Compile summary ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Stardate: 2408.07.29 (USS Hades, Observation Room, ACMO Ensign Haywood Parker, 0928.5) (USS Hades, Turbolift, CTAC Ensign Lo'ren T'Vof, 09:45) (USS Hades, Sickbay, ACMO Ensign Haywood Parker, 1000) (USS Hades, Sickbay, CMO Angeni O. Windsong-Trommashere, 1005) (USS Hades, Sickbay, ACMO Ensign Haywood Parker, 1007) (USS Hades, Transporter room, - Provisional Governor K'thartek & Advisor Lupo Dal & Captain Vazkak- 1300) (USS Hades, Transporter room - CTAC Ensign Lo'ren T'Vof - 1301) (USS Hades, Transporter room, - Provisional Governor K'thartek & Advisor Lupo Dal & Captain Vazkak- 1302) (USS Hades, Transporter room - CTAC Ensign Lo'ren T'Vof - 1303) (USS Hades - Deck 10, Ten Forward Lounge - CTAC Ensign Lo'ren T'Vof - 1321) (USS Hades, Personal quarters, CTAC Ensign Lo'ren T'Vof, 2035) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2408.07.30 (USS Hades - Holodeck - SciO Ens. Harry Doorman & CMO Angeni O.Windsong-Trommashere - 0245) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2408.07.31 (Tch'Kair, Provisional Capital, ministry of Order, - Provisional Governor K'thartek , Advisor Lupo Dal & Klk'shis- 1500) (Tch'Kair, Provisional Capital, ministry of Order, - Provisional Governor K'thartek , Advisor Lupo Dal & Klk'shis- 1515) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2408.12.19 (Runabout Tigris - ACMO Ens (sg) Hawkeye Dolphine and Civ Aleksander Stolev - 1035) (USS Hades - Transporter Room 1 - CTAC T'Vof - 1037) (USS Hades- Transporter Room- ACMO Ensign Hawkeye Dolphine- 1038) (USS Hades - Transporter Room - CTAC Ensign Lo'ren T'Vof - 1038.5) (USS Hades - Transporter Room 1 - Civ Aleksander Stolev - 1039) (USS Hades, Crew Quarters, ACMO Hawkeye Dolphine, 1054) (USS Hades, Main Bridge, ACMO Ensign Hawkeye Dolphine, 1100) (USS Hades, Main Bridge, FO/CSO Jericho Haynes, 1101) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- begin compile Stardate: 2408.07.29 (USS Hades, Observation Room, ACMO Ensign Haywood Parker, 0928.5) Despite the uneasy feeling the still lingered in his stomach, Haywood was genuinely proud to be able to call himself a member of this crew. For the first time in several long hours, he was finally able to smile as his crew mates were awarded ribbons and promotions. And to Haywood, a few hours without a smile might as well be an eternity. "Ensign Parker, front and center," Eva said, after McKenzie had retaken his seat. It took Haywood a moment just to register that the commander had actually called his name. Once the realization finally settled in, he clumsily brought himself to his feet and stumbled over himself to meet her. "I hereby award you with the combat action ribbon, for the battle to liberate the Tch'Kairn system from Waagoshin oppression," Eva said handing Haywood the small box with the medal." Haywood reached out a hand slowly to accept the token. "Thank you," he offered quietly, and his face frozen in a state of awe, he wandered back to his seat. "Congratulations to everyone," Eva said, "Now there are going to b a few departmental changes. Ensign T'Vof will be assuming the role of Chief Tactical Officer effective immediately. All department heads will distribute the Combat Action Ribbon to all members of their department that partook in the battle. We have a busy day ahead of us with repairs and helping the Tch'Kairn and Niglik form a provisional government, if there are no questions, you are dismissed." Still amazed that he had come to gain public recognition, Haywood got up from his chair in the direction of sickbay. There was still a lot to get done, and after what Angeni had been through, he didn't think it right to leave it all to her. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Turbolift, CTAC Ensign Lo'ren T'Vof, 09:45) Lo'ren had her head down as she entered the lift. She knew someone had stepped on with her, but beyond that all she knew was it wasn't Jack. She was so wrapped up in her own thoughts that was all she could distinguish. She guessed he'd stayed back to talk with Commander Straton and she was happy enough - not very but enough - to leave things until they were both off duty and in their quarters together. She started slightly at the hand on her shoulder and then relaxed as she recognised the familiar weight of an old friend's hand. She looked up at Eoin and returned his cockeyed smile. "Congratulations, Ensign." He looked about as overburdened as she felt. "And to you, Ensign," She gently squeezed his hand where it rested on her shoulder, "Though I'd have rathered the rewards not come at so high a price." She tapped the glossy black box against her thigh, a not-so-subtle reminder of the carnage that resulted in the award. She brought it up and stared at the dubious point of pride. "No wonder the old salts could tell you every single battle they fought and where and when they got their awards. I don't think I'll ever forget why I got this." (reply Eoin) "Captain Sash may have made a self-sacrifice, doesn't stop me from feeling we could have done more." Lo'ren shook her head, part of her still stuck on the battle of the day before. "I'm glad we got you and the rest of the teams out. I was almost surprised to see Harry, but I hear he did well." She smiled slightly at the thought of that nervous scientist in the heat of a fire fight. (reply Eoin) Lo'ren chuckled lightly, "I could never have got as many out that quickly. It was Miss Fancy Fingers. Tethlin did well and it was her who pulled everybody off," Lo'ren's heart went out to the woman as she spoke and she turned her eyes up to meet Eoin's in total seriousness, "She's devastated, Eoin, she couldn't get Captain Sash out and she feels responsible." (reply Eoin) Lo'ren shook her head, "She'll put on a brave face, but I could see it. She just about deflated when the news came through. If you and I are as upset about it as we are, think about how she must feel. Her first ever chance at Bridge duty and she thinks she lost the CO that let her come on active duty against the odds." (reply Eoin) The turbolift stopped for Lo'ren and as she got off, heading to her office she turned, "Promise you'll talk to her? Help her understand that it wasn't her fault? She needs to hear it from friends, Eoin." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (USS Hades, Sickbay, ACMO Ensign Haywood Parker, 1000) Tricorder and PADD in hand, Haywood cruised the occupied biobeds, pleased with the progress of some, and attentive to the lack of progress in others. He scribbled quickly, uncaring of the quality of his handwriting. After all, he would be the only one who had to try to decode it later to make formal reports. He wasn't exactly sure how to feel. The death of the CO was horrible, and he knew he should be mourning along with the rest of the ship. But, not having known Sash long, he didn't feel the same deep-set pain everyone else seemed to be experiencing. It was a shock to say the least, but it didn't feel the way he thought it should. However, the initial shock of the carnage he had witnessed was wearing off, and he could now concentrate on his job without fighting down the constant urge to throw up. He'd have to thank Chase for not making a big deal of his uneasiness. It was embarrassing as it was, but it would have been worse not having someone to understand. As doctors and nurses milled between the biobeds, making adjustments, taking notes and chatting to the patients, Haywood readied himself to make his way back to his office to make a final attempt to finish his reports before meeting the new ACMO. ~C'mon, Hay,~ He tapped his stylus on the screen of his PADD and turned on his heel, ~it's time to stop acting like a lost kid, and get yourself in gear.~ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Sickbay, CMO Angeni O. Windsong-Trommashere, 1005) Angeni sat in her office, her eyes bloodshot. Her long tresses were pulled back from around her shoulders, and was secured by a black hair tie. She wore a black, beaded bracelet on each wrist, and a black choker around her neck. She couldn't believe Devon Sash was dead. Her heart broke every time she thought about it. She never professed to be good at the whole dealing with death, but in many ways, she felt like it was her fault. Maybe if she would have stayed in her cell instead of making an escape, they would've had more time to get Captain Sash, or if she would've figured out the Kayla thing sooner, or if... or if... or if... She couldn't let them go. She shook her head slowly, trying to get her game face back on. She reached into a drawer, and her hand stopped as she touched a box. She pulled it out, and she stared at the Honey Drops in her hand. Somehow, the pain of his death began easing away, just some, as she thought back to their conversation just after a crewmate had committed suicide. In those moments, it was friend to friend, not superior to random person. She popped a drop into her mouth, and she picked up the padd on her desk, reading it over. Chase had left her some comments about Haywood, and she smiled. She had been worried about how Haywood would have faired in such a dramatic situation, and he passed with flying colors. She moved from her office over to Haywood, and she smiled at him. "Haywood, can I talk to you for a moment?" (Reply Haywood) Angeni smiled at him. "Haywood. I got the report from Chase about the goings on while I was in disposed of. I just want to thank you for all your hard work that you put in. I'm sure during the fire fight this place was more popular than Ten Forward on payday. I probably haven't expressed my appreciation for you and to you enough, but I just wanted to say thanks for everything." