Illuminar Compile Death in the Shadows
Dates: July 5th to July 11th
Mission: Death in the Shadows
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Mission: Death in the Shadows
Day: 9-12
Stardate 2446.02.09-2446.02.12
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DAY 9
(USS Illuminar – Deck 7- Cargo Bay 2 - SFI, Michael Weston/ CMO, Lieutenant Quinna Solice- 1015)
(USS Illuminar — hallways — Deck 8— Ensign (jg) Dr. Hezuela — 1400)
(USS Illuminar — Sickbay— Deck 5— Ensign (jg) Dr. Hezuela — 1407)
(Klingon K’tinga Class Battle Cruiser Kang – Bridge – CTO Lt. (jg) T’Mur & Hades CSO Lt. Cmdr. Skyler
Verin – 1730)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 3 - Gregory’s Quarters- COps/3rdO Lieutenant Dieter Gregory - 1800)
(USS Illuminar - COUNS Suite – FO Commander Sienna Williams-Verin & COUNS Reea - 1910)

DAY 10
(USS Illuminar – Deck 14 – Chief of Security Office – Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee - 0720)
(USS Illuminar -- Deck 1-- Bridge -- CO -- Captain Sekal and SO, Ensign (sg) Skashe Winters -- 0900)
(USS Illuminar -- Medical Examiner’s Suite - Deck 5 -- ACSO T'shalaith -- 0930)
(USS Illuminar -- Autopsy -- Deck 5 -- ME Dr. Mason Quincy -- 0935)
(USS Illuminar -- Autopsy -- Deck 5 -- ACSO T'shalaith -- 0937)
(USS Illuminar -- Autopsy -- Deck 5 -- Acting Chief Science Officer Ensign T'shalaith, Medical Officer
Ensign Hezuela, Medical Examiner Mason Quincy -- 0945)
(USS Illuminar – Deck 1 - Briefing Room - CO - Captain Sekal, Commander Sienna Verin, Lt.
Commander Dieter Gregory, CMO, Lieutenant Quinna Solice and SFI Operative Michael Weston- 1130)
(USS Illuminar -- Personal Quarters -- ACSO T'shalaith & SPC Luma’lenai -- 1200)
(USS Illuminar -- Deck 1 -- Briefing Room-CO- Captain Sekal- 1201)
(USS Illuminar -- Deck 1 -- Briefing Room- ACSO T'shalaith - 1202)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Briefing Room - 2/O Lt. Commander Dieter Gregory - 1205)
(USS Illuminar -- Deck 1 -- Briefing Room-Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee- 1215)
 (USS Illuminar -- Deck 1 -- Briefing Room- CO - Captain Sekal - 1218)
 (USS Illuminar -- Deck 1 -- Briefing Room- Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee - 1219)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Briefing Room - 2/O Lt Commander Dieter Gregory - 1220)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Briefing Room –Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee 1225)
(USS Illuminar – Deck 15- The Armoury – Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee – 1250
(USS Illuminar – Deck 15- The Armoury – Security Cadet Andrew Taylor – 1252)
 (Sigma Draconis VI -- Northern Hemisphere -- Surface Facility, Control Room - Prefect Recar- 1253)
(USS Illuminar -- No specific location -- 3XO/CMO Lt. Quinna Solice -- 1254)
 (USS Illuminar -- Deck 1 -- Bridge- CO - Captain Sekal - 1255)
(USS Illuminar – Deck 15- The Armoury – CPO 3 P’Rah – 1256)
 (USS Illuminar -- Deck 1 -- Bridge- CTO - Lt. (jg) T'Mur – 1258)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 Bridge - 2/O Lt. Commander Dieter Gregory - 1301)
( Sigma Draconis VI -- Northern Hemisphere -- Surface Facility - Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee1305)
 (Sigma Draconis VI -- Northern Hemisphere -- Surface Facility - Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee 1310)
 (USS Illuminar-- Deck 1 - Bridge -- CO - Captain Sekal - 1314)
(Sigma Draconis VI - Northern Hemisphere - Surface Facility - SO PO3 Hercules Devers-1315)
(Sigma Draconis VI -- Northern Hemisphere -- Surface Facility -- SO CPO 3 P’Rah-- 1315)
(Sigma Draconis VI – Outside Surface Facility- Security Cadet Andrew Taylor – 1316)
(Sigma Draconis VI – Outside Surface Facility- SO PO3 Hercules Devers – 1317)
(Sigma Draconis VI - Northern Hemisphere - Surface Facility - SO PO3 Hercules Devers - 1320)
(Sigma Draconis VI – Outside Surface Facility- Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee 1321)
(Sigma Draconis VI – Outside Surface Facility- SO PO3 Hercules Devers – 1323)
(USS Illuminar– Deck 1 - Bridge - CO- Captain Sekal – 1325)
(USS Illuminar-- Deck 1 - Bridge -- CTO - Lt. (jg) T'Mur – 1326)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 Bridge - Acting CSO T'shalaith - 1327)
(Sigma Draconis VI – Outside Surface Facility- SO PO3 Hercules Devers – 1335)
(Sigma Draconis VI – Outside Surface Facility- Security Cadet Andrew Taylor – 1337)
(Sigma Draconis VI – Underground tunnel - SO PO1 – Steven Hammons - 1338)
(USS Illuminar– Deck 1 - Bridge - CO- Captain Sekal – 1342)
Sigma Draconis VI – Surface faciltiy – Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee - 1344
(USS Illuminar– Deck 1 - Bridge - Acting Chief Science Officer Ensign T'shalaith – 1345)
(Sigma Draconis VI – Underground tunnel - SO PO1 – Steven Hammons - 1349)
(Sigma Draconis VI – Underground tunnel – Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee - 1350)
(Sigma Draconis VI – Outside Surface Facility- Security Cadet Andrew Taylor – 1351)
 (USS Illuminar– Deck 1 - Bridge - CO- Captain Sekal– 1356)
(Sigma Draconis VI – Underground tunnel – Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee - 1400)
(Sigma Draconis VI – Underground tunnel – SO CPO 3 P’Rah - 1405)
(USS Illuminar -- Corricore -- Deck 5 -- Counselor Alaya Hammons and CMO/3rd Officer Lt. Quinna
Solice -- 1405 )
(USS Illuminar -- CMO Office -- Deck 5 -- Counselor Alaya Hammons and CMO/3rd Officer Lt. Quinna
Solice -- 1410 )

(USS Illuminar – Deck 1- Briefing Room – CO, Captain Sekal and SFI Michael Weston – 1900)
(USS Illuminar -- Deck 11 - Aft Lounge -- The Crew - 2000)
(USS Illuminar -- Deck 11 - Corridor -- SFI Michael Weston & CMO Quinna Solice - 2230)
(USS Illuminar -- Ship Corridor -- CPO 3 P’Rah and Ensign Tavay-- 2350)



DAY 11
(USS Illuminar - Deck 6 - Science Lab 3 - Drs Gaillus Penn and Teller and ACSO Ensign (jg) T’shalaith
- 1030)
(Betazed -- Temple of the Goddess – Meditation Chamber - Mind Healer/Federation Ambassador at
Large - Doctor Riven Mias - 1100)
(USS Illuminar -- Deck 7 - CSRD Office -- SO, Acting CSO -- Ensign (sg) Skashe Winters and ACSO
-- Ensign (jg) T'shalaith -- 1550)
USS Illuminar -- Deck 15 Security Office – Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee 1600

Day 12
 (USS Illuminar -- Deck 3 -- Personal Quarters - Command Sienna Verin and Doctor Riven Mias- 0100)
DAY 9>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar – Deck 7- Cargo Bay 2 - SFI, Michael Weston/ CMO, Lieutenant Quinna Solice- 1015)
Diane looked at the fallen body of Michael Weston then she looked at Anson Williams.

“Check it out,” she said, indicating to the body.

Williams pulled out his medical tricorder and began to scan. He shrugged his shoulders and shook his
head. “I’m not sure what she gave him, but I get no life signs from him. He’s dead.”

Diane smiled at Quinna, “Excellent doctor. The look of surprise on Mr. Weston’s face was priceless.
However, we can’t just leave dead bodies laying around filled with evidence of how they died. I need
you to dispose of the body.”

The security man pulled out his phaser and began to change the setting.

“You idiot,” Diane looked at the man sharply, “the ship will detect that weapon being fired. Right idea,
wrong weapon.”

He put his phaser away looking puzzled. Diane indicated the experimental weapon in her hand. “I think
this would do the trick. I also want to record this… posterity and for our friends at home. And so I need
to record you demonstrating the use of this weapon, on that.”

Quinna had to think on the fly. “Why do that? You cannot destroy the body. You need to use the body.”
Quinna thought that after all she was still a doctor.

Diane shook her head, “We don’t actually “need” his body. The image of his body being disintegrated
will make Loron happy.”

“Oh Diane, think about it. Everyone is on alert. What a better way of throwing people a bone by having
his body found. Place evidence on him that he was part of all this. Then he killed himself by poison
because he cannot take the guilt. Not to be conceded here but he could feel guilty because he did not
plan on falling in love and hurting me.” Quinna advised. She needed to protect Michael but she
wanted to get the group moving away from him.

“Stop stalling,” Diane was beginning to get irritated. “Another dead body will only suffice to make Sekal
more adamant about finding us. His disappearance will cause less suspicion and leave even less
evidence. Take the weapon and destroy the body. What is the problem? You’ve already killed the
man, haven’t you?”

“I’m impressed,” Williams added, “I thought she really liked the guy. I mean, everyone in sickbay was
taking bets to when they’d… you know… consummate their relationship.”

Diane rolled her eyes, then readdressed Quinna, “We are all waiting, Doctor Solice.”

“Fine,” Quinna pulled the weapon that Michael had given her. This was her last resort. “Goodbye.”
Quinna pointed the weapon at Michael and fired. Inside her she was screaming as Michael’s body was
gone. She wanted to find her corner. What had she done? He made her promise to do it. She stood
and turned to Diane, “Happy now? It is done.”

Diane smiled smugly, “I am. Did we get the recording?”

“Got it,” the yellow shirt replied.

Diane put her arm around Quinna, “Why you’re shaking child. Don’t worry, you’ll get over him.
Besides, I don’t really think he was ready for your level of commitment. Now, let’s talk about this
PADD.” She picked up the PADD that had been laying on the floor. “Shall we open it and see what is
on the other side?”

“Right here? Is that wise?” Quinna looked around. “Shouldn’t we be in a more secure location?”
Quinna asked. She knew she would be going down for murdering Michael, even if it was part of the
operation. She had nothing to lose now. “I don’t like being out in the open.”

Diane laughed, “At this moment there is no place more secure for us. We need to know what Sanchez
had been told by…”

“Are you sure that’s wise,” Williams interjected.

Diane shrugged her shoulders, “I think she’s earned it. After all, in for a penny, in for a pound. Right
Doctor?”

“I am all in.” Quinna said.

“Excellent,” Diane said. “The password if you please.”

Quinna reached out her hand, “May I put it in myself?” Quinna wanted to keep the password to herself.
“Besides, I just take Weston for you. I figure I should get some of the fun.”

Diane shrugged, “The word will get recorded anyway, my dear, and it is a two party login, of which I
have the second code. So… be my guest.” She handed Quinna the PADD.

Quinna took the PADD and entered the password. She closed her eyes and handed it over. Now they
had no reason to keep her alive, She had hoped to keep the password so that she would have a
negotiating tool just in case she needed it. But she did still have the weapon. “So, what’s next?”

“Now we have a look at what our next move is,” Diane said. She tapped in her access code and the
screen came to life.

Suddenly there was a hum and the PADD disappeared from the woman’s hand in a transporter effect.
She looked at the empty place in complete disbelief. The cargo bay door opened and Weston stepped
in.
The taste of the poison antidote was still thick in his mouth, but supposed it was better than the taste of
death. He also aches from the diffused energy discharge from Quinna’s weapon.

“What the…,” was all the security man got out before Weston dropped him with a phaser shot. Keeping
his element of surprise he rolled across the floor and shot the other member of the group.

Quinna grabbed Diane’s arm and pulled her, “Come on.” Quinna was not sure what to do next, but she
knew that Diane could not get away. But Quinna also knew that Diane had a weapon on her. After
running around the crates, Quinna told Diane, “Get down. What happened? What have you done?”

“You killed him,” Diane accused. Then a sudden realization crossed her mind. “He could have left with
the PADD. He came back… for you.”

“Like you said, I killed him. I killed him because you asked me to. To prove my loyalty. So who are you
really loyal to?” Quinna said as she pinned Diane to the ground.

Anson Williams appeared behind Quinna and pulled her off Diane. He wrapped his arm around her
throat and called out to Weston.

“We have your girlfriend, Mr. Weston,” he called out. Drop your weapon or we’ll kill her.

Weston put his back against a crate and took a deep breath. He closed his eyes and planned out his
next action.

“Kill her,” he called back. “She’s just an asset. I’ll get another. But you won’t make it out this room alive.”

Williams was a little taken aback by the response. It was not what he had expected. He looked down at
Quinna in disbelief.

“Is he serious?” he asked her.

Quinna managed to look up. She then turned her head so she was facing the crook of his arm. She
learned long again the best position to be in when in the situation. But what happened next was not a
part of any class. With the weapon still in her hand, she took a chance, dropped her hand to Willams
body and discharged the weapon. She hoped that the charge would not go through her body as well.
She got lucky.

Williams screamed as his foot dissolved into atoms. The end of his leg imploded and blood poured
from the open arteries onto the floor. The medic crumpled to the floor, unconscious, as his body bled
out.

Quinna turned to Diane where she last saw her. By that time she was on her feet. “Don’t you have
anything to say?” Quinna asked the woman. Quinna had noticed that Diane’s weapon was on the floor
next to the crate. Quinna made a point of putting herself between Diane and the cylindrical device.
“Perhaps we could ask the Admiral?”

Diane looked at Quinna with her lips turned to a feral grimace. “You bitch. I’m gonna kill you.”

She lept towards her weapon, got a hand on it and rolled back to her feet. As she stood up to take aim
Michael grabbed her arm and pointed it to the ceiling. Diane looked into Michael’s eyes and whispered.

“You have no idea what you’ve done, you have just weakened the Federation.”

“No,” Michael said, “I believe we’ve just given it a chance.”

Diane whirled to pull her arm free. Michael twisted her grip and the weapon discharged into the middle
of Diane’s chest. A hole appeared where the energy burned through where her heart should have
been. Diane’s eyes rolled to the back of her head and she collapsed onto the floor.

Michael looked down at the dead body, “Well at least we know what the weapon does now.” Then he
turned his attention to Quinna.

Stepping over to her he reached out, “Are you okay?”

Quinna pulled back, “Am I ok? Yeah. I am ok.” Quinna turned away from Michael and left him
standing there.

Weston frowned, and dropped his head. He should not have been surprised by her reaction, but he
kind of was. He knew that there was going to be a lot to say to each other, eventually. He just hoped
that he could work it out. He’s lost enough friends recently.

(Reply None)
(Posted by Al M. and Kris B.)
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(USS Illuminar — hallways — Deck 8— Ensign (jg) Dr. Hezuela — 1400)
Triage had passed a few days ago now and Hezuela had relaxed again, but was only recovering step
by step. The noise of the ship still echoed through her translation matrix into her bones, creating its own
vibration in her body that she still had to get used to. It was here in a different way what most other
species would consider loud. She wouldn't suffer any psychological damage from it, but she was in a
state between sleeping and living, where you just functioned as you should without worrying about
yourself. For a moment, her thoughts drifted to a human fairy tale. It was called Sleeping Beauty. The
fairy tale was about the king's daughter being condemned by a curse to fall into a 100 year sleep by
pricking herself on a spindle. She falls into the sleep and sleeps for the next 100 years. Hezuela would
gladly trade places with this lady, and she wouldn't mind a 200 year sleep either. She didn't even need
the curse for that, but would certainly manage it easily without it. But now honestly: she was glad not to
have to fill hyposprays every second and to have to pump them into any carotid arteries. She was glad
not to have to organize any more mats. Of course, the ship was still on red alert, but at least the worst
had stopped.
The call from her boss snapped the Orion out of her actually restful thoughts. She tapped a little
tentatively on the communicator, which signaled with a chirping sound that a frequency was open.
„Understood, I'm coming." With that, Hezuela made her way to sickbay, paying attention to her
heartbeat as it tracked and mimicked the rhythm of the sounds around her. She hadn't had a chance to
really engage with her supervisor yet, so, of course, she was eager to see what would happen.
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(USS Illuminar — Sickbay— Deck 5— Ensign (jg) Dr. Hezuela — 1407)
The door hissed open in front of the green apparition with the black hair, and she trotted through. She
was really trying hard to look composed. "Here I am ma'am," she said, but was interrupted by a shout.
She cast a questioning glance at her superior, who then took the initiative without further ado, and
made the call herself. Well, that was her prerogative as chief medical officer. And Hezuela couldn't say
it bothered her. „Understood ma'am,"

(Reply none)
(Posted by Bogdana)
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(Klingon K’tinga Class Battle Cruiser Kang – Bridge – CTO Lt. (jg) T’Mur & Hades CSO Lt. Cmdr. Skyler
Verin – 1730)

The 37 year old Half Vulcan/Betazoid female with a significantly muscular body strode onto the bridge.
Her long, sunlight golden hair was braided into a tail that reached her back, then was doubled up on
itself and secured with a bright blue ribbon. Her uniform was the scientific blue, her ears were
delicately pointed and her eyes were the murky depths of Betazoid eyes. She and Sienna were
opposites in many ways. Where Sy preferred plants and animals, Skyler’s scientific focus was
chemistry and physics. Skyler had been almost 14 when her step-father Duke and her Mother, Sophie
Verin had the twins. When Sophie had nearly died giving birth to Sienna, and had required the barbaric
operation of a hysterectomy to save her life. But that was the ancient past.

Skyler had not told Sienna that she had been transferred from the VDF to the Admiral’s flagship. “Are
you Ensign T’Mur?” Skyler asked, approaching the full blooded Vulcan.

T’Mur turned her head and looked at the woman approaching. There was something familiar about her,
but she was not able to recognize what it was immediately. She was clearly part Vulcan, and by the
looks of her eyes, perhaps part Betazoid. An intriguing combination of races.

Nodding she replied, “Lt. Commander? I am Lieutenant T’Mur. It is not a common name even on
Vulcan so I must assume you have not heard of my recent promotion.” Although she wondered that
she did not recognize her Lieutenant status by her pips, but realized that it may not be appropriate to
point that out. “How may I help?”

“I am unsure if you have heard of me, Lieutenant. I apologize for getting your rank wrong, and
congratulations on your promotion. I am Lt. Cmdr. Skyler Verin, Sienna’s older half-sister. We share the
same mother, and I was almost 14 years of age when the twins were born.”
T’Mur raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. “Indeed. I knew that Sien… Commander Verin had an
older sister, but I was not aware that she… you were on the Hades. I am not familiar with your crew
manifest.”
“I was in the Vulcan Defense Fleet and Admiral Saleke decided I needed to go with him when he chose
and upgraded the Hades as his Flag Ship.”

“As a member of the Vulcan Defense Fleet that would seem a logical decision,” T’Mur admitted.

“I was instated with the commiserate rank that I held in the VDF. I thought that you might enjoy coming
over and talking with me?”

T’Mur turned her head to the opposite direction. “Enjoy? I would, of course, appreciate a conversation
with you, Lt. Commander. My enjoyment of the event would be of no consequence. I know Sienna
seems to think I should… enjoy conversations with others. But I have not yet mastered the skill of
small talk. Is there something that you would care to discuss in particular?”

A deep sigh. Vulcans. She should be used to them by now, she had served long enough on one of their
ships. “Skyler. My name is Skyler. I want to see my little sister, and I would like to talk with the person
my step-dad says she picked as her mate. So that’s why I didn’t realize your rank change, I only had
the vid-image of the two of you.” She brushed an errant strand of her blond hair back.

T’Mur had the sudden realization that this was a “family conversation” that siblings felt necessary to
have when they feel that someone needs to be protected. It was a logical conversation, and she
agreed it should happen.

“Indeed,” T’Mur said with a nodd. “In that case, I would… love to talk with you, and settle your
concerns over your sister's choices. Although, to be honest, it was as much my selecting her to bond
with as her choice of me. Perhaps it would be safe to say that the decision was mutual.” She looked
around to see a sea of prying eyes and ears watching and listening. “Where would you propose to
have this conversation?”

“On the Illuminar? Admiral Saleke told me I could visit if I wished. But I’m due back by 2300 on the
Hades. I know we do not look much alike. I take more after the Vulcan side than the Betazoid.” She
tilted her head to the side. “My mate is the ACEO of the Hades, a full blooded vulcan male.” She
volunteered this information as a bit of an olive branch.

T’Mur began running through the options in her head. She had promised to aid the Admiral with the
inventory of the cargo bay. But this was also important, but on a different level. She knew the Sienna
valued her family above all else, and so the decision had been made for her.

“If the Admiral can spare me from his inventory detail, then the Illuminar is the most logical location,”
T’Mur decided. “Would you wish me to wake Sienna to announce your arrival?

“I would like to see her before leaving, but maybe we could find a place to talk first? Let her rest. She
hasn’t been sleeping well since Lynn broke her heart.” Anger flavored Skyler’s tone before she literally
swallowed it and had the bland look. “We should talk. I worry about her. She was the one who always
got lost in the shuffle at home with the more...aggressive...personalities that Trip and I had. I wasn’t
home for very long, only about 4 years. But she’s still my little sister. And I am pleased that she has
chosen a Vulcan to mate with.”

“I will admit,” T’Mur stated flatly, “that I am also please by her selection.” She turned from Skyler and
went back to Jusse.

“Excuse me Lt. Commander,” she said to the Saurian, “something has arisen and I must return to the
Illuminar. Perhaps I can return later to assist your team. Meanwhile here are my preliminary notes that
might help them to start.”

She handed a PADD to the officer who took it. “Thank you Lieutenant. You are welcome any time.”

T’Mur nodded and returned to Sienna’s sister. “Shall we go to the Illuminar now. I believe that we have
a place that you may find comfortable that Sienna enjoys called the Prancing Pony. Officially it is called
the Explorers Lounge but for some reason the crew enjoys its pseudonym.”

“Is that the place where she sings? I get copies of the holo-vids that she sends to Mom and Dad.”

T’Mur almost smiled, “It is. Sienna is an accomplished performer. And she sings to me in our quarters.
I … enjoy the sound of her voice.”

She tapped her com badge, “T’Mur to Illuminar, two to beam over.”

=^=Acknowledged Lieutenant. Energizing now.=^=

(USS Illuminar – Prancing Pony – CTO Lt. (jg) T’Mur & Hades CSO Lt. Cmdr. Skyler Verin – 1745)

Once they arrived on the ship T’Mur lead Skyler to the Prancing Pony. When they entered she could
see that it was a quiet night for the lounge but they still had business. Sam called over from the bar.

“Ms. T’Mur, a guest?” he asked. T’Mur nodded. “Take any table you want. You plannning on rocking this
joint again?”

“I had not planned such an event for this evening,” T’Mur said wondering how Sienna would feel if she
did perform without her presence. “I am meeting … my new sister.”

She looked to Skyler for a reaction.

Sky grinned, “Skyler Verin. Sienna’s older Sister, stationed aboard the Hades.” Skyler did not hold out
her hand, instead made the vulcan salute. “Here to meet my new Sister as well.” Skyler did not learn
Vulcan emotional control until she was in her twenties, so she often reverted back to emotions before
locking them down. She did try. “I know, we look nothing alike.”
Sam smiled at them both, “Well having two such lovely ladies in our establishment tonight will only
make every else’s experience here better. I’ll send a server over when you’re settled in.”

T’Mur nodded and found a booth for them to sit in. It would provide a more private setting for them to
speak more freely. She offered for Skyler to sit first and then joined her on the other side of the table.

She took a moment to actually look and analyze the other woman’s features. She was esthetically
pleasing to look at, and had many similar facial features of Sienna. Sienna would have put it more
simply, that she could tell they were related. She sat and looked at Skyler in silence as she awaited the
conversation to begin.

“So.” Skyler leaned back in the same way that Sienna did, “When did you two bond? Dad said that you
were considering a wedding. The last person Sy cared for broke her. Literally. So, what are your
intentions?” Play the overprotective older sister card.

The questions came fast and furiously. She had to break them down and categorize them in her mind in
order to answer them in the most efficient manner.

“We bonded last week,” T’Mur started at the beginning. “We had been in a relationship for four months.
It does seem quite rushed but I had … an unfortunate medical condition arise unexpectedly. It
happened to coincide with the captain being assaulted and stabbed. Through all of that confusion
Sienna agreed to bond with me.”

She took a breath to see if there were any follow up questions.

Then she continued, “We are considering a wedding. Sienna wishes to have a large wedding at your
family’s ranch. I’m afraid the size of the wedding would be dependent on Sienna… and you and your
family. My only guest will be my father.”

“And some of the crew. I imagine most would want to be there to help the two of you celebrate.”

“Indeed,” T’Mur replied, “but they would be there for us and not for me. That is, of course, adequate.”

Then she began with the harder questions, at least from the point of view of her sister. She was an
intriguing mixture of logic and emotion.

“Allow me to address my intentions, they should be clear,” she said dispassionately. “I intend to spend
the remainder of our lives together. I … love Sienna. She is the first person who has shown me any
compassion as an adult. Who loved me for who I am, and not treated me as the events of my life had
dictated to others. I love everything about her. I love that she sings in her thoughts. I love that when she
breathes in her sleep she breathes in a near musical pattern. I love that when she is performing, she is
fearless and attacks a performance with the heart of a Klingon warrior. I even love the fact that she
constantly needs reassurance that she is good enough for command, even though that can be…
frustrating.”
There was now a small group around the table listening in on what T’Mur had been saying. When she
stopped they broke into a round of applause. Some of the women had tears in their eyes. One woman
hit her companion on the shoulder. “You never say anything like that about me. And she’s a Vulcan.”
They walked away in an argument.

The server stepped up to the table and put her hand on T’Mur’s, “That was quite beautiful.” Then she
composed herself. “What can I get you ladies?”

T’Mur looked to Skyler. She knew people of emotion often used what they consume as a true indicator
of their emotional status and intentions.

“I will take a grape soda, please. No alcohol. Like Sienna, most alcohols do not agree with me.” Skyler
watched her new sister in law curiously.

T’Mur nodded, “Iced tea, please. And a vegetable platter.”

It wasn’t that she was hungry, but she had discovered with Sienna that she was more comfortable
talking when there was food present. She took a deep breath and started to answer the last question.

“Am I aware that the last person she bonded with hurt Sienna? Or that is how I am interpreting that
statement as a question. Yes, I am aware. Yes, I am concerned. And no, I would never do such a thing
to anyone, least of all to my heart.”

“It seems to be a recurring theme in our family. It happened to our Mother. My Father was a Vulcan who
was curious about emotional species. He pursued our mother and the bonding went one way. She felt
trapped and escaped when I was 3. My Father pursued her, wanting me back. He thought I needed to
be raised on Vulcan. He never intended to have a child, but I was his, not theirs, if that makes sense.
So with Sy bonding early to Lynn, and then Trip losing his imzadi, well. Family traditions. I was lucky, I
avoided all of that and had no desire to mate until I met Kirin. When a date is set, I would like to be
there, and Kirin can be on your side of the aisle with me?” Skyler floated the idea to see how T’Mur
would react.

Again Skyler delivered a great deal of information at one time and it took time for it all to organize in
T’Mur‘s head. She was curious as to the family history lesson. Although it was all relevant information
she wondered if this was the cause of the tension.

“Are you concerned that I have bonded with your sister as a… fascination with her emotional status?”

“For a moment, yes. If you don’t mind me asking what was the medical issue that precipitated the
bonding occurring?” Skyler spoke frankly.

T’Mur stopped. It was not a question talked about in polite society. She thought it odd that Skyler
would ask, as logic would dictate what precedes a bonding for a Vulcan. However, the look of
expectation on Skyler’s face was clear. She looked down at the table, took a deep breath and then
looked up.
“It would be the condition that precedes most Vulcan bondings, I was in my initial Pon Farr,” her voice
dropped to nearly a whisper when she said it.

“Oh. I didn’t experience it. I was told some half-breeds did not. And the two of you are ok? You are ok?”
Skyler’s dark eyes searched T’Mur’s face for confirmation.

“I am … myself again, almost,” T’Mur said. “The bonding occurred in an unusual manner and we have
not had time to explore our connection adequately, however, when we have time we will be able to
rectify that particular issue. And to the best of my knowledge, Sienna is unharmed by the bonding.”

“So how is Sy doing? Is she still not taking care of herself and forcing her body to run on fumes and
zero energy? Avoiding eating and sleeping until she crashes hard?” Skyler tried to keep her tone light.
“You said something earlier about her being uncertain about her command and decisions. Sy has
always been the people person of the family, even with the cousins. And we have a multitude.” Skyler
sounded wistful in the same way that Sienna sometimes did.

“Sienna is doing … well,” she answered noncommittally. “She does not tend to her body as she should,
and we have begun work on that. Unfortunately I cannot instruct her as I become as much a distraction
as a tutor. We are hoping to convince Captain Sekal to aid us in this matter. And the only person who
feels uncertain about her command abilities is herself. I believe the phrase is that she’s her own worst
enemy. She is an excellent commander. I would agree with your assessment that she is a people
person. She elicits compliance and structure by creating personal relationships with her crew. The crew
wants to perform well for her. The only problem is that when something goes wrong she tends to blame
herself rather than the circumstances. She carries a great deal of responsibility… on her shoulders. It
weighs upon her.” She felt as though she were delivering a personnel report.

“Yeah. She’s always been that way. It could have been because she was forced into that role growing
up on the ranch. I love my Sister dearly. She is smart, smarter than her brother for sure. Thank you.”
Skyler looked down for a moment. “Do you have any questions for me? Things you want to know about
the clan?”

“To be honest I am unfamiliar with the particulars of your family,” T’Mur said. “I was aware that Sienna
had a large family, but her records do not show much beyond her brother and parents. She had
mentioned you in a conversation. How many of you are there?”

“Of us siblings? Just the three. But my mother always wanted a large family and she started taking in
foster children as needed. There is Rissa on the Exeter, she’s still a final year cadet, I think. Rissa’s a
tiburonian. She spent 5 years with my parents after being rescued from a freighter. She’s an
engineering genius but she didn’t have any education when Mom took her in. Mom’s in charge of
Strategic Operations, Dad, the Academy. So Mom often brings home the damaged cases. The ranch is
pretty far out, with nothing but land around it. Lots of animals, horses, cattle, chickens, goats. And with
their background they are pretty great at tutoring. They’ve got 4 children right now, between the ages of
4 and 9. Children that no government wanted to claim because most of them are mixed.” She
shrugged but the anger showed slightly in her voice, a sign that her emotional control still was not
absolute.
“So outside the immediate group, Dad’s side had huge families. Most of them are Starfleet Captains
and up in rank. Huge clan. I can’t name them all, I only knew them for a few years before I left for
Vulcan to try and reclaim some of that side of my heritage. Also, I don’t know if Sy told you this, but
Mom almost died having her. Trip was big, bigger than Sy by over a pound. He got stuck and tore Mom.
They tried to start a cesarean but Sy was pushing and Mom nearly bled out. Starfleet medical had to
perform an old procedure on her to remove her reproductive organs and stop the bleeding. Mom, like I
said she wanted a large family. Dad was just happy that he had his family whole and alive.” Skyler took
a swallow of her grape soda and sighed happily. “I need to take the replicator program for this back to
the Hades.”

T’Mur nodded, “I can make arrangements for that.” She had been intrigued to hear about Sienna’s
family and the fact that they took in children that nobody seemed to want. Perhaps she has discovered
the initial attraction between herself and her mate. And the idea of having so many family members
that you are unable to name them all was intriguing.

“On Mom’s side the family is much smaller. Both her parents passed. Mom is a scion of one of the
twenty houses on Betazed. A collateral line. She doesn’t hold a title but she does hold some of the
ancient jewelry.” Skyler found herself grinning for a second in reminiscence.

“May I ask you a question about Sienna’s twin brother?” T’Mur said.

“Of course. But you need to understand that he’s my brother too.”

“It seems there is a rift between them. What is the cause of that rift? I would like to see what I can do
about bringing them back together. It is my opinion that would make her happy.”

“Trip and Sienna are complicated. It’s not easy. It starts pretty far back in their history. The name has a
legend behind it. Two Admirals and now Trip. He had a lot of pressure on him but he was Dad’s
legacy? Sy was always in Trip’s shadow. And when they got on Mars, she expected to be his FO but
he wanted Lynn Bracken. Lynn’s a gifted surgeon but she’s rebelling against her family’s expectations.
Sienna’s bond with Trip did not fade as it should have, and still hasn’t if what she told Dad was right
while the Exeter was lost. They are better than they were, but Lynn strifes between them even now. Not
deliberately.” Skyler held up a finger. “Sienna and Lynn have avoided each other every time the Exeter
and the Illuminar have met up. It will heal in time. The bonds that were causing her physical pain have
been terminated. And, I can tell that you love her. Love isn’t a weakness. With my mate he doesn’t
understand it but accepts it.” Skyler raised her hand for Sam to return and refill her glass.

