compile summary ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2408.07.27 (Tch'Kair, Orbital Platform- Detention level, - aCEO Lieutenant DarlaWright- 1658) (Tch'Kair, Capital City- Compound, - Resistance Leader K'thartek- 1700) (USS Hades, Plegathon Bridge, aCTAC/SEC Ensign (jg) Lo'ren T'Vof, 1703) (Tch'Kair, Orbital Platform- Medical Ward, - CMO Angeni O. Windsong-Trommashere- 1705) (USS Hades, Bridge, aCO Commander Eva Straton, 1705.5) (USS Hades, Plegathon Bridge, aCTAC/SEC Ensign (jg) Lo'ren T'Vof, 1705.7) (Acheron, Bridge, aFO/CSO Lt. Jericho Haynes, 1706) (USS Hades, Sickbay, Dr. Chase O'Neil, 1707) (Tch'Kair, Orbital Platform- Hanger Level- aCEO Eoin Mac-Liam & Niglik-Xaxora-1707.5 ) (Tch'Kair, Orbital Platform- Detention level, - SciO Ensign Harry Doorman-1708) (Tch'Kair, Orbital Platform- Command Level- SO Lieutenant Baylon Trinin-1708.5) (USS Hades, Sickbay, ACMO Ensign Haywood Parker, 1708.7) (Tch'kairn orbit, Orbital station, Control center, Waag Commander Alpha 1, Captain Devon Sash and Klk'shis, 1709) (USS Hades, Sickbay, ACMO Ensign Haywood Parker, 1710) (Tch'Kair, Orbital Platform- Detention level, - CMO Angeni O.Windsong-Trommashere & SciO Harry Doorman- 1712) (USS Hades - Phlegathon - Transporter Room - aCEO Ensign (jg) Eoin Mac Liam - 17:14) (USS Hades, Transporter Room, Dr. Chase O'Neil, CMO Angeni O. Windsong-Trommashere-1715) (USS Hades- Phlegathon Transporter Room - SO Lieutenant Baylon Trinin-1716) (USS Hades, Tactical Office, aCTAC/SEC Ensign (jg) Lo'ren T'Vof, 2045) (USS Hades, Ready Room, aCO Commander Eva Straton, 2100) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2408.07.29 (USS Hades, Observation Room, aCO Commander Eva Straton, 0925) (USS Hades, Observation Room, CTAC Ensign Lo'ren T'Vof, 0926) (USS Hades, Observation Room, aCEO Ensign Eoin Mac Liam, 09:27) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Stardate: 2408.09.18 (USS Hades, Ready Room, Captain Eva Straton, 14:36) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Stardate: 2408.11.15 (USS Hades, Personal Quarters, Captain Eva Straton, 11:25) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- begin compile Stardate: 2408.07.27 (Tch'Kair, Orbital Platform- Detention level, - aCEO Lieutenant DarlaWright- 1658) "Angeni!" Darla said excitedly as she saw the woman in the cell. "I think the Calvary is here!" Angeni ran up to Darla and hugged her tightly, "Thank the mother you are alright!" She stood back from the woman, a smile on her face. "I can feel Harry. They're here, I just don't know where. He called to me. I don't know where to go though, but I know we can't stay here. I just killed a medic, and I'm sure you had to bludgeon someone to get out of your cell...so if we hang around here, we're sure to get caught and killed." The engineer nodded, then handed Angeni the second rod-like weapon. With her own she pointed at Angeni's throat and pressed it against the lock on her collar which caused it to release. Once it was removed, she yanked her own off and left them both lying on the floor. "Come on, we need to get moving" she said and gestured down the hallway. They moved down the corridor, Darla leading and tensed for action. Angeni stopped for a moment and then pried something off the wall. "An old Fire Fighting trick. You can take it with you and you constantly know where you are going." as she held up what appeared to be a map of some sort. The doctor regarded it for a moment or two. "I swear, they nabbed us just because we'd have little to no clue on how to defend ourselves, but we proved them wrong. When we get out of this, you name your poison, dinner and drinks are on me. Now, let's get the hell out of here. I think if we continue down this corridor, I think we can get to an open area." Darla nodded then her eyes finally caught the fact that Angeni was bleeding. "God Ang!" she said suddenly, "You're bleeding. You need medical help." The Doctor ignored her and instead showed her the map pointing to a larger area. "But, I think we could be safe in the Medical Ward. The guards didn't see me leave, and the medic is dead..." She suddenly looked heartbroken, but she cleared her face and she grabbed Darla's hand. "Let's get out of this hallway, anyone could see us before we see them." Darla blinked at the iron will of the Cherokee woman and just followed along. After a short while Angeni led them into a room of the medical ward. It looked very similar to the one that they had been 'examined' in shortly after they had arrived. Darla's eyes took in some of the equipment trying to remember what the dermal regenerator that the Waagoshin technicians had used to heal the wounds caused by the installation of their universal translators. She shuffled around a few trays of equipment until she spotted what she waslooking for and turned back to Angeni. ~Sunova...~ she thought as she saw the state that the doctor was in. Angeni had slid down the wall of the room, leaving a brilliant streak of crimson behind her as she went. She was pale... Almost too pale. "Okay, your turn to come up with something. I'm spent...." The doctor said. Her tone of voice was very sad. "Ang. I found the regenerator." Darla blurted out and quickly closed the distance between herself and the ailing Cherokee. "See?" she asked as she held it up. "You need to tell me how to use it." (reply Angeni) Darla listened carefully, but wasted no time it putting the tool to work. Instinctively she knew that Angeni wouldn't recover simply because Darla had closed the wound, but at least she wouldn't lose any more blood. She watched with a strange fascination as the energy beam from the device set to work mending the rent flesh around the wound and knit it back together. Once she was finished with it and Angeni's arm was closed, she dropped the regenerator into the cleavage of her jumpsuit and bent to pick up the Doctor. If she had to Darla would carry her off this station. "Come on Doc, we're not home yet. Besides you own me dinner and drinks." She grunted as she helped guide the weakened woman to her feet. It was quite a task getting Angeni to her feet. It was apparent that the loss of blood was sapping her strength and resolve and Darla didn't know what to do to fix the problem other than get her to a medical facility where someone would be able to treat her. She had finally managed to get the woman pinned between herself and the wall and as getting ready to throw her over her shoulder when she heard the door start to cycle. Without a second thought Darla turned, raised the rod-weapon towards the door and discharged it at the being coming through into the compartment. She was glad that she missed. The being that had come through the door was Ensign Doorman. "Whoa!" he nearly screamed as he tried to duck back out the door, which ironically had closed and prevented his immediate escape. "You nearly killed me!" he finished. "I thought you were a Waagoshin." Darla said apologetically. That's when Harry noticed that she was bracing Angeni upright between herself and the wall. She was terribly pale. One sleeve of her jumpsuit was torn and a fresh pink scar was visible on her otherwise unblemished arm. "What happened?" Harry said as he handed his rifle to the engineer and took Angeni in his arms. "She was bleeding." Darla explained as she took his weapon and tucked the Waagoshin rod into his belt. "She wouldn't pay much attention to the wound. We got here and she was so pale. We used a dermal regenerator to close the injury but she's lost a lot of blood." Doorman didn't respond, but instead he lifted her gently, as if he were carrying a precious child in his arms. The action belied his frame and Darla realized that it wasn't physical strength that was allowing him to lift the doctor like that it was the power of Love. It was written all over his face and in the way that he handled her. She wondered if he had told Angeni yet, but decided it was best not to ask at the moment. "We've got to move Doorman. We can't stay here." she said even though she really didn't want to spoil the moment. He nodded and followed her out the door. "Go back the way you came." He said simply as he followed Darla down the corridor towards freedom. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Tch'Kair, Capital City- Compound, - Resistance Leader K'thartek- 1700) K'thartek and Lupo Dal had fought their way through the compound on the ground with a sense of purpose that made them all but unstoppable. The Resistance leader had led the way, dealing with the Waagoshin that they had encountered until eventually they had reached the central control room that controlled all the communications on the networks that linked the civilian population of the system. Lupo Dal had managed to use a code provided by one of their spies to gain access to the network and brought it on-line. He then set prepared himself to make his announcement. He had walked over to the podium that was used by the planetary leadership to make announcements at the behest of their Waagoshin overlords. K'thartek stood near the door, ready to deal with any unwanted interruptions. When he was ready, Lupo touched the control stud on the podium and began broadcasting to every city and facility in the system. He was now able to convey any message that he wanted to the billions of Tch'Kairn that had access to a monitor. "My people" Lupo began solemnly. "I am Lupo Dal." Of course Everyone knew who he was. He was the most famous of the great philosophers of his people. The most progressive and the most revered. He was also the last repository of the old laws and the ways of their ancestors. He was a priest, philosopher and spiritual guide of the Tch'kairn people. He was their soul. "Long have we wore the shackles of slavery placed upon us by the Waagoshin overlords that betrayed our allies and brought war and misery to our world. For too long we have restrained ourselves in the face of raw aggression, adhering to the ancient principles of non-violence and benevolent co-habitation with those we meet on our journey through life." "We have lived the principles that to harm another it so harm one's self. He have long held sacred the beliefs that invite death upon another is to invite death to yourself." "But these many years have taught us new lessons. Lessons that can not be ignored. And while it must seem that these new lessons contradict the great teachings of our forefathers, I am here to tell you that it is not so." "These lessons are hard learned. A untold number of our people have suffered and died at the hands of our slave masters. More have lived in constant fear for their lives, and a few others have embraced a new set of rules and striven to free us all from the tyranny that threatens to devour us." "I tell you this. Rise UP! NO longer will we be slaves to another species. No longer will we allow our culture and our way of life to be cast aside. No longer will we live in fear of death or dismemberment." "Tonight is our liberation! Even now, as I speak to you, Death is everywhere. Members of the Resistance are struggling to free us from the lash of the whip, and they are joined by our allies the Niglik and the Federation of Planets. They will cast of the chains that bind us and leave us to once again reclaim our freedom." "As a gift to the People of our worlds, They will destroy the symbol of the Waagoshin that haunts us. They will destroy the platform that suppresses us." "Look to the Sky and when the station is streaking through our atmosphere, take back your world and cast out the Waagoshin." On those final words, Lupo Dal reached out and pressed the control stud that disconnected the transmission. "What have I done K'thartek?" he asked then. "You have given them hope Lupo Dal. You have shown them the price of freedom and you have forged a brave new world." Lupo looked up at him, clicked his mandibles together and said simply,"Perhaps you would have been a better philosopher than I, my friend." "No Lupo," K'thartek replied, "I am a better philosopher because of you." ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Plegathon Bridge, aCTAC/SEC Ensign (jg) Lo'ren T'Vof, 1703) The Plegathon rocked, consoles on the bridge sparking and smoking dangerously, the team was holding together however. Lo'ren had them blasting Waag ships left right and centre and now she was ready to gun for the station and retrieve anyone and everyone that could be pulled off that accursed thing. ~Dogs of War, you are sorely out witted.~ She leaned forward, her eyes glinting with the adrenaline that was coursing through her body. Her thoughts were on the Captain, Ang and Darla and how to get them and the strike teams off the station when something occured to her. "Tethlin!" She shouted, giving the VOX assembly a moment to register the severity with the Deaf woman. {{Here.}} The reply was simple but, it meant that Arysha was waiting. Lo'ren jumped over to the engineer's console and stood so that Arysha could see her face as well as see her speech text on the special screen. "Can you get a transport lock on our people?" Arysha shook her head as her fingers quickly explained. {{Lock possible not, wide beam close-in maybe.}} Lo'ren nodded, "Okay, get ready to get anyone you can - but NO Waagoshin." The dark head nodded as she went about setting her console for a fast transport. Lo'ren wheeled around, grabbing a bulkhead as the ship had to dodge another barrage. She swore, keeping herself upright by not much more than a fingernail. Looking at her helm, she moved to the next part of her plan -she stumbled towards Artie Newberry and relayed what she was thinking."Artie, think you can scrape the station's hull and keep us together?" Arthur glanced back momentarily before concentrating on his job, "I could scrape some paint off the Dogs' Kennel, Ma'am." Lo'ren patted his shoulder, "Good, be ready to bring us in under their shields so we can get our people out. Tethlin's getting the transporters ready." She turned and marched back to the centre seat. As she sat she hailed Commander Straton, "Plegathon to Hades. I have my team ready to extract our people from the station via wide beam transporter. Orders?" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Tch'Kair, Orbital Platform- Medical Ward, - CMO Angeni O. Windsong-Trommashere- 1705) ."Ang. I found the regenerator." Darla blurted out and quickly closed the distance between herself and the ailing Cherokee. "See?" she asked as she held it up. "You need to tell me how to use it." Angeni smiled weakly at Darla. Spots danced across her vision, making it tough to focus. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to sit up correctly. She weakly moved her mangled arm, sparks of pain shooting into her shoulder and neck. She closed her eyes, trying not to make a sound. There was no reason to make them sound like wounded prey. Any pup worth his salt could smell the blood, but dead prey would be descended upon later while something merely wounded would provide for entertainment. Her eyes casted forlornly over to the dead Waagoshin. Her chest hurt just looking at him. Never had she had to kill a wolf, and here was one, dead by her own hand. She leaned her head back, finally processing what she said. "Green..." She couldn't get her lips to work. "Green button...green is good...move slow, press red to stop...green is good..." Angeni closed her eyes, feeling the flesh and tendons repairing. She was using every ounce of strenght to keep herself concious. She thought about Harry, how much she loved him, and was painfully aware of the fact that she may never get the chance to tell him "Come on Doc, we're not home yet. Besides you own me dinner and drinks." Angeni pushed herself as hard as she could, but she felt herself going almost nowhere. She felt herself slide up the wall, but progress was slow. Finally she felt herself righted, and she looked lazily at Darla at the mention of dinner and drinks. "Drinks...gin...martini...dry, drier, driest. Non wet...dust on ice cubes..." She felt Darla tense, and she rolled her head in the direction Darla was looking. Without warning, she heard and felt the discharge of her weapon. It startled her, causing her last reserve of adrenalin to spike. What she saw come through the door made her heart skip a beat. It was Harry. Slowly, the last reserves of adrenalin drained from her system, and it wasn't too long before Darla was holding up nearly dead weight. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Bridge, aCO Commander Eva Straton, 1705.5) =/\=Phlegathon to Hades. I have my team ready to extract our people from the station via wide beam transporter. Orders?=/\= "What do you have in mind exactly Ensign?" Eva asked. (Reply T'Vof) Eva considered it for only a second. It was risky, very risky, but they had to do something and fast they couldn't keep this up much longer. "The Hades and Acheron will cover you as much as we can," Eva said,"Get in and out as quickly as possible. We won't be able to take the concentrated fire power of the station for long." (Reply T'Vof) "Mr. Mackenzie," Eva said, turning to face the ACSO as the connection closed. "I need you to come up with something that will blind the stations sensors, even if it's only for a few seconds. Something that could increase the odds of the Phlegathon getting in and out with our people in one piece." (Reply Mackenzie) Eva turned back toward the main view screen, pressing a button on the arm rest of the command chair opening a comm-channel with the Acheron."Lt. Haynes, the Phlegathon will be making a run to beam our people off the station in a wide beam beam out. The Hades and Acheron will be covering them. I have Mr. Mackenzie working on a way to blind the stations sensors briefly to increase the chances of success. Lets end this." (Reply Haynes) "Status," Eva said, as she closed the connection with the Acheron "Shields at 63%. Quantum torpedo stores are still over 75%.Phaser's at 85% charge," Ensign Kendal reported from Tactical. "Very well," Eva said, with a nod. "Plot course. Attack pattern Beta 5." The Hades, Acheron and Phlegathon formed up into a diamond formation with the Hades at the point and the Acheron and Phlegathon flanking. They maneuvered, banking and dodging through the Waagoshin fire as they continued to build speed going from half impulse to full impulse in a matter of seconds. They then turned and charged the stations the Hades launching a blistering barrage of weapons fire on the Waagoshin ships in their path. A Waagoshin ship lost a warp nacelle and went spinning wildly out of control as the Hades punished it with phaser fire. A second Waagoshin ship exploded under a barrage of quantum torpedo's, it's death throws severally damaging another Waagoshin ship unlucky enough to be too close. They didn't live long enough to regret their mistake as the Acheron split them in half with phaser fire. As they fought their way though the remainder of the Waagoshin fleet, the Phlegathon had slowly fallen behind the Hades and Acheron letting them take the brunt of the Waagoshin assault. Then they got within range of the station. "Now," Eva said, giving the order and the Phlegathon made it's move as the Hades and Acheron split away drawing most of the stations fire with them. The Hades launched a full spread of quantum torpedoes at the station, but all of the torpedo's exploded just short of the stations shields flooding the stations shields and in effect blinding them for a brief second. The Phlegathon slipped in unnoticed. Eva grit her teeth as a console exploded behind her as the Hades was taking heavy fire from the station. She had to grip the arms of the command chair tightly to keep from being through to the deck. "Shields down to 43%!" Ensign Kendal shouted. "Keep firing!" Eva shouted back, silently counting in her head. "Phlegathon moving away from the station," Lt. Adams reported suddenly. "They've taken heavy damage but looks like they did it!" "Good! Get us out of here," Eva ordered as the ship shook under another massive barrage of fire from the station. "Shields at 29%!" Ensign Kendal reported. "Engineering reports that we have lost warp power," Lt. Adams reports, "We have hull breaches on decks 8 and 9. Emergency force fields in place. "Take us out of the system," Eva ordered, "Dispatch damage control teams to begin repairs. Contact the Phlegathon. Did they get everyone?" Before Adams could reply there was a massive explosion that filled the screen. Eva's eyes widened in surprise as she watched in shock as the Waagoshin station was consumed in a series of massive explosions taking not only the station but many of the remaining Waagoshin ships and leaving nothing by a large cloud of debris. "We couldn't have done that much damage," Eva said, as she slumped back in the command chair still shocked at the stations sudden destruction.There was a beep on the OPS console and Lt. Adams bent over his console. Eva noted Lt. Adams reaction and was curious to what else could have gone wrong. ~Did the Phlegathon fail to get the Away Team off the station? Is everyone we were fighting to rescue now dead?~ Eva thought, her eyes once more on the screen and the slowly disbursing debris field. "Phlegathon reports that they have recovered the Away Team and all missing crew," Lt. Adams reported pausing, "With the exception of Captain Sash. He was still on the station when it exploded." "No!" Eva snapped, slamming her fist into the arm of the command chair. Her eyes back on the view screen and the debris field which she now knew had been Captain Sash's funereal pyre. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Plegathon Bridge, aCTAC/SEC Ensign (jg) Lo'ren T'Vof, 1705.7) The reply came through right away, it had obviously caught the Commander's attention. =/\=What do you have in mind exactly Ensign?