grabbed the male clerk by his shirt, pulling the man across the counter.



“The Valerius Residence !” He roared. “The address, now, or I’ll snap you in half !”



“221A West Road.”



The Dirty threw the clerk away and stomped out of the building. And because he left, he didn’t see the female
clerk help his victim back to his feet.



“You know that’s Tervas’ house, right ?” She said. “The Valerius’ family live at 221B.”



“Well, in that case, he has a problem.” The male clerk said with a huge grin on his face. “Anyway, we should call
the Sheriff before this gets nasty.”



So that was exactly what they did.

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

(New Romulus, Eryx – Street – The Dirty – 0945)



The Dirty had reached the house the clerk had pointed him to. Like all the houses around this pathetic town, it was
a miserable little hovel. ~These fools have no idea how to build anything.~ He pounded on the door and delivered
his standard opening sentence.



“Open this door !” He yelled. “Because dead or alive, you’re coming with me.”



There was no reply, so he warmed up his weapon and fired a salvo into the hovel. Normally, this was enough to
make the pointy ears fools surrender. But after the fifth shot, the building had a nasty surprise for him. He
hit….something….and the whole building blew up. There was a shockwave that knocked him over. As he got up,
he realized two things. The first was the building was now on fire. The second was that his beloved disruptor had
been snapped in half. The barrel was to his left, while the rest was to his right.



“Argh !” He roared as he drew his d’k’tagh.



It was at this point that Sam Wavor arrived, disruptor drawn. The Dirty came at him, but the Sheriff was fast on
his feet and he didn’t get anywhere near him. He returned the favor by firing his weapon twice. His disruptor was
an older weapon, dating from the 2380’s. It had only come with one setting – complete vaporizing – when he had
gotten it. But Sam had modified the weapon, adding lower settings. Still, the beam went right through The Dirty
and the Klingon went down. His knife went flying out of his reach. The deputies Ginara and Erick arrived. The
Sheriff was in better shape then his deputies, which was why they were to the party.



“Book ‘em.”



“What about Tervas ?” Ginara said as she and Erick put the massive Klingon in chains and helped him up.



“I think he was out on one of his collection runs,” Sam said. “Still, he’s not going to be happy to find his house
having burned down. Especially when he remembers there’s no homeless shelter in town. We get to ship his
cranky, useless behind to the Capital. But first…” He gestured down the road. “…let’s go.”



They began walking towards the police station.



“Won’t the Klingon Embassy come for him ?”



“They will, but we’re shipping him off to Sayollis City in a couple of hours. And if there is one thing that the SC
Police Department is good at, it’s dragging their feet. The Embassy won’t get their guy back for four days,” He
smiled. “Bureaucracy will working in our favor for a change.”



Erick nodded as they continued their way down the road. He was glad that he was not the one who had to break
the news of their little arrest to the Klingon Ambassador to New Romulus. ~Heads are going to roll.~ And that
they would be long gone by the time that Tervas found out what had happened to his house.
(Reply Tervas iyw, any)

(Posted by Ruben)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Archanis IV – Camp Belleau Wood – Kill House - Major Audie Murphy – 1000)


Audie stood in the center of the control room. The kill house was wired for sound and video. The
sensors could also measure the stress level of the participants. This was a new scenario that came from
the training command. It was a high value hostage rescue scenario.



He had looked it over. Kowalski had set a couple of interesting traps for the BLUFOR. However,
Gloria was a very cautious and resourceful marine as well. They matched well in the deadly game of
chess that they played on a daily basis.



Flipping a switch, he listened into Gloria’s briefing.



“We have a high value hostage in the house. The kidnappers have made demands, and while the
negation team is trying to solve the problem, we need to setup and get ready for a forced entry. We have
drones in the air, trying to get information for us. I want Melman and Julien on the long guns. Melman
take the alpha/delta side. Julian take beta/gamma side. Your mission is to observe and report. I repeat
observe and report.”



“We have a teleporter scrambler setup so no transporting in or out. We need to do this the old-fashioned
way,” she added.



“Mason, you’re with me, we are alpha. Marty and Pancho, you are beta. Once we have more intel, we
can decide how best to breach. Questions?”



Murphy nodded, they were professionals, it would be interesting when the shooting starts.



He watched the team deploy around the kill house. They moved well together. Even with all the
modern technology that Star Fleet had, events like this always were decided by the boots on the ground,
and that is where this team came in.
He flipped the cameras to inside the house and again observed how Kowalski had distributed his team to
protect the hostage. Now it was over but the song, as they said.



(Reply none)

(posted by Tim)


>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Officer's Watch - CO, Captain Sekal - 1100)

The chamber had heretofore never been used on the Illuminar, ostensibly branded a multi-purpose
office it was anything but as it had one particular function. Every ship in the fleet had such a chamber
and as it had gone for so long without being opened it bespoke well of the officers and crew aboard
Illuminar.

But today marked a somber occasion as preparations came to a conclusion and the Captain
inaugurated the Officer's Watch for its first duty.

The short table opposite the door had three chairs with their back to the wall. In the center seat sat the
Vulcan CO in full dress uniform and behind him on the wall was the seal of the Federation. Before him
on the table was a small brass bell with a striker beside it. These items were relics from an era long
past and in such a technologically advanced age unnecessary. They remained however because of
tradition and the respect they kindled verging on fear. Godly fear. The fear of one who had overstepped
and now must ponder their fate.

To his right sat Commander Gregory who would be presenting the case for StarFleet against the
accused. His role in this was as Prosecutor, to present the case to be considered for judgement.
Commander Gregory was brilliant in many ways and uniquely suited for the task.

To Sekal's left sat Temas Laredo, he would be representing the accused and he was also well qualified
for his role, being highly versed in Federation law.

Above the table a small sensor protruded from the ceiling and was angled toward the chair that faced
the table. This sensor replaced the now obsolete hand scanner used on StarFleet vessels formerly. The
sensor was used to record many things, blood pressure, pupil dilation, muscle stress, changes of vocal
tone, involuntary movements and others. Some could fake their way through one or perhaps two of
these but not all. Generally referred to as a lie detector it was merely a tool to point the way to the truth.

In the chair was seated Ensign Kelly Long, a young officer whose decision had been called into
question and now faced charges. The investigation had been thorough, the stage had been set. It was
now time to begin.

Sekal picked up the striker and struck the ship's bell twice.
"This hearing is called to order. Ensign Long is accused of dereliction of duty under article ninety two of
the uniform military code which resulted in the death of crewman Joy Chinlo. Commander Gregory will
present the case for StarFleet and the determination of this hearing will be final. Ensign Long do you
have anything to say in your defense before we begin?"

(Reply: Kelly Long)

The Vulcan gave a sharp dip of his chin then turned his head to the right. "Commander Gregory you
may begin."

(Reply: Gregory)

Posted by Charles G
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Qo"Nos House of Mogh SPA LT JG Ariel Trei - 11.00)

Her father Detron was very reluctant to walk into the house. Ariel tried to explain to him that she is the
head of the house as given by a man she works with named Galk. Galk she explained is the head of
the house of Kor another of the prominent Klingon houses. She told him of Pe'Tah who helped her
prepare for the Rite and walked her through what she will encounter in the politics she has inherited.
Ariel showed her father a large space around the house where a Betazoid garden can be maintained.
The seeds can be planted now in the Klingon summer and be terraformed to grow pretextually
regardless of the environment.

"Please come inside for tea. I have someone for you to meet.."

They walked through the front door and immediately saw a large number of servants more that she
could count. She will have to get used to that as well but is better to be well attended than not. A table
was set for 4 people with a large kettle of tea and scones ready to consume. Ariel directed her father to
the table. Lani was sitting at the table already and welcomed them to the table.

"This is Lanista. I work with her as well on the Illuminar. She with be the house Steward. Ask her what
you will."

(Reply Lani, Detron as needed)
(Posted by Edward )
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar exterior — Time-Pod jengSI' — aCSO LT tlha'nISta' — 1101)

The House of Mogh had been ceded the planetary system of «Qotlh», or "Ko'th." The name choice was
intriguing. Ko'th traditionally referred to a Klingon belief about the afterlife. In that context, it was a state
of non-existence for those neither honorable enough for «Suto'vo'qor» ("Sto-vo-kor") nor sufficiently
dishonorable for «ghe''or» ("Gre'thor"). To leave Ko'th, a spirit had to demonstrate suitable worthiness
(or unworthiness). It was said that Gre'thor was preferable to eternity in Ko'th.
"I'll have to recommend that Ariel change the name. I suspect this is a test… Or someone's idea of a
joke. I'll have to determine who chose this system, then find out if they intended the name as a test. Is
the inference that the House of Mogh itself is neither worthy nor unworthy? Are we to now 'prove'
ourselves? If that's the case, I should go and inspect this system — to see if it's worth accepting."

tlha'nISta' had offered to be DevwI' or "Steward" of the House of Mogh. In such capacity, it was
presumably her duty to investigate the matter.

"Rhett," she said, addressing the Time-Pod's A.I., "plot a course for Ko'th and jump!"

"Very good, M'lady," the A.I. said.

TO BE CONTINUED…

(Reply none)
(Posted by Frank)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Officer’s Watch – Counselor - Temas Laredo- 1101)

Temas stepped through the doorway, into the Officer's Watch. Through his studies, he knew that such a
room existed, though he could not, for the life of him, imagine why. Such draping to deal with issues of
discipline seemed a bit archaic. But he knew that the fleet enjoyed their customs and ceremonies.

He wasn't exactly certain why he had been called to defend Kelly Long, but he did believe that Kelly could be
redeemed from her errors. But how would the results of this trial affect her emotionally? She was already
quite fragile. With the therapy, she would be able to get past her guilt and become a productive member of
the crew... if she wanted.

However, this was the first step for her. To face the charges brought upon her and the consequences of the
results. He just hoped that she survived the experience.

He nodded to Captain Sekal and then Commander Gregory. They both seemed quite solemn on this
occasion. Perhaps it was fitting. He sat in a chair to the left of the captain. A moment later Kelly was
escorted in and sat in a chair in the center of the room.

He could hear her concern screaming from her mind. Temas tries to look confidently at her. A confidence he
wasn’t quite sure he felt. He nodded at her and then at Sekal, indicating he was ready to begin.

Sekal announce the hearing was open and asked Kelly if she had an opening statement. She had none and
so Commander Gregory was bud to begin.

(reply none)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Qo'noS — House of Mogh — DevwI' tlha'nISta' — 1102)

While present here at the first formal meeting of the House of Mogh, Lanista was also off elsewhere
(and/or else-when … or 'elsewherne' perhaps, a combination of where and when) in her time-pod.
There and then, she was studying the star system that had been ceded to the House before the family
fleet could move there to take possession. Once that excursion was (will/would be) finished, she'd
come back to this moment.

She was seated at a table that would seat 4. Tea and scones were presented attractively thereupon.
Ariel brought her father over and introduced Lani': "This is Lanista. I work with her as well on the
Illuminar. She with be the house Steward. Ask her what you will."

"I have offered, and Lady Ariel has accepted, my service as DevwI', not as an employee but as a
member of the House. I will manage, for you both, as much as I can, anything too mundane for either of
you. Ideally, anything that is beneath your notice won't even have to come to your attention. Is that
acceptable?"

(Reply Ariel/Detron as needed)
(Enter Pe'tah iyw)
(Posted by Frank)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar - Deck 1, Officer’s Watch – SO Kelly Long – 1102)

Kelly sat in the chair and waited for the hearing to begin. ~Here we go.~ She had a feeling that she
already knew how this was going to end. She remembered her first conversation with Commander
T’Mur. ~They’re going to throw me under the shuttle.~

It was like there were two small Kelly’s sitting on her shoulders. The one on her left shoulder was angry,
saying that it was not just here fault. The other was sitting one her right shoulder. And that one was
feeling guilty, telling her that she had gotten Joy killed. Then the Captain rang the bell and spoke up.

"This hearing is called to order. Ensign Long is accused of dereliction of duty under article ninety two of
the uniform military code which resulted in the death of crewman Joy Chinlo. Commander Gregory will
present the case for StarFleet and the determination of this hearing will be final. Ensign Long do you
have anything to say in your defence before we begin?"

“No, Captain.” Kelly said.

"Commander Gregory you may begin."

(Reply Gregory, any)
(Posted by Ruben)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

The time-pod jumped to the primary star of the Qotlh ("Ko'th") system. It was a big, beautiful, blue
(almost violet, in fact) sun at the center of a system of 13 planets. Even if it had had no worlds to orbit it,
it would have been remarkable. O-type stars were the rarest, comprising fewer than 0.003% of all stars
cataloged. The vast majority of stars were of 'hot' colors — yellow (G-type), orange (K-), or red (M-).

The primary did not disappoint in other characteristics. It was enormous! — a hypergiant! It also had
rings, like Saturn but on a much grander scale. Granted, these rings were merely the remains of the
star's accretion disc but knowing their origin made them no less impressive.

Ko'th-Prime had a surface temperature of 48,000ºK (as compared with the 'mere' and 'meager' 5,778ºK
of Earth's sun). Its mass was 90× that of Sol and its radius was 14.4× greater than that of that star.

O-type stars did not 'live' long enough to support the evolution of complex life-forms, but that didn't rule
out interstellar seeding via panspermia. Lani' thought, ~If there isn't any complex life, we'll have to
import it… if only to please the hunters amongst the House of Mogh.~




TO BE CONTINUED…

(Reply none)
(Posted by Frank)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Qo'noS — House of Mogh SPA LT JG Ariel Trei - 11.04)

Detron met Lanista and had several questions if the family was to live here and move from Betazed.
Lanista seemed like a very nice trustworthy person. He could see that Ariel chose well to have her run
the business of the house. All the servants would make life easy to handle apart from High counsel
matters in the Diplomatic chamber. He turned to Lanista.

"I have several questions. If I move my wife and sister here to live what will become of our house on
Betazed? This house is massive what will we do in this massive house? Is there a garden we can
attend to in any manner we wish to attend to it?" He used any manner as code to tending the garden in
the nude. He knew Ariel understood the code but didn't know if Lanista or the servants did.. "What
happens when we leave the house? Is the house Tailored as if we are on Betazed and outside the
house is harsh Qo"nos? What is Ariel's responsibility as head of the house and mine when she is not
here/"

He had many more questions but held off until he heard the answers to the first line of questions.

(Reply Lani, Pe'Ta when show up, Detron as needed)
(Posted by Edward)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1, Officer’s Watch – a1/O CMDR Dieter Gregory - 1105)

He has spent the last two days preparing for this. There was no good to come of this. A life had been
lost, and Gregory understood how Ensign Long was feeling.

Standing up, he spoke, "I call Commander T'Mur," he said.

He watched as the Commander took a seat.

"I have just one question, Commander. What were your orders to Ensign Long on stardate
2446.04.29?"

(reply T'Mur)

"Thank you Commander. No further questions" he said turning to Temas, "Your witness," he said
formally.

(Laredo)

(Reply T'Mur, Laredo, others)
(posted by Tim)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar exterior — Time-Pod jengSI' — aCSO LT tlha'nISta' — 1105)

THE RINGS:

The material making up the star's ring system ranged in size from the particulate to the planetesimal.
Some few celestial bodies could be described generously as Class-D "planets" but a case could be
made against in each case as well. Even Sol's Pluto was either a planet or a dwarf planet, depending
on who spoke of it and when. Portions of the rings were so thick they could not be seen through, giving
the broad bands of sandy-colored material the appearance of a wind-swept desert (either on Qo'noS, or
Vulcan, or even μ Draconis for that matter).

These rings were either the remains of the star's original accretion disc or the remains of a failed planet.
There would still be energetic collisions to be observed as the few larger bodies would impact one
another.

"Maybe this fledgling world hasn't given up trying," Lanista mused out loud in the control room of her
pod.

"There is no try," said the pod's A.I. "Planets either form or they don't, m'Lady."

"I know that," Lani' said somewhat tersely. Rhett was usually very polite but sometimes very literal. The
A.I. didn't understand the Lanista's occasional attribution of intent to the behaviors of non-sentient
things.
"Being romantic again?" Rhett asked, not expecting an answer.

Lani' changed the subject. "Set the best course for scanning each planet in the system. Compile a map
and preliminary data on each body. The House of Mogh will want to know everything we can glean
about their possessions here. Be particularly careful to find anything that could be a threat."

"Yes, m'Lady," Rhett said in acknowledgement.

"I'll be in the gym. Alert me if there's anything particularly interesting," Lani' added.

"And by 'interesting' you mean 'anomalous?'"

"Don't I always?"

"Yes, m'Lady."

The aCSO of the U.S.S. Illuminar left the control room for the gymnasium.

TO BE CONTINUED …

(Reply none)
(Posted by Frank)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Officer’s Watch – CSec/Tac - Lt. Commander T’Mur and Temas Laredo -
1106)

T’Mur sat in the back of the room and watched the proceedings begin. Long had nothing to say in her
own defense and so Gregory proceeded with his case.

"I call Commander T'Mur," he said standing.

T’Mur stood and moved to the witness seat. Once she sat Gregory said, "I have just one question,
Commander. What were your orders to Ensign Long on stardate 2446.04.29?"

“Orders to all the security personnel were to secure the corridor outside of the Diplomatic Quarters and
provide protection for the Ambassadorial team.”

"Thank you, Commander. No further questions" he said turning to Temas, "Your witness," he said
formally.

Temas looked at T’Mur and then stood up. He approached the Security Chief. “Lt. Commander, how
well do you know Ensign Long?”
“I am familiar with the record of all under my command,” the Vulcan replied.

“That’s not what I asked,” Temas noted. “I asked how well you know her.”

T’Mur raised an eyebrow, “On a personal level, not well at all.”

Temas looked surprised, “Really, is that typical? Do you know any of your people?”