Sam nodded and brought over a fresh glass of grape soda. “Careful Lt. Commander, if you go back on
duty with too much Grape NeHi in you it could cause problems.” He chuckled as he walked away.

“This is a question I had planned to ask Sienna, but I know she is not going to wish to discuss it, but
how was she hurt? Why does she consider herself to be damaged?”

Skyler paused, trying to figure out what to say. “Because in her mind, Trip picked his career over his
twin, and chose selfishly for himself over and over again. Because she clung to the bonds and needed
the pain in order to feel alive. She isn’t really damaged, more just bruised. But she’s young, and Sy’s
even younger in some ways than her age. She always had Trip, they had never been apart until they
got to Mars. Trip went to live his life, and she got left behind. I think Sienna’s happier than she has
been in years though.”

T’Mur took a long drink from her tea as she contemplated that response. It was far easier that it would
have been to get that information from Sienna. Finally she nodded.

“I must agree with your assessment of love,” she said. “As I had to explain to Sienna...Sy, sometimes
love is the logical response. It is not a weakness. It adds strength to some in times of stress or conflict.
Does your mate consider it a weakness?”

“My mate.” She had a wry smile on her face, “Considers me to be the perfect balance for him. My skills
are complimentary, and we work efficiently and well together. When we are on duty, he assists me with
my still imperfect emotional control. He knows I will not live as long as he will, and he makes me
feel..cherished...each of our days. Sometimes he can be frustrating because I did not grow up on
Vulcan but the bond makes it worth it.” A deeper smile touched her features. Unlike Sienna there was
nothing at all submissive to Skyler.

T’Mur could not help but find an appreciation of Skyler. She was definitely more self assured than
Sienna. She was, perhaps, what Sienna is capable of being. There are parts of Sienna’s submissive
side that she found appealing. She would like to see her develop that other side, and not leave
everything in the hands of someone else.

“I am gratified that you believe that Sienna is happy now,” T’Mur stated. “I also am … happy. It is my
wish to ensure that Sienna feels cherished all of her days. And I believe that she is stronger than
anyone is giving her credit for.”

She had to work to maintain her stoic face, but could not help but a turn up of her lips in a partial smile.
“I am reminded of the moment that Sienna met my father and was willing to, I believe she said, punch
him in the face, for his past actions. She has a strength in her to have such resolve.”

“Our Sy, who did everything she could possibly do to avoid any fighting, offered to punch your father?
For what reason? Oh, she was being protective I bet. Yeah, she’s pretty fierce about what she
considers to be hers. I’m not sure my mate would choose to hit my vulcan dad for being a bastard but I
certainly would cheer Kirin on.” Skyler continued to sip the wonderful grape soda, reveling in the taste.

“I believe that might have been the term Sienna used at their meeting,” T’Mur said. “My father…,” She
paused and realzed that more of an explanation may be required. “When I was young I had been
assaulted,” she began. “That statement is intentionally vague. You are family. I was raped and then
forced into a mind meld with my attacked who had not been trained. I contracted Pa’Nar syndrome. It
had not been treated correctly and I ended up with a synaptic pathway degeneration that affected my
emotional control and muscular control. My parents avoided the subject, due to the nature of the
disease and the trauma the attack had already caused our family business. My parents ostracized me
and I found myself without family and without friends. Which is what led me to Starfleet. Sienna held my
father personally responsible for his behavior towards me.”
After a sip from her tea she continued, “That is the short version of the story.”

“I am surprised Sienna did not punch your parents for that. That’s beyond awful. At least with my
Vulcan Dad I knew that I was his legacy, his continuation. That was how he viewed me. It sounds like
your parents treated you worse, like trash. And that is really not right.” Skyler looked worried and
concerned.

“My mother has since died,” T’Mur said, “and my father and I are now…” she thought about what she
wanted to say, “are working on it. He asked to give me away as the father of the bride at our wedding.
It is under consideration.”

“Well, that is a good change. I’m glad you are working on your family relationships.” Her comm badge
chirped, =^=Lt. Commander Verin, your presence is requested back aboard the Hades.=^= A look of
disappointment crossed Skyler’s features. “I guess I won’t get a chance to see Sienna. If we are still
here later, I’ll try to get back aboard. Walk me to the transporter room?”

T’Mur took a last sip of her tea and picked up a carrot stick, as she stood up. “Absolutely. I am certain
that the inventory of the Kang will take at least until tomorrow. Perhaps you would care to join us for
breakfast?”

“Oh that would be wonderful.” Skyler spoke, following T’Mur as she was led back to the transporter
room.

They stopped at the doorway and T’Mur nodded, “Then I will inform Sienna that we will expect you at
0600.”

“I’m glad you are. She is not a morning person at all. Until tomorrow then, T’Mur.” Skyler gave her the
vulcan salute, “Peace and long life.” She spoke the traditional words of leavetaking.

T’Mur responded with the same salute, “Live long and prosper Lt. Commander… Skyler.”

(reply none)
(posted by Al Muir and Mel G)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 3 - Gregory’s Quarters- COps/3rdO Lieutenant Dieter Gregory - 1800)

Gregory’s day had been long, and tonight would be a long shift as well. The Gamma team's dinner was
at 2000. Looking over the current operational needs, there was the continued support of the operation
on the Klingon cruiser. Add to that the mystery of the sabotage on the photon torpedo tube. And that
was all in addition to the strange feeling that happened on the bridge, which prevented the ship from
getting hit when the Klingon cruiser fired at the Illuminar.

He knew that there was the entity Luma as part of the ship. However, he had never really learned the
details of what the entity was capable of. It seemed he had to finally bite the bullet and learn more
about her.
“Luma, if you are free, I would speak with you,” Gregory called out.

A -sense- came to the area, a slight heaviness to the air, =^= The Dieter! Is the Dieter sad that his Alyl
is still broken in the sickbay? Will the Alyl recover and return? Is the Jaton going to go away and the
Alyl be in a new body?=^= So many questions

“Luma, I do not know those questions about Lieutenant Alyl. That is best left to the doctors in sick bay.
Am I sad? It is upsetting when any of the crew are hurt, especially since we were attacked. However, it
is part of the role of our job in Star Fleet,” he paused, “However, to correct your perception, Mr. Alyl is
not ‘my Alyl’, we are friends, no more.

“I wish to learn more about you, your history, and your role on the ship so that I can do my job better.”

A significant pause, and the voice was cautious, =^= What does the Dieter desire to know?=^=

“I am not sure Luma,” Dieter replies. “As Chief of Operations and command officer, I need to
understand how the ship works, all the systems and more. Now, since I’ve come aboard, I have not
had a full understanding of how you fit into things. My understanding is that you are an entity, not just
some artificial intelligence,” he said, “And I don’t mean to insult you in any manner, I’m trying to put
things into an understand that I can work with and so we can interact for the best interests of the ship,
if that makes sense?”

=^= Luma is the last of the Lenai. Luma is NOT a machine. Luma is a telepath. Machines are not
telepaths. =^= The Lenai did sound slightly offended, but much less than she would have if Gregory
had not changed the tone by offering an apology. =^= But Luma does not understand why this is
necessary. The Dieter needs to be Luma’s friend and then all will be well. =^=

Gregory paused, “I do not know what it means to be Luma’s friend. And I am wary of telepathy. I do
not like the idea of people, beings, trying to read my mind, see my innermost thoughts. Call me old
fashioned, but I am one who needs his privacy. I know that sets me at odds with those on the ship with
the power, and has caused issues with Commander Verin and myself,” he paused, “Can we work
together as,” he paused, “friends, with ground rules?”

=^= Why do friendships require rules, the Dieter? Lumma does not understand? =^= The Lenai
sounded confused and a little unhappy. =^= Luma does not read the thoughts of most of the crew. They
are a happy background noise of life. Luma has been taught that most of the small ones do not like
invasions of privacy. Among the Lenai, the concept of privacy is not known. It is a difficult concept for
Luma to conquer?=^=
Gregory listened to Luma, and tried to understand how to make the best use of a relationship, for the
betterment of the ship. Clearly Luma was connected to Commander Verin and Captain Sekal, who
understood her better than he ever could. He would have to do more research on the Lenai, but
suspected most of it was classified, especially since Luma was not well known among the Star Fleet
command officers.

“Privacy is a difficult concept for many people, Luma. Understand that I was raised in a place where
there were no telepaths, where people could not read others thoughts. Where we had to rely on the
physical clues, observe people's actions to understand their motives. So to think someone can read
others thoughts and know their mind is frightening, it takes away something sacred. I guess it is like
trying to explain color to a blind person.” Gregory paused.

“True friendship requires trust, Luma. And perhaps it is me, but I am not someone who trusts easily.
This is why I flitter from relationship to relationship. Never settling down, not making commitments. Alyl
wants a commitment, something I can’t and won’t do. So perhaps this is my issue, Luma, and not
yours.” He chuckled, “And I am sure that is even more confusing to you.”

=^= The Dieter is correct. The concept makes little sense to Luma. Friendship is friendship. Trust builds
over time like the bonds in friendship. At first the bonds are single gossamer threads that link one to
another but the treads are fragile. The slightest wind can disrupt them. But over time the threads build
and multiply and bind the two together. It is the same with trust, yes? =^=

Gregory nodded. Clearly matching wits with an organism that has hundreds, if not thousands of years
of experience on him was a losing battle. “Indeed, you describe it well. I do hope we can build those
threads. You will have to forgive me as you are the first non-humanoid I have met so I am trying to fill
things in based on my experience. This will be new to me, so I beg your patience and indulgence.”

Turning back to the existence of Luma. As more cadets were being trained on the Illuminar, how long
would Luma’s existence be secret. Worse yet, how long before other Captains started clamoring for
their own Lenai.

“Luma, forgive my forward question, but how did the Lanai procreate? If you are the last of your
species you must be lonely. Is it possible there are others out there of your kind and perhaps we can
find a way to find them? Not to brag, but I am pretty good at particle physics.”

Before Luma could answer, Gregory felt a chill in the air. Turning his chair around, he saw the vision
he’d been haunted with since his time on Deep Space Nine. A tall giant of a Bajoran, dressed in red
Vedek robes, appeared in front of his desk. Standing there, he spoke to Gregory. “It is happening
again. It IS happening again,” the figure said. The figure held out his hand, and in the palm was a
necklace. The same one that he had locked away in his room.
(Luma would not need telepathy to read that Gregory was in distress. She might note the change in
temperature in the room, increased heart rate, flushed skin and more)

=^= The Dieter will tell Luma what is wrong! Luma told the Alyl that spectres can not be seen by the
ship’s eyes! Luma will summon the Quinna to assist the Dieter! =^= Luma was beginning to sound
slightly hysterical with worry.

Luma plucked Quinna from what she was doing and plopped her down in Gregory’s quarters using the
site to site transporters. =^= That Quinna will assist the Dieter! The Dieter is malfunctioning. Luma can
not see the spectral visions! But Luma can detect the Ethereal Energy that is coalescing in the here.
Same as the Alyl’s quarters the other day! =^= Luma was frantic.

Quinna closed her eyes and reopened them again. It took a moment to acclimate to her surroundings.
“How …?” Quinna looked and saw Dieter. “Lieutenant Dieter Gregory!” Quinna called to get his
attention. “Luma? How long has he been like this?” Quinna felt his neck for a pulse.” Quinna followed
her eyes to where he was looking but saw nothing. She placed a hand on his cheek to try and distract
his attention. “Gregory.”

=^= That Quinna, the Dieter has been like this for about 45.9 seconds. When the Dieter stopped
communicating, Luma noted the malfunctioning distress and summoned the Quinna. Does the Quinna
remember when the Dieter first came from that DS9 and the Dieter slipped in the shower? The readings
are similar.=^= Luma dutifully ‘gossiped’. =^= The Quinna will fix the malfunctions. =^=

Quinna looked at Dieter’s eyes. She had seen that look before but could not place it.

Gregory shook his head and blinked his eyes. The Bajorian was gone, but in his place stood Dr. Solice.
“Dr. Solice!” he exclaimed, “When did you get here? I was having a conversation with Luma, and don’t
remember the door opening.”

“Luma invited me. Where were you? I came here and you were for lack catatonic.” Quinna said. She
was able to be a bit of herself in the room.

Gregory paused, beginning to get suspicious. Did Luma see the same thing he did? Who knew what
her limits were, if any. “Luma, what did you sense that made you summon the doctor?” he asked.

=^= The Ethereal Energy coalesced again in the room. The Dieter’s pulse went up and was clammy.
The ambient temperature dropped. But Luma could not see whatever it was the Dieter saw when
malfunctioning. Luma was afraid that like the Alyl, the Dieter would embrace entropy. The readings
have happened several times on the ship. =^= She sounded matter of fact. =^= The Quinna will repair
the Dieter.=^=
~Ethereal energy~ he thought. Could it be that simple? Probably not, but it was a lead. And that Luma
had sensed it before on the ship. So perhaps he was not so crazy after all. At least that would be better
than the alternative.

Standing up, Gregory walked over to his closet. Opening the door, he looked at the safe there.
Entering his code, the door popped open. With a sigh, he took out the necklace that the Bajoran had
given him after the explosion at Quarks. Granted the Bajoran didn’t exist in any databases, and
granted that a group of Bajorans tried to take it by pretending they were relatives. All he wanted was a
simple life. Clearly it was not in the stars.

Sitting down, he opened his hand to reveal the necklace. It was of a key, and in what would be
considered the bow was a shard of a crystal, which appeared to pulse and change color in a whirling
pattern.

“I do not think I need repair, Luma, but thank you. I think there is something deeper here, but I don’t
know what,” he began. “Long story short, I was on a climbing vacation on Bajor when I first
encountered a giant of a Bajoran, balding head who looked at me and said the words, “It is Happening
Again.” I thought nothing of it, until I encountered him several more times, each for a minute or so,
always with him saying those words. A few of my colleagues on Deep Space 9 thought I was a bit nuts,
but we never scanned for Ethereal energy.”

“Then there was an explosion at Quark's Bar, and when I went in to help, I rescued a Bajoran, badly
burned from plasma. Before he died, he gave me this necklace, and told me to keep it secret and keep
it safe. Oddly, he was not in any of the Bajoran registers, and three people had come to claim his body,
looking for the necklace, I am sure. My room on DS9 was even ransacked. Well, since then, I’ve seen
this figure a few times, but didn’t mention it as I was sure it was some weird figment of my imagination.
But now, perhaps I’m not so sure.”

Bajor had played a major part of Quinna’s life. “May I have a look?” she asked as it caught her
attention.

Gregory handed the necklace over to Solice.

Luma stayed quiet and just watched through the ship sensors. She was a curious being and loved
interacting with others.

Quinna took the necklace and looked at it delicately. She turned and flipped it over. The weight and
the feel, “There is something about this. The writing on it make it look like it is from an order in the
Kendar Providence. I just cannot put my finger on what is familiar about it.”
“Luma, can you scan the crystal and the key. Anything unusual?” Gregory asked.

Luma scanned it and gave the vocal equivalent of a shrug, =^= Nothing particularly special about it.
Scan with the scientific tricorder. Luma’s eyes are not always the sharpest about small things. =^=

(Posted by Kris, Mel and Tim)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - COUNS Suite – FO Commander Sienna Williams-Verin & COUNS Reea - 1910)

Waking up about 3 hours later, Sienna had stretched, not finding T’Mur in her quarters. Sitting up, she
had dressed and then considered how best to get to the counseling suite. ::Luma, can you send me
there?:: Sienna asked quietly, then felt the tingle of the transporter as she moved instantly around the
ship, finding herself outside of Counselor Reea’s office. Sienna felt Alaya near, but she needed to talk
to a psi-null. But would Reea understand?

Sy hit the comm and waited for the answer.

Reea had an appointment to speak with Commander Verin, and Reea was nervous. The churning in
her stomach was just like the time a deal with a Klingon mercenary almost fell apart. Though feeling the
same, with the ship FO, there was no risk of being sliced and diced by a batleth.

Reea paced, her mouth dry. She felt she should drink a lot of water, but she passed on that because
she would end up needing to pee. That wouldn’t go well talking with Verin. Taking deep breaths, she
needed to push through it.

When the chime rang, Reea rushed to her desk and sat in her chair, folding her hands and putting on
her best neutral face.

“Come in.” As the door opened, Reea wished she had drunk some water.

Sienna walked in. Dressed in a clean uniform, her hair pulled back in a tail. “Counselor. I’m not entirely
sure that I want to be here, but I have been ordered to have a psychological evaluation. But there are
other reasons I’m here, too.”

When Verin entered, Reea stood up. “I understand, Commander. No one wants to be evaluated. Let’s
just talk.” There was a chair opposite from the desk, but there were also several that were more
comfortable scattered throughout the room. “Please have a seat. Would you like something from the
replicator? It makes a passable tube grub stew.” Reea chuckled, hoping to break the ice.
“Uh. Most humanoids do not eat tube grub stew. But I will take some juice.” Sienna moved over to get
some herself, choosing a tart cranberry-grape. She then crossed to the chair next to the Counselor and
took a seat. “Where do you want to start?” She knew that any counselor would love the drama that had
made up her life since graduating from the academy.

Reea noted where Verin sat; she chose a nearby chair. This indicated the FO, though not wanting to be
there, wasn’t uncomfortable with Reea personally. Otherwise, she would have taken a seat further
away. Reea appreciated that.

“Let’s begin anywhere you want,” said Reea. “You and I haven’t interacted much, so let’s get to know
each other better.”

“All right. I know you have seen my file. My parents are both Vice Admirals on the Board of Starfleet.
And I am sure that you realize that the issue with the Exeter meant that I lost my twin for several weeks
before the ship re-appeared. My twin is in charge of the Exeter, my former imzadi is the FO and our
foster sister is an engineering cadet aboard. My parents thought it would be hilarious for me to not be
assisting with Trip, Captain Williams’ disappearance. They side lined me when I knew what direction he
was in and that Trip was still alive... and Commander Lynn Bracken, my former Imzadi.” Sienna looked
down at her hands, “I’ve got a lot that I’m not really dealing with and have not. And today, well, they say
that everyone has a breaking point and the force bonding with Luma was mine.”

Reea hadn't realized how much Verin was holding inside. It was clear she was heading down a road
that could ruin her career and damage her as a person. It could take time to navigate through it all. She
decided to address each point in the order the FO mentioned them.

"Why did you use the word hilarious in describing your parents not allowing you to help search for
Captain Williams and the Exeter?" said Reea.

“Do Ferengi not use sarcasm when they are displeased? My Father took his flagship and brought it to
the Illuminar and backed me into a corner and would not let me help search for my twin. I could point
the direction he was in. We’re twin-bonded still, and we just know when something happens to the
other. It’s not precise but I could have helped. But I was told that if I did, then I would be court martialed.
My Father was willing to risk himself and my Mom and one of our cousins, but not me.” She was bitter
about that. “My relationship with T’Mur was still in it’s beginning stages and I felt pretty alone. I had
some informal chats with Alaya Hammons, one of your counselors. We’ve been friends since Mars.” A
deep sigh of unhappiness. “Maybe I should just go and not be a bother.” She was clearly very
uncomfortable.

"Do you mean go, as in leave my office, or leave the ship?" said Reea.
“Leave the office.” Sienna replied flatly. “The Illuminar is my home, Luma is currently bound to me and
my mate is aboard. Why would I leave the ship? I did the ship’s space trials and have lived aboard her
since it was safe to do so at Utopia Planetia. I needed the space.

Reea considered asking more questions, but she was beginning to feel things weren’t going to be
resolved by them just simply talking now. Verin didn’t want to be there and it seemed like she was
giving canned answers. Reea wondered if the FO was interested in getting help or if she even felt she
needed any.

“Commander, you and I can spend time talking about the joys and sorrows in your life, but I believe that
isn’t why you’re here, other than Captain Sekal ordering it. Everyone has loved ones they miss, but in
the end, each of us must walk our own path. You mentioned a forced bonding with Luma causing you to
reach a possible breaking point. Please tell me more about that.”

Sienna frowned at the Counselor, then shrugged her shoulders. The Captain had not quite gotten to the
point of ordering her into counseling, but it was close. “Maybe it is a cultural difference. Betazoids are
open and talk about everything. But we can chat about the bonding today. During the battle we got
bracketed and we were going to be rammed by a ship with an exploding warp core. The Hades was not
close enough to render aid, and with the hits we had already taken, we would not have survived. I
ordered Luma to perform a maneuver we agreed to not have her do in the past. She performed a
micro-jump. In order to do so, she required a full bonding to a proper, anchored in time, corporeal
bondmate. Captain Sekal was on the planet, I was in command.” She deliberately did not state that
Luma had jumped in time as well as space. “We got out of the bind but the pirates saw and some of
them got away. Not what we need out there, honestly. But she, Luma, did not ask. I ended up face
down on the deck in front of the viewscreen, with a very broken nose. I don’t know how that will affect
my relationship with Luma. Heck, T’Mur’s not thrilled about it.” Sienna shrugged again.

Reea leaned back in her chair. What Verin told her, was fascinating.

"I'm telepathically null," said Reea. "I've not met Luma, nor have I interacted with her. When I came on
board, you said she might be disgruntled that she wouldn't be able to track me. Because of this, I've
kept a distance so I wouldn't offend her."

She leaned forward again.

"Is it possible the forced bonding damaged your brain chemistry? Did Doctor Solice check for that?
Could this be some sort of telepathic side effect? This is uncharted territory I may not be qualified to
address. Perhaps you should seek a Betazoid counselor." Reea shrugged. "You may need to go to
Betazed, like when we went to Vulcan to help T'Mur."
Sienna’s heart pounded rapidly, fear filling her. “It could have. I already had issues due to the dual
heritage, then the mess with Q. I think we are going to have Dr. Mias aboard again soon. I can send a
note to him and ask his opinion, since he’s one of the best mind-healers on Betazed.” She sat back
and tried to breathe. It would be ok. “If you think I should go to sickbay I will, but not tonight. My brain
feels heavy and tired and to be honest, I want more sleep.”

"A Betazoid mind-healer is probably exactly what you need. Such a person can delve into realms I can't
understand," said Reea. "As far as going to sickbay for a deeper physical examination, you can go in
the morning, but if you don't, I'll come after you. We Ferengi have a talent for being annoying."
“I think,” Sienna’s eyes briefly unfocused for a second and her voice got distant, “That tomorrow is
going to be very busy. I promise to get the scan by the 11th. Something bad is going to happen
tomorrow.” Sienna began to blink rapidly, trying to moisten her suddenly dry eyes.

“Dangit, I hate those. Stupid remnants of those Q psi powers. I get these brief… flashes.” She tried to
explain to the Ferengi counselor. “Anyways, I should get going. T’Mur left me locked in our quarters for
my safety and I should get back before she does.” Sienna rose, her entire body aching, the bruises on
her face hurting still.

“Thank you for coming,” said Reea, standing up. She was concerned about Verin, so she wondered if
she did the right thing.

(reply any)
(Posted by Mel & Renee)
DAY 10>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 5 - Holodeck 1 - SO PO3 Hercules Devers - 0600)

Devers showed up for the morning workout. He heard rumors the Chief was reorganizing schedules,
just as long as he left this time alone for the NCO's he was fine with about anything.

Collier slapped him on the back, "Ready for some fun today? I hear that we are starting the week
learning Mok'bara."

"Klingon martial arts, should be interesting," he replied as he tied his headband around his forehead.
This was purple with a golden dragon in the center.

Another NCO came over to the two, "Did you hear we picked up a Caitian Security officer? I heard he
did ok yesterday even working with the Chief."

Devers chuckled, "Yea, well that was an interesting event, good for him. I think I caught his name,
P'Rah, if memory serves."

"I wonder what sort of hand to hand the Caitian's use, might be nice after all this Muay Thai, and Krave
Magra and now Mok'bara. No offense."
"None taken," Devers replied, "Just 'cause you can't land a punch on me yet," he chuckled.

"Well, we should plan a round robin again, make sure you're in fighting shape if we ever get back to
Mars."

"I'm sure that promoter wants a rematch. I cost him a bunch of Latinum," Devers replied.

"And a collapsed lung and a few broken ribs. Don't let the Doc hear you're doing that. She has a bit of
a temper."

"Important safety tip," Devers replied. "Maybe I better start working on one of the other docs, just to be
sure."

Collier tapped is comm badge, "PO3 P'Rah, report to holodeck 1 on the double. Your team is waiting
for you."

(reply P'Rah)

(posted by Tim)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar – Deck 14 – Chief of Security Office – Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee - 0720)

Chief Lee listened to Petty Office Boyes as he gave his briefing. He spoke with a dry humour which
brought some smiles from the assembled Security Officers. Lee felt he made a good choice in
selecting the Petty Officer as the graveyard shift leader. Boyles had potential for further
responsibilities. He was ideal for raising the spirits of his shift people when the ship is quiet and there
wasn’t really much to do without tearing your hair out.

"That's all the pep talk you are going to get. Back to you chief." Finished Boyles

“Thank you Mr Boyles. You can all return later..on time for your Shift. Dismissed.” Concluded Lee

(reply any)

(posted by John)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar -- Deck 1-- Bridge -- CO -- Captain Sekal and SO, Ensign (sg) Skashe Winters -- 0900)

The CO walked out onto the bridge and made directly for the science station where Skashe was waiting
for the result of some thermographic scans made of the surface facility which was now on the far side
of the planet. Illuminar's orbit made three revolutions around Sigma Draconis VI every solar day so
there was ample opportunity to add to their knowledge of it. So far the department had built up a solid
database of the facility and its environs and the thermal scans were being constantly updated to show
where the inhabitants tended to cluster. This information was being continuously fed to Chief Lee and
the Security department so that they could finalize their insertion plans.
Sky looked up as Sekal approached. "There are sixty five life signs Captain and we appear to have
identified their sleeping quarters as well as command/control. There is a large central area which we
believe contains the missiles they are extracting with a portico they can land the ships for loading. And
an adjacent building where they may be making alterations to the weaponry."

Sekal nodded. "The insertion is scheduled for 1300. At that time we will take up geostationary orbit
above the facility so that the ship can give continuous support for the push."

Skashe leaned back in the chair. "I'll be monitoring continuously from here then."

"I have just taken aboard a transfer to your department."

Sky looked up with interest. "Oh? And who would that be?"

"Ensign T'shalaith, ACSO has just been transferred from the Hades. I have instructed her to report to
the bridge at 0800 tomorrow for duty. You may spend the day finalizing your reports and organizing the
labs and researches with the aim of an after mission report to StarFleet Command. At 1600 she will be
meeting with you. I expect you to introduce her to the routine duties and get her up to speed on current
operations."

Skashe had mixed emotions about that. He had known overseeing the department was going to be a
temporary thing but after only a few days? Then he remembered the upside to it, lab work instead of
paperwork, working at his own pace, freedom to move around the ship and meddle in ongoing
investigations, shifts in the astrometrics lab ... scratch the last one, that could be considered a
downside. "Understood sir. I'll meet with her in the CSRD office."

The CO gave a measured nod. "Noted. Continue your duties today. I will expect constant reports from
you when the operation begins."

"Understood sir."

Skashe turned back to the board as the Captain walked off. Freedom beckoned but he found he wasn't
quite as happy about it as he had expected. ~Oh well there's plenty of day left, I'll work my way up to
it~. He gave a grin at the thought of having a bit of celebration during his offtime tomorrow.

(Reply: None)

(Posted by Charles G)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar -- Medical Examiner’s Suite - Deck 5 -- ACSO T'shalaith -- 0930)

She had read enough on the background, crew, and history of the Illuminar and made the decision to
walk the ship to get a better sense of her new home. She’d started in the science department and
found the Chief’s office and her own small office on deck 8. It was logically not a place she would
spend much of her time. The laboratories would keep most of her attention. There were several
studies she was working on for eventual publishing in journals.
She’d found sickbay familiar but jarring at the same time. Every Chief Medical Officer had a habit of
making their areas their own and the class of the Illuminar made the differences more fascinating than
troubling. She had a mind to design as a hobby when she needed something to unwind her tense
thoughts.

Her attention was wandering and she found herself standing in front of the Medical Examiner’s suite,
frowning. Why had she found her way here? Before she could answer the question in her own mind,
the door flew open, and an unfamiliar face greeted her.

(reply Mason)

“Ensign Junior Grade T'shalaith. Assigned as your Assistant Chief Science Officer. May I enquire your
name?”

(reply Mason)

She raised an eyebrow, “Unless you are trespassing, I deduced you are the Medical Examiner,” she
nodded at the label on the door, “Should I contact security?”

(reply Mason)

“I am on...it is not a strictly human expression...but the best word I know is a walkabout. A journey of
discovery. May I walkabout into your suite?”

(reply Mason)

T'shalaith quietly waited for his response.

(reply Mason)
(Posted by Aaron D.)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar -- Autopsy -- Deck 5 -- ME Dr. Mason Quincy -- 0935)

Mason spent his time isolated in his little world. He was mad at Quinna, but he was thinking that she
was right. He got up to see if he could find her. He wanted to talk to her with a cool head. The door
opened when he was about to go out when someone was standing there.

“Um, hello,” Mason said. He looked at the Vulcan.

“Ensign Junior Grade T'shalaith. Assigned as your Assistant Chief Science Officer. May I enquire your
name?”




“I am Dr. Quincy.
She raised an eyebrow, “Unless you are trespassing, I deduced you are the Medical Examiner,” she
nodded at the label on the door, “Should I contact security?”

“I am the medical examiner. So security will not be needed.” Mason said.

“I am on...it is not a strictly human expression...but the best word I know is a walkabout. A journey of
discovery. May I walkabout into your suite?”

Mason had to think for a minute. He was about to go talk to Quinna but he decided this was a sign to
still leave her alone.

T'shalaith quietly waited for his response.

“Oh yes of course come on in.” Mason moved to the side and let the Vulcan in. “Just assigned here?”

(Reply T'shalaith)

Mason moved back over to his desk and replicator. “Can I offer you something to drink?” Mason does
not have a good track record with people on the ship lately. One of the women he was interested in
turned out to be a real B and then died. He was butting heads with Quinna.

(Reply T'shalaith)

“So what do you do here? Are you a new Doctor on board, or something? Not many wander around
the medical area.” Mason commented.

(Reply T'shalaith)


(Posted by Kris B)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar -- Autopsy -- Deck 5 -- ACSO T'shalaith -- 0937)

“Oh yes of course come on in. Just assigned here?” The officer stepped aside and she stepped in,
eyes wandering the rooms. Her father had nurtured a natural curiosity about everything she
encountered, and he had taught her that everything in the world around her had meaning. She wasn’t
sure the logic of it held up, but she kept it in the back of her mind. Much of her father’s lessons to her
were like that - they had the unerring ability to pay off in the oddest of ways.

She stepped into the center of the room, hands behind her back. It was a comfortable stance, but it
also helped to contain whatever energy was bouncing sound in her mind even as controlled as she
was.

“This morning from the USS Hades, and before a graduate from the Academy.” She looked around the
room, “Your office is satisfactory to the needs of your duties.” There were of course modifications she
would have made if and when she was in his position. Humans did not seem to see the need for
improvement in design at times, and it beguiled her. They were innovative in some areas and derelict
in others.

“Can I offer you something to drink?”

T'shalaith raised an eyebrow as she glanced back at the man at his desk. She knew enough of human
males to know to tread carefully with social interactions. They were most illogical in their manners of
approaching friendship and relations. She had attempted a study of their behaviors in the academy
and had been unsuccessful in building a matrix of understanding. She’d also upset many of her
classmates as she had gathered the data. Several couples were broken up after it was discovered
various partners were, as the humans would say, ‘playing the field’. She considered her work
incomplete. She would need further data. Perhaps this new crew would offer an opportunity. Several
scientific journals had expressed interest in this particular line of research work.

“I am well enough hydrated, thank you.” She slid over to a console and did a cursory glance as she
spoke, “It is most welcome to be in a room dedicated to the study of bodies, and their cause of death.”
She returned her attention to Mason as he spoke.

“So what do you do here? Are you a new Doctor on board, or something? Not many wander around
the medical area.”

If she had the capacity or the desire to smile, she might very well have. T'shalaith had to give the man
credit - he was curious. It probably wasn’t normal for a new Vulcan officer to wander around the ship.
She wondered if she appeared to be casing the ship. There were plenty of extremists in the galaxy,
and there were a number of Vulcans who had stained her race with violence.

“Assistant Chief Science Officer with a specialty in exobiology. My primary career experience has been
as a medical officer in the Vulcan Expeditionary Group. I held the rank equal to Chief Medical Officer in
the Vulcan fleet.” She glanced at his bookshelf with interest.

