compile summary ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2408.07.16 (USS Hades, Deck (Unknown), Corridor, ACSO Ensign (JG) Kenneth McKenzie, Time (Unknown)) (USS Hades, Bridge, FO Commander Straton, 08:00) (USS Hades- Ready Room- CO- Captain Devan Sash- 08:01) USS Hades, Ready Room, FO Commander Eva Straton, 08:02) (USS Hades- Ready Room- CO- Captain Devan Sash- 0803) (USS Hades – Astrocartography – ACSO Lt. Shayhiloosh - 0810) (USS Hades, Deck One, Bridge, ACSO Ensign (JG) Kenneth McKenzie, 08:13 hours) (USS Hades- Bridge - CSO, Lt. (jg) Jericho Haynes - 08:15) (USS Hades, Deck One, Bridge, ACSO Ensign (JG) Kenneth McKenzie, 08:21 hours) (USS Hades - Bridge - CSO, Lt. (jg) Jericho Haynes - 0830) (USS Hades- Deck 10, Ten Forward - CSO, Lt. (jg) Jericho Haynes - 1850) (USS Hades- Deck 10, Ten Forward - SciO, Ensign Harry Doorman - 1855) (USS Hades- Deck 10, Ten Forward - CSO, Lt. (jg) Jericho Haynes- 1856) (USS Hades- Deck 7 Personal Quarters - ATAC Ensign (jg) Lo'ren T'Vof - 1857) (USS Hades- Deck 10, Ten Forward - CMO Angeni O. Windsong-Trommashere- 1858) (USS Hades- Deck 10, Ten Forward - CSO, Lt. (jg) Jericho Haynes- 1900) (USS Hades- Deck 10, Ten Forward - 1901) (USS Hades- Deck 10, Ten Forward - ATAC Ensign (jg) Lo'ren T'Vof - 1902) (USS Hades- Deck 10, Ten Forward - SciO, Ensign Harry Doorman - 1903) (USS Hades - Deck 10, Ten Forward - ACEO Ensign (jg) Eoin Mac Liam - 19:04 (USS Hades- Deck 10, Ten Forward -CMO Angeni O. Windsong-Trommashere- 1905) (USS Hades- Deck 10, Ten Forward - CSO, Lt. (jg) Jericho Haynes- 1906) (USS Hades- Deck 10, Ten Forward - ACEO Ensign (jg) Eoin Mac Liam - 1907) (USS Hades- Deck 10, Ten Forward - SciO, Ensign Harry Doorman - 1908 (USS Hades - Deck 10, Ten Forward - COPS Lt. Maraht - 1910) ((USS Hades - Deck 10, Ten Forward – ACSO Lt. Shayhiloosh - 1912) USS Hades- Deck 10, Ten Forward - ATAC Ensign (jg) Lo'ren T'Vof - 1913) USS Hades- Deck 10, Ten Forward - CSO, Lt. (jg) Jericho Haynes- 1914) (USS Hades- Deck 10, Ten Forward – ACSO Lt. Shayhiloosh - 1915) (USS Hades- Deck 10, Ten Forward - ATAC Ensign (jg) Lo'ren T'Vof - 1924) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- begin compile Stardate: 2408.07.16 (USS Hades, Deck (Unknown), Corridor, ACSO Ensign (JG) Kenneth McKenzie, Time (Unknown)) "Mr. McKenzie; Grab that med kit and follow me!" Dr. Kildare's words rang in Kenny's ears. He walked over to the table in Sickbay and picked up the med pack and was surprised to find out heavy it was. He was forced to drag it along the grownd and, without knowing why, followed the female doctor. The corridor of this unfamiliar ship seemed to twist and turn, extending in many directions which seemed to lead nowhere. The Red Alert bars along the walls were flashing and the low hum of the alert sound was heard, but that was all life the ship seemed to have. He caught up with Kildare, she bade him to follow, but she kept running away and Kenny could not keep up with the weight of the med pack. He looked down at in and could have sworn that it had doubled in size. What ship was this? What had happed here? Why were the walls burned? Why did he know this female doctor? Had he worked with her before? Most importantly; Why was he here? "Your here to save us." said a man to Kenny's left, in answer to his unspoken question. He turned to see a man who he knew, Ensign Artois from Transporter Room I. "Save?" asked Kenny. The words seemed to come from his mouth unwillingly. Artois nodded and pointed down the corridor. Kenny followed his finger. He could see legs emerging from the turn. He ran, or rather, try to run with a heavy case, down to see what was going on. Three other people were present; Two were on the ground, the other was Dr. Kildare. She knelt with a medical tricorder, scaning a Bajorin female. She was injured, but appeared to be OK. "Check her." Dr. Kildare said, nodding her head towards the other person. Kenny looked over to the other wall to see his patient. She was a Human female, but that's all he was able to tell. She lay near an open control port, her face had been completely burnt off, leaving nothing more than a skeletal husk of burnt meant, bone and mucle. Kenny turned around to tell Kildare that the woman was dead, but she and the Bajorin were gone, leaving only Kenny and the burnt body of the Human female. He set down the case and opened it, taking out a medical tricorder, but inside there was nothing. He looked back up at the body. The entire room seemed to constrict and in several seconds, they where in nothing but a box corridor. Then to his horror, the corpse spoke. "You can't save me." The body leaned forward and seemed to fall into Kenny. He could feel the cold and scaly feel of burnt skin sink into him, he tried to turn away, but its face met with his and they connected while all Kenny could so was watch in wide-eyed horror and scream. That was when he woke up. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Bridge, FO Commander Straton, 08:00) Eva stepped onto the Bridge took a look around before moving over to the Ready Room door knowing that would be where she would find Captain Sash. She pushed the door chime and waited for the door to open before stepping inside. (Reply Sash) "Captain," Eva said, as she stepped in letting to door close behind her. "I have something I would like to discuss with you, if you have a moment. Something of a personal nature." --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades- Ready Room- CO- Captain Devan Sash- 08:01) Once they left the subspace river, the trip deep into the Beta Quadrant was not very exciting. And by the reports that he'd read, they have at least another weeks worth of travel ahead of them. Barring that they don't run into any problems along the way. After a week in the subspace river, Sash had been happy to look at open space again. However, now he was wondering how long he would enjoy gazing at the endless starfields. The door chime rang and he called, "Come." The door opened to admit Eva Straton. Over the past week he had taken several opportunities to get to know his new FO. She had been a bit resistant, not openly so, but resistant enough for Sash to take a step back. He didn't like the idea of crowding her. However, he did like the way that she got results, even if she wasa bit gruff. Still, Sash got the impression that under that gruff exterior she was not all that hard. He had a feeling that she had a softer side. Perhaps one day he'd see it. "Captain," She said, as the door closed, "I have something I would like to discuss with you, if you have a moment. Something of a personal nature." Sash sat up and nodded. "Indeed. I am at your disposal. Please, have a seat and tell me what's on your mind." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Ready Room, FO Commander Eva Straton, 08:02) "Indeed. I am at your disposal. Please, have a seat and tell me what's on your mind," Sash said, motioning toward one of the chairs in front of his desk. Eva took one of the offered seats taking a deep breath as she did so. "I had intended to wait to discuss this matter until I'd gotten more settled in on the ship before addressing this matter,"she explained, "As you may know, I have two young children. They are almost 9 months old now and are currently with their father Commander Stolev, First Officer of the Boudicca. He and I feel it would be best for the twins development if they were with me at this point. Assuming you have no objections to having young children on board that is." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades- Ready Room- CO- Captain Devan Sash- 0803) Sash was almost surprised by his FO's request. To be honest, he had expected it. The captain was well aware of a mother's need ot be with her children, even more so with a Betazoid. It is even more important if the mother is Betazoid and the father is not. Teaching children to deal with telepathic abilities in an appropriate manner is often best done by the partnet htat has those abilities. The truth be told, this was not the first of such requests. Many of the crew had family that they had left on Earth. He had managed to put most of the requests off, but he knew that he was not going to be able to do so with Straton. The woman knew what she wanted, and it was already clear that she was good at getting it. It wasn't that Sash disagreed with having children on the ship. In fact he had appreciated having children on board the Nimitz. But the Galaxy class ship was much larger, and the ship had been prepared for families long before he had taken it on. But as uncomfortable as he was to the situation with his own children's deaths, he always found comfort in the idea that life did, indeed, go on. He sat back and smiled. "I see no problem with that Commander. We can make the arrangements when we return from the mission." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades – Astrocartography – ACSO Lt. Shayhiloosh - 0810) Once Shayhiloosh had received and read the reports of the other science team members from what they had found, s/he could begin scanning ahead, looking for likely solar systems that could have planetary bodies able to support life, particularly large insectoidal life. Shayhiloosh's leafy boughs shivered. His species was not partial to insects of any kind and there were several eye bulb size varieties that were parasitical in nature on Arboria Prime. He hoped that this species had a life cycle less dependent on others to survive. Following the basic vector of the signal as designated by the reports, Shayhiloosh began to scan in the general region up ahead. Running the large general scan, Shayhiloosh found many systems, but most had planetary bodies that were either gaseous, frozen ice balls, hot volcanic lava pits, or cratered lumps of rock. There were a few that were could be Class M planets, capable of supporting what they knew as life, occupying the correct ecological zone from the stars they orbited. Shayhiloosh, hoping that a protective atmosphere, water, enough warmth and vegetation would show up as positive, began scanning for those signs of life supporting conditions. To his immense satisfaction, one unusual system glimmered a little more brightly than the rest. It was a unique tertiary star cluster, with one bigger bright blueish white hot star, a lesser red giant and a brilliant white dwarf star. Though the dwarf was smaller in size than its larger hot blue counterpart, the pull that it exerted must have been extraordinary. Like enthralled lovers, the two danced around each other with the lesser red giant circling the pair elliptically, drawn from the gravitational pull of one to the other as it swung around in its orbit. Even more surprising than that it had a Class M planet a little further out than the norm, probably due to the heat and light of three stars with two of them so hot. The star cluster had five planets that circled it with one a gas giant as the furthest and another fiery ball with a closest orbit to the star cluster. The third planet was another dead rock. It was the fourth planet that interested Shayhiloosh. It had cloud formations, oceans, green vegetation and could have a strong ecosystem that potentially would support the type of life as shown in the message. Shayhiloosh tapped his commbadge. He knew McKenzie was on the Bridge manning the science console. "Shayhiloosh to Lt. McKenzie." (Reply Kenneth McKenzie) "Ensign McKenzie, I am relaying information to you for you to do more specialized scans of this Class M planet as we get closer," said Shayhiloosh. "It meets the criteria according to the reports from Lt. Haynes and Ensign Doorman and is along the same vector of the message that we received. Hopefully it will be the race we are looking for to resolve this issue." ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Deck One, Bridge, ACSO Ensign (JG) Kenneth McKenzie, 08:13 hours) Kenny yawned. He was not really tired, but he was just awake, recovering from a bad dream and beginning Alpha Shift. He pushed the thought aside and extended his hand to catch the hot air emerging from his mouth and felt his warm breath. He had worked the hardest he had even done during his career in Starfleet by helping to translate the alien language, since then his life had returned to his normal duties, though he still checked up on a few things now and again to see if the translations where and calculations were right, but during his time with his fellow officers, he had learnt to trust that once Ensign Doorman made a calculation, he was rarely wrong. Kenny wondered at this; He had seen Harry calculate complex reactions in seconds and Kenny found this very impressive. He was not much of a mathematician himself, in fact, math was one of his weak points. Still, so long as he had computer to calculate for him, he didn't care. He knew that all he was trying to do was distract himself from the dream. He laughed bitterly to himself in a low voice. He always wondered what would happen if someone's life depended on him making a quick calculation without the aid of a computer. Not only that, but his mind was still distracted from the dream that he had, but again, he pushed the thought aside. He stopped laughing when that thought sunk in. He was glad when a voice interrupted him. =/\="Shayhiloosh to Lt. McKenzie."=/\= =/\="McKenzie here"=/\= =/\="Ensign McKenzie, I am relaying information to you for you to do more specialized scans of this Class M planet as we get closer. It meets the criteria according to the reports from Lt. Haynes and Ensign Doorman and is along the same vector of the message that we received. Hopefully it will be the race we are looking for to resolve this issue."=/\= Kenny looked at his computer console, glad for a distraction from his thoughts. He saw the data being to download. =/\="Acknowledged. I have it now. Thanks. McKenzie out."=/\= =/\="McKenzie to Lt. Hanyes"=/\= (Reply Lt. Hanyes) =/\="Just wanted to let you know that I've just received data from Ensign Shayhilooh about the M Class planet we are heading for. I will study it now and give you my report shortly. Anything specific you would like me to look for, or should I just perform an general scan?"=/\= --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades- Bridge - CSO, Lt. (jg) Jericho Haynes - 08:15) The bridge was quiet this morning without the captain in attendance, the audio prompts indicating the pushing of buttons around the command center of the ship and the whispered conversation of two junior officers near the turbo lift seeming loud in the stillness. One cough from the direction of the ops console broke through Jack's reverie and caused him to turn his head slightly to note Lt. David Adams lowering his clenched hand from before his face, catching a hint of movement out of the corner of his eye he turned slightly to give Jack an apologetic nod. Jack in turn gave him a slight wink and turned away indicating his non-challance at the mans interruption. The dark headed ops officer then turned back to his readouts, tapping a set of commands into the matrix to check the power consumption of the science labs which had been busy of late. On 2408.07.11 with the discovery of the Tch'Kairn transmission the power draw from the labs had spiked at 323% of normal draw which was on the order of 840 kilowatts/hour. The spike then had then been at 2.713 megawatts/hour , since the first day it had settled somewhat of course and according to the graph displayed before him was at 1.45 Mw/hr, well within normal working tolerances of course but still unusual according to past profiles. Since he was curious about just exactly what it was Haynes' department was doing with the added power he considered asking the man himself, since Lt. Maraht had been called away from the bridge though for a moment he was in charge of keeping an eye on things and he wasn't about to jeopardize his reputation on a whim. Once Maraht returned and relieved him though he vowed he would indulge his curiosity. Jack in the meanwhile was focused on the readings he was getting from long range scans, this area of the beta quadrant while within nominally explored space still held a number of surprises for those willing to look. The Sitarine Nebula lay near their course at 283 degrees (Port) at an inclination of 18.6 degrees (Y-axis). Its X-axis then was 2.412 light years above the ship from their heading and its nearest tendril stretched to within 8.632 light years of the nearest point along their course which they would make in another hour and twenty one minutes. The hydrogen and heavy metal content in several areas within the nebula was abnormally high indicating volatility as well as an indicator that it might be within several million years of stellar formation. X-Ray radiation also backed up the conclusion, showing greater density and higher temperature within those areas. Extrapolations from the movement of the material along with the swirls and eddies of ice and dust also indicated a slightly elevated graviton flux. The shape of the nebula reminded him of something he had seen long ago while on Earth on the farm and wasn't very flattering, it wouldn't be very scientific to name it the cow t*** nebula after all. (t*** a slang term for droppings.) The dust within the nebula was formed mostly of silica and granite with trace elements of nickel, copper and iron. By and large then it had been an eye opening source of information in a nerdy sort of way. Jack verified for the hundredth time that the computer was logging and sorting all of the data before leaning back in his chair and stretching out his arms above his head, he had been sitting at the terminal for the last two hours and decided he would knock off early today for a hard training session in the holodeck this afternoon so he would have time to get ready for the get-together in ten forward at 0700. All the people who had worked hard at deciphering the Tch'kairn transmission and sending a return communication deserved an acknowledgement for their hard work, it would also be a way to get to know some of his fellow crew members. Harry Doorman was no doubt in the high energy biophysics lab again this morning working on their fractal space experiments, Jack had been forced to chase him out of the lab late the last three days and send the man to his cabin for some rest, in a lot of ways his dedication ~Read workaholism~ reminded Jack of himself at times. Had it not been for the fact they were about to meet two new races and he needed sleep to be on his toes he would probably have been there right alongside the Betazoid. ~Enough of this, it isn't going anywhere.~ Jack turned his chair and looked around the bridge and noted a couple of bored faces. ~Too bad they don't like nebulas, they'd certainly get their bellies full on this run.~ Jack smiled, there was another that lay almost parallel along their course near where the Tch'kairn transmission had originated, they would pass within 700,000 kilometers of its outer edge before entering the Selcundi Sigma system. Jack gave a sigh of satisfaction and immediately regretted it as several heads bobbed up at his display. ~D***!~ He hadn't meant to be a distraction. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Deck One, Bridge, ACSO Ensign (JG) Kenneth McKenzie, 08:21 hours) =/\="There's only one thing you can search for specifically from this far out; Standard elemental makeup using the electromagnetic spectrum Ken. I want to know what the preponderance of the mineral formations of this planet are, that will give us a foundation for some theories about the Tch'kairn physical makeup. Complete water vapour content we can extrapolate further from planetary mass, orbital variance and light refraction. As soon as you have hard figures I want them in my lap."=/\= said Hynes. =/\="Aye, Sir. I'll begin right away."=/\= =/\="And don't forget to monitor all frequencies for any more attempted communications, I know that OPS has the data on frequency displacement caused by the carrier signals tendency to jump into and out of fractal space but we have no margin for error. Make sure I and they are kept informed if anything comes up."=/\= =/\="Aye, Sir."=/\= =/\="One last thing; Don't forget to be at the party tonight. Haynes out."=/\= Kenny smiled. He pressed several buttons on his consol and accessed the ships scanners. Then, setting them for a standard sweep, then send the beams, aiming for the planet. He waited for the upload of information. He could not get the dream from his mind. It was starting to bother him. He was also suspired that it bothered him so late after the incident happened. Why now? Why so long after the fact and why did it bother him so much? The sound of bleeping told him the scan had finished. he accessed the information from the sensors. The report was that the planet was a Standard Class M; About 12,000 kilometres in mass with a hydrogen/oxygen atmosphere with deposits of iron, copper, tin, gold, silver, and other minerals common to a Class M. Also, there was a lot of water vapours in the atmosphere, more than earth, but the planet seemed to show lots of dry areas as well as lush, which suggested that these water vapours may not come down as rain, but may be fixed in the atmosphere. But there were several exceptions; One major exception was the fact that, although the atmosphere was breathable, it was polluted by some type of gas in certain parts of the planet. The readings at this range where not clear so he made a note to check later. The gas's was over areas which Kenny was made unusual patterns in the earth, far too rugged to make natural patterns. Visual scans saw that they could possible be ruins. It appeared that the aliens had cities at some point. Some were more in ruins than others; Some where still standing, but hollow, some where nothing but small walls. The gasses where over the ruins with small wall, as if that was a testament to the discretion. Also; Kenny saw that the landscape around the ruins with small walls was desolate; Dead trees and plants, barren rocks and dirt, where as the ruins of the cities that were almost in-tact still had their landscape alive and lush. Kenny also noted that the architecture was different on different continents, which suggested to Kenny that the aliens may have different base cultures, like his home planet of Earth. He turned his attention back to the general aspects of the planet; It spun on an axel at a 30 digress, again, like earth. Further scans told him that by the rate it turns, daytime was longer, at nearly 30 hours, and night again short, only several hours. Kenny wondered about this, and found that, during night, the planet increased it's speed which it spun, due to a change in the gradational pull by the sun, and which decreased during the day, making daytime longer than night. Kenny thought about this, then saw that scans had picked up digital signatures... Technology, and advanced stuff to. He knew that this could be every important. He had to check it out now.. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades - Bridge - CSO, Lt. (jg) Jericho Haynes - 0830) The densest region of the nebula was in sector three according to the detailed mapping that he had been working on and there was evidence that several massive bodies were in the process of formation. Jack grinned to see it, the formation was farther along then than he had originally estimated. It might be as little as ten thousand years before the birth of one or more stellar bodies began with its ignition or perhaps sooner depending on when critical mass was reached. =/\="McKenzie to Lt. Hanyes"=/\= His attention interrupted by the ACSO he leaned back from the console as he tapped his combadge. "Haynes here, report Ken." =/\="Just wanted to let you know that I've just received data from Ensign Shayhilooh about the M Class planet we are heading for. I will study it now and give you my report shortly. Anything specific you would like me to look for, or should I just perform an general scan?"