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Sickbay, ACMO Ensign Haywood Parker, 1007) "Haywood, can I talk to you for a moment?" He nearly jumped out of his skin. Haywood had been completely unaware of Angeni's approach until she had spoken. He swallowed at the lump that had suddenly formed in his throat and turned to face her. "What's up, Ang?" Angeni smiled at him. "Haywood. I got the report from Chase about the goings on while I was in disposed of. I just want to thank you for all your hard work that you put in. I'm sure during the fire fight this place was more popular than Ten Forward on pay day. I probably haven't expressed my appreciation for you and to you enough, but I just wanted to say thanks for everything." Haywood smiled, and nodded. Though he was a little less than a complete wreck, her thanks was well appreciated. "Thank you for saying so. It means a lot." ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Transporter room, - Provisional Governor K'thartek & Advisor Lupo Dal & Captain Vazkak- 1300) K'thartek was excited to finally arrive aboard the starship that had so readily assisted in the liberation of the Tch'Kairn and their allies. Since the end of the battle, there had been chaos on Tch'Kair. Logistically things had become a nightmare. Workers did not go to work, since those jobs had been for the profit of their prior slave masters and the number of murders against surrendered Waagoshin was on the rise. As provisional governor, in the absence of any other native authority on the planet K'thartek had found himself bombarded by a number of issues that he had never dreamt he would have to deal with, let alone have any experience dealing with. In his life before the Waagoshin had turned him into a slave and then transformed him into a Resistance leader through sheer virtue of their barbarity, K'thartek had been an artisan. More specifically an artisan of musical instruments. There was nothing in his prior life that had prepared him for the unexpected role of Provisional Governor. Beside him, standing on the transporter platform was the real brains behind the new government. The Philosopher and Scholar Lupo Dal was the last of the traditional philosophers that remained on Tch'Kair after the Waagoshin had squelched their voices during the occupation. As such, he had an unparalleled position of reverence among the people. They listened to him when he spoke and they tended to heed his words. Yet despite all of this, Lupo Dal was not capable of reforming a new government without help, and he had decreed that K'thartek would be the one to aid him in that reconstruction. And so the two were a partnership, determined to set about righting all the various wrongs that had damaged the very fabric of their society for the last two centuries. In stark contrast to the massive mantis-like insects, stood Vazkak. The leader of the local colony of Niglik. In his pre revolutionary and slavery days, he had been a merchant. His ability to call on the thousands of Niglik slaves during the conflict for liberation had been the turning point in the battle. Without their aid the Waagoshin would have crushed the resistance with a fury that would have left millions or perhaps billions dead and dying. The four foot tall Niglik stood as upright as he could. His shoulders were squared with the pride of vindication. He was no longer the coward that he had long though himself to be and his new demeanor spoke of a being transformed by the fires of conflict and self confidence. He wore a military style uniform, that of his native mercantile fleet. He was a slave no longer, but was instead the very epitome of what a captain of a star ship should be. It was Vazkak that spoke first. "On behalf of the Provisional Government of the Tch'Kairn and the Merchant Fleet of the Niglik, I request permission to come aboard." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Transporter room - CTAC Ensign Lo'ren T'Vof - 1301) Lo'ren came to full attention as the beams twinkled and faded out, leaving the two larger and one much smaller alien on the transporter pad. TheTch'kairn had to lean over to prevent themselves from bumping the ceiling,while the diminuitive Niglik brought himself to full height, announcing their presence and requesting permission to board. "On behalf of the Provisional Government of the Tch'Kairn and the Merchant Fleet of the Niglik, I request permission to come aboard." Lo'ren smiled, despite the formal nature of the occassion. These people were familiar to her already already and Lo'ren was happy to see Vazkak had made it through alive. She tugged slightly at her dress uniform, straightening the fabric and causing the purple ribbon at her left shoulder to dance slightly for a moment. She was still hyper aware of the new Combat Action ribbon bar that rested next to her Academy acheivements, her Advanced Weapons Training ribbon and her Red Squad pin. She stepped forward, her D'jarra earring dancing and glinting as she did so. "Permission Granted - Govenor K'thartek, Advisor Dal, Captain Vazkak, it is my pleasure to welcome you aboard the Federation Starship Hades. I am Ensign Lo'ren T'Vof and with your permission I've been asked to guide you to our Main Lounge where Cap.." Lo'ren paused, having almost said Captain Sash. She corrected herself with a heavy heart and continued, "Commander Straton is waiting for you." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Transporter room, - Provisional Governor K'thartek & Advisor Lupo Dal & Captain Vazkak- 1302) Vazkak smiled broadly revealing a double row of shark-like teeth that looked like they belonged on some predator three times his size. "It is god see with you again Low'reen" he said forcing the air through his sounding bladders into a close approximation of federation standard. "It is mush peasant knees that ewe survive fighting did." (reply Lo'ren) Vazkak's smile got a little bigger as she replied remembering that she was a linguist he had been working hard on a few phrases in her native language. He could think of no better way to honor her for her help than trying to speak in her native tongue. "me stand herd is no veiny god. With you purse mission I use now trainslater." [My standard is not very good. With your permission Iwill now use the translator.] (reply Loren) Once Vazkak had finished speaking, Lupo Dal and K'thartek took their turn to speak. There was no real protocol to be observed, neither of the Tch'Kairn had ever been off their planets and so Vazkak was considered to be the expert among them on the customs of space travel. The was Lupo Dal that replied to Lo'ren as K'thartek seemed to be preoccupied with just taking in the transporter room and it's contents. "We are pleased to have been invited T'Vof. It is a great day for the Tch'Kairn to meet with those that fought so boldly for our freedom and liberation from the Waagoshin Oppressors." There was a short pause. "We also recognize the deep loss that the death of your Captain and Alpha must have upon your crews. We hope to make our respects today, while we are in this place. Please lead us to your Commander Straton." K'thartek's head swung back to the conversation and he finally added. "Are the other compartments in this ship larger than this one?" (reply T'Vof) "Good. It was a curiosity for me how you could work in such small places." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Transporter room - CTAC Ensign Lo'ren T'Vof - 1303) "It is god see with you again Low'reen" he said forcing the air through his sounding bladders into a close approximation of federation standard. "It is mush peasant knees that ewe survive fighting did." Lo'ren was pleasantly surprised to hear Vazkak speaking standard - even if it was rather broken; her mind worked out the words in short enough order and there was hardly any delay in her reply. "Thank you Vazkak, I am also pleased that you survived the battle. If I may say, I am impressed that you have managed to learn some Federation Standard in such a short time." The smaller alien's smile split into a wider grin that, had they been in battle, might have caused some people to lose their cool. Lo'ren kept herself together. ~I wouldn't want to be on his HIS bad side...