(reply Mason)

“I did not desire to use my previous experience as a means to an end, Doctor Mason. I am equally as
experienced in the science discipline and it affords me the opportunity to explore the various biologies
of aliens and humans.”

(reply Mason)


T'shalaith took a moment to consider his words. “As far as science has come, we still have much to
learn about our own biology. The continued discoveries in galaxies beyond our own have the potential
to assist in our understanding...and even possibly the improvement.”

(reply Mason)

She raised an eyebrow. She had forgotten that some in the science community did not share her
thinking when it came to biology and DNA. She wasn’t a supporter of experimentation in the arena yet,
but she was a thinker and researcher. “It is merely a curiosity to me, Doctor. If we are best to
understand how each of us came to be, we must think outside of...you humans have a saying about
boxes - thinking outside of it.”

(reply Mason)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar -- Autopsy -- Deck 5 -- Acting Chief Science Officer Ensign T'shalaith, Medical Officer
Ensign Hezuela, Medical Examiner Mason Quincy -- 0945)

“Assistant Chief Science Officer with a specialty in exobiology. My primary career experience has been
as a medical officer in the Vulcan Expeditionary Group. I held the rank equal to Chief Medical Officer in
the Vulcan fleet.” She glanced at his bookshelf with interest.

“So is your goal to retain that position here?” Mason asked. At this point, he thought it would not be a
bad idea to remove Quinna from her post.

“I did not desire to use my previous experience as a means to an end, Doctor Mason. I am equally as
experienced in the science discipline and it affords me the opportunity to explore the various biologies
of aliens and humans.”

“Any personal research?” Mason inquired.

T'shalaith took a moment to consider his words. “As far as science has come, we still have much to
learn about our own biology. The continued discoveries in galaxies beyond our own have the potential
to assist in our understanding...and even possibly the improvement.”

Mason sat back and listened to T'shalaith talk.

“It is merely a curiosity to me, Doctor. If we are best to understand how each of us came to be, we
must think outside of...you humans have a saying about boxes - thinking outside of it.”

Mason Smiled. “You have that right.” Mason looked up as another woman entered the room.

Hezuela had hurried to the infirmary and now pressed the door opener. The door opened in front of her
and she entered while trying to fix her hair. Why couldn't those damn strands just stay where they
belonged? Why couldn't her hair just lie where she had single-handedly pinned it up that morning? But
well, wild hair was probably in the Orions' genes.

“Come on in.” Mason welcomed.



T'shalaith turned to face the Assistant Chief Medical Officer, Hezuela. The Vulcan made note that they
were both Ensigns Junior Grade. She was Orion and T'shalaith raised an eyebrow in curiosity. The
Vulcan knowledge of the Orions extended back to 2150, and she had done cursory studies of them and
their unique biology. The interaction with most males of many species with the pheromones had
necessitated early study by the scientists on Vulcan, but thankfully an inherent immunity was apparent.

“Ensign Hezuela, it is a welcome occasion to meet you.” She gave her a quiet nod, “You were high on
my ranking list of officers I wished to meet.”

Hezuela accepted the Vulcan's remarks with a smile and nodded to her once. However, she couldn't
help but wonder why she was so high on the ranking list. But she decided to answer that question
another time and then turned to Mason as well. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything?". Her voice wasn't
particularly loud, and she was aware of the certain arguments between Mason and her supervisor,
Quinna. And she tried to do what she could, but at the moment she had no idea where to start.

The ASCO turned to Mason, “The study of the biology of the dead is of interest to me, as is the biology
of the living.”

As the two continued their conversation, the Orion woman tried to find a point somewhere where she
could jump in and somehow contribute something meaningful to the conversation. She wasn't a fan of
parroting anything unless she knew what it was about, and if she was asked for her opinion, she would
give it.

“Well, I do prefer the dead to the living. They do not give me a hard time.” Mason looked at Hezeula,
“Please Dr. Come sit and join us. Tell us what you think? Can I get you something to drink?” Mason
asked, remembering his manners.

Hezuela sat down with the two officers, finding Mason's hospitality almost endearing. "No, I don't need
anything to drink right now, thanks anyway," she said quietly, giving him a slight smile.

If T'shalaith were human, she would have given the doctor a long look intended to ask the question,
“You just don’t give up, do you?”. If she were human. She had seen that look play across plenty of the
human female faces through the academy and she felt a quiet satisfaction. Her studies continued to
yield results. Instead, she merely gave a nod to the Orion officer.

Mason looked at the two ladies around him. Both were intelligent but also wanted to talk about work.
He wanted to get to know more about them. “I have to admit, I am at a loss. Tell me something unique
about you.”

When he asked her to tell something unique about herself, the Orion woman drew her eyebrows
together, making a questioning face. She had suppressed her pheromones, hadn't she? But then she
looked to the Vulcan, who spoke first.

T'shalaith raised an eyebrow, “I know a minimum of three ways to incapacitate most species through
either touch or environmental aspects.” She considered for a moment, “I continue to expand my
research on the subject. One must always be prepared for the challenges of the universe.”
Hezuela listened intently to the Vulcan. Research on this topic sounded very interesting. If she needed
someone to help, the Orion woman could help. She pushed this item onto her imaginary list of things to
address later.

“Ok, good to know whose side to be on just in case.” This did not surprise Mason. He knew Vulcans
were more in tune with the body and pressure points.

Mason turned his head. He felt that awkward silence. “Would you like a tour of my area?” Mason
asked. He is a bit awkward around women now. Mason stood and walked to an adjacent room. “Here
is the stasis room. Unfortunately, some of our storage lockers are in use.”

T'shalaith followed her innate investigatory inklings giving her cause to examine the entirety of the
rooms she was being toured through. The confirmation that the exam suite was in use was of particular
interest to her. Her fascination with the dead had been a recent development and her core logic
suggested she needed to evaluate this change. The interest wasn’t concerning but the level of her
interest was giving her pause. She quietly considered if her recent study of the book, “Frankenstein”
had taken hold somewhere in her mind.

Hezuela listened to Mason and also noticed that he was now proceeding a bit awkwardly. An Orion
woman noticed such things all too quickly, unfortunately, even if she wasn't raised by Orions. But still,
she nodded in acknowledgment of his efforts. She followed him into the stasis room. And once again,
the room sent an icy chill down her spine. Every hair on the back of her neck stood up, and it felt as if
someone had dumped an entire bucket of water on her. With ice cubes. The Orion woman swallowed
once, then tried to be matter-of-fact about the whole thing. Calmly.

T'shalaith gave a side glance at the Orion woman. Something had, as the humans would say,
‘spooked’ her, and the Vulcan considered plenty of causes. The room’s temperature was quite colder
than the rest of the suite. It also had dead bodies in it. She did not have access to the psychological
profiles of the crew as medical did so she was left to theorize. The Orion species was complicated as it
was. She filed it away for later examination.

“We have the latest technology. Though it will not do a complete autopsy, they will do chemical
analysis of the bodies.” Mason moved to the locker of one of the more unusual lockers. The reading
showed odd DNA.

T'shalaith raised an eyebrow. The DNA was interesting. It looked like...a canine of some kind? She
turned to Mason as he explained.

“Here we have a science officer that was killed less than two weeks ago. She was killed by her dog.
The dog was killed afterward. They are both there together.” Mason remembered how he liked the
woman and wanted to see more of her.

The Vulcan woman frowned. Why would the woman’s dog kill it? Her limited study of domesticated
canine and human relationships showed a limited attack possibility. Certain breeds had the capacity for
unpredictable behaviors... History and science still couldn’t remove the aggressive nature that was
deep in the DNA of dogs. There had been some recent articles she had flagged for further reading.

The little short story only made Hezuela feel worse. She could also stand any form of scary movies very
poorly. She gasped for air once, barely noticeably, and drew it into her lungs as if she hadn't breathed
for over a minute. "What kind of dog could kill its mistress? And who kills the dog after that?" she asked
curiously nonetheless, making slight efforts to rest her head on his shoulder. Somehow it
was...interesting.

T'shalaith didn’t furrow her brows or raise her eyebrow at Hezuela resting her head on Mason’s
shoulder. She had long accepted the odd behaviors of Human and Orion alike as simple illogical
emotional creatures who lacked control over even the basic operations of their bodies. Vulcan
relationships were more complex and controlled than most and it fascinated her to observe the lack and
or loss of control. Logic could save them so much trouble and complications. Another study for her
growing list of things to examine.

“A story for another time,” Mason said. “If you will Excuse me.”

If T'shalaith had been human she would have stared at Mason and given Hezuela an inquiring look. If
she had been human. Instead, she glanced at Hezuela, “Very well. Thank you for an interesting and
informative tour.” If she had been human, she might have invited the Orion woman along, but instead,
she said, “I would like to continue our conversation at a later time, perhaps in the science office.” She
gave a nod and departed the room.

(Reply None)

Posted by Bogdana, Aaron D., and Kris B.)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar – Deck 1 - Briefing Room - CO - Captain Sekal, Commander Sienna Verin, Lt.
Commander Dieter Gregory, CMO, Lieutenant Quinna Solice and SFI Operative Michael Weston- 1130)

Events had been frenetic and with the news that his second officer was no longer available Sekal had
promoted Dieter Gregory and moved him into the 2nd officer position.. Good news had been
forthcoming concerning the Roanoke menace aboard Illuminar. As a debrief Sekal had called his
command team into a briefing along with Doctor Solice and Michael Weston, SFI operative.

Sekal had an ulterior motive as well which would play out during the meeting. He sat down with a tall,
cold glass of OJ as the others filed in.

It had already been a long day for Sienna as well. She had heard Luma’s wail that her Vex would not be
returning and Sienna had been attempting to calm the Lenai. She stopped for a moment to get a tall
glass of her favored iced coffee mocha drink, and also picked up some pastries. Taking both to the
table she sat down in her seat and took two of the sweet treats on a napkin and began to quickly eat.
She had not had time for lunch and was close to running on empty. While the pastries had a passing
nod to nutrition, they were just quick energy that she would need to replace. Sekal knew her tendencies
to not tend to her body when she lost herself in her work though.

"Commander." The Vulcan noted her ingestion of high calorie nourishment which was unhealthy long
term. Once her martial training was begun she would find the diet insufficient for her needs and her
metabolism would require a switch to more nutritious foods in order to keep up with the regimen. Rather
than make demands on a dietary change he would allow her body to cause the transition. Without an
adjustment she would be unable to keep up with the physical demands.

Quinna arrived at the conference room, and she was relieved that she was able to be more of herself
again. Quinna opted out of any food or drink as she was still nauseous from her latest mission.
“Captain,” Quinna nodded to Sekal. “Commander,” Quinna then nodded to Sienna. She proceeded to
take her normal seat halfway down the table on the Captains right side.

"Doctor." The Vulcan said in reply. Doctor Solice had just come through a trying period of her own
making and been successful. She had a vast amount of potential that would need to be properly
managed and channeled. And that was a task he planned on overseeing.

The door to the briefing room opened again to admit Michael Weston. He was still working out the
aches and pains of what had transpired earlier. His eyes immediately caught Quinna’ and he gave her a
hopeful smile. She had been amazing, and he hoped she would, eventually, get over being mad at him.

He nodded to the Sekal and Verin, and made straight for the coffee decanter and poured himself a
mug. He didn’t usually enjoy drinking coffee but he found that just the aroma gave him strength. Then
he noted the refreshments. He was going to enjoy being on this ship for a while, but figured he’d have
to watch his carb consumption. Still, it was a slight celebratory moment, so he put a couple of pastries
on a plate. He brought the plate and the cup to the table and sat across from Quinna, trying to give her
some space.

“Good afternoon everyone,” he said jovially.

Sienna turned with a frown towards Weston. She did not trust him at all. She didn’t quite bare her teeth
at him, but she wanted to. She continued to sip her caffeine and ate a third pastry, again quickly. She
could tell that Sekal did not approve of her choice of food, but she would get a real meal later.

The air in the room felt different to Quinna. There was so much tension that needed to be resolved.
She looked at Michael quickly and reverted her eyes back to the standard PADD. She was not really
sure what she would do now. She reached for the coffee that she had forgotten she did not have.

It has been a very crazy day for Gregory. Starting at the end of his shift, getting promoted to second
officer. He still had a lot to learn still, and had hoped to learn from Commander Peters as well, but now
was the time to step up again. Walking to a chair, he put his PADD on the table and looked around.
This was going to be an interesting meeting, there was lots for the Illuminar to do to complete their
current mission. Gregory was still not clear of the role of Mr. Weston, but he’d not had a chance to
learn more as he had been focused elsewhere.
Sekal nodded his satisfaction as everyone had arrived. "Lieutenant Commander." He stood to his feet.
"The seven days since the attack upon my person has seen a considerable amount of subterfuge upon
the ship. The case has now been settled and the Roanoke operatives apprehended. All of this was
done without involving security due to the danger of exposing too many to knowledge of it. This is not
an event I foresee happening again and I will logically owe a great deal of explanation to my Chief of
Security. Before we begin it must be noted that Lieutenant Commander Gregory has been promoted to
ship's second officer." He turned his head to Solice and Weston.

"Please start from the beginning and explain in detail the investigation you have been involved in.
Should Commander Verin or Lieutenant Commander Gregory have any questions they are free to
interject them. However I expect such questions to be apropos to the investigation. Any personal issues
should be worked out outside of the briefing." He then took a seat to allow the two to go over the facts.

Quinna took a deep breath. “As we know an asassination attempt was made on the Captain, with the
prime suspect having been caught. He was then poisoned in sickbay. From there we suspected that
there was more people on the ship that could also make an attempt on not only the Captain, but on
anyone under his command.” Quinna paused and then picked at the corner of her PADD. “I was able
to retrieve information on a conspiracy against the Captain.” Quinna looked at the Captain and Lt.
Commander Dieter but still would not look at Sienna or Michael. “With permission of the Captain, Mr.
Weston and I followed the information. Mr. Weston can elaborate more on the mission.”

Michael had played to an ugly room before, but this one was different. This appeared to be a group that
would be happy if he were dead, but didn’t want to be the ones to personally kill him. That was new.
Usually everyone wanted to kill him. Some might even fight for the privilege.

He took a deep breath. “I’m not sure how far I need to go back. But let’s go back to the attack on the
captain.” He stood up and began to walk around the table. “When the captain had been attacked I had
been injured. In my condition I hadn’t really seen a serious investigation launched so I escaped sickbay
and searched Mr Sanchez’s room and found an experimental weapon. This one.”

He pulled the weapon out and placed it on the table. The recrimating look from Quinna was
unmistakable. He kept moving, avoiding the lasers from her eyes.

“I didn’t have anyone on this ship that I knew I could trust,” he continued. “Captain Sekal was my only
contact. Through the course of events I believed I could trust Quinna, so I asked her to take care of the
weapon for me. It may not have been my best judgment call, but I needed to be able to trust someone.”

“It was the next best thing,” Quinna interrupted, hoping he agreed with her. “As you can tell, the
weapon exhibits no energy signatures and cannot be located by any scanning devices. I have only
been able to get an energy reading from treating Michael’s Shoulder. He received a residual blast as
he was transported onto the ship.” Quinna looked directly at Michael.

“Yeah…well… then someone decided to kill Sanchez, and someone killed the man who killed Sanchez,
one Robert Flay. I have to assume that they were both Roanoke, and both disposed of because they
compromised the movement. With all of our leads.. well.. dead, I needed to get to the circle of those on
the ship. Quinna and I began a torrid affair, both spouting our distrust of the captain, and leaving a trail
of breadcrumbs to lead them to the fact that we, or more precisely, she was ripe for the picking.”
This was where some cards had to be laid on the table. “I knew that they’d never accept me. There
were too many questions surrounding my current status. But Quinna, she was as pure as the driven
snow. Her reputation was unsullied and I knew that Roanoke couldn’t pass up an opportunity for that.
Hell, under the circumstances I’d have tried to recruit her.”

He looked at Quinna, seeing the mixture of hurt and concern in her eyes and it pained his heart, even
more than his injury.

“Well one thing led to another and we were able to bring all of the members of the group out into the
light. If they’re not dead by my hand, then they will be soon by their superiors. But it is my opinion that
this ship has had a Roanoke cleanse.”

He had left the final details vague purposefully. He didn’t want to subject Quinna to those feelings
again. And hoped she could forgive him.

Sekal had already been privy to the important details and had maneuvered Quinna into teaming up with
Michael Weston to insure she had the best chance for survival. He anticipated that Sienna however and
Gregory might have questions so he waited as they considered the information that had come out of
the debriefing. He had questions of course but to ask them now would co-opt the discourse.

“I disagreed then and I disagree now. I do not understand why it was necessary to involve QUINNA in
this … debacle. She is not a trained SFI agent and if it’s necessary for her to do this again, she is going
to be in the gym learning self defense right beside me. In fact, I think that is an excellent response to
this whole situation and will only be to her benefit.” Yeah Sienna was pissed and she was going to take
it out on someone.

Quinna turned to Sienna, “Hello, I am right here. Sitting next to you.” Quinna almost cried when
talking. “It was my decision. Everyone here tried to stop me, but I could not let the events that
happened prior to my involvement go unanswered. The only one you have to be angry with is me.”
Quinna replied back but not as loudly as she probably should have. “Oh and one more thing. I have no
regrets. I will do it again to protect this crew and Starfleet.”

The look on Sienna’s face was thunderous, “You will do no such thing.” Her voice was cold and
dispassionate. “You will not risk your life and sanity. You are one of the most skilled medical staff to
come out of Starfleet in years. You are a valuable asset as a Doctor, not SFI. But if you persist in this
lunacy I will make damned sure you are safe. So, Doctor, I order you to do self-defense training. I
suggest T’Mur as your personalized instructor. Weston will not be teaching you.”

Quinna wiped her eyes. “Commander, you know that is not true. Plenty of great doctors came out from
Starfleet. You just like me more than the others. And you know you cannot forbid me to not go on
missions like this. Starfleet can call anyone up at any time. This one just fell in my lap. And I did say
some damn mean hurtful things. But this is part of being a starfleet officer. No worries about Mr.
Weston. He will not be teaching me anything anymore.” As far as Quinna knew, he was leaving.

“Excellent. I will tell T’Mur to be expecting you. When she considers you competent to defend yourself,
then you will do maintenance lessons to retain your skill. And should you believe that I am making you
do something I will not, the Captain will be taking over my self defense training from T’Mur.” Oh the
blush on Sy’s features, from ears straight down she was red, thinking about what happened every
single time T’Mur tried to teach Sienna. There was a reason Sekal was taking it over. Sienna leveled a
malevolent look at Weston.

“If I may. The security NCO’s run a morning training program. Both endurance and hand to hand
combat. They are a pretty intense bunch and not adverse to teaching dirty fighting. You might want to
look in on them some time. And they do not worry about rank or pull punches, I know,” Gregory offered.

“So we are clear then. Did it myself. Captain and Mr. Weston tried to stop me. Then Mr. Weston went
along to make sure I was doing the right thing.” Quinna said, “And I will do physical training with T’Mur
in case I need to perform duties outside the realm of Medicine? Right?” Quinna said to Commander
Verin.

"How it happened and why it started has been settled." Sekal spoke from the head of the table. "The
only point germaine to the discussion at present is that the events have been concluded successfully
and those present are healthy." He looked at Weston. "I expect any and all equipment seized during the
operation to be turned over to my Chief of Security as evidence and any intelligence obtained to go to
Lieutenant Trei for a follow-up investigation. This brings up the question of the PADD and any evidence
you might have come across concerning the Altair system." His voice was matter of fact as always but
his order was clear … state what he had found.

Weston pulled out the PADD and tossed it on the table. “Some of the information I can discuss here,
some I cannot. There is a great deal of information about you Captain Sekal. Circumstantial evidence
that they have collected about you and your father. Their dislike of Vulcans appears almost
xenophobic. They’re none too fond of Betazoids either. It seems most telepathic races are in their
sights. I guess it is more accurate to say that they’re telepathaphobes. I love making up new words.”

Gregory muttered under his breath, “It's psycholegerephobia.”

Weston shrugged, he liked his own new word, and he looked up at Quinna and winked. He opened the
PADD and turned on the screen. “There is this incident with the Cardassians, but we can talk about
that later. The big ticket item is this. The PADD contains orders and comuniques throughout the fleet
to specific people, all from the same source. One Admiral Haynes. Are you familiar with the Admiral?”

"I am acquainted with the Admiral, yes." The CO noted. "He is a compatriot of my father and a long time
acquaintance. He was also the one who oversaw the tactical operation in this system and dispatched
aide in the form of two starships without whose assistance this would have been tactically impossible.
Unless there are two Admiral Haynes the source of these communications is illogical at best."

“Well he sure knows about you,” Weston said, sounding impressed. “There are also other names in
connection with the Admiral, and some are in command of Starships. One in particular is this
Commander Nesmith. There is nothing conclusive about the evidence. It is all circumstantial. But it
does not paint a pretty picture.”

“The last A ticket item,” he said, certain he was making a reference that few in the room would
understand, but gave him a smile, “was this. He tapped a button and a hologram of a planet came up.
Welcome to Altair IV. Sanchez did not know much but he did know that something big was about to
happen at Altair IV. And this communique stated that the Admiral may, or may not, be making an
appearance there, within the next ten days.”

Weston paused as he walked behind Quinna. He wanted to give her a hug or give her some kind of
assurance that she had done everything right. But this was not the time or the place. He returned to
his seat and looked around the table.

“Sanchez indicated that was his next stop. He was supposed to meet there. He gave me the
impression that he was going to meet the Admiral.” Quinna added. “It could bring an end to all this
once and for all.”

Weston shook his head, “I’m not certain of that. There are clear indications that the hierarchy of
Roanoke has infiltrated the command structure of the fleet.”

"It is possible based on their aims and goals. When first encountered they counted the newly elected
President Staive Atremi among their number, Admiral Donovan Cayne Chief in Command of StarFleet
Security and the bulk of the Admiralty with the exception of Admirals Remae, Bell and Janeway.
Roanoke's mission has been and logically to once again co-opt the mission of exploration and replace it
with the aim of conquest. As noted however based on history and present activity Admiral Haynes
would appear to be an illogical member of that group."

He stood to his feet and looked around the group. "Once this operation is concluded we will see for
ourselves if Admiral Haynes is indeed involved or if this is a conspiracy to defame his name along with
others well known to be loyal StarFleet officers. We will need to make a brief stopover at Betazed
before continuing."

He looked back firmly to the SFI operative. "Thank you Mr. Weston, you are dismissed. You may leave
the padd here. I will deliver it to Lieutenant Trei. Doctor Solice you will remain."

Michael had automatically reached out for the PADD then withdrew his hand. It didn’t really matter, he
had all of the information he needed and the next steps to regain his position in SFI. He stood up and
looked at the Captain and nodded. Then he looked at Quinna. His eyes softened and he wished he had
the words to say. Since he didn’t he simply stepped away from the table.

“By your leave Captain,” he said then exited the room.

After the operative had departed he turned his attention to Quinna. "Doctor, I now have a command
position available and you will be stepping into it. Immediately after this meeting is concluded I will
assign training which you will need to begin. Once you have completed the assignments to my
satisfaction you will be trained to oversee bridge operations. Are there any questions?" He then sat
down and awaited the inevitable emotional outcry from all assembled.

Quinn sat there with the deer in the headlights look, “I am sorry, did I hear you right, Sir?” Quinna
looked at Dieter, then Sekal, then Verin, and Back to Sekal. “3rd Officer?”

"That is correct."
“Gregory and I can help. He just finished that training and I struggled through it at times. It’s not easy,
but it is rewarding and good work. Will she keep oversight of Medical?” Sienna directed that question
to Sekal.

"Affirmative. She will also remain on Alpha shift and I will personally oversee her training." Implicit in
that was that he would also be watching her closely.

Sienna nodded to that, and took a deep breath, “Congratulations, Quinna. I am proud of you.” The
words were truthful and warm. Whatever their issues, Sienna believed that they would be worked out
quickly.

“I have no choice but to accept your offer.” Quinna was flabbergasted as she could not find the right
words to say at this time. Quinna was not sure what she did that deserved this, “Can I ask why? My
behavior over the last couple of weeks has not been explementary.” Looking around, “Or is a ‘do not
ask’ thing?”

Sienna made one of those choking coughs that humanoids did when they were trying to not laugh
hysterically at something that was said. The effort brought tears to her eyes as she tried to hold it
inside.

   Sekal steepled his fingers and leaned forward over the tabletop. "Doctor, you have made perceptible
strides over the course of this mission. While your decision to involve yourself in this matter was
illogical and dangerous you demonstrated a loyalty and responsibility to this crew, ship and StarFleet
that cannot be overlooked. You have a number of intangibles that are desirable in a command officer
and it is my decision to foster and make use of those talents. Let it be known I will expect you to apply
yourself diligently to your studies, demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of Federation policies and obey
orders. In the future there will be no more "loose cannon" activities without the full knowledge, consent
and backing of this command staff. Are we clear?"

“Yes, Sir.” Quinna replied. Quinna sat up a little taller and for a first time in a while, she let a smile
escape her face.

Gregory looked over at Solice, “I have some excellent, if unorthodox, training programs in the holodeck
that you are welcome to. More exciting than the standard Star Fleet material, but covering the same
material,” he said.

The report by the SFI operative was damning at many levels, but the proof was light as a feather. It was
easy to create fake proof and change names. While he’d never thought about the Admiralty, the name
Hayes was one synonymous with honor and integrity. Working with Occam’s razor, the most logical
explanation was it was a code name, and a low level operative like this Sanchez would not be privy to
the higher order group.

The PADD intrigued him, however. Again, why would an organization like this Roanoke leave
information on a PADD other than to implicate others. “Sir, turning back to the Roanoke conspiracy for
a moment. It seems to me that this PADD is most likely a false flag operation. Enough information to
make it seem real, but more false information to throw us off the real scent. And the all together easy
information about Altair IV. Since the Illuminar is one of the, if not the, most advanced ship in the fleet,
this smacks of a trap.”

“Perhaps it will yield nothing, but I think a deep scan of that PADD might help us learn more about the
origins of this PADD. Where did it come from, who handled it even. We’d need someone versed in the
quantum world and familiar with the work of earth scientist Hank Pym and his work on the pym particle.”

An eyebrow rose as Sekal considered the comment, a logical conclusion would be that the second
officer was 'joking. "I have no clue as to this Pym particle you are referring to Mr. Gregory however a full
investigation of the padd would be in order. As for the very real possibility of a trap." He leaned forward
on his elbows. "Our enemies have provided us with a very key piece of equipment that may very well
turn such a maneuver in our favor."

He looked about the table then back to Gregory. "You will work with Lieutenant Trei in examining the
PADD and once engineering has finished their scans and we have a chance to make any adjustments
we will install the cloaking device." His eyes sought out each in turn again. "Is there anything else?"

“No, wait. Yes, we need to find Luma a full time bondmate. You and I are not the best choices.” Sienna
spoke, still shaken from the forced bonding. “Preferably a Betazoid. I am going to miss Lt. Jordaan. For
so many reasons.” Sienna sighed, wanting to get back to T’Mur

"Apparently you missed my remark about diverting to Betazed after the mission." His tone was even
and matter of fact.

Sienna bit her tongue and behaved. “I guess I did.” She spoke evenly, meeting his eyes. “It’s been a
long few days.”

He gave a sharp nod. "It has. Is there anything else?" His eyes traveled about the table.

Quinna had one more question, “For Clarification, shall I be on the Bridge in the morning?”

The Captain shook his head. "You have a great deal of coursework to complete before pulling bridge
duty however you may come there to observe at any time you are not required elsewhere."

He waited for a heartbeat. There were no more takers. He stood to his feet. "Dismissed."

(Reply: None)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar -- Personal Quarters -- ACSO T'shalaith & SPC Luma’lenai -- 1200)


T'shalaith sat at the desk in the living room in her quarters reading the latest journal from the Vulcan
Science Academy. A discovery had been made within a certain family wherein the mind meld
technique was producing mild damage to the cerebral cortex and there was considerable concern
regarding the implications of such a development. As far as the study was able to find at publication it
was limited to a small family group in a specific geographical area. Studies were ongoing but there
were quiet murmurs of what this meant going around. T'shalaith was intrigued, but not bothered. Her
mind was focused but felt something at the far edges rustling in the background. She turned her
attention to the room.


A bouncy energy seemed to fill the room, a presence of another being that all humanoids, even the
non-psi felt when Luma turned her attention to them. The air felt slightly heavier and some said it felt
like they were being watched. A sound, like the door chime came through the speakers, then a voice
intruded without waiting to be invited. Luma was trying to understand the need for privacy but she
wasn’t very good at implementing it as of yet.


=^= This is Luma of the Lenai. Our Sekal said that Luma was to await the settling in of T’shalaith but
Luma is impatient and desired to greet the newest small one. Welcome to the Illuminar, which is the
skin of Luma’lenai. =^= The voice was rich and kind with emotion and sounded nothing like a computer
would.


T'shalaith frowned, and stood. She had read what little was available to her regarding Luma, and it had
caused her some concern. Much of the Illuminar was proving to be fascinating to her and giving her
cause for further inquiry and investigation. Luma was one of the many things needing further query.
The Vulcan had to redouble her efforts at control of her mind and body as the unique properties of
Luma threatened to overwhelm her senses. Much as she had done with centering her mind on the
ship’s background sound, she would need to align similarly with Luma’s presence.


Luma waited a moment then asked, her voice sounding naive and almost childish, =^= The T’shalaith
does not desire to be Luma’s friend? Luma is skilled at tending to her small ones. =^= Eager and naive.


She furrowed her brow further and considered her words. Luma was young, immature, and the wrong
illogical word choice could have lasting impact on her future on the Illuminar. She had considered the
creature might have more Vulcan or mechanical personality types. Clearly that had been wrong. “The
T'shalaith is a Vulcan, Luma.” A pause. “Some of our people are not...good at making friends...or do
not have such knowledge as you have in making friends.” Another pause. “I am a scientist. We learn
by testing, examining, and questioning.” She had intentionally shifted her syntax and word complexity.
“Could our...friendship be one of studying about each other to...understand each other more?”
The voice began to bounce again, =^= Luma is skilled at caring for her Vulcan small ones. Luma has
learned from the Father and the Brother in how to tend Vulcans. The T’shalaith will need a great deal of
hydration and fresh fruit and vegetables to remain healthy. As to the study, is the life not one of endless
study?=^= That did not sound particularly childish.


If T'shalaith had access to her emotions, she might have categorized her reaction to Luma’s words
within the frame of bemusement. If she had access to her emotions. She might also have taken issue
with describing her as ‘small’. Instead she gave a nod, “A supply of fresh fruit and vegetables would be
welcomed.” Her regimen was one of exercise, good nutrition, and meditation. “We shall study each
other then, if that is agreeable to you.”


That sense faded for a moment and then the site to site transporters were used and a bushell of fruit
and vegetables was plucked from the pantry and landed on the table in front of T’Shalaith. =^= Does
the T’Shalaith require more food? Luma did not wish to take everything from the pantry to be fair. =^=


A nod from T'shalaith, “It is sufficient for now. The T'shalaith will request further supplies when the
need presents itself.” Her desire to study this creature had been a passing thought. Now she was
motivated to understand and investigate further. She had never experienced such a creation before
and wasn unsure if the opportunity would present itself again. “Your efforts to keep the T'shalaith
healthy are appreciated.” She glanced around the room. Her assignment to this ship was going to be
anything but normal.


=^= Luma’s Father did well in acquiring the T’Shalaith. The T’Shalaith’s skills were required within the
last ten days and Our Sienna asked the Father to find and acquire a traditional Vulcan Healer. Our
Sekal was stabbed and he nearly died.=^= Her voice had a wail to it. =^= And then Our Sienna’s T’Mur
entered the Pon Far and needed to bond. That Quinna does not understand Vulcans very well, and
wanted to force our Sekal to stay in a healing trance.=^= Luma sounded distressed still. =^= The
T’Shalaith will assist? =^=


T'shalaith frowned. She was hearing plenty about the Chief Medical Officer. Some of it was
acceptable. Other parts of the story...were less than acceptable. She put her eyebrows back in a
neutral position, “I am well versed in Vulcan physiology and psychology. I am well suited to assist when
required. As the humans would say, you can count on me.” It felt odd saying it, but T'shalaith was
having to do plenty of things that offended her sensibilities recently. She was going to have to keep a
list to make sure these changes and compromises didn’t affect her in a negative fashion.


=^= Where is the T’Shalaith’s bond mate? =^= Luma’s next question came out of the blue, literally. =^=
What is the favorite colour? The favorite food and drink? Does.. =^= Luma’s voice grew even brighter,
happier if that was possible, =^= Does the T’Shalaith make -music - ? =^= Obviously music was very
important to Luma.


