compile summary ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Stardate: 2408.07.13 Day: 4 (USS Hades, First Officers Office, FO Commander Eva Straton, 11:38) (USS Hades, First Officers Office, ACEO Ensign (jg) Eoin Mac Liam, 11:39) (USS Hades, First Officers Office, FO Commander Eva Straton, 11:40) (USS Hades, First Officers Office, ACEO Ensign (jg) Eoin Mac Liam, 11:41) (USS Hades, First Officers Office, CSO Lt. (jg) Jericho Haynes, 1332) (USS Hades, First Officers Office, FO Commander Eva Straton, 1333) (USS Hades, First Officers Office, CSO, Lt. (jg) Jericho Haynes, 1334) (USS Hades, First Officers Office, FO, Commander Eva Straton, 1335) (USS Hades, First Officers Office, Commander Eva Straton, 1442) (USS Hades - First Officers Office - ATAC Ensign(jg) Lo'ren T'Vof - 1443) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2407.07.20 Day 11 (USS Hades - Deck 9, Personal Quarters - ATAC Ensign (jg) Lo'ren T'Vof -00:35) (USS Hades - Deck 9, Personal Quarters - ATAC Ensign (jg) Lo'ren T'Vof -07:00) (USS Hades - Deck 11, Outside Arboretum – ACSO Lt. Shayhiloosh, Child Shureshlee, ATAC Ensign Lo’ren T’vof – 1927) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Stardate: 2408.07.21 Day 12 (USS Hades - Holodeck 3 - ATAC Ensign (jg) Lo'ren T'Vof - 19:56) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ begin compile Stardate: 2408.07.13 Day: 4 (USS Hades, First Officers Office, FO Commander Eva Straton, 11:38) "With all due respect, ma'am, it was a rough idea that I wanted to gauge interest in with the upper ranks before it went into development. I have already said that I meant no offense. What else do you want? Do you want me to crawl on my hands and knees to Rome and beg forgiveness of God and all the saints?" Eva's eyes narrowed threateningly. "Was that a joke Ensign?" She asked her voice taking on a cold edge it didn't have before. "Perhaps I'll just skip the talk and just put the official reprimand in your permanent record about your utter disregard for the chain of command. This would mean, of course, that you would NOT be promoted come next rotation. But then again you probably don't care about rank or making Chief Engineer someday do you Ensign?" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (USS Hades, First Officers Office, ACEO Ensign (jg) Eoin Mac Liam, 11:39) "Was that a joke Ensign?" She asked her voice taking on a cold edge it didn't have before. "Perhaps I'll just skip the talk and just put the official reprimand in your permanent record about your utter disregard for the chain of command. This would mean, of course, that you would NOT be promoted come next rotation. But then again you probably don't care about rank or making Chief Engineer someday do you Ensign?" Eoin had talked himself into a corner. He paused, gulped, and prayed he could talk his way back out again. "I apologise, ma'am. I was out of place saying that. But I've heard stories of people whose careers have been ruined because you made a big deal over one little slip-up, and I refuse to be judged solely on one little minor slip-up." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, First Officers Office, FO Commander Eva Straton, 11:40) "I apologize, ma'am. I was out of place saying that. But I've heard stories of people whose careers have been ruined because you made a big deal over one little slip-up, and I refuse to be judged solely on one little minor slip-up," Ensign Mac Liam said. Eva glared at the Ensign through narrowed eyes for several moments as she debated if the Ensign was worth another chance or not. His sarcastic remark had raised her ire and now he was learning she was not one to be trifled with. "Your infraction was a small one," She said, finally, her voice still cold. "But it was still an infraction. It had not been my intention when I called you here to put a reprimand on your permanent record. It had been my intention to explain to you the importance of maintaining the chain of command. You have demonstrated self-initiative, which is good. However, how you go about demonstrating that initiative could use some work. Do you understand me Ensign?" ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, First Officers Office, ACEO Ensign (jg) Eoin Mac Liam, 11:41) "Your infraction was a small one," She said, finally, her voice still cold. "But it was still an infraction. It had not been my intention when I called you here to put a reprimand on your permanent record. It had been my intention to explain to you the importance of maintaining the chain of command. You have demonstrated self-initiative, which is good. However, how you go about demonstrating that initiative could use some work. Do youunderstand me Ensign?" "Yes, ma'am, I understand perfectly. I apologise for both the infraction and my outburst." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, First Officers Office, CSO Lt. (jg) Jericho Haynes, 1332) Commander Straton was unhappy about something, she gave the PADD a glare as she looked down at the instrument then began to go back through it with a great deal of concentration. After a moment of study she looked back up at Jack. "There appear to be some gaps in your file Lieutenant," She said, placing the PADD back down on her desk. "Particularly concerning the details of your wife's background. It mentions that she was schooled on Betazed and her telepathic rating, which is about average for most Betazed's. I therefore inferred she was a Betazed, my apologies. I will see to it that the gaps in your record are filled. As for my offer, it is of course your right to refuse. You have no reason to trust me, especially with something as valuable as your mind. I can't say I'd be eager to accept such an offer from someone I had just met either. Give it time, if you wish, but I give you my word that I will not allow any harm come to you physically or mentally should you decide to take me up on my offer at a later time." "Thank you sir, I'm glad you understand my situation." Jack said then gave a shrug. "It's a little too soon for me to take that step." He leaned forward in the seat a bit, beginning to get edgy about sitting in one place too long in front of a superior officer. "It's been like pulling teeth to get my file updated, I think it perhaps had gotten lost in the bureaucracy and I appreciate your efforts in seeing it is updated." (Reply: Straton) Jack nodded. "Was there anything else you wanted to ask me Commander?" He had all the departmental reports in his head having gone over them again this morning and the personnel he was well aware of but this wasn't about his department it was about him and he had about run out of things to say about himself other than he once in a blue moon he shut himself up in his cabin and drank himself into a stupor ... not good information to impart considering the person he was talking to and besides it had been weeks since it had last happened. ~I'm probably about due.~ He gave a slight smile at the thought as he waited for her answer. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (USS Hades, First Officers Office, FO Commander Eva Straton, 1333) "Thank you sir, I'm glad you understand my situation." Haynes said then gave a shrug. "It's a little too soon for me to take that step." He leaned forward in the seat a bit. "It's been like pulling teeth to get my file updated, I think it perhaps had gotten lost in the bureaucracy and I appreciate your efforts in seeing it is updated." "It *will* be updated," Eva said forcefully, "even if I have to skin a few bureaucrats to get it done." Jack nodded. "Was there anything else you wanted to ask me Commander?" "Why did you join Star Fleet?" She asked. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (USS Hades, First Officers Office, CSO, Lt. (jg) Jericho Haynes, 1334) "Why did you join Star Fleet?" She asked which took him aback a bit, from the deep question to one that was much easier... but then again she probably hadn't expected the first to get that deep anyway. "To see the stars, explore the sciences and test my own limits I suppose." Jack leaned back in the chair again, he'd never really given the matter that much thought. "And I haven't been disappointed, I've seen a lot of space and learned a lot along the way about science and myself." (Reply: Eva) "So tell me Commander if you will..." he looked at her very seriously. "Just what you expect from myself and my department." he allowed a small grin at that. "So that I don't get crosswise of you again. I'd like to stay on your good side if possible." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (USS Hades, First Officers Office, FO, Commander Eva Straton, 1335) "To see the stars, explore the sciences and test my own limits I suppose. And I haven't been disappointed, I've seen a lot of space and learned a lot along the way about science and myself," Lt. Haynes said as he leaned back in his chair. "So tell me Commander if you will..." he looked at her very seriously."Just what you expect from myself and my department." he allowed a small grin at that. "So that I don't get crosswise of you again. I'd like to stay on your good side if possible." Eva raised a brow in Vulcan fashion before answering. "I expect from you the same thing I expect for everyone else," She replied seriously, "That you perform your duty to the very best of your ability while maintaining the tenants and laws of Star Fleet and the Federation in the process. I expect everyone under my command to give me 110% and in return I promise to give them 110%. If I feel someone isn't living up to that, I'm not shy about giving them a shift kick in the hind quarters. If there is nothing else, your dismissed Lieutenant. Good Day." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (USS Hades, First Officers Office, Commander Eva Straton, 1442) "Yes, ma'am, if I need the help I will make an appointment with Counselor Ripley. What else would you like to discuss?" Ensign T'Vof said. Eva regarded the Ensign silently as she sipped her tea, though their conversation had been short it had told Eva volumes about the young Ensign. "It's been an enlightening conversation, Ensign," Eva said, putting her glass down. "I believe I have everything I need. You can return to your duties. Your dismissed." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (USS Hades - First Officers Office - ATAC Ensign(jg) Lo'ren T'Vof - 1443) "It's been an enlightening conversation, Ensign," The Commander put her glass down as she spoke. "I believe I have everything I need. You can return to your duties. Your dismissed." "Thank you, ma'am." Lo'ren rose from her chair, nodded her head and strode out of the office. as the door closed on her she headed towards the turbolift and subsequently Ten Forward. The short meeting didn't seem like much but now she needed to do some research and some meditation - she was always true to her word in these matters. Trust had been a big thing on Bajor tough to gain, easy to loose - even tougher to regain. But for the meditation to happen she needed food. ~You always need food, Mutt. Bottomless pit.~ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Stardate: 2407.07.20 Day 11 (USS Hades - Deck 9, Personal Quarters - ATAC Ensign (jg) Lo'ren T'Vof -00:35) She tossed and turned, not able to find a comfortable spot on her bed. The temperature settings in the room and the lighting wasn’t bothering her, what was making her so restless? Lo’ren got up, rubbing her eyes and padded over to the replicator. “Computer, milk, hot. With a dash of nutmeg.” The machine bleeped and in the dispenser appeared a mug, warm to the touch and full of steaming, white liquid. Lo’ren picked up the mug, wrapping her hands around the warm stoneware. She wandered over to the living area and sank into her favourite chair. It looked like an old leather chair from a small tea bar she’d frequented while on Vulcan. One of the few places run by a Human, it was a favoured spot by many off-worlders and Lo’ren had spent many afternoons studying there before she had attempted Kohlinar. Across the back the chair she had a blanket, which she now pulled down and wrapped herself up. When she finished her milk she set down the mug on the table and decided her chair was a perfect place to sleep. (Bajor - Dusty little place, nowhere - Bright Morning) “Little Bird!” A welcome, long missed voice called to her from around the corner. She stopped spinning long enough to orient herself again and ran towards the caller. “Lo’ren, my sweet little bird.” Her mother smiled down at the gangly girl as they embraced. “I wanted to see you one more time. Oh, how I’ve missed you!” The ten year old girl was confused, “But Mama, I was only playing around the corner.” Her mother laughed and smoothed her hair, “Ah, but to me you were on the other side of the Galaxy. Your father loved the letter you sent, he misses you so.” Ensign Lo’ren T’Vof sat with her mother, “I’m glad he liked it, but how did you know...?” Lo’ren was sad, but she couldn’t place why. Ari Sia held on to her daughter’s hand, “He and I are always connected, even now. And the Prophets have given me this last moment with you. I am so proud of you.” Cadet T’Vof smiled, still confused but slowly coming to the sad memory that was the driving force of this moment, “Mother, I...” The elder Bajoran women held up her hand, crossing Lo’ren’s lips with a finger. “I know, you have so much to offer the Galaxy. Your father and I think so too. I know why you couldn’t come back, you are not at fault.” The Kohlinar Candidate struggled to hold in her tears as the memory slowly became clearer. “But, why now?!” The teenager blurted, letting her hot tears spill over her cheeks, ignoring them as she burrowed into her mother’s arms. “Because now is the moment you need, daughter.” The explanation wasn’t very helpful, but Lo’ren accepted it and the memory of her mother’s passing as her mother sang to her. “Golden slumbers kiss your eyes, Smiles await you when you rise. Sleep, pretty baby, Do not cry, And I will sing a lullaby. Cares you know not, Therefore sleep, While over you a watch I'll keep. Sleep, pretty darling, Do not cry, And I will sing a lullaby.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (USS Hades - Deck 9, Personal Quarters - ATAC Ensign (jg) Lo'ren T'Vof - 07:00) [The time is 0700. The time is 0700] The computer broke into her slumber gently and Lo’ren stretched, feeling rested and very comforted. Getting up from her chair, Lo’ren went to her writing corner and picked up a blank page of sheet music. She quickly jotted down the words and melody to the song that was in her mind before preparing for her day. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (USS Hades - Deck 11, Outside Arboretum – ACSO Lt. Shayhiloosh, Child Shureshlee, ATAC Ensign Lo’ren T’vof – 1927) Lo'ren walked down the hallway towards the Arboretum. She'd heard that the Arborians didn't use regular quarters, but were given free run of the Arboretum for living space. ~And why not? It seems a good place for Trees to root.~ She smiled at her little joke, and thanked the prophets she had the good sense to not say things like that out loud. Arriving at the door, Lo'ren wondered if she should ring the alert to the room, but before she could decide for herself the doors slipped open. ~I guess it's still a communal space.