~ "me stand herd is no veiny god. With you purse mission I use now trainslater." Lo'ren inclined her head, "I understand, it is never easy to speak another language. I speak several myself but have had years of training and many more of practice. Please, I enjoy hearing your language. To me it sounds much like music." The two Tch'kairn, already legendary amongst their people for their fighting and courage were obviously unused to be off planet and had deferred to Vazkak. They took their turns now and it was Lupo Dal who spoke first while K'thartek peered around the transporter room - obviously curious. "We are pleased to have been invited T'Vof. It is a great day for the Tch'Kairn to meet with those that fought so boldly for our freedom and liberation from the Waagoshin Oppressors." There was a short pause. "We also recognize the deep loss that the death of your Captain and Alpha must have upon your crews. We hope to make our respects today, while we are in this place. Please lead us to your Commander Straton." K'thartek's head swung back to the conversation and he finally added. "Are the other compartments in this ship larger than this one?" Lo'ren, being in full diplomat mode - training at the level that Lo'ren had acheived over the years included some diplomatic training - managed to stop herself from throwing off a curt, sarcastic reply. She instead answered honestly and politely "Yes, Govenor. The Transporter room is actually one of our smaller compartments - though not the smallest. The Ten Forward Lounge, where we will be going is much larger and I'm certain you will be more comfortable." Her reassurances of comfort weren't meant as a slight, but an honest appraisal of size difference between their species. "Good. It was a curiosity for me how you could work in such small places." Lo'ren chuckled slightly, "Well, sir, in general the Federation is home to primarily bi-pedal species that range in height from 4 feet to 7 feet, but there are several species that are part of the Federation that fall outside that norm. We try to make everyone as comfortable as possible." (reply K'Thartek, Lupo Dal, Vazkak - iyw) "If you'll follow me, I have permission to take you on a route that gives you a very brief partial tour and then we shall meet Commander Straton for the more formal part of the festivities." Lo'ren swept an arm out as she stepped into the sensor area for the door, swishing it open and waiting for the visitors. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades - Deck 10, Ten Forward Lounge - CTAC Ensign Lo'ren T'Vof - 1321) After a rather curtailed tour that showed off a Cargo Bay, some Science Labs and a reassurance that a formal tour with the acting CO would follow, they arrived at the Lounge with the honour guard trailing. Lo'ren led the way and walked up to Commander Straton and Lieutenant Haynes. "Commander Straton, may I present Governor K'thartek and Advisor Lupo Dal of the Tch'Kairn Provisional Government and Captain Vazkak of the Niglik Merchant Fleet." Lo'ren stepped aside after indicating each dignitary, leaving the remainder of the officiating to the former Marine. Lo'ren snapped to attention, made a semi-bow to the guests and took up station as head of the honour guard lining the wall, managing to brush just close enough to Jack to spark their link in reassurance. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Personal quarters, CTAC Ensign Lo'ren T'Vof, 2035) Lo'ren had spent the day reviewing Tactical logs, overseeing (and occasionally partaking in) repairs to the ship and had called a Tactical Department meeting at 1530 hours. At that meeting she'd informed the troops as it were of the official promotion in rank and position she'd received. She also took that time to award the ribbons. Menken and Joanie Rowe were just the first, the list had been extensive enough that she'd called up five personnel at a time and the meeting still took more than an hour. Now she was seated in the middle of the floor in her and Jack's quarters pulling out stuff. She was sorting through items and was debating where she wanted her Vulcan Prayer lamp. ~Office or Here?~ She set it aside, got up and decided to go hang clothes instead. She went to the closet and opened her large duffle, pulling out the first outfit that was on the top. She smiled, it was the outfit she'd worn that night that she and Jack had first gone to the arboretum. Rather than hang it up right away she decided it was time to get out of her uniform for a while, she stripped the black and grey and mustard layers and slipped into the relaxed, not quite snug outfit. It was loose enough to be a relaxed outfit, but was cut in such a way that it showed off her best curves. She had always liked this outfit - the simple, elegant white shirt with dark skirt and royal blue scarf combination had served her well. She liked it more now for the pleasant memories it brought up. She turned back to the main room and rolled her eyes at the boxes. Deciding to ignore them for a few more moments she sauntered over to the replicator."Computer, Chai Tea Latte, Hot." ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2408.07.30 (USS Hades - Holodeck - SciO Ens. Harry Doorman & CMO Angeni O.Windsong-Trommashere - 0245) Angeni entered the Holodeck, moving slowly and methodically. She hurt all over her body, and just moving in certain ways nearly reduced her to tears. Something else was gnawing at her that overtook the painful sensations that rippled through her body. Pulling a hypo sprayer full of an anti-inflammatory out, she hypoed herself in the back and sighed with relief. What bugged the hell out of her was Harry. She couldn't understand why he came for her. Sure they had one heck of a whirlwind romance. It had started at the beginning of this mission, and it was something that she was very happy about, but in those twenty days, new feelings had emerged. Part of her questioned if she would have gone after him the way he had her, and she knew without putting much thought into it that she would in a heartbeat. Stepping over to the console, her high heels clicking softly on the hard floor of the Holodeck, she entered in the program she wished to run. Nothing over elaborate, but it was the perfect place to just talk. A grassy field with a large picnic basket overflowing with goodies and a bottle of wine sat upon a blue and white checkerboard blanket. She took her high heels off, swishing her feet through the grass. She looked up at the sky, which was a thick, dark blanket speckled with shimmering stars. Sitting upon the blanket, she laid back, looking up at the stars, waiting for Harry to arrive. She had more than one question for him, but most of all, she just wanted to see him again. Harry hurried through the corridors of the Hades carrying a box of quality Bolian chocolates and a bouquet of fresh-cut Risan Lilies that he had acquired from the ship's hydroponics labs. He had been very happy when their resident Botanist Shayhiloosh had aided him in his acquisition, although it took longer than he had expected to get the bouquet assembled and presentable. There were a thousand thoughts running through his mind. They ranged from the exhilaration of spending time with Angeni to a slightly growing sense of apprehension that he was picking up through their weak mental link. He wasn't certain what the apprehension was about, but he sincerely hoped that it wasn't about him, or rather them. The door to the Holodeck swished open with a deep basso rumble that he had come to expect from this particular door. He stepped through and immediately took in the scene. It was a summer evening, somewhere warm. The location was definitely an 'M' class world, most likely Earth. There was green grass and wild flowers. On a short rolling hill, Angeni lay partially reclined upon a blanket of alternating blue and white squares. There was a basket of some sort resting beside her. Harry wasted no time, he strode up the hill, making note that the sky was still slightly blue and that the night wasn't nearly as dark as it could be. It was an anomaly that could only be caused by a holographic preference. He stopped a few feet short of the blanket, allowing his eyes to take her in in her entirety. Still clutching the gifts he'd brought he said simply and with all the awe of the moment in his voice, "Wow. Just....wow." Angeni had sat up when she heard the doors of the Holodeck open, and her heart began to beat out the minute waltz as he came into view. She turned her body to him slightly, watching him approach. She slowly pulled hersel fto her feet, brushing a few errant bits of grass from her skirt . As she heard his voice, she moved to him quickly, wrapping her arms around him, holding him to her. "Thank you...Thank you for coming, Harry..." She breathed softly into his chest. She stood up on her tiptoes, kissing him gently on his forehead before gently pulling his head down to press her forehead against his. She closed her eyes, basking in the