T’Shalaith raised an eyebrow. The rapid fire nature of the curiosity filled creature was not surprising to
the Vulcan. There was a deep wisdom within Luma, she concluded but also a reckless youth at play.
The dichotomy of the two’s existence within the creature begat many questions. She held them for
future inquiry. “I do not currently have a bond mate.” There were deeper reasons within and while she
had shared more than usual with the crew she had met, the lack of a bond mate was far too close to, as
the humans would say, the bone. She shifted her focus to the remaining questions. “I prefer blue.
Plomeek soup is a helpful food to center my focus. My people added spices to enhance the flavor.”
She paused and glanced at the Vulcan Lute, “The T’Shalaith makes music to help her focus her mind
and emotions.” She held up her hands, “I suspect you will ask to hear some of it and I will need to
practice the craft for some time before I am able to perform for the Luma.”


“Sienna’s T’Mur makes poetry, Our Sienna plays a flute and sings, the Bohb plays drums. Music is
wonderful and something to be celebrated. The T’Shalaith’s quarters do not possess holo-emitters, so
if the T’Shalaith wishes to meet Luma face to face, a holodeck is needed. Or one of the areas that has
holo-emitters. The Illuminar is different in many ways from other ships. The crew is young, with few over
the age of 35. The small ones are learning.=^= Luma sounded now more like a parent than a child.


T’Shalaith was making mental notes in her head as the personality of Luma was slowly revealing itself.
There was little question in her mind that this assignment would be most fascinating. “I look forward to
learning with you and them, Luma.” She glanced at the chrono on the wall. She had spent the better
part of a half hour speaking with the creature. “Luma, I must prepare for my duties at 1300 hours. I will
speak to you when time and duty permits.”


=^= That is agreeable. If the T’Shalaith has any questions or concerns, call on Luma. If the T’Shalaith
touches instrument panels then Luma can communicate telepathically. =^= The sense of the Lenai
faded and everything returned to normal. Luma was focused on something else now.
T’Shalaith let out an unusual breath that she had not realized she had been holding. Luma’s presence
exerted an unusual amount of pressure on her psyche and mind, and it would take time to ensure she
could cope and train to adjust. The Vulcan frowned. She had never experienced such a power. Much
study lay ahead. She returned her attention to the chrono and the impending mission at 1300.


(Reply None)
(posted by Mel and Aaron D.)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar -- Deck 1 -- Briefing Room-CO- Captain Sekal- 1201)

Sekal stood to his feet as the last of the officers arrived. This was the end point of the mission, the
pirate vessels had either been subdued or fled the system.
The Controller had been notified of the coming onslaught and had pledged to remain clear of hostilities.
The Hades was still in the system making ready prior to towing the Klingon vessel out of the system
and the Tolliver remained nearby monitoring all approaches for enemy activity while completing repairs.

Had it been necessary he could have called upon either ship for reinforcements. As it was the Admiral
had mobilized his forces in the event it became necessary and Sekal had been notified of this. These
ships were not the size and crew contingent of a Sovereign, Galaxy or Ambassador class. The number
of beings aboard were less than two hundred and few could be sacrificed in a battle if the ships were to
remain functioning efficiently despite the heavy automation that went into them.

Sekal had elected to build a smaller ship, an explorer that leaned heavily on the sciences and in a
perfect galaxy he would have had many more to call on. Illuminar despite its power was not a ship of
war but then again the Hades was and the crew complement there was even smaller than this ship.
StarFleet had opted to begin fleet expansion with more, smaller ships with smaller crews. Larger
vessels would be built later with the new technologies as older vessels were removed from service.

Security on his ship combined with tactical topped out at 35 persons. While they would soften up
defenses before going in he wanted the fastest, most efficient strike possible with all available
resources. His Chief of Security had been informed of this and planned accordingly.

The Captain looked toward Skashe Winters. "Mr. Winters introduce the target."

Sky nodded and stepped forward, he had a small unit in his hand which he activated and set on the
table. Above a holographic rendering of the facility sprang up and it spanned nearly the entirety of the
expensive table.

"This is the surface facility. It spans nearly 3 million square feet on the surface." The facility was split
into two parts nearly evenly with over 100 yards of clear ground between the wings. There was a large
building to one side of the clear area. "This area in the center is where the marauder ships took off from
and we believe the building to the side contains fuel and weapons. There are no other space vehicles
currently on the ground."
He pointed to the large structure on the left. "The south side appears to be living quarters and power,
the North side structure command and control. There are 15 individuals in the south structure clustered
in or around one location which is the source of their power generation and 52 around command and
control on the north side. The structure is a synthecrete composite, strong and durable but won't hold
up under bombardment and they have no active shielding that we know of."

"Thank you Mr. Winters. Mr. Lee please introduce your plan of attack."

(Reply: Keung Lee, any)

(Posted by Charles G)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar -- Deck 1 -- Briefing Room- ACSO T'shalaith - 1200)

T'shalaith walked carefully from her quarters to the briefing room, her mind quietly reflecting on an
already unusually busy first day onboard her new posting. She had met more than a handful of officers
and crew along with the ship’s creature. Now she was heading into the briefing room to take part in the
final pieces of the ongoing mission. There hadn’t been time to organize the science department or
make further inquiries. She wondered if this would be the new normal for her onboard the Illuminar.

The captain directed Mr. Sky to present the target. She examined the holographic rendering that
appeared, her mind seeking out each detail and committing it to memory. It was a massive facility and
gave the Vulcan science officer pause. Things that were built required builders. They required people,
equipment - one of those things would eventually whisper about the rather large building they had had
a part in creating. That it had remained here undetected for so long was fascinating to T'shalaith.

She listened as her recently met science officer explained further details about amounts of people they
knew about, their locations, and details on the build. The discovery that it had been built with
synthecrete composite answered her question. She suspected such material was easier to allocate or
even create than a hardier more damage-resistant material.

“...they have no active shielding that we know of." The Assistant Chief Science Officer raised an
eyebrow. She had found little reward in her tactical and security training, but her combat medic training
had given her a taste of getting into the fight. One of the first lessons her instructor had metaphorically
drilled into her day after day was, “Expect the unexpected and always be prepared for Murphy.”

She had been told to “do her research” when she had asked who ‘Murphy’ was, and soon discovered it
was another quirk in humanity’s ongoing eccentric beliefs. There was a metaphorical law, and it
involved Murphy. She had returned to class, concerned her otherwise stalwart and professional
instructor believed in such illogical thinking. The man had rolled his eyes at her upon their meeting in
his office and told her to, “Figure out how to find your inner Spock.” She didn’t meet with him again and
passed the class with mediocre marks.

"Thank you Mr. Winters. Mr. Lee please introduce your plan of attack."
T'shalaith sat forward in her chair, returning to the notes she was taking as the briefing continued.

(reply any, none)

(posted by Aaron D.)

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

(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Briefing Room - 2/O Lt. Commander Dieter Gregory - 1205)

Gregory's day off was still busy. It was time to eliminate the Pirates Base once and for all. The science
office was busy reviewing the details of the enclave. Over three million square feet of space. That was
amazing, and built without people realizing?

Since it was off the beaten path, and yet close enough to the space trade lanes, whomever was behind
this was pretty smart. And well funded too.

He knew they still had not analyzed the data captured from the Pirates yet, but Star Fleet was going to
want to know who was behind all of this. Even though they had found a way to defeat the missile
technology, once discovered, things only grew in power. The stone gave way to the arrow to the
musket to the rifle. It was the history of warfare and the next time, the next group to encounter.

Sixty seven people down there. And they knew the Illuminar was up here. He would bet they were
dumping any data they could find.

He listened to the plan that Chief of Security outlined his plan to take the facility.

(Lee)

"Sir, do we have any clue who would have pulled this off? Financed this? It seems to logical, too
organized for the Orion Syndicate. They are not scientists, rather scavengers and imitators. Not quite
as bad as the Pakleds. Someone with deep pockets and a deeper hatred of the Federation."

(Reply Sekal)

(Posted by Tim)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar -- Deck 1 -- Briefing Room-Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee- 1215)

"Thank you Mr. Winters. Mr. Lee please introduce your plan of attack."

Lee was fascinated by the holographic image of the facility and had studied the topography of the land.

“I will be deploying two strike teams and a back up team who will be remain on standby. Each team to
consist of four personnel including a sniper. We will be wearing the tactical battle suits. Basically our
task will be to get in. One team to destroy the command and control structure and the other team will
concentrate on destroying the power generator. Our aim is get in and out as quickly as possible. Our
snipers role will be there to…er..distract any individuals who get in the way. “ explained Lee who kept
his brief short. There was no point in going into logistical details at this stage. He looked at across at
Winters. “Will Winters be joining us?

(Reply: Keung Lee, any)
(Posted by John)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar -- Deck 1 -- Briefing Room- CO - Captain Sekal - 1218)

His combadge chirped during the presentation by the science officer and he had stepped aside to take
the transmission. He was back in plenty of time to get the gist of the report.

"It seems that without more support, the mission is already doomed. We
have enough scanning data to suggest multiple insertion points to
increase the chance of success." Lieutenant Commander Gregory pointed out.

“I will be deploying two strike teams and a back up team who will be remain on standby. Each team to
consist of four personnel including a sniper. We will be wearing the tactical battle suits. Basically our
task will be to get in. One team to destroy the command and control structure and the other team will
concentrate on destroying the power generator. Our aim is get in and out as quickly as possible. Our
snipers role will be there to…er..distract any individuals who get in the way. Will Winters be joining us?"
He looked over at the CO.

"Captain may I attend?" Sky asked.

Sekal nodded. "You may. I have received a transmission that the USS Tolliver has dispatched three
fighters for ground support and they will be arriving on time."

He looked around at those assembled.

"Illuminar will fire a phaser barrage to begin the engagement with stun effect, both buildings will be
targeted." His eyes picked out Gregory who had not yet been privy to that detail. "A few combatants
may not be effected but the majority will be taken down. The synthecrete structure will not be enough to
keep them completely safe. The unit dispatched to the south building will secure it and cut off the power
supply.

The fighter support will take down targets of opportunity if any and insure the airspace is clear. They
may be contacted by the unit leaders if needed. Additional personnel will enter the north building with
that security unit and the reserve force will stand ready to beam directly inside in the case heavy
resistance is met. While this ship can completely destroy the structures from space we need whatever
intelligence that may be stored in their data bank."

He looked around at those assembled. "Are there any further questions?"

(Reply: Any)
(Posted by Charles G)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar -- Deck 1 -- Briefing Room- Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee - 1219)

"Captain. The standby team callsign Echo is being co-ordinated by the Assistant Chief of Security
Carol Linnis with a larger group of Security Officers. Who will be commanding the additional personnel
from the ship’s company to take part in the attack below? Alpha and Delta teams will be going in first.
May I suggest that the additional personnel accompany Echo team. Perhaps we should give a callsign
for this group?” asked Lee

(reply)
(Posted by John)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Briefing Room - 2/O Lt Commander Dieter Gregory - 1220)

Gregory listened to Lee's plan. He shook his head, while tactical was not his forte, the plan sounded
weak.

"Chief, Mr. Winters has indicated there are 67 people in the structure. Are you confident that only 8
people can take on 67? And since most of the space appears to be underground, or at least in cover,
how will the Snipers be an asset to the operation?"

"It seems that without more support, the mission is already doomed. We have enough scanning data to
suggest multiple insertion points to increase the chance of success."

(Reply Lee, others?)

(Posted by Tim)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - Briefing Room –Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee 1225)




“I take your comments under consideration. The fact is that I don’t have enough Security Offices who
have experience in fighting on the field. We not a battleship..we’re primarily a science ship. The
people I do have a wide range of field experiences and the fact they can operate as small group..
Some of my selected Security Officers had hours of intensive training in the gym and in the holosuits
not to mention field operations. I have organised and trained selected Security officers. The result is
they have proven skills. They are highly skilled, versatile, fast officers using unconventional tactics and
techniques. We don’t need an army just a small team operation We will be wearing the Battle suits
and will be issued with heavy weapons I agree with you we don’t need snipers. However I am open to
suggestions.” Said Lee who was wondering why he had to justify himself. Somehow he recognise the
scenario from his own time. It was the old age argument of large forces v special forces.


(reply anyone)
(Posted by John)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar – Deck 15- The Armoury – Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee – 1250

Lee had called the teams that make up Alpha and Delta together. He choose Devers to lead Alpha
along with Taylor, Ksensia, and Hammons. Delta to be led to be led himself with P’Pah, Johnson and
Galk. He had briefed Assistant chief of security to organise the standby team call sign Echo team but
explained it was unlikely they will be needed. She can select the team himself.

The Armoury Officer, PO2 David Lennox had studied the most effective weapons that could be used on
the away mission and decided. What the heck!! let the team members decide. He was standing
behind an anti grav trolley stacked with the weapons and explained to his audience what was available
by pointing to each weapon.

“Obviously you will have your type II Personal Phaser. I have here the standard Phaser rifle which you
are familiar. Now this baby is the TR-116 Pulse Compression Phaser which has a specially adapted
grip and trigger system designed to work with your Battle suits. it fires titanium projectiles propelled by
expanding gases from a chemical detonation. It has a Exographic Targeting System, a separate
sighting device which communicates with your helmet hub. The magazine is contained in the forward
handgrip under the barrel, being removed by releasing a catch aft of the trigger guard and sliding it
forward.




As you seem to be covering a large area, I have here next to the table a Mark 1 Photon Mortar. This
launcher is designed to fire high powered photon grenades up to 40,000 metres. Standard Clip holds
10 grenades. I also have a Isomagnetic Disintegrator which is shoulder mounted. It is capable of
projecting a toroidal plasma charge powerful enough to destroy several cubic metres of rock instantly
so you can imagine what it will do to buildings. Then there is the large container of photon grenades
as well. So you can have a look and select a weapon that is suited to you.”

(Reply anyone)

Chief Lee held up his hand before anyone made a move to grab a weapon. “Use a bit of common
sense and chose your weapon wisely. You don’t want to be lumbered by the weight. You’re not
Rambo.” Lee referred to the classic movies of his time where Rambo seem capable of carrying a lot of
weapons. Infact, he remembered that movie was still occasionally shown.

(Reply anyone)

“I want to say something about the Battle suits that you all wearing. Remember the suits although it will
protect your against provide protection against physical attacks and it nullify most projectile weapons, It
will give some level of protection against low-level energy weapons but it is not very effective from more
powerful beam weapons. You can be stunned when a direct hit is taken to the torso or the head. The
battle suits are equipped with camouflage emitters and forcefields although you can’t use both at the
same time as it will drain the energy.”

(Reply anyone)

Lee walked over to a tactile workstation to bring up the holographic image of the surface facility. “It
spans nearly 3 million square feet on the surface. There are two buildings 100 years apart of clear
ground. This area is where the marauder ships and the building next to it contains fuel and weapons.
There is one building which is the living quarters and the power generators. There is also the
command-and-control centre. None of the buildings have active shielding”

 He glanced at the two teams. “Our mission is to hit hard and get out of there as soon as we done.
Alpha will be led by Devers with Taylor, Ksensia, Taylor and Delta to be led by myself with P’Pah,
Johnson and Galk Echo team will be on standby and Assistant chief of Security, Carol Lennis will be
co-ordinating that. She will select the team members but I don’t anticipate that Echo will be needed.”

Lee pointed to the holographic image of the complex again. “I haven’t told you that there are 67
personnel on that base. It is not my intention to eliminate them all or take prisoners. Let’s leave them
stranded there but I want those buildings out of action.” Lee looked at the time. “Quickly pick your
weapons..let move out!”

(Reply anyone)
(posted by John)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar – Deck 15- The Armoury – Security Cadet Andrew Taylor – 1253)

Taylor sat in the single most uncomfortable chair that had been invented during the pre-insertion
security briefing. As a cadet he was usually very engaged in what was being said, but his excitement in
actually participating in such mission was proving to be too much for his young brain, and he found his
mind wandering. He was looking around the room at all of the serious looking faces. We, they weren’t
all serious. Some looked just as anxious as he was feeling. He found Devers in the crowd. He looked
at though he were actually looking forward to the mission.

Lee had a way of making a short briefing extra long, as most administrators did, st eating what was
obvious. He went through the weapons compliment… blah, blah, blah. It was all pretty standard stuff.
And Lee had been tending to preface everything with, “this is for the new people” but seriously, if you
were that new should you really be going on this mission?

"As you seem to be covering a large area, I have here next to the table a Mark 1 Photon Mortar,” Lee
went on. How could he not be more excited about an implement of destruction like that more. "This
launcher is designed to fire high powered photon grenades up to 40,000 meters.” ~Are we going to be
that far away? I’d rather he just showed me the explosives so I can blow some stuff up.~

"I also have a Isomagnetic Disintegrator which is shoulder mounted. It is capable of projecting a
toroidal plasma charge powerful enough to destroy several cubic metres of rock instantly so you can
imagine what it will do to buildings.”
Taylor turned to the man beside him and whispered, “Now that’s what I’m talking about. I’ll take two of
those.”

(reply any)

Then Taylor keyed in when Lee said, “You’re not Rambo.”

Taylor looked around and said, “I know I’m not Rambo. Who is Rambo? I haven’t met any Rambo.
And why can he carry heavier its?”

(reply any)

Then Lee started to go on about the battle suits. Taylor had studied all the specs before even touching
one. Then they all had training sessions. And yet people still needed to be reminded of the basics.
After that came the important information, and Taylor sat up in his uncomfortable seat and perked his
ears. He listened to the set up of the facility they were going to, but he one statement that meant the
most was, "None of the buildings have active shielding.” That made Taylor smile, as clearly that made
them easier to blow up.

Then Lee gave them the mission parameters, “I haven’t told you that there are 67 personnel on that
base. It is not my intention to eliminate them all or take prisoners. Let’s leave them stranded there but I
want those buildings out of action.”

 That logic didn’t make any sense to Taylor. If they left them alive and uncultured what would stop them
from joining with the forces that started this whole thing. In his mind there were two options, kill or
capture. Anything else just seemed foolish. Besides, he was pretty sure that those they were about to
destroy would not just be sitting around waiting for the end. At basic he had it drilled into him, if you do
not kill your enemy they will kill you. He knew the orders, but he felt that in the end he would stay with
his training.

(reply any)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Sigma Draconis VI -- Northern Hemisphere -- Surface Facility, Control Room - Prefect Recar- 1253)

He had been fretting for over a day now and was pacing the floor. The Orion in charge of this facility
was worried. A Federation starship in orbit, another close by and a third at the edge of the system.
Calls to the Controller had gone unanswered. His facility was surrounded and cut off. The Illuminar had
been scanning them at every pass and he could only conclude that an attack was imminent. A small
group had been detailed to guard their power supply in the south building while he had kept the bulk in
the northern to guard command and control. The reasons were many but he had been second guessing
himself. So he had just ordered a group of twenty to reinforce them. If they lost power command and
control would be all but useless. The group was taking the tunnels between them rather than the
surface and would be arriving within minutes. It lessened his own protection but without power
command and control profited nothing.

"Prefect Recar the ship has changed orbit."
He stiffened, it was the beginning of the end. "What are they doing?"

"They are setting into geosynchronous orbit above us." The human at the scanners was looking at him
with alarm.

"This is it, they will begin soon. Comm the group and tell them to hurry. We don't have much time."

The main viewscreen showed the ship hanging in orbit above them. "Damn them for not installing shield
emitters over the whole facility! Raise local shields. Command and Control and power generation!"

"Raising shields."

"Prefect I'm reading three small vessels nearing the atmosphere. Some new kind of fighter I think."

"Their weapons are energizing."

~This is it. Are the reinforcements going to make cover in time?~

"They're firing."

Twin beams of brilliant blue shot down bathing both buildings. Recar hit the general comm. "Prepare for
battle. Incursion is imminent."

"Prefect it was stun effect only, a three second burst. There's been no reply from the reinforcements
sent to the south building yet."

He slammed his fist down on the panel in front of him. "Keep calling them. I want to know where they
are." Had he just made a mistake and cost himself 20 men for defense?"

"Fighters have entered the atmosphere and will be here within 2 minutes."

Recar gritted his teeth. Their time was running out.

(Reply: None)

(Posted by Charles G)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar -- No specific location -- 3XO/CMO Lt. Quinna Solice -- 1254)

Quinna had stayed for the briefing as she needed to catch up on the happenings on the ship. She also
might have been scared to leave as she was not ready to face others.

Upon the completion of the meeting, Quinna moved to the bridge. She stood there taking in the view
from the Bridge. She had only been on the bridge a handful of times. Her duty though resided in
sickbay, she needed to make allowances for her new duties.
More importantly, with away parties, she knew she needed to be in sickbay. She entered sickbay and
called out to the staff. They were on alpha shift, so she had to think about who was on duty. “Ok,
Everyone, be alert. We are sending away teams. Be prepared for anything.”

Quinna turned and looked for two of her favorite medics. “Klinger and Rizzo. You two are up as field
medics.” She nodded at them as they left sickbay. "Dismissed"

(Reply None)
(posted by Kris)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar -- Deck 1 -- Bridge- CO - Captain Sekal - 1255)

"Change orbit now Lieutenant Grey Wolf."

Sekal watched as Illuminar settled into geosynchronous orbit above the facility. He tapped the button
sending the crew into alert status then hit the com. "Security insertion teams prepare to beam down on
my mark."

(Reply: Any)

"Geonsynchronous orbit achieved Captain."

"Lieutenant T'Mur charge phasers, prepare to begin bombardment."

(Reply: T'Mur)

"Captain I'm only reading forty five life signs in the facility."

He turned in his chair. "Confirm that reading."

"Yes sir. I have confirmation. They are 20 life signs short."

He looked back at the screen. No ships had left the facility and there had been no signs of any
departing.

"Captain the fighters are approaching the planet, they are requesting instructions."

"Have them ready to enter the atmosphere immediately following the phaser bombardment."

"Captain." Science again. "They've set up localized shields around command and control and power
generation."

"The missing life signs?"
"Still no sign of them sir. They may be underground."

If so the phased energy could reach them if they were not too far below the surface.


Finding a way to take down the shields would be up to the security teams once they were on the
ground. If they couldn't he would have to order a full attack on the south structure. All inside would be
destroyed but taking down their power supply would take down the shield of the northern building.
Between the fighters and Illuminar it wouldn't take long to reduce it to rubble.

He hit the comm again. "Lieutenant Lee, the facility has local shields around their major systems. Once
on the surface it will be up to your teams to neutralize them. "

(Reply: Lee)

He switched off the comm. "Lieutenant T'Mur begin the attack. Three second burst."

(Reply: T'Mur)

(Posted by Charles G)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar – Deck 15- The Armoury – CPO 3 P’Rah – 1256)


P’Rah was getting geared up to head out.


Taylor turned to the man beside him and whispered, “Now that’s what I’m talking about. I’ll take two of
those.”


“You couldn’t handle two of those. Taylor.” P’Rah commented.


Then Taylor keyed in when Lee said, “You’re not Rambo.”


Taylor looked around and said, “I know I’m not Rambo. Who is Rambo? I haven’t met any Rambo.
And why can he carry heavier its?”


P’Rah patted Talor’s back. “Perhaps we should sneak into the records one night and find this Rambo.



Then Lee started to go on about the battle suits. Taylor had studied all the specs before even touching
one. Then they all had training sessions. And yet people still needed to be reminded of the basics.
After that came the important information, and Taylor sat up in his uncomfortable seat and perked his
ears. He listened to the setup of the facility they were going to, but the one statement that meant the
most was, "None of the buildings have active shielding.” That made Taylor smile, as clearly that made
them easier to blow up.


P’Rah was listening intently. Perhaps he misunderstood. He leaned over to Taylor, “Did I hear him
right? Did he want us to take out the building but leave the people alone?”


(Reply Taylor)


“I am sure the boss man knows what he is talking about,” P’Rah said. “Right?”


(Reply Taylor)


“Right?” P’Rah asked again


(Reply Taylor, Any)


(posted by Kris)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar -- Deck 1 -- Bridge- CTO - Lt. (jg) T'Mur – 1258)

T’Mur was already scanning the planet’s surface as the away teams prepared to beam down.

"Change orbit now Lieutenant Grey Wolf."

"Lieutenant T'Mur charge phasers, prepare to begin bombardment."

With a tap of a key the panel in front of her lit up, and she entered the settings of the first barrage of the
attack.

“Phasers charged and ready,” she announced.

"Captain I'm only reading forty five life signs in the facility."

He turned in his chair. "Confirm that reading."

"Yes sir. I have confirmation. They are 20 life signs short."

T’Mur began to look at the surface scans, also confirming the numbers. As no ship had left the planet
there were really only two plausible conclusions. The 20 missing life signs were hidden below the
surface at a depth they could not scan or they were being shielded, perhaps helped by the Controller.

"Captain the fighters are approaching the planet, they are requesting instructions."
"Have them ready to enter the atmosphere immediately following the phaser bombardment."

"Captain." Science again. "They've set up localized shields around command and control and power
generation."

"The missing life signs?"

"Still no sign of them sir. They may be underground."

T’Mur nodded in agreement. If they were to far below the surface to be detected by scans there would
be no way of knowing whether they would be affected by the bombardment. But T’Mur was not
optimistic about the likelihood that they would. Still, the other will be.

The captain had a brief conversation with Lt. Lee before he ordered the attack to begin.

"Lieutenant T'Mur begin the attack. Three second burst."

“Aye,sir,” T’Mur replied. She started the preprogrammed sequence for the phasers at a full stun setting.
It was not enough to destroy anything, but it should remove 92% of the resistance.

“Firing,” she called out every three seconds.

(Reply any)
(Posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 Bridge - 2/O Lt. Commander Dieter Gregory - 1301)

The briefing for the attack on the Pirates base broke up. It was going to be an interesting day, to say
the least. However, shutting this down and securing it for Star Fleet Intelligence remained a critical
component to their mission.

Gregory took his customary place in Operations. He started by scanning all communication
frequencies to see if the pirates were trying to call for help, or preparing some sort of counter offensive.

Checking the power distribution on the Illuminar, all was nominal. Ready for whatever the Captain had
in mind.

As the Illuminar moved into a geosynchronous orbit, all sensors were turned to the plant and the target
of Star Fleets ire. However only 45 life signs were present. What happened to the missing 20?

"Captain, they've set up localized shields around command and control and power generation," science
called out.

~Great~ he thought. These pirates are full of surprises.

Gregory started scanning the frequency spectrum, trying to see if he could find a connection to the
computers on the planet. If he could get in, he might be able to back door into the pirates control.
Heck, if he could get control of their communications and sensors, he could have lots of fun sending
them on wild goose chases, right into the hands of the security teams heading to the planet now.

Looking up the data on Orion computer systems, he refined his frequency focus.

(Reply None)
(Posted by Tim)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Sigma Draconis VI -- Northern Hemisphere -- Surface Facility - Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung
Lee-1305)

The two teams, Alpha and Delta had materialised on the surface of Sigma Draconis at least 200 yards
from the buildings. Both teams were heavily armed with their personal type II phasers, TR-116 Pulse
Compression Phasers and grenades. More weapons materialised on the ground – three Mark 1
Photon Mortars and three shoulder carried Isomagnetic Distingrators.




Lee’s scans on his hub indicated there were no pirate life signs in the immediate surroundings. ~could
they be all inside- thought Lee. He scanned the buildings. The team has to be alert. Nothing could be
taken for granted. The blinking lights from the satellites and antennas of the control building could
clearly be seen. All the buildings has metallic structure with the appearance of a menacing nature to
them with red and brown steel plating as its skin.

Lee thought about the Captain’s comment that the buildings were protected by shields. Bombardment
and fighters were infective until his teams neutralize them.

Turning to both teams “We need to find a way to neutralize the shields. I’m open to suggestions
especially those of you are tech experts. We probably need a bigger wench or sonic screwdriver!! “ He
glanced at the weapons that they had. They could be adapted. “Is there anything in the schematics
which could possibly show a weak link?”

(reply anyone)

(posted by John)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Sigma Draconis VI -- Northern Hemisphere -- Surface Facility - Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee
1310)

“While you all figure out if there is a way to disable the shields, I’m calling in an area bombardment not
just specifically the buildings. Let’s shake the environment. The shields may hold for a while but think
of what the constant bombardment will do to the morale of those who are inside…the tremors and the
noise!! Shake up the morale of those pirates. Let’s make the ground a wasteland.” Explained Lee.
“Let’s put those mortars to good use too“

Lee pressed his comm “Lee to Illuminar. Commence an sustained and prolonged area bombardment
now. Send in the fighters to concentrate on the communications array.”
(reply)

Turning to the team “Let the fireworks begin”

At that moment, streaks of phaser fed struck the buildings and the ground surrounding the buildings.
Even from where the team were standing, they could feel the vibrations and impact as the buildings
were hit…the shields flickering. Explosions ripped the surface part with debris and smoke all over the
place.

(reply anyone)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
 (USS Illuminar-- Deck 1 - Bridge -- CO - Captain Sekal - 1314)

 =^= Lee to Illuminar. Commence an sustained and prolonged area bombardment now. Send in the
fighters to concentrate on the communications array. =^=

The Vulcan switched to a direct comm line. "Acknowledged. Lieutenant T'Mur switch main phasers to
fifty percent and lock onto shielded areas. We will put a drain on their power supply."

(Reply: T'Mur)

"Lieutenant Grey Wolf give me a direct channel to the flight leader."

"Patching you through now sir."

"This is Captain Sekal of the USS Illuminar."

=^=This is Ace of Hearts. Read you loud and clear Illuminar, awaiting orders.=^=

"Concentrate your fire on the communications array on the planet's surface and disable it."

=^=Copy that Illuminar. Target is enemy communications array, taking it down. We are on it. =^=

The Vulcan switched back to the comm line with Lee. "The fighters are targeted and Illuminar has
targets locked in. Lieutenant T'Mur fire a sustained burst."

(Reply: T'Mur, Lee)

(Posted by Charles G)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Sigma Draconis VI - Northern Hemisphere - Surface Facility-SO PO 3 Hercules Devers 1315)

Devers looked around the facility. Outside of it was nothing but frozen, barren land. They were out in
the open, no real cover other than the Illuminar and the incoming fighters.
“We need to find a way to neutralize the shields. I’m open to suggestions especially those of you are
tech experts. We probably need a bigger wench or sonic screwdriver!! “ Lee said. "Is there anything in
the schematics which could possibly show a weak link?"

"Sir, those shields are projecting up, so we need to go down," he said. "Since the main power station is
separated from the command and control, there needs to be a way to get the power from A to B. Add
to that this place is damned cold, they need to have air exchanges. Finally, I'm willing to bet they have
tunnels underground. Orion's don't like the cold."

"Sir, have Delta start lobbing mortar rounds at the shields, give us some cover," he said. "Hammons,
Ksensi and Taylor, grab your tricorders and come with me," he said. "We're going to hunt bugs."

Seeing the confusion, he paused. "If there are tunnels underground, they will convey shock waves at a
different rate than he surrounding rock. We are going to move over between the C and C and Power
station and light off a few grenades. We then monitor the ground with the tricorders, looking for the
shockwaves, where we find differences should let us know where tunnels are. After that, we
concentrate fire on them, the Illuminar's Phasers would be ideal to open up a hole for us to go hunting."

(Reply any)

Devers grabbed a few grenades and started off at a trot towards a location between the two buildings.

(Reply any)
(Posted by Tim)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Sigma Draconis VI -- Northern Hemisphere -- Surface Facility -- SO CPO 3 P’Rah-- 1315)

P’Rah took a defensive stance. He pointed his ears in all directions. His keen hearing made out
footsteps. He turned as Lee ordered the bombardment. He stepped back and took defensive cover.

The smell of sulfur and smoke-filled P’Rahs nostrils. The smell of turned-up soil wafted through the
smoke.

P’Rah paid close attention to Lee. “Okay. Change of plan. We going to move towards Alpha team and
back them up as soon as Illuminar prepares an opening”

P’Rah had skills he wished Lee could take advantage of. P’Rah, above-average hearing among other
senses, could be an advantage in this situation.

(Reply Any)

(Post by Kris)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Sigma Draconis VI – Outside Surface Facility- Security Cadet Andrew Taylor – 1316)

Taylor had been watching the barrage from the Illuminar set up a spectacular light show as their
phasers hammered at the shielding of the complex, and the flybys of the fighters creating mesmerizing
explosions. It was creating an itch in his soul to get involved with the action in some manner, while
those that actually made decisions talked.

"Hammons, Ksensi and Taylor, grab your tricorders and come with me,” Devers finally said. "We're
going to hunt bugs.”

Taylor blinked. That was not the action that he been think of. He wanted to blow something up. He
may only be a cadet, but he had years of experience in EOU of his home world before deciding to join
the fleet, so it was almost second nature for him make things go boom. Still, he was a soldier and knew
that it wasn’t all about the explosions.

"If there are tunnels underground, they will convey shock waves at a different rate than he surrounding
rock. We are going to move over between the C and C and Power station and light off a few grenades.
We then monitor the ground with the tricorders, looking for the shockwaves, where we find differences
should let us know where tunnels are. After that, we concentrate fire on them, the Illuminar's Phasers
would be ideal to open up a hole for us to go hunting."