=/\= "There's only one thing you can search for specifically from this far out..." He began. As they were still a weeks travel from the planet general readings would be the rule. At 2 light years and in they would know a lot more. "Standard elemental makeup using the electromagnetic spectrum Ken. I want to know what the preponderance of the mineral formations of this planet are, that will give us a foundation for some theories about the Tch'kairn physical makeup. Complete water vapor content we can extrapolate further from planetary mass, orbital variance and light refraction. As soon as you have hard figures I want them in my lap." (Reply: Ken) "And don't forget to monitor all frequencies for any more attempted communications, I know that OPS has the data on frequency displacement caused by the carrier signals tendency to jump into and out of fractal space but we have no margin for error. Make sure I and they are kept informed if anything comes up." (Reply: Ken) "One last thing." He paused for an instant. "Don't forget to be at the party tonight. Haynes out." ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades- Deck 10, Ten Forward - CSO, Lt. (jg) Jericho Haynes - 1850) The 10 forward on the Prometheus class ship wasn't quite as large or as spacious as the ones on a Galaxy or Sovreign class of starship as space was at a premium on a warship but it was more than large enough for their purposes. Jack had had several tables combined to give them enough seating space for all the worthies expected to attend. They were set in the most secluded corner away from the door and close to a small stage only slightly elevated from floor level. The holo band that had been commissioned for the occassion was already readying their equipment with sax's, trombones and all the other trappings of the "Big Band" era of old earth in the early twentieth century. With some relaxing tunes and good food he figured it would make for a good time to be had by all. A punch bowl was in the center of the table which Jack had considered spiking but in good conscience he couldn't carry it through seeing as one of their number was an avowed non-drinker. ~Spoilsport!~ Jack smirked in good humor as he sat down facing the door to watch the others as they arrived. He had turned over a portion of his bottle to the waiter who would dole it out to any of those who wanted some 'real' alcohol if they asked for it. His instructions had been to bemoan the fact they had nothing but synthehol according to starfleet regulations but bring a good hit of Jack Daniels Old #7 and set it before them with an apology... and a wink. Everything was in readiness so Jack took a seat at the table so that he could see the door and the others as they arrived. The band was starting to warm up as Jack motioned the waiter over. "Bring me some real alcohol friend." The waiter gave him the eye as he started in. "I'm sorry sir but as I'm sure you are aware starfleet regulations forbid..." "Good enough." Jack cut him short. "Bring me a double and hurry, everyone should be here shortly." The waiter shook his head as he turned away but Jack could swear he heard a chuckle. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (USS Hades- Deck 10, Ten Forward - SciO, Ensign Harry Doorman - 1855) Harry knew that if he had elected not to attend the dinner that Jack had organized that he would be regretting it in the morning, about the time that he reported for duty and the CSO let him know for the fourth day in a row that he was working much to diligently. It wasn't that Harry was a complete workaholic, it was just that.... Well actually, he was a workaholic. He knew that he should get out more often, and as of late he had found himself thinking more and more about Angeni. His fantasizing had turned into a creative context quickly enough. He had framed a new canvas in his quarters and was currently about two-thirds of the way finished with his latest oil painting. It wasn't often that he was inspired to paint portraits, but something about the exotic nature of Angeni's smile had somehow wormed its way into the creative centers of his brain. Possessed of a mind of it's own, his artistic centers had fired so rapidly that he had found himself almost as consumed with recreating the images of Angeni that it was nearly as all-consuming as the fractal equations. So it was with the hope that Angeni may potentially show up that had driven Harry from his hermetic habit of number crunching and into the embrace of ten forward. He noticed the holographic band setting up and Harry couldn't help but think that he should play a piece of two. Since he had lost his beloved Trumpet when the Nimitz had been destroyed, he hadn't had much of an opportunity to play. There had of course been the Crawdad cookout at the Lebranski house in Louisiana . Since then, nearly a year ago, he hadn't so much as touched a trumpet. Sure he could have gone to the Holodeck and created one, but it just wasn't the same. He knew that the trumpet on the stage wasn't much better, but at least in such a setting, he could have a distraction and manage to fulfill at least one desire that he had tonight. He spotted Jack, drinking some amber liquid, and surmised that he may have broken out his bottle of 'good stuff'. Still it was entirely conjecture on the part of the junior officer, and in no way was he desirous to partake in that particular vice. "Hello Jack." Harry greeted the man, assuming that since this was a somewhat unofficial get-together that it would not be a breach of protocol to speak to him on more familiar terms. (reply Haynes) "How are you this evening?" (reply Haynes) "Glad to hear it. I'll have you know I only managed to make it here tonight, just to prevent a complaint session from you tomorrow about my work ethic. I figured I should try to save us both some trouble." (reply jack) "I see you've made arrangements for some entertainment." Harry said motioning towards the small stage. "I don't suppose you'd mind if I... Played a piece or two, would you?" (reply Jack) Harry smiled. "Excellent. No time like the present." With that Harry moved over to the holographic band and selected a trumpet. He turned to the holographic musicians and said. "Jazz Police, standard scale." Harry played as if he'd never put down the trumpet, but now was the test of his skill. He knew one piece that would really put him through his paces. ~Let's see if you still got it~ he thought to himself. The first piece completed, he turned back to the band. "Red Sea, standard scale. Keep with me on the changes." The band members nodded and Harry raised the trumpet to his lips for a second time, all the while hoping that Angeni would show up at the party or even better, hear him playing. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades- Deck 10, Ten Forward - CSO, Lt. (jg) Jericho Haynes- 1856) It was to Jack's surprise that the first to arrive was none other than his zealous mathematician. Harry however looked more than a little distracted judging from the far-away look and hint of a smile upon his face as he walked in and looked about the lounge. Now Jack knew Harry loved crunching numbers but couldn't remember him beaming in such a manner regarding their researches, and he had had plenty of opportunity. So it was with amusement he tilted the glass and threw down the last of the liquor he had been nursing. ~If I didn't know better I'd think Harry had a woman on his mind. Matter of fact that's exactly what it looks like.~ Now whether he was correct or not or who the woman might be... well that was certainly unknowable without grilling the scientist which he wasn't going to do tonight, it was just a gut feeling anyway. "Hello Jack." The Betazed said as he walked up. "Harry." Jack's eyes tinkling in amusement. "Glad you could make it. I must admit I'm surprised I didn't have to send a security detachment to drag you out of the lab." Harry shrugged indifferently as he watched the band go through some opening sets, choosing not to partake for the moment in their ongoing joke. "How are you this evening?" Jack settled a bit more in his chair as he sized the man up. "Excellently thank you, I had a good workout in the holodeck earlier and fortunately all that was hurt was my pride." He chuckled. "Since I've now graduated from the beginners level I'm getting my butt kicked by more able opponents. You should try it some time, it's a sure cure for an inflated ego." "Glad to hear it." The scientist replied, sidestepping his invitation. "I'll have you know I only managed to make it here tonight, just to prevent a complaint session from you tomorrow about my work ethic. I figured I should try to save us both some trouble." Jack gave him a mock frown in reply. "I might have known, you did it just to spoil my fun then. What am I going to do if I can't gripe at someone? I'll have to look up that new Ensign I guess and find some fault with his work... which isn't usually very hard." The last was said in a lowered, conspiratorial tone. "I see you've made arrangements for some entertainment." Harry gestured towards the small stage. "I don't suppose you'd mind if I... Played a piece or two, would you?" "Mind?" Jack's eyes opened a but in surprise. "I didn't know you played." He gestured toward the group. "Be my guest, I'm interested in hearing what you can do." Harry smiled then. "Excellent. No time like the present." No sooner had he spoken than he moved toward the stage like he was completely comfortable with the spotlight, quite a far cry from his normal manner. Jack then sat back and listened respectfully as the man went through a couple of nice jazz numbers on a trumpet with the band. It was during the first number that others began drifting in. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades- Deck 7 Personal Quarters - ATAC Ensign (jg) Lo'ren T'Vof - 1857) Lo'ren had decided to wear something NOT standard issue for the party. She was taking one last look at her dress in the mirror. It was a sparkly, deep purple number made from a flowy material that bared one shoulder and arm, but had a long sleeve on the left that stretched all the way down, tapering to a point on the outer side of her hand and hooked over her middle finger by way of a silver ring. The skirt was a-symetrical; tapered on the opposite side from her sleeve, the point landed about mid-shin level and swept up to just past her knees. She wore leggings that matched the royal hue of the fabric and dainty little black shoes that had a hint of sparkle to them. Lo'ren had no personal height issues and liked a flat shoe for comfort and personal style both. With her short hair swept back, freshly textured by a hairdressing program, her tapered ears were in full view. Her D'jarra earring dangled on the right, glinting occassionaly as it caught the lights in her quarters. The overall effect was that of pixie. She had been called that on occassion in her years as a student at Amazon University and, after looking up the term, thought it appropriate and flattering. The only mar to the outfit was the inclusion of her comm badge, and it wasn't as out of place as one might think, the silver on the badge matching the other little jewellery touches. She was glad of the long sleeve on the left as it hid the long scar down her arm. She herself was not self-conscious about it, but she was well aware of the discomfort it could cause those who didn't know her history. Lo'ren nodded, satusfied of her appearance and headed for the door. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (USS Hades- Deck 10, Ten Forward - CMO Angeni O. Windsong-Trommashere- 1858) Angeni sat in her quarters, running her fingers through her hair. She had let her hair out of its standard presentation; the longer portions of her hair pinned at the nape of her neck with the shorters layers allowed to lay, just brushing against her shoulders. Now, it cascaded down to the middle of her back, the ends curled losely. A gentle honey brown streak framed her face, and she smiled happily at the results. She wore a black skirt, ending just above her knees, and a robins' egg blue blouse was her top. She knelt down, afixing a bracelet to her ankle; a silver chain with teeny tiny little silver bells that would jingle softly with every step. She threw on a necklace with a bright blue sapphire as the pendant. She checked herself in the mirror once more before stepping out. Angeni was more excited than normal to head to a dinner function with others of the crew. She had always popped in for a quick visit and then left after a few minutes due to whatever excuse she could come up with. Now, after spending some time with Harry and Jack...she had felt drawn to come to the party. She wanted to see them again, and she couldn't come up with excuses to visit the High Physics Lab anymore. Walking into Ten Forward, she looked about, and she smiled brightly, coming in at the end of Harry playing. She closed her eyes, letting the music wrap around her for a moment, before she stalked quietly up behind Jack, putting a hand on his shoulder, squeezing gently. "Suprise...." (Reply Jack) "I wouldn't miss this for the world. You look wonderful tonight. Harry sounds wonderful, doesn't he?" (Reply Jack) "What's new with you?" ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades- Deck 10, Ten Forward - CSO, Lt. (jg) Jericho Haynes- 1900) Jack was flowing with the music led by Harry's trumpet and considering another round when the door to ten-forward opened and a vision of loveliness swept into the room. Jack's eyebrows shot up in surprise and a low whistle emerged from between clenched teeth at the sight. ~Wow!~ The smock she normally wore toned down the curves that her uniform tended to accentuate, this flowing skirt and blouse she was wearing though clung to her form deliciously. Jack was also an unapologetic admirer of long hair and the brown locks flowing down her back with the highlighted honey-brown that framed her face were like a beautiful frame around a Rembrandt. He turned his eyes back to the stage to avoid staring. ~She's dressed to kill tonight Jack, better watch out!~ He grinned as she glided to the table behind him. A cool hand clasped his shoulder and squeezed lightly. "Surprise...." Turning his head he smiled up at her, making no move to disengage her delicate touch. "And a wonderful surprise it is. You look absolutely stunning tonight Angeni." His eyes caught the glint of silver at her ankle and he glanced down to see the anklet she was wearing... ~So that's the tinkling sound I caught as she was approaching.~ Looking back up into her face he allowed himself an instant to get a good, long look into her eyes which caused her to blush. "Your jewelry was very well chosen, it's as stunning as the rest of your outfit." Standing to his feet and hooking a chair beside him he nodded for her to sit down. "I'm glad you could make it." "I wouldn't miss this for the world. You look wonderful tonight. Harry sounds wonderful, doesn't he?" She answered Jack shrugged, the denim pants and high collared rust-brown shirt with black, western style boots looked okay on him he guessed but if she was truly impressed he was thankful. "Harry surprised me tonight with his ability, I'd say he was a real diamond in the rough... if I weren't already impressed by his work. The guy is flat talented in a number of fields I suppose." "What's new with you?" She asked lightly. "New?" His grin widened and he almost laughed. "It would probably be pretty boring to a doctor but I've been studying the Sitari Nebula rather closely today, we were at our closest approach to it earlier and I got some kick-a** readings..." he throttled back his enthusiasm immediately before it ran away with him. "...it was a nice change from the researches on fractal space we've been doing." (Reply: Angeni) He digressed from the line of conversation for a moment to make sure the waiter noticed her. "What would you like to drink Ang? I've got virgin punch on the table a shot of something from my own stock if you'd like. You can order from the menu whenever you want." (Reply: Angeni) After ordering her drink along with one for himself (A double of course) he continued. "Harry is finishing up fine tuning on the labs reactance chamber, tomorrow we're hoping to be finished with the preparations and get the thing running. If everything goes right... and it should I expect to be experimenting with fractal space and its interactions with objects in our own space/time tomorrow." "Is this the same Scientist I've heard rumors about sleeping in the lab?" Jack was the one caught napping this time, he turned in his chair to note that Loren had arrived while he had been otherwise engaged. "Excuse me Ang." He said to her and rose to his feet to greet the Bajoran/Vulcan whose eyes were sparkling with hidden laughter. Snagging the chair from the other side of him he couldn't help but admire her choice in apparel, the midnight blue dress with silver ring attached to one long sleeve and d'jah pagh along with highly glossed black shoes matched very well. "Please have a seat Loren." He offered. "I must apologize for not noting your entrance." He gave an embarrassed grin. "And yes he would be the one though I have to admit I haven't actually caught him sleeping yet but I keep expecting to find a note in my office asking for a change of quarters for my prize scientist... to the bio-physics lab." he gave a chuckle as he sat down between the two women. "What can I get for you to drink Loren?" He noted Harry was wrapping up the second number as he did so. "We have virgin punch or something stronger, whatever you would like." (Reply: Loren, Angeni) "By the way congratulations are in order." He said lightly. "For the work you did in deciphering the alien messages and translating the Tch'kairn language. By the way have you met our CMO yet? She's the one who found that last transmission I sent you." (Reply: Loren, Angeni) "So are you ladies interested in something to eat?" He asked as the waiter returned with their drinks. "I'm getting hungry and I'd better put some food with this since it's early. I'd hate for anyone to have to carry me back to my room and put me to bed. He grinned to show them he was joking but that brought up a mental image of one lady in a black skirt with long hair putting him to bed. He got a funny look when he said. "Hot!" and chuckled. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades- Deck 10, Ten Forward - 1901) She walked into Ten Forward and spied the fledgling party in the back. The strains of jazz hit her ears and she smiled. Jazz was such a different style and she loved to scat on occassion. It stretched her singing ability to create language where none was necessarily wanted and comprehendible melody in what was basically unformed music. She only raised her eyebrow slightly at seeing Harry Doorman on the stage with a trumpet in his hands. Lo'ren sidled up beside Jack Haynes and watched Harry, "Is this the same Scientist I've heard rumours about sleeping in the lab?" She smiled and her eyes sparkled in mirth. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades- Deck 10, Ten Forward - ATAC Ensign (jg) Lo'ren T'Vof - 1902) The Science chief, despite being obviously caught off guard, was still able to manage being sauve and chivalrous. He pulled out a chair for her as he answered her question, apologized for his own misstep and offered her a drink - all in the same breath. Lo'ren considered the beverage options and decided this was to be a truely celebratory evening. "I'm into something a little stronger, a mixed drink would be nice, could you recommend anything?" (reply Jack) "By the way congratulations are in order." Jack made light commentary. "For the work you did in deciphering the alien messages and translating the Tch'kairn language. By the way have you met our CMO yet? She's the one who found that last transmission I sent you." The dark haired woman smiled at Lo'ren and offered a hand in greeting. "Please, call me Angeni...and you are...?" Lo'ren threw up an extra mental barrier against any misstep with touch telepathy - not that she was a novice at it but there were some minds that needed extra barriers and she wasn't sure of Angeni's mental strength - then lightly clasped the woman's hand in her own. "Angeni," she tested the name out and found it to be a pleasing name that rolled of the tounge, "A pleasure to meet you. I'm Ensign Lo'ren T'Vof, Assistant Tactical Chief. Please call me Lo'ren." She turned back to Jack Haynes, who looked dashing in his chosen attire, "Thank you for the kudos Jack, but it really was a simple job once the Rosetta Stone came in, and we had a good team." Lo'ren nodded to Angeni. "I'm rather curious, Angeni, how you managed to come across a comprehensive file of language and mathematics. I didn't think the medical staff would be highly involved at this point." (reply Angeni) "So are you ladies interested in something to eat? I'm getting hungry and I'd better put some food with this since it's early. I'd hate for anyone to have to carry me back to my room and put me to bed." Unsure of what Jack meant by 'hot', Lo'ren simply raised a quizzical eyebrow and left the moment hang, instead concentrating on the thought of food. "I'm never one to turn down a meal Jack. I think seafood linguini suits my palate tonight." Lo'ren was always content to listen to the music and was tempted to join in, but she was well aware of the social side of parties and so made the effort to be conversational. "Are either of you fans of Jazz music? I'm not a great student of it, but I enjoy the soundscape it presents." "I like Jazz...As I said, it sounded pretty darn good...what you were playing?" The CMO was better attuned to bringing the scientist turned trumpeteer into the conversation and so Lo'ren didn't make a large effort except to make sure there was enough table space for him. Angeni smiled softly and she ordered her dinner, a Green Goddess Salad. She smiled at Harry and Jack, blushing softly when she heard Harry speak up. "Did you know that this table is an excellent example of social symmetrical disposition?" Lo'ren could only wonder at how much the consumate scientist Harry truly was, social symetrics indeed - and he'd forgotten to change out of his uniform, her own father rarely wore anything that could be considered relaxation attire, so to Lo'ren it was a non-issue but she was aware of it. Angeni turned to Harry, taking a sip of the 'real' alcohol. She let it slip down her throat, and she coughed a bit, a flush hitting her cheeks, then she turned to Harry, giving him one helluva smile. "Explain that one. It sounds interesting..." This time Lo'ren chimed in, "Yes, please do tell." She spoke with a smile and turning to put Harry into her full attention zone. (reply on-the-spot-awkward-Harry) Just then Eoin walked in and bee-lined for Lo'ren. "Sorry I'm late, but you know me. Have I missed much, Lo'ren?" She smiled up at the tall Irishman. "Eoin! Glad you could join us my friend, have you met everyone?" She introduced the other three starting with Angeni and then moving to the two men, Harry and Jack. "Everyone, this is Eoin, up from the bowels of the Engineering department." Her silken voice conveyed mirth and just a little ribbing jest directed at her fellow Academy graduate. (reply any present) "Pull up a chair, we only just ordered something to eat, Jack's been offering drinks and Harry was just about to start on a discourse of social symetrics." ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades- Deck 10, Ten Forward - SciO, Ensign Harry Doorman - 1903) Harry finished the last of the challenging notes of Red sea, amidst a few scattered applauses from some of the ten forwards patrons. It felt good to once again get the opportunity to play jazz trumpet. He didn't know where he had learned or even how long he had been playing. He only knew that it, like painting was something that he was particularly good at. He felt that maybe there was some deep seated connection to his past, some aspect of his true being, shown as a sliver of life in an otherwise obscured set piece that he had become. He was glad to be able to say that he had a good solid working relationship with his superior officer. Jack Haynes had turned out to be entirely different from the stuff-shirted bureaucrats that he normally had to deal with. It had helped that he was excitable about science as Harry was about mathematics. The Betazoid science officer turned and placed the holographic trumpet back on the stage. Immediately a holographic trumpeter appeared, picked it up and began to play something much more mellow than the pieces that Harry had played. He stepped down from the stage and looked over to the table where jack was sitting. The Senior scientist had been joined by not one, but two drop-dead gorgeous women. There was a hint of jealousy at seeing Angeni smiling and talking so animatedly with Jack, and it had been so sudden that it had caught him off guard. He rebuked himself, took a deep breath and headed for the table. Looking at the two women and Jack wearing civilian clothes, made Harry feel as if he were nude at a black tie affair. No scratch that, it made him feel as if he were wearing a black tie tuxedo to a Betazoid wedding. Nodding at the mental correction of the description of how he felt wearing his uniform he reached the table. "Hot!" he heard and noticed a few strange looks turning towards Jack. Harry glanced at those at the table, it was apparent that he was interrupting something, and judging from the bizarre looks, he wasn't sure he wanted to know exactly what that was. "I can come back later..?" he offered lamely. No one seemed to notice that he'd even arrived at this point. "I'm never one to turn down a meal Jack. I think seafood linguini suits my palate tonight." the Bajoran woman replied in response to a question that Harry must have missed earlier. (reply Angeni, Jack) "Okay, I just didn't want to interrupt your conversation." he replied then took a seat. "Are either of you fans of Jazz music? I'm not a great student of it, but I enjoy the soundscape it presents." she continued, obviously still speaking to the other two at the table. (reply Jack or Angeni) "By the way, I'm still waiting for my bow Mr. Haynes, is this party to be in compensation?" she said. ~Ah, Ensign T'Vof~ Harry realized putting the face with the name. (reply Jack) He sat there for an awkward moment. Until now had no idea who the other woman at the table was, and had assumed it was a friend of either Angeni's or Jack's. Still feeling awkward at his perceived intrusion, Harry asked, "Did you know that this table is an excellent example of social symmetrical disposition?" ~Brilliant! You oaf!~ he thought to himself even as he winced. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (USS Hades - Deck 10, Ten Forward - ACEO Ensign (jg) Eoin Mac Liam - 19:04) Eoin was a little behind schedule, and hoped that he hadn't missed much. He had heard that people were gathering in Ten Forward for a little get-together, but didn't know much beyond that. The doors opened, and he saw that the party was already in full swing. He found Lo'ren, and walked over to her. "Sorry I'm late, but you know me. Have I missed much, Lo'ren?" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (USS Hades- Deck 10, Ten Forward -CMO Angeni O. Windsong-Trommashere- 1905) "New?. It would probably be pretty boring to a doctor but I've been studying the Sitari Nebula rather closely today, we were at our closest approach to it earlier and I got some kick-a** readings..." he throttled back his enthusiasm immediately before it ran away with him. "...it was a nice change from the researches on fractal space we've been doing." Angeni crossed her long, slender legs, looking intently at Jack. "Don't be so sure, Mister Scientist." She winked at him, "You'd be suprised at what I find interesting. I've never been one to turn down learning about anything new. I have to say, I always find it invigorating when the ship speeds up to warp, and I watch the stars turn into multi colored streaks..." She looked to the windows, a small smile on her face before she turned back to Jack. As he spoke, a whiff of something tickled her nose. Subconciously, her head tilted into the 'sniffing position', an anatomical position that opened up the upper airway to maximize the airflow into the lungs. She picked apart the scent of real alcohol, and she smiled softly. "What would you like to drink Ang? I've got virgin punch on the table a shot of something from my own stock if you'd like. You can order from the menu whenever you want." Angeni gestured to the glass in front of him, a smile on her face. "I would be a fool to not accept a drink from your own stock...thank you, Jack." She sat in an awkward silence for a moment while Jack ordered before Jack continued. "Harry is finishing up fine tuning on the labs reactance chamber, tomorrow we're hoping to be finished with the preparations and get the thing running. If everything goes right... and it should I expect to be experimenting with fractal space and its interactions with objects in our own space/time tomorrow." "That's absolutely amazing. I'm so impressed right now..." She looked up to see a woman walking towards them. She smiled lightly, hooking a bit of hair behind her ear. The two talked for a moment as Angeni sat quietly waiting for her drink. "By the way congratulations are in order." He said lightly. "For the work you did in deciphering the alien messages and translating the Tch'kairn language. By the way have you met our CMO yet? She's the one who found that last transmission I sent you." Angeni extended a hand, a smile on her face. "Please, call me Angeni...and you are...?" (Reply Loren) "So are you ladies interested in something to eat?" He asked as the waiter returned with their drinks. "I'm getting hungry and I'd better put some food with this since it's early. I'd hate for anyone to have to carry me back to my room and put me to bed. He grinned to show them he was joking but that brought up a mental image of one lady in a black skirt with long hair putting him to bed. He got a funny look when he said. "Hot!" and chuckled. Angeni raised an eyebrow at Jack when he exclaimed 'Hot', but she dismissed it. She felt the hair on the back of her neck stand up. She looked up at Harry, and she caught his eye, a smile on her face. She felt happy to see him. "I can come back later..?" Angeni reached up, squeezing his forearm, "Oh come on Harry, have a seat. You played wonderfully by the way..." "Are either of you fans of Jazz music? I'm not a great student of it, but I enjoy the soundscape it presents." "I like Jazz...As I said, it sounded pretty darn good...what you were playing?" (Reply Jack, Loren, Harry) Angeni smiled softly and she ordered her dinner, a Green Goddess Salad. She smiled at Harry and Jack, blushing softly when she heard Harry speak up. "Did you know that this table is an excellent example of social symmetrical disposition?" Angeni turned to Harry, taking a sip of the 'real' alcohol. She let it slip down her throat, and she coughed a bit, a flush hitting her cheeks, then she turned to Harry, giving him one helluva smile. "Explain that one. It sounds interesting..." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades- Deck 10, Ten Forward - CSO, Lt. (jg) Jericho Haynes- 1906) "I'm into something a little stronger, a mixed drink would be nice, could you recommend anything?" Lo'ren asked and it didn't take long for him to come up with a suggestion. "If you want something with a kick might I suggest a Jack and coke." He grinned mischievously. "The Jack Daniels is the real thing, no synthehol for this party unless you're prone to hangovers and wearing lampshades." That said he laughed, what was it that had gotten into him he wondered? He was having more fun in the last week than was allowed by starfleet regs. "If you would like a really premium tasting mixed drink though without the previously mentioned side-effects I'd recommend a Texas Tea, it's made like a Long Island Iced Tea but it has tequila in place of the rum." ~Maybe part of it tonight is that I'm suddenly the center of the attention of a couple of lovely ladies... been a long time since I've mixed with the fairer sex like this.~ "By the way congratulations are in order for the work you did in deciphering the alien messages and translating the Tch'kairn language. By the way have you met our CMO yet? She's the one who found that last transmission I sent you." He sat back in his chair as the women reached around him and shook hands "Please, call me Angeni...and you are...?" "Angeni," Lo'ren drew the word out as though she were tasting it, he had done much the same thing in times past with completely unfamiliar names. It was like you at once were being careful to pronounce it correctly while enjoying its unfamiliarity. "A pleasure to meet you. I'm Ensign Lo'ren T'Vof, Assistant Tactical Chief. Please call me Lo'ren." Having met and greeted the two stunningly clad ladies withdrew into their chairs then she addressed him in reply. "Thank you for the kudos Jack, but it really was a simple job once the Rosetta Stone came in, and we had a good team." He nodded. While Lo'ren had not been in command of that group to his knowledge she had been his point of contact during the researches and while it was possible she had been carrying out the wishes of the others in her team he had been impressed with her professionalism and wit. Also Jack had an innate sense that comes from being around highly accomplished officers over a number of years along with his own experience in the position of running a department... he knew she had good leadership qualities that with careful cultivation would blossom over time just as Angenis had. . "I'm rather curious, Angeni, how you managed to come across a comprehensive file of language and mathematics. I didn't think the medical staff would be highly involved at this point." She spoke across him to his pleasure, he was happy with his position. (reply Angeni) As their drinks arrived he took a sip then realized after a moment his skin had begun to tingle a bit which was a sure warning sign, he had started drinking a bit early tonight. "I'm never one to turn down a meal Jack. I think seafood linguini suits my palate tonight." Lo'ren answered. "Good choice but I'm doing the surf and turf he replied", gesturing for the waiter to come back. "A good t-bone steak and fried shrimp will hit the spot." (Reply: Angeni) "Are either of you fans of Jazz music? I'm not a great student of it, but I enjoy the soundscape it presents." "I love it." He answered as the man held up a finger indicating he would be over soon, he had gotten caught up with another table. Turning his attention back to her he continued. "Big band sound, swing and jazz. Anything that has brass in it is tops with me as far as pure music." "I like Jazz...As I said, it sounded pretty darn good...what you were playing?" Angeni asked Harry as he walked up. "Sit down Harry." Jack said to the nervous man. "You did a great job up there." He heard Lo'ren ordering behind him then turned to allow Angeni and Harry some breathing room to talk without butting in. "Did you know that this table is an excellent example of social symmetrical disposition?" Jack shook his head when Angeni choked a bit on the drink. When you'd had nothing but synthehol for a while it was easy to forget to go slow at first, everyone did it. "Explain that one. It sounds interesting..." She asked after regaining her breath. Followed by Lo'ren."Yes, please do tell." She turning a smile upon the fellow as well. (reply on-the-spot-awkward-Harry) Jack saw another officer step in and after a slight hesitation moved quickly toward their table. He stood up as the engineer neared them, playing the gracious host since he had called the get-together. "Sorry I'm late, but you know me. Have I missed much, Lo'ren?" He asked the former member of the translation team. She smiled up at him. "Eoin! Glad you could join us my friend, have you met everyone?" Jack nodded as she introduced him. "Everyone, this is Eoin, up from the bowels of the Engineering department." She had a teasing note in her voice when she said it. Jack stepped slightly out from the chair so that he wouldn't be reaching over the woman as he offered his hand to the fellow. "Greetings Eoin from engineering, glad you could make the party, have a seat and order whatever you'd like. There's real whiskey if you want it and we were just ordering food." (Reply Eoin) "Pull up a chair, we only just ordered something to eat, Jack's been offering drinks and Harry was just about to start on a discourse of social symmetries." Lo'ren added. "Speaking of which." Jack said, continuing his former thought then nodded at the waiter who had taken her order and was waiting a bit impatiently. "I'll have an inch thick T-Bone steak rare and a generous helping of fried shrimp with a loaded baked potato." "Steak sauce sir?" Jack made a face. "And spoil a good cut of meat? Hell no! But make sure there's plenty of butter and chives on the potato." At least he hoped it was a real cut of meat, likely not but it wouldn't do to go there. "What would you like Eoin?" (Reply: Eoin) Jack then returned to his seat between the two women. "Run with it Harry, we're all interested in your observation." --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades- Deck 10, Ten Forward - ACEO Ensign (jg) Eoin Mac Liam - 1907) "Sorry I'm late, but you know me. Have I missed much, Lo'ren?" Lo'ren looked at Eoin, and smiled. "Eoin! Glad you could join us my friend, have you met everyone?" She introduced the other three starting with Angeni and then moving to the two men, Harry and Jack. "Everyone, this is Eoin, up from the bowels of the Engineering department." Her silken voice conveyed mirth and just a little ribbing jest directed at her fellow Academy graduate. Eoin smirked. "Well, I wouldn't call the Engineering department 'the bowels' per se. The Jeffries Tubes are a different story." (reply any present) "Pull up a chair, we only just ordered something to eat, Jack's been offering drinks and Harry was just about to start on a discourse of social symetrics." "Oh, perfect. Some duck sounds good tonight, that is if it's on the menu." ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades- Deck 10, Ten Forward - SciO, Ensign Harry Doorman - 1908) "I can come back later..?" Angeni reached up, squeezing his forearm, "Oh come on Harry, have a seat. You played wonderfully by the way..." "Are either of you fans of Jazz music? I'm not a great student of it, but I enjoy the soundscape it presents." Lo'ren asked "I love it." Jack replied, "Big band sound, swing and jazz. Anything that has brass in it is tops with me as far as pure music." "I like Jazz...As I said, it sounded pretty darn good...what you were playing?" Angeni asked "Sit down Harry." Jack said to him. "You did a great job up there." "Thanks," he replied to Jack then turned to answer Angeni, "The first piece was Jazz Police and the second was Red sea. Both are contemporary jazz pieces composed for Trumpet written in the early 21st century." Harry replied. Angeni smiled softly and she ordered her dinner, a Green Goddess Salad. She smiled at Harry and Jack, blushing softly when she heard Harry speak up. "Did you know that this table is an excellent example of social symmetrical disposition?" Angeni turned to Harry, taking a sip of the 'real' alcohol. She let it slip down her throat, and she coughed a bit, a flush hitting her cheeks, then she turned to Harry, giving him one helluva smile. "Explain that one. It sounds interesting..." This time Lo'ren chimed in, "Yes, please do tell." She spoke with a smile and turning to put Harry into her full attention zone. Before Harry could start, another officer arrived. "Sorry I'm late, but you know me. Have I missed much, Lo'ren?" the new arrival said as he arrived. She smiled up at him. "Eoin! Glad you could join us my friend, have you met everyone?" She introduced the other three starting with Angeni and then moving to the two men, Harry and Jack. Both Jack and Harry nodded as she introduced them. "Everyone, this is Eoin, up from the bowels of the Engineering department." She had a teasing note in her voice when she said it. Jack stepped slightly out from the chair so that he wouldn't be reaching over the woman as he offered his hand to the fellow. "Greetings Eoin from engineering, glad you could make the party, have a seat and order whatever you'd like. There's real whiskey if you want it and we were just ordering food." "Pull up a chair, we only just ordered something to eat, Jack's been offering drinks and Harry was just about to start on a discourse of social symmetries." Loren added. "Oh, perfect. Some duck sounds good tonight, that is if it's on the menu." Eoin commented There was some discourse about food, which Harry didn't really follow, as by this point he was finding himself a bit overwhelmed by the sudden closeness of so many people. It wasn't claustrophobia, just more of a growing sense of social ineptitude that seemed to be defined as a compounding factor based solely upon the number of people present to hear you speak multiplied by the variable scaling factor of the relative importance of those people comprising the first data set. In simpler terms the more people present and the more important those people were relative to yourself, the more likely that Harry felt that he was about to say or do something entirely stupid, in appropriate or lame. Or come to think of it any combination of the three of those, which led to a possible number of outcomes equal to 19683, assuming three distinct levels of ineptitude possible for each category. Jack then returned to his seat between the two women. "Run with it Harry, we're all interested in your observation." I'm sorry what observation?" Harry asked absently. "Will you be having anything to eat tonight sir?" the waiter asked him. "Say again?" Harry replied turning to the waiter. "Will you be ordering anything?" Harry's eyes searched around the table, looking for something to anchor his mind on. The anxiety was getting to be a bit much, there were too many people talking and thinking in such proximity. He could feel their emotional exuberance and it was almost too much to deal with. He looked up at the Waiter, his eyes searching his face for some semblance of sympathy. "Ummm... Yes, something to eat and of course a beverage of some sort." Harry replied. "Something specific?" the waiter asked. "What? No just something, whatever is fine." Harry stammered. "Oh... Okay then." The waiter said, then turned and left the table muttering and shaking his head. Harry turned back to the table. He looked around at those seated nearby, they were all looking at him. "What?" he said with a shrug. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades - Deck 10, Ten Forward - COPS Lt. Maraht - 1910) Rumbling into Ten Forward, Maraht found himself accosted by a loud cacophony of noise. The deck vibrated underneath his body with the sheer volume of a bewildering array of hoots, blares and thumps from various musical instruments. Though he could tell the band members were holograms, he wished they wouldn't play so loudly. Finding it difficult to concentrate, Maraht headed for the farthest point away from the band as possible. Finding himself in a quieter corner on his own he surveyed the room. Most of the crew was here, enjoying themselves. Seeing he was near the observation windows, Maraht shifted over to look at the view. He never seemed to tire of it. The ever changing panorama of stars and heavenly bodies was fascinating to watch. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (USS Hades- Deck 10, Ten Forward - CMO Angeni O. Windsong-Trommashere - 1910) Angeni heard Harry trip over his words, stammering while trying to place an order. She raised an eyebrow slightly towards him, trying to figure out what went amiss; as if the synapses in his head had quit firing in the proper order, or as if he just had a sudden, massive hemmoragic stroke that left him in such a condition. She put a hand on his arm, leaning over to whisper in his ear. "Are you okay, Harry?" Angeni looked out amongst those seated, and she smiled playfully. "Obviously, the Symetrical Distribution of this particular social setting isn't exactly Symetrical for the observation to work anymore. If I may form my own understanding..." She laughed and waved her hand, "Aww...forget it...it's not important anyways." (Reply Harry) She turned to Lo'ren, a smile on her face, "As for your previous question, how I found the Data-Stream...after the morning meeting, I was doing a bit of research, and came upon a random audio file. I played it, and I heard some of the clicking noise that sounded similar to the stuff heard at the meeting that morning. I took it to the Lab, where I was lucky enough to find Harry and Jack working, and after they did the voodoo that they do so well..they found what they found. I don't take any of the credit that these two try to hand me. I tripped over it, they were the ones who cleaned it up and made sense of it." She smiled and winked at Jack, "Couldn'tve done it without you!" She sat back, her head feeling slightly fuzzy. She sipped at the ethanol, closing her eyes. She leaned back, mentally reminding herself that tonight was not the night to get hammered and do something silly... Angeni tapped her foot along to the beat of the music, the little bells jingling quietly as she did. As the salad arrived, she could smell the mingling aroma of the vinegar and italian dressing. She nudged Harry gently, smiling up at him, "Try some...you might like it..." --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ((USS Hades - Deck 10, Ten Forward – ACSO Lt. Shayhiloosh - 1912) Stepping into Ten Forward, Shayhiloosh carefully bent down hir topmost branches, hir self grown hands holding small candle lanterns. Behind him the more diminutive Shureshlee followed, fitting easily through the door, carrying a candle lantern in each of hir own branch hands. Over the din of the holographic band, Shayhiloosh gestured with a root for Shureshlee to follow. The two Arborians made their way through the room to where the Science Chief sat with a group of crewmembers, their glowing lights swinging gently, giving off a soft glow. Just then the band quieted down between sets. In the resulting quiet, Shayhiloosh greeted the group, noting the presence of Ensign Harry Doorman, Dr. Trommashere and others from Engineering and Security. "Clear waters and warm breezes to you all. Some of you may not have met my offspring Shureshlee." The smaller Arborian stepped forward almost shyly and said, "Clear waters to you." The shorter Arborian's eyestalks bobbed additionally in greeting. (Reply Jericho Haynes, any) "It is the Festival of Lights on our world at this time of year," said Shayhiloosh. "We thought to celebrate it on board the ship as Shureshlee has not yet been home to visit Arboria Prime." One of hir roots twined affectionately with one of Shureshlee's roots. "We are to tell and listen to stories," said Shureshlee eagerly, hir leaves trembling in enthusiasm, all shyness forgotten. "Do any of you have any stories to tell? Elder Parent said with all of those on board the ship from so many places that there would be many different wonderful stories." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- USS Hades- Deck 10, Ten Forward - ATAC Ensign (jg) Lo'ren T'Vof - 1913) Lo'ren could only blink, if she tried to do anything else she would simply not be able to keep her composure in the face of the bumbling ineptitude that was called Harry Doorman. As it was, her mind raced to find something - anything - diplomatic to say. She wasn't having much luck - everything sounded funny but it also sounded entirely too insensitive to her inner ear to be spoken aloud. Luckily, Angeni was able to deflate the awkwardness of what Harry had been trying to join the conversation with. She wasn't really surprised that the Doc hadn't been actively looking for the file, what did surprise her was that it went to her at all, but she kept her concerns for another day. Lo'ren raised her glass, "Well, here's to a team effort then, gentlemen, Angeni. Sláinte." With that she took a drink from her glass of Taxas Iced Tea. Just then a tree ~A tree? No, two trees; pay attention Mutt.~ walked into Ten-Forward. ~Moved... uh... glided, shuffled... forget it, Mutt. Must be Ensign Shayhiloosh, but who's the other?~ "Clear waters and warm breezes to you all. Some of you may not have met my offspring Shureshlee." The smaller Arborian stepped forward almost shyly and said, "Clear waters to you." The shorter Arborian's eyestalks bobbed additionally in greeting. ~AH, a child then, interesting.