“Indeed I do, Mr. Laredo,” T’Mur said nonplused. “Ensign Long had opted to not attend any team
building events. She was never in trouble, nor did her work stand out. I only spoke with her at her
evaluations.”

“Would it surprise you to know that you intimidate Ensign Long,” he continued, “and that she feels that
you do not care about her.”

“It would not surprise me, as she admitted that exact sentiment the day of Crewman Chinlo’s death. As
I recall she said that I should “skip the part where you pretend to care about us random redshirts.” To
be honest, I am uncertain what she meant by random redshirts since security wears yellow. However,
her sentiments were clear.”

“How did you feel about the Lt. Commander?” Temas asked.

“Feel?” T’Mur repeated confused. “I did not feel anything. Her erroneous opinion has no bearing on
my emotional state.”

“Erroneous opinion?” Temas sounded surprised, “Do you mean that you actually care about your
team?”

“I value each and every member of security,” T’Mur said. “She would know that if she attended any of
the optional team-building events.”

Temas nodded, looking over at Kelly. “I see. Thank you, Commander. That is all.”

He turned to Gregory, “Redirect, Commander Gregory?”

(reply Gregory)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(New Romulus, Eryx – Town Clinic, Waiting Room – Gunnery Sergeant Emile Schofield – 1105)
Emile and Yenna sat in the second floor waiting room, waiting for Claudia to come out of the examination room
she was in. This clinic was where Yenna worked as a physician’s assistant in the Emergency Room. The ER
covered the entire first floor, with the two floors above offering extra medical services. The top floor was a
psychiatric clinic. And the basement had the morgue, the radiation treatment ward and the secure medicine store.
In short, it was a small but complete hospital.



After they had met back up, the two small expeditions had brought each other up to speed. While Emile had been
successful, Claudia and Yenna had been stonewalled at the Embassy. It didn’t help that Claudia had been staying
on Mars illegally. But Yenna had come up with an idea about that. When Romulus had been destroyed, many
databases had been lost along with the planet. The included birth certificates, wedding papers and a lot of other
records.



As part of the information rebuild project, two of the Eryx Clinic doctors had been given the authority to issue
replacement birth certificates. And one of those two doctors, Ayala I’vara, was currently examining Claudia. Then
the door opened and Claudia came out, followed by I’vara. The doctor handed Claudia a PADD and then called in
the next patient.



“I’ve got it !”



She held up the PADD, so that Yenna and Emile could see. ~ Hasana Doe, born in 2410, daughter of Ayaan and
Femi Doe.~ Her birth place was Verex III.



“Hasana ?” Emile asked. “I like it.”



“Thank you,” Hasana said. “It’s been ages since I’ve been called it,” She sighed. “My parents didn’t have much.
But they were able to give me a few things,” She smiled at the memory of her parents. “Anyway, what do we do
next ?”



“Yeah,” Yenna said as they headed for the exit. “This is the part that you’re not going to like,” She bit her lower
lip. “You and Emile are going have to get married.”



“What !?” Hasana and Emile said in unison.
“Look, a wedding certificate is an easy document to get. Well, presuming you have somebody to marry,” Yenna
said with a nod. “And it is a good springboard to other documents. And Emile is a Federation citizen, so that helps
your situation as well.”



“And what about the children ?” Hasana asked.



“Sarah said they liked Emile, so I think we’ll be fine.”



Emile and Hasana looked at one another, then Hasana nodded. Yenna led the way out of the clinic. The clinic was
in the center of town, so it was not that far to City Hall. They entered the lobby and found it empty. Well, except
for the two clerks behind the counter, one male and one female. Yenna approached the counter and began talking
to the clerk. Something told Emile that this might not be as easy as they hoped it would be.


>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Qo'noS — House of Mogh — aCSO/DevwI' — LT tlha'nISta' — 1106)

Detron — _Lord_ Detron, as the Head of House — had several questions.

"If I move my wife and sister here to live what will become of our house on Betazed?" he asked.

"There isn't any reason I know of that you couldn't keep your Betazed assets. Keep your house there as
your 'summer home' if you like," Lanista offered.

"This house is massive what will we do in this massive house?"

"There are numerous options and opportunites with such expansive real estate. You could, of course,
expand your family. Or you could partition the manse and convert the portions of it you don't wish for
personal use. Repurpose any rooms you deem unnecessary. Troop barracks springs almost
immediately to mind, for example," Lani' said.

"Is there a garden we can attend to in any manner we wish to attend to it?"

"There is not, but you could easily convert one of the aforementioned rooms for that. As to any manner
you wish, it would be your garden, would it not? You could grow the Quadrants largest collection of
poisonous plants if you so desired," said Lani', not at all understanding 'in any manner.'

"What happens when we leave the house?"

"Your House Guard would defend it in your absence, m'Lord," Lanista asserted.

"Is the house Tailored as if we are on Betazed and outside the house is harsh Qo'noS?"
"The house has more than adequate climate controls if you wanted to make the interior
Betazoid-friendly. You would, of course, face a slight acclimation challenge whenever you moved from
one 'climate' inside or out to the other."

"What is Ariel's responsibility as head of the house and mine when she is not here?"

"Ariel would decide whatever you could not. While she and I are aboard the Illuminar, you would handle
the vital House issues. In the event that neither you nor Ariel are immediately available, a designee
selected by either or both of you would be in charge. I would recommend a set of standing orders to
address such contingencies," Lanista said.

(Reply Ariel, Detron, Pe'tah)
(Posted by Frank)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Officer’s Watch – CSec/Tac - Lt. Commander T’Mur and Temas Laredo -
1106)

T’Mur sat in the back of the room and watched the proceedings begin. Long had nothing to say in her
own defense and so Gregory proceeded with his case.

"I call Commander T'Mur," he said standing.

T’Mur stood and moved to the witness seat. Once she sat Gregory said, "I have just one question,
Commander. What were your orders to Ensign Long on stardate 2446.04.29?"

“Orders to all the security personnel were to secure the corridor outside of the Diplomatic Quarters and
provide protection for the Ambassadorial team.”

"Thank you, Commander. No further questions" he said turning to Temas, "Your witness," he said
formally.

Temas looked at T’Mur and then stood up. He approached the Security Chief. “Lt. Commander, how
well do you know Ensign Long?”

“I am familiar with the record of all under my command,” the Vulcan replied.

“That’s not what I asked,” Temas noted. “I asked how well you know her.”

T’Mur raised an eyebrow, “On a personal level, not well at all.”

Temas looked surprised, “Really, is that typical? Do you know any of your people?”
“Indeed I do, Mr. Laredo,” T’Mur said nonplused. “Ensign Long had opted to not attend any team
building events. She was never in trouble, nor did her work stand out. I only spoke with her at her
evaluations.”

“Would it surprise you to know that you intimidate Ensign Long,” he continued, “and that she feels that
you do not care about her.”

“It would not surprise me, as she admitted that exact sentiment the day of Crewman Chinlo’s death. As
I recall she said that I should “skip the part where you pretend to care about us random redshirts.” To
be honest, I am uncertain what she meant by random redshirts since security wears yellow. However,
her sentiments were clear.”

“How did you feel about the Lt. Commander?” Temas asked.

“Feel?” T’Mur repeated confused. “I did not feel anything. Her erroneous opinion has no bearing on
my emotional state.”

“Erroneous opinion?” Temas sounded surprised, “Do you mean that you actually care about you team?”

“I value each and every member of security,” T’Mur said. “She would know that if she attended any of
the optional team building events.”

Temas nodded, looking over at Kelly. “I see. Thank you Commander. That is all.”

He turned to Gregory, “Redirect, Commander Gregory?”

(reply Gregory)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Time-Pod jengSI' — Gymnasium — Illuminar aCSO LT tlha'nISta' — 1107)

Lanista departed the control room for the gym. As usual, the compartments of the time-pod didn't 'exist'
until the pod's operator wished to access them. Such sections were held in a kind of temporal flux until
needed. This dispensed with the need for corridors, but also prohibited obtaining the benefit of the
exercise that walking would present. A gym, therefore, only made sense.

Even before coming into possession of the time-pod, Lani' had been a staunch advocate of working out.

Due to Lanista's hybrid constituion, she exhibited the desirable characteristic of two different species
but in a rather exaggerated fashion. The growth of a hybrid to a size larger than normal for either parent
was not unusual. What was colloquially referred to as 'hybrid vigor' (and scientifically as 'heterosis')
could and often did manifest in unprecedented manifestations of growth rate and eventual size,
fecundity, efficiency of metabolism, overall health, immunity to genetic diseases to which either parent
might be susceptible, muscle mass and strength, and so forth… Such exaggerations where sometimes
collectively described as 'over-expression'.

While heterosis does not always mean fitness in the sense of 'survival of the fittest', there could be no
question Lanista was very fit physically. Lanista has spent years building on her naturally-augmented
strength by engaging in her Physical Fitness regimen by training in high-g. Both Klingons and Vulcans
were by nature stronger than Humans. Both Klingons and Vulcans were, on average, roughly three
times stronger than Humans.

Humans did have a seemingly inherent propensity for pushing the edge of the envelope. As far back as
the 20th Century, for example, a certain subculture of H. sapiens on Earth maintained books of world
records for redefining the limitations of their species. It was, for example, proven possible for a Terran
to bench press 37.5% of a ton!

At around that same time, the scientists of Earth began experiments with techniques that led to what
would much later come to be called the 'Augment Crisis.' Specimens brought into being by these
processes were, on average 5× more forceful than typical, unmodified Human stock. While Lanista had
never found any record of fact, an Augment could therefore presumably bench 1,875 pounds. It was an
astounding figure, to be sure.

As Lanista worked out in her gym, under elevated gravity conditions, she mused at Human 'logic' —
body modification through conventional means was considered acceptable and oftentimes desirable,
but doing so through means such as genetic manipulations was deemed unethical. The species
simultaneously balked at its own naturally-occuring limitations while also imposing social and cultural
restrictions on the means to surmount their challenges. Further, Humans marvelled at expressions of
evolution in action on their excursions to explore strange new worlds while also prohibiting themselves
from taking conscious control of the course of their own development as a species. It bordered on
hypocrisy…

With her chromosomal advantages, her hybrid vigor and over-expression, and her decades of training
in high-g, Lanista was theoretically capable of bench-pressing a Type-15 Shuttlepod (1892 lbs). While
she'd never tested this in practice, for it was illogical to imagine any actual need for lifting a shuttlepod,
small auxiliary craft still presented a challenge: the disadvantage inherent Lanista's size came when in
actually trying to fit in a shuttlepod!

After her workout, Lanista moved to Med-Bay for her habitual cool-down and exam by V.I.N.Cent.
Combining exercise with an immediate physical assessment only made sense. The doctor-droid
conducted its procedures then announced, "You and your embryones are in perfect health, m'Lady."

"What‽ Go back a tick! My embryones‽" Lanista sputtered.

"Yes, m'Lady. You are in the earliest stage of pregnancy," said Vincent.

"Pregnant‽ At my age‽"

"Yes, m'Lady."
"Run the scan again!"

"I have, m'Lady."

Lanista paused for some time without voicing a thought. Finally she said, "Monitor this and keep me
apprised."

"Regularly, m'Lady," said Vincent.

From Med-Bay, Lanista stepped to her quarters to shower after her workout and thence to the
time-pods wardrobe to dress in a fresh uniform.

"I wonder what Pe'tah will think…" she mused. "Should I even tell him?"

TO BE CONTINUED…

(Reply none)
(Posted by Frank)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1, Officer’s Watch – a1/O CMDR Dieter Gregory - 1115)

Gregory watched as T'Mur left the stand. "Chief Petty Officer P'Rah," Gregory said.

The Caitain stepped up to the chair. He affirmed that he would tell the whole truth and sat down. His
ears swivelling side to side.

" Without any objections, I would like to begin by entering into evidence the report that Mr. P'Rah filed
with Commander T'Mur on stardate 2446.04.28," Gregory said.

(Laredo)

"Mr. P'Rah, I would like to take you through this report and see if you have anything to add to it,"
Gregory said.

P'Rah nodeed, "Yes, Sir," he said simply as his ears continued to move.

"What were your orders on 2446.04.28," he asked.

"We were to protect the entrance to the ambassadors compound after the initial meetings with the
Klingon High Council had broken up," he said.

"We?"

"Yes sir, Ensign Long, Crewman Chinlo, Herc, err CPO Devers and myself," P"Rah replied.

"OK. So what happened before you entered the ventilation system.," Gregory asked.
"Ensign Long and Crewman Chinlo did a walk around the area, and came back to where CPO Devers
and I were. She reported smelling something she called Tylium. Something she said was an explosive,"
P'Rad said. "I did not sense anything, but we had also been notified of the explosion on the Illuminar,
so were on higher alert."

Gregory nodded, "Please continue," he said.

"Anyway, we were standing around, when I heard some strange footsteps, like someone was trying to
sneak up on us. I reported this to Ensign Long, who made the command decision for us to pursue the
sound into the ventilation chambers. Devers asked the Ensign what her orders were, noting she was
the ranking officer." P'Rah paused, "Ensign long ordered us into the ventilation system, calling it
'Operation Guy Fawkes'. CPO Devers and I shot roshambo to see who stayed. We did not know that
the Ensign had not reported her plan to Commander T'Mur."

Gregory raised an eyebrow and looked at the Ensign. "What happened next Mr. P'Rah?"

"We lead a search in the ventilation system. We heard various noises, including what sounded like
children. At one point, we encountered a vertical tunnel. Something caused the edge to collapse, and
Ensign Long was dropped down to a lower level. At that point, she ordered Crewman Chinlo to return
to the surface and for me to parallel her continuing the search. I eventually started to smell blood, so
broke off to explore, and that is when I found Crewman Chinlo. I picked the body up, returned to the
surface and then the ship. At that point, Commander T'Mur ordered me to file a full report, which I did."

Gregory nodded, "Upon reflection, Mr. P'Rah, do you have anything to add?"

P'Rah's ears flattened, his pupils got small as he looked at the Commander. "Sir, no sir. Nothing to
add," he said formally.

Gregory nodded and sat down, "Nothing further," he said

(Laredo, Sekal)
(Posted by Tim)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Officer’s Watch – Counselor - Temas Laredo - 1118)

After P'Rah took his seat to give evidence Gregory looked at Temas and said, "Without any objections, I
would like to begin by entering into evidence the report that Mr. P'Rah filed with Commander T'Mur on
stardate 2446.04.28."

Temas had already read the report. It was pretty straightforward forward so he said, "I have no objection."

Gregory led P'Rah through the accounts of his report clarifying what may have been conflicting possibilities.
The whole, naming the action "Operation Guy Fawkes" was not a flattering moment of the report, but it was
what had happened, so there was no refuting it. He went through the steps of going into the vent, the
separation of the team, and the discovery of Joy's dead body. Again, none of that was new information, and
most assuredly damaging to Kelly's reputation.

"Upon reflection," Gregory concluded his questioning, "Mr. P'Rah, do you have anything to add?"

"Sir, no sir. Nothing to add," Pr'ah finished.

Gregory nodded and sat down, "Nothing further."

Temas stood and approached the Caitian, "Mr. P'Rah I just have a couple more questions. Considering your
background, have you ever made a choice or decision that, in hindsight, was probably not the best?"

(reply P'Rah)

"And did any of those decisions lead to life-and-death situations?" he asked.

(reply P''Rah)

"Do you believe that they stop you from being a productive member of the Illuminar's security force?"

(reply P'Rah)

Thank you Petty Office, you can be excused," Laredo said, sitting down.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Officer’s Watch – Counselor - SO CPO P'Rah - 1120)

Temas stood and approached the Caitian, "Mr. P'Rah I just have a couple more questions. Considering your
background, have you ever made a choice or decision that, in hindsight, was probably not the best?"

The Caitian chortled, "Many, many times before I was voluntold to join Star Fleet. It is no secret that I grew
up on the streets, an 'alley cat', as it were. Decisions were made for expedience sake, and to keep my prowl
safe with food in our bellies," he replied.

"And did any of those decisions lead to life-and-death situations?" Temas asked.

"Have you had the pleasure of being chased for stealing food or other necessary supplies? My
homeworld is a rough place if you are not part of a family. I was in more than my share of scrapes and
life and death situations," P'Rah replied. "We lived on instinct and were driven by need. So yes, I am
sure the decisions did indeed lead to that."

"Do you believe that they stop you from being a productive member of the Illuminar's security force?"
P'Rah's ears flattened. He looked at Laredo suspiciously. "There is a lot of differences running with a prowl,
trying to stay alive and the decisions made as a member of the Illuminar or any other ships security force.
That was something I learned when I entered basic training. As for being a productive member, you might
have to see what the Chief has to say."

Thank you Petty Office, you can be excused," Laredo said, sitting down.

P'Rah stood up, glanced sadly at Ensign Long, and walked out of the room, his tail flicking back and forth.

(reply none)
(Posted by Tim)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Qo'noS — House of Mogh SPA LT JG Ariel Trei - 11.20)

After tea, Detron asked to see his residence in the mansion so some of the vast staff tended to him.
Ariel was a bit tired too but had time to get to know the staff. The staff had something in mind to help
Ariel get comfortable with them. Two of them a man and a woman walked over to a devise that looked
like an old stereo. A song played that she didn't recognize at first. Then the staff lined up as if to
perform a Broadway production. She recognized the song from a show called Annie. Then they broke
out in song with one of the more lively numbers.

"We never had a girl before.." The voice of Annie filled in the line. "I am very happy to volunteer." The
staff continued to sing. "Your wish is our request. Please put us to the test." This amused her very
much. She finished the song. "I know I am going to like it here." She was glad she had a lively staff
and was happy they did this for her. Then when she felt more relaxed, they surprised her again by
playing a song by Harry Belafonte Jump in the Line. It was a very lively song great to dance to. She
started to dance when Harry said Shake Shake Shake Signora Shake your body line. Work Work Work
Signora Work it all the time. ... Jump in the line Work your body on time....