=/\= Eva asked. Lo'ren quickly gave her synopsis, "My helmsman believes he can manoeuver us in close enough to pull out our people and as many non-Waagoshin as possibleby wide beam transport. We are going to scrape their hull and pull our people, Ma'am." Lo'ren waited, along with her team, for the answer which wasn't long incoming. =/\=The Hades and Acheron will cover you as much as we can, get in and out as quickly as possible. We won't be able to take the concentrated fire power of the station for long.=/\= Lo'ren nodded as she sent back a terse reply. "Aye, Plegathon - Out." She swung around and raised her voice to carry across the whole bridge. "Fast in Fast out people. Ready for action." Each member of the team set their face into a strict, serious mode; they knew their jobs and knew what they were preparing for - danger and only a slim chance of getting everyone out if they made any mis-calculations. Artie set his console into the attack pattern that was relayed from the Hades, they flew alongside the others - firing devastating blasts of phaser power and taking their fair share of return. Soon they slowly started drifting back and around the main fight. The Plegathon bridge crew watched the screen as their compatriots started taking more fire. Just before the Waagoshin started to notice the 'wounded' ship the Hades shot off a torpedo that flashed, blinding everyone - Artie took that as his signal and gunned them in; it did indeed look like they would scrape hulls with the station as they came into the preset location near the centre of the station. He called back "In position." at the same time that Lo'ren pointed at the waiting engineer. Lo'ren wheeled and stared at her silent crew woman, all eyes were on her in fact as her hands deftly blurred across her consoles. They all held on to consoles as they drew fire from several ships and the station. The Plegathon started to groan under the stress The comm came alive, =/\=Bridge, this is the transporter room, we have the away teams and a number of aliens on board.=/\= Arysha looked up and took her hands away from her consoles, signing {{Nomore.}} before she went back to her job of keeping the ship in one piece. Lo'ren nodded, "Artie get us out of here." She lost all strength in her legs and flopped back into the command chair. She called down to the transporter room, "Mr. Chan, I want a head count - make sure we got everyone, including the captives - we'll go back in if we have to but I don't WANT to - be sure." The answer was short, but filled with concern and determination. =/\=Yesma'am.=/\= Lo'ren closed her eyes and called for reports, "Damages people?" Andrew piped up this time, the prearranged reporter so that Arysha could simply do what she did best. The young man was not much worse for wear, even after being dazed by his console earlier. "Shields at 14%, Structural integrity at 24%, Weapons... one bank active, the rest are down." Jon Chan's voice cut across as he reported from below, =/\=Ensign T'Vof,I've located every member of the away team and we have Dr. Trommashere and Lt. Wright, but we don't have the Captain. We also have 57 Niglik and 28 Tch'kairn people on board.=/\= Lo'ren groaned, "Artie get us ready to go back in. Andrew, inform the Hades and let them know we're willing to try for Captain Sash." As she finished her sentence she caught sight of the station on the screen, the explosion was as brilliant as it was deadly and Lo'ren would have dropped to her knees if not that she was already seated. ~No... Captain... I'm sorry.~ She kept her mental-emotional state from crumbling and passed out orders in a dry, almost defeated voice. "Artie, follow the Hades. Andrew, forget about the re-incursion. Menken, Joanie, watch out for any dogs left behind. Arysha, work on repairs - priority shields and speed, then ready for ship integrate." She stood at attention and stared at the screen for a moment as her orders were being carried out. ~Rest in Peace, Captain. I will find out why we missed you, if I can.~ Lo'ren sat down in the centre seat once more and pulled up the sensor data for those last few moments and started running a fine tooth comb over them -looking for any anomaly that would have affected their ability to get Captain Sash out. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Acheron, Bridge, aFO/CSO Lt. Jericho Haynes, 1706) The Waagoshin fleet (or what was left of it) had retreated to the far side of the planet leaving the Hades clear space to manuever in which was good for now although it meant that they would be fighting more than the station when they made their move. When it did happen things moved quickly. They were making their run at the station when the fleet plus some, no doubt their reserves came swarming around the planet. A dozen moved to block their route to the station while the others closed in behind them. The fighting soon became fierce and the Acheron's shields were taking apounding from three Waagoshin ships when he heard. "Communication from the Hades sir." "On screen." Commander Straton was normally brief, this was not one of those times. =^= Lt. Haynes the Phlegathon will be making a run to beam our people off the station in wide *dispersal* (Paraphrased) beam out. The Hades and Acheron will be covering them. I have Mr. McKenzie working on a way to blind the station's sensors briefly to increase the chances of success. Let's end this.=^= "I concur," Jack nodded. "Orders acknowledged." When the screen blanked he started snapping out orders. "Concentrate fire on those ships between us and the station, let's blast our way through." The Hades took point and began acting as a wedge again in the Waagoshin formation, when firepower could be spared it was used to get the pesky ships on their tail, the Acheron took up position at the right point behind the lead ship and used it in support as the Phlegathon dropped back. ~Like blockers clearing the way for the halfback, take the ball all the way to the end zone Lo'ren.~ One Waagoshin ship was destroyed by torps from the Hades and another went spinning out of control with a nacelle blown off, that one was finished off by his tactical officer. After that it was like shooting ducks on a pond though the Acheron was bludgeoned heavily by both the enemy ships and the station. What was most puzzling to Jack was an array that had been unfurled from the stations guts. "Find out what that array is." It didn't look like a welcome mat. "They're energizing it now, it looks like some kind of magneton emitter." ~ ****.~ He bit off the word he was thinking. "Target it when we get within range." " Forward Shields at fifty percent and dropping." "Hold this course, don't break formation." The Hades sped up to full impulse as the way cleared. Another Waagoshin ship was blown to hell by the Acheron's phasers and then another. Then a volley of torpedoes collided with the stations shields in a spectacular firestorm of radioactive particles. Immediately the Phlegathon accelerated to the center of the station. As it did so the Acheron turned in support on several Waag vessels. "Shields at thirty two percent." Jack grit his teeth. When the green light began blinking on the command chair and the Hades turned to follow the Phlegathon out Jack let out a silent breath, the Captain and others were off. That was good because a chain reaction seemed to begin at the array and run swiftly through the station. The Acheron was buffeted by the shockwave as the whole thing exploded outward like a supernova which washed over the Waagoshin ships like a tsunami. "Shields at eight percent." "Enemy positions." "Two Waagoshin ships remaining but they are fleeing. The rest were taken out by the explosion. Shall we pursue?" "Negative, follow the Hades and Phlegathon out of the system. Downgrade status to yellow alert" "Aye sir." Jack relaxed in the chair expecting good news to be forthcoming but optimism sometimes is deceiving. There would be time for grieving later, right now victory was sweet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Sickbay, Dr. Chase O'Neil, 1707) The blood soaked casulties continued to roll in without an end in sight. Chase had already changed his uniform twice, and was more than ready to do it again. Computers and monitors had short circuted leaving them with very little wiggle room. He had never been so excited to pull out a blood pressure cuff in his entire career, but when he found one, he wore it proudly like a badge of honor. As he worked at one table, he glanced over his shoulder. "Haywood. How are you holding up?" (Reply Haywood) Chase nodded, and he was suddenly knocked off his feet by the rocking of the ship. A computer console exploded, showering the bay in a dazzling array of sparks and electical equipment. Chase quickly regained his footing, looking around. "Is everyone okay?" He heard grunts or murrmurs to the affirmative. Chase glanced through the window into the medical staff office, and he glanced up and down the electronic accountability board. All of the lights showed active movement from all the medical staff, but some LEDs had gone from green to yellow. ~But they're still moving...~ He continued to work, shockwaves rocking the ship when he saw a flash of light out of the corner of his eye. A nurse who was standing by one of the windows dropped the boxes of gauze she was carrying. "It's...it's gone!" Chase quickly moved over to the nurse, helping her pick up the boxes. He knew exactly what she was talking about. He shook his head, trying to put on a good act for the nurse. "It was probably just another random ship...no worries." He smiled at her, patting her on the shoulder. As he helped to put the supplies away, he allowed himself for a moment to think about the possible passing of his friends. He never had more than a few words with Captain Sash, but he knew about the history between the captain and Angeni. There was always an intimacy between surgeon and patient. While it was not sexual or romantic in nature, it was there. The surgeon took a knife, slid the blade over untouched flesh, and entered a cavity that only ones' maker had seen before. Organs were reknitted by skilled hands, and nerves were reattached with utmost care. To some surgeons, they were able to leave their patient in the hospital, but for Angeni, she took some patients home with her. She had told him about the hours it took to reform organs and bones, how her and her staff worked tirelessly over his body, reforming the viscera inch by inch. She spoke of the vulnerability, what it was like to hold his non throbbing heart in her hands, willing it to work again, how she massaged it, and for those moments, she was his heart, pumping life giving blood around his body until it began to work on its' own. Angeni would have a stroke if Devon Sash had died...if she wasn't already dead. He closed the cabinet, walking over to Haywood. He put a hand on his shoulder, speaking in hushed tones. "Haywood, I was wondering, should one of us take a crew up to the Transporter room for the ones who were on the rescue mission. We're getting tossed around here, so I can only imagine what is happening, or has happened to them. What do you think, Boss?" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Tch'Kair, Orbital Platform- Hanger Level- aCEO Eoin Mac-Liam & Niglik-Xaxora-1707.5 ) Xaxora had been injured. One of the Waagoshin that she and some of her colony mates had been fighting had managed to tear their claws through the soft flesh of her left leg. In the truest pack mentality her Colony mates had rushed onwards as the unstoppable tide surged through their bodies driving them onward to kill any Waagoshin that they encountered. Now clear of the affects of any of the pheromones emitted by her colony mates, Xaxora was no longer a near perfect killing machine. She was instead an injured, frightened member of her species who was now more alone than she had ever been in her life. She was dragging her mangled leg along behind her as she crawled. A trailof bluish blood marking her as the wounded prey that she felt she was. She didn't know where she was, since she had never been to this portion ofthe station and the feeling of isolation was almost depressing. In her desperation, she called out, hoping to find a friendly voice somewhere among the oppressive corridors. There was nothing more terrifying than dying alone. It was one thing that all Niglik feared. But it was not a friend that first heard her desperate cries for help. A Waagoshin soldier heard her, and slinked up behind her. That was exactly the time that Eoin ran around the corner. Confronted by this sight, instincts kicked in. He had also heard Xaxora's cry, and came as fast as he could. The Waagoshin heard his footsteps behind him, and turned to try to deal with this new threat. But Eoin wasn't going to give him that chance. Taking a fighting stance, Eoin allowed the soldier to approach him before jumping and delivering a roundhouse kick right to the poor creature's head. He crumpled to the floor. Not dead, just unconscious. Eoin left the soldier to his fate, and went over to Xaxora. He knelt down to examine her. The cut on her leg didn't look good. "Are you alright, Xaxora?" The sudden noise behind her was shocking enough, but to see one of thealiens that had visited them in the WRC was even more surprising. The Human named E-O-IN had communicated with her just the day before. He had pledged friendship and freedom and it seemed that he was about to deliver on his pledge.. She looked up at him, so tall that she had to crane her neck to see his face towering over her. "I am injured. My Leg..." She began, "It is torn. A long-snout slashed me."She explained. As if to demonstrate her condition, she tried to move her leg. It jerked a little but otherwise remained unmoving. "It is also broken, the bone." she added. She looked up at him, A curious thought forming in her head. "Why did you come here?" she asked. "I came here as part of a strike team. We've initiated that virus I told you about yesterday, and it's going to bring this entire station crashing out of the sky in a manner of minutes. We've come to free the slaves like you." "I mean here, now to save me. I am obviously injured and will most likely not survive." she explained. Eoin was a bit confused by the question. "Well," he started, "I heard your cry for help, and so I came to see what was the matter." He looked closer at her wound. "And, though I'm no doctor, the wound doesn't look too fatal." "I do not understand. Among my people, we do not aid the injured or infirm.They bring great strain upon their colony." "Among my people, that is a strain that we are proud to bear. The injured and infirm may not be able to contribute to our society, but we take care of them, and look after them. That way, many times they get better and go on to live a normal life. But in order for you to be able to do that, I have to get you to the shuttlecraft. Would you object to me carrying you?" She looked at him for a moment and could tell that his words were true and genuine. IT was endearing. "I will permit it, E-O-In." she stated. As he reached down to pick her up in his arms, she wrapped her arms around his neck. Then before he could move, there was a sudden tingling sensationas a transporter beam caught them. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Tch'Kair, Orbital Platform- Detention level, - SciO Ensign Harry Doorman-1708) ~Damnation!~ Harry thought to himself as he reached yet another junction in the corridor. ~now which way?~ Maybe Angeni heard him, because she suddenly provided the answer. ::I am with Darla, we are heading to the Medical ward. The medical ward is approximately 300 meters from the detention cells. Just follow the trail of human footprints:: ::Foot prints?:: Harry asked, but almost immediately realized that someone must be bleeding. He made a quick jog down one of the corridors but saw no indication of human footprints. He turned around and jogged past the junction and beyond it.His efforts were rewarded by the macabre red blotches on the floor of bloody human footprints. ::Found them. I'll be right there.:: he sent back. He rushed forward adrenaline pushing his muscles to work harder and his lungs to suck in more oxygen than they normally did. He followed the prints,through their odd variations, streaks and twists to a door. He moved forward, reached out and touched the controls. Amazingly enough they opened and Harry stepped through and nearly got his head blown off. Darla was standing there, aiming a Waagoshin rod-weapon and had discharged it in his direction. Only the fact that she was not a practiced shot with it prevented Harry from dying on the spot. "Whoa!" he nearly screamed as he tried to duck back out the door, which ironically had closed and prevented his immediate escape. "You nearly killed me!" he finished. "I thought you were a Waagoshin." Darla said apologetically. That's when Harry noticed that she was bracing Angeni upright between herself and the wall. She was terribly pale. One sleeve of her jumpsuit was torn and a fresh pink scar was visible on her otherwise unblemished arm. "What happened?" Harry said as he handed his rifle to the engineer and took Angeni in his arms. He had a sudden surge of determined and focused resolve and he scooped her up as if he were carrying a child in his arms. The contact made their telepathic link immediate and powerful. ::Ang. Speak to me. Are you alright?:: He sent to her. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Tch'Kair, Orbital Platform- Command Level- SO Lieutenant Baylon Trinin-1708.5) The Blade of his chakra pierced the flesh of the last Waagoshin guard without any delay. The fine point of the weapon was one of the sharpest that Baylon owned and it was a weapon that he always carried with him. A reminder of his time on Andoria during the resistance to the occupation, the blade had been presented to him as a gift to signify his status as an honorary member of the house of Erath. He had petitioned to be allowed to wear it on his uniform and that request had been granted. Three times the weapon had been taken from him and three times he had recovered it. It had killed for him, protected him and fed him. It was as much a part of him as his right hand or his left foot. It was something that defined him, gave him a focus of strength and will power when things were getting difficult. Times like now. He had ordered his team to head for the hangers. They had protested, but complied, just as he would have expected any good Starfleet officer to do. Baylon in the mean time had grabbed an extra rifle and set off to find the man he followed, Captain Devon Sash. Sash had been there during the end of the civil war. He had promoted him to security chief and later to tactical chief when Ranae had left the Hades. Sash and he weren't close friends, but they were both professional officers and they had built up a mutual respect and admiration between them. Besides Sash was the only person that Baylon knew who could beat him in the sparring ring without breaking a sweat. That said a lot about the Angosian. The security chief wiped the blood from the blade of the dueling dagger and sheathed it and took up his rifle again. He was bruised and bloody, limping and burned, but he wasn't finished yet. It had been a fight to get this far, either by passing or dealing with Waagoshin forces along the way. To make matters worse the station was shaking as the Hades pummeled her with weapons fire. It made standing difficult and twice Baylon was almost thrown to the floor. The Betazed reached out and actuated the door to the command room just in time to hear the alarms start screaming for attention. He stepped through the door, firing phased energy bolts into the two Waagoshin standing at a console immediately to his left. There was another section of the control room and from it, Baylon could hear words. "What has happened?" Someone said, a Waagoshin. "He has managed to cause a backflow of power through the Magnetron. " "Well undo it." the voice ordered. "I can't." came the reply. There was a growl and a shriek and the should of gnashing jaws and snapping teeth. Baylon inched forward, moving closer to the door leading into the main compartment of the control room. "Give Up. You've lost. My ship will escape and you'll die here." It was Sash's voice. Baylon came to the doorway and peeked around it. Captain sash was sitting on the floor nursing a split lip and bruised jaw. The flesh around his neck was badly burned as a result of the obedience collar. There were a dozen Waagoshin in the room. ~Damn it~ Baylon thought as he raised his weapon to take aim at one of the Waagoshin pointing a weapon at the captain. Baylon blocked out the sounds of the alarm and the rest of the conversation between the Waagoshin and the captain. He slowed his breathing and focused his attention on the point of his aggression. His breathing slowed to almost nothing , then the Betazoid held it and squeezed the trigger. The bolt pierced the first Waagoshin's chest, vaporizing his heart and causing him to drop the rod that was powering Captain Sash's Obedience Collar. The second blast slammed like a freighter into the forehead of the next closest Waagoshin and killed him instantly. Within an instant Baylon was on his feet and moving forward into the room spinning to his left as he went. He sent three phased energy bursts towards the Waagoshin that he recognized as Alpha One, but they never met his flesh. The Waagoshin Alpha was by far the fastest creature that he had ever seen in his entire career as a warrior. Baylon spun back in the other direction to see Sash fighting with at least three Waagoshin. He raised his rifle to help, but was suddenly in close Melee with a pair of Waagoshin Alphas that nearly gutted him. He used the butt of his rifle to stun one of them with a quick blow to the skull, but before