So he was wrong, it was all about the explosions. But instead of causing them they were recording
their results. It almost made it acceptable that he wasn’t creating them. He sighed heavily as he pulled
out his tricorder. He checked his belt to ensure that he still had his own explosives, just in case, and he
checked his hand weapon then followed Devers across the open ground between the buildings.

As he scanned he began adjusting his tricorder to read the vibrations in the ground. Although he
wasn’t really surprised , as it all seemed quite sensible, he was amazed at what he saw. The difference
in the vibration rates almost drew a picture of what was under ground. After a few minutes of searching
the vibrations changed dramatically. Taylor stopped, took a step back, and then stepped forward again.
It wasn’t a tunnel. It was too small. But there was something there that was not a rock, and it was only
a few centimeters under the ground. It suddenly dawned on him what it was.

“Everyone stop!” he called out through the comm channel. “We may have just walked into a mine field.”

He dropped to a knee and pulled out his long knife. Carefully, using the readings from his tricorder,
uncovered the dirt and rock that had clearly been there a while. Finally he managed to reveal the
pressure plate of the mine. He adjusted the tricorder and scanned the mechanism.

“Yeah, that’s not good,” he said more to himself. “The mines are activate by pressure, almost old
school. But their range of destruction could take out several of us if we were close enough. Sending
my readings so we can identify their location. I recommend proceeding slowly. Scan for the mines,
then scan for the vibration changes.”

(reply Devers, any)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Sigma Draconis VI – Outside Surface Facility- SO PO3 Hercules Devers – 1317)

"Who the hell puts antipersonal mines INSIDE their base?" Devers said. "That has to be a new level of
stupid. Good catch cadet."

"Let's back out of here carefully and regroup," Devers said.

Tapping his comm badge, "Delta actual, we found some antipersonal mines. Alpha team is withdrawing
to regroup."

(reply Lee)

Devers looked at the readings Taylor sent over. Moving slowly with the grace of a dancer, Devers
navigated the field. It seems the mines were scatted very haphazardly.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Sigma Draconis VI - Northern Hemisphere - Surface Facility - SO PO3 Hercules Devers - 1320)

"Now," Devers said, "I am going to lay a series of charges down, and I want you three to form a triangle
around the charges. I'll fire them off one at a time, and just have your tricorders measuring the shock
wave propagation. After we fire these three charges, we'll review the data and move on as necessary."

"Oh and before we fire them off, I'll stand in the middle, so you can all get a bearing, that way we have
a reference point."

Devers grabbed some plasma grenades and trotted off. At each point he cut out a little hole where he
placed the grenade, placing the dug out material on the grenade. He set them up in a triangle pattern
about 5 meters apart. The task completed, he moved to the center of the three grenades and phasered
an X in the ground.

Once he got the thumbs up from the team, he backed out of the way. "Fire in the hole. Fire in the hole.
Fire in the hole."

The grenades detonated with a 20 second window between each of them.

(Reply any)
(posted by Tim)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>((
Sigma Draconis VI – Outside Surface Facility- Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee 1320

The explosions, the incredible light show and the shower of debris from exploding surface wouldn’t
bring anyone out for one moment, thought Lee. As for being inside, it would probably feel like being
inside a noisy rattling tin. ~if its disorient the pirates, that would even better.~

As Lee’s team contribute to the bombardment with their own mortars, Lee could hear Devers through
his helmet comms

"Delta actual, we found some antipersonal mines. Alpha team is withdrawing to regroup."
“Copy that” replied Lee who then spoke to his team. “You heard that. Watch your step.” He watched
Alpha team navigating the mine field to regroup and he could hear Devers informing Illuminar that he
found a tunnel as a result of the grenade detonation. “Okay. Change of plan. We going to move
towards Alpha team and back them up as soon as Illuminar prepares an opening”

 Lee pressed his comms “Lee to Illuminar. As soon as you execute Dever’s plan, cease area
bombardment. The fighters to be remain in the air on combat air patrol. If the opportunity to destroy
the communication array..then they free to engage. While they at it, eliminate anyone who are not
Illuminar personnel who appears on the surface.”

(reply)

(posted by John).

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Sigma Draconis VI – Outside Surface Facility- SO PO3 Hercules Devers – 1323)

Reaching the rally point, "That was unpleasant."

Tapping his comm badge "Illuminar this is Alpha actual. Sending data to you now - it is vibration
readings of the area after grenade detonation. Please confirm what appears to be a tunnel running
east/west at grid coordinate 134 by 251."

(Reply Illuminar Science)

"Acknowledged Illuminar. Think you can make a hole for us?"

(Reply alpha team, Lee, Illuminar)
(Reply Illuminar)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar– Deck 1 - Bridge - CO- Captain Sekal – 1325)

=^= Illuminar this is Alpha actual. Sending data to you now - it is vibration readings of the area after
grenade
detonation. Please confirm what appears to be a tunnel running
east/west at grid coordinate 134 by 251.=^=

Sekal acknowledged the transmission. "Stand by."

He turned his head toward the science station. "Mr. Wesley..."

"Receiving the data now sir." The human officer watched as the upload completed then used a seismic
model subroutine to form a subsurface map. The 3D rendering built quickly on his screen.

He then tapped into the direct comm. "This is science. You are correct. Your readings are showing a
tunnel approximately eight feet in diameter at a twenty foot depth. It is also bisected by two other
crossing tunnels at twenty five yards and forty five yards from your position."
=^=Acknowledged Illuminar. Think you can make a hole for us?=^=

Sekal replied. "Lieutenant T'Mur realign ventral phasers for Dark Matter pulse and target the main
tunnel at a midpoint between the crossing tunnels."

(Reply: T'Mur)

"Fire."

(Reply: T'Mur)

(Posted by Charles G)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(USS Illuminar-- Deck 1 - Bridge -- CTO - Lt. (jg) T'Mur – 1326)

T’Mur maintained the stun barrages as a message came from the surface from Lt. Lee. “Captain, in
coming message from the surface.” See opened the link.

 =^= Lee to Illuminar. Commence a sustained and prolonged area bombardment now. Send in the
fighters to concentrate on the communications array. =^=

“Acknowledged,” Sekal replied and closed the channel. "Lieutenant T'Mur switch main phasers to fifty
percent and lock onto shielded areas. We will put a drain on their power supply."

“Adjusting now,” T’Mur replied. “Phasers to 50%, locked and ready to fire.”

She continued to fired on the targets as Sekal spoke with the fighters.

"The fighters are targeted and Illuminar has targets locked in. Lieutenant T'Mur fire a sustained burst."

“Firing,” she said, holding the key to maintain a sustained burst of phased energy.

Then the ground team asked for a hole to be cut into the planet to access a tunnel between the two
buildings.

"Lieutenant T’Mur,” Sekal called out, "realign ventral phasers for Dark Matter pulse and target the main
tunnel at a midpoint between the crossing tunnels."

She monitored the phaser fire she was already perform as the began to access the Dark Matter
phasers. Touching the panel she spoke to Luma. ::Luma, please bring the Dark Matter Phasers on
line. We need them to help put a stop to these bad one.::

(reply Luma)

“Lt.Grey Wolf, I will need you to reorient the ship to have the ventral array facing the planet.”
(reply Grey Wolf)

When the ship was aligned and the Dark Matter phasers on line T’Mur called out, “Dark Matter Phasers
are ready.”

"Fire.”

“Firing,” T’Mur repeated, and hit the fire button.

(reply Luma, Grey Wolf, planet)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 Bridge - Acting CSO T'shalaith - 1327)

T'shalaith had listened intently to the briefing and made her notes as she went. Now the meeting had
ended, and officers were moving to their stations. She had made the logical decision to stay onboard
the Illuminar. As Acting Chief Science Officer it would be against rational thought as well as rules and
regulations that she would go on the away team.

The science officer on the bridge had not been made aware of her assignment and designation as
acting chief, so she patiently waited as the officer engaged with the captain on several assignments and
reports while the insertion team was transported down and the process began. It took an illogical
amount of time before the officer realized she was standing next to the science station. It took an
additional amount of time for her to communicate her position, her acting chief status, and that her
subordinate officer could take his posting elsewhere on the ship in the midst of the operations. If she
was human, she would have plotted and planned a private discussion to give the crewman a shock and
awe moment. But she wasn’t human. She had filed away the interaction in the far reaches of her
memory and was already taking stock of the ongoing situation below. Her hands tapped carefully on
the console as she refined the sensors and tuned them to a better percentage of operational success.

She tracked tactical and weapons use of the sensors, allowing her to make further adjustments to
ensure sensors were being used to their full potential by all. Orders were flying around the bridge and
she remained peripherally aware of it all while keeping her attention to the systems that she was
ultimately responsible for and how they could be assisting others.

The Vulcan officer continued her work with an eye and ear to the bridge. The operation continued.

(reply any)
(posted by Aaron D.)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Sigma Draconis VI – Outside Surface Facility- SO PO3 Hercules Devers – 1335)
Devers listened to the replies from the Illuminar. They confirmed the data they had gathered, and were
able to make more accurate map of the waves.

Tapping his comm badge, "Illuminar please send down the abseiling packs."

Devers watched as the backpacks containing ropes and harnesses materialized near him.

Alpha team watched as dark matter phasers started drilling down through the ground leaving an
entrance for the team. "Illuminar, nice shooting. Alpha team is heading down."

Devers started pulling ropes out of the bag. He tossed two stakes and a hammer to Taylor. "Make us a
anchor point." Tossing two more stakes and hammer to Ksensia, "You too. Opposite side of Taylor."

Looking at Hammons, "You know Geveva Style abselling?" he asked as he started preparing one of the
ropes

(Reply Hammons)

As the two anchor points were completed, Devers looked up and saw that Delta team had joined them.

"Sir, we're setting two ropes to deploy. I recommend that Hammons and I will go first and secure the
tunnel. "

(reply Lee)

"There are Swiss seats in the bag if people need," he said to the gathered security team.

With the ropes secure to the anchors, Devers tossed one down the hole. Wrapping a rope around his
waist, he secured the snap link behind his back and onto the rope. Glove on his left hand, phaser in
the right. Approaching the hole, he waited till Hammons was ready before running down the wall face
first, phaser at the ready.

(Reply all security)
(Posted by Tim)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Sigma Draconis VI – Outside Surface Facility- Security Cadet Andrew Taylor – 1337)

"Let's back out of here carefully and regroup," Devers said.

Taylor nodded and and began to back up the way he came. Hopefully they had gathered enough data
for what they needed. They made it back to the rally point where Devers asked the Illuminar to dig a
hole in the ground with their phasers.

~That should be interesting to watch,~ Taylor thought. However, phasers tended to just turn everything
into dust rather than make it explode.
It was kind of cool watching the Dark Matter burn through the ground, but ultimately it was
disappointing. As he predicted the ground simply disappeared. It didn’t even turn to dust. Soon
several sets of climbing equipment appeared. Divers began to pull out ropes. When he came across
some stakes he tossed them to Taylor. He early caught them, but in the suit almost fumbled and
dropped them. Then a hammer came flying at him. This time he caught it by the handle with a little
more ease.

“Make an anchor point,” Devers ordered. Then he did the same thing for Ksensia.

The two ran over to the hole and dropped to their knees on either side of it. He struck the stakes and
drove them into the hard ground. Checking that they were solid in their hold he looked up at Ksensia.
She finished and gave him a thumbs up and they ran back to the group.

“All set,” Taylor reported.

Devers laid out his plan to repel down the hole with Hammons. He wasn’t too happy about being left
behind, but he knew better than to argue. Once inside the tunnels they will need his services. They all
moved to the hole and the two turned and began to run down the sides of the tunnel. Taylor couldn’t
help but be impressed. He watched the technique and was relatively sure he could copy it. After all,
he’d been rock climbing and reeling before. Soon the two men were out of sight, and all he could do
was wait to be called down.

(reply Devers, Ksensia, any)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Sigma Draconis VI – Underground tunnel - SO PO1 – Steven Hammons - 1338)

"Sir, we're setting two ropes to deploy. I recommend that Hammons and I
will go first and secure the tunnel. "

(reply Lee)

"There are Swiss seats in the bag if people need."

Hammons was already snapping the link on his D-ring to the rope along with Devers and rapelled into
the tunnel alongside him. While no mountain climber the security officer had trained in these sorts of
operations numerous times, one simply fed out rope as one descended and used your feet against a
wall if available. It was a simple matter of balance with the snap ring and hand utilized as a brake.

He and Dever's feet hit the ground at nearly the same time and Hammons freed himself from the rope
then gave it a quick whipping jerk which caused a ripple to run up it, this signaled the next in line it was
empty and available. Somewhere in these tunnels there might be enemy combatants and speech was
both unnecessary and could provide them with a warning this group was on its way if they weren't
already aware.

He hot-footed it behind Devers as he watched the readout on his HUD. The armored suits would
provide them with real-time intelligence. The tunnel had been cut through rock with some type of
energy drill rather than machinery and the walls and ceiling were nearly glassy smooth but the floor had
been finished and shaped into a flat surface. The light sources on the ceiling had lost the energy
needed to power them which supply had probably been cut by the dark matter phaser energy stream.

He was soon running stride for stride by the other security officer with phaser at the ready. Their current
track was south toward the building housing the reactor that fed energy to the entire base.

The crossing tunnel they came to first was well lit with light emitters spaced along the ceiling ten feet
apart. Hammons popped his head out and looked down the left hand tunnel. So far the sensors in the
suit were picking up no life signs though he was reading some residual energy.

"Devers thermal readings indicate someone else was traveling this tunnel before us which was
probably our twenty missing life signs. If they were caught down here before the force fields were
erected it stands to reason they were cut off and are somewhere ahead of us. We wait here for the rest
of the insertion team before pushing forward. Scan the crossing tunnel on your side to see if some of
them broke off the main group while I check the other side." It would be foolhardy to push forward
without verifying their flank was secure and it took only a few seconds.

"None down this side. What about yours?"

(Reply: Devers)

The next pair had caught up with them. "All right fellas let's push forward. Wespons set to stun and
forward force shields active." He tongued the comm link wide open. "Following elements secure any
prisoners, we are going to be pushing forward fast and hard."

(Reply: Any)

Hammons led the unit forward. The entire building ahead was not shielded and it was likely the enemy
had entered and spread out there. Finding them in the tunnel was unlikely. The readings showed
another twenty yards of tunnel which then began to slope upward then terminated.

They reached a closed door and he motioned to Devers to use the panel to try to open it, if he couldn't
they would blow it.

"Force shields full coverage, from its location this opens into what we think is a large storage bay."

(Reply: Devers, any)

(Posted by Charles G)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar– Deck 1 - Bridge - CO- Captain Sekal – 1342)

The Captain noted the call that the insertion team had reached the south building. "Acknowledged.
Cease fire on the south structure and change main phaser strength to three quarters then target the
command center only."
(Reply: T'Mur, any)

Peppering the structures with half strength phaser strikes had been only to keep them busy and force
them to maintain their shields. With no way to lower them they couldn't receive reinforcements. Having
been hit with multiple phaser strikes over a prolonged period it was unlikely those in the power
generation building would be willing to take a chance on lowering their shields now.

The Vulcan T'shalaith had taken over the science station. "Give me an updated reading on the south
building please, have the twenty life signs made an appearance?"

(Reply: T'shalaith)

"Have you found any weakness in their power grid we can exploit?"

(Reply: T'shalaith)

He steepled his fingers. A stun blast could take out the leading elements of their insertion team. He hit
the comm to Chief Lee. "The missing life signs are now in the south building outside of the force field.
We are withholding fire to avoid stunning your insertion teams but are continuing to weaken the shield
over the North structure slowly. It is necessary to avoid destroying any intelligence it may contain. If
your teams find a way to deactivate the shields inform the ship before shutting it down so that we can
cease fire before it happens."

(Reply: Lee)

The Captain sat back and watched his mini-screen closely. The timing would be fine and would have to
be managed closely.

(Reply: Any)

(Posted by Charles G)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Sigma Draconis VI – Surface faciltiy – Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee - 1344

 Lee heard in his comms "The missing life signs are now in the south building outside of the force field.
We are withholding fire to avoid stunning your insertion teams but are continuing to weaken the shield
over the North structure slowly. It is necessary to avoid destroying any intelligence it may contain. If
your teams find a way to deactivate the shields inform the ship before shutting it down so that we can
cease fire before it happens."

“Copy that.” Said Lee as he noticed that the bombardment had stopped. “We are going to make our
way into the complex”. He was also watching Devers own preparations for insertion into the building.

 (Reply: Any)
(posted by John)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar– Deck 1 - Bridge - Acting Chief Science Officer Ensign T'shalaith
– 1345)
"Give me an updated reading on the south building please, have the twenty life signs made an
appearance?"


T'shalaith tapped her console, furrowing her brow as she worked. The 20 missing life signs were a
mystery but a tactical threat to their efforts. If they were not located soon enough, they could derail the
plans in very violent ways. Her mind raced quickly, running through various sensor settings she could
modify for a brief moment to elucidate where the offending group had gone. She determined an
acceptable and logical power shift from several non-critical systems and temporarily boosted the
already taxed sensors with a fixed point on the south building.

A beep. A second beep. Within five seconds there were twenty life signs in the south building just
outside the influence of the force field. Whatever had prompted them to move into the unprotected
section of the building didn’t concern her.

“We have positive identification of twenty life signs that have stepped out of the force field.


"Have you found any weakness in their power grid we can exploit?"


T'shalaith unfurrowed her brows and raised one of them, “Nothing yet. I am working on a theory using
modulated phaser fire. I will have an answer within ten minutes.”


The captain spoke to the Chief of Security as she returned her attention to the power grid. Power grids
came in many forms and systems. The black market and the regular market for such equipment was
an overwhelming spectrum of possibilities. What could make the difference at this moment was
discovering what modulations were at play on the grid. She had played with modulated phaser fire at
various strengths in the academy but she had never taken beyond an untested hypothesis. She
scoured her records on her console and was rewarded with the original settings she had contemplated
using.


Power grids could be susceptible to overloads using closely modulated phaser fire that would pass for a
power surge. Some systems had surge protectors built in while others avoided the added cost and
complications such devices added. The more complex systems required more regular maintenance.
T'shalaith wondered if the men and women below were the careful kind of outlaws or the somewhat
careless kind.


She checked the sensors checking the force field. The modulation would penetrate the field, but it
would quickly correct and block it. The system would be smart enough to catch and correct the error
after the fact.
T'shalaith ran her hands across the console checking her process and settings one last time. She
glanced at the chrono. 1355. “Captain, I believe I have discovered a solution to the power grid
weakness scenario.”

(Reply Captain Sekal)

She tapped the console and put the scenario on the screen and quickly explained the theory, the idea,
and the application of it all. It would need timing and would be limited to three tries.

(reply Captain Sekal)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Sigma Draconis VI – Underground tunnel - SO PO1 – Steven Hammons - 1349)

Devers and Hammons took lead, expecting Taylor and Ksensia to follow. Moving forward, they came to
an intersection.

"Devers thermal readings indicate someone else was traveling this tunnel before us which was
probably our twenty missing life signs. If they were caught down here before the force fields were
erected it stands to reason they were cut off and are somewhere ahead of us. We wait here for the rest
of the insertion team before pushing forward. Scan the crossing tunnel on your side to see if some of
them broke off the main group while I check the other side." Hammons said.

Devers scanned the area, "There are some tracks heading down this way as well. " The two waited till
the rest of the team had arrived and split up. Alpha down the right tunnel and Delta down the left.

Reaching a closed door, Devers moved to the panel. Pulling out some tools, he quickly opened the
control panel. Connecting his tricorder to the circuits there, he ran the Houdini program. Designed to
crack codes and open locks, it was pretty good. The seconds ticked by as the program tried different
routes into the door controls.

Suddenly the door control panel went red. There was a loud 'clang' on the other side of the doorway.
There was a whining sound coming from the tricorder. Devers yanked it off the connections. "That was
unexpected," he said.

Turning around, "Taylor, you're up."

(Reply Taylor)

(Posted by Tim)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Sigma Draconis VI – Underground tunnel – Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee - 1350)

 Lee and his team abseiled into the darkened tunnels. The lights on the their helmet pierced the
darkness in thin, intense beams. As Lee led the team along the turnnel . The walls were dark grey and
smooth. Lee had stopped at a four-way junction. Looking down each of the passages revealed that one
was exactly the same as the others. Devers had taken his team along one passage and Lee decided
to walk along another passageway. To avoid distraction and the possibility of being tracked by the
pirates, Lee switched his comms to local for his group after sending a burst transmission to Devers to
do the same and remain comms silence.

 The passageway went on for twenty meters, before emerging into a high-ceilinged chamber. Their
helmet and palm lights cut a swath of ghostly beams through the darkness. Lee moved hisi head slowly,
sweeping from one end of the room to the other, and found nothing noteworthy. The walls were smooth
all the way up as far as her light would go. The chamber was empty, bereft of any equipment, cargo or
furniture which might have provided a clue as to its purpose.

There was another passage leading out of the antechamber, and they proceeded through. They
encountered two more rooms, similar in size and shape as the first one they had encountered, although
they found nothing which might have suggested what the rooms were used for. Lee guessed that these
could have been some sort of storage area. Three was no opposition around..so where were they all?
As they left into another passageway. According to his scans, not only were they moving further into the
interior , they had also been steadily moving on a gradual downward incline, Lee was not usually
claustrophobic, but it was strange how the walls and gloom seemed to press in tightly.

At that moment, a red beams for phaser fire flashed over by their heads. Lee felt the impact of a
phaser but his battle suit absorbed the energy, From pure instinct, Lee rolled over into a prone firing
position, and began firing in short, controlled bursts back in the direction of the attack, which was a
shadowy alcove at the far end of the passageway. . It was one of Lee’s basic tactical doctrines: always
shoot back, even if you had to guess and didn't know where the enemy was exactly. Shooting back,
especially when you had been ambushed, had the psychological effect of letting the enemy know you
were not a sitting target and kept their heads down, reducing their ability to continue firing.

As expected his mind had switched to the action mode His senses were sharp and his brain was
running a real-time analysis. He was trying to figure out the exact position and strength of the opposing
force. He checked his scans – fifteen life signs ahead and they were firing “Contact. Engage the
enemy”


(reply anyone to the enemy encounter)

(posted by John)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Sigma Draconis VI – Outside Surface Facility- Security Cadet Andrew Taylor – 1350)

Taylor watched as Devers and Hammons rappelled down the hole in a spectacularly dangerous
position. It mad sense that they had a free hand to fire if needed. He had rappelled many times before,
but had never used the reckless method that those two had used. He contemplated it and decided that
he did enough stupid things in his life. He wasn’t about to put gravity in control of his descent. He
attached his caribeener to the rope stepped over the edge and began release his brake hold. Jumping
away from the edge he allowed himself to drop quickly and steadily, at a rate he could still handle.

When he arrived at the bottom he snapped at the rope for the next participant in the drop. It wasn’t
long before everyone was in the tunnel and they moved along following Hammons and Devers along
the path. When they reached an intersection the stopped for readings. They talked about what to do
until the rest of the team caught up. Then they took the left fork of the intersection while Hammons and
his group took the right, stopping at a large metallic door.
Divers went over the panel, pulled out a tool and opened it. He connected his tricorder to the door’s
circuits. Apparently he was hoping to use it to open the door. However all he was met with was a loud
clang and the sound of a locking mechanism in action.

“That didn’t sound good,” Taylor said more to himself than anyone else.

“Taylor your up,” Devers said as he turned around.

“Hell yes,” Taylor smiled and pulled of his backpack. “I think I may have what the doctor ordered.”

He pulled several items out of the bag. The first was a small squeeze tube, followed by two wires and a
detonator. He moved to the door and looked at it carefully. He ran his hand up and down the seam of
the door’s seal. Reaching back into his backpack he pulled out a second tube, then returned to the
door. He opened the first tube and squeezed out a line of a thick putty like substance all the way
around the outside of the door. Then he squeezed the second down the seam. He connected the
detonator with the two wires and stepped back. Looking at the small group he made a calculation and
then half frowned.

“You may want to take a couple of steps back,” he suggested as he stepped back four paces. Then he
held up the remote to the detonator. “Ready… set…,” he paused for effect then pressed the button,
“here we go.”

The paste round the outside of the door set off a series of small explosions that started to glow red as
the metal began to melt. Then the line down the center of the door did exactly the opposite. It began to
glow, and then with thunderous boom exploded, sending shards of the door shooting down the hallway
that they had just gained access to.

Taylor looked up and smiled with satisfaction. “One open door.” He brought his rifle to his shoulder
looking for anything that decided to come out of the hole he had created.

(reply Alpha Team)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
 (USS Illuminar– Deck 1 - Bridge - CO- Captain Sekal– 1356)

“Captain, I believe I have discovered a solution to the power grid weakness scenario.”

The CO glanced toward the science station. "Continue."

The simulation came up on the viewscreen and Sekal looked over it thoroughly. The theory was sound,
to use the phasers to set up a destabilizing imbalance in the power grid that supported the shields. The
phaser modulation, duration and timing of the firing sequence would be critical.

"Send the data to tactical for a firing solution. Lieutenant T'Mur prepare a series of full power blasts for
the command facility only." To bombard the southern building risked hitting their own but if this was
successful it wouldn't matter. The destabilization if reached would feed back through the power grid and
take down all shielding.
(Reply: T'Mur, T'shalaith)

"Lieutenant Grey Wolf take us to optimal firing position."

"Aye sir. Moving into position now." The ship moved slowly into the position shown on the screen, once
there she locked the orbit in. "We are in position sir."

"Instruct the fighters to stand clear."

"Fighter wing moving out sir, they will be taking up a position 100 kilometers away."

Looking around he nodded, all was in readiness. "Lieutenant T'Mur fire when ready."

(Reply: T'Mur, any)

(Posted by Charles G)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Sigma Draconis VI – Underground tunnel – Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee - 1400)

The passageway was partly illuminated by the hub lights of the helmets and the phaser blasts made it
difficult to see anything clearly. Lee threw a stun grenade towards the body of pirates but it bounced off
a wall and into the body of the pirates. Lee saw the energy flash and the discharge but as far as he
could work out, about four of the pirates were sprawled out on the ground unconscious. The majority
of the pirates ran into the body of the team. Lee felt the impact of a space axe upon his hub, which
slightly knocked him off balance. In front of him was a heavily built pirate holding axe and was raised it
above his head to swing down up. Quickly taking advantage of the situation, Lee turned the phaser rifle
in his hand and butt the pirate into his stomach. The pirate bent double in pain as Lee used the phaser
rifle to hit him in the face. The pirate collapsed whist Lee turned his phaser rile and blasted into his
opponent’s head. The head explored in a mixture of gore and bone as blood splashed onto Lee’s hub.

Quickly wiping down his hub, Lee could see that members of his team were now engaged in a brutal
display of hand to hand fighting. Lee fell sprawled to the ground as something heavy impacted him
onto his back and he could see a pair of hands holding onto his helmet as he begin to struggle with his
opponent.

(reply anyone on your own actions)

(posted by John)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Sigma Draconis VI – Underground tunnel – SO CPO 3 P’Rah - 1405)

P’Rah had followed his CO into the tunnel. He thought that Lee should have had P’Rah take the lead
to utilize his gifts, but instead, P’Rah took the rear. As the fighting began, his ears perked in an attack
position.

The Pirates came in from behind. It almost felt like a trap. P’Rah was snatched from behind. He was
pulled into a tight area. He was able to use his tail to overcome the Pirate’s grasp. He needed to go
back and protect his team. Being able to see in the dark came with the advantage but the Pirates knew
the area. P’Rah planned to change that.

He flipped his light on high hoping to disorient the Pirates, well it was Pirate since there was just one in
P’Rah’s way. As the Pirate went for the rifle, he had no clue about the mighty tail whipping in his
direction. With the Pirate taken out, P’Rah caught up with the Delta team. “The Pirates are starting to
slither out of the cracks in the walls.” He said to no one in particular.

(Reply any)

(Posted by Kris)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar -- Corricore -- Deck 5 -- Counselor Alaya Hammons and CMO/3rd Officer Lt. Quinna
Solice -- 1405 )

Now that Quinna no longer has to live a covered life, it was time she resumed her responsibilities in
sickbay. She needed to heal relationships. On the way to sickbay, she ran into a familiar face. “Alaya,
how is it going?” Quinna asked. She thought she would start with a casual question. Even though
Alaya was not directly in the line of Quinna’s fire, she was witness to some of the events.

“Good day, Quinna. Things are going so well. Stephen came through the boarding action just fine.”
Alaya pinned her friend with the stare, one most medical and counseling professionals came up with.
“You, my dear, have a psych eval you are dodging. Should we just do it and get it over with? Set a good
example?”

“Who me? Would I do that?” Quinna was a bit coy about it. “I have been busy. But if I need one, I will
get back to you.” Quinna could not tell if she was going to get away from it again or more. No one ever
tried to evaluate her. She usually found a way to get lost in the shuffle.

“Quinna. Level with me. Seriously. You have to have the psych eval. The Captain said so, and then
when we are done, you can do mine. I shouldn’t say this but I don’t really trust Counselor Reea yet. So,
if you would rather have her do the eval, then we can go with that, but I’m going to escort you there and
make sure it happens.” She smiled, her long blue hair a mess that she tried to corral back into a
scrunchie.

“Ok, so if we are going to go do this, then can we at least get some coffee?” Quinna replied. When
doing evals, Quinna always wanted to take the casual conversational approach. “Want to go to your
office or mine?”

“Where would you feel most comfortable? And coffee is wonderful. I love a good coffee mixed with
cream and cinnamon.” She spoke with a grin, “Your choice.”
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar -- CMO Office -- Deck 5 -- Counselor Alaya Hammons and CMO/3rd Officer Lt. Quinna
Solice -- 1410 )
“Mine it is,” Quinna led the way to her office. Once they entered Quinna had the ‘Do not Disturb’
activated on the door. She pulled up the coffee order and handed one to Alaya. “We haven't talked in
a long time. How is wedded bliss going?”

“It’s going. Having him properly bonded to me is a wonderful experience. I am lucky that Dr. Mias was
able to come and perform the ceremony.” Alaya leaned back in the chair she had taken. “But this is
about you, not me. Quinna, you know the plays of this particular game - you have training in
psychology. That is why you are doing this with me.” She watched her friend. “You have had a stressful
few days.” Alaya began, choosing an easy opener.

“Right now I feel a bit empty. I spent so much time investing in this operation, now that it is over... Look,
it has been a rollercoaster ride, I have to admit.” Quinna started, “And I admit, I hurt many important
people in a big way, but I do not regret anything I did.” Quinna looked down at her fingers, “What do
you know about the last few days?”

“Not as much as I would like. But I saw that public blowout with Sienna and I know that you genuinely
hurt her. So, was it worth it? You seem to think it is.” Alaya paused for a moment, “You do not have to
face the world alone, Quinna.”

“I did not mean for her to get hurt, but I had to do what I had to do.” Quinna took a deep breath. “I
know what I said stings, but I was protecting … Well yes, in my eyes, the ends justify the means.”
Quinna struggled with the words. Quinna felt a little moist droplet form in the corner of her eyes. She
could feel it burn a bit as she tried hard to keep it from dropping.

“Quinna, you did something difficult. You are allowed to have emotions about it. You know as well as I
do that repressing those emotions means that they will come up at another time. Usually the worst time.
Allow yourself to experience them. If you feel the need to be alone, let them come out in the shower.
Ok?” Alaya touched Quinna’s hand gently.

Quinna took a deep breath to help stop herself from crying. But it was not helping, it only made her
throat hurt, “That is the way I usually handle it. A good cry in the shower, or rolled up on the floor in the
corner.” Quinna pointed to her crying spot. “Maybe I will try talking it out. I just do not know where to
begin.”

“You said you were protecting Sienna? Who else were you protecting?”

“Everyone. Our Captain. He almost died with my hands in his body. It was an assassination.” Quinna
waved her hands. “For crimes against the federation, they said.” Tears started to flow. “They were
ridiculous charges. Crimes against nothing.”

Alaya tightened her one hand in Quinna’s, providing a physical anchor to the present, and let her friend
talk.

“I am not sure if I can do this. There is so much I don’t want to remember, no...Regurgitate… No… I
don’t want to relive it. A part of my experiences, that should not be retold. A Part of me.” Quinna
started crying even harder and the tears fell. “I am now a hypocrite. I am now a murderer.”
“How are you a murderer?” Alaya’s voice was soft and concerned. “No, Quinna. You are a healer, not a
hypocrite. You are strong.” Now she understood why the Captain had wanted Quinna especially to be
evaluated.

“I killed.Twice.” Quinna said. “I needed to do it to survive,” Quinna said but did not elaborate on her
first kill.

Alaya blinked and did not touch that one.

“So the big blowout fight in the Lounge. Why did that need to happen? The repercussions of that are
still spreading through the grapevine of the ship. Why did you pick a fight with the person who is one of
your closest friends? And how are you handling the fallout of all that?” There was something here that
Alaya was not seeing and needed to.