This made her feel good. She asked to see her residence and was given a tour.

(Reply any)
(Posted by Edward)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(New Romulus, Eryx – Town Hall, Office – Gunnery Sergeant Emile Schofield – 1125)



Much to Emile’s surprise, all they had needed, was to fill out a single form. While they had been doing that, the
clerks had gone in search of an official to perform the ceremony. It had been this part of the equation that was
turning out to be a problem. Everybody was either away to having lunch, or was dealing with some kind crisis.
Emile had overheard mutters of ‘the blasted Klingon’ and ‘house burned down’, but not much beyond that. The
three of them were waiting in a small office. Finally, the door opened and a Romulan man came in.
“Ms. Doe, Mr. Schofield, I’m Caesar Dayos,” Dayos had grey hair and he was clearly an elderly man. “I will be
conducting your ceremony.” He turned to Yenna. “Ms. Valerius, you will be the witness for the ceremony ?”



“Yes, sir.”



“Excellent,” Dayos began. “Then we shall begin.”



There was a desk in the office, with one chair for Dayos and two chairs for visitors. Emile and Hasana sat down in
the visitor chairs, while Yenna stood behind them. Dayos opened a drawer, did a bit of searching, and took out a
PADD. He hit several keys, then added his thumb print.



“Hasana Doe, do you take this man, Emile Gilbert Schofield to be your husband ?”



“I do.”



“Emile Gilbert Schofield, do you take this woman, Hasana Doe, to be you wife ?”



“I do.”



“Good,” He handed Hasana the PADD. “All three of you, add your thumbprint and we’ll be done.”



Emile had expected a longer ceremony, but he was not complaining. He took the PADD from Hasana and added
his own thumbprint, before passing the PADD to Yenna. Once she added her thumbprint, the ceremony was
complete. Dayos then transferred a copy of the file to the PADD that had Hasana’s birth certificate. That done,
they thanked Mister Dayos and left. As soon as the door closed behind them, Emile asked a question that had been
floating in the back of his head.



“Not that I’m complaining, but why is everybody being so kind and helpful.”
“Because this is Eryx, not the capital,” Yenna began. “The people over there think we’re a bunch of backwater
hicks. And as a result, we love to stick it to them when we can.”



“So, where do we go next ?”



“Back to the lobby. We have some wheels to set in motion.”



“Sounds like a plan.”



Yenna led the way back down to the lobby. The clerks gave her a look, but she began explaining what she needed
anyway. ~This is where thing are going to get interesting.~ Of course, the people higher up the chain might not be
happy. But from what Yenna had said, this would actually make the locals happy. So the game was now truly
afoot.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Officer’s Watch – a1/O CMDR Dieter Gregory and SO CPO Hercules Devers
- 1130)


The questioning of security officer P'Rah had concluded. He looked over at the Ensign, wondering
what she might be thinking. He took a sip of water from the glass as Chief Petty Officer Hercules
Devers entered the room.


Gregory stood to continue the theater that this was. "Mr. Devers, what were your orders on stardate
2446.04.28?"


"Protect the Federation Ambassadors," he replied.


"Where were you stationed?" Gregory asked.


"We were stationed outside the Ambassadors compound," Devers replied.


"So take me through the activity of that day," Gregory said, "Starting from when you took guard station."


Devers nodded, "We took up station outside the door, Ensign Long and Ms. Chinlo went on a recon
around the area. When they returned, the Ensign reported smelling some sort of fuel she called Tylium.
I'm not an engineer, so haven't heard of it before, but P'Rah, well, he didn't smell it," he paused.
"Before the Ensign came back, Commander T'Mur had stepped out and we learned that there had been
an explosion on the Illuminar."

Gregory paused, that was something P'Rah hadn't mention. How much did it play into the Ensign's
decision? Something he might have to consider.

"Well Sir, P'Rah heard some sounds like someone was trying to sneak up on the area. Since the most
likely was coming from the ventilation system. Based on that report, asked her what her orders were.
Ensign Long proposed we enter the ventilation system. P'rah went with Ensign Long and Crewman
Chinlo. I stayed behind to keep security on the ambassadors."

Gregory nodded, "And did you notify anyone about Ensign Long's orders?'

"No, Sir," Devers replied. "I figured they would be back in a few minutes."

"And when they didn't return in a few minutes?" Gregory asked

"I have no answer, Sir," Devers replied.

"No answer?" Gregory said.

"Yes Sir. In hindsight I should have made the call."

Gregory made a note before he continued. "And what happened next?"

"P'rah returned with the body of Crewman Chinlo, and transported to the ship. I stepped into the
chamber and updated Commander T'Mur in the situation."

Gregory nodded, "Why did you decide to tell the Commander at that point, and not before?"

Devers shrugged, "No answer, Sir."

Gregory nodded. "Thank you Mr. Devers," he said, turning to Temas Laredo, "No further questions."

(reply Lorado)
(Posted by Tim)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Officer’s Watch – Counselor - Temas Laredo - 1132)


The scene was similar for CPO Devers. They reviewed his report and Gregory asked about Devers not
reporting-in to T';Mur. Devers had no answer to that question. When Gregory was done he turned to
Temas.


"No further questions," the aFO said.
Temas stood up and took a step towards Devers, "Chief Devers, since you have no answer to why you
did not contact Lt. Commander T'Mur, I can assume you have no testimony as to why Ensign Long did
not inform the Security Chief?"


(reply Deavers)


"Thank you Chief," Temas said, stepping back, "that is all."


He sat back down, looking over at kelly, and sensing her anguish. She most assuredly had a lack in
her judgment, but he needed to ensure that this did not mean the end of her career.


(reply Deavers)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Officer’s Watch – SO CPO Hercules Devers - 1135)


"Chief Devers, since you have no answer to why you did not contact Lt. Commander T'Mur, I can
assume you have no testimony as to why Ensign Long did not inform the Security Chief?" Mr. Laredo
asked.


"Sir, I cannot speak to why the Ensign did or did not contact the Commander. I have seen young
officers in the past, eager to make a name for themselves go rogue and off book," Devers replied.


"Thank you Chief," Temas said, stepping back, "that is all."


Devers nodded, stood up and left the room.


(reply none)
(posted by Tim)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Time-Pod jengSI' — Control Room — Illuminar aCSO LT tlha'nISta' — 1137)

"Analysis," Lani' said to Rhett Connor, the time-pod's A.I.

[The system has 13 planets. The first is Class-A, Geothermal. It is approximately 104,768,294
kilometers from the star and is 6,502 kilometers in diameter. It is so close to the star that it will very
likely never cool sufficiently to become a Class-F or Class-G. There has never been any life-form
discovered on such a world. I cannot recommend further exploration.]
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Time-Pod jengSI' — Control Room — Illuminar aCSO LT tlha'nISta' — 1139)

"Rhett, use approximate figures, please," Lanista said.

[Very well, m'Lady. Planet 2 is tidally locked and is therefore technically Class-W. Its features would
make it half Class-E and half Class-F. The sunward side is geoplastic while the opposite side is
geometallic. It is about 150 million kilometers from the star and is just over 9000 kilometers in diameter.]




"So, unlikely to support life, even when it cools to Class-G."

[It is far too close to its primary to ever permit liquid water to exist, and it is quite unlikely that it would
become Class-G. It will probably never be completely geoinactive. Given enough time, it could be
settled by means of pressure domes, but I cannot imagine anyone actually wanting to live there.]

"Rhett, contact Minister Pe'tah of the House of Nogga. I have news for him."

[Hailing frequencies open, m'Lady.]

"Pe'tah, «yatlh jIH»," Lanista announced without any preamble that she was pregnant. Klingon was a
blunt language.

(Reply Pe'tah)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Qo'nos - Private Residence - Office - Minister Pe'tah- 1140)
It had been a long cycle in the council. Ten days of "discussion" about the new direction of the
Klingons since the reconfiguration of alliances with Galk at the head of the House of Jos. Some
discussions ended with blows and drawn blades.

Today was a day of rest for Pe’tah. He had spent the morning in relaxing combat with his junior
staff. Putting his hand to his aching shoulder he began to wonder if he wasn’t getting to old for
some of this.

[Incoming message]

Pe’tah stretched his shoulders then took a deep breath. Straightening himself up he stood in front
of the view screen “Go.”

The screen came to life to show the image of Lani’. Pe’tah couldn’t help but smile.

"Pe'tah, «yatlh jIH»," Lanista announced.

Pe’tah looked at the screen blankly for a moment. He blinked a couple of times and then a curios
look came across face.

“Did you just tell me you’re pregnant?” he asked, expecting her to start laughing about her not so
hilarious joke. He knew that she wasn’t by the way she made her announcement.

(reply Lanista)

He let the moment settle for a minute and then he lifted his head and laughed. It was a loud and
celebratory laugh, as he wondered if it was still even possible for him to start a new family.

“That is excellent news,” he said. Then he looked at Lanista through the viewer, “Is it not?”

(reply Lanista)
(posted by Al Muir)

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

(Time-Pod jengSI' — Control Room — Illuminar aCSO LT tlha'nISta' — 1141)

As Lanista waited for Pe'tah to respond, Rhett continued the report on the planetary system. [Planet 3
is Class-J,] the A.I. said, [It is just over 63 thousand kilometers in diameter, and at roughly 240 million
kilometers from its star it could be termed a 'Hot Jupiter'. It has 5 moons.]
Minister Pe'tah answered Lanista's hail. He was smiling. But when Lani' made her announcement of
«yatlh jIH», Pe’tah looked at the screen blankly for a moment. He blinked a couple of times and then a
curious look came across face.

=^=Did you just tell me you’re pregnant? =^= he asked.

[Planet 4 is Class-K, about 8.5 thousand kilom—]

"Rhett, halt analysis," Lani' said to the A.I., then she answered Pe'tah's question. "I did. And I had a
similar reaction when my doctor told me of this. I'm 158 years old, after all! I was 5 when Praxis blew
up!" Lanista said. She didn't sound upset or distressed, however.

Pe'tah let the moment settle for a minute and then he lifted his head and laughed. It was a loud and
celebratory laugh, as he wondered if it was still even possible for him to start a new family.

=^=That is excellent news, =^= he said. Then he looked at Lanista through the viewer, =^=Is it not?=^=

Now it was Lani's turn to smile. She had already accepted her impending motherhood, before she knew
her mate's reaction. "You have said that it is," Lanista intoned. "This presents logistical challenges
though, doesn't it? We serve in different fleets, Pe'tah."

(Reply Pe'tah)
(Posted by Frank)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(Qo'nos - Private Residence - Office - Minister Pe'tah- 1142)

=^=This presents logistical challenges though, doesn't it? We serve in different fleets, Pe'tah.=^=

Pe'tah grinned at the screen and replied, "Challenges are what make life worth living. But it will take some...
coordination."

He sat down, allowing the news to settle into his brain and said, "Perhaps we should re-enact the event, just to
make sure."

(reply Lanista)

"What are you doing right now?" Pe'tah asked.

(reply Lanista)
(posted by Al Muit)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Time-pod jengSI' — Control Room — Illuminar aCSO LT tlha'nISta' — 1143)
Pe'tah grinned at the screen and replied, =^=Challenges are what make life worth living. But it will take
some... coordination.=^= He sat down, allowing the news to settle into his brain and said, =^=Perhaps
we should re-enact the event, just to make sure.=^=

"Oh, I am already sure, though re-enacting the 'event' would not be unwelcome," grinned Lani'. "Though
I should inform you, you'll be the father of five between Stardates 2446.10.27 and 2447.03.11 —
depending on whatever the gestation period of a half-Vulcan Klingon might be… Be that as it may, you
should probably start coming up with names we can argue over later."

=^=What are you doing right now?=^= Pe'tah asked.

"I am studying the Qotlh or 'Ko'th' system, which has been ceded to the House of Mogh. It is …
peculiar. If I didn't know better, I would assume it was contrived as bait for the scientist in me," Lani'
said.

(Reply Pe'tah)
(Posted by Frank)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Qo'nos - Private Residence - Office - Minister Pe'tah- 1144)

As Lani' told him about her "science" findings the words reverberated around in his head, ~Names? She did say
names.~ Science had never been Pe'tah's strong suit. He found some of it intriguing, but it was mostly just
numbers for a Klingon of action that he had been. No, he had been more of a sociologist, studying how people
acted and why they acted that way.

He found that Lanista tended to give him information in pieces. He had to put the pieces together, which
intrigued his mind. He rather enjoyed puzzles. This puzzle led to a question.

"You get excited by this science?" he said with a wry smile. "Perhaps I can satisfy some of your curiosity as you
satisfy mine. Did you say names? How many names should I come up with?"

(reply Lanista)
(posted by Al Muir)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Time-Pod jengSI' — Control Room — Illuminar aCSO LT tlha'nISta' — 1145)

=^=You get excited by this science?=^= he said with a wry smile. =^=Perhaps I can satisfy some of your
curiosity as you satisfy mine.=^=

"Science excites me?" Lani' mused out loud. "I wouldn't say so. It is the foundation of understanding,
but understanding without action is, perhaps ironically, meaningless. I started my 'career' as the de
facto engineer on a Klingon privateer, with my father as Captain. Captain QolloH, of the House of DI'al!
But in actual practice, I learned to do every duty there could be to do aboard the Chalche’yon. As a
child, I could access the harder-to-reach sub-sections more easily. A pirate ship made and maintained
in a salvage yard doesn't have the amenities of a ship-of-the-line. We didn't have exocomps, for
example, so while small enough to do so, I was the one who entered the crawl-spaces."

(Reply Pe'tah)

"With the onset of my «jak'tahla», I started to grow up absurdly quickly. The genes that regulate growth
in Klingons are contributed by the female, in Vulcans by the male. My parentage is the reverse, so I
lack the chromosomes that would regulate an upper limit. To this day, I have to manage this by
following a careful dietary regimen. Still, there's an advantage in becoming the biggest and strongest
aboard even the smallest pirate ship."

(Reply Pe'tah)

"We were never all that successful. DI'al will probably always be a small House, a mercernary House of
sell-swords who do the dirty work for the more prestigious bloodlines that — for their own reasons —
would prefer to not get any dirt under their fingernails. It was that sort of work that resulted in an
accident that changed the course of my life. We couldn't keep a surgeon aboard regularly so we mostly
made due with a second-hand EMH." Lanista paused, then admitted somewhat forlornly, "That was
how my mother died. The accursed EMH couldn't keep her alive. To this day, I'll avoid holographics
unless forced to contend with them. But there is no honor in deleting a program, and no glory in being
killed by one that nobody has deleted yet."

(Reply Pe'tah)

Taking a deep breath, Lani' continued more or less on topic. "When I left my father's ship, I enrolled in
the Vulcan Science Academy. To add the Academic to the Practical I'd already learned. But I also
wanted to obtain a better grasp of my mother's people. It … didn't go so well. But while Vulcan proved
to be a planet not to my liking, it is where I encountered Colonel Linstock, who encouraged me to
transfer to Starfleet Academy. I 'double-majored' in engineering and sciences. You might have thought
I'd've attempted Medical, to 'avenge' my mother. But I have no better a talent for that than basic First
Aid, it turns out. After graduating, I served in various capacities. Much of my official record has been
scrubbed, for reasons I'll get into later. My first 'official' posting to a Starfleet vessel didn't occur until
2408. The first Klingon to serve 'officially' on a Federation ship was Worf, son of Mogh. I'd been aboard
several vessels in the Fleet, though, before he was even born. But that is, perhaps, a story for another
time. In any event, depending on the vessel, I served in whatever capacity I was deemed best suited to.
Again, though, never Medical."

(Reply Pe'tah)

=^=Did you say names? How many names should I come up with?=^=

"Yes, I did," Lani' replied. "We will need 5. It is, of course, too early to know the sex or sexes of these
children. But we have time."

(Reply Pe'tah)
(Posted by Frank)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar -- About the ship -- Deck Many-- 3XO/CMO Commander Quinna Solice -- 1145)

While Captain Sekal and Commander Gregory were busy with Ensign Long, Quinna started to take
care of the rest of the ship. Today, instead of sitting on her butt in the middle of the bridge, she went on
a department-by-department self-guided tour. As she walked around the ship, she noted that the
repairs were coming along. It was almost as if the explosion never happened.

As she wandered, “Ahh, Lt. Bohb. How goes your day?”

(Reply Bohb.)

“I am out for a walk about around the ship. I thought I would get a visual of what was going on. Care to
join me?” She asked and then added, “you can update me on what has been going on with you.”

(Reply Bohb)

“I thought about starting in Engineering.”

(Reply Bohb)

(Reply any)

(Posted by Kris B)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Officer’s Watch – a1/O CMDR Dieter Gregory - 1145)


Gregory pulled out another PADD, "I would like to submit this report from Dr. Vanderstein, who
performed the autopsy on Crewman Chinlo," he said, handing the report to the Captain.


The Doctor had been summoned and sat down.


"Doctor, can you please summarize the findings of your autopsy." he asked.


(reply Vanderstein)


"And based on your findings, was the crewman under the influence of any sort of drug?"


(reply Vanderstein)


"Do you have anything else to add, Doctor?"
(Reply Vanderstein)


"Thank you Doctor," he said turning to Laredo, "No further questions."


(Reply Vanderstein, Laredo)
(Posted by Tim)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 11 - Corridor - CRSD- Lt. Bohb - 1146)

Bohb had been heading to his lab when he ran into Commander Solice.

“Ahh, Lt. Bohb. How goes your day?”

"Commander Solice," he said with a big grin on his face. He dropped a. heavy hand on her shoulder.
"My day is, as always, fantastic. What brings you down to deck 11?"