he could bring the weapon to bear on the other one, a terrible pain filled his body as the second alpha ran a handful of razor sharp claws down Baylon's back. The security chief staggered forward narrowly blocking an attack from the other Waagoshin alpha that was attacking him. His rifle took the brunt and it was thrust from his hands by the impact. Another slash to his back and Baylon staggered forward again, but this time he was ready for the Alpha facing him. As the creature slashed at him with his right hand Baylon dropped to his left knee, suddenly lowering himself below the stroke of the assailant. His hand reached back and pulled the ceremonial dagger from it's sheath and twisted the point forward and down into the top of the Waagoshin's foot, where the ankle and foot met. He withdrew the blade as the Alpha howled in angry pain and then drove it into the creatures upper thigh, searching for the vital artery that was common to most humanoids. He was rewarded by the warm spray of Waagoshin blood that followed the removal of the blade. He had only managed to buy himself a couple of moments however as his partner, the other Alpha reached down and physically lifted Baylon from the ground and threw him headlong into a nearby console. Trinin didn't have much of an opportunity to protect himself and the impact stunned him, long enough for the Alpha to slash his back open again with those nasty claws. The pain snapped him to full awareness and Baylon rolled over a smile on his face. In his right hand, Baylon had grabbed his commbadge and depressed it. "Trinin to Hades. I have the captain emergency beam out for two now!" "Kill Him!" a bellow came from one of the Waagoshin and the Alpha closest, slashed his claws against Baylon's hand throwing his commbadge aside. The pain was terrible, but the security chief countered by twisting himself sideway, bringing the tip of the fighting dagger out in a short quick and deadly arc. It's point pierced the flesh between the ribs of the Waagoshin officer, punching through flesh, muscles and piercing his right lung and heart. The Alpha shuddered, jerked backwards off the blade, took two stunned steps and collapsed as shock set in. Baylon scrambled for his commbadge. Just as he reached it, he spun back towards Sash, who was now fighting Alpha one. The captain took a heavy backhand blow to the face and staggered. Then Baylon felt the transporter grabbing him. He noticed the affect on the captain also, but so did Alpha One. In another amazing blur of motion the Waagoshin leader reached over and quickly depressed a series of buttons on a nearby console. A force field began to shimmer into affect and Baylon suddenly felt the transporter beam stutter. ~Oh god!~ he thought, and watched as he and captain Sash tried to transportout of the compartment in their bid to return to the ship. Alpha one did something else to the console then, he narrowed the confines of the field, tightening it to encompass himself and captain Sash. Baylon realized immediately that he was out of the protection of the shield as he noted sash resolidify and for him the room dissolved into little swirls of light. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Sickbay, ACMO Ensign Haywood Parker, 1708.7) Haywood hoped he wasn't actually as white-faced as he felt, but there were more pressing things right now than worrying about himself. His arms were scarlet to the elbow, soaked in his patient's blood. The man was quickly bleeding out, and Haywood couldn't seem to work fast enough. It was horrible, seeing this much suffering compacted into just one place. It was worse not being able to do anything. "Haywood. How are you holding up?" Chase's voice floated over the cacophony. Haywood looked over his shoulder, not attempting to hide his grim expression, and lifted a hand in response. A verbal answer proved to be too much of an effort. As Chase nodded, the ship lurched, and bodies were jostled with it. Haywood, not having had time to catch his balance, was flung forward, literally head over heals. He landed with a heavy thud on his back, the impact with the floor painful, but not damaging. Warily, he picked himself up, rubbing his tailbone gingerly as it had hit the ground the hardest. But, Haywood had little time to concern himself with the throbbing of his backside. He scrambled back over to his patient, ready to finally staunch the bleeding when the nurse grabbed his wrist. "He's gone, sir." She said simply. Haywood looked at her with an expression of disgust mixed with failure, then at the dead man on the table. This world, where so many people died swamped in pain, was so vastly different than his small world back home on a simple science-faring boat. He didn't notice Chase approaching until he started talking. "Haywood, I was wondering, should one of us take a crew up to the Transporter room for the ones who were on the rescue mission. We're getting tossed around here, so I can only imagine what is happening, or has happened to them. What do you think, Boss?" ~Boss?~ "That's a fantastic suggestion, doctor." He said, unconsciously massaging the back of his neck, smearing blood into his hair. "Would you mind rounding them up, and I'll stick around to hold the fort?" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Tch'kairn orbit, Orbital station, Control center, Waag Commander Alpha 1, Captain Devon Sash and Klk'shis, 1709) They were coming in just like he had expected. "Signal the fleet to move into position and begin firing as soon as they are in range." Missiles leapt from the stations tubes to greet the alien ships. "Commander the aliens have made it to the detention area, I have lost contact with that section." Alpha 1 cursed. "Set up all available support between the detention deck and the control center, they must not get through!" "Magneton emitter ready." "Energize." Then all hell exploded in the control center, Alpha 1 heard the gurgle of someone with a crushed larnyx and turned his head in reflex, Sash had already turned on the second overseer as the first collapsed to the floor choking on his own blood. "Sash!" Alpha 1 slapped the collar override circuit on his control chair but maximum energy didn't seem to slow the federation officer in the slightest as he slipped behind the startled Waagohin, slid his arm around its throat and buried three fingers of his right hand in a knife hand strike that pierced its back and pulverized its kidneys. As the Overseer screamed he picked it up like a child and hurled it at Alpha 1. He ducked out of the chair with lightning speed but couldn't dodge it entirely, he was spun to the floor several feet away from where he had been headed and partially under the spasming underling. More screams followed as he struggled to get the dead weight off of him, when he finally rolled out from under it he swiveled his head to spot the alien Alpha, he had klled the tactical officer and was rapidly tapping buttons on the console. "Control him!" His commands broke through the shock of those in the center, but with it he heard a clicking sound like laughter. He turned his head in surprise to see his slave reared to her full height with her mandibles clicking, she was also rubbing her arms against her body with a scraping sound that was faintly mocking. "You are undone Alpha 1." As the officers finally subdued Sash and one rushed to see what damage he had caused he turned on her. "I am your master!" "No more." She said flatly. "You are doomed." That sent a chill down his spine. He turned to the one at the console. "What has happened? What has he done?" "He has managed to cause a backflow of power through the magnetron emitter." "Well undo it!" He snapped. "I can't." The Alpha growled. Alpha 1 snarled in sudden rage and turned to Sash who was looking at him through his pain with blazing eyes. He snarled and snapped his teeth, intending to pounce on the being. Remarkably Sash spoke through the pain. "Give up, you've lost. My ship will escape and you will die here." Alpha 1 stalked forward. "You are strong, yes you are strong but if I am to die here so will you! But before me, I will have the pleasure of ripping out your throat." Before he could reach him though his band began falling from enemy fire, their fingers slipping from the control buttons on their rods, allowing the pain to ease and unleashing the monster in their midst. Out of the corner of his eye Alpha 1 saw a being sprinting into the room, he fired several bursts at him but Alpha 1 was already moving, using all of his formidable speed to duck aside from the blasts. He could hear the sounds of hand-to- hand fighting as well since Sash had turned on his persecutors, one scream followed another as the Angosian moved from one to another like a shadow, dodging a blow here and striking there in fast succession like a ballet dancer with death in their hands. He didn't emerge from those battles unscathed of course, the Waagoshin were fast and deadly but his wounds weren't fatal and the more he killed the less pain his collar emenated. He had seen Trinin enter and knew his time on the station was now limited but they were going to have to fight their way out. Trinin was cut off from his sight though as three Waags lunged at him from the doorway, reinforcements sent from below. If Sash tried to reach him he would be gutted by the remainder of those he was fighting, he would have to finish with them first and hope Baylon could hold out. The question begged to be considered though, where was the rest of the rescue team? He heard Baylon calling for beamout which was cut off but he heard the scuffling sounds of fighting and knew he wasn't dead. What was surprising though was the greenish grey form of a Tch'kairn that suddenly appeared and lifted two Waags struggling from the floor with two hands then crushed their throats with the other pair. Two more Waags later and an assortment of slashes and he was free of the knot of Waagoshin, bleeding from innumerable wounds but he had blocked out the pain and the collar was dormant. His eyes found Alpha 1's and locked on them. "Now Alpha 1 comes your reckoning." The two closed and exchanaged a number of blows, it was impossible to grapple with him because of his speed, and blows launched at him invariably missed or were ineffective, a spin by the Waagoshin brought the back of his fist against Sash's face and for the first time in his recent memory during a fight he was staggered by it. He blinked his eyes as his vision cleared, his ears hearing the rising hum of the transporter. When they did he saw Klk'shis on the floor, bleeding but moving purposefully, trying to rise to her feet. Alpha 1 was at a control panel and around them a force shield was shimmering into existence. He had felt the tug of the transporter for an instant and the beginning tingle but it was cut off. Sash got his legs under him and rushed the Waag but he slipped the blow and shrugged him aside, going back to his confounded controls. Klk'shis was halfway across the compartment and Baylon beyond her. He saw the field narrowing as he got back to his feet and he suddenly knew what the Waagoshin was doing, he was going to make sure both of them died here and not just one. Out of the corner of his eye he watched the other two dematerialize as the transporter swept them away. Alpha 1 had turned to regard him once more. "Let us continue our battle now uninterrupted." He was beginning to weaken from blood loss, his legs felt weighted but he nodded in reply. "Let's do this." Alpha 1 hadn't counted on one fact though, in narrowing the field he had shrunk the space he could operate in, Sash's hands were around his throat watching the life leave his eyes as his own lifes blood was seeping through the rip in the stomach of his uniform. As the Waagoshin leader's eyes went dark Sash could hear the explosions begin ripping the station apart. "A noble end." He rumbled as he fell to one knee then the universe went black, his funeral pyre lighting up the Tch'kairn sky. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (USS Hades, Sickbay, ACMO Ensign Haywood Parker, 1710) Chase could feel the uncertanty oozing off of Haywood. He wanted nothing more than to ease some of Haywoods feelings, but he didn't want to come off as a know it all, or be insulting to him. He would have to have a talk with Angeni...if she made it back. He glanced over at the window one last time before turning back to Haywood. "I will do just that. I think we got the majority of the really bad patients fixed up and sent off to Bay Two. The walking wounded are there, and Dr's Fallon and T'Morrins have it under control. Do you need anything else from me?" (Reply Haywood if you want) Chase nodded, then began gathering the troops. Soon several bio-stretchers were filled with supplies, and several biobeds were cleared off for the incoming wounded. He saluted Haywood playfully, then he wandered off to the transporter room. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Tch'Kair, Orbital Platform- Detention level, - CMO Angeni O.Windsong-Trommashere & SciO Harry Doorman- 1712) ::Ang. Speak to me. Are you alright?:: He sent to her. In body, her absolute exertion of energy had spent her. She knew full well she never, ever should have been running with such a huge wound on her arm. Her quickly pumping heart had just forced more blood from the wound. She was more than grateful to Darla for running the regenerator over her arm, heck, it was a god send that the young woman had her head about her. The last thing she saw was Darla talking to Harry. She had a weak smile on her face, but couldn't even find the energy to speak to him. She had never been so happy to see anyone in her life. She knew the pair were talking, but everything sounded like the teacher from the 20th century "Charlie Brown" movies. She had tried to will herself to move, but her body didn't listen to the commands it was given, and she felt herself slipping into a state of little to no awareness. Inside however, she was more than awake, her body was still ready for a fight. The acrid smell of the Waagoshin blood still filled the air, and her primal instincts were to fight, but nothing on the outside was moving. As if a soft, warm blanket was placed over her, she felt Harry's' voice enter her mind, wrapping around it, calming it. ::Ang. Speak to me. Are you alright?:: The connection was whole, it was tangible. Never had she felt something like this. Her past experiences had felt almost like a violation from another world, but this, this was something that was real; like she could reach out and touch it, hold it, and claim it as hers. ::I'm here...and I'm hurt. One of the puppies bit my arm...what are you doing here?:: ::I'm here to bring you home.:: Harry replied. ::I can't very well leave behind the woman I love now can I?" Her body twitched involuntarily, and she felt so exhausted. Sleep slowly washed upon her, trying to lure her in like the Sirens of lore, singing sailors to their deaths in the vast oceans. Sleep crept up to her, murmuring sweet nothings, promising her waves of energy if she would just submit. One minute would do no harm, but ten minutes would renew her, make her whole. It was an offer she certainly couldn't refuse, and one she had no energy to. ::I sleep...so tired...sleeping...night night love...:: ::You have to stay with me:: He replied, :: You've lost a lot of blood. I need for you to keep talking to me. Tell me about home or about anything. I won't be able to do this without you, Ang.:: Harry's arms were on fire. Although Angeni wasn't a heavy person by human standards, Harry just wasn't the he-man sort. His body was nothing even remotely like that of Charles Atlas, in fact he may have been closer to what Charles Atlas had been before he had become a Body builder. His breathing was rough and ragged and every step he took sent new aches into his arms and shoulders. Even his knees were rebelling. Still he wouldn't stop now. Not after coming so far for her, he couldn't fail her, not when help was so close. Angeni murmured nonsense aloud, disjointed words and pieces of words. She was no help to him physically, being nothing more than dead weight in his arms. She could feel his worry, and she forced herself to open her eyes, to look up at him before she succumbed back to unconsciousness. ::Blood...blood...shock...no sleep...can't sleep. Must get home...home...:: She pulled and fought, trying to get something to come out right. She was so tired, but him holding her kept her awake. She could feel his heart throbbing, hear it even as she surfaced from the lake of sleep. At the same time, a foreboding sense washed over her. She now understood first hand what she had preached time and time again. People know when they are in serious trouble. There must have been a primal switch installed that flipped when someone was in serious harm to let them know as such. Right now, she knew that she was in trouble. Her heart started racing again, and the last reserves of adrenalin pumped through her,giving her the energy to keep herself semi lucid. ::Love...I love you Harry. I'm so scared...:: ::I know you are, Ang.:: Harry sent back as he indicated to Darla which way they should go. Thankfully the engineer was capable of leading the way and could protect them if they were attacked. ::But you don't have to be. We're together now and there's nothing to fear. I'll watch over you and keep you safe. I promise.:: Ang didn't respond, but he could tell that she was still with him, struggling to stay awake and focused. He did all he could to bolster her awareness although his own fatigue was starting to make itself known. He turned the corner Angeni still cradled there and was pleased to see the Detention control room and some of the Federation staff, directing rescued slaves out of the cells. The doors hissed open and They found themselves suddenly confronted by a pair of phaser rifles wielded by some of the security team. They lowered their weapons quickly and the medic rushed over to help Harry when he saw that Angeni was injured. "What happened?" he asked as he helped Harry set her on the floor. "She was bitten pretty severely on the arm. She lost a lot of blood. Lieutenant Wright managed to close the wound but she's weak." Harry answered, shifting just enough to allow the medic to get close. "TriOX will help." The Medic said. I don't have any blood substitute left, gave most of it to McGuire. She'll get plenty of oxygen, so at least she'll be conscious and able to move. She's going to be pretty sore though and will need some help getting her to the shuttles." "Shuttles?" Harry asked confused. "Lieutenant Trinin sent some security people to seize one of the shuttlebay, it was the easiest way to get some of the slaves off the station. He commed back a little while ago and said they had six large shuttles secured and that we should start guiding the slaves that way. Orders were to send you and the ladies if they showed up as well. To get them clear of the station." Harry nodded. "How do we get there?" He asked. "Follow the flash paint markers on the bulkheads, Mac Liam painted them there to help guide everyone." "The man's a genius." Harry stated, "She going to be alright?" The medic replaced his air hypo after completing the application. "Yeah, she'll be fine, it would have been much worse though if she had kept bleeding. She'll Recover. In a few minutes once the TriOX is doing it's thing, she'll be wide awake and alert. You'll be able to walk her to the shuttles." "Thanks," Harry said. "Don't mention it." Harry smiled and watched as Angeni's color started to return to her face and her eyes fluttered open. "Come on love, we have a shuttle to catch." he told her. As her eyes fluttered open, Harry realized that they were suddenly both caught in the grip of a transporter beam, he just hoped it was theirs. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades - Phlegathon - Transporter Room - aCEO Ensign (jg) Eoin Mac Liam - 17:14) Eoin materialised in one of the Hades' transporter rooms, Xaxora still in his arms. He descended the pad slowly, and approached the the transporter chief. "This woman needs medical attention. There should be some rudimentary scans in the database." "Understood, sir," said the transporter chief, pressing a couple buttons on her console. "Medical teams have been notified and are on their way." Eoin's arms were getting tired. For a being so small, she did weigh a bit. He walked back up onto the pad, and gently put her down on the floor, making sure to move her injured limb as little as possible. "Xaxora, you're going to be alright," Eoin said, flashing her that smile of his. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Transporter Room, Dr. Chase O'Neil, CMO Angeni O. Windsong-Trommashere-1715) Chase stood by, waiting for the hum of the Transporter. He played with the triage bracelets, his heart throbbing in his chest. With the first hum, he moved closer to the transporter pad, and he smiled at Eoin, gesturing to the person he was holding. "What happened?" (reply Eoin, iyw) Chase nodded. He fumbled with one of the bracelets, putting it over one of the Tch'Karin's wrists, or where the wrist would have been. He directed the medics to take them down to the bay. "Hey! I need you guys to clear the pad, I need to bring more people in." Chase quickly backed away. As everyone moved, the pad began to shimmer and forms appeared on the pad. He raced over, putting bracelets on people as he touched them. "Ma'am..." He nodded, attaching a bracelet to Darla, "Are you injured anywhere?" (reply Darla iyw) Chase nodded. "A medic will escort you to the Triage area." He patted her on the shoulder as he leaned down. He smiled at Angeni, putting a bracelet on her wrist. "And what happened to you?" "Stupid puppy bit me." She raised her right arm weakly, "But Darla saved my butt. She kept her head and used a dermal regenerator on my arm to keep me from bleeding to death. I owe her my life." Chase looked at his pager and frowned. "Your pressure is very low right now...I'm getting 50 over nothing." Angeni smiled and gestured to the Medic behind her, "He gave me enough TriOX to make a rock breathe. I want to take his dosages and incorporate them into new protocols. Besides, I have other things I..." Her eyes glazed over slightly, and she trailed off. "What was I talking about?" Chase shook his head, his pager vibrating. He looked at it, but didn't acknowledge it. "Get her down to bay one. Give her seven more amps of TriOX, and then start her on whole blood, AB neg. Get that arm looked at, and if we have to, we'll go back in to clamp off any bleeders. Run some skin glue over those lacs on her belly. If, and only if she starts to decompensate, then give her an amp of D5 and W, followed by a bag of saline. Mix D50 to get Ringers if she's still out of it, and her blood glucose is low." Angeni smiled up at Chase, then over at Harry. She sat up,and immediately vomited over Harry's lap and Chases' shoes. Chase leaned down, scooping Angeni up. He plopped her on the bio stretcher, then he looked at Harry. He handed him a bracelet. "Go to Bay one, get checked out..." He smiled weakly at Harry and Angeni who was slowly but surely losing steam, but he glanced at his pager,noting that her pressure was at least coming up. He triaged the rest of those coming off the transporter pad, and it was the Transporter tech who tugged at Chases' sleeve. "I don't mean to stick my nose where it doesn't belong, but did you notice Captain Sash come off the Transporter Pad?" Chase leaned up against the wall, his head in his hand for a moment before standing back straight. "No. He wasn't there, and something tells me that there is no need to standby anymore to wait for him." He turned tail and began his slow trudge to Sickbay. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (USS Hades- Phlegathon Transporter Room - SO Lieutenant Baylon Trinin-1716) ~NO!~ Baylon screamed mentally as he rematerialized on the platform. "The Captain..." he whispered, knowing full well that he had failed the man and that even now he was lost beyond any hope of recovery. "My God lieutenant are you alright?" The transporter chief asked as he regarded the blood splattered and mangled man barley sitting on the platform before him. "We lost the captain." Baylon said, barely audible, "I lost the captain." There was a chirp from the transporter chief's badge. "We have lieutenant Trinin, but we lost captain Sash. I need a medical team to the transporter room." ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Tactical Office, aCTAC/SEC Ensign (jg) Lo'ren T'Vof, 2045) Lo'ren sat in 'her' office, staring at the wall. She let herself drift momentarily whilst she contemplated what she would hang on the wall opposite her chair. Currently the room was utilitarian, but she had designs on how to make herself more comfortable. ~If you get permission, Lo'ren. If you get permission.~ She turned to the desk computer terminal and switched it on, “Computer, begin Tactical Log.” “Assistant Tactical Chief's Log, Stardate 2408.07.28 “The Waagoshin fought hard, and so did we. I am proud of the team that worked on the Plegathon Bridge with me and am putting commendations in each of their files. I've also put in a note with Ana Ripley to talk to Arysha Tethlin – despite her brave face and all reassurances, I can see that she feels responsible for the Captain's death. Her first chance at Bridge duty and she feels like it was a failure. “I can only imagine the devastation she feels, having lost the CO that trusted enough to let a person on active duty despite all recommendations. My observations lend me to believe that Miss Tethlin can rise above and beyond all expectations – if this particular situation is cleared up. “As for me, I share in her feelings – I feel there was more that could have been done to try and save Captain Sash. I understand intellectually that he sacrificed himself for us, and that the dampening field couldn't be circumvented in the short time we had... but I still feel deep sorrow. “Repairs are underway on the Ship and the Tch'kairn planets and I will be working with Lt. Trinin to sort out who of the Security and Tactical crew are in fighting form to help rout out the remaining Waagoshin. “On a positive note, I heard that the Niglik that was in contact with Eoin MacLiam, Xaxora, was brought on board in our wide beam transport and I thought I might ask if Vazkak also made it out alive. End Log.” Lo'ren sighed as the computer finalized and stored her thoughts and words, she flipped through the crew manisfest to see how many people could be spared and who was on the critical list of injuries – marking the files that would need condolence letters to family. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (USS Hades, Ready Room, aCO Commander Eva Straton, 2100) Eva took the hot spiced tea from the replicator, silently thanking that at least the replicator's were still working. She then turned and moved over to sit behind Sash's desk. ~No. Sash is gone.~ She had to remind herself. It would become another Captain's desk in time, for now she would only keep the seat warm. Star Fleet Command would decide who would be the next Captain of the Hades. She took a sip of the tea, as she sat down behind the desk. "Computer, begin recording," She said. The computer chirped incompliance and Eva began dictating her log. "Acting Commanding Officers log, Commander Eva Straton reporting. Stardate 2408.07.28. The battle with the Waagoshin forces is now over and the price has been far higher than any of us could have thought. Preliminary reports indicate that Captain Sash gave his life to save this ship and her crew from a Waagoshin super weapon; a Magneton emitter. Lt.Trinin, our Chief Security Officer witnessed this in part. Full details will be contained in his official report. Captain Sash and the Waagoshin station commander, a being called Alpha 1, were engaged in a brutal physical hand to hand confrontation. Alpha 1 somehow through the use of force fields prevented Captain Sash from being beamed out and rescued with the rest of the crew when the Phlegathon made it run inside the stations shields to beam out as many of our crew and non-Waagoshin's as they could. "The news of the Captain's death has spread quickly through the crew and moral is at an all time low. We have freed a world from the grip of slavery, but have paid a heavy price in doing so. We lost several good people in the battle and the ship took a pounding. Captain Sash's death is only the most prominent death. I feel each death profoundly as I was the one who led the assault. "The ship has re-integrated and we have begun repairs. We are in orbit of Tch'Kair were the last pockets of Waagoshin resistance are being put down. The Tch'Kairn people are free once more, as are their Niglik allies that were in the system. We will spend another day or two in system completing repairs and aiding the Tch'Kair in their efforts to establish a new government. I will be meeting with two leaders of this new provisional government tomorrow; K'thartek and Lupo Dal as well as the leader of the Niglik colony Vazkak. Perhaps in time they may choose to join the Federation, but they will need time to get back on their feet. Time to reclaim their racial identity, much like the Bajoran's did when they drove off the Cardassian's. The similarities here are striking and I wish them all the very best of luck. They have a daunting task ahead of them. End log" The computer chirped again indicating that it had stopped recording and that the log file had been saved. Eva lifted her cup of tea, rose from her seat and strode to the window. There she stood staring out at the world of Tch'Kair. The world they had just fought to free from the grip of slavery. The world that Captain Sash had died to free. She would honor his memory and do what she could to help them achieve that goal: freedom. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2408.07.29 (USS Hades, Observation Room, aCO Commander Eva Straton, 0925) Once all the departmental status reports had been delivered Eva got to the next stage of the meeting. As acting Commanding Officer this now fell on her to perform and she hoped it would help to lift morale. "Ensign T'Vof front and center," Eva said, standing. (Reply T'Vof) Eva faced the smaller woman, who was standing at attention in front of her. "Ensign Lo'ren T'Vof in recognition of your dedicated service to this ship, her crew, and the United Federation of Planets, I hereby promote you to full Ensign with all the responsibilities and privileges of said rank," Eva said, as she removed the old black pip and from T'Vof's collar and replaced it with a new gold one. "I also hereby award you with the combat action ribbon, for the battle to liberate the Tch'Kairn system from Waagoshin oppression." Eva handed T'Vof the small box containing the ribbon, then shook the woman's hand. (reply T'Vof) "Ensign Mac Liam front and center," Eva said, once T'Vof had retaken her seat. (Reply Mac Liam) "Ensign Eoin Mac Liam in recognition of your dedicated service to this ship, her crew, and the United Federation of Planets, I hereby promote you to full Ensign with all the responsibilities and privileges of said rank," Eva said, removing the old black pip from Mac Liam's collar and replacing it with a gold one. "I also hereby award you with the combat action ribbon, for the battle to liberate the Tch'Kairn system from Waagoshin oppression." Eva handed Mac Liam the small box containing the ribbon, then shook Mac Liam's hand. (Reply Mac Liam) "Ensign McKenzie front and center," Eva said next waiting till MacLiam had retaken his seat. (reply McKenzie) "Ensign Kenneth McKenzie in recognition of your dedicated service to this ship, her crew, and the United Federation of Planets, I hereby promote you to full Ensign with all the responsibilities and privileges of said rank," Eva said, removing the old black pip from McKenzie's collar and replacing it with a gold one. "I also hereby award you with the combat action ribbon, for the battle to liberate the Tch'Kairn system from Waagoshin oppression." Eva handed McKenzie the small box containing the ribbon and shook McKenzie's hand. (Reply McKenzie) Ensign Haywood, front and center," Eva said, after McKenzie had retaken his seat (Reply Haywood) "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." (Reply Haywood) Once Haywood had retaken his seat, Eva moved back over and retook hers. "Congratulations to everyone," Eva said, "Now there are going to be 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." --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Observation Room, CTAC Ensign Lo'ren T'Vof, 0926) Lo'ren was almost lost in thought - almost. She was