~ She stepped into a beautiful garden and looked around, but couldn't see either Shayhiloosh or Shureshlee. She did spot a bench to sit down and admire the garden from, however and went over to it. Lo'ren sat down and, inspired by her surroundings, pulled out a PADD and started jotting down notes in the music program she'd loaded. Normally she wrote on paper when composing music, but she felt she didn't want to waste her supply with the indeterminate length of the mission. Working in the back with a PADD, Shureshlee heard someone enter the Arboretum. Swinging an eyestalk in Shayhiloosh’s direction as s/he worked with the nutrient feeding system, s/he spoke, hir leaf bladders waving cheerfully. “We may have visitors, Elder Parent.” “Shureshlee, I will go and check to see who has come. Please record the fertilizer flow and make sure it remains consistent for the next few minutes.” “Yes Elder Parent,” said the smaller Arborian. Resigned, s/he bent an eyestalk to the gauge and the PADD. Shayhiloosh made hir way toward the entrance and saw Ensign Lo’ren T’Vof sitting on one of the garden benches. S/he made hir way toward the young officer, shambling over to greet her. From the corner of her eye, Lo'ren noticed what appeared to be a breeze blowing amongst the trees. She looked up from her composition and saw the graceful science officer moving towards her. She quickly saved her work and stood. "Lieutenant Shayhiloosh, clear waters to you." “Sunlit breezes and clear waters to you, Ensign Lo’ren T’Vof,” replied Shayhiloosh. “What brings you to the Arboretum today?” Lo'ren inclined her head slightly, "I wanted to thank you for welcoming us into your Festival of Light the other evening. It was a wonderful gesture." Shayhiloosh rustled hir boughs appreciatively. “My Child and I were honored that you not only attended, but participated using your musical skills. Shureshlee was delighted and it is not every Festival that we are privileged to have such a talented one be there.” "I also have a request." Lo'ren paused, feeling a little odd now that she was here, but still determined to ask, "I would like to request language lessons." She blushed slightly as she spoke, hoping the gentle being wouldn't be offended. "I have wanted to ask since the first time I met you. I find your mode of speech fascinating and would like to learn to listen. I recognize that I won't be able to speak your language, but..." Surprised at such an unusual request, Shayhiloosh swung all three eyestalks in the young ATAC’s direction and studied her closely. “There would be some tonal qualities that you would have difficulty producing as you have only one set of vocal organs, and your inability to detect certain sounds might be an impediment. You could have difficulties getting across the more subtle nuances.” All of Shayhiloosh’s eyebulbs were momentarily cocked sideways as s/he considered the prospect. Then, as if coming to a decision abruptly, the eyestalks leveled and Shayhiloosh nodded one eyebulb at the Ensign. “It would be analogous to a Terran speaking what is called Pidgin English. With time and diligent practice, you may do well enough, Ensign.” Lo'ren smiled, happy that the Arborian had not dismissed the idea out of hand... branch... bough...leaf? "I hope to do my best. Perhaps my Vulcan half and my musical training will provide me with a bit more help in hearing the tonal aspects of your language." “Much as a Terran, you must hydrate well and bring napkins to each lesson,” suggested Shayhiloosh. “Do you wish to start now?” ~Napkins and water?~ Lo'ren thought this could be a most fascinating experience. "Sounds a bit... messy... but certainly. Shall I go collect napkins and water and return or...?" She hesitated, wondering if there was a replicator in the Arboretum. “There is a small replicator here in back with much of the rest of the controls for the Arboretum,” said Shayhiloosh. “You can replicate a bottle or two of water, napkins, and even a cup to drink it out of, if you wish.” "Shall we replicate some then?" Lo'ren motioned towards the rear of the Arboretum, but waited for the senior officer to precede her while continuing the conversation. "I've done a small bit of research on the Arborians, but I'm confused about something. I've learned that the eldest of your people speak rarely, but how would they participate in events such as the Festival of Light without speaking?" This was something that had puzzled her, as she figured the Arborians used the woody, liquidly melodic speech more for the sake of other species than their own. She wasn't sure but it just seemed that way. “The very Eldest Arborians do not participate in the Festival of Lights directly,” explained Shayhiloosh. “Once they pass on their wisdom and knowledge during their long lifespans, they generally withdraw from the day to day existence due to extreme age. They live mainly on the Dreamplane, watching, slumbering, and observing until they eventually cease to exist.” "Dreamplane?" Lo'ren hit upon a word that she didn't correlate