“I am out for a walk about around the ship," Solice told him. "I thought I would get a visual of what was
going on. Care to join me? You can update me on what has been going on with you.”

Bohb chuckled and smacked the back of his hand on Quinna's chest, "I would love to be your tour
guide. R&D can be boring and tedious at times. Where would you like to start?"

“I thought about starting in Engineering,” Solice said.

"An excellent choice," he said as if she had ordered a good meal from a menu. "Let's start in main
engineering. We might even find Tegian there."

He led Quinna down the corridor and into Main Engineering.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar - Deck 11 - Main Engineering - CRSD- Lt. Bohb - 1147)


"This," Bohb said with a wide sweeping gesture, almost knocking over an engineering cadet who didn't
know better than to duck when Bohb talked, "is main engineering. I want you to just stop and listen.
Can you hear the hum of the engines?"


(reply Quinna)


"That is the sound of a well-run warp core," he finally said. "Once you get used to it, you can tell the
energy output, and even the power modulation through the sound in the room and the vibrations in the
deck plating."
(reply Solice)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Officer’s Watch – Dr. Anges Vanderstein - 1147)


Aggie had been called to testify. She had been in court several times as her skills as a medical
examiner were needed. She dressed in her court suit. Definitely different from was she normally
wears.


Aggie moved to the stand or was it the chair when she was called.


"I would like to submit this report from Dr. Vanderstein, who performed the autopsy on Crewman
Chinlo," he said, handing the report to the Captain.


The Doctor had been summoned and sat down.


"Doctor, can you please summarize the findings of your autopsy," he asked.


“Yes, Crewman Chinlo died of exsanguination. Based on the patterns of the cut, the attacker came
from behind. The analysis also shows that the blade was from a Klingon’s assassin knife.


"And based on your findings, was the crewman under the influence of any sort of drug?"


“Toxicology reveals that there were no foreign toxins in the bloodstream. There was evidence of
poison, possibly from the blade, at the wound. However, Crewman Chinlo was dead before the poison
could enter her bloodstream.” Aggie explained. She knew this case by heart and did not need any
noted to supply the information.


"Do you have anything else to add, Doctor?"
“It is noted that death was quick and she did not have any prolonged suffering.” Aggie said. During her
testimony, she kept thinking about laying on the beach. It helped her stay rooted and left the emotions
outside of the room.


"Thank you Doctor," he said turning to Laredo, "No further questions."


Temas stood, “I do not have any questions for Dr. Vanderstein at this time.”


(Reply anyone in the room)

When dismissed, Aggie stood and left the room.

(Posted by Kris B. Al gave permission for Temas’ line in the post)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 11 - Main Engineering -3XO/CMO Commander Quinna solice - 1150)


"This is main engineering. I want you to just stop and listen. Can you hear the hum of the engines?"


This is not what Quinna meant about joining here. She was obliged to humor him. She was more to a
status report that a grand tour of the ship. “Relaxing.”


"That is the sound of a well-run warp core," he finally said. "Once you get used to it, you can tell the
energy output, and even the power modulation through the sound in the room and the vibrations in the
deck plating."


“When planet side, I do miss the vibrations of a starship.” Quinna admitted.


(Reply Bohb)


“What I am looking for is an engineering status report. What is needed and things of that nature,
“Quinna explained, “but I have to admit this is the start of a tour that I probably should have taken
before this.”


(Reply Bohb)
(posted by Kris B)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar - Deck 11 - Main Engineering - CSRD - Lieutenant Bohb - 1151)

Bohb smiled when Solice admitted that she missed the vibrations of the ship when she was off it.
“You’d be surprised how many times I’ve heard that,” the Magillan said. “In the old days they talked
about getting used to the movement of sailing ships and how, on land, they could still feel that motion,
or how they had trouble sleeping without feeling it.”

“What I am looking for,” Solace said, “is an engineering status report. What is needed and things of
that nature, “Quinna explained, “but I have to admit this is the start of a tour that I probably should have
taken before this.”

Bohb chuckled, “Ahhh, for those details you’d need to ask Lt. Pex. I’m afraid I no longer have that
information. After I moved to R&D I haven’t been getting those daily reports. Tegian and I do often
speak but he rarely talks about the day-to-day operations. I can tell you that the ship is running at peak
efficiency. I do keep track of that. But as for needs…”

Bohb looked around and saw Pex standing at a console and called over to him. “Tegian, got a minute?
Commander Solice has some questions for you.”

(reply Pex, Solace)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar - Deck 11 - Main Engineering - CEO Lieutenant Tegian Pex - 1153)

Bohb looked around and saw Pex standing at a console and called over to him. “Tegian, got a minute?
Commander Solice has some questions for you.”

Tegian was studying the console in front of him. His shift leaders were working out well and things
were pretty quiet, so he actually had some time for some of his own projects. He was looking at the
shield enhancements once more when he heard his name.

Looking up, he saw the good Doctor and Bohb standing nearby. He crossed the gap to meet them. "
I'm more than happy to answer any questions you have, Commander Solice. As you can see, it's pretty
quiet today."

(reply Solice, Bohb)
(posted by Keith)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar - Deck 11 - Main Engineering - 3XO/CMO Commander Quinna Solice - 1155)
Quinna was getting physically uncomfortable. She really needed to go and sit down. She was about to
say something when Bohb called Lt. Pex over. “Tegian, got a minute? Commander Solice has some
questions for you.”


"I'm more than happy to answer any questions you have, Commander Solice. As you can see, it's
pretty quiet today."


“I can tell, everything is good here. Nice Job. How are the repairs for decks 9, 10, and 11 coming?”
Quinna inquired.


(Reply Pex, Bohb)


Quinna suddenly felt a little kick to her backside, she almost stumbled at the sensation. “I am sorry, I
have to cut this short.”


(Reply Pex, Bohb)


Quinna hated to go but this kid was not playing nice right now. She debated about getting ahold of Dr.
Kyllee, but knew there was nothing he could do.


(Reply Any)
(Posted by Kris B)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 11 - Main Engineering - CEO Lieutenant Tegian Pex)


“I can tell, everything is good here. Nice Job. How are the repairs for decks 9, 10, and 11 coming?”
Quinna inquired.


"Thank you, Commander. We have a good team." Tegian looked concerned at Solice's question. "The
repairs were done two days after the explosion, doctor. I apologize if the reports didn't make it to you.
There will be some work I'd want done when we next dock at a space station, but we've made all the
repairs we can while in space."


(Reply Solice, Bohb, iyw)


Quinna suddenly felt a little kick to her backside, she almost stumbled at the sensation. “I am sorry, I
have to cut this short.”
Tegian reached out to steady the Commander. "Are you okay? Do you want assistance getting back to
Sickbay, the Bridge or your quarters?"


(Reply Solice)
(Posted by Keith)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1, Officer’s Watch – a1/O CMDR Dieter Gregory - 1200)

"Ensign Long," Gregory said, "I wish to remind you of Star Fleet Directive 101, which states any
individual accused of a crime does not have to answer any questions."

He paused, "With that in mind, Ensign, what were your orders on stardate 2446.04.28?"

(long)

"Why did you not notify a superior of your plan?"

(long)

"What was your thought behind separating the team?"

(long)

"In hindsight, what do you think you did wrong?" Gregory asked

(Long)

(reply Long)
(posted by Tim)

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

(USS Illuminar - Deck 11 - Main Engineering - CSRD - Lieutenant Bohb - 1158)

Bohb stood back and listened to Tegian explain the repairs to Solice. He beamed knowing that the Trill
had really stepped into the leadership role of CEO very well. He was not aware of all the nuances of
the Illuminar, yet, but Bohb was confident that he would soon be as knowledgeable as he was, perhaps
even more so. He had the added trait of being more intuitive, and creative. His plasma injectors were
proof of that.

Bohb had sensed the difficulty that the doctor had been having before she said anything. Her body
language showed her discomfort, as she shifted her weight. He took up a protective position behind
instinctively as Tegian spoke. And the smell..., her pheromones smelled... pregnant.
Suddenly Quinna, half stumbled and Boh was there to steady her. "I'm sorry, I have to cut this short,"
she said.

Tegian reached out as well and ask, "Are you okay? Do you want assistance getting back to
Sickbay, the Bridge, or your quarters?"

Bohb nodded to Tegian, "I'll take her from here Tegian. You have your team to take care of." He
looked down at Solice, "Where would you like to go?"

(reply Solice)
(posted by Al Muir)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 11 - Main Engineering - 3XO/CMO Commander Quinna Solice - 1159)


Tegian reached out as well and ask, "Are you okay? Do you want assistance getting back to
Sickbay, the Bridge, or your quarters?"


Bohb nodded to Tegian, "I'll take her from here Tegian. You have your team to take care of." He
looked down at Solice, "Where would you like to go?"


Quinna shook both Pex and Bohb off. “Sorry, it is baby stuff. The little one is kicking my back.
Thank you both, but, I will be fine, no need to accompany me. I will be on the Bridge.”


(reply none)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar - Deck 1, Officer’s Watch – SO Ensign Kelly Long – 1200)

"Ensign Long," Gregory began. "I wish to remind you of Star Fleet Directive 101, which states any individual
accused of a crime does not have to answer any questions." The Commander paused, "With that in mind, Ensign,
what were your orders on Stardate 2446.04.28?"

“Our orders were to stand guard and protect the Ambassador.”

"Why did you not notify a superior of your plan?"

“Commander T’Mur was a diplomatic meeting when I formed the plan,” Kelly said. ~This is not going to end
well.~ But she had no option, but to tell the truth. “A meeting that I was not authorized to be a part of,
Commander. I figured that I was not authorized to interrupt it in any fashion, sir.”

"What was your thought behind separating the team?"
“I believed there might be an Improvised Explosive Device in the ventilation system, sir. Which I thought was a
potential hazard to the ambassadors,” She paused. “Based on my orders, I believed that immediate action was
necessary, Commander.”

“In hindsight, what do you think you did wrong?" Gregory asked

“I should have contacted Commander T’Mur,” She paused. “Alternatively, I should send Crewman Chinlo and
Chief P’Rah back together and stayed in the ventilation system alone, sir.”

(Reply Gregory, any)

(Posted by Ruben)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar - Deck 1, Officer’s Watch – a1/O CMDR Dieter Gregory– 1205)

Gregory listened to Ensign Long's responses to his questions. He made several notes as she spoke.

This was an ugly matter. He had the testimony of the two security officers as to the actions, and by her
own word she admitted to not checking with her superior.

There was no point belaboring this court marshal any longer than it had to be.

He looked to Mr. Laredo. "Your witness," he said as he sat down.

(Reply Laredo)
(Posted by Tim)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1, Officer’s Watch – CO, Captain Sekal – 1206)

He was watching the proceedings, his face immobile. The facts were incontrovertible and he was not
here to present them nor to comment on them. Commander Gregory had presented those facts and
laid the foundation, all that was left was for the defense to present its case on the defendant's behalf.

William the Android sat at the side of the room watching a monitor which read the vital signs from those
called to testify and to call attention to any inconsistencies in their testimony. So far all had gone
smoothly.

After the hearing it would be the CO's duty to decide on what punishment was applicable and no matter
the outcome a part of it was already set in stone, the rest would depend on the case the defense
presented.

And this would not be the last of those called before him today, it was merely the beginning. More
punishments were due to be meted out and they had already hung themselves by their own testimony.
The Vulcan had not entered StarFleet with the intention of being in such a position, no one did but when
given the authority and responsibility as part of ones commission it was a necessary part of the duty.

(Reply: Kelly Long)

"Your witness."

Commander Gregory took his seat, it was time for the defense to present its case.

(Reply: Laredo, Long)

Posted by Charles G
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Officer’s Watch - Counselor - Temas Laredo – 1206)

Gregory's questioning of Kelly wasn't long, but it was brutally accurate. The questions were much like
the others. What were your orders? Why did you not notify T'Mur?

"Commander T'Mur was in a diplomatic meeting when I formed the plan. A meeting that I was not
authorized to be a part of, Commander. I figured that I was not authorized to interrupt it in any fashion,
sir."

Then he asked what her thought process was to separate the team in the vents. This could have been
the breakthrough moment he had been waiting for, for her.

"I believe there might be Improvised Explosive Device in the ventilation system, sir. Which I thought
was a potential hazard to the ambassadors. Based on my orders, I believed that immediate action was
necessary, Commander."

Temas dropped his head and sighed. He could sense Gregory's confidence grow from across the
room. He really didn't need to be a telepath for that. Kelly completely ignored the question asked and
spoke about an explosive device. He thought that Gregory would have swooped in for a kill here but
decided to move on to the next question. He was certain it would come up in his summation.

"In hindsight, what do you think you did wrong?" Gregory asked

“I should have contacted Commander T’Mur. Alternatively, I should have sent Crewman Chinlo and
Chief P’Rah back together and stayed in the ventilation system alone, sir.”

That idea didn't make Temas feel much better. He had to wonder what kind of training Kelly had
received at the academy because it was clearly inadequate. And how could she have been on the ship
for so long and not know protocols? This failure was not hers alone.

"Your witness," Gregory said.
Temas stood up and nodded at Kelly supportively. "Ensign Long, can you tell us about your training in
protocols in the academy."

(reply Long)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar - Deck 1, Officer’s Watch – SO Kelly Long – 1207)



"Ensign Long, can you tell us about your training in protocols in the academy."



“My instructor was a Tellarite called Zavos,” Kelly began. ~Answer the question, Kelly.~ “His attention to
training in protocols was minimal, sir.” She paused. “The focus was on physical training, sir.”



(Reply Laredo iyw)



“He called all his trainees grunts and loved to yell at them. And there was water cooler talk that he was originally
a Marine instructor. ” She scratched her face. “But nobody was ever able to confirm that rumor, sir. I never had
any other instructors during my time at the Academy, except the two or three weeks a year that he was on
vacation.”



(Reply Laredo)

(Posted by Ruben)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Officer’s Watch - Counselor - Temas Laredo – 1208)

Temas frowned. He knew that he was treading some dangerous ground here. He didn't want to start
pointing blame at anyone else for kelly's decisions, but he also wanted to point out that, according to
what he knew, there were extenuating circumstances.

He looked at Kelly and asked, "And since you have been on the Illuminar, how much follow-up of the
academy training has there been? We know that Lt. Commander T'Mur holds weekly meetings with the
security teams, but I believe that they are voluntary. You have not been required to attend. And you
have exercised your right to not attend. Other than these meetings have there been any other
opportunities to review the training you did, or did not, receive at the academy?"

(reply Long)
Temas paused for a moment. He centered his mind and took a deep breath. Then he looked at Sekal,
"Captain, I'd like to take a recess and meet with you and Commander Gregory in your Ready Room."

(reply Long, Gregory, Sekal)
(posted by Al Muir)

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

(USS Illuminar - Deck 1, Officer’s Watch – SO Kelly Long - 1208)



"And since you have been on the Illuminar, how much follow-up of the academy training has there been? We
know that Lt. Commander T'Mur holds weekly meetings with the security teams, but I believe that they are
voluntary. You have not been required to attend. And you have exercised your right to not attend. Other than
these meetings have there been any other opportunities to review the training you did, or did not, receive at the
academy?"



“None, sir,” Kelly said.



Like Kelly had told Laredo, she was not good at making friends. The thought of sharing her thoughts and feelings
with an entire room of people had simply not appealed to her. These were people she worked with. Nothing more
and nothing less. She wanted her private life to be exactly that, private.



"Captain, I'd like to take a recess and meet with you and Commander Gregory in your Ready Room."



(Reply Gregory, Sekal)



Kelly made a face. Something told her that this might not be a good thing. But she had not been invited, so there
was nothing for her to do. Except wait.



(Reply any)

(Posted by Ruben)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Officer’s Watch - a1/O CMDR Dieter Gregory - 1210)

Gregory listened to Ensign Long's testimony. He made some notes of what she said, and was
perplexed at her comments about the training she received. It didn't bear on her decisions or the
consequences of them.

Laredo spoke, "Captain, I'd like to take a recess and meet with you and Commander Gregory in your
Ready Room."

Gregory nodded. He was expecting this move.

(reply Sekal)
(Posted by Tim)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Officer’s Watch - CO, Captain Sekal- 1211)

"Captain, I'd like to take a recess and meet with you and Commander Gregory in your Ready Room."

Sekal's face was typically emotionless as he met Tema's gaze and gave a nod after standing to his feet.

"There will be a thirty minute recess."

(Reply: Any present)

He left the chamber with Temas and Gregory trailing in his wake.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Bridge - CO, Captain Sekal- 1213)

"Commander Solice to the ready room with me." He stated as he passed by the command chair where
she was seated.

(Reply: Solice)

With the three now following he stepped through the door.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Bridge - CO, Captain Sekal- 1215)

Sekal was leaning against the bulkhead by the sideboard in unconscious imitation of his father with his
arms folded as the other three settled.

"What is the purpose of this meeting Mister Laredo."

(Reply: Temas, Gregory, Solice)

Posted by Charles G
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Officer’s Watch - Counselor -Temas Laredo- 1216)




Temas followed the CO as he left the Officer's Watch. They picked up Commander Solice from the
bridge as they entered the ready room. As they all say Sekal leaned against a bulkhead and looked at
him.




"What is the purpose of this meeting Mister Laredo?" Sekal asked.




"Captain," Temas said calmly, "clearly Commander Gregory came more than adequately prepared to
show that Ensign Long was remiss in her duty to protect the Admirals, but I don't really think that's the
real issue here. And forgive me if I don't bring up the fact that her actions led to the death of Crewman
Chinlo, although indirectly so. I believe the real issue for Kelly is her belief that she did what she
thought was the right thing to do. She truly believes that she did not receive adequate training at the
hands of the instructors at the academy. And that she had no follow-up here on the Illuminar."