~ Lo'ren bobbed her head in return to the pair of Arborians. "Life-giving Sun be yours, Shayhiloosh and Shureshlee. I am Lo'ren." She left out the rest of her name for the benefit of the child; explaning her name could be complex for adults - let alone a youngster who might not be familiar with the naming customs of various species, not to mention the mixing of cultures and thus names. (reply any present) "It is the Festival of Lights on our world at this time of year," said Shayhiloosh. "We thought to celebrate it on board the ship as Shureshlee has not yet been home to visit Arboria Prime." Parent and child twirled their roots together in an apparent display of affection. "We are to tell and listen to stories," said Shureshlee eagerly, hir leaves trembling in enthusiasm, all shyness forgotten. "Do any of you have any stories to tell? Elder Parent said with all of those on board the ship from so many places that there would be many different wonderful stories." Lo'ren smiled gently, remembering her own childhood enthusiasm on Bajoran festival days, and even on those days that were loosely classified as celebratory in Vulcan culture. "We all have very interesting stories Shureshlee, but where do we start? What type of story should we share?" Lo'ren had an idea what type of tale would be good for a celebration of light, but she was captured by the melodious tones that accompanied the speech of the Arborians and wanted to hear more. (reply Shureshlee, Shayhiloosh, any present) Lo'ren paid attention to the explanation and became pensive, "I'm sure I can think of something, if you can give me a moment I will share a story with you. Do you have one to share, Shureshlee, while I gather my thoughts? Or anyone else?" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ USS Hades- Deck 10, Ten Forward - CSO, Lt. (jg) Jericho Haynes- 1914) Angeni smiled and winked at him, "Couldn't have done it without you!" Jack shrugged at the compliment, the whole situation had been rather exotic if you stopped to think about it but he had learned a long time ago not to look a 'gift horse' in the mouth which brought up a question from out of who knows where, what exactly did that phrase mean? ~Hmmmppph. Goes back a long way anyway, I guess I ought to research it sometime if I get the chance.~ Which brought up another question. ~Why the hell am I worried about the origins of an old saying right now? Weird.~ Lo'ren raised her glass, "Well, here's to a team effort then, gentlemen, Angeni. Sláinte." She then raised the sweating glass of synthehol based beverage he had suggested and took a drink. It was then that the door opened once again and the horta Maraht entered ten forward, instead of moving toward their table however he undulated to one in another part of the lounge which disappointed Jack, he and the horta had had a good conversation on Earth during the treaty signing and it was tragic that he didn't feel he belonged with the group. ~Jack what's wrong with you?~ He mentally kicked himself. ~Horta communicate using electromagnetic frequencies and can hear that way as well but their primary sense which evolved on Janus VI is acoustic, they emit vibrations into the strata much like sonar as they burrow and read the returning vibrations. Much like bats from Earth then they can detect the presence and type of food using it.~ He looked toward the bandstand. ~And the noise from the band is probably giving him a headache, you're lucky he came at all.~ He was about to stand to his feet and walk over when the door opened again and the Arborians Shayhiloosh and hir offspring Shureshlee slipped through then made their way over. They 'walked' using their roots in a sort of shuffling motion, the most striking facet about their entrance however was of the glowing globes held in their appendages. It gave their entrance an almost ethereal quality. ~ Like something out of faerie.~ Was the though that came to mind. Apropos as it was a magical sight. "Clear waters and warm breezes to you all. Some of you may not have met my offspring Shureshlee." Shayhiloosh said as s/he neared them, "Clear waters to you." The shorter Arborian's eyestalks bobbed delightfully in agreement.. Lo'ren bobbed her head in return to the pair of Arborians. "Life-giving Sun be yours, Shayhiloosh and Shureshlee. I am Lo'ren." Jack was impressed at that return greeting, he realized he was still sitting and stood to his feet, swaying only slightly as he did so. ~Oh crap.~ He looked down at his glass and realized it was empty, he had drunk two doubles without eating! That was about right, he was threatening to pass the point of buzzed and get into the realm of tipsy if he hadn't already made the transition. It was time to slow down. ~I won't drink anymore until after I've eaten, one with the meal then should be fine.~ "Welcome Shayhiloosh and Shureshlee, may the grounds of your home provide you nourishment, its waters invigorate you with health and its sun warm your branches." ~In the bible that would actually be called a blessing rather than a greeting.~ He realized as he sat down. ~Interesting.~ "Would it be impolite to inquire as to the meaning of the lights?" ~Good one Jack, you wax rather poetic when you get tipsy.~ He smiled at the two. "It is the Festival of Lights on our world at this time of year,"Shayhiloosh explained. "We thought to celebrate it on board the ship as Shureshlee has not yet been home to visit Arboria Prime. We are to tell and listen to stories," S/he positvely gushed in excitement. "Do any of you have any stories to tell? Elder Parent said with all of those on board the ship from so many places that there would be many different wonderful stories." "We all have very interesting stories Shureshlee, but where do we start? What type of story should we share?" Lo'ren asked from his left. "I'm sure I can think of something, if you can give me a moment I will share a story with you. Do you have one to share, Shureshlee, while I gather my thoughts? Or anyone else?" (Reply: any) Jack nodded in agreement. "I'm sure we could all spin a good yarn but I'll admit I don't know what would be appropriate for the occasion, what would you like to hear Shayhiloosh?" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (USS Hades- Deck 10, Ten Forward – ACSO Lt. Shayhiloosh - 1915) "We all have very interesting stories Shureshlee, but where do we start? What type of story should we share?" the courteous Lo'ren asked. "I'm sure I can think of something, if you can give me a moment I will share a story with you. Do you have one to share, Shureshlee, while I gather my thoughts? Or anyone else?" Shureshlee's young branches drooped sadly. "I have few stories to tell yet. I have been so busy with my studies." (Reply Any IYW) Jack nodded, head bobbing in agreement. "I'm sure we could all spin a good yarn but I'll admit I don't know what would be appropriate for the occasion. What would you like to hear Shayhiloosh?" "During the Festival of Lights, we tell stories that are encouraging and uplifting, often where someone has accomplished a difficult task or overcome a terrible situation," explained Shayhiloosh, hir leaf bladders shaking with hir whispery words. "It is stories such as these in our auditory traditions that we pass on to our younger generations, who also add their tales as our history progresses." "However, it will be difficult to relay any stories over the high volume of the band," said Shayhiloosh, with a gesture from a root toward the jazz ensemble. "I had not known that such a high audio level would be at this small gathering." (Reply Jericho Haynes, Any IYW) "But while it is quiet, I can tell you a story that one of my mentors Hannahlish told me when I was a youngling." Shayhiloosh rustled hir bough and roots, settling hirself comfortably to speak. "Over a millennia ago, the greatest of our Elders known as Meeshesh, who had grown very large and tall in later years and had been speaking less and spending more time on the Dreamplane, had been disturbed one day to find a young seed shaped being caught in hir top most branches." "Though the Arborian people had long observed the water droplet shaped flying creatures, there had never been any contact with them before. It was a great surprise to Meeshesh when the strange creature whispered to him telepathically and Meeshesh was able to speak to it through the Dreamplane." "The youngling had flown too low and having been caught in storm far away, had been unable to pull up from its flight trajectory and had been snagged by Meeshesh accidentally. Meeshesh was able to fling the creature back into the sky to return it to its family group. It told others of its species who, out of gratitude and curiosity, later descended to converse with Meeshesh. Eventually a bargain was struck and now the Turine and Arborians work together to learn and grow, traveling the skies." Shayhiloosh ended the short story and bobbed hir eyebulbs, sparkling quizzically, at the group of officers. "Does anyone else have a story?" asked Shayhiloosh. (USS Hades- Deck 10, Ten Forward - SciO, Ensign Harry Doorman - 1916) "What?" he said with a shrug. Angeni put a hand on his arm, leaning over to whisper in his ear. "Are you okay, Harry?" Harry turned to face her, his anxiety perhaps a bit more apparent than it should be. "Uh.. Yeah. I'm okay." he lied. "Obviously, the Symmetrical Distribution of this particular social setting isn't exactly Symmetrical for the observation to work anymore. If I may form my own understanding..." She laughed and waved her hand, "Aww...forget it...it's not important anyways." "Exactly right... It's... Well it's no longer a practical observation and trying to explain it now would be like... Trying to birth a cannonball or something equally difficult." Harry replied, still trying to get himself settled. "As for your previous question, how I found the Data-Stream...after the morning meeting, I was doing a bit of research, and came upon a random audio file. I played it, and I heard some of the clicking noise that sounded similar to the stuff heard at the meeting that morning. I took it to the Lab, where I was lucky enough to find Harry and Jack working, and after they did the voodoo that they do so well... they found what they found. I don't take any of the credit that these two try to hand me. I tripped over it, they were the ones who cleaned it up and made sense of it." Angeni continued She smiled and winked at Jack, "Couldn'tve done it without you!" Angeni sat back, and sipped at her drink, closing her eyes as she did so. The food came out and the waiter served everyone who had ordered. He then set Harry's 'meal' down in front of him. It looked slimy and not exactly palatable. He had no idea what it was, not even in the slightest. Harry looked up at the waiter who seemed to be taking a private delight in the dilemma that he had placed the Betazoid in. The smugness was rolling off him in waves. "I'm just curious," Harry asked, "What exactly did I order?" "Risan marsh leeches in Bolian red wine reduction seasoned with Tar bok and bok-choy. With a side of baked plantains and Andorian Ice tubers." The waiter replied with a flourish. "I see." Harry answered. ~Well at least they're not alive.