moment. She couldn't believe that, hours earlier, she was facing what she thought was an eternity of living as a slave, now she was back, with the man she was in love with. She stepped back for a moment, cupping his cheek in her hand. She parted her lips to say something, anything, but she lost herself in the moment and she kissed him with an unnatural longing. Her lips were warm and inviting, filled with an electric energy that coursed through his entire body. He dropped the chocolates and the bouquet of flowers and wrapped his pale arms around her. He pulled her against him, almost willing her to melt against him as he held her there. There was an urgency, barely repressed hidden in her kiss and it was reciprocated with every fiber of Harry's existence. Their lips broke contact. Without letting him go, her voice took on a serious tone. "What were you thinking? Harry. You could've gotten yourself killed!" She stepped away from him, tears welling up in her eyes. She turned back to him, her arms crossed protectively over her chest. "I never would've forgiven myself if you would've gotten hurt!" She was in full blown rant mode, her face flushing as tears streamed down her face.Her emotional state was all in a tizzy, and she blurted out the next thing that came to mind. "God, Harry. I lo...care for you too much to see you get hurt. I never would've been able to live with myself if something happened to you! It's not that I'm not thankful that you came to help me, but..." She finally dissolved into a deep crying jag. Years of pent up sorrow and anguish came pouring out. She had never felt emotions that deep for a person. He filled up the empty places in her heart, in her soul. All she could see in her minds' eye were different scenarios where he had gotten seriously hurt or maimed because of her. He stepped forward, once again wrapping his arms around her allowing her hot tears to wet his uniform tunic. He had nothing to say. He knew the answer and he knew that she did as well. Saying as much now would only complicate things further. "Why? Why did you do it?" she sobbed against his chest. "Because of this Ang." He said, "Because when we're together you occupy my entire existence. And because you do the same thing when we're apart." He tried to explain. " You're as necessary to my continuation in this life as the air I breath or the food I eat. More so, because without you, they'd be worthless." "You complete me in a way that I didn't know I could be completed. I've never remembered anything about my past. I always thought that was the most important thing, but not anymore. Now I know that it's not the past that's important, it's the future. And the only way that the future will hold anything for me is if I know that you are there with me, living it." "Just as you couldn't stand by and let anything happen to me, I couldn't stand by either, where you were concerned. We fight for the things we need to survive. I was fighting for you." Angeni looked up at him, truly flabbergasted. She had never heard a man say these things to her, and she knew he spoke the truth. She held onto him wantonly, trying to form herself to his body. She looked up at him, seeing the truth in his eyes, hearing it in his words. Holographic crickets chirped quietly in the background as she spoke softly. "Harry, I...Sunova...I mean. Christ. Harry. For the first time in my life, I felt so afraid, and that didn't happen at any other time other than when I saw you coming. My biggest fear was you getting hurt, and I don't mean in the medical sense. It was something...I don't know...primal. Likeif you had gotten hurt, I would've felt it." She paused for a moment, "I need you, Harry. I do. More than water, more than air, more than anything. I'm not sure it's possible to want or need something as much as I do you. I think what I'm trying to say is...I love you. I love you, Harry Doorman, with everything I have in me. Yes, I would've braved the entire Waagoshin Army armed with only a Laser Scalpel and a Hypo full of Ketamine just for you." She pulled him closer to her, nuzzling her nose against his neck. "I love you, and honestly don't care if you don't feel the same, but I just had to let you know..." Harry smiled. "I do feel the same Ang. And I always will." he whispered. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2408.07.31 (Tch'Kair, Provisional Capital, ministry of Order, - Provisional Governor K'thartek , Advisor Lupo Dal & Klk'shis- 1500) K'thartek and Lupo Dal sat at the head of the large room which had filled with the new regional leaders of the various provinces that had begun to reform since the Waagoshin had been driven off the planet. Overall violence was finally starting to become a concern of the past at least against any Waagoshin that had remained on the planet. That was more due to the fact that there weren't any of them left as opposed to some sense of legal or moral restraint. Among the provinces hit hardest during the occupation and the fight for liberation, a movement had begun to call forward the Tch'Kairn that had served their Waagoshin masters a bit too well. While K'thartek and Lupo Dal had no real palate for such a series of proceedings, especially since there were no legal precedence set forward to aid them in such matters, the outcry was such that it was almost a force of it's own. The military commander in the new provisional governorship had recognized the undeniability of the action and had set into motion this provisional court. He and Lupo Dal had chosen to sit upon the board as judges, rather than assign the position to someone else. Killing Waagoshin was one thing, sentencing your own people to summary death was another thing entirely. They had been conducting these trials now for a couple of days, interspersed among their other duties of rebuilding their world. It was not an easy thing to do, sitting in judgment of those that were brought before the ministry. But they both had agreed that it was an important one if they were to heal some of the wounds inflicted upon their culture and society without causing a civil break among their planet's populace. Today's hearings had been routine. Minor cases in which claims were made testimony held and judgment passed after due deliberation. They had been minor charges to this point, but that changed when K'thartek had seen the docket containing the next case. The name on it read simply: Klk'shis, personal slave and attendant to Alpha One. The charges were numerous and included a summary which basically stated that by making herself invaluable to the Waagoshin leader, and by following his commands, she allowed him and his people to more efficiently murder and oppress the Tch'Kairn and their allies. In effect, she was being charged with acting as an accomplice to every vile command that the Waagoshin leader had issued, including the murder of the Federation Captain, and all resistance fighters that had died fighting against the Waagoshin Regime. The Tch'Kairn didn't bind their prisoners, there was no need. There would be nowhere that such a prisoner could escape. They all bore a unique pheromone that identified them immediately. Escape and evasion was impossible, and so they were allowed to move into the court room without hindrance of bonds. Besides such an act was too similar to those performed by the Waagoshin. The female was led into the chamber, the rowdy hiss and click of hundreds of Provisional representatives filled the air and Lupo Dal had been forced to chirp loudly for silence for a period longer than any other. It appeared that this particular Tch'Kairn was hated above any other. "Klk'shis," K'thartek began once the hissing had ended and the accused had stopped at her designated place. "This court has been provided with documents and testimony that you have aided the Waagoshin Oppressors in their enslavement of your own people. They have seen testimony and documents that show your invaluable nature to the leader of the Waagoshin Overseers, by working as the personal attendant to Alpha One." "As is the custom of this court, recently established, you have been provided all of this information so that you may form your arguments against these charges. Have you read the documents and testimony provided to you?" Klk'shis had sat quietly through the proceedings of the day knowing that they would not be reticent to take up deliberations on her case. The Tch'kairn here in the chamber made no secret of their displeasure at her presence. This was not surprising to the female who for two years now had made it her cause to undermine the Waagoshin presence here in this system. She had known from the beginning that this day might come... no WOULD come should their efforts be successful and had she survived the change of government. Ekl'klk had protected her identity from the first day, refusing to reveal it lest the Waagoshin oppressors should learn of her involvement. Her death would not only have been agonizing but dreadfully slow as well. Now here she sat with a mocking crowd around her which had waited for this very case, already guilty in their estimation and resigned to the outcome. The only one who knew of her involvement for the resistance was now dead, her cousin who had died for the purpose of protecting her identity, in doing so though had he erred? ~No, he made sure that should he and the resistance fail there would be someone left to carry on their task. He bravely took that secret to his death.