He quickly stood up holding his hands in the air, “And before anyone protests or takes offense, rest
assured that I am not saying either of these things are true, or we would probably have dozens of Kelly
Longs on this ship. What I am saying is that she believes it. This is a deeply troubled woman with
severe abandonment issues. The question is, what do we plan to do about it?”




Temas moved to another bulkhead next to a window and leaned against that and said, “I wish to
present a proposal. A plea bargain, if you will? I have not asked Ms. Long about this. I can see the
result of this hearing. Dismissed from the fleet and sent to mandatory treatment. That will deepen her
feelings of abandonment and inadequacies. And let’s be honest, she will only blame a system she
already believes failed her.”




He stepped forward and said, “But what if we could change that. Return her to the level of Cadet.
Complete the training she believes she missed right here on the ship. I can continue to serve her in her
therapy and treatment. Get her involved in team meetings and social engagements. Give her a chance
to earn her position back.”




He returned to his seat and sat down.




(reply Sekal, Gregory, Solice)
  (posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Ready Room - 3XO/CMO Commander Quinna Solice - 1218)


Quinna haded to cut the tour short. It was kind of cute that Bohb was playing a tour guide. It was as if
she stepped on the ship for the first time. But the baby turned and rested on her spine. The baby had
been doing that lately and the only place she could get comfortable was on the bridge. She was happy
that Bohb understood. Quinna made a note to add that to the list of questions to ask Dr. Kyllee at her
next appointment.

Just as she found that one spot in the Captain’s seat, where was the most comfortable, she was called
into another meeting with the Captain. She wanted to complain but decided not to. Now she was
uncomfortable. The price of pregnancy, Quinna was now saying when something was not comfortable,
or off, or weird cravings.



"Captain," Temas said calmly, "clearly Commander Gregory came more than adequately prepared to show
that Ensign Long was remiss in her duty to protect the Admirals, but I don't really think that's the real issue
here. And forgive me if I don't bring up the fact that her actions led to the death of Crewman Chinlo,
although indirectly so. I believe the real issue for Kelly is her belief that she did what she thought was the
right thing to do. She truly believes that she did not receive adequate training at the hands of the instructors
at the academy. And that she had no follow-up here on the Illuminar."


Quinna was about to call BS on that one. They all went through the academy and had the training. It was
not the academy’s fault that she did not learn her lesson. Temas, fortunately, continued before she spoke
out.


“And before anyone protests or takes offense, rest assured that I am not saying either of these things are
true, or we would probably have dozens of Kelly Longs on this ship. What I am saying is that she believes it.
This is a deeply troubled woman with severe abandonment issues. The question is, what do we plan to do
about it?”


Quinna was about to call BS again but then Temas still continued, “I wish to present a proposal. A plea
bargain, if you will? I have not asked Ms. Long about this. I can see the result of this hearing. Dismissed
from the fleet and sent to mandatory treatment. That will deepen her feelings of abandonment and
inadequacy. And let’s be honest, she will only blame a system she already believes failed her. But what if
we could change that? Return her to the level of Cadet. Complete the training she believes she missed right
here on the ship. I can continue to serve her in her therapy and treatment. Get her involved in team
meetings and social engagements. Give her a chance to earn her position back.”
“Alright, As the only person here that is not part of that room, can I say something?” Quinna asked. It was
more rhetorical as she continued, “I am sorry, I call BS on that. Getting her to plead guilty as a plea bargain
is different from owning up to her responsibility in this. She is blaming the academy and her instructors. Let
me ask you this. Can we even trust her again on this ship? Can we trust her with the crew’s lives at stake?”
Quinna reached for her aching back. “And who will be in charge of her studies.”
(Reply Temas, Gregory, Sekal)


Quinna then turned to the Captain, “Sorry, for my outburst, Captain.”


(Reply Sekal)


(Posted by Kris B)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Ready Room - a1/O CMDR Dieter Gregory - 1220)

Gregory listed to Mr. Laredo and Quinna about the situation and possible options for the outcome.

"Mr. Laredo, by her own admission, she is guilty. A trial is to find out the guilty parties and mete out an
appropriate punishment. Based on the evidence, and depending on the final charges, she could be
dishonorably discharged, forfit all pay and allowances and be confined from 6 months to 2 years," Gregory
said.

"Your call for compassion is noted and worthy of consideration. But we must also take into accout the
actions leading up to the offense. An ensign is a learning position and as such, should be taking every
opportunity to learn. By her admission, Ensign Long did not participate in an of Commander T'Mur's optional
training and team building exercises. Her memories of the Academy are fixated on one aspect of her time
there. Nor do we know why she chose security over any other opportunity in Star Fleet."

He paused, "Mr. Laredo, you feel she could be saved, and I wish to believe that as well. However, it cannot be
aboard the Illuminar, she has too much baggage here, between her relationships with the enlisted and
non-com's, her lack of initiative, and this most recent situation. I am sure that the death of Crewman Chinlo
will weigh heavily on her for years to come."

Gregory turned to face the Captain, "It is my recommendation, Sir, that Ensign Kelly be stripped of her rank,
made a Cadet as Mr. Laredo suggests. I would send her back to the Academy for more training and
evaluation. She will need to meet regularly with a counselor to come to terms with not just the death of
Crewman Chinlo, but the past that Mr. Laredo has dived into. She will need to accept it and learn to move on
from it. I would give her a suspended sentence of 2 years confinement and less than honorable discharge,
to be dismissed upon successful completion of the Academy and her promotion to Lieutenant JG. This
record should be sealed, except for the highest levels of command so that she has a fair opportunity at
redemption. By doing this, Crewman Chinlo's life is not lost needlessly, and if she is the person that Mr.
Laredo believes her to be, she will take this opportunity."

"Additionally, I would recommend that Commander T'Mur make her sessions mandatory for everyone under
Lieutenant rank," Gregory said.
(Reply Sekal, Solice, Laredo)
(Posted by Tim)



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

(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Ready Room - CO, Captain Sekal- 1223)

Sekal had listened to every word closely. Temas Laredo was doing his part in attempting to get leniency
for the accused while Gregory was playing the part of the Prosecutor to the hilt. They were polar
opposites of one another at that moment as each "showed their hand".

Of the three Commander Solice was the voice of logic and reason among the group.

His head shifted. "Ensign Long has been with this ship for nine months and eighteen days with never
an issue raised as to her comportment or ability to follow orders Mister Laredo. Not until a crucial
mission of vital diplomatic importance to the Federation in which she abandoned her post without the
knowledge of her superior officer. Owing to a clear and concise record of her activities aboard the
Illuminar the issue is not her training regimen but her mental and emotional state and whether she can
be a functioning and trusted member of StarFleet and this crew going forward. This was the stated
purpose of the hearing and I suggest you concentrate on it. If you wish to best represent your client you
will proffer assurance that treatment will defuse any further failures on her part in this area."

(Reply: Temas)

He then spoke to all. "I do not intend to completely destroy the career of one of my crew who does not
have a history of offenses nor will I but there will be consequences for failing in the performance of their
duty and repeated infractions will not be tolerated. Remember this going forward.

His eyes turned to Commander Gregory then swiveled back to Quinna.

"Commander Solice you will accompany us to the hearing and add your input to the final verdict."

(Reply: Quinna)

"Mr. Laredo do you require time to mount a proper defense?"

(Reply: Temas, Gregory, Quinna)

Posted by Charles G
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Ready Room - Counselor - Temas Laredo - 1223)

Temas sat back as he listened to Commanders Solice and Gregory. He could feel their frustration and anger,
although he didn't really understand. He had thought that as a science vessel, first and foremost, the people
in charge of running the ship would be more interested in finding the source of the problem and helping
solve it. It is easy to cast blame. He knows. He did it long enough. He was about to address their questions
when Captain Sekal spoke.

"Ensign Long has been with this ship for nine months and eighteen days with never an issue raised
as to her comportment or ability to follow orders Mister Laredo. Not until a crucial mission of vital
diplomatic importance to the Federation in which she abandoned her post without the knowledge
of her superior officer. Owing to a clear and concise record of her activities aboard the Illuminar the
issue is not her training regimen but her mental and emotional state and whether she can be a
functioning and trusted member of Starfleet and this crew going forward. This was the stated
purpose of the hearing and I suggest you concentrate on it. If you wish to best represent your client
you will proffer assurance that treatment will defuse any further failures on her part in this area."

Temas was curious as he thought that was the argument that he was making. He had stated that
he was not doubting the training that Kelly had received, but rather stating that her perception of
her training was as it was.

"Apparently," he said, "I was unclear, Captain. I too thought I was addressing her mental state and
her perceptions, not my own. I can only say what I am willing to do, sir. The road she must travel is
her own. If she chooses to travel that road I will do all I can to ensure her success. That is all I can
proffer at this time."

"I do not intend to completely destroy the career of one of my crew who does not have a history of
offenses," Sekal continued, "nor will I, but there will be consequences for failing in the performance
of their duty and repeated infractions will not be tolerated. Remember this going forward."

Temas nodded his agreeance with the statement. That was as it should be. Kelly will be on a short
leash, for certain. Under the microscope, as it were. He then invited Commander Solice to the
hearing to help render a verdict. He wanted to object, as the doctor had not heard any of the
testimony, but really, what was there for her to hear? Sekal was being very... Vulcan about the
whole thing. However, he realized that the entirety of Kelly's career, and life, hung on his summation
argument.

"Mr. Laredo, do you require time to mount a proper defense?" Sekal asked.

Temas took a deep breath and held it for a moment, with his eyes closed. When he breathed out he
opened his eyes.

"No, Captain Sekal, I believe that I am ready," he replied.

(reply Sekal, Solice, Gregory)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Ready Room - a1/O CMDR Dieter Gregory - 1225)

Gregory found himself lost in thought at the Captains words.

"I do not intend to completely destroy the career of one of my crew who does not have a history of
offenses nor will I but there will be consequences for failing in the performance of their duty and
repeated infractions will not be tolerated. Remember this going forward."

~Was that a threat? ~ he wondered. ~Not that Vulcans are know to make threats.~

The manual was clear on this issue, and many more. While the officer in charge had some latitude, the
code was clear. That had been drummed into him at the academy and again in the command courses
he took.

There was no way to avoid the court, they had to go through the whole dreary mess and take the
medicine. Unless there was some other root cause. He would have to talk to Aggie later about his
concern. Three of the crew acted so out of character, against training and more. The two NCOs had
their article 15 hearing later, clearly not enough time to even come up with a working theory, especially
since he was an engineer and didn't know the intricacies of the brain.

Gregory nodded to himself and heard the Captain again. "Mr. Laredo do you require time to mount a
proper defense?"

"No, Captain Sekal, I believe that I am ready," the betazoid replied.

(Reply none)
(Posted by Tim)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(Archanis IV – Camp Belleau Wood – Briefing hut – Major Audie Murphy – 1230)



The team was in the briefing hut, doing a mission analysis to identify what happened and how they
could do better. Gloria’s team had rescued the hostage, but Marty has been lost. If it had not been for
the quick thinking of the long guns, in particular Julian, it could have been much worse.



As the team each was top notch. There were still the growing pains common to any elite unit. Gloria
was still learning how best to distribute her team. Tomorrow would be another test. This time the
exercise was to board and disable an enemy ship. They would be using the boarding torpedo’s to
make their approach and entry. He’d let Skipper plan the deployment.



Walking into the briefing room, he saw his marines bent over a sand table, working out maneuvers and
such. He didn’t take official notice of the alcohol in the room. “Work hard, play hard,” were the words
he lived by and God knows what the Marines will have to deal with on the Illuminar. He was concerned
about training opportunities. Holodeck training is a poor substitute for physical training.



“Officer on deck,” came the call from Mason. The team stopped what they were doing and stood at
attention.



“As you were,” Murphy said as he approached the sand table. “What is the summary of this exercise?”



“We avoided a charlie foxtrot because of Julian’s quick thinking,” Gloria said. “We missed some
opportunities for gathering data, in part because Kowalski is a sneaky bastard.”



Kowalski looked up from the sand table, “Have to play to your strengths,” he replied.



Skipper nodded, “You always have to plan that your enemy is smarter than you. Overall, Gloria, you did
fine, and will do better in the future.”



“Just remember your Josephus, ‘drills are bloodless battles and battles bloody drills’.” Murphy said.
“Now, tomorrow we have another opportunity. We’ll be do a starship infiltration, launching from boarding
torpedoes. Two teams, 5 person each. One to the computer core, one to engineering. Master
Sergeant Skipper will run the operation. I’ve just sent you all the details that we know. I want to hear a
first plan in 6 hours.”



Skipper looked around at the team, “Aye, aye Sir. First plan by 1830. Kowalski, get those details on
the board. Everyone put your thinking caps on. First ideas in 30 minutes.”

Murphy nodded as the marines quickly went from relaxing to business. “Carry on,” he said as he left to
his office and the requisitions for the Illuminar.



(Reply none)

(Posted by Tim)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Ready Room - CO, Captain Sekal- 1230)
"No, Captain Sekal, I believe that I am ready."

His eyes scanned the room before he straightened and moved away from the bulkhead. "Very well,
there are ten minutes left in the recess, the hearing will resume promptly at twelve forty."

(Reply: Any, IYW)

He left the office to return directly to the Officer's Watch.

(Reply: Any IYW)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Officer's Watch - CO, Captain Sekal- 1240)

Quinna had joined him in another chair brought and set up behind the table. Commander Solice had a
long resume including being that of a practicing Counselor and could verify any claims that arose during
the remainder of the hearing. Commander Gregory and Temas Laredo had returned to their positions at
the table as well.

Sekal picked up the striker and struck the ship's bell twice once again.

"The recess is over. Mr. Laredo you may call your next witness."

(Reply: Temas, any)

Posted by Charles G
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Officer’s Watch - Counselor - Temas Laredo - 1241)

Temas had returned to the Officer’s Watch to have a quick word of encouragement to Kelly. It was an
encouragement that he didn’t really feel. Commander Gregory had made a great argument, focusing
on the facts of Kelly’s actions. Those facts were irrefutable. And Kelly had created a narrative in her
mind that made it all make sense,

However, nobody seemed to hear his arguments around her emotional state, now, nor at the time of the
incident. It was as if they, including the captain, had not paid attention to what he was saying, beyond
the facts. Perhaps he was asking too much for the Vulcan to accept the emotional status of an
individual.

When the captain reentered with Commander Solice he nodded to them both. How easy it would be to
influence them in their decision. Of course, it would be wrong, illegal, and immoral. Riven had driven
into him the fact that people had to make their own decisions, no matter what Temas thought was right
or wrong. So he banished the thought and went back to his seat.

“The recess is over,” Sekal announced, “Mr. Laredo, you may call your next witness.”
Laredo stood up and nodded. He looked over at Kelly and smiled a weak smile. “I have one last
witness to call. Crewman Joy Chinlo.” He could feel the confusion in the room at the request. “I do
understand that Crewman Chinlo is longer living, but I would like to enter into evidence her personal
logs with regards to Ensign Long.”

(reply any)

“Computer, playback personal log of Joy Chinlo, exhibit A,” Temas ordered. Suddenly the voice of
Chinlo filled the room.

[I’m concerned about Kelly. She’s got the potential to be one of the best officers that I’ve met. She is
smart, brave, and one of the most caring and supportive individuals. She doesn’t just follow orders.
She truly cares about everyone around her. But then she has this darkness that she hides from others.
She’s spent a lifetime hiding it. I’m afraid for her, that one day, she’ll do something that will… kill her.]

The segment ended and Temas looked around the room at the others. Then he said, “Computer, play
personal log of Joy Chinlo, exhibit B.”

[I can’t believe how supportive Kelly is. I told her that I might be up for a huge opportunity on another
ship other than the Illuminar. She was so supportive. Rather than trying to talk me out of leaving this
ship for a lesser ship, she supported my hopes of quick advancement, and even told me I deserved the
opportunity. I wish that I could get her to spread her wings to others on the ship. I wish they could get
to know her the way that I do. One day she will be a great captain. I’d follow her anywhere. I’d serve
on that ship anytime.]

Temas looked at Sekal, then at Solice, and finally at Gregory, and said, “If only we knew the Kelly Long
that Joy Chinlo did. Kelly has not been the stand-out of officer that she could be. But in conversation
with other crewmen, I have heard similar words. She has neither stood out in a positive nor negative
way. She overthinks decisions. She has neglected her training. These things can all be overcome.”

He paused, then continued, “Kelly has hard times ahead of her, no matter what decision that is made
here. I ask again, how does abandoning her resolve any of the issues that have been brought up
here.”

(reply Sekal, Gregory, Solace, Long)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Officer’s Watch - a1/O CMDR Dieter Gregory - 1250)

Gregory watched as Laredo sat down. Clever to bring in the Chinlo's personal journals.
Standing up slowly, he looked around the room.

"Everything boils down to did Ensign Long abandon or desert her post. That is the question. It is a
simple question. Based on the testimony of the two security officers who were with her, and her own
testimony, she did leave her post without permission. The consequences of that decision will haunt her
for a long time, and I do hope she is able to come to terms with those decisions."

Gregory paused, "Every officer in Star Fleet knows that someone under their command may lose their
life. That is a fact of our mission. In this case Ensign Long's decision resulted in the death of crewman
Chinlo. A tragic death. Mr. Laredo has tried to confuse the issue, by introducing testimony about
Ensign Long and her life history, He brought the personal records of crewman Chinlo to further confuse
the issue. That has no bearing on the charges that this court must decide."

"The only remaining question is what should happen to Ensign Long. Star Fleet records can guide us,
in the case of Ensign Ro Laren, who disobeyed a direct order which led to the death of 8 crewmen.
She was stripped of rank and sent to the stockade," Gregory paused, "Star Fleet records also show
mercy and the belief the people can change when Admiral Picard brought her aboard the USS
Enterprise after Admiral Kennelly released her." He paused, "However, we know how that story ends."