Quinna calmed her nerves and drank her coffee, not answering the question until “It had to happen. I
had to break my strong ties. Distance myself. The Captain was staged. What scared me was that
Sienna was not.”

“So you thought throwing her fears and worries at her in public was a good way to cement your position
with these...terrorists?” Alaya was trying to understand.

“I thought about it. I think there was more truth in what I said, but I said it in a nasty ugly way, and those
qualities are really her strengths.” Quinna reflected.

Alaya took a deep breath as she listened and tried to be dispassionate. But she let Quinna talk.

“I don’t think I can fix the relationship. But as long as everyone is safe and happy, I can live with that.
And I know I am a horrible person for it.” Quinna said. “I can live being the worst person in the
Universe. I am not going anywhere.”

“Who told you that you are the worst person in the universe? I assure you, Quinna, you are not.

There are far worse people roaming the universe. If you were the worst, you would not be in Starfleet,
you would be in jail.”

“It is more of a self-imposed title,” Quinna said.

Alaya had a hunch and decided to play that card, “I think you have been too alone for far too long. I’d
like to order you to get a pet. Your choice as to what, and science can help you with that.”

“A pet? Are you serious?” Quinna said, “I can think about it but I am committing to a pet. I wanted a
puppy, but after what happened with McTaggard, I would rather not.”

“No choice on the matter, Quinna. See science within the week to start the process to acquire a pet.”

“Ok,” Quinna said but she thought about how much she was not a pet person.
“What about eating, sleep? Disturbances? Anything out of character for you?”

Quinna thought. “A few nights ago before the whole undercover thing came to a head, I did sleep over
13 hours. Aside from that, I have not really slept since Weston came onboard. Eating habits are ok. A
lot of beef broth. Still never had sex so that is still so nothing out of character.”

Alaya laughed, “You realize that most of the ship believes that you and Weston are an item?” She
teased lightly.

“Yeah. It would have been great, but no. I am sure he will be leaving soon anyway. Deep down, I
knew that he was playing me. I was just another tool. I know that, I just wish someone would explain it
to my heart. I let myself open. But even this heartbreak was worth it. For once I meant something to
someone. And I wish it was not over.” Quinna hoped he would walk through that door and make things
more real.

“So much happened in such little time. I just need to sort my thoughts. Everything is so random
floating around in my brain.” Quinna supplied.

“Now that is a normal response. Take some time, breath, let it all coalesce. Makeup with your friends.
They care for you.”

“That is an excellent idea. My friend will, I hope, be understanding.”

“Quinna, guess what? You passed.” Alaya patted her friend's hand again reassuringly.

“That is good because I just got a promotion. 3rd officer. Can you believe that after all, that happened?
I am going to need to take a couple of days to get a new routine. Then maybe we can talk about you.”
Quinna alluded.

“Deal.”

(Reply None)

(Posted by Mel

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar – Deck 1- Briefing Room – CO, Captain Sekal and SFI Michael Weston – 1900)

Michael took a deep breath as he approached the door to the briefing room. His quick departure from
the senior staff meeting reminded him that he was an interloper, at best, on this ship. He stepped up to
the door and it slid open. Stepping in he greeted the Captain who was alone.

“Captain Sekal,” he said with a nod.

Sekal waited within, Sigma Draconis VI had been the destination of the intelligence operative and
events there had been concluded. It was now time to consider going forward and make plans for the
future.
"Enter and have a seat Mister Weston."

The last time Weston was in this room there was coffee and refreshments. There were no such
accommodations this time. This was to be a “business meeting.” He was certain that the captain had
questions about how the conclusion of this mission went. He moved over to the table and took the seat
closest to Sekal.

“You asked to see me Captain,” he began, “I’m sure you have questions and I have apologies to make.”

The Vulcan eased back into the chair. "First you have my gratitude for seeing my Chief Medical Officer
through the operation unharmed." He gave the operative a long look. "We both know what caused the
cascade of events and I will not belabor it here. I told you that there would be repercussions to you for
endangering my crew but because you carried through with my intent there are none forthcoming for
this incident."

“You did indeed warn me,” Michael smiled. “And if nothing else, I am a man of my world. I would have
died to keep Quinna safe, and pretty much did. She performed well above what I expected. And the
good news was that she was able to follow one simple rule, and that was what saved her life.”

The Vulcan quirked an eyebrow. "Then she learned to follow orders at the opportune moment." He held
the man's gaze for a long moment. "What lengths did you have to go to in order to bring her out alive?"

“Lengths?” he repeated the question. “Well let’s see, I had to force Quinna to kill me… twice. But in
doing so she gained the trust of the Roanoke people. Then she wound up having to kill one of them,
one of her own. Mr. Williams. I’m pretty sure she’ll carry some mental scars for a while, but equally
certain that she will recover. She’s one tough lady.”

Sekal nodded, the information might be helpful for the future. "What are your plans now, Mister
Weston? It would appear you have come to the end of your journey without sufficient closure. Those
captured had little of value to offer and it will take time to sift through the gathered intelligence."

Weston shrugged his shoulders and shook his head, “I’m not sure. I’m pretty sure that most of the
information on that PADD is a red herring. But I need to track down the source of that information. I’ll
need to go through the computer systems on Sigma Draconis and see what I can dredge up. Then my
next call will most likely be the Altair system. You?”

Sekal folded his arms and an eyebrow quirked. "We will be going the same direction. There is someone
claiming to be Admiral Haynes expected to be in attendance whom I wish to confront. We will then see
if it is the same Admiral Haynes I am acquainted with."

“That seems a logical course of action,” Weston smiled. “Perhaps our paths will cross again there. I
think you and I will have some similar questions. Of course you might get a little closer to the Admiral
easier than I.”

"I can guarantee our paths will cross there, Mister Weston." The Vulcan quite obviously knew more than
he had just spoken.
Weston’s eyes narrowed slightly at Sekal’s statement. He seemed a great deal surer than Michael felt.
After all, Michael was not going to have the support of SFI. He was on his own, having to find his own
way, hunted by those he has betrayed and those who he has betrayed. But if he wanted to find his way
out of this mess and the only way to go is forward. Or he could just hole up somewhere until he hoped
people forgot about him. Loron had a very long memory.

“Well I do want to thank you for your hospitality,” Weston reached out a hand. “I’m not sure if saying that
I look forward to our next adventure together, however I Will appreciate seeing you and your crew
again.”

Sekal's right eyebrow lifted at the proffered hand. "Your goodbyes are far too early, Mister Weston. It
would appear you will be with us a while longer."

Weston sat back withdrawing his hand. “Our agreement was to the end of this mission. Do you have
something else in mind?”

"What I have in mind is immaterial. StarFleet Command has extended your stay." He leaned forward.
"And the Intelligence division is not involved."

“I don’t understand,” Michael hated not understanding things.

"What has happened is this. I forwarded my report directly to command. It contained everything
pertinent to your case. From our following you until the time we completed our mission and it was sent
all the way… what is the correct human term? Up the ladder. The Chief in Command of StarFleet
security has judged you to be a profitable asset in digging to the bottom of this Roanoke conspiracy. My
orders are to see that you get to the Altair system and as far as that lead takes you. The desirable end
result will be until their entire organization is exposed. Therefore you will be remaining with the ship."

Michael chuckled, “Well I’ll be a … I’ve never been called a profitable asset before. I must be coming up
in the world.” Then he paused and narrowed his eyes slightly. “Does this mean I’ll have to wear a
uniform?”
“
Sekal cocked his head slightly. "At this time as I understand it you are not entirely welcome within the
intelligence community and you are not a member of my security team. You are technically a civilian
until such time as that branch sees fit to reinstate you, therefore I have no uniform for you."

Weston sat back and sighed, “Thank God. That dreary yellow. I’d have to slit my own throat. At least
being “not entirely welcome” is something I’m familiar with. However, I am determined to clear my name
and my reputation with Command.”

He looked at Sekal who did not look quite finished. Of course he’s never seen a Vulcan look completely
finished. “Is there anything else, Captain?”

The CO sat back in the chair again and folded his arms across his chest. With the bold nose and
pointed ears the look he gave the operative might be compared to that of a hawk with a mouse in its
talons. "Affirmative. While you are on my ship you are under my orders and answerable to me. You will
not withhold information to which you become privy or you will occupy a cell in the brig rather than VIP
quarters. Additionally you will be working with Lieutenant Trei whose duties on the Illuminar dovetail in
many areas with your own. While I have no issues with the order and no emotional issues with you I will
not have you being a loose cannon on my ship. I trust I have made myself clear."

“Abundantly,” Weston replied, “abundantly. One rule captain, would that be correct? Follow your
orders, no matter what.”

Sekal nodded. "And the orders of my command team unless they run counter to mine. In the end there
is only one Captain on this ship."

“And of that, you can rest assured,” Weston assured Sekal. He stood up and looked him directly in the
eye. “No matter what. Thank you for the ride Captain. Let’s hope neither of us live to regret it.”

Sekal nodded. "The only regret I might take from this is if Roanoke is not completely dismantled and
erased from existence." His eyes took in the civilian clothing that Michael Weston wore. It branded him
a loner and apart. But while on this Vulcan's ship he was a member of his crew and he would act and
be treated that way no matter the incongruity in dress.

"That is all. You are dismissed."

“Captain Sekal, I do not say this often, but you and I have the exact same goal.”

He turned and headed to the door. He rarely, if ever, desired to wear a uniform. But at this moment it
was the closest thing to belonging to anything Michael had felt in a long time.

“Thank you sir,” and he left.

(reply none)
(posted by Al Muir and Charles G)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar -- Deck 11 - Aft Lounge -- The Crew - 2000)

Gregory walked into the aft lounge. It had been a while since he’d been in the lounge. He had sent out
invites to the crew, as a celebration would be beneficial for morale. For a quick event, Reolra Dosar
had done her usual best. With Diane gone, she had moved down from the Prancing Pony to manage
the Aft Lounge.

There was a floating punch bowl in the center of the room, based on a recipe that he had forwarded to
her. It was rum based and called ‘Nelson’s Blood’. Various small bites were around the room as well.

With a bit of hesitation, Quinna entered the lounge. She looked around, “I hear there is a wild party in
there that may be a need for medical supervision.” Quinna said as she walked up to Gregory.
“Congratulations, Sir.”

“And to you Lieutenant Solice. Come, let me get you a drink,” Gregory replied. “It is a recipe from the
Royal Navy, circa 19th century. Very good, and very strong,” he said, offering her a glass of the punch.
A large Klingon walked into the lounge and looked around. Spotting the two officers he walked over.
Galk was decked out in formal dress with a gold braided sash crossing his chest. The only part of his
dress uniform that hadn't accompanied him was his dakh'tang. He strode up to the two and rumbled,
"Congratulations and honor to you both for your promotion Lieutenant Commander,..." he nodded to
Quinna, "... and Lieutenant. I am certain you have brought glory and pride to your houses."

“Thank you Mr. Galk,” Gregory replied. “Reolra, break out the blood wine. We have a dry Klingon over
here,” Gregory called out.

Galk gave a smile that showcased his sharp teeth and an almost dreamy look came over his face.
"Bloodwine?" He turned and roared. "Bloodwine indeed, we must drink a toast to this occasion! Songs
will be sung! Victories and exploits will be told! This is the way a Klingon salutes honored warriors!"

Quinna finally drank the punch, “Mr. Galk, If you need something stronger than Bloodwine, I suggest
you drink the punch.” She felt loaded after one sip, but she had stopped drinking for a while.

Galk met the bartender half way and hefted the mug then took a big belt. He almost purred at the taste.
He was indeed thirsty.

Quinna made her way around the room with her punch in one hand and her other one raised. She
decided that music screamed for her to dance. And she led the way to the dancing area.

Bohb stepped through the door to the aft lounge. He had heard the other engineers refer to it as the
Rec Room. He had also heard that the manager of the Rec Room was no longer alive. News travelled
fast on a ship the size of the Illuminar. The room was brightly lit and quite loud.

He’d been to quite a few wet rings in his day. In fact he remembered his own when he made Lt.
Commander on the Nimitz. But Devan Sash was a bit more of a traditionalist and Bohb remembered
winding up completely soaked, floating in a holographic ocean. He had felt at the time that the sharks
were a bit much, but he did enjoy the event, even though Magillans are notoriously bad swimmers.

This one seemed more of a party, and the only thing that seemed to be getting wet were crewmen’s
throats. He found the focus of the party and headed over to him. Gregory,of course, had a small crowd
around him. At least they all still had their clothes on. But the night was still young.

Coming alongside the new second officer he brought his hand pounding on the man’s shoulder.
“Congratulations Lt. Commander.”

Gregory felt the powerful Maagillan’s hand on his shoulder. “Why thank you Mr. Bohb. I hope all is well
in Engineering?” he asked. He paused, “At some point, you’ll need to brief me on the status of your
special project.”

“Absolutely,” Bohb said. He was truly in a jocular mood. “But not tonight, my friend. Tonight is for
celebrating. And I have something special planned for later on.” He walked away, through the crowd
which parted like the Red Sea before him as he laughed.
Sienna entered with T’Mur on her arm. Sienna leaned in and kissed her bondmate in front of everyone.
“I don’t want to drink tonight.” She spoke quietly. “Plus it’s likely earth alcohol and those do not agree
with me. But I do want to dance with you. A lot.” Sy stood near her bondmate and took in the
beginnings of the party, “This is gonna be what my Dad calls a hoot’enany. That’s a Texas term for a
blowout party.”

T’Mur looked at Sienna and tried to say the word, “Hoot and any? Any what?” She too was looking
forward to dancing. She did not consider herself a great dancer, but being able to move rhythmically to
the beat of music was in her skill base. She was glad to hear that alcohol consumption was not on the
agenda for the evening.

Her eyes caught sight of Gregory and she grabbed Sienna’s hand and began pulling her through the
growing crowd towards him.

Ariel entered the lounge wearing a flowing red dress. She looked like a floating flame as she weaved
through the crowd to the bar. She heard that the punch was quite strong but she decided to have blood
wine to honor her Klingon heritage. She drank a good amount as she made her way to congratulate
Gregory on his promotion. She was glad to see Galik have such a great time. She didn't plan on
drinking too hard but knew it was bound to happen so she just let it be. She brought her mug up for a
toast.

"Congratulations LT CDR Gregory. You have earned the promotion sir. Perhaps I can show you a
good time on Betazed. qevpoblIjvaD jachjaj lutu'lu'bogh,(May your blood scream and let's party.)

“Thank you Lieutenant Trei. Please enjoy the evening,” Gregory replied, “lupDujHomwIj luteb
gharghmey. (My hovercraft is full of eels)”

She made her way to Galk to share battle stories with one of her own. She waited for his attention to
tell the tale.

A bellow rose above the music in a booming voice. "When Kahless stood before the might of the
assembled houses and overthrew them he shouted this!
noH QapmeH wo' Qaw'lu'chugh yay chavbe'lu', 'ej wo' choqmeH may' DoHlu'chugh lujbe'lu'! It means
this!
Destroying an empire to win a war is no victory, and ending a battle to save an empire is no defeat.
 In tearing down the old houses he forged an empire of blood and fire. Of glory and honor! And this day
we celebrate the ascension of those within our ranks. May they tear down empires to forge their own!"

Galk was silent for a moment as he hefted his second mug of bloodwine that was nearly empty then
roared exuberantly.

The crowd was silent at first until a loud voice from the crowd called out , “Yes!” It was, of course,
Bohb. Then the crowd broke into cheers.

Sienna and T’Mur threaded their way through the crowds to catch up with Gregory, “Congratulations Lt.
Cmdr!” Sienna leaned in to give him a quick peck on his left cheek, as much of an embrace that she
would give to a guy.
“Indeed, Lt. Commander,” T’Mur added. “A well deserved promotion.

Gregory returned the embrace. “Thank you Commander. I look forward to working closer with you in
the coming days and weeks. And you too Ms. T’Mur, learning more about tactical will be useful.”

“You are welcome to join a tactical meeting at any time,” T’Mur replied. “I still owe Mr. Falcon a dinner.”
The thought of that embarrassing moment caused her to squeeze Sienna’s hand.

Alaya Hammons chose that moment to arrive with her mate, Steven Hammons. The two were party
people and enjoyed hanging out in the lounge. The diplomatic loop counselor had settled on a light blue
that seemed to float over her legs. She glanced up at her partner in crime. “Will Boyles be joining us,
love?”

Steven Hammons turned a bright smile on his wife and chuckled. "My love, surely you jest. Would
Boyles join a party where there is booze, music, dancing and fun?" He nearly doubled over in laughter.
"He wouldn't miss such a thing unless he was toes up and 6 feet under. My bet is he will already be well
oiled when he gets here. Boyles always starts a party early " Steven snagged a glass off a tray that was
being carried by and took a taste of the punch. He gave a gasp of sheer delight. "Wow! You could set a
fire with this stuff that would burn the ship down. Husband approved!" He saw the newly minted
Lieutenant Commander wearing a bright smile and drug Alaya along with him, along the way he
snagged a glass of wine off of another passing tray and handed it to her. "Come along my love, we
must give our congratulations."

Gregory was surrounded by well wishers by this time but he bulldozed through them. At the last minute
he let go of Alaya's hand, transferred his drink over and lightly punched the man in the shoulder with his
right. "Lieutenant Commander eh? Well done sir! The best wishes of myself and the wife. By the way
you serve a damn fine punch." He gulped down half the glass, wheezed in joy then laughed. "I can't
wait to see what you'll serve at your next promotion."

“Thank you Mr. Hammons. How is married life treating you both?” he asked

The blue haired Betazoid smiled, leaning against Hammons, “Not much has changed with the marriage
from before but one might say that we are happy and pleased with how things are going.” She avoided
the punch after her husband had sampled it. She was not a hardcore drinker, preferring a light wine
and sometimes a beer or a cider.

After talking briefly with Gregory, T’Mur saw Quinna and the two women headed over, “Quinna!
Congratulations!” Sienna hugged Quinna tightly.

“Thanks. Quite the party Gregory has going.” Quinna said after she polished off her third cup of punch.
“You two look happy tonight.”

“I hope I can sing at some point.” Sienna spoke idly, “I need to schedule work with you for the morning. I
saw Counselor Reea and she wants me to have some in depth medical scans done to make sure that
everything has settled nicely. She also recommended that I see Dr. Mias. Counseling was… well there
were huge cultural differences between us.” Sienna shrugged. “But not tonight. I want to party like it’s
2199.” She giggled. “Will you dance with us tonight Quinna?”

“The dance floor is calling my name. Hope you two can keep up.” Quinna put down her punch glass
and headed back to the dance floor.

“I believe my cardiovascular stamina is up to the task of keeping up with Quinna,” T’Mur told Sienna as
they followed the doctor. “But I cannot hear anyone calling her name. Is the dance floor sentient or
telepathic?”

Sienna giggled again, “Neither. Do you think that Luma would tolerate a telepathic dance floor on her
ship?” She tugged on T’Mur’s arm, “Dance with me love. And Quinna.” Sienna’s dark eyes sparkled
with mischief as she headed to the dance floor and the thumping music.

Now it was T’Murs turned to get dragged along. As they stepped onto the dance floor she began to
sense the timing and rhythm of the music. By the time the trio had found a space she was already
moving with the beat. She wrapped her arms around her mate’s neck and began to sway with the music
while looking into Sienna’s deep, dark eyes.

Quinna moved her body in motion of the fast beat. Somehow another cup of punch found her hand.
She was determined to enjoy this moment. As she moved she bumped into Galk. It caused him to spill
some on the blood wine on the both of them.

Galk looked down at the precious liquid on the floor then into the face of the loopy doctor and he began
to roar with laughter. Normally more than a bit taciturn he was feeling good by this point. When his
laughter died he extended the large mug. "Have a taste of a warrior's drink if there's any left, Doctor
while I call for another." There was little more than a swallow left. Galk didn't care about the drink spilled
on himself at this point, in Klingon celebrations fights routinely broke out and the participants were often
covered with far worse substances. He grabbed the mug that appeared at his roar and tipped his head
back as he guzzled half of it. Trickles flowed down around his mouth on both sides but he swallowed far
more than he lost.

Seeing Quinna gasping and coughing at the taste he slapped her on the back until the fit subsided but
pulled the slaps so as not to injure her. "First taste is always the same but you grow to love it in time."
He grinned at her effort.

“Wow, I must have more.” Quinna said as she reached for one more drink. “Oh yeah.” Quinna
handed the mug back. She wondered if mixing her alcohol was a wise idea.

Gregory continued to play the host, circling the room, making sure everyone had enough to eat and
drink. More than a few glasses were raised together for the newest Lt Commander. The punch bowl
seemed endless, as the crew mingled from dance floor to stage to seats. There was a lot to celebrate,
as the afternoon's mission had put an end to the threats from Sigma Draconis VI, even if there were
more questions than answers. Ah well, that was the job of the star fleet teams coming later.

One of Gregrory’s favorite songs started playing. The story of a woman and the man she loved. Of
course, the man was a sailor, and his first love was the sea, so she waited for him to return, but knew
he would never settle down. An honest relationship at least. Putting his glass down, he headed to the
dance floor, and finding a willing partner, started dancing, twirling the woman around the dance floor as
the story played out.

Tavay had made it to the party out of curiosity, unlike her cousins, the Vulcans, she knew how to have a
good time. She was shocked when she was pulled into dancing. She liked it but she had moved in
ways she had not before. She looked down at her dancing partner. Commander Dieter seemed to be
having the time of his life.

Being fashionably late to the party was a Montero speciality. In the past, he and Bulldog would have
been first in and last out, but now, Montero avoided most of the official duties in case he lost his temper.
However, he’d finally started getting comfortable on the Illuminar, and Sheridan berated him into
coming. The two pilots entered to a wetting down in full swing. “I”ll get drinks,” Montero said, mostly as
he didn’t want a repeat of the last time he went to one of the Illuminar parties.

“Sounds good, Raid, I’m going to the dance floor, see if I can get lucky,” his co-pilot said, a teasing
smile in his eyes.

The Captain stepped into the Lounge and looked around. The place was loud and teeming with people.
At times over the music could be heard the voice of a Klingon bellowing snatches of a chant in their
guttural tongue. Galk sounded in rare form and well oiled. He wove his way through the throng, his
height helping him to see Gregory until he was near enough to speak. "Congratulations are in order
Lieutenant Commander. There is an old earth term about a party called a 'rave', is it similar?"

Gregory chuckled, “No sir. A ‘rave’ was an amateur party where kids tried to emulate the professionals.
While there may be some similarities, this is a party for professionals, Sir. Only the best and most fit
can survive a true Wetting Down.”

The Vulcan quirked an eyebrow. "I see. I believe I will see what the bartender has that might suffice for
a toast. As long as our Klingon security officer does not call a blood challenge I see no issue with the
survival of the participants though medical may be unusually busy tonight." The Captain moved off and
found a tray with Andorian ale on it. He took a glass, tried a sip then nodded his head. He had toasted
the Sharlayan Admiral with the same beverage.

Sienna snagged Quinna’s hand and pulled her into the dance, the 3 female bodies forming a gyrating
triangle of womanhood as they danced to the loud, chaotic music, surrendering themselves to the beat
and rhythm. Sienna occasionally ground herself against T’Mur but was respectful of Quinna and only
bumped her a few times. Sienna’s eyes were closed and she had given her body over to the music.
When the song changed to one she knew, her beautiful voice raised above the noise and chaos as she
sang along, still dancing. At her heart, Sienna was a rockstar.

As Sienna began to sing T’Mur could sense the music deep in their connection. Music truly was in her
soul. She stepped back and enjoyed watching her become the star that she was. In her mind Sienna
was dressed in tight leather pants and a black bustier top with metal roses down the front, with thigh
high stiletto heeled boots. It is the image of who she truly thought she should be.
The room seemed to be getting hot. Quinna needed to find her a place to sit. She found a chair close
to the viewport. She stripped her uniform down the tank. It felt good to have the cooler air on her
shoulders. She managed to find another drink and relaxed. It felt good to just let herself go wild.

By the time Michael Weston joined the Wetting the party was in full swing. He figured that he could be
in and out without too much recognition. Technically he wasn’t invited. He was not a friend of Dieter
Gregory. In fact, he was pretty sure that Gregory disliked him a little short of hate. He tended to have
that effect on people. But Michael wanted to see Quinna, and this seemed as public a place as any in
case she decided to have a third go at killing him.

The sound from the dance floor was inviting, but he noted that it was the FO that was singing, who he
was certain did hate him, and felt it best not to be in the middle of all of that. He managed to stay on
the periphery of the party until he caught sight of Quinna. She looked like… well, like she’d been
having a good time that she will be paying for later. He pondered what she’d been drinking. Still he
made his way towards her as she was now sitting at the edge of the action. Grabbing a chair he pulled
it alongside the doctor.

With a smile he said, “Hey good looking, you look like you’re looking for a good time.”

Sienna turned towards where Quinna had gone, unsurprised when T’Mur grabbed her wrist to keep her
away. There were no secrets between the two and T’Mur knew how much Sienna despised Weston and
wanted to shove him out the nearest airlock. Sy had to throttle that anger down, or Luma would take the
anger and likely start with the timeout shuttle and go from there.

Quinna turned to see Michael sitting next to him. She was determined that she was not going to let him
ruin her time at the party. “Yes. Yes, I am. You know I have not been one to join in, but I think I will
now. I don’t have to hide anymore.” Quinna downed her drink and placed the glass on the floor next to
her. “It’s it great about Gregory?”

Michael nodded, watching Quinna work hard to stay up in her seat, “Yeah, I suppose. He’s not my
biggest fan so it’s hard to be excited about it.”

“Good thing it is not about you.” Quinna said.

He looked at the rosy cheeked doctor. He’d seen a great many intoxicated women, but it was
interesting watching this one. She was so new at it. “So can a sailor buy you a cup of coffee? Or would
you rather have another … “ he grabbed a punch cup from a tray and smelled it, which made his eyes
water a little, “well, whatever this is?”

Quinna looked at Michael’s direction but not really at him. “You know I want to dance more.” Quinna
gulped down her 5th drink, “Safe travels to wherever.” Quinna then got out of her seat, gave Michael a
kiss on his cheek, and went back into the dancing crowd.

Weston followed her with his eyes, not really understanding what had just happened. He took a deep
breath and let it out slowly, shaking his head. Perhaps it was the alcohol talking, but what did that
mean? Usually people say the things they’d really like to say it are to inhibited to when they are drunk.
In his career he had burned through many friendships in the name of the job. Perhaps this was just one
more. He looked around the room realizing, not for the first time in his life, that he did not belong there.

Sienna verbally hissed out loud watching Weston with Quinna. “I will skin him alive.” She muttered out
loud. “Flay him to within an inch of his life.” Sienna needed to get her anger under control or Luma
would take action.

T’Mur touched her love’s hand and drove her mind through the anger, and finding a place of reason.

::My love, settle yourself. Quinna is a grown woman, capable of making her own choices, just as you
and I are. We must let them have the time they need. Be with me now. Besides he has left .::

With that she pulled Sienna to her and kissed her. Then they began to once again move to the music.

T'shalaith had entered the room quietly, and had found several corners of the room to slip in and out of
as the evening had started and was continuing. She did not intend to sample any of the drinks that
were arrayed around the room, and it was clear others logically should have followed her lead. She
observed the Captain sampling Andorian Ale and felt her eyes furrow. She wasn’t sure if she trusted
her commanding officer yet. He was a Vulcan. Yet she had endured her share of treatment from
Vulcans in her young thirty years alive. Her home was a small place, and the isolation was trying at
times. She had a hard shell and for the moment she intended to keep it all around her.

Sekal took another drink of the Andorian ale as he looked about. His eyes eventually settled on the
Doctor sitting off to the side as Michael Weston tried to "chat her up". He watched for a moment then
made his way over but on the outskirts of the event in case he was needed. He also noticed his first
officer casting venomous glares at the operative. If trouble was going to start at this party he judged it
would begin here. He didn't stand and stare but sipped his drink nearby, his hearing was sufficiently
keen he could make out their conversation despite the noise.

Sienna could not concentrate on her anger as T’Mur pulled her close, blocking her view of Weston. Out
of sight out of mind being the thought. As was usual when T’Mur was touching her, Sienna was
drowning in her mate. Everything was about T’Mur. It was likely the aspect of her personality that
caused her bonds not to fade properly and instead linger causing her pain. Sienna was attuned to
people, unusually so for a half Betazoid.

T’Mur could still sense other thoughts pulling at Sienna. It was something she was going to have to
work on with her. As they moved she began to wind her mind around Sienna’s surface thoughts and
send mental images of plans for later in the evening. Images that she knew would hold her mates
attention, and direct her thoughts to the moment they were in presently.

Alaya was dancing near the pair with Steven and she frowned, catching the waves of Sienna’s anger.
She grabbed her mate’s arm and dragged Steven from the dance floor. If there was going to be a brawl,
she needed to forget her rule about only wine on a work night and find herself something much harder.
She grinned up at Sam, “Something colorful Sam. Something to get the blood pumping.”

Sam had been surprised to be asked to work at the Rec Room for the event. Riolra had been very
careful to keep the two establishments separate. However, with the sudden… departure of Diane, the
Aft Lounge found itself in need of some short term help. And he was happy to celebrate Dieter
Gregory.

“I have a lovely Risan Rose`,” Sam suggested. “It is subtle, but it… packs a wallop.”

Hammons looked on with a twinkle in his eye, something was up. He had worked security too long to
be caught napping when there were obvious clues. On the surface everything looked good, people
were dancing and drinking… there was laughter…. His eye picked out a central figure, Commander
Verin, her face was stormy and she was casting dark looks toward one side of the room. His eyes
followed the looks and he noticed Doctor Solice, quite obviously drunk and on the way to getting sick
with the Intelligence operative Michael Weston nearby and he was quite interested in her. The hackles
at his neck raised. Steven didn't hate intelligence operatives but he didn't trust them either. It had come
down that the two had taken down the Roanoke ring. Operatives, in Steven's experience, were
completely self-absorbed individuals who had no interest outside of their own cozy club. What interest
could he possibly have in Quinna outside of the op? Stupid question, he was male and she was female.
But at a party with her drunk? "Bad form Weston, bad form!"

His searching eyes also noted the Captain not far from them. He was looking away and nursing a drink
but every so often as they talked he would make small movements that hinted he was listening in.
"Captain has his finger on the pulse of things."

Alaya slugged her drink and then headed back towards the group with her husband. “Sienna is not a
fighter, but I think she wants to hurt Weston badly. And that would ruin this party before it has really
gotten started.”

Galk wasn't hard to find, you just had to follow the sounds of his chanted sing-song stories of battles
fought and usually won but all of them glorious. Hammons' brain then kicked into gear through the
alcohol fog. Galk was a tool which could cut both ways, if trouble started he could easily end it but
might kill someone in the process at this stage of the game. Hammons would have to keep his eyes on
all the players and be prepared to take the Klingon down if necessary. That wasn't a chore he relished,
Galk could be like a force of nature but Hammons had worked with him on numerous occasions and
hoped he could talk him down.

Hammons nodded. "You might even say it could kill it. With Galk having this much fun you don't want to
get him wound up."

In order of importance if something started, protect the Captain, protect the Commander and protect
Quinna and if necessary protect Weston from Galk.

Quinna started walking around hoping to get lost in the crowd. She looked and could not see Michael
anywhere. She smiled as she let herself go again. It was a party. She found Gregory again and gave
him a kiss on the cheek. “Great party, but I should go. But first, I may need to kiss a Klingon before I
leave.”

“If that is an euphemism for something, I am not familiar,” Gregory replied, “However, I can pretend to
be a klingon if you need.” He winked at the doctor as he moved off into the crowd.
With Quinna having moved off, Sekal turned and walked over to Michael Weston. His glass was still
half full. "Good evening Mister Weston. How are you finding the entertainment?"

Weston looked around to see the captain with what looked like a half a glass of a light blue liquid. For
some reason he felt a desire to join him with something to make him a little more numb.

“Ah, Captain Sekal,” he said sitting a little taller in his seat, “it is quite a shindig. Mr. Gregory has
earned his adulation. And Commander Verin is quite the performer. However I feel that I may have
overstayed my welcome. I had come to check on the good doctor and ….” he sighed. “You don’t need
to hear my issues. I will lighten everyone’s mood by leaving. Enjoy the rest of your evening.”

Weston stood and turned to leave.

Sekal wasn't going to let him off that easily. "You are correct Mr. Weston, I don't need to hear them. I am
a Vulcan but not unaware. You will be with this ship for a while and have 2 choices. You can remain
aloof and apart, a target of suspicion and ire or become a member of this crew. It will not be done
quickly or easily but it can be done. So you may take the easy way and walk out or stand with this crew.
It is your choice."

Michael stopped and turned to look at Sekal. It had been a long time since he had been asked to join in
on anything. In fact it may have been third grade and he had been asked to play tag. Usually when
people asked him to join in it meant killing someone or destroying something. But this wasn’t that kind
of offer. And Michael Weston had never been one to take an easy easy out.