~ he thought to himself. Angeni nudged Harry gently, smiling up at him, "Try some...you might like it..." "I can get you something else if you haven't the stomach for it?" The waiter stated. Harry looked around the table, everyone seemed to be looking at him. "No, It's... Fine. Just not quite what I expected, that's all." "I'll get you something else." The waiter said then reached down for his plate. Harry blocked the action with a simple outstretched hand. "No I think this will work just fine, you can go away now." A slight tone of irritation in his voice. The waiter made a haruff sound, then departed the table. Harry looked up at the rest of the table and said... "Really how bad can it be?" He speared the first one and pulled from the plate. A thin reddish trail of leech slime stretched from the nematode to the plate. Harry had to take a deep breath. He held it for a second and with a great deal of willpower, plopped it into his mouth. It squished between his teeth and blew the innards of the creature into his mouth. Fighting a gag reflex, Harry chewed the Nematode thoroughly and swallowed it. He offered a very fake smile. "What's good on Risa..." He offered then turned back to his plate. "Gotta Love Leeches, they must be a delicacy or something somewhere..." he muttered. Harry was chewing the second of the nasty little creatures, manifesting all the willpower he had as he masticated them with a less than eager action, when he suddenly heard, "Clear waters and warm breezes to you all. Some of you may not have met my offspring Shureshlee." Harry forced the slimy and chewy little morsel down. The smaller Arborian stepped forward almost shyly and said, "Clear waters to you." The shorter Arborian's eyestalks bobbed additionally in greeting. "Life-giving Sun be yours, Shayhiloosh and Shureshlee. I am Lo'ren." "Welcome Shayhiloosh and Shureshlee, may the grounds of your home provide you nourishment, its waters invigorate you with health and its sun warm your branches. Would it be impolite to inquire as to the meaning of the lights?" "It is the Festival of Lights on our world at this time of year," Shayhiloosh explained. "We thought to celebrate it on board the ship as Shureshlee has not yet been home to visit Arboria Prime. We are to tell and listen to stories," S/he positively gushed in excitement. "Do any of you have any stories to tell? Elder Parent said with all of those on board the ship from so many places that there would be many different wonderful stories." "We all have very interesting stories Shureshlee, but where do we start? What type of story should we share?" Lo'ren asked from his left. "I'm sure I can think of something, if you can give me a moment I will share a story with you. Do you have one to share, Shureshlee, while I gather my thoughts? Or anyone else?" ~ That's number 3.~ Harry counted. ~Only 22 to go.~ He sighed. "I'm sure we could all spin a good yarn but I'll admit I don't know what would be appropriate for the occasion, what would you like to hear Shayhiloosh?" "During the Festival of Lights, we tell stories that are encouraging and uplifting, often where someone has accomplished a difficult task or overcome a terrible situation," explained Shayhiloosh, hir leaf bladders shaking with hir whispery words. "It is stories such as these in our auditory traditions that we pass on to our younger generations, who also add their tales as our history progresses." "However, it will be difficult to relay any stories over the high volume of the band," said Shayhiloosh, with a gesture from a root toward the jazz ensemble. "I had not known that such a high audio level would be at this small gathering." That was Harry's cue. "Computer discontinue Jazz ensemble in ten forward." Suddenly the music stopped and the room was only filled with the general murmur of conversation. Harry looked back down at his plate. ~20 to go.~ "But while it is quiet, I can tell you a story that one of my mentors Hannahlish told me when I was a youngling." Shayhiloosh rustled hir bough and roots, settling hirself comfortably to speak. "Over a millennia ago, the greatest of our Elders known as Meeshesh, who had grown very large and tall in later years and had been speaking less and spending more time on the Dreamplane, had been disturbed one day to find a young seed shaped being caught in hir top most branches." "Though the Arborian people had long observed the water droplet shaped flying creatures, there had never been any contact with them before. It was a great surprise to Meeshesh when the strange creature whispered to him telepathically and Meeshesh was able to speak to it through the Dreamplane." "The youngling had flown too low and having been caught in storm far away, had been unable to pull up from its flight trajectory and had been snagged by Meeshesh accidentally. Meeshesh was able to fling the creature back into the sky to return it to its family group. It told others of its species who, out of gratitude and curiosity, later descended to converse with Meeshesh. Eventually a bargain was struck and now the Turine and Arborians work together to learn and grow, traveling the skies." Shayhiloosh ended the short story and bobbed hir eyebulbs, sparkling quizzically, at the group of officers. "Does anyone else have a story?" asked Shayhiloosh. Harry once again realized he had a valid reason for putting off the inevitable consumption of the dreaded leeches. "Sure I can tell one." Harry offered. "A long time ago," Harry began, "When The Betazoids were first exploring space and Betazed was fragmented by differing religious beliefs and political bodies, they came across a being that was the last of his kind." "He was advanced with great technology, and his mathematical and scientific knowledge was greater than anything than the entire Betazoid species had ever seen." "His name was Bozlogat, and he was very old. He was invited to come to Betazed and he agreed, on the condition that he be allowed to leave his technology behind, because he realized that he was soon to reach the end of his days." "The Leaders of the Great houses all agreed, because they were so intrigued by this being that they would have done anything to learn his great secrets. It was believed that he could help the Betazed people to overcome so many of their internal struggles." "He stayed with us for a standard month, explaining science, and math, medicine and bettering agricultural and materials technology. But yet, the troubles between the various houses was still raging, and tensions began to rise between the houses, because it was said that the being was giving special council to each of the clans. But none of them would say what it was that they were told." "This went on for a short while until finally, Bozlogat died." "When this happened, the great leaders of the houses came together, because they had each been told that if they would return Bozlogat to his ship, that he would then reveal to them the greatest gem of all his millennia of collected wisdom. The leaders all had seen the great deed and improvements that the most basic aspects of Bozlogat's technology had brought to them and so they were all eager to do as he had asked so that they could possess the power and knowledge that he considered to be the most cherished of all his skills." "A massive undertaking was performed. Bozlogat's body was returned to his ship, with all the assembled leaders of the house present, since none wanted any of the others to gain this knowledge and they be left out." "When the body was placed inside the device as directed by Bozlogat before his death, a computer activated and a small image of Bozlogat appeared to those assembled." "Everyone of the House leaders were recording every bit of the event there so as to never forget even the slightest detail of this great pearl of wisdom that was about to be told to them." "They waited anxiously and then the image of Bozlogat spoke." "I see that you have all come here together as I had requested. And so as I promised I will share with you the greatest piece of knowledge that I have come to learn in all my millennia of travels." "I have seen the heavens born and the stars die, I have watched entire civilizations including my own rise and collapse, and now that I have passed we are no more. But I will leave with you our greatest treasure. The most important piece of knowledge in the entire universe. The one piece of truth that has never failed us, and that has always proven true" "The leaders of the houses stood, each hoping for their greatest wishes to be fulfilled. They wondered whether the knowledge would be a key to living for millennia, or a great scientific breakthrough that would advance their civilization dramatically." "The image then answered their question." "It said, " Through all the ages, the one truth- the greatest treasure of my species that we give to you is this great knowledge..." "Love is the greatest power in all the universe, Cooperation the greatest tool, Peace the greatest treasure and Understanding the greatest skill that any being can possess." "The image faded then and on that day all the leaders of the great houses realized that the words were true. They began the process of unification and forged a unified world where all these principles could be pursued." ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades- Deck 10, Ten Forward - ATAC Ensign (jg) Lo'ren T'Vof - 1924) Lo'ren listened to the stories being passed about. She thought to herself she could tell a story from either of her family cultures, or one of her own. There was merit to either, though the rest of the group was veering away from telling personal stories, instead chosing historical ones from the various cultures. Lo'ren threw caution to the wind and decided her own story would be as fitting as any other tale she might dredge from her memory. "I have a story to share, but I am most comfortable sharing in song. If that is permitted, Shayhiloosh?" (reply Shayhiloosh) Lo'ren smiled, got up from the table, her delicious meal finished and her drink about halfway done. "Computer, I would like an Irish Harp player please." She called out as she made her way to the stage. Before her appeared a harpist and she leaned in to give the player instructions on the style of music and what key she would prefer. The Hologram nodded and began playing quietly. Lo'ren composed herself and settled into the music - somewhere between Bajoran and Vulcan with a hint of Irish thrown in. She sang in a clear voice that was flute-like in quality and the melody felt Celtic, though it was not entirely so. "Many years, long since past When I was but young, My mother sang a song to me Just as the day was done. She sang me off to sleep that night With voice so soft and low, Though I was frightened of the trouble I had come to know. "Little bird, my sweet child. Little bird, my darling, Little bird, my baby sweet, No harm will hurt your sleeping. "My sleep that night was gentle, My dreams, they were of beauty, I heard no whisper in my sleep; No nightmare came to snare me. I woke to find my dream come true! The terrors - they had fled. I keep the memory of the morn, The day my mother said: "Little bird, my sweet child. Little bird, my darling, Little bird, my daughter sweet, No harm will hurt your waking. "The time for sorrow is gone. The day of joy is here. Our lives can find the happiness we've lost for many years. The seige that we were under All our suffering is done The foe has left our doorstep the time to live has begun! "Little bird, my sweet child. Little bird, my darling, Little bird, my daughter sweet, Come join with me in singing." She nodded to the harpist to close off the piece instrumentally and re-took her seat at the table with the rest, "That song comes from varied personal memories. Though I have inserted some poetic license in the telling of details it is the feeling I still have about the days when the Occupation of Bajor was ended. "I was about nine years at the time and one morning, without prior warning, the Cardassians had left our camp. We were lucky that we fared as well as we did in our particular camp. I know of many camps where the Guls and Glinns didn't leave a single building standing, let alone anyone alive. My mother, while she didn't sing exactly those words to me, she did sing me lullabies every so often. Not nearly as much as I would have like prior to the occupation, but after they were gone I constantly asked my mother to sing me to sleep. "Those lullabies gave me the reassurance that all was well and that we were truly safe. The nickname 'Little Bird' was often one my mother used with me and often she sang some song about a little bird to me." Tears were coursing down her cheeks, and Lo'ren didn't make any attempt to hide them. She was not, in her emotions, her father's child. However, now that she was done, she did pick up her napkin and use it as a handkerchief. She looked over at Shayhiloosh, "I hope I have done honour to your festival. I know my song didn't quite fit into the criteria, but I felt it was the one that ought to be shared." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------end compile