Gregory shook his head, "Can Ensign Log be redeemed? That is not the crux of this case. I urge the
court to return a guilt verdict. "

Gregory sat down and waited to see what the Captain and Dr. Solice would do.

(reply Sekal, Solice, Laredo, Long)
(Posted by Tim)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 -Officer's watch - 3XO/CMO Commander Quinna Solice - 1255)


Quinna took her seat next to Sekal. Without being privy to the whole meeting she was still at a
loss. She wondered if T’mur's meeting with Ensign Long was discussed. Quinna wished she
would have joined T’Mur afterward. Since everything that was said was recorded, Quinna knew
she needed to look back at those notes.

She turned and listened to Temas. The entire time, she looked at Ensign Long. She was looking for a
reaction to his words. Then Commander Gregory was up. She too listened to his argument while she
looked at Ensign Long, again looking for a reaction. Despite all that, she has heard earlier and in the
closing arguments, Quinna asked herself, ‘Is Ensign Long Guilty of Dereliction of Duty? Did she leave
her post knowingly?’

Quinna went back to the notes. She found that Ensign long did leave her post willingly. A possible
threat in the Ventilation system. Quinna needed to talk to Sekal in private. However, she did have an
opinion on the matter.

(Reply Long, Gregory, Temas, Sekal, any)
(Posted by Kris B)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 -Officer's watch - CO, Captain Sekal- 1300)

“Kelly has hard times ahead of her, no matter what decision that is made here. I ask again, how does
abandoning her resolve any of the issues that have been brought up here.”

Ended Counselor Laredo's summation.

"Can Ensign Log be redeemed? That is not the crux of this case. I urge the court to return a guilt
verdict. "

Ended Gregory's.

The facts were in, the pleas noted, it was now time for the verdict. Sekal stood to his feet.

"As Captain of this vessel it is my duty to see to the well being of the crew aboard it and champion their
cause when necessary, to ensure discipline is maintained and when necessary to execute punishment."
He looked to all assembled.

"Despite the assumption of some this is not a courts martial but a hearing to determine if that step is
necessary to maintain discipline aboard my ship and the stated purpose of it was to determine mental
fitness for duty and competence in carrying out orders.

The facts presented by Commander Gregory of dereliction of duty are incontrovertible and were not
contested here. The plea of leniency by the defense due to mental and emotional distress on the part of
the defendant are noted but a non sequitur."

He folded his arms as he gazed at Temas Laredo.

"The question Counselor which you have not answered directly during this proceeding nor in your
summation is this ... in your medical opinion is Ensign Long fit for duty? And if not ... in your informed
medical opinion ... will counseling treatments be sufficient to assure there will be no recurrence of this
behavior in the future?"

(Reply: Temas)

(Posted by Charles G)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Officer’s Watch - Counselor - Temas Laredo - 1302)
Tems listened to the captain speak of his responsibility to the ship and the crew, and he absolutely
agreed with his summation. The question was, does Sekal still consider Kelly Long a member of that
crew.

"Despite the assumption of some this is not a courts martial but a hearing to determine if that step is
necessary to maintain discipline aboard my ship and the stated purpose of it was to determine mental
fitness for duty and competence in carrying out orders.


The facts presented by Commander Gregory of dereliction of duty are incontrovertible and were not
contested here. The plea of leniency by the defense due to mental and emotional distress on the part of
the defendant are noted but a non sequitur."


He folded his arms as he gazed at Temas Laredo.


"The question Counselor which you have not answered directly during this proceeding nor in your
summation is this ... in your medical opinion is Ensign Long fit for duty? And if not ... in your informed
medical opinion ... will counseling treatments be sufficient to assure there will be no recurrence of this
behavior in the future?"


Temas stood up and met the captain’s glare, “Again, I apologize for my lack of clarity. I thought,
perhaps, it would be clear. In my estimation, do I believe that counseling treatments be sufficient. I
would not have made such a recommendation if I did not believe so. Is she fit for duty, I would say yes.
Her current emotional issues do interfere with her ability to perform duties that are comenserate with
the responsibilities given to a cadet. As far as assuring there will be no recurrence of her behavior, I
cannot, at this time, guarantee that. It is my… professional opinion that she was put in a position to
make a decision that she was not able to judge for herself. But in my opinion, that is correctable and
she can earn that position back. Of course, i am not a doctor of medicine, so I cannot attest to her
medical condition. I would have to leave that decision to our medical staff.”


(reply Sekal, any)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>



>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(New Organia — Village — Village Elder — 1303)

Yet another ship of exploration had recently left the surface, as usual they found very little of interest.
The planet was dusty and wind swept and here in the village things went on unchanged.
 Two cows pulling a cart lowed as their tender guided them down the rocky street. The buildings of the
village were of wattle and daub construction and blended in well with the rock outcroppings outside it.
Those few people out during the heat of the day wore loose fitting, drab clothing that was homespun.
There were no riches to be found here the explorers had said, no advanced civilization, only one that
seemed to be retarded in its development. They all said that.

The elder was seated at a table in the largest building, the walls were the same inside as out save for
the hand-woven blankets that decorated it. The yellow-brown beard upon his chin streaked with grey
seemed to match everything else including his clothing. The table was wooden and three others were
seated around it.

His eyes were closed as his mind searched, he opened them as the one to his right spoke. "They have
strengthened their alliance with the Klingons and that is good. They did not believe us when we told
them this before."

He nodded gravely. "They are still a young species and prone to violence but they are growing. Given
time they will attain to the wisdom they seek."

"The Metrones have seen this as well and there are others that watch them of course."

"And some that interfere." The elder spoke gravely. "He is determined to cause trouble. We might have
to step in at some point."

"It will not be a simple matter." The other looked much older and the white hair he sported was thin.

"No. It will not. It is to be hoped that he will grow bored with them and move on to another..." he
shrugged, "... but his own kind will deal with him in time if not. We need only step in if it grows out of
control."

"Of course." The other nodded.

The room soon became ablaze with light that grew until nothing could be seen. Once it had faded they
were gone.

(Reply: None)

Posted by Charles G

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Bridge – CSec/Tac - Lt. Commander T’Mur - 1400)

With the hearing of Kelly Long concluded T’Mur had time to make preparations to arrive at Archnis V.
She had begun her initial scans of the the territory when something began to pull at the back of her
mind. She looked up from her scans and looked around the room. Her eyes narrowed as she shifted
her mind to look inward.
There was that tug again, only stronger. It was tugging at the thread of the connection to Sienna. It
started to grow stronger, like a heartbeat that had stopped. Slowly at first, then faster, then stronger.
And stronger. Until there was a definite, and recognizable patten. And T’Mur caught her breath,

“Sienna,” she whispered to herself.

T’Mur looked over at Sekal, “Captain, permission to leave the bridge. I need to check something.”

(reply Sekal)

T’mur nodded to Taylor, who took her place at the tactical station and she headed to the turbolift.

(USS Illuminar - Deck 2 - Personal Quarters – CSec/Tac - Lt. Commander T’Mur and Temas Laredo -
1405)

T’Mur sat behind the monitor of the computer station in the quarters she shared with Sienna. Kenna
crawled onto her shoulders and wrapped herself around her neck. She knew something was going on
too.

Tapping the comm channel she said, “Luma, open a subspace channel to the Williams home in Texas
on, on Earth.”

=^= Our Sienna has not embraced entropy!=^= Throughout the ship, Luma sang a song of thankfulness
of the Illuminari, in the ancient language. It was
hauntingly beautiful as Luma opened the connection to Earth.

The worn, tired face of Admiral Sophie Verin appeared on the communication’s screen. Her eyes, which
had seemed haunted for so long, were now bright and happy, as was her voice. =^= You felt it? Even so
far away? Sienna came out of the coma. We still don’t know why she was in it, it made little sense, and
we don’t know why she woke up. She’s weak still, but improving rapidly. Do you need leave? Of course
Sekal will let you come. =^= She seemed to be thinking out loud in her exhaustion. =^= Does he know?
Do you want me to call him? =^= There was so much of Sophie in Sienna and it showed.

T’Mur had stopped hearing anything after the admiral said, “Sienna came out of the coma.” . She felt an
urge to reach up to the screen and touch Sienna’s mother’s cheek. She could feel the emotions in the
back of her throat and her heart beat a little faster. Taking a deep breath she managed to get control of
her body, and then her emotions. Logic took over.

“I believe that I can talk to Captain Sekal, thank you Admiral,” T’Mur said officially. Then her emotions
peaked out again, “Would it be possible to see Sienna?”
Sophie frowned, "She is still at the hospital ICU. I will get you the direct code…" one of Sophie's young
foster children ran up. "Hi Auntie T! Come home soon!" The little girl ran off, giggling as Sophie came
back and recited the code to T'Mur. "I have not seen her, yet." Sophie had been in the process of calling
the Illuminar.

T’Mur nodded, “I will take care of the Illuminar, Sophie,” she said, being a little more personal, “you go
take care of our girl. One way or another I will be there as soon as I can. I believe this ship can do
warp 9.8, or better if needed.”

=^= As if Luma would spare speed to get back to Sienna. =^= Sophie tried not to remember that it was
likely Luma’s attempts to save Sienna that had caused this breakdown.

“I will give you an hour,” T’Mur said, “then Sienna is mine again. I will contact the hospital then.”

She closed the channel then stood up. She was having a bit of difficulty regulating her emotions. She
wanted to call the hospital immediately, but new she needed to give a mother her time. And she had
much to do. She closed down the computer and picked up Kenna, putting their noses together.

“We shall see mommy soon, Kenna,” she told the cat, who meowed something those seemed
approving.

Then she put the cat down and left their quarters.

(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Bridge – CSec/Tac - Lt. Commander T’Mur - 1415)

T’Mur stepped off the turbo lift and immediately went to stand beside Sekal.

“Captain, I need a word with you, in private.”

(reply Sekal)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(New Romulus, Eryx – Street – Gunnery Sergeant Emile Schofield – 1305)



With Yenna’s help and her two pieces of paperwork, they had applied to turn her tourist visa into a long-term
working visa. The approval process would take time, but the clerks had given her a statement that would allow her
to apply for a job. And the cafeteria at the clinic was in search of people.
While Yenna was not the best in the kitchen, Hasana had inherited her mother’s talent for cooking. Or so she
claimed. As for Emile and his cooking skills….he had learned how to cook in the orphanage. And his marine
training had included survival training, which had contained instruction on unconventional cooking as well. As for
how it tasted, he left that to other to judge.



The beauty of the job in the kitchen, was that she paid per week. Once she had three or four paychecks, she would
automatically be added to the city tax roll. And that would allow her to get a City ID. With that and a statement
from the clinic, her new visa would be in the bag. And then she could apply for Republic Citizenship. Which was
the endgame that Yenna was working towards.



For now, however, they were headed home. As they got closer, they noticed the smoke coming from what had
once been Tervas’ house. ~Au, Tervas is not going like that. Presuming he was not inside.~ There was nothing left
of the house. Just a smoldering pile of ashes. They went into the house. Yenna went to bring Sarah up to speed,
while Hasana took Emile’s hand and led him into the master bedroom.



“Come on, let’s celebrate our marriage.”



Hasana kissed him and soon clothing went flying.



(Reply any)

(Posted by Ruben)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Earth, Texas – Impetuous Industries Corporate Headquarter {a.k.a. The Ranch}– Charles Temerity –
1920)

Charles had spent his day after leaving Major General Eunice Bloom’s office at the Central Issuing
Facility at the Parris Island training base getting new uniforms and basic issue equipment. He was
intentionally holding off on a shave and haircut until after he spoke with his civilian boss T’Lela, the
owner, chairman of the board, CEO, and widow of the company founder’ grandson. The message he
had received from T’Lela had told to see her at his earliest convenience at the ranch, but after the
conversation with the general, he was somewhat apprehensive.

There were only maybe 25 of her freighter captains that are regularly invited to “The Ranch”. The
Ranch is exactly what it sounds like; a 500-acre ranch in the southern part of Texas. On the surface it
looked like an old horse ranch that was still a hobby type working ranch with a small, simple single
story office complex that housed the Impetuous Industries corporate headquarters.
Charles pressed the button for the doorbell at the front door of the ranch house. T’Lela had opened the
door. She was a striking Romulan woman with an interesting and unique dragon tattoo on her left
cheek, Charles was never exactly sure of her age other than older than he was. He knew that she had
been a trained killer and continued to stay in shape and kept up with her training. Other than their very
first meeting, he never thought of her in a sexual way. She was more than simply his boss; on some
level she had saved him from his own worse impulses.

As she opened the door and recognized the long-haired, scruffy, pirate looking cowboy on her front
porch, “Charles, I was beginning to wonder if you would make it. You should know better than to keep
a lady waiting for too long.” She finished with a grin.

He returned the grin, “I apologize, is this a bad time? I can comeback in the morning.”

She reached over, took him by the arm and started guiding him into the house, “Nonsense, I was about
to sit down to supper. Take off your coat and join me, we can talk and eat.” Then she took a long look at
the expression on his face and followed up with, “Something tells me we each have something to tell the
other.” He simply nodded and started to remove his coat. As he did so, her eyes widened and
proclaimed, “Where in the galaxy did you get THAT?” she said pointing in his direction.

Charles was not entirely sure what she was referring to. Looking down at himself, he responded, “Get
what?”

T’Lela waved her hand up and down at his torso, “The holsters and weapons.”

“Oh, I bought this setup from a pawn broker on Orion about four months ago. I was told it was a
custom-made duel should holster made for twin custom disruptor pistols and holds a pair of matching
Bowie knives. And that is all had to be purchased as a set.”

She held out her hands to him, “May I examine it, please?” As a questioning look came onto his face,
she simply and quietly implored, “Please, Charles.”

He nodded his head and removed the leather rig and held it out to her, pistols, knives, and all. She
showed an almost reverence as she took it and walked over the dining table and gently set it down
running her hands over it. Suddenly, T’Lela dropped to her knees and began crying.

Not understanding what was happening, Charles rushed over and helped the woman into the nearest
chair before crouching down and putting his arms around her to comfort her. “T’Lela, what is wrong;
what’s going on?” he asked.

She simply stroked a small section of the leather, almost lovingly petting it on might say. She then
turned teary eyes toward him, “Oh Charles, I don’t know how or why, but you managed to bring the last
of him home.”
Charles looked over to where her hand was on the leather, it read “Property of: C. Raschen; Captain of
the privateer vessel Star Hawk.” He then turned back to her, “I don’t understand.”

She reached up and rested her free hand on his cheek and smiled through her tears, “Chance Raschen is
my late husband. This ‘rig’, as he called it, went missing when he was killed. Do you remember the
night we first met at that restaurant? They had given my reservation away and you were alone and
invited me to join you. That was the night Starfleet finally informed me of his death.”

Charles nodded thinking back roughly a decade back to the night in question. He had been in a
extremely dark place mentally and emotionally and was having, what he had decided was going to be his
last meal, when he saw a rather upset and distraught Romulan woman complaining about her reservation
being given away. He had stopped the hostess and invited the Romulan to share his table at his expense,
and all he expected in return was dinner conversation and then never see each other again. As a retired
Marine, he tried to help console her as much as he could through her grief, and in return she had pulled
out a padd, pulled up he service record and training / education transcript and offered him a job as a
navigator on a freighter. That job had turned into a great career and now he served as a captain. T’Lela
had saved his life that night, whether she knew it or not. But he was pretty sure she knew. “How could I
ever forget that night.”

“You had reminded me of my husband in so many ways; like the way a son will remind a mother of his
father.”

Charles couldn’t help but smile at this and she raised a questioning eyebrow at him. “I need to confess
something. That night I was disillusioned by the system and the service and was ready to end it.” He
had started and she nodded “but starting that night you metaphorically smacked me upside my head,
grabbed me by the shoulders, pointed me in the right direction and kicked me in the but to get me going.
Since then, you have given me a metaphorical smack or kick whenever I needed it, and you kept me
gong in the right direction. As a result, I considered you a kind of surrogate mom. In fact, I even called
you ‘mom’ to your face a few times, but you probably thought I was being sarcastic when I replied with
‘Yes, Mom’ when you were reprimanding me for something.”

T’Lela looked a little surprised, bur smiled as her tears began to dry up. She stood up and handed the
leather rig back to him. “Charles, this segways beautifully into what I wanted to talk to you about, but
there will have to be alterations to my original plans now.”

“Okay” was all he said as he stood up and heard both his knees pop loudly before pulling out another
chair from the dining table and sitting down. “Would you mind if I went first? What I have to tell you
may alter your plans further.” T’Lela agreed and Charles continued as he handed her a padd, “I have
been recalled to active duty and promoted from Gunnery Sergeant to Second Lieutenant. I am due to
ship out within a few days to rendezvous with the detachment I’ve been assigned to. I have a full
information packet, but I haven’t been through it yet, so I have basically told you all that I know as of
this moment in time. If you want, I have a letter of resignation already written. If you want it, I just
need to sign it.”

“My boy, you better delete that letter of resignation. There will be a position available to you once you
are retired again. In fact, as a condition of your employment, I want you to check in with me at a
minimum of once every other week to let me know you are alive and well, if nothing else. As for my
plans, unbeknownst to you, you own ten percent of the Impetuous Industries stocks, and you have also
been receiving funds from profit sharing. As a result, you are independently wealthy in your own right.”
She tapped the screen of the padd, “This is the bank and account information.” She paused for a
moment before continuing “My intention is for you to take over the shipping division when you go back
to being a retired Marine. That would put you in charge of all freighters we own. And finally, I will be
having new documents done up for you with an alias. I already had a set done, but I want a different
name on them.” T’Lela saw the questioning look on his face, “After the events of this evening, Son. I
will have a new set done up for you uder the name of Charles Raschen. This will be your new alias to
use in place of Charles Temerity when need arises.”