~ Everything he had done was for the good of Tch'Kair and she would not dishonor that. She had no defense now against the charges that were leveled against her, only the one that she had aided and abetted the death of Sash, she had one witness who would testify that she had fought the Waagoshin on the station, should he be called he would bear witness that the wounds she had received had been in the battle in the control center when she had tried to protect the mans life and that was the only charge she would challenge. There was little chance that evidence of her subversion of the garrison's systems might be found as the computers had been destroyed in the fighting. She nodded mutely, not speaking in reply. "And do you understand both these documents and testimony as well as the consequences should you be proven in compliance with these claims?' "I do." She said quietly. "Very well." The Governor of the planet said then, turning his head to Lupo Dal, and gesturing that the Advisor should continue. Lupo Dal regarded the accused with his multi-facetted eyes before speaking. "Then Klk'shis, if you would protest these claims made against you, you are free to dispute them. You have also the ability to decline such action and receive immediate judgment based upon the severity and charges that have been brought. Which then would you pursue, Klk'shis?" "I would refute one." She spoke as she lowered her head. Lupo clicked his mandibles together. "Then you may now make your arguments against these claims. You may provide your testimony. When you are finished, a decision of this ministry shall be met and any punishment or release shall be met immediately. Please begin." There was no reason for her to challenge the whole litany of charges nor would she, she had no evidence to support her innocence except her own words which they could hardly accept at face value. And what if the Revered ones took pity on her, what if... IF mind you they took pity on her, the whole administration and government they sought to build would be undermined and she would be at fault for doing so. Not that she believed they would do such a seemingly gross miscarriage of justice but all she had worked toward would be besmirched. No! She would answer only to the latter charge. Pulling herself to her full height she forced herself to speak over the taunting of those who were here to see her judged, forced herself to face her accusers whom she revered and their accusations which she could not contest. "The wounds I received on the station were against Alpha 1 after he had stunned the alien captain, I tried to stop him from reaching the control panel but he was too fast and struck me across the mid thorax. I Killed..." she choked on the word, she had done the unthinkable but no more than these men had done. "I killed two of the Waagoshin while trying to defend him. Had I stopped Alpha 1 the one called Sash would be alive today. I failed..." She hung her head at the admission then 'spoke' much more softly, her mandibles hardly moving. :"... I failed him. One of the federation officers witnessed this." The break in her mid thorax was healed but the area was still brittle, it would be weeks before it was fully reformed which time she most likely did not have. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Tch'Kair, Provisional Capital, ministry of Order, - Provisional Governor K'thartek , Advisor Lupo Dal & Klk'shis- 1515) Lupo tipped his head slightly to one side. He considered her for a moment before speaking, "You speak with confidence in this matter, so give us the name of this Federation officer, that we may request of their new Alpha that they be permitted to give testimony before this ministry. Although, I can not guarantee that this would be permitted by them." There was a slight hiss from those assembled. He clicked his mandibles together as he thought, then spoke more to the representatives than to the accused. "We must do all we can to insure you have a just hearing or this court is worthless." "You realize however that the other charges against you still carry the penalty of death and that if you do not refute them and the evidence stands as it is, you will most likely still be found guilty of these charges and executed for your crimes?" She noted Lupo Dal's hesitant reply but dismissed it, no doubt the gentle philosopher found these proceedings distasteful. Before she replied though there was the sound of raised voices from the rear of the room, someone was trying to get through the door. Two male Tch'kairn stationed there were trying to hold out another female who was larger than they. The more they tried to silence her though the louder she became. "I must be allowed entrance, I have extremely important news. I MUST be allowed entrance!" The voice was known to her but she didn't look up, wondering if perhaps new evidence was to be introduced against her. K'thartek snapped his Mandibles closed with a loud click and then let off a terrible hiss to draw their attention to him. "Let her pass." He commanded. Mml'hiss had survived the final battle for control of the station, she had been swept off before its destruction by the federation ship's transporters. She moved purposefully into the room, brushing past the two males who had stepped aside as per their orders. The mood of the crowd here was ugly, she could sense their anger from the pheromones hanging thickly in the air though they had quieted. She was moving past Klk'shis and toward the platform where the former resistance leaders were seated curiously before she spoke. "Revered ones I am Mml'hiss as you know, recruited by Ekl'klk while on the station. He left something with me after we had slipped the crystal to the federation alien which he swore me to secrecy on except in the event of his death. He knew he was going to his death and wished this to be preserved for you only to see. I have already reviewed it and know you must see it as well. I beg your pardons and indulgence in this matter as I was unable to gain audience with you before this day. I implore you to play it before you pass judgment." "I know you" Lupo Dal stated evenly, "You were one of my contacts. I recognize your voice, it is familiar to me." K'thartek interjected next, "This is a trial. Does what you bring here today have bearing upon the testimony brought against the accused? If it does not, it must wait, until we have concluded. If it is evidence against the accused, it is too late to admit it, as the time for grievance has past. However should it prove to be a matter of defense for the accused, a proof that they are not guilty of one or more charges it can be permitted as evidence." He regarded the new arrival with all of his attention, "Is this information of such a nature?" He asked. "It is Revered ones." She replied Lupo Dal looked at the accused. "Klk'shis, it is now your decision if this information should be admitted. Know that if it not to your benefit and it is admitted, it could further harm your case. But considering your predicament, I do not see how things could be much worse for you. Should it turn out to refute the charges against you, then it may free you of the punishment that will come to you now as things stand." He swept his eyes across the room at the mass of Tch'Kairn that were beginning to grow restless. "Think carefully and then tell me if you would have this data played as part of your testimony." Klk'shis looked up in amazement, had he indeed left something that would aid her? If so she had no reason to contest it. If it was damning then it could harm her no more than was already due. One could only die once after all. "I accept it Revered one." "Then it shall be brought forward." Lupo stated evenly, despite a few hisses to the contrary coming from the gathered representatives. Mml'hiss extracted a crystal from her pouch as she neared the dais and handed it to the philosopher, bowing her head as she did so then stepped back. Dal reached forward, taking the crystal in his claw. The small stone was smooth and cold to the touch. Their very nature made them ideal for such things, as they were nearly impossible to forge. He regarded it for a moment, looking for the timestamp marker that indicated when the message or data was recorded. He found it and noted it's significance. He then showed it to K'thartek who also regarded it, before returning it to the Philosopher turned judge. Lupo Dal made a particular show of inserting the crystal into the