A smile spread across his face, “You think walking out would have been easy? Your Klingon was
probably going to challenge me to bortaS nIvqu' 'oH bortaS'e or something like that. He grabbed a cup
of the vile smelling punch and took a sip.

Grimacing, he said, “Are you sure you’re not trying to kill me too.”

The CO shook his head slightly. "Negative. There are other forms of refreshment that are more
palatable. For example the Andorian ale." He lifted the glass and took another sip.

“Wonder if I can get a lime mojito in a joint like this?” he pondered. He watched as Quinna went round
the room kissing everyone she could find. Michael shook his head and looked at Sekal. “Women, who
can figure them out?”

Sienna was dancing, the lust of her mate winding and washing through her, relaxing her anger. They
danced closer to the bar, and Sienna began to sing again as another song that she knew played.

Hammons relaxed, the pair had split up and tension was ebbing noticeably. The Captain had also
walked over and was occupying Weston's attention. "That Vulcan is a smooth operator."

Quinna walked around and found her new Klingon friend. “Mr Galk. Thank you for the Bloodwine,” she
said. She then took his face in her hand and planted a kiss on his cheek.
Galk's eyes got wide but he grinned as she pulled away and the hue of his face began to darken. "You
are welcome Doctor." He raised the mug in his hand, fourth or fifth, he had lost count though he didn't
lift it to his mouth just yet. "To your health and to your future."

T'shalaith watched and listened with categorical interest in the behaviors and words of human and alien
alike. Each interaction, each bump, each moment was recorded in her mind as she slipped from
shadow to shadow, corner to corner. She had just met this crew, and they had just met her. To engage
with them in this fashion in such a quick time was illogical. It would accomplish nothing, as most of
those gathered wouldn’t remember much of tonight, given the amount of drinks that were being
consumed. She returned to the back of the room as someone stepped up to the microphone.

As the music died down Bohb stepped up to the microphone. He did not drink much but someone had
introduced him to Saurian brandy. It took a bit to have an effect on him, but he had managed to find that
volume that had the desired effect. He tapped on the microphone.

“Okay people,” Bohb said rather loudly, “I just want to say that Dieter Gregory is one of the smartest
people and deserves what is coming to him. Now if you know your history of a Wetting then you will
know that there is more involved than just singing and drinking… which I must say Commander Verin,
you sound fantastic. But there is also a tradition.”

Bohb took another drink from his large glass of brandy then continued, “ A wetting used to require the
promoted to… well … get wet. Now in the old days they would have him walk the plank. Or they would
simply pour saltwater over him. However, the engineering team came up with something special when
we heard this event was going to be in the Rec Room. Gentlemen.”

Four engineering cadets rolled out a large cabinet covered in a tarp. They turned it around and then
moved to surround Lt. Commander Gregory. Bohb went to the cabinet and pulled off the tarp to reveal
what could only be a dunk tank, filled with water.

“We know how Mr. Gregory enjoys his games of chance. So we have devised a way that he may or
may not get wet. Lt. Commander I challenge you to sit on the platform and take your chance that
anyone in this room is still sober enough to hit this target “ he walked over to the six inch circular target,
“with these small balls.” He then revealed a bucket filled with a dozen 3 inch diameter balls.

“What say you … Lt. Commander. Care to earn that pip?”

“One must never upset the traditions of the Wetting Down, lest you tempt the wrath of the whatever
from high on top the thing, Mr. Bohb” he replied. “Heghlu'meH QaQ jajvam,” he roared as he climbed
onto the platform.

“Oh, oh, What is this?” Quinna said as she looked at the balls. “Can I try?” she said as she took a
ball. Her kinetic energy was off and the ball threw out of hands backwards. She turned to see it bean
Michael. She quickly turned, covering her mouth laughing. She then tossed the ball in her other hand.
It hit the target, but Quinna snaked her way into the crowd again. It was time for more bloodwine.

Keung Lee arrived late as he been working in his office with his Assistant Chief of Security, Carol
Lannis. Carol had a pounding headache and didn’t want it to get any worse by coming along. ~ It was
just as well, thought Lee as he took in the scene. Loud music and he could hear the shouting of Galk
over the noise. Well, Klingons really know how to enjoy themselves.~ Lee acknowledged the ‘hellos’
and ‘hiya’ as he made his way through the crowd to the food table which was always a priority
whenever there were gatherings like this. It was quite a spread of a variety of dishes from different
cultures. He ignored the punch bowl after overhearing someone it was full of rum. Lee was not really a
booze drinker.. He didn’t like the taste of alcohol even if it was artificial! Grabbing a plate, he helped
himself to chicken, ham and some salad before turning round to watch the newly promoted Lt
Commander sitting on a platform by a dunk tank. ~This was interesting~ thought Lee, as he took a bit
of chicken.

Now this was a game Hammons could appreciate! With the confrontation defused he could turn his
attention to more pleasant pursuits. Alas he had enough booze in him he doubted his muscular control
would be fine enough. As a prelude to the festivities, fun; as a game after the participants were well into
the tipple, frustrating. He caught the entrance of Jared Boyles out of the corner of his eye and motioned
him over. Boyles noticed and staggered his way.

"Do I know you or what?"

"What?" Asked his bleary eyed buddy.

"You started the celebration early and nearly missed the party. At least you got here in time for the
highlight of the evening. Say… you think you could hit the target on the dunking tank?"

Boyles followed his finger. "Which target?"

"Question answered, never mind."

Boyles snagged a drink off a passing tray then took a taste. "Whoo! I like it."

"That's what I said. I think you need to get something to eat pretty soon."

"What? I'm fine."

"Try to sell that to the medics tonight after you get sick. Don't forget that hangover on Trill."

Boyles blanched. "How could I? It's top 3 material all time if not numero uno."

Quinna was dancing to the exit when Lee entered. “I am glad you made it.” Quinna said as she gave
him a kiss on the cheek. It was at that point she decided that she needed to stay. The punch was
plentiful and the cheeks were kissable.

Quinna moved away from Lee and back into the crowd. There she bumped into Mr. Bohb. She went in
to give him a kiss on the cheek. “It is wonderful that you came for Lt. Commander Dieter’s celebration.”
Quinna turned looking for her next target.

Bohb accepted the kiss. He had learned long ago that other species, especially human, had fewer
issues with body space infractions than Magillans.
“I see that you are having a good time, my dear,” he said with a smile.

Sienna and T’Mur had stopped their dancing and were watching Bohb with the dunk tank. Sy grinned
at her mate, “I know I can’t hit a target with a ball, but if none of the drunk ones can get that ball on the
target I bet you could.” This was fun, but the thought of Weston in the dunk tank and it being a vat of
painful acid appealed to her. She banished the thought quickly before Luma could sense it.

T’Mur however did not miss the image. She came up behind Sienna and smacked her backside. ::Be
kind , love.::

Sienna jumped and turned back to her mate, ::Another please?:: She asked with a grin, ::Just because I
fantasize about hurting him doesn’t mean I would. Though I would not object to seeing his backside.::
Sy had kept an eye on Quinna. Literally Sy would let Quinna leave with anyone but Weston. ::I wonder
if we will get Quinna kisses too?:: An idle thought but her thoughts were lighter.

Lee looked at the basket of balls. He considered that the could actually hit the target

Quinna made her way back to Lee. She looked at him and gave him a second kiss on the cheek. “For
Luck” she said as she moved along.

~What is it with Quinna with these kisses~ thought Lee. Sure signs of overdoing with the rum. “Thank
you” said Lee, his mind on working out if he could hit the target with the ball. He decided to wait if
anyone else would have a go first while he worked out the maths of success.

Then Quinna saw Hammons. “No, No Kissy for you. Wifey would not like it.”

Hammons gave her a goggle eyed look then laughed as she passed by. "You don't know what you're
missing."

Hammons made his way over. "Evening Chief. You haven't missed much of the entertainment it seems
except for the First Officer melting down the SFI guy with her eye beams. Thinking of taking a shot at
dunking Dieter?"

“Evening Hammons. So where’s the wife?” asked Lee. When not on duty, the couple were often found
together as if they were joined glued to each other! “The operative word..is thinking. I want to see what
the others are like? You’ve had a shot yet?”

"Alaya is nearby, never fear." Steven grinned then shrugged. "I could probably hit it but why bother.
Lieutenant Commander Gregory is going to be dunked so many times tonight he'll probably look like a
milk soaked cookie. I prefer to spend my party time getting hammered."

Quinna then grabbed a bloodwine, and started drinking more. She found T’Mur and Sienna, “This is
such a great Party.”

The aroma of alcohol was apparent on the breath of the doctor. She had long since abandoned her
uniform jacket and the Klingon Bloodwine stained her tank top. T’Mur raised a questioning eyebrow.
“You appear to be having a very good time,” the Vulcan stated. “Have you kissed everyone yet?”

“Not yet.” Quinna then kissed T’Mur on the cheek then Sienna, “Two down more to go. I stay away
from the taken ones, and of course the Captain. It is fun kissing cheeks.” Quinna took more blood
wine in. “I am beginning to like this bloodwine.”

T’Mur was taken aback by the sudden contact, but allowed it, since it was Quinna. Perhaps a good
sign that things were on the mend with them. “As I can see,” she replied. Then she turned her mind to
Sienna. ::I wonder if she will still feel the same tomorrow morning?::

Sienna giggled as the very drunk Quinna was enjoying herself kissing everyone in sight. ::Doubtful. But
alcohol lowers inhibitions. We should make sure that she makes it back to her quarters. That is what
friends would do.:: Sienna replied, keeping one eye on Quinna and the other on her beloved mate.

Quinna moved along on her rotation to pass out her cheek kisses. She bumped into a stranger, or was
he a stranger to her. She was starting to get a bit fuzzy of who was who. “Why Hello.” Quinna said
and greeted him with the cheek kissy. “Boyles right?”

Boyles wasn't in much better shape if at all. He gulped down the last of the alcohol in his glass. "That's
me. Boyles, Jared, doctor. You look like you could use a drink… or is it something to eat? Whatever
Hammons said."

Ariel Refilled her mug of Blood wine and joined Galk in the story telling. She began telling of her battle
on the Klingon vessel. She took a large pull from the mug and noticed it went down smoother than the
first mug. She was way off of feeling impaired. She will need a few more mugs to get there.

"I materialized on the Klingon vessel bridge to find a fire fight breaking out. An Andorian, Soshi pushed
me out of the way of a direct energy weapon shot. In the process Soshi took a shot in the arm. I
braced myself against a computer console to get in a crouched position out of the line of fire. The
computer console I was looking for was a short distance away from my current position but there were
two pirates in my way. I reached behind my back for the bat'leth Seeing I would be better off going
hand to hand in a rush attack, I centered myself for the attack. The first was caught off guard and I
skewered the pirate. I then ripped his body in half like a side of beef. The second pirate proved to be
harder. I approached him while deflecting a shot from his energy weapon. I began to slice him up and
down like I was making a Charcuterie Board. The slices were still warm when I was finished with him. I
made my way to the computer console and connected the PADD to download the data. The fire fight
was still going on pretty heavily when I was done with the download. I returned to the battle using my
phaser this time. It was a most glorious fight. My father Detron Trei would be proud of the valor
shown."

She drank some more from the mug and listened to other stories with great interest.

Galk bellowed his approval and pounded Trei on the shoulder.

Quinna looked around. She wondered if she missed anyone on the kiss list. She kissed the cheek of
all the men she thought were single. She was loose, very loose at this point but oddly had some of her
wits about her. She knew it was time to go when she felt like she was still spinning around and she was
leaning up against the bulkhead. She looked down at the bloodwine in her hands. She shrugged her
shoulders and drank the rest of what was in her hand. She placed the empty mug on the table and
slipped out the door. It was time to find her quarters, if she could remember the way to go.

Lee watched her leaving staggling out. ~Maybe i have to alert my officers on duty to escort her
quarters..or the brig..if she causes any problems~ thought Lee

“We should help her.” Sienna spoke softly to T’Mur. “As friends do.” Sienna’s feelings for Quinna were
slightly ambivalent at the moment due to the need for them to resolve the chaotic mess the last week
had been on their relationship.

“I am uncertain if she would appreciate our intervention,” T’Mur replied. “If you feel it necessary.
However I believe some else has the same idea.” She pointed towards Michael Weston and Captain
Sekal.

Michael had been following Quinna’s actions and when he saw her head to the door, in her condition he
headed after her.

“Excuse me captain, I will have to pass on dunking your new second officer. I believe your doctor needs
some assistance.” He quickly moved through the room and followed Quinna out the door.

Meanwhile Bohb roared. “I remember humans being made of sturdier stuff. Let me show you how it’s
done.”

He was standing in front of the dunk tank with a ball in each hand. “Prepare for your wetting down Lt.
Commander.” He wound up and threw the ball in his left hand. There was a clank sound as the ball
bounced off the edge of the plate but not hard enough to activate the dunk mechanism.

“I have only one thing to say,” as he ignored the 2O’s taunts. “I am not left handed.”

With that he let the ball fly in his right hand. It struck dead center with a resounding CLANG. The
mechanism released sending Gregory into the water below him.

Bohb laughed hard, “Congratulations Lt. Commander.” Then he went over and pulled the man out of
the water, giving him a solid hug.

Sienna’s rage roared as she saw Weston going after Quinna. ::Over my dead body.:: She projected, not
caring who heard her.

T’Mur stopped her, ::Truly, what do you expect will happen? Do you really think that if he has any
feelings towards Quinna that he would… take advantage of Her, especially in her current condition?
And our involvement might lead to more negative feelings towards us. It is clear that he cares about
her.::
::He came here, where he isn’t welcome and she walked away from him.:: Sienna looked fiercely angry
and protective of Quinna. ::Do you think she really -wants- to be with him?:: Sy turned to face her mate,
the rage burning in her eyes.

::I am not the person to ask about human motives and emotions. To be honest it has been my
observation that humans often act the opposite way in which they actually feel. It confuses me.
However, you may not like Mr. Weston but he has never acted dishonorably towards her.::

::I still think he deserves a good punch.:: Sienna groused. ::If you think I should leave Quinna alone with
him, then I will do so.::

T’Mur was taken back to a night on Vulcan, when she had been left to wander through the city on an
errand for her parents unchaperoned. That evening did not end well for her. Quinna was in no condition
to make good choices for herself. But the inherent dangers on a starship should be less. And although
Sienna did not like Weston, T’Mur felt that the man was somewhat trustworthy. After all, he did save
Quinna’s life during their mission. Besides, if the man damaged Quinna in any way she would find him,
and nobody would ever know what happened to him. She let the last thought float through their
connection.

::Perhaps tomorrow you can punch him. Tonight, we take time for us.::

With that she kissed Sienna passionately pulling on the back of her hair to hold her in place. When she
released her there was a series of whoops and hollers. Then she grabbed Sienna by the hand and
dragged her forward almost skipping.

“Besides, I want to make Lt. Commander Gregory all wet.”

Sienna laughed and was pulled along with her mate. She laughed happily and ended the laugh with a
series of giggles, “I’d like to try too.” Putting a projectile, even a ball, into Sienna’s hands was probably
a terrible idea with her coordination issues.

Bobb certainly had good aim and a strong throw hit its mark. Trei thought with her gymnastics and
cheerleading experience, she could do better and with more flair. She approached the dunk tank and
first tried a behind the back throw which missed. She was not nearly impaired enough to do a pop up
handspring throw to hit the target so she backed up a good distance and started her run of front to back
hand springs ending at the counter to fire off a direct hit. The ball hit with a most satisfying clang. The
splash of the water as Lt. Commander Gregory hit the water. It was very exciting that she could pull off
the throw with so much skill. She looked around the room for reactions of the feat she just performed.
Pleased with herself she returned to the storytelling circle with a fresh mug of Blood wine.

Bohb had managed to drag the dripping second officer back onto the platform as the duo arrived.
T’Mur grabbed two of the small balls and put them in Sienna’s hands. “You first.”

Sienna took the ball, looked around for a moment and considered throwing a ball at Weston and
accidentally breaking his nose with it. Instead, she behaved and tossed one of the balls at the target.
She went high though and missed completely. Following up with the second she tipped the top of the
mechanism but didn’t land it. Seeing Sekal she waved, “Sekal, come over here and try this out! It’s an
Earth thing!” Sienna called out to the Captain with a laugh. “All in fun of course.”

Sekal heard his first officer and walked over. "For fun? A pleasant pastime?" He picked up a ball and
looked at it closely as he weighed it in his hand. His gaze went to the dunking booth and a soaked
Lieutenant Commander Gregory. According to what he had read this was an old Earth tradition which
had been carried over into StarFleet. While the Captain saw no logic in the exercise he had a duty to
perform. That duty was to uphold the traditions of StarFleet. This was no different than the fighter
flyover at Mars in celebration of his promotion to Captain.

He remembered Admiral Remea smiling as the flyover commenced. "I know it's not logical Captain but
you will have to forgive us our celebrations."

Sekal nodded to Sienna. "Very well."

Gregory noticed that the Captain had joined in the fun. If his getting drenched would help the ships
morale, he was all for it. “Come on Captain, let's see what ya got,” he started calling out. “Bet those
pirates have better aim than you. Just remember the point is to hit the target.”

His arm was rock steady as he found a comfortable grip on the ball in his right hand. He was aware that
a number of the crew were beginning to gather around in anticipation. They spoke in low voices as he
gathered himself for the throw.

He took a cleansing breath as he concentrated on the target then set his stance with left foot forward
and brought his arm back for the throw. His right arm snapped forward and the ball was a white blur as
it sped on its way. His aim had been for the top of the target but he hadn't used his full strength, as it
covered the distance it began to drop slightly then impacted just slightly below center. The target rang
and sprang back from the impact. Lieutenant Gregory's look seemed resigned as his seat fell out from
beneath him and he dropped into the tank.

As the seat dropped, Gregory called out “Mermaids, here I come.”

Sekal shrugged. "It would be shameful as I understand it for the Captain to miss." He handed another
ball to Sienna. "Your turn Commander."

“Wait,” T’Mur said loudly, with a sudden thought. “I propose a wager. A contest, if you will. If Sienna can
hit the target this time, then someone of our choosing will take Mr. Gregory’s place in the booth. If she
misses then I shall take his place.”

She looked at the captain very carefully, “Do we have an agreement?”

Sekal sensed a trap and a very thinly disguised one at that. "A wager Lieutenant? Why would I logically accept
such a challenge on chance? Commander Verin is well able to make such a throw."

Sienna snickered behind her hand. Others had seen her attempts to throw the ball a few times.
“Clearly you haven’t been watching Captain,” a voice called out from the crowd. It was followed by a round of
laughter.

Suddenly Bohb came out of the crowd. “The captain has too much confidence in his first officer. However I have a
counter offer for you Ms. T’Mur. You and I, one on one. The first to miss loses. If I lose, I will take the Lt.
Commander’s spot. If you lose, Commander Verin takes the wet seat.”

T’Mur paused and looked at Sienna.

Sienna shrugged, “I have faith in my mate, Ensign.” Sienna loudly declared T’Mur her mate before the entire
party. ::I really don’t want to be soaked before we get to the fun tonight.:: Double entendre there. Sienna moved
to the side to cheer T’Mur on.

T’Mur stepped over to the bucket of balls and picked two up. Bohb joined her but only picked up one.

“You have confidence in me, little girl,” Bohb said jokingly, trying to rattle his opponent.

T’Mur ignored the jibe, “Would you care to go first … old timer.”

Bohb chuckled, “Please, ladies first.”

T’Mur shrugged, checked to see if Gregory was perched on his platform, then spun and tossed the first ball. It
rang off the metal plate and Gregory plunged into the water once more.

Bohb nodded, “Nice throw. We should make it more challenging.”

As soon as the platform was reset and Gregory was seated Bohb threw his ball without taking his eyes from
T’Mur’s. He was gratified by the sound of the ball hitting the plate and of the splash as Gregory went down once
again.

“Indeed,” T’Mur said, “what do you propose?”

“Blindfolds?” Bohb suggested.

“Agreed,” T’Mur replied.

“Less talking, I’m getting dry over here,” Gregory called out. “Hey everyone, what’s got no arms, no eyes and
can’t see? I don’t know, but I bet he throws better than these two.”

Once the blindfold was on her, T’Mur reached out with her mind to ensure that she was correctly oriented. She let
sent her ball to the target once again.

“Well done,” Bohb complimented her, as his own blindfold was put on. Without hesitation he threw his ball. It also
struck true.

T’Mur raised an eyebrow, in question. Bohb nodded as her blindfold put on again. Once blindfolded T’Mur was
turned around. This time Bohb went over to Sienna. As T’Mur was preparing to throw Bohb called out. “Don’t
miss.”
T’Mur paused and recentered herself. She had been through many similar trials in her training. She prepared to
throw and Bohb leaned down to Sienna’s ear, “Your mate is quite beautiful.” He waited for the wind-up. “I wonder
how she would look soaked.”

Sienna held herself still as the Ensign was whispering in her ear. She wanted to turn around and punch the
Magellian who was standing in her space and intimidating her. She didn’t react, didn’t say anything, did not
distract her mate in any way. After the ball was thrown was another story.

When T’Mur made her stance she was facing the wrong direction. Bohb grinned. He was certain that this was
going to be it. As she began her throwing motion her body turned and the ball sped directly at the target. Clang!
Splash! Splutter.

The crowd went wild. T’Mur removed her blindfold and turned to Bohb. The big Magillan looked down at Sienna
and shrugged his shoulders. Then he threw his head back and laughed.

“I will not put myself through the embarrassment of following that up. I know when I have been beaten.”

He sank to one knee and laid his hand out, palm up. T’Mur stepped over to the Magillan and placed the back hog
her hand on his palm. “I accept your resignation.”

Bohb made his way over to the tank and pulled Gregory out of the water, placing him on the floor. “I believe that
the next round is on me Lt. Commander.”

Holding his head high he climbed onto the platform which groaned slightly as he sat on it. He looked defiantly out
into the crowd. “Who shall be the first to try their luck with me?” His eye caught the fiery look in Verin’s eyes.
“Commander, it should be you.”

“No.” Sienna turned her back on the Magellian and Sy went over to T’Mur and wrapped her body around T. ::He
scared me a little bit. When he was whispering in my ear.::

::He was trying to distract me through you. I believe they call it… gamesmanship. He actually seems quite nice.
But I did see the image he drew up from you of me being wet. Perhaps it is time for us to leave?::

::Yes, I very badly wish to leave this place and go back to our quarters and play.:: Sienna smiled up at her mate.

Gregory stepped away from the booth and took the towel that Reolra offered him, “There are some dry
clothes in the back,” she whispered in his ear, “Let me help you get changed.”

Smiling, he followed the manager into the back room of the lounge.

P’Rah entered the room. His route took him into the lounge, not to mention the noise complaints. It
seemed that the party was starting to wind down. He saw Bohb sitting in this weird contraption and
wondered what kind of torture the humans were doing. He felt a spherical object at his feet and bent
over to pick it up. It had some weight but the urge was to toss it up and down.

He walked over to Bohb and stepped up next to him. “What did you do to warrant being in here?”
P’Rah put his hand on the target not knowing what it was and set off the device causing Bohb to fall into
the water below. “Opps,” P’Rah said as he casually put the ball down and slowly backed off then
resumed his patrol.
T'shalaith pushed herself off the corner she had found and relaxed her furrowed brows. The universe,
and the aliens that inhabited it were a fascinating and illogical bunch. With that, she left the room,
contemplating that very sentence as the title for her next paper.

(Reply None)
(Posted by: Aaron, Al, Charles, John, Kris, Mel, Edward and Tim)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar -- Deck 11 - Corridor -- SFI Michael Weston & CMO Quinna Solice - 2230)

Michael exited the Aft Lounge at as close to a run as he could manage. He was greeted by the sight of
Quinna who seemed to be supporting herself on the wall of the corridor. But she was still moving
towards the turbo lift. He had to admit, he was impressed. He’d never seen her drink, and imagined
that this was a newish experience for her, and she was holding up pretty well.

Quinna closed her eyes as she waited for the turbolift to open. Last time she drank like that was
graduation from medical school. The next day she had to report to the academy. Not paying attention
to her surroundings, she entered the turbolift and called for “deck 2”. She had no clue that Michael was
following her. (she already called deck 2)

Michael jogged up behind Quinna as the turbolift doors opened, and stepped in right behind her. She
was looking a bit woozie, so he called out the destination as the door closed, “Deck 2.”

The turbolift leaped up and Michael grabbed hold of Quinna as she stumbled at the sudden movement
under her feet. “If I may be of service?”

“Thank-you, but I can manage.” Quinna stood up straight. She shrugged off Michael. She was not
sure why he was with her. Afterall the operation was over and she was no longer needed. She had hit
her earlier that she was just another asset to him. And to top it off she felt he still could not completely
trust her at all.

Michael released his grip and took a step back. He rubbed the spot on his head where she had
managed to “accicentally” hit him with one of those hard balls. It didn’t really hurt, but it did sting a little.
But he was still smiling.

“I can see that,” he said, watching the effort she was taking to stay solidly on her feet.

The door opened to Deck 2 and Quinna took all her concentration to walk out into the corridor. But was
not sure if she needed to go right, left or straight. She took a left turn. She knew eventually she would
find where she needed to be. She turned and saw Michael there. “Are you still following me?”

Michael shrugged, “Well, we are going in the same direction,” he replied nonchalantly. “And I see
you’re taking the scenic route. Do you mind the company? I could always purposely stay a few steps
behind you.”

Quinna took a deep breath, “Why? You don’t have to walk behind me.” Quinna stomach made some
obnoxious sound, “Though you may want to stand a couple of steps to the side.”
“Yeahhhh,” Michael said as he watched Quinna turn a few shades of green, “you can argue with me
later. Right now, let’s get you to your quarters.”

He gripped her arm and turned her the other direction, getting her to her quarters door a bit quicker
than he would have intended. He placed Quinna’s hand on the door panel and he ushered her inside.

Quinna broke free from Michael and made it to the bathroom where the booze started to travel back the
way it went down. She sat down on the floor as her stomach calmed a bit. “Thanks for seeing me
home.”

Michael leaned against the wall outside of the bathroom, “You’re quite welcome. Are you okay in
there?”

“I don’t know. Maybe I will just sleep here tonight.” Quinna said, making no effort to get to her feet.

Michael chuckled, “Well, if you’re tucked in for the night then I will leave you to … your solitude.”

“Can I have some milk, please?” Quinna asked sitting in her spot. Then the urge happened again and
her body rejected more alcohol.

Michael made his way to the replicator and ordered a cool glass of milk. Once it appeared he returned
and went into the bathroom. He’d seen a lot of people lose their alcohol over the years, none as
spectacularly as this. He put the glass on a counter and kneeled beside the relaxing body of Quinna,
rubbing her back, and making sure her hair was out of the soup. When she emerged from her heaving
he reached up and handed her the glass of milk. As she sat down he sat across from her, his knees
up, resting his arms across his legs, watching Quinna.

Quinna sipped the milk. She knew she needed to get her throat coated. She felt the burning from
when she drank and then tasting it again coming back up. “I am better now.” Quinna said. “Why are
you here?” She asked as she was confused that Michael was sitting there with her.

Michael looked at her as if asking if she were serious. “Because I care about you? You looked like you
could use some help, maybe make sure you got home safely.” He stayed where he was, not sure if
Quinna was going to remember this all later. “You know, my feelings for you haven’t changed just
because you hit me on the head with a ball.”

Quinna closed her eyes. The lights were starting to get to her. She had to take a beeb breath to keep
what was left of her stomach contents in her stomach. “I so deserve this.” It took her another minute to
compose her thoughts again. “Look, I guess what I am trying to ask, if I am just as asset...wait a
minute…” Quinna trailed off, “...sorry about your head.”

Michael laughed, “I’ve had worse. You’ve treated me for worse. But you were never an asset to me. If I
had told them how I felt, you’d be dead right now. They’d have killed you to get to me.”
“Funny, how it was the other way around.” Quinna moved to get up but couldn’t. She made herself still
again. “Did you find what you were looking for to help you?”

Michael got up and looked down at Quinna and offered her a hand. “Are you sure you’re ready to get
up?”

“No, but I need to.” Quinna took advantage of his help. She felt every spin as she stood. “I need to get
to my bed,” she said as she started to move. “When do you leave?” she asked as they reached the
bed.

Micheal eased her down on the bed and watched as she simply fell backwards, hands thrown to the
side.

“I did get my next lead, which, coincidentally, takes me where you’re going. Oddly enough, I’m still fired,
but I’ve been given permission to stay on the Illuminar for a while longer. You can’t get rid of me yet.”

Quinna turned to her side to open the bedside table. She wanted to get a hypospray that contained
liquid Naproxen sodium. Instead she knocked over a picture of her parents. “I never wanted to be rid
of you, but I know that you can’t stay.” She yawned.

Michael sat on the edge of the bed and put a hand on Quinna’s leg. “Know that I do not want to leave.
And that’s because of you.”

He reached over and found the hypospray she’d been looking for. He looked at the label on the ampule
attached. He smiled at the supposed anti-hangover drug. He shook his head knowing that no matter
what she took, she was going to have some residual effect from her night. He tried to hand the
hypospray to her. She tried to reach up for it but missed.

“Try the one in the middle,” he suggested.

“I am not seeing things, I am just not seeing things.” Quinna said. “I was taught that if you take
something for a headache before bed…” She paused, then popped up, “Where is my uniform?”

Michael smiled, “If I’m any judge of character Galk is probably wearing it by now.

Quinna was finally able to administer herself the medicine. “I was rude to you.” Quinna said, “I was
mad at you.” another pause, “I did what you said and I thought I killed you.”

“And you did fantastic,” Michael said. “You did everything you were supposed to. And tomorrow, when
you’re up to it, I will explain everything to you. You have every right to be mad at me. But through it all
you followed my one rule. We are still alive today because you did what you were supposed to.”

Quinna rolled over to fall asleep. She said one last thing before she was gone for the evening. “You did
not trust me.” And she was out.
Michael smiled as Quinna started to breathe heavily. The breathing of a deep sleep. He leaned over her
and placed a gentle kiss on her cheek.

“I trusted you with my life,” he said softly. Then he covered with a sheet, tucked her in. Before he left
her apartment he replicated a pitcher of water and a glass and put them on her bedside table.

As she slept, he left her apartment, saying. “Doctor Quinna Solice, super spy.”

(Reply none)
(Posted by Al Muir and Kris B.)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar -- Ship Corridor -- CPO 3 P’Rah and Ensign Tavay-- 2350)

It was the biggest part thrown on the ship. Everyone had to be there. And where was P’Rah? He was
walking the Corridors. Some of the men called in sick so they could attend the party so P’Rah was
pulling double duty.

As he was walking he noticed a Romulan Ensign. He had not met her. He approached the woman, “I
am Chief Petty P’Rah, and you are?”

The woman turned around and noticed the Caitalian, “I am Tavay. Ensign Tavay.”

“You seem lost,” P’Rah said.

“No, I needed to get out of the party. I was in an awkward situation.” Tavay shared. “Why are you not
there?” Tavay asked.

“I had to cover extra shifts,” P’Rah said. “You know you should go back and be yourself.”

“I am uncomfortable. Romulans still do not have a relationship with humans. I feel distrusted. Even
though I am in Starfleet, I feel like I do not belong” Tavay confessed.

“Don’t let them do that to you. If all else fails, Luma will accept you.” P’Rah said.

“Luma?” Tavay asked.

P’Rah was surprised when Tavay did not know Luma. “One day you shall meet. Why not go back to
the party. They may be needing you.” P’Rah tried to cheer her up.

“They will never miss me. Good evening Mr. P’Rah.” Tavay moved along.

(Played by Kris B and Kris B)
DAY 11>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 6 - Science Lab 3 - Drs Gaillus Penn and Teller and ACSO Ensign (jg) T’shalaith
- 1030)

Penn and Teller had, in the day since they arrived on the Illuminar, commandeered science lab 3 as
their own. After taking some instruments for other labs, they had quite the collection of tools necessary
to perform their various research projects into quantum physics and biology. Teller was interested in
the effects of the quantum particles on biological processes, while Penn was interested in the quantum
particles themselves and how they interacted with each other.

Scattered on benches were several different probe modules from a Class 2 probe. Teller was busy
modifying one of them for his particular needs. On the screens around the room were various
mathematical equations and diagrams.


“Neo and the white rabbit. Neo and the red pill. The Bellman landing his crew. The snark and the
boojum.” Teller said as he made some connections. Green lights came on, and the equations
changed. The Tamarian began to make some notes before connecting more sensors to the outputs on
the monitor.

Spinning his chair around to the table behind him, he examined the second box. Another detector,
although it looked nothing like a normal Star Fleet issued detector.

Penn enjoyed watching his partner get excited. Sometimes even he had trouble keeping up with the
Tamarian’s references. “The Snark on the island of the jubjub. The boojum on the liquid. Chad Rigetti
with the qubit.”