Charles smiled and replied, “Yes, Mom.”

(Reply: None)
(Posted by Chuck)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar – Airlock to the Edmund Hillary – ACONN Alex Dyson - 1925)

Alex had done his homework on the Captain’s Yacht as he had told Weston that he would. As for Kelly, he had
managed to convince her that it would better if she didn’t come. The Chinlo Incident had landed her into enough
hot water. The last she needed was to add more to it. She had not been happy about it, but she had agreed to stay.

Now, he was waiting outside the airlock for Lieutenant Weston to arrive. Once they got going, it would be a two
day trip to New Romulus. The hardest part would be the actual landing. But that was where the yacht’s cloaking
device would come in handy. One the bright side, being away from the ship would give him some time to think
about what he would say to Yenna when he actually got there.

“Of course, you’re not going anywhere until the Lieutenant gets here.”

(Reply Weston)

(Posted by Ruben)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Airlock to the Edmund Hilary - SFI - Lt. Michael Weston - 1929)

Michael stepped up to the airlock that led to the Edmund Hilary and took a deep breath. He’d spent a
lot of time, and resources and called in a few more markers than he would have cared to for this
mission. He wasn’t really sure why he was putting himself on the line this Alex Dyson, or his kid. He
didn’t owe them anything. But he had promised to help out, and, to be honest, his search for the cause
of his burn notice had come up cold lately. This was a distraction from that enterprise.
As he moved to the airlock he saw Dyson waiting for him and nodded at the pilot. “Well, Mr. Dyson, are
you ready to become a father?”

(reply Dyson)

“We might as well get going then,” Weston said.

He touched the control panel and the airlock opened and the entryway to the Hilary presented itself.
When that opened Michael led the way into the ship. He nodded his head towards the bridge section.

“You might want to get settled in and start the preflight checks,” Weston suggested. I can stow our gear
and check on the supplies I’d ask for. I want to drop in ten minutes.”

(reply Dyson)

While Dyson headed to the bridge section Weston went aft and stowed his bag and Dyson’s in a
storage cubby. He opened and cabinet to find the weapons that he had requested. He nodded in
approval and then turned on the computer station. He logged onto his files and downloaded what he
needed into the Hilary’s database.

Satisfied with his work he headed up and sat in the copilot’s seat. He looked over at Alex and nodded.
“Ready when you are pilot.”

(reply Dyson)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Airlock to the Edmund Hilary -3XO/CMO Commander Quinna Solice - 1929)

Quinna stood there for a few minutes. No one seemed to notice. She had a black backpack she used
for away missions on her shoulder.

Satisfied with his work he headed up and sat in the copilot’s seat. He looked over at Alex and nodded.
“Ready when you are pilot.”

Quinna stood there. “For the record, I do not like this.”

(Reply Weston, Dyson)

“Do you have a contingency plan? Do you have a contingency for the contingency?” Quinna's blond
hair draped her shoulders and her forehead scowed with concern.

(reply Weston, Dyson)
“If I was not a ‘we’, then I would insist on coming. I can at least I can provide you with this.” Quinna
took her backpack off and handed it to Michael. It is my personally approved med kit. More useful than
the standard issue med kits.”

(reply Weston, Dyson)

Quinna turned to Dyson, “If he does not return alive, I will kill you. Trust me, I know how to make it
look like and accident.”

(Reply Dyson)

Quinna stepped forward to Michael. She grabbed him and planted a huge kiss on him, “If you don’t
come back, I will hunt you down. Then you do not want to know what will happen.”

(Reply Weston)

“Gentlemen,” Quinna said as she turned to go back out the airlock.

(Reply Weston and Dyson)
(posted by Kris B)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar - Airlock to the Edmund Hilary – ACONN Alex Dyson – 1929)



Alex was glad to see Weston approach the airlock. The sooner they got going, the sooner they would reach New
Romulus and get this thing over it. ~This is not going to be fun.~ But it had to be done. The Lieutenant reached
him.



“Well, Mr. Dyson, are you ready to become a father?”



“Yes, Lieutenant.”



“We might as well get going then,” Weston said, after which they boarded the yacht. “You might want to get
settled in and start the pre-flight checks. I can stow our gear and check on the supplies I’d ask for. I want to drop
in ten minutes.”
“Sounds like a plan to me.”



He left his bag behind as he went into the cockpit. As he sat down at the Flight Control station, he was already
running the pre-flight checklist in his head. So he got to work on actually running it. ~Here we go.~ As he had
expected, the Captain’s Yacht was in good shape. As he approached the end of the list, Weston came in. Much to
Alex’s surprise, Doctor Solice also entered the cockpit.



“Ready when you are pilot.”



“For the record, I do not like this.”



“Understood, Doctor,” Alex said, while making the last pre-flight check. ~Ready to go.~



The yacht had a top speed of warp 6 and Alex figured that it would take them two days to get to New Romulus
from their location. He figured that it would be a five days before they would back here. Two days out, one day
there and then two days back. But he understood how, from Solice’s point of view, that could feel like would take
forever.



(Reply Weston)



“Do you have a contingency plan? Do you have a contingency for the contingency?”



“I’m sure the Lieutenant has it covered.”



(Reply Weston)
“If I was not a ‘we’, then I would insist on coming. I can at least I can provide you with this.” The doctor handed
a backpack to the Lieutenant. “It is my personally approved med kit. More useful than the standard issue med
kits.”



(Reply Weston)



Alex didn’t say anything, but simply nodded. Then the doctor turned to him.



“If he does not return alive, I will kill you. Trust me, I know how to make it look like and accident.”



“Yes, ma’am.”



He could have pointed out that if Weston ended up dead, he would probably also be dead. The doctor then
proceeded to kiss Weston. ~Typical.~ There was more then an tinge of irony in the fact that this trip began with a
kiss. Because he suspected that he would receive very little love when they reached New Romulus. Yenna would
probably be very angry with him. Doctor Solice headed for the airlock.



“Gentlemen,” She said.



“Pre-flight checklist complete,” Alex said. “Shall we ?”



(Reply Weston)

(Posted by Ruben)


>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Airlock to the Edmund Hilary - Stowaway - Leeza Pel - 1930)

Leeza had been following Michael around. She had not talked to him and he seemed to be a bit busy.
She saw him enter Captain Eakel’s ship. She then noticed that ‘She’ followed him. She seemed mad
at Mikey and Leeza wanted to see if she was going to leave him. She snuck onboard and watched the
interaction. She was small and was able to hide in a small space where no one could see her.
She witnessed the interaction between Quinna and the men. Leeza hoped that this would be the end
of Michael and Quinna and she could have her Mikey to herself again just like on the Rhyne. Suddenly
Leeza got grossed out by Quinna’s kiss to Mickey before she left. Leeza decided that if Quinna was not
going to stay and protect Mikey, then she would. Leeza squeezed herself into a nook where she could
not be seen and waited for them to leave.

(Reply none)
(Posted by Kris B)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Edmun Hilary - Bridge - SFI - Lt. Michael Weston - 1938)

Weston had ready to go when a voice from behind him took him by surprise.

“For the record, I do not like this.” Michael spun, defensively until he saw that it was Quinna.

“Understood, Doctor,” Dyson replied.

Michael smiled and moved to the back of the cabin, “I know, but if I don’t do this…” he indicated with a
nod of his head to Dyson, “we might find ourselves short a conn officer, and in the middle of some
intergalactic incident.”

“Do you have a contingency plan? Do you have a contingency for the contingency?”

Michael reached up and brushed a lock of hair, that had fallen across her face, behind her ear. “I have
taken as many precautions as I can. More than I usually do. Don’t worry, I’ll be back.”

“I’m sure the Lieutenant has it covered,” Dyson called back, trying to be helpful, but not succeeding.

“If I was not a ‘we’, then I would insist on coming. I can at least I can provide you with this,” she said
and handed Michael a medical backpack. “It is my personally approved med kit. More useful than the
standard issue med kits.”

Michael beamed and kissed Quinna on the cheek, “You do care. Thank you. Hopefully it will come
back completely in tact.”

Suddenly Quinna turned on Dyson, “If he does not return alive, I will kill you. Trust me, I know how to
make it look like and accident.”

‘Yes ma’am,” Dyson, looking as if he wasn’t sure if she was joking or not.

Michael decided to dispel the doubt, “She means it. And I’d be surprised if anyone found the body.”
He turned bck to face Quionna and gave her a wink. She stepped forward and grabbed him. Then she
kissed him long and hard.

“If you don’t come back, I will hunt you down,” Quinna warned. “Then you do not want to know what
will happen.”

“No desert for a week?” Weston said hopefully. “I’ve come back from worse missions with no other
reason than to see the next day. Now I have a reason to come back. And when I get back I better not
see you in the arms of Dieter Gregory, or there’ll be some ‘splaining to do.”

He leaned forward and returned her kiss. “I love you. See you soon.”

“Gentlemen,” Quinna said as she turned to go back out the airlock.

Michael called back out the airlock, “He Doc, always remember rule 1.”

With that the airlock door closed and Michael looked over at Dyson. Something “felt” wrong. He
couldn’t put his finger on it until he realized that he hadn’t said good-bye to Leeza. He shook his head
and said to himself, ~There’ll be hell to pay when I get back.~

Then he nodded, “Okay kid, punch it.”

(reply Dyson, Solace)
(posted by Al Muir)

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

(USS Edmund Hilary – Cockpit – ACONN Alex Dyson – 1940)




Doctor Solice had left and the airlock had closed behind her. ~Off we go.~ Lieutenant Weston joined
him in the cockpit.



“Okay kid, punch it.”



“Aye, Lieutenant.”



Alex worked the controls and the yacht was released from her mothership. He fired up the impulse and they
quickly pulled away from the Illuminar. That done, he plotted the course for New Romulus. ~Warp 6 it is.~ He hit
the engage button and the yacht jumped to warp.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 2 - Gregory's Quarters - a1/O CMDR Dieter Gregory and Dr. Agnes Vanderstein
-2200)

Gregory was sitting on his couch, Dr. Vanderstein in his arms. On the table was half of a bottle of wine
and two glasses.

"Its been a long day," he said.

She nodded and moved to plant a kiss on his cheek, "My dear Commander, with the weight of the world
on his shoulders."

He turned his face and caught her lips with his own. The two continued wordlessly for minutes.

Standing up, he picked the good doctor up, "Bed time," he said with a twinkle in his eyes.

Aggie wrapped her arms around his neck for the short trip to the bedroom. He placed her onto the bed
and soon they were both naked. "I like this dance," he said, "I know all the steps."

"Computer, lights," Aggie called as the two continued their romantic interlude.

-fade to black -
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Edmund Hilary – Cockpit – ACONN Alex Dyson – 2330)



They were chugging along at warp six. So far, the trip had been smooth. But he would need some sleep soon. He
was working on programming the autopilot when he heard a noise.



“Did you hear that ?”



(Reply Weston, Leeza Pel, any)

(Posted by Ruben)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Edmun Hilary - Bridge - SFI - Lt. Michael Weston - 2334)
After Alex had gone through his story of how Macknzhad come to be and the circumstances around this
mission to “rescue” her there had been little else to talk about. The remainder of the evening had gone
quietly until there had been a small this from the back of the ship.

“Did you hear that?” Dyson asked.

Weston nodded and put a finger to his lips, telling the pilot to be quiet. He got out of his chair quickly
and silently and moved towards the back of the vessel. Moving with cat like grace Weston came to the
junction to the back, and prepared himself to attack whoever was there.

He burst into the alcove to find… Leeza Pel, who apparently was feeding herself some kind of snack
cake.

Michael immediately relaxed, “Leeza, what in the name of… what are you doing here?”

(reply Leeza)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Edmun Hilary - Bridge - Leeza Pel - 2337)

Leeza woke up hungry. She reached into her bag for a snack cake. It was smushed. She much
preferred it whole, but she ate the smushed cake anyway.


A familiar face finally appeared, “Leeza, what in the name of… what are you doing here?”


“I am trying to eat here, Mikey. I’m hungry.” Leeza replied. “Why are you here? Where are we going?”


(Reply Weston)


“Geez, I followed Her here. She was mad at you. I cannot believe she left you. So I stayed so I can
watch your back.” Leeza flashed her eyes. “Don’t be mad. You need me. You don’t need her.” Leeza
claimed.


(Reply Weston)


(Played by Kris B)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Edmun Hilary - Bridge - SFI - Lt. Michael Weston - 2338)

“I am trying to eat here, Mikey. I’m hungry.” Leeza said. “Why are you here? Where are we going?”
Michael looked at her harshly, “Leeza, you know why I’m here. I’m helping Mr. Dyson with some…
family issues. I told you I’d be gone for a while.”


“Geez, I followed Her here,” Leeza said, Michael knew she was talking about Quinna. “She was mad at
you. I cannot believe she left you. So I stayed so I can watch your back. Don’t be mad. You need me.
You don’t need her.”



Michael sighed. In his mind he was thinking, ~At this moment I don’tc need either of you. I need to be
Michael Weston.~ But he kept that to himself. He pulled out his PADD and looked at the chrnonmeter.
Then he pulled up his timeline. If they turned around now there was no way they’d make the window
through the Romulan border. As it was, waiting for the end of Kelly’s hearing ate up all of their wiggle
time.


He took a deep breath and relaxed his gaze, “What I need is for you to be a good girl and do as you’re
told. You might see some things… about me… that I’d rather you hadn’t, but it can’t be helped. We
can’t go back now. But if I tell you to stay, you stay, got that?” It was more a command than a question.


(reply Leeza)


“All right, come up here with us,” Michael said and led the way to the bridge section.


(reply Leeza)


Michael looked at Dyson and said, “Looks like we have a stowaway. Have you met my little sister,
Leeza Pel? Apparently she’ll be joining us on our little adventure. We don’t have time to take her
back.”


(reply Dyson)
Then he turned to Leeza and pointed to a seat in front of a computer station. “Sit there and don’t touch
anything.” He paused and said more softly, “I’ll give you a job to do soon.”


(reply Leeza)


Michael sat down and opened a secure channel to Dieter Gregory. “Big Brother to Big Daddy. Hey
Dieter, looks like I have a stowaway. I don’t have time to return the package so i’m afraid she’s along
for the ride. Give my apologies to the Hammons. Out.”


(reply Gregory, Leeza, Dyson)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Edmund Hilary – Cockpit – Leeza Pel – 2242)

“What I need is for you to be a good girl and do as you’re told. You might see some things… about
me… that I’d rather you hadn’t, but it can’t be helped. We can’t go back now. But if I tell you to stay,
you stay, got that?” It was more a command than a question.


“Oh Mikey, you know me,” Leeza said as she finished her snack cake.


“All right, come up here with us,” Michael said and led the way to the bridge section.


When they moved to the other room, Leeza saw the strange man there. She noted him earlier. Leeza
wondered why he was so important. Why would he take her Mikey away from her?



“Looks like we have a stowaway. Have you met my little sister, Leeza Pel? Apparently she’ll be
joining us on our little adventure. We don’t have time to take her back.”


“Okay,” He waved at Leeza. “I’m Alex.”

Leeza took a step back and bumped into Michael’s legs. Then she moved around behind him. “Sit there
and don’t touch anything. I’ll give you a job to do soon.” Leeza listened to Mikey. He was never that
angry with her before.
“Ok, Mikey.” Leeza said dishearteningly. She thought he would be happy she was with him. It is not
like he had not taken her before on missions. She wished for Life on the Rhyne right now.


Michael sat down and opened a secure channel to Dieter Gregory. “Big Brother to Big Daddy. Hey
Dieter, looks like I have a stowaway. I don’t have time to return the package so I’m afraid she’s along
for the ride. Give my apologies to the Hammons. Out.”

“He does not sound happy,” Alex said. “Glad he’s not mad with me for a change.”

“Are you why we are out here?” Leeza asked.

(Reply Dyson, Weston)

“Why?” Leeza turned to a more inquisitive tone.

(Reply Dyson, Weston)

“You know a two-man surgical strike team may not be the answer,” Leeza said and yawned, it was way
past her bedtime and the curled up in the chair and closed her eyes. She fell asleep faster than the nap of
the fingers.

(Reply Dyson, Weston)

(posted by Kris B)


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


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

(USS Edmund Hilary – Cockpit – ACONN Alex Dyson – 2243)



“Are you why we are out here?” Leeza asked.



“Because we’re going on a trip to a planet,” Alex said. ~No reason to say it’s New Romulus.~ And technically, he
had not lied. If Weston wanted to give her more information, that was his decision. But he decided to keep the
answers to the minimum.
(Reply Weston)



“Why?”



“There’s a problem there that we have to solve,” Alex said. Again, he was being light on the details. ~Still
keeping it true.~ Besides, there was no reason to bore Leeza with his life’s story.



(Reply Weston)



“You know a two-man surgical strike team may not be the answer,” Leeza said.



After that, she yawned and curled up before falling asleep. Alex walked to a supply cabinet and took out a
blanket, which he then used to cover the little girl. ~There’s something off about here.~ But he was not going to
open this can of worms right now.



“Time will tell, kiddo, time will tell.”



(Reply Weston, any)

(Posted by Ruben)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 2 - Gregory's Quarters- a1/O CMDR Dieter Gregory and Dr. Agnes Vanderstein -
2240)

=^= Commander, you have a secure call from Mr. Weston =^=

Gregory sat up. ~This couldn't be good~

"Pipe it through, audio only," he replied
=^=Big Brother to Big Daddy. Hey Dieter, looks like I have a stowaway. I don’t have time to return the
package so i’m afraid she’s along for the ride. Give my apologies to the Hammons. Out =^= came
Weston's voice.