device, so that it could be seen by all. He wanted no chance that someone would say that they had manipulated the crystal in any manner. The intercom activated with the words which carried clearly to all in the chamber, a hush settled as all attended to the message. [I am Ekl'klk, representative of the resistance on the orbital platform. I was stationed here two years ago with the orders to recruit others into the resistance which I have done. Mml'hiss was the first and I have entrusted this crystal into her keeping in the hope that she will survive and the truth will not die with me.] [And I am sure that I will die shortly. Mml'hiss and I have given a data crystal into the keeping of one of the aliens, in the process it was necessary to expose myself to the Waagoshin who will no doubt be coming for me, especially since it is known that those of them who had come aboard the platform in peace have escaped.] [I learned this information from another I had recruited who is in a singular position, she has been reporting what she has learned from the mouth of the Waagoshin commander himself. She has also been reporting what she has learned directly to the resistance and Lupo Dal who has been her contact. This arrangement was made because she has much more freedom of movement than the rest of the slaves here.] [Without her help and information I believe that the resistance would already have fallen, she has safeguarded our leaders by warning them of Waagoshin movements and informing them of windows of opportunity in which to communicate. It was also with her help that you, our leaders were able to time the fractal communications that brought the aliens to our world.] [It is my hope that these aliens will be able to aid us in throwing off the yoke of Waagoshin oppression, without the help of Klk'shis my first cousin this would have been impossible. I have kept her identity secret even from you, our leaders so that her efforts in our behalf may not be in vain and that her life might be protected should you be captured.] [Let it be known that she who has been most reviled and outcast among us has been our most invaluable ally and brought us to the threshold of freedom. It is my hope that she will survive to see an end to this slavery and the dawn of liberty.] [I am Ekl'klk, if you have received this then these are my final words. Peace, freedom and long life to you.] Klk'shis began to weep as the recording ended, for her cousin who had died before he had seen what he had worked so long and hard to faciliatate and for the knowledge that he had protected her not only to his own death but beyond as well. The room remained silent and Lupo Dal turned to regard the accused. There was the slight rasping sound of mourning coming from her and Lupo understood her grief. "I will freely admit, " Lupo Dal said with measured words, "that your voice sounds familiar to me, and as I know that the Waagoshin never discovered the means for our fractal communications to the aliens of the Federation, that you would not have been able to come about that information by any source of theirs." He paused for a moment still watching her. He continued, "I knew Ekl'klk well, he was one of my students. He was smart, clever and brave. He was known for his forthrightness and truth. I had hoped that he had survived the battle, but now I see he has not." "Tell me now, Klk'shis, the time that you sent the message to the resistance telling us that the Alien ship had arrived. Think carefully and remember it well, because I have never forgotten it and remember the exact details. It is this one fact along with this testimony that will convert your name from carrying infamy to carrying respect." K'thartek listened carefully. He knew exactly of what Lupo was speaking. He understood the question that he had asked. Only three Tch'Kairn had known the exact time that the message had arrived. Two of them sat in judgement. If Klk'shis could answer the question accurately, then there would be no doubt remaining of her innocence. She looked up at them for a moment as her grief was pushed aside to deal with this challenge, trying to remember the time and how she had phrased the message exactly, how specific did Lupo Dal wish her to be? Would one misstep doom her? Such a message of hope however was difficult to forget, indelibly branded on her memory as well as the time of the message. How could one forget the dawn of a new age if only in its infancy? Even if it was only a hope? She decided she would not only tell them the time but recite the message as well, that way there would be no doubt, not only in their minds but in the minds of those in attendance as well. "It was twenty minutes before 6 PM on the day the aliens arrived. The message was phrased thusly: An alien vessel entered the system approximately one hour ago, it was escorted in by the Graelridge. The configuration is unknown and sources claim they were intercepted while on a course for the Hiverun Ignatius system. I repeat aliens headed for Tch'kair have been escorted into the system by the Graelridge, there exists a possibility they were attracted by the message." Having spoken she lowered her eye stalks to await their judgement, every fiber of her being vibrating in anticipation. Lupo looked at K'thartek. The Provisional Planetary Governor clicked his mandibles together twice. "It is decided." Lupo Dal finally said as the crowd of representatives listened onward closely. "As there were only three who knew these details, and myself and Governor K'Thartek are two of them, that since you have provided the correct information as requested, and in light of the testimony of a known and respected member of the Resistance on your behalf, that we have enough information to come to a judgment." A murmur of scraping legs spread across the room. "It is the judgment of this ministry, that Klk'shis, accused of aiding the Waagoshin overloards in the death and destruction of her own people, shall be free of those transgressions. It is also an unpleasant matter of fact , that during war, people die and that the very act of conflict brings with it an inherent danger of death. Therefore, as the Captain and Alpha of the Federation Starship had chosen to come to our aid and became involved in our struggle for freedom, that he as an intelligent being understanding risks that conflict brings, decided still yet to fight. Therefore, Klk'shis can not be held responsible for his decision to risk his own life." "Having no further charges against Klk'shis, she is to be released to live her life as she deems fit for all her days to come. A decree shall be sent out absolving her of all wrong-doing and hailing her for her self-sacrificing service in the name of her people." "These proceedings are concluded." Klk'shis sagged in relief as her exhoneration was made complete before hundreds of witnesses, she was swept up in an embrace by Mml'hiss who had slipped up unnoticed beside her. "This came as a shock to me sister when I reviewed his message and I am glad that I did, I had no knowledge of your involvement. I am happy for you." Klk'shis burrowed her head between Mml'hiss' arms as she allowed her own emotional turbulance free rein. She would later consider how apprapo it was, how symmetrical that the one known to be emotionally unstable among the small group of patriots on the station would be the one to comfort her during her time of grief as she finally mourned the loss of not only her cousin but also her closest friend. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2408.12.19 (Runabout Tigris - ACMO Ens (sg) Hawkeye Dolphine and Civ Aleksander Stolev - 1035) Sasha gazed thoughtfully out the viewport as he sipped his coffee and watched the startrails stream by. The pilot had just informed them that they were about half an hour from the rendezvous point, and Sasha was sorting through a number of emotions: excitement, nervousness, anxiety, trepidation, and just the slightest hint of fear. He glanced over at his unlikely traveling companion, Ensign Dolphine, and wondered if he was experiencing any or all of the same emotions. He had managed to contact Eva from Starbase Geneva, and told her the news of his resignation and plan to join her and the twins aboard the Hades. While she certainly had seemed pleased with the news, it was hard to tell for sure -- the distance between them was still enough to prevent their telepathic link from being anything more than a dim sensation of the other's presence; even basic emotional states couldn't make it through. He wouldn't be surprised to find some part of her was disappointed in him for jettisoning his career for the sake of their family; she had made it clear enough that she had no intention of making the same sacrifice. Sasha turned away from the viewport and eyed Ensign Dolphine speculatively. They hadn't spoken much on the trip so far, as Sasha had been absorbed in reading various articles he had downloaded for the trip; articles that