The introduction of particle physics into Teller’s equation was a stroke of genius, showing that two
moments in time can come together at a single point. Teller was well into proving that the cellular
structure of living things could survive the transition, but how might it affect other things like brain
chemistry?

“Bruce Banner in the bunker?” he asked.

Teller paused for a moment at the comment, looking at the equations on the screen. Understanding the
transition in the equation, “Sokath, his eyes uncovered,” he replied excitedly. “Holmes and the truth.”
The Tamarian clapped his colleague on the shoulder.

Taking his PADD, Teller looked at the schematic on the screen. He started pulled out two of the
isolinear chips from the scanner module and plugged them into the control on the table. A few
commands on the PADD and the chips started to flash different colors.
Then they would have to produce a device that could create such a phenomena that did not use the
energy of an entire star or stars. “Dr. Brown with the flux capacitor.”

T'shalaith stood outside Science Lab 3, her mind working through the roster of the science department
that she had now had interim authority over. She had made numerous notes on the list of officers,
crew, and others that littered the department. Two of the fascinating elements in the science
department were the two named Penn and Teller. Reading through their history, she was intrigued at
their methodology, and fascinated at their use of references in communication with each other. Some
of it was arcane, others were connected to media from days long gone.

Her fascination with Earth history was a possibility in helping her understand the references. She
suspected she would lean heavily on the ‘humans are an eccentric bunch’ Vulcan stance that generally
served her well. T'shalaith closed her eyes to center her mind. Two minutes later, she stepped through
the door and into the laboratory.

Penn looked up when the door opened and he noticed a tall Vulcan female walk through the door. The
Benzite blinked and elbowed his partner.

“Kojak with a warrant,” he whispered.

Teller stopped what he was doing, putting the tools down. “McGarrett to Danno?” he asked in a
concerned tone.

T'shalaith raised an eyebrow. Her Earth history studies were ongoing, but she understood the
reference. If she had been human, she might have laughed out loud with hearty amusement and rolled
her eyes at their rush to judgement on her character and personality. If she had been human. Instead
she kept her eyebrow raised, “I am neither bald nor male”, she said. A pause. “I also do not have the
authority to write a warrant, arrest, or otherwise operate as a detective.”

Penn nodded and stepped forward, “Ah yes, sometimes you have to forgive the references. Dr. Teller’s
and I’s mutual experiences are a bit limited. The actual noting of an uninvited guest is a lot less…
pleasant. I am Dr. Gaillus Penn, and this is my esteemed colleague Dr. Teller. And who are you?”

The Vulcan gave them a collective nod, “It is agreeable to meet you. I am Ensign Junior Grade
T'shalaith, your Assistant Chief Science Officer. I am interim in charge of the Science department until
the CSO’s recovery is complete.” She glanced around the room, taking in the flickering displays and
ongoing experimental work, “Your civilian status within our research section is interesting to me. I
gather from your ongoing work you wish to continue operating in this fashion?”

Penn turned to the Teller and said, “Albert Einstein with the Manhattan Project.”
Teller nodded, “Groves at Los Alamos?”

Turning to the Vulcan, "Rai and Jiri at Lungha. Rai of Lowani. Lowani under two moons. Jiri of Ubaya.
Ubaya of crossroads, at Lungha. Lungha, her sky gray,” Teller said formally.

T'shalaith carefully made note of the latter references to further research. She was able to understand
the first two that Penn and Teller had shared. Einstein had not been a government officer, and Groves
had been the individual armed forces officer in charge of said project in the latter half of Earth’s history..
The suggestion at play was that she was the Groves to their Einstein. If she had been human she
might have chuckled at the comparison, but it was a good thing she wasn’t human. A human mind
might have primed their focus on the bordering on maniacial social awkwardness of the two and
neglected to contemplate the minds within the two civilian scientists. It was logical to conclude that
between Penn and Teller they might drive a human to, as said species would say, to drink or worse.

“The role as both of you have described is one of an administrator and manager, and less of a ranked
officer in an operational military setting.”

Penn smiled and turned to Teller, who was looking perplexed.

“Sokath, his eyes uncovered,” he said, then laughed.

T'shalaith contemplated for a moment. It was a workable system, and one that existed across Starfleet.
You didn’t get the brightest minds by negotiating with rank pips. The two hailed from different species,
and that added to the logical benefit of her assignment on the Illuminar. Her study of alien species
could continue in an informal and formal sense. ‘I believe we have a tentative agreement on
operational conditions.” She gestured to the gathered equipment, research, and PADDs, “I would like a
brief overview of your current work. I will make sure to engage your reports, journal entries, and further
notations at a later time for a deeper understanding of your projects..”

Penn shrugged his shoulders, “I didn’t realize we needed an agreement. Captain was pretty clear. We
do our work, and try not to blow the ship up in the process, and in return we follow the rules and
protocols of the ship.

Then he frowned, “You want an overview of all of our work? How brief would you like. But I will say
that most of our work is … well… in a constant state of flux. We find it easiest if we do short bursts on
multiple projects to keep our perspective fresh. It might be easier for us to give you a short list of the
important projects and the status of those we are close to finishing, if that is acceptable. Once a project
is complete we will gladly turn over our notes and journals, but not until the project is complete. Can
you agree to that?”
T'shalaith gave a mild nod, “That would be agreeable. As for the agreement with the Captain, I believe
it would still stand in collaboration with the suggested working relationship we would enter into,” she
contemplated her word choices before speaking, “When the Chief Science Officer returns to duty, I
would expect any department actions taken by myself would come under review and discussion.” She
clasped her hands behind her back gently, “Your suggestion on pursuing the list option with status
addendum works within the structure I had intended. I believe we have a tentative agreement.”

This was a completely different kind of conversation. Penn felt that he was negotiating some kind of
trade agreement rather than coming to a scientific conversation. Language was language and he made
his way through the conversation. Making agreements with Vulcans appeared to be as calculating as
interdimensional quantum physics.

Teller listened to the Vulcan and turned to Penn, “Dick Grayson at Wayne Mannor?”

Penn shrugged his shoulders, “Aquagirl in the ocean. The Professor to Mary Ann.”

Turning back to T’shalanith, he pointed to the screens filled with equations, “The beast at Tanagra. Neo
and the Red Pill. The Bellman landing his crew. Slithy toves in the wabe. Alice and the Cheshire cat”
he concluded with intensity in his voice.

The Vulcan recognized half of those references, but was satisfied enough with the two civilians to file
the remaining ones away for later research. She searched the screens for relevant information to add
to her significant file in the back of her mind. “That is a satisfactory introduction. I am looking forward
to further understanding your work.” She looked at them both, “Do you have any questions for me?”

Penn was not completely certain that the Vulcan knew what they were talking about, but seemed
satisfied with Teller's explanation of their current project. He had hoped she’d have a couple of
questions. He turned back to Teller.

“Tennessee Tuxedo to Phineas Whooppie?” he asked.

“Yogi Bear and Boo-boo at Jellystone. The Ranger, Smith and the pic-a-nic basket.” Teller replied.

Penn nodded and looked at T’shalaith, “Exactly, Ensign T’shalaith. I completely agree with Teller. Don’t
you agree?”


The Vulcan accepted the explanation which she understood roughly half of the context. She had
several terms to research in the meantime and more than enough paperwork to continue working on as
acting chief. She was keenly aware of the manner in which the two men communicated with each other
and outsiders - it was a game of language and riddles unintentionally designed to frustrate anyone
trying to wade their way towards understanding. For T’shalaith it was a new method and means to
study aliens, their language, culture, and societal interactions all in one move. She gave a slight nod, “I
think we have a scaffolded agreement on the building. I have other duties to attend to at this time, so I
must take my leave. This was informative and fascinating.” She turned and walked out the door, her
hands clasped behind her back.

(Reply None)
(Posted by Aaron, Al, Tim)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Betazed -- Temple of the Goddess – Meditation Chamber - Mind Healer/Federation Ambassador at
Large - Doctor Riven Mias - 1100)

The 63 year old mind healer stretched, reaching for the ceiling as he slowly raised himself to stand
nearly on his toes. His muscles had been tight all morning and he inhaled deeply as he lowered himself
back to his heels. His chimed sandals were at the door and he stood in the center of the mat that was in
the room. He did the stretch several more times before letting out another cleansing breath. He opened
his eyes and lowered himself to the mat to begin a number of exercises similar to yoga that finally
worked out the residue.

Satisfied, he took a seated position with his legs crossed, his muscles were limber and no longer tight.
He closed his eyes again and took several long, cleansing breaths which increased the oxygen level in
his blood and gave a nearly euphoric feeling of well being. He had woken up early from a disquieting
dream and been awake since. Building on the peace he cleared his mind and began to meditate,
drifting along with the stimulating energy which permeated the temple.

This had been his home for as long as he remembered, he had been born here, trained here and
eventually had become the greatest of the mind healers in residence. Riven had been given the title
child of the goddess when he was born and during one mission of the USS Mystique he had stepped
into its fullness. During the confrontation with Q over Sienna on Earth he had once again tapped into
her energy and used it to manipulate the beings consciousness. Q had thought himself trapped in a
time loop which should have been impossible and was, he had never considered he could be so
manipulated. Which brought up a question the mind healer had asked himself later. Was the Goddess
of Betazed a Q? Something greater? It was a question to which he had no answer as of yet. It was
plain though that it had been the Goddess herself who had fooled the mischievous being and used his
resident smug superiority against him.

His mind became a blank slate over which peace had been draped and he flowed with it losing track of
time. Seconds and minutes disappeared into the background, he was drifting...

"The Riven must make helps, he must come!"

His eyes shot open and he whipped his head around, looking for the source of the voice. His ears
strained but there was only quiet, tranquility and peace.
"That voice, so familiar." His gravelly voice almost purred as he once again faced forward. Had it been
here? "No not here, somewhere else. Far away."

He was beginning to understand. He closed his eyes to meditate once again. There was nothing but
peace there now, his mind drifted.

Then a gut wrenching loss, sorrow, loneliness. He opened his eyes again. They were looking at
nothing, his mind was elsewhere.

"Our Vex is not coming back."

He stood in some other place surrounded by patches of darkness within darkness and the voice had
come from all around him. "Luma show yourself."

"The skin is too far away." The voice once again echoed through the shadows around him.

"What is it you need Luma?"

"Luma wants her Vex." The voice whimpered.

"You want your Vex Luma but what do you need?" He had slipped back into Counselor mode, it was
like a second skin which was not dissimilar to that of a mind healer. "What do you need?"

"Luma requires another mind bondmate. The Riven would do."

His chuckle was throaty. "The Riven is getting too old to be a mind bondmate but he could find one for
you."

"Luma accepts." The Lenai squealed. "Our Sekal will be bringing the skin to Betazed to find Luma
another mind bondmate. Our Riven will have one ready."

"Is there anything else?" His smile warmed this place of shadows causing the darkness to retreat.

"Our Sienna needs our Riven as well. Luma was bad and made a micro pulse time jump. She needed
an anchor and our Sienna was the only one available. Luma has withdrawn but our Sienna cannot
close the bond. Our Riven is required. And there are other things... the Riven must come."

"I will be happy to help." The atmosphere lightened even more. Riven loved traveling, loved exploring
and would take any excuse to do so and mind healing was in his blood, it was who he was. He would
never pass up the opportunity to use his knowledge and skills to help another. "I will talk to the high
priestess."

It was almost a whisper. "Our Sienna wishes to speak with the Riven, she will be calling. She does not
know Luma has spoken with you."

The mind healer chortled. "It will be our secret."
Luma squealed again then her presence faded.

Riven closed his eyes and took several more cleansing breaths. He opened them again and looked
around. "Well what do you know? It looks like I'm going to be very busy now. I have to find a mind
bondmate for Luma and arrange for another trip on the Illuminar."

Michaella would be excited, she enjoyed studying the lenai who was a link to the past of the Betazoid
people. "A working vacation." There wasn't time for meditation now, the Illuminar would be here soon,
he just didn't know how soon. He had to get busy.

(Reply: None)

(Posted by Charles G)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar -- Deck 7 - CSRD Office -- SO, Acting CSO -- Ensign (sg) Skashe Winters and ACSO
-- Ensign (jg) T'shalaith -- 1550)

Sky was sitting behind the desk when the door opened. It was a bittersweet moment. He was about to
be freed from the shackles of paperwork and riding herd over the ornery scientists in the department.
Penn and Teller didn't fit that classification; they were just … odd though charming. He smiled as the
Vulcan walked through the door then stood to his feet.

"Ensign T'shalaith I assume. I caught a glimpse of you on the bridge when you came aboard but was
too busy doing scans to say hello. Please have a seat."

The Vulcan gave him a nod, and sat down in the offered seat. She had been doing her homework on
the crew and Skasha Winters was a fascination. The 1/4 human, 1/4 Vulcan and 1/2 Betazoid
combination was a complex combination of two races that had telepathic and empathic abilities. There
had been countless studies done about the growing integration of alien DNA and the genetic benefits
along with the dangerous elements that often followed. Most of the studies had been official, peer
reviewed, and supervised by countless groups and organizations. There were a few that had acted
within the shadows and it was those that had piqued her interest. Two had been shut down within
months of starting, but one had been completed. The results, if known, would invariably send waves of
terror through the scientific community.

“Thank you, Ensign Winters. It is good to be returning to my scientific studies. From all accounts
you’ve been operating the department to the satisfaction of the standards.”

Sky grinned. "Please call me Sky. It's much easier to say." Not that he expected it. Vulcans were
notoriously prone to formalities when it came to interpersonal reactions. His own father had been so
deeply steeped in it that he still reverted back to it on occasion. Not to his children or wife of course. "All
I can say in my own defense is that paperwork standards are pretty clear though the CO can be very
demanding. I wouldn't say perfectionist in a bad way but working under him you come to learn all the
ins and outs and if it isn't right you get to do it again. Knowing that I made doubly sure to check my work
before I sent it on. As long as he accepts it…" he shrugged, "... that's all that matters and it appeared
he was satisfied. Have you met any of the other science staff yet?"
T'shalaith raised an eyebrow and nodded to his ears, “I suspect you are aware of the answer I will give,
Mr. Winters. However, I am given to compromise. Will Mr. Sky suffice?” She did not say that her
compromise was given more in deference that they shared a connection in race designation. She
hoped there was at least some logic left in the man’s DNA.

"I find the compromise logical." He said in imitation of his father's tone of voice without cracking a smile.
It behooved him to get along with the rest of the staff and though he technically outranked her she
carried a designation he did not.

T'shalaith gave him a quiet nod, wondering if the human part of him was, as the humans called it,
making fun. Her idea of the concept of ‘fun’ differed from humans and at times even Vulcans. Part of
the charge in her assignment was that she found ways to get along better with humans and other
aliens. Her record so far wasn’t trending positive. “I met with the Medical Examiner, and the Assistant
Chief Medical Officer yesterday. The discussion and conversation was enlightening.” She didn’t
mention what her impressions were - her data was still incomplete and she would need further
interactions to form a complete picture of the two she had met. She was cautious. “You are the first
science crew I have had the occasion to meet.” She glanced around the office. “You did not desire to
continue to be in the supervisory role of the science department?”

"Is it that obvious?" Sky cracked a grin at that. "Seriously though…" he leaned forward with a bit more
of a sober mien, "... to be quite honest I'm not bucking for a promotion at this time. I'm happy doing
experiments, investigating mysteries and turning in reports. Maybe one day but not now. I'm happy to
turn the responsibility over to you. And the Captain made it clear it was only temporary anyway though
if he hadn't run across someone who could do the job who knows how long I would have been stuck
with it."

T'shalaith nodded. She had learned in her time with humans that a nod or affirmative body language
sign was a welcome measure with humans. She would often just listen quietly, and then continue the
conversation without physically indicating understanding. She was still imperfect in it. “It is a logical
human desire to maintain one’s...happiness. I have considered on multiple occasions returning to the
Vulcan sciences to endeavour in private study and experimentation.”

Sky was tempted to raise an eyebrow in response. Vulcans were also notoriously reticent to go into
personal detail which made this one an anomaly. That was a pleasant change of pace. "I quite
understand. I believe that's why there aren't more Vulcans running ships in StarFleet. The Captain and
his father are notable exceptions to that though I've heard he has something of interest he wants to look
into if he ever gets the time. You've heard about his scientific and technological innovations that were
introduced into the fleet right?"

She gave a slight nod, “There is much within the science discipline that fascinates me, and his areas of
study are of particular curiosity. The galaxies have much to offer, and the captain has made significant
progress in that.”

Skashe nodded. "I'm still trying to wrap my head around the new Anelurian crystal drive but I'm getting
close. You will find there's a lot about this ship that's un…" he caught himself, "...I'm an idiot. You just
came off the Hades which has been upgraded to this stuff." He laughed and sat back. "Sorry, I forgot.
I've heard so many stories about that particular ship that I forget it's been updated. My dad served on
her for a while then left to take care of mom on Betazed. A better way of putting it would be he took an
indefinite leave and has never gone back. That ship is nearly forty years old. It isn't the same ship
except for the basic space frame. They probably even replaced the replicators for more efficient ones."

He changed the subject. "Unfortunately I can't formally introduce you to the Chief Science Officer, he's
in an isolation room in medical in a coma. That was a damn shame the way he got injured."

T'shalaith raised both eyebrows. She had not had access to those reports. It would present its own
share of challenges. She would be responsible for the department until the CSO was well enough to
return to duty. She did not doubt her ability or capabilities. “My time on the Hades was limited. I have
met Luma, and hope to continue to meet the remaining crew as I continue in my duties.” She looked at
the PADD in her hand, “I am unaware of how the CSO was injured. Can you clarify?”

He cracked a grin at the idea of what she must have thought about their resident ghost in the machine
but didn't ask. Then his face dropped into almost a frown. "It happened about a week ago. We got into a
fight with 3 pirate vessels and they slipped a highly advanced missile through our shields. We just got
through taking down their main base. It took out a lot on the starboard aft of the ship and he was in his
office and got buried under rubble. He was found unconscious and has been that way since. I
confronted the CO about getting him proper care and was assured he was getting the best care
available while we were still on mission."

The Vulcan officer raised an eyebrow, but did not pursue the issue. It was clear the science officer
cared for his chief. Logically she expected any crewman would receive the best care possible.

"As for the rest of the science crew aboard there's my sister Celiste and the duo of Penn and Teller. You
can meet them in any order but watch out for my sister, she bites." He winked. "Just kidding. She's just
like mom in a lot of ways. Penn and Teller though…," he chuckled, "... all I can say is they have to be
experienced. You should find it … stimulating. The rest are garden variety science crew."

T'shalaith dropped the eyebrow. The truth of the matter was that working with humans took an amount
of effort she was getting used to, even after four years of the Academy. In her time with Vulcans it had
been notably simpler - logical even. Accepting the challenge of learning how to exist with a group of
creatures that ran counter to her being was not what she had intended when she started at Starfleet
Academy. In those four years and now as she stepped into the role of Assistant Chief she was
reaching the logical conclusion - she desired to learn more about the humans, quirks and all. “I look
forward to...experiencing the stimulation through the science officers and crew.” She stood from her
chair, “I look forward to serving with you, Mr Sky. You have been most helpful.”

Sky stood to his feet. "I've been using this office but you can use the CSO's if you'd like. I just felt it was
a tad … wrong on my part. How you want to proceed here is up to you. I'm glad to hand the department
over to you and look forward to working with you in the future." He stifled the impulse to hold out his
hand, as a race of touch telepaths Vulcans normally showed an aversion to it… except when it could
not be avoided. "I'll be in the labs tomorrow. Let me know if you need anything."

T'shalaith considered. The future of the Chief was unsure, and she was concerned if the CSO office
remained vacant it would send a message. Messages being sent in the human and some alien worlds
mattered more than she believed she should. Logic was the best way to operate. Pending converting
everyone to her faith, she decided she’d have to send a message of her own. “I will take temporary
possession of the CSO’s office, Mr. Sky. I will do what I can to examine Chief Alyl’s condition to ensure
he is receiving adequate care. I will work to visit you tomorrow if I need further information.” She turned
and left the office.

(Reply: None)

(Posted by Charles G and Aaron DeLay)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

USS Illuminar -- Deck 15 Security Office – Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee 1600



Lee had made one or two changes to the new rotas before transmitting to the security teams. “Don’t
worry.” Reassured Lee to a puzzled Carol Linnis “Needed to make one or two corrections and tidy
things up a bit. You do realise that Beta shift consist mostly of Klingons. I would like to suggest that
you split them up when you prepare the next set of rotas.”



Carol had managed to obtain a large whiteboard to service as a notice board. It was something that
she picked up from Lee who suggested that having a notice board in the Security Office than having a
monitor. For some reason, people tend to gather around a notice board to stare at bits of paper
displays!! He called it a ‘water fountain’ moment whose reference was lost on Carol. A collective
moment for people!



“Now Carol. Just stand and watch the reactions of people now that the rotas have gone out. In a few
minutes, I guarantee you that this notice board will be like drawing a moth to a light bulb” laughed Lee.



(reply from anyone who happen to be in the Security office)



Gemma shift leader PO3 Jared Boyles




              2200-       2300-         0000-      0100-         0200-            0300-
                                                                                                 0900-10
SO            2300        0000          0100       0200          0300             0400           00
McQuire, L*                       Decks patrol/Tlb                  Meal break                  Bridge



                           Deck
Koks, S                    patrol/tlb                  Meal break          Decks Patrol/TLb



Cuvh, E*                      Bridge                  Armoury              Decks Patrol/Tlb               Brig



Walker, J*                Deck patrol/tlb             Meal break                      Bridge



Mali, A              Security Mentoring Centre        Meal break                 Decks Patrol/tlb



                                            Meal
Wong, R*         Hanger/shuttle bay         break                       Deck patrol                      Armoury



                                                                    Hanger/shuttle Decks
Ekoice, Ki    Armoury      Brig             Lunch     Bridge        bay            patrol/tlb             SMC



                              Deck
Adomide, V                   patrol/tlb               Meal break                 Decks Patrol/tbl



Collier, A,               Security Monitoring Centre                Meal break                 Armoury



Edwards, D               Decks Patrol/Tlb             Meal break Security Mentoring Centre




Alpha Shift Leader: PO1 Jonathan Batterburgh




              0600-       0700-           0800-      0900-      1000-        1100-      1200-       1300-

SO            0700        0800            0900       1000       1100         1200       1300        1400
Hammons,S                                                                                   Meal
*                        Decks patrol/torpedo launch bay                     Bridge         break     Armoury



Taylor, A*              decks/Tlb                   Bridge          Meal break Security Monitoring Centre



                                                                                 Meal
Roberts, J                Bridge                   Armoury          Brig         Break            decks/Tlb



                                                         Security Montoring                 Meal
Ksensia*                      decks/Tlb                       Centre             Brig       break     Bridge



                                                                                 Meal
Pevn*          Brig                  Armoury                   decks/Tlb         Break            decks/Tlb



Lennox, D*            Security Monitoring Centre      Brig                            Decks patrol



                                                                                 Meal
Jucowe, R             decks patrol/tlb    Brig                 decks/Tlb         break       Hanger/shuttle bay



                                                                                            Meal
Suwubt, L*                    decks/Tlb               Armoury              Decks patrol     break     Brig



                                                                                                      Meal
McGregor, G              Armoury                   decks/Tlb                 Hanger/shuttle bay       break



                                                                                            Meal
Furgerson, B          Security Monitoring centre                   decks/Tlb                break     Decks p




Beta Shift Leader: LT JG Ariel Trei
                                        1600-170           1800-190 1900-200 2000-210 2100-220
SO              1400-1500 1500-1600     0        1700-1800 0        0        0        0



P’Rah*                  Bridge          Brig      Meal break                    decks/Tlb



Galk*                  decks/Tlb        Armoury brig                   Bridge               decks/Tlb



                                                               Meal
Devers, H*                         decks/Tlb                   break        Security Monitoring Centre



                  Security Monitoring
Lincoln, G              Centre                    Meal break brig           Security Monitoring Centre



Koreg             Security Monitoring                          Meal
M’d’Unas                Centre                  Bridge         break                 decks/Tlb



Giisq
Ao’Lik*           Hanger/shuttle bay    Brig      Meal break                    decks/Tlb



                                        Meal
Cooper, T              decks/Tlb        break            decks/Tlb         Armoury           Bridge



                                                               Meal
Meredith, R*           Hanger/shuttle bay         decks/Tlb    break                 decks/Tlb



                  Security Monitoring   Meal                                                     decks/TL
Chinlo, J               Centre          break                  decks/Tlb             brig        B




Notes

   ●      Deck Patrol/TLB. Please ensure that you cover all the decks in pairs. Decide among
          yourselves what decks to cover. The deck also covers the Torpedo launch Bays.
   ●   Armoury. Assisting the Armoury Office with reception, administration and maintenance. This
       also includes checking the phaser lockers scattered throughout the ship. The lockers should be
       secured and phasers checked that they are working properly. Report any missing phasers.
       Liaise with those on deck patrol/TLB if required.
   ●   Security Monitoring Station. Note that this static position and should not be unattended
   ●   Brig. Covered when there is a prisoner in the Brig. When empty, you may use this time as
       ‘office time’. Also, check-in with the shift leader in case you required elsewhere.
   ●   Bridge. Monitoring the Security and tactical workstation.
   ●   Pink line - Security Officer is available for other duties as required by the Command staff.

Report to your Shift leader at the beginning of your shift for a briefing. When on duty, you must remain
at your post. Do not leave it unattended. If you have to leave for some reason, inform your shift leader.
To enable smooth changeover of positions, arrive at least five minutes before the start of time. Let your
relief know if you going to be delayed. Do not move off before your relief arrives. Any issues contact
your shift leader. In the event of a ship-wide emergency, alerts and call to battle stations this roster will
be suspended

(reply anyone from anyone who are looking at the rotas)

(posted by John)

DAY 12>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar -- Deck 3 -- Personal Quarters - Command Sienna Verin and Doctor Riven Mias- 0100)

Sienna sat in her quarters, at her desk and spoke quietly, “Open an encrypted channel to Betazed,
Temple of the Goddess, Federation Ambassador Riven Mias.” Sienna waited for the connection to go
through then smiled as she saw Riven.

“Riven?” Sy asked, calling on her friend, not the Doctor or the Ambassador. “Is this a good time?” Sy
was not sure when T’Mur was going to be back in their quarters but she was looking forward to the
wedding.

Riven had been getting ready to pack things in for the day when the call came through. The
mind-healing business had been a bit slow and he had been warned this call was coming. Now would
be the time to get more information. He crossed the room and settled in at his desk then leaned back in
the chair, sighing as he got comfortable then spoke in that gravelly yet mesmerizing voice. "Sienna,
what a surprise. How are things going on the Illuminar?" He gave her a big smile.

Sienna smiled. Hearing Riven’s voice was comforting to her. “It’s been a rough few days. I can run you
through all of it but, I guess I should tell you the most important part of the call. Lt. Vex Jordaan is
unable to return to the Illuminar, which has Luma, uh. Slightly grumpy.” Sienna downplayed the
unhappiness Luma was going through, feeling abandoned. “Luma needs a new bondmate, and the
Captain will be putting in a proper request for one with the Betazoid Government. But I’d like you to
help with it, and vet the person to make sure that they are a good fit. Luma’s unique after all.”
Riven gave a chuckle. "Unique is a soft way of putting it. She's both naive yet ancient with some very
demanding specifications. As luck would have it I may have stumbled across someone who meets her
criteria as a matter of fact."

“Oh? Can you send the file over please? I’m not sure when we’re going to be at Betazed, probably in
about 2 to 3 days depending on how things go here. Will you be able to spare some time and come
aboard? I kinda need some help. I tried to talk with our Ferengi Counselor but she wasn’t helpful and
Luma didn’t really like her, so she got transferred to some place else in the Fleet.” Sienna tried not to
sound resentful, but she did and recognized it. It had been difficult for her to approach a stranger and
talk about things that were still bothering her.

"Two to three days? Excellent! It appears the time frame will work in our favor. It will take at least a day
to get approval if that person is open to it." His face screwed up into a temporary frown. "A Ferengi
Counselor you say? The worst possible for a telepath. Ferengi are psionically null and would be a
horrible fit for a crew heavy on telepaths. Sometimes it's hard to find the correct pieces to a puzzle but
StarFleet has to try, you never know when you might hit on a dynamic combination." He crossed his
legs as his smile returned. "It just so happens I may have some personal time coming up and I've
already talked to the High Priestess about taking it off-planet. Michaella would love a chance to study
Luma some more I'm sure." He dropped his foot to the floor and leaned toward the monitor. "And you
know I'm always willing to help in a pinch. How long do you think we would have?"

“Couple months? A few of us are having issues that could use a mind-healer. I, uh. I had a forced-bond
with Luma happen because I didn’t understand what was needed to do it, and although Luma has
withdrawn, it’s not closing at all. This has my rather lovely, bonded Vulcan mate slightly displeased. So
yeah, there is a proper Betazoid ceremony happening on Earth at my family’s ranch. I don’t have a date
yet, but we’d like you to officiate. Well, I would, and if she knew you, she would agree. She’s uhm.
Pretty amazing.” Sienna was blushing at this point.

"Another wedding?" Riven clapped his hands in joy. "Of course I'd be happy to officiate! A couple of
months will be stretching things here but there is an old Earth saying called Que, sera, sera. Which is
very much like our motto of live for the day. I'll make the arrangements and we will deal with it as we go.
As for the file you are wanting…," he pulled it up on the monitor then sent it on its way to her, "... that is
the one you wanted. Now … once you get here expect the ship to have to stay for a few days while
everything is finalized. Bonds are a speciality of mine but it sounds like the ship is going to need a
certified counselor as well as a mind healer and you will be happy to know that I've kept my
certifications up for just such an occasion. Any more encounters with Q that I should know about?"

“Yes. The night of my bonding with T’Mur, we both experienced Q. He was annoying and displeased
with me and very rude but it wasn’t bad or horrid. I don’t know if anyone else has had the unfortunate
pleasure of more Q encounters. I’m not sure why he is so focused on me.” She shrugged and looked
even more uncomfortable.

Riven got an owlish look on his face. "Q is very much a meddler and appears to have taken interest in
the ship as well as you. Am I correct in assuming Illuminar had something to do with unleashing his
reign of terror upon the galaxy again? He was silent for quite a long while then suddenly pops up again
traumatizing the crew of this ship. There's more to this than the official story isn't there?"
“You would have to ask the Captain.” Sy spoke quietly. “And not over an open Comm.” Sienna smiled,
“Riven, why don’t bonds terminate properly with me? Why do they stay open, one-sided? Is it me?”
Sienna had been wondering about this for a while.

"Ah! We will have to investigate this thoroughly. I suspect it may be deeply rooted. There is a reason
Counselors tend to delve deeply into the background of a patient during treatments. Or perhaps it
stems from the trauma initiated by the twin bond. That in itself should be fading quickly but it could be
causing other ripples. This is something that I will look closely at."

Sienna took a deep breath and nodded, “There are other things that I don’t really want to talk about
over the comms, but when the Exeter was missing, I knew that Trip was alive. I knew what direction he
was in, and I knew when they came back. I knew the same for Lynn Bracken but it was much clearer
with Trip. And since this bond with Luma my emotions have been all over the map. Especially the
negative ones. I really can’t wait to see you. Not because you are my counselor but because you are
my friend and I enjoy you and Michaella’s presence. I have some good vulcan wines aboard. Oh…”
Sienna’s attentions turned for a moment, “Maybe I can get Sekal to give me the Platinum Latinum card
for the ship to restock the bar?”

Riven laughed at that. When the gale had passed he settled his breathing. "I will have answers for you
when I see you, I've already got some theories going. We will have a good visit while we are there. I'm
looking forward to your arrival as is Michaella."

“Riven, I’ve never been to Betazed before. I’ve seen vids of it, of course and holos but those are never
the same.” Sienna let a little of the hopefulness show through.

"Oh Betazed is far beyond anything you've seen on videos Sienna, a holovid can't simulate the peace
you will feel here and the land is extremely lush this time of year. You will have to come down and do
some … what do they call it? Oh yes… sightseeing."

“T and I both will. Especially if you have a good tour guide. Would you show us around the Temple?”

"I was just thinking that. I will have to show you around the temple. That alone will take almost a full
day. There is much beauty to see here, the gardens and portico, the flowers and birds. You will certainly
enjoy it."

Sienna grinned, “I was hoping that T’Mur would get back in time for you to meet her, but that can wait
until we arrive. I’ll remind the Captain to put his request in formally and update the government. And I
will see you in a few days.”

"Goodbye for now, I will see you shortly." He said warmly then signed off.

Sienna sat back at her desk chair and terminated the connection, thinking. She then penned a memo to
the Captain about her discussion with Dr. Mias and attached the file. She then went into her bathing
room to sink deep in the hot tub and boil out the aches from her impact with the deck the day before.

(Reply: None)
(Posted by Melinda and Charles)
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