"Damn!" he said. "What the hell? Computer, locate Leeza Pel."

=^= Leeza Pel is not on the Illuminar =^=

Gregory sat up and jumped out of bed, startling Aggie. "What is it Dieter?" she asked.

"Damn Weston and damn Leeza. Somehow Leeza is on the Hillary," he frowned as he pulled on his
uniform.

"That bad?" she asked.

"Worse," he said, leaning over to kiss her. "Don't go anywhere. I'll be back as soon as I can."

Aggie hugged Gregory before he took off at a sprint.

(Reply none)
(Posted by Kris and Tim)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Edmund Hilary – Cockpit – ACONN Alex Dyson – 2240)



Weston had gone to get investigate the sound. To Alex’s surprise, the lieutenant came back with a
young girl in tow. ~Okay, she is NOT supposed to be here.~ On the bright side, he got the impression
that there was some kind of connection between this girl and Weston. ~Nice to know that this time, it’s
not my fault that things aren’t going according to plan.~



“Looks like we have a stowaway. Have you met my little sister, Leeza Pel? Apparently she’ll be joining
us on our little adventure. We don’t have time to take her back.”



“Okay,” He waved at Leeza. “I’m Alex.”



Weston parked Leeza on a chair and then opened a channel to the Illuminar. ~Like I thought,
connected to him.~ He listened as Weston explained the situation to Commander Gregory. ~Yep, this is
not going to be liked by the upper ranks.~ But that was up for the Commander to express.



(Reply Gregory, Leeza, any)



“He does not sound happy,” Alex said. “Glad he’s not mad with me for a change.”



(Reply Gregory, Weston, Leeza, any)

(Posted by Ruben)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Bridge - a1/O CMDR Dieter Gregory - 2246)

Gregory burst onto the bridge, "Helm, plot an intercept course for the USS Hillary," he said as he moved
behind the pilot.

Montero looked up, "Sir?" he asked

"Ensign, do I have to repeat myself. Plot an intercept course for the USS Hillary."
"Aye, Sir" he said and started on the task.

"Science, long range scanners, is there any Romulan activity in the area?"

(Science IYW)

"Operations, keep a listen for any Romulan activity," he said, "and let me know immediately."

"Aye, Sir," replied Ensign Morganthall.

The OOD stood and moved to the first officers seat so Gregory could sit down.

"Sir," Montero said, "Course plotted. However, even at warp 9.5 we will not intercept the Hillary before
they enter Romulan space."

"Show me," Gregory replied.

Montero put the proposed course on the viewscreen, and it was clear that the Illuminar would not reach
the Hillary in time.

"What if we go to max speed," he asked.

"Sir, I would not recommend that," came Lieutenant Taylor's voice from tactical. "If the Romulans were
to detect a starship approaching their boarder at high warp, that would put them on heightened alert and
would very likely compromise the Hillary. Unless that is your plan." he replied.

Gregory whipped around and stared at the man. He knew Andy was right. Anything that called attention
to the Hillary would jeopardize Michael and Leeza, not to mention a potential diplomatic incident.

He nodded slowly. "Thank you Mr. Taylor. Helm, stand down," he said to Montero. "Ops open a
secure channel to the Hillary."

When the channel was open, "Big Daddy to Big Brother, acknowledge. God speed."

He hit the com button, "Sorry to wake you Captain, but there is a situation you need to know about and I
think it's best to talk face to face."

(Reply Sekal)

"Very good sir," Gregory said.

(Reply Sekal)
(Posted by Al and Tim)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

2446.05.13>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Earth Starbase – Transient Quarters – 2LT Charles Temerity – 1045)

 In just under one week, Charles had completed all his mandatory classes, qualifications, medical exams,
and fitness tests. His bags were packed, and he was on standby awaiting transport to Archanis IV. He
was still getting used to being called “L-T”. As a captain of a ship, he was used to being called “Sir”,
but in a Marine uniform, he had been called “Gunny” for years before he had decided that enough was
enough and retired.

Charles had taken the opportunity to relax in the transient quarters he had been assigned. While
watching a classic western movie, Big Jake with John Wayne, he was more than shocked to see a
message come up on his screen informing him to report at once to Major General Bloom at her office in
dress uniform with full decorations. As he read the message, all he uttered was “Damn.”

Ever trying to be the good Soldier, Charles did as directed and was grateful that he had already put his
uniform together because as a Marine, he was required to report in to his new commander in dress
uniform with full decorations.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Earth Starbase – Office of Major General Eunice Bloom – 2LT Charles Temerity – 1140)

As 2LT Temerity was escorted into the office by the General’s Aide, he recognized the woman sitting in
the right chair in front of the large desk. He also noticed that the general also had on her dress uniform
with full decorations as well. He had no idea what was going on.

Once he was in front of the desk, he came to the position of attention and saluted stating, “Lieutenant
Charles Temerity reporting to the General as ordered, Ma’am.”

In response, Bloom returned the salute. After dropping her salute, she indicated to the other chair in
front of her desk, “Have a seat, Lieutenant.”

After he dropped his salute, he turned to the woman sitting in the other chair and smiled at her and gave
a slight bow of his head, “Ms. T’Lela, how are you today?”

She smiled back at him, “Charles, it has been years since I have seen you cleaned up like this. You look
good.” Then turned to the General, “Doesn’t he, Eunice?”

As Temerity sat down in the pro-offered chair, he heard Bloom say, “Yes, Ma’am. He sure does look
good.” He raised an eyebrow at the tone of her voice and watched as she gave a slight shake of her head
and stated, “Now he looks like a Marine, unlike the unshaven cowboy that showed up here a few days
ago.” T’Lela smiled at the original tone of Bloom’s voice as she glanced at Charles and gave him a
wink.

Bloom cleared her voice before she began to speak, “Lieutenant, I understand that you’re waiting to ship
out to Archanis IV, correct?”

Temerity simply nodded his head and replied, “That’s correct, Ma’am.”

“There has been a slight change to your itinerary then. You will be departing tomorrow morning at a
time of your choosing.” Bloom simply stated.

Questioningly, Temerity turned to T’Lela looking for an explanation. She tilted her head toward the
general.

Looking back at Bloom, “Why is that, General?”

“T’Lela and I worked out an arrangement to help each other out, and you are the one that will make it all
happen.” Holding her hand up to prevent any questions or comments, “You will be taking a shipment of
the latest equipment and weapons with you to your unit, and T’Lela needed to borrow you to sign off on
a license packet for a new captain for the Shadowfax. I believe that was the ship you were on before
you were recalled.”

Temerity, again, turned to T’Lela, “And whose ability will I be staking MY license and reputation on?”

“Keoki didn’t want it, and neither did Marshall. So T’Lar, the Vulcan female that you used to serve
under when you were a navigator, she has stepped up for the position. Unfortunately, the Shadowfax is
larger than anything she has ever commanded. I think she would be a good fit. Besides, with Keoki as
her first mate on the vessel, she will be okay.”

Charles nodded his head, “Not a problem, I will ensure everything is onboard tonight to include my gear.
I do have one small issue before I depart.” He said before focusing his attention on T’Lela, “I have not
yet signed a proxy for my responsibilities at Impetuous Industries.”

The Romulan woman indicated toward herself, “I cannot be your proxy, my boy. I can’t vote my stock
AND your stock.” Then she looked at Eunice, “Do you trust her enough to vote your stock?”

Temerity turned and focused his attention on Bloom, “Well Ma’am, would you be interested in a side gig
that pays?”

T’Lela followed up with, “It pays ten thousand per month retainer, plus another 15 thousand for every
meeting you vote at.”
General Bloom’s eyes widened at what she just heard, “All I have to do is vote, and nothing else?” and
Charles and T’Lela both simply nodded in her direction. Eunice responded with, “sure, but I want it in
writing.”

T’Lela just handed her a padd, “Read and sign my dear.” Then she turned to Charles, “Who takes care
of you?” she said with a touch of sarcasm.

With the same sarcastic tone he replied, “Thanks, Mom. I love you too.”

General Bloom looked up from the padd in surprise exclaimed questioningly, “Mom.?.” as she looked
back and forth between the two not seeing any physical markers that would indicate they were blood
relations.

The Romulan woman just smiled at her and explained, “It’s an inside joke.”

Bloom just nodded in understanding and signed the document on the padd. As she handed it back to
T’Lela she stated matter of fact, “If there is no other business; Lieutenant you are to escort me to an
official function. Your presence has been requested. It seems some of the senior brass wish to meet the
recalled retired Gunny who put three combative instructors in the hospital in one morning using
unapproved tactics.”

All three stood up at roughly the same time. As General Bloom walked around the desk and ran her left
arm through Charles’s right arm, T’Lela smiled and stated, “You two have fun, and don’t do anything I
wouldn’t enjoy.” As she winked at Eunice and headed for the door.

“Good night, Mom. I’ll call you after we get underway in the morning.” Charles called after the
Romulan. T’Lela just waved her hand acknowledging that she had heard him. He then turned to the
General on his arm, and in his best Texas drawl, “Well Ma’am, as I am to be your escort tonight, to
where will I be escorting you to?”

Major General Eunice Bloom just smiled up at the recently minted second lieutenant,” Just be
forewarned, you will be the lowest ranking being at this gathering. The second lowest rank will be a
Colonel slash Captain.”

Temerity gave his head a slow shake, “Well, Yippee Ki Yay” was all he said as they started for the door
arm-in-arm.

(Reply: None)
(Posted by Chuck)
2446.05.14>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Earth Starbase – Transient Quarters – 2LT Charles Temerity – 0430)
Charles was lying in bed with one arm behind his head looking out the bay window that overlooked the
various activities of the “harbor” portion of the space dock thinking of the official function he had
escorted Major General Eunice Bloom too the previous day. As it turned out, it really wasn’t all that
official, and Charles had known everyone present one way or another. The event in question, while
started off as a rather nice banquet with senior officers welcoming him back into the Corps and to the
ranks of commissioned officers, once the alcohol started flowing, things quickly devolved into “The
Roast of Gunny Temerity”. Everyone had a story of how Charles had done something crazy to make
mission happen that scared, worried, freaked out, or just simply made them wonder how on God’s green
earth he had accomplished whatever.

He glanced over at his clock and let out a small groan of dismay. The blond-haired woman at curled up
against his side moaned and uttered, “What’s wrong?”

He kissed her on the top of the head and replied, “I’m starting my day about almost 3 hours after I
originally planned. Remember, you wanted me to be underway to Archanis by 0200?”

The naked woman at his side looked up and smiled, “After last night, I could be enticed in to getting the
general to push your ETA to the right one day.”

Raising an eyebrow, “You would do that for me, Ma’am?” as he bent to kiss her.

After returning his kiss, the woman started to move herself on top of him as she asked, “So tell me the
truth; how much of the stories that were told about you were exaggerations? And did General T’Kall
really tell you that you should be locked in a glass box that read ‘Break Glass When All Else Fails’?”

Charles just smiled down at her, “Yes, he really did say that to me when he was a major; and those
stories were about 95% true.”

Suddenly, the look on her face altered as her perception of him had with that simple acknowledgement,
“Don’t worry, Lover. I will do my job as best I can, but feathers will get ruffled along the way here and
there. However, I need to get moving, I can make up the loss of 6-8 hours, I want to make my original
ETA.”

“I just told you I can give you an additional day, why the concern about your schedule.” She asked as he
slid out from under her sultry figure.

“Because I don’t want you using your rank or position to help me. I’ve never been one to ride coattails,
while at the same time I try not to let a good thing pass me by.” He started as he bent down to kiss her
again before continuing, “You are a good thing, and I would never ask you to do anything outside
regulations on my behalf. Fair enough, my dear?”
“Fair enough with one obvious exception.” She started saying and he looked questioningly at her. “As
for us in bed together; that I am chalking up to mutual desire. Neither one of us invited the other to bed,
we just did and I’m good with that.”

Charles just smiled and kissed her again, “Eunice, as much as I think you should say ‘This was a
mistake it will NEVER happen again’ I am hoping you don’t. As I will be gone for the, shall we say,
reasonably foreseeable future; I see no reason why we can’t be the unexplained smile on each other’s
faces until we are back together again. Do you?”

Bloom stood up out of bed and wrapped her arms around his neck, “Lieutenant, I now understand that
you will always be an NCO at heart and that you will always be insane one way or another. After last
night, I am apparently not the only one that thinks so. But I must agree with everyone else last night.
I’d rather have you on my side than against me. So don’t get your old butt dead, Marine.”

He reached down with both hands, grabbing her by the butt and lifting her slightly, “General, ma’am; I
ain’t never not made it back yet.” He said in an exaggerated southern drawl. Kissed then released his
hold over her and began getting dressed.

Six hours later, the Shadowfax had cleared the space doors and was underway to Archanis IV almost ten
hours behind schedule.

(Reply: None)
(Posted by Chuck)
2446.05.18>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Archanis IV – Camp Belleau Wood – Cargo Yard – 2LT Charles Temerity – 1035)

Despite starting off roughly ten hours behind schedule when the Shadowfax departed Earth Spacedock,
she managed to arrive at Archanis IV almost four hours ahead of schedule. Charles was more than
happy to sign off on the competency of his friend for ship’s captain. Offloading all of the weapons and
various types of equipment that Second Lieutenant Charles Temerity was to transport with him to the
unit he had been assigned. He still knew next to nothing about his new unit other than the commander
was a Major Audie Murphy, and the Master Sergeant was called ‘Skipper’.

Charles always hated reporting into a new unit. Mainly because he didn’t like having to put on the dress
uniform with all of his ribbons, devices, and whatnot. Without devices signifying additional awards, he
had 17 ribbons, only four of which did not have the word Service in the name. his highest three ribbons
were Commendation, Achievement, Meritorious Unit Citation, and Non-Commissioned Officer
Development. With devices on the various ribbons, he had roughly 40 awards in total. As Temerity was
fond of referring to it as “A chest full of I do s***.” Before his retirement, he felt he had a fulfilling
career of rescuing beings from natural disasters and the effects thereof. The closest thing he ever came
to combat while in the Marines before was a skirmish here and there with local criminals trying to steal
the relief supplies off the Marines landing craft.
To a great extent, he was very salty about being recalled into service, again, especially from retirement.
But he was there to do a job, and he would do it to the best of his ability regardless of whose feelings got
hurt in the process. He would leave the delivery of the Marine Corps cargo containers in the capable
hands of the newly certified captain of the Shadowfax. Temerity on the other hand, in his dress uniform,
grabbed ahold of a old style briefcase and started off to what looked to him to be the command hut.

On his approach, just to confirm, he caught the attention of a Marine crossing his path, “Excuse me,
Marine; where’s the command hut.”

(Reply any)

Temerity nodded in understanding, “Thank you.” And proceeded to the command hut. Once inside,
there was front desk. As he approached, he spoke to the individual behind the desk, “Excuse me, I’m
here to see Major Murphy.”

(Reply any)

As a Gunny Sergeant, reporting in always had its hassles. No one ever liked the FNG (Freaking New
Guy) and everyone was trying to push the FNG’s buttons to test the limits to see how much they will put
up with. Temerity was willing to wait five minutes, ten minutes without any word would be considered
rude, 15 minutes without word borders on blatant non-acceptance of a service member reporting in.
Charles was in no mood to wait that long, so he had decided that if he had to wait 15 minutes to
officially report into his new commander, he was out the door and, on his way, back to Earth and would
be sending a message to the general before he even set foot on the shuttle back to the Shadowfax.

Fortunately, he only had to wait two or three minutes before he heard his name called and directed to the
commander’s office. Once inside, the door closed behind him. As he went to the position of attention
once he stopped in front of the desk. 2LT Temerity smartly saluted and stated, “Lieutenant Charles
Temerity reporting as ordered, Sir.”

(Reply Murphy)

Once the salute was returned, Charles lowered his, and then reached behind his back and pulled out a
padd that contained his orders and complete service record with only a few redactions and held it out to
the major.

(Reply Murphy, any iyw)

(Reply: Any, Murphy)
(Posted by Chuck)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Archanis IV – Camp Belleau Wood – Command Hut - Major Audie Murphy - 1045)
Murphy was in his office, running through the final TO and E for deployment. He had checked the
specs of the USS Illuminar and there was no clear space for his marines. He oped by the time she
arrived, that was resolved.

His thoughts were disturbed by notification that Lieutenant Charles Temerity was here. Nodding, he
called the man in.

The man entered the office ramrod straight, came to attention and spoke “Lieutenant Charles Temerity
reporting as ordered, Sir.”

Audie stood up and returned the salute. "At easy Marine,' he said.

Temerity handed over a PADD with his orders. Murphy took them. "Have a seat Lieutenant. I've read
your file. Quite impressive. I think you may be the first mustang I have encountered during my service.
Congratulations on the promotion."

(Temerity iyw)

"You have arrived in time. Soon we will be augmenting the USS Illuminar, a science vessel under the
command of a Vulcan. Captain Sekal and yes he is the son of the Admiral. What we have been doing
here is training a small group of marines to act as immediate response element. Performing duties that
the standard Star Fleet security officers are not equipped to handle. >From search and rescue, to covert
ship boarding's, and pretty much everything in between. All the team members have been through at
least two advanced combat training schools. They are all hand picked, and you'll have their jackets
available to you. They are currently running a drill in our kill house, and I believe daily drills are critical
to keep the team on edge. I don't know what resources we will have on the Illuminar, but we will adopt,
adapt and improvise. This is where you come in, you will be the tactical officer for the team, helping to
plan missions. I expect you to design training exercises as well."

(Temerity, IYW)

PT is at 0600 daily, and we have a rotating lead for that. I except you to be there next to me sweating. I
ask one thing of my marines. Everybody fights, no one quits. We need to be ready for anything, and we
need to trust each other."

"Questions?"

(Temerity iyw)

(Posted by Tim)


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