to anything else. "I know what dreams are and I've been told about planes in history lessons, but I don't recognize that word. Could you explain it to me?" “When our species is at rest, usually for at least a few hours each daylight cycle when we are able to conduct photosynthesis, we share a type of telepathy which can become more powerful with increased numbers of our species,” explained Shayhiloosh. “Arborians are able to access something we refer to as the Dreamplane. For the uninitiated, the Dreamplane can be a dangerous place as besides mirroring whatever happens in reality, it can manifest the participant’s sorrow, fear, joy, and anger along with other emotions.” “Though I have heard of non-Arborians who are of various telepathic species finding themselves on the Dreamplane during their rest period of daylight when Arborians are rooting, that has generally happened on our homeworld. I have never found that to happen to us here on this ship to date.” Shayhiloosh waved a root in the Ensign’s direction, and began moving back to where s/he had left hir offspring. “If you wish to begin your lessons now, come and work with us for a while.” Lo'ren smiled and followed the tree towards the rear of the Arboretum, "I'd love to." She was curious about this Dreamplane, but she felt it must be a sensitive issue with outsiders and so didn't push. She strode a bit faster to keep up with the Lieutenant and spoke again, "So, how do we begin? I had imagined that I would only be able to decode how to listen to your language, not speak it, so I'm now at a loss." “The best place for you to begin is to learn to listen,” said Shayhiloosh, making hir way toward Shureshlee. “There is a certain rhythm to life, to all growing things and a type of music that we not only hear as you might with your auditory organs as a separate detached sound, but feel with your entire being. Encoded in that rhythm, in that brand of music, you will find the way Arborians speak to each other, swaying in the breezes and carried by the very wind, soil, and water itself.” Reaching Shureshlee, Shayhiloosh trained an eyestalk on Ensign T’Vof. “It must be experienced to be learned, not merely noticed as auditory sound. There are not enough words in Federation standard to explain it very well, so experience will be your best learning tool.” Lo'ren nodded. "I understand; I have spent many years studying exo-linguistics." Having arrived where Shureshlee was working. Lo'ren acknowledged the child. "Shureshlee, it is a pleasure to see you again.” “Warm breezes and clear waters to you,” said Shureshlee, suddenly inexplicably shy. “I hope you sing a song for us today.” Lo'ren spotted the replicator and as she headed toward it, she said, "Excuse me a moment." She ordered two bottles of water and several cloth napkins, which she promptly retrieved and took with her back to the waiting tree-people. “You will need the water because the many wind-like shush noises we will be making may be drying,” said Shayhiloosh. “The napkins will be helpful as you may end up spitting and I understand that is not always socially acceptable for most humanoids.” “So let us begin,” continued Shayhiloosh to Ensign T’Vof. Soon the Arboretum was filled with breezy soft murmurings and the movement of waving limbs. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2408.07.21 Day 12 (USS Hades - Holodeck 3 - ATAC Ensign (jg) Lo'ren T'Vof - 19:56) The thrum and rush of blood in her ears was all she heard. She couldn't even hear her own breath; but feeeling, that was another matter. Each pull of air was accompanied by an ache in her shoulder when she had been thrown in a miscalculated move. Master Tadeo was not holding back today and he was dissapointed in that one move - she had thought it would work, but her smaller size had prevented her getting a full grasp of his gi and she'd paid for it. She stood, crouched, ready to take the next volley. Her shoulder was turning to fire as she waited. She knew that she needed to hide the fact that she was hurt. ~Probably a slight pull, easily fixed.~ Before she could think of how to disguise her discomfort, he came at her again. ~Breathe. Let him come.~ Vision narrowed to a point and all became nothing. She closed her eyes moments before he arrived, the air would alert her now. Left arm up and around his. Twist it. Sweep the foot. block the attempt to unbalance. Still standing. Lo'ren opened her eyes and wiped the sweat that rolled down her ridged nose. Lying before her was a laughing Master Tadeo. She smiled and extended her hand to help him up. They bowed and she removed her ear plugs, letting the world of the dojo inundate her. Hiroshe Tadeo rattled off some pointers to her, but congratulated her on the excellence of her deaf-blind defence. "Thank you Master. It seemed the only possible way at that moment." She bowed again and headed for the change room, music already taking over where the martial arts had been present in her thoughts. ~But first the Infirmary.~ She winced as she rolled her shoulder. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ end compile