he'd never had the time to read while on active duty. However, he had finished his reading this morning, and now his curiosity was piqued by the presence of this officer who had arrived on board the Boudicca so shortly before his own departure. "So, Ensign Dolphine... if you don't mind me asking, why the transfer from the Boudicca so soon after your arrival?" Hawkeye put down the padd that he was writing on. He was suprised that his former XO even remembered him. After all Hawkeye had only met the man once since coming on board. He thought for a moment before giving his reply. "To be honest Commander, I left for the ability to teach. A former co worker of mine on Earth enlisted in starfleet as a field medic and is now wanting to pursue his medical carrer to become a physician. He asked me to help him with his courses and even to take on the role as his instructor for the courses I am certified to teach in. While the Boudicca was a fine ship to serve on, It would be eaiser for me to instruct the young man if we were on board the same ship. "I heard you were headed to meet up with your family on board the Hades. It must be nice to be able to see your children again sir." Sasha nodded. "I'm very much looking forward to it. And you don't need to call me Commander, Ensign. I resigned my commission. You can call me Sasha... or just Mr. Stolev if you're not comfortable with that," he added with a small smile. Hawkeye had heard of Cdr Stolev's resignation of his commision. He still felt relativly highly of his former XO and as a result, still used his rank when addressing him. ~Sometimes it's best to respect the person and the rank~ Hawkeye thought to himself. "I'll make you a deal, I'll call you Sasha if you call me Hawkeye. I never was one for the rank before one's last name. When I started my carrier in medicine, I always left the title to people that were more concerned with that type of thing. I started out as Hawkeye and that's how I'll end. "It is nice to see a familiar face on board a new posting, though. Makes me realize I'm not the only one nervous about a new posting." Sasha gave the young man a sympathetic smile. "I know how that goes. I've transferred from ship to ship a few times in my career as well. So it sounds like you'll know at least two people on the Hades before you even set foot aboard her. That's always nice." He glanced at the PADD he was still holding before setting it down on the table. "So did you get a chance to work much with Dr. Fickett while aboard the Boudicca?" "Yes I did. He was a great mentor on board the Boudicca, and gave me the ability to think on my feet rather than having to go through channels every time I wanted to breathe. "Other than being with your family and your children, what are you going to do with your spare time? "Well, I have great plans to take the children on holodeck tours of all sorts of locations," replied Sasha. "Especially as they get older, there will be more and more things they will appreciate. But for now, I think I will take them to Moscow, and to the beaches of the Crimean. Give them a taste of their father's homeland." He sighed wistfully. "I think now I will also have time for golfing. I used to love it, but never had time for it the past several years. I'm sure I will find plenty of things to do to fill up the days," he added with a smile. Hawkeye listened while Sasha told him of his plans for his time as a civilian. He seemed to have most things all worked out. But Hawkeye could still sense a want to do something more with his spare time. After all, going from a Cdr in Starfleet to being a civilian with a drop of a hat still left some larger holes. "I'm suprised that Starfleet hasn't given you the ability to do something while on board the Hades, be it a consultant position or an advisory posting. Nothing that would require you to remain in Starfleet but something that would allow you to use your talents and skills honed while in service." Sasha shrugged. "I don't know, I never really pursued it. I suppose something might come up, and of course I'll be glad to lend a hand or contribute informally if some mission the ship is on needs it... but I don't have any specific plans for that, or to ask for it. I suppose time will tell if I apply myself in that capacity." =^= Excuse me, gentlemen, =^= came the pilot's voice over the intercom. =^= We're about to drop out of warp for the rendezvous, and I'll be contacting the Hades momentarily. Stand by. =^= Sasha glanced over at Hawkeye with a polite nod, then turned his attention back to the viewport. He felt a slight adjustment in the vibrations of the deck plates as the ship dropped out of warp and the star trails collapsed into a million points of light. Within moments, one of those points of light gradually grew larger and took on the familiar shape of a starship, and he smiled at the sight. "Almost home..." he murmured softly as he reached out with his finger and traced the outline of the ship on the viewport. The intercom crackled to life again. =^= We've received confirmation from the Hades; they are standing by for your transport. Gather your things and prepare for transport; I'll transfer your cargo directly aboard separately. =^= Sasha collected his PADDs and stuffed them in his bag, then, with an "after you" gesture to Hawkeye, he made his way to the transporter pad. He reflexively went to tap his chest, only to remember that there was no comm badge there anymore, so he caught himself and simply said, "ready for transport." He took a deep breath and felt a smile coming across his face as the transporter wave washed over him. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades - Transporter Room 1 - CTAC T'Vof - 1037) The Transporter Technician, a rather skinny, curly-haired fellow by the nameof Thom Battishda, worked his controls like a master. He glanced at the Chief Tactical Officer as he ran his fingers up the slide controls."Energizing," he announced as the whine began to build in typical fashion. Lo'ren smiled as the two bodies materialized on the platform. She came to a more formal stance as the glitter faded and greeted them, "Welcome aboard the Hades, gentlemen. I'm Ensign Lo'ren T'Vof, Chief Tactical Officer." She extended her hand in typical Terran fashion, inviting but not pushing either of them to feel forced into a handshake with a touch telepath. She was well aware that some were less than comfortable with that prospect. (reply Dolphine, Stolev) "Doctor Dolphine, I presume?" Lo'ren kept her face polite and inquistive. (reply Dolphine) Lo'ren nodded in assent, "Haywood would like to see you, but first I've been asked to tell you to report in to Lt. Haynes, our First Officer." (reply Dolphine) She turned her gaze towards the man in Civilian clothing, "You must be Commander Stolev." (reply Stolev) Lo'ren lowered head and chuckled slightly, "Aye, I was instructed to address you as Commander, but if you prefer Sasha I insist you call me Lo'ren." Her expression was slightly mischievious with a lop-sided smile and one eyebrow raised in mock seriousness. (reply Stolev) Lo'ren continued with her mock serious expression, "Captain Straton does run a tight ship." (reply Stolev) Lo'ren chuckled and swept out an arm, "If you'll follow me, Sasha. I've been requested to bring you to your quarters where the Captain and the twins are waiting." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (USS Hades- Transporter Room- ACMO Ensign Hawkeye Dolphine- 1038) Hawkeye entered the transporter on the runabout with Sasha and heard the whine of the transporter begin. The next thing he new he was standing on the platform of the transporter on board the Hades. He looked over and saw a female in a yellow uniform with the rank of Ensign on her collar. He listened as she began to introduce herself.. "Welcome aboard the Hades, gentlemen. I'm Ensign Lo'ren T'Vof, Chief Tactical Officer." She extended her hand in typical Terran fashion, inviting but not pushing either of them to feel forced into a handshake with a touch telepath. She was well aware that some were less than comfortable with that prospect. "Doctor Dolphine, I presume?" Lo'ren kept her face polite and inquistive. Hawkeye met her hand with a firm grasp. " Ma'am I'm Ensign Hawkeye Dolphine, your new ACMO. Thank for for the warm welcome on board. And please, Call me Hawkeye. No need for the Dr or the Ens, please". (Reply T'Vof) Lo'ren nodded in assent, "Haywood would like to see you, but first I've been asked to tell you to report in to Lt. Haynes, our First Officer." "Of course, I'll head that way as soon as I drop off my gear in my quarters, if thats ok?" (Reply T'Vof) With that being said Hawkeye turned to Sasha. " I hope you have a good reunion with your family. And if you need anything don't hesitate to call. It was good to talk with you on the way over. Take care, I'm sure I'll see you again." (reply Stolev) With that Hawkeye exited the transporter room and headed for his quarters. He had a few things to take care of before he met with the FO. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades - Transporter Room - CTAC Ensign Lo'ren T'Vof - 1038.5) Hawkeye met her hand with a firm grasp. "Ma'am I'm Ensign Hawkeye Dolphine,your new ACMO. Thank for for the warm welcome on board. And please, Call me Hawkeye. No need for the Dr or the Ens, please". Lo'ren nodded, "Certainly, and please, call me Lo'ren. Our CMO Angeni Trommashere and ACMO Haywood Parker would like to see you, but first I've been asked to tell you to report in to Lt. Haynes, our First Officer." "Of course, I'll head that way as soon as I drop off my gear in my quarters, if thats ok?" "Absolutely," Lo'ren replied, "I'm sure Lt. Haynes won't come storming after you if you take that bit of time. Though," Lo'ren paused for effect, "the captain might be a different story if you were reporting directly to her. "Lo'ren had a twinkle in her eye, she was over stating things, but she also remembered being chewed out by Eva Straton on occassion when protocol wasn't properly followed. With that being said Hawkeye turned to Sasha. " I hope you have a good reunion with your family. And if you need anything don't hesitate to call. It was good to talk with you on the way over. Take care, I'm sure I'll see you again." Lo'ren watched the new ACMO pass through the doors before turning her full attention to the former Tac/Sc officer. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades - Transporter Room 1 - Civ Aleksander Stolev - 1039) Sasha took a deep breath once he finished rematerializing in the Hades's transporter room. Eva was not there, though he didn't necessarily expect that she would be. Instead there was a tactical officer in addition to the transporter operator. The officer had a curious combination of features -- clearly some Vulcan heritage, but Sasha thought he could make out the faintest hint of ridges across the bridge of her nose, a feature which reminided him of Susan Rivers, his last CO. "Welcome aboard the Hades, gentlemen. I'm Ensign Lo'ren T'Vof, Chief Tactical Officer." She extended her hand, which Sasha found somewhat curious considering that she was likely a touch telepath. However, the fact that she was smiling made him think that perhaps her Vulcan half was not as dominant as it was in other half-Vulcans he had known. He hung back though, allowing Ensign Dolphine to get situated first. "Doctor Dolphine, I presume?" Lo'ren kept her face polite and inquistive. Hawkeye met her hand with a firm grasp. " Ma'am I'm Ensign Hawkeye Dolphine, your new ACMO. Thank for for the warm welcome on board. And please, Call me Hawkeye. No need for the Dr or the Ens, please". Lo'ren nodded, "Certainly, and please, call me Lo'ren. Our CMO Angeni Trommashere and ACMO Haywood Parker would like to see you, but first I've been asked to tell you to report in to Lt. Haynes, our First Officer." "Of course, I'll head that way as soon as I drop off my gear in my quarters, if thats ok?" "Absolutely," Lo'ren replied, "I'm sure Lt. Haynes won't come storming after you if you take that bit of time. Though," Lo'ren paused for effect, "the captain might be a different story if you were reporting directly to her." Sasha did his best to surpress the chuckle that arose in response to this remark. With that being said Hawkeye turned to Sasha. "I hope you have a good reunion with your family. And if you need anything don't hesitate to call. It was good to talk with you on the way over. Take care, I'm sure I'll see you again." "Thank you Hawkeye, I'm sure you will," replied Sasha with a smile. She turned her gaze towards the man in Civilian clothing, "You must be Commander Stolev." Sasha looked around in mock confusion before replying. "There are no Commanders here, just a man who is eager to see his family again. Please, call me Sasha." Lo'ren lowered head and chuckled slightly, "Aye, I was instructed to address you as Commander, but if you prefer Sasha I insist you call me Lo'ren." Her expression was slightly mischievious with a lop-sided smile and one eyebrow raised in mock seriousness. "Very well, Lo'ren it is. Hopefully I will remember not to refer to you as such when you're on duty though," added Sasha with a mischevious glint of his own. "I'd hate for you to get in trouble with your captain over protocol." Lo'ren continued with her mock serious expression, "Captain Straton does run a tight ship." "Oh, I am quite sure she does," replied Sasha, this time failing to surpress the impulse to chuckle. Lo'ren chuckled and swept out an arm, "If you'll follow me, Sasha. I've been requested to bring you to your quarters where the Captain and the twins are waiting." "Thank you, Lo'ren, I would like nothing more." With that he picked up his rucksack, slung it over his shoulder, and followed Lo'ren out of the transporter room. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Crew Quarters, ACMO Hawkeye Dolphine, 1054) Hawkeye set his bags down in his quarters and noticed his computer terminal was blinking, indicating he had a message waiting for him. "Computer, access message and play aloud" he ordered while he changed out of his travelling colthes and entered the Sonic Shower. The next thing he heard was from his old coworker John. "Hawkeye, welcome on board the Hades. After you get checked in with the FO and both the ACMO and the CMO, give me a hollar and we will meet in the lounge area. John" Hawkeye was glad to hear that he was already onboard. He finished his sonic shower and changed into a fresh uniform. ~Next stop the Bridge~Hawkeye thought to himself. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (USS Hades, Main Bridge, ACMO Ensign Hawkeye Dolphine, 1100) Hawkeye checked with the computer and found that Lt Haynes was on the main Bridge. Hawkeye made his way there and found the man leaning over a terminal on the bridge. He walked over and introduced himself. "Excuse me Lt Haynes? I'm Ensign Dolphine, your newest ACMO. Please,call me Hawkeye." he said while extending his hand to greet the man. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (USS Hades, Main Bridge, FO/CSO Jericho Haynes, 1101) Jack was leaning over the shoulder of Fredericks as the man was running through some intriguing data from the scientific portion of their just completed mission when he heard the turbolift doors to the bridge swish open. One good thing about being both first officer and senior science officer was that he could indulge his curiosity whenever he wished without causing any slight toward the science staff... like now. "Excuse me Lt Haynes?" Jack turned at the sudden approach and noted that a formerly unknown member of the medical staff had been the one to arrive, This must be the doctor who's arrival he had been anticipating. "I'm Ensign Dolphine, your newest ACMO. Please, call me Hawkeye." He extended his hand with a grin and Jack took then shook it while mirroring the mans expression. "Welcome aboard then Ensign," He was prone to leaving off the more formal part of the introductions himself preferring to be called simply 'Jack' but such was frowned on by Starfleet protocols when one was dealing with command staff. One of the first and hardest lessons he had been expected to learn was to distance oneself a but from the crew and while he had sworn to never come across as a 'hardass' some discipline had to be maintained no matter how much he disliked it. The fact that he was in the midst of a passionate love affair with a senior officer was not open to question though in his mind, if command didn't like it they were free to do so as long as they kept their noses out of his private affairs. And if they wanted to push it he was more than content to return the position to someone more deserving and go back to being just a Chief Science Officer. Captain Straton had been a good sport about the whole thing however, while she was still a hard driver he had learned a few things about her, she was far from unfair. "I would like to accomodate you Mr. Dolphine but it will have to wait till we're off duty." He winked. "I assume you have already been assigned quarters then...?" he asked rhetorically while noting the man's freshly scrubbed appearance. (Reply: Hawkeye) "Good." He nodded and reached for the PADD containing the ACMO's orders. "I'll get these logged in the database. In the meanwhile I assume you will want to meet with the other senior members of the medical staff so they can give you a proper orientation." (Reply: Hawkeye) "Dismissed then Ensign." He made his way to science two to take care of the matter, forgetting in his focus to get the matter completed he had failed to mention just WHO those senior officers were. By he time he remembered his gaffe the man had already left the bridge. Jack mentally kicked himself for an instant then decided not to com him to relay the information. ~That won't happen again.~ Then returned to his work. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- end compile