attentive to the meeting, but she was feeling preoccupied with the death of Captain Sash, as she imagined just about everyone was. She sat next to Jack, who was seated in the First Officer's traditional spot. Commander Straton was chairing the meeting as aCO and was at the head of the table. The reports were all what one would expect after a heavy battle like they'd had - crew losses, repair estimates, morale issues and the like. She'd delivered the Tactical report at Baylon's request - he'd had enough to report for the incursion teams and she'd gladly lifted that burden from him. The last report done Eva stood at the head of the table and spoke, "Ensign T'Vof front and center." Lo'ren blinked, but got up immediately and moved around behind the First Officer's chair. She stood stiffly, waiting for whatever would come next. "Ensign Lo'ren T'Vof in recognition of your dedicated service to this ship, her crew, and the United Federation of Planets, I hereby promote you to full Ensign with all the responsibilities and privileges of said rank," Commander Straton was serious, but Lo'ren could detect a distinct thread of quiet happiness at this particular duty as she swapped out the hollow pip for the solid, "I also hereby award you with the combat action ribbon, for the battle to liberate the Tch'Kairn system from Waagoshin oppression." The aCO handed Lo'ren a slimline black box with the Federation logo etched across the top in silver, which Lo'ren gingerly took in her left hand -having learned over her service that these things often are accompanied by a handshake. She was not dissappointed as the taller, former Marine clasped right hands with her. Lo'ren got a small smile on her face - but was tempered by the heavy toll this reward came as a result of. "Thank you, ma'am." She released the Betazoid's hand and returned to her seat, placing the thin container on the table before she retreated her left hand underneath and over to Jack's right hand for a quick squeeze. Lo'ren watched the others get promoted and awarded too, especially happy that her long term friend Eoin was also promoted. When the awards were all given out she listened to Eva's next words and felt almost blindsided even though Baylon had warned her this might happen. After all, she'd been performing a lot of the chief's duties for a while already. "Congratulations to everyone," Eva said, "Now there are going to be 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." Lo'ren had no questions but she looked around, waiting to see if there was anyone else who had anything to say. (reply any) Lo'ren stood and picked up her award box. She headed for the door, guessing that there would be a list of tactical personnel she would have to visit in the next few days. She was sure she wouldn't get to everyone today. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Observation Room, aCEO Ensign Eoin Mac Liam, 09:27) Eoin was listening to the meeting, but at some level was still thinking on the things he had done yesterday. Yesterday had all been about instinct, and he let it take over. But overnight, it had sunk in. He had taken lives. Lives that maybe hadn't been his to take. He felt guilty. But, he resolved to work through his guilt. He noticed through his cloud of guilt that Lor'en had a new golden pip on her collar. She had been promoted. Eoin was happy, and gave her that smile. "Ensign Mac Liam front and center," Straton said, once Lo'ren had retaken her seat. Eoin heard his name, and shook himself, at least temporarily, out of his guilt trip. He stood up, and walked over towards where the acting commander was standing. He tried to maintain his upright posture, but felt the guilt of his actions weighing down on him. But he convinced himself that he came across as confident. "Ensign Eoin Mac Liam in recognition of your dedicated service to this ship, her crew, and the United Federation of Planets, I hereby promote you to full Ensign with all the responsibilities and privileges of said rank," she said, removing the old black pip from Eoin's collar andreplacing it with a gold one. "I also hereby award you with the combat action ribbon, for the battle to liberate the Tch'Kairn system from Waagoshin oppression." She handed him the small box containing the ribbon, then shook his hand. Eoin grasped his commanding officer's hand firmly, and shook it. "Thank you, ma'am." He then headed back to his seat before his façade of confidence could crumble. Eoin listened a little more attentively now, bolstered by his promotion. Doorman also was promoted. Eoin knew that it was not easy for the man to face battle like that, based on how he behaved, but he still showed great valour. And he deserved it. "Congratulations to everyone," Eva said, "Now there are going to be 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." Eoin stayed quiet. He had nothing to ask at this juncture. (reply any) Eoin got up, and followed Lo'ren out the door. They were both headed for the turbolift, back to their respective duties. When the doors opened, they both stepped in. Once they had stated their destinations, Eoin turned to his dear friend. He put his hand on her shoulder, and gave her a half smile. "Congratulations, Ensign." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2408.09.18 (USS Hades, Ready Room, Captain Eva Straton, 14:36) Her promotion to Captain had only come through a few weeks ago along with the orders giving her command of the Hades. Commands review of the events in the Tch'Kairn system had taken weeks alone. During that time the Hades had sat in dry dock under going extensive repairs putting the ship back in top form from the brutal beating it had taken in the battle against the Waagoshin fleet. Now the ship was preparing to launch once more under her command.The last of the Star Bases repair crews were leaving, finishing their last repairs and the Hades was once again on internal power. Eva sat behind her desk going through the mountain of 'paper' work that had to be still be done. New crew coming on board, new equipment, etc etc. It never seemed to end. Her communicator chirped suddenly and she tapped it not looking up from her screen. "Straton here," She said. =/\=Captain, the marines are on board,=/\= Lt. Haynes, her First Officer reported. "We are getting the last of their equipment stored now.=/\= "Good," She replied, "Have Colonel Drizzt report to my Ready Room when he's satisfied that his troops have been billeted and equipment are stored properly." =/\=Acknowledged,=/\= Haynes replied before the connection closed. Eva had been a marine, and she knew Drizzt personally. He would want to make sure that the men and women under his command had been quartered and the companies equipment was stored properly. Still she didn't have to wait long before the door chime went off. "Enter," She said, turning to face the door. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2408.11.15 (USS Hades, Personal Quarters, Captain Eva Straton, 11:25) Eva sat down in front of the monitor before positioning the twins, dressed in matching outfits, one on each knee. The toddlers squirmed a little, but Eva deftly handled them while addressing the computer. "Computer, open a sub-space channel to the USS Boudicca, " She said, "Commander Aleksander Stolev, personal quarters." [Working.] "We're calling daddy," Eva said to the twins taking the opportunity to calm them some while she had the chance. She expected they would be excited to see their daddy again even if it was only over subspace. After a few moments, the Starfleet logo was replaced with Sasha's smiling face. =^= Hello! Oh, I've missed you all so much! Happy birthday, Evan and Aleksandria! =^= Eva smiled as the twins squealed with delight and leaned toward the monitor their little arms out stretched toward their father. She had to hold onto both of them to keep them from falling off her knee and onto the floor. "We've missed you too," Eva said, as she fought to keep a hold of the squirming twins. "In case you couldn't tell." She finished with a smile looking down at the twins as she managed to get them both firmly back onto her lap. Evan screamed loudly in protest, his little arms still reaching out toward the monitor. "Did you remember to get them presents?" Eva asked with a smile while she soothed Evan empathically, quieting him down so she didn't have to shout to be heard. =^= Of course, =^= replied Sasha with a smile as he kissed his hand and placed it to the monitor. =^= There should be a couple of new items in your replicator menu. I also have some other things that my parents sent from Earth -- no replicator's of course -- that I will give them when I see them next... whenever that will be. =^= He added the last bit as though it were an afterthought, but his eyes betrayed his angst over the uncertainty of when he would next see his wife and children. Alexandria chose that moment to start 'talking' to daddy cutting Eva off. Evan jealous at his sister, screamed in protest before slapping Alexandria across the face. Alexandria started crying as Eva smacked Evan on the rear. "You don't hit your sister," Eva scolded Evan who also began crying. Now with two screaming children on her lap, Eva sighed and looked at Sasha."Our little angels," she said. Eva took a moment to quite Alexandria, caressing her cheek and kissing her forehead. "Why don't you two go with Aunt Marie for a minute," She said, handing first Evan and then Alexandria off to her Aunt. "Mommy needs to talk to Daddy for a moment. Once Marie had taken the twins into the bedroom, Eva looked back at Sasha."I take it you've heard about Captain Sash?" She asked. Sasha nodded. =^= Yeah, it sounds like it was awful. Do you know who your new CO will be yet? =^= he asked. "Yes," Eva said, "Me. Star Fleet Command has made it official and permanent. I've been promoted to Captain and given command of the Hades." Sasha stared into the screen for a moment, mouth agape and eyes wide, before recovering with a big smile. =^= Well congratulations, Captain! =^=he said. =^= You must be very excited. =^= His mouth was smiling, but his eyes were not. "Well there is one cloud still in the sky," Eva replied =^= Oh? =^= asked Sasha. =^= What's that? =^= Eva scowled at Sasha as he'd just asked the stupidest question she thought he could have asked. "You have to ask that?" She asked angrily, "I'm here. You're there." =^= I know that, obviously, =^= snapped Sasha just as angrily. =^= I thought you perhaps meant something else. Like maybe, oh, I don't know,you had to refuse the promotion because if you took it, you'd never be stationed with your husband again. =^= "Refuse the promotion!?" Eva retorted in disbelief, "You know I couldn't have done that!" Sasha opened his mouth to retort further, then evidently thought better of it. He ran his hand over his head and sighed. =^= I know, you're right. I wish I could honestly say I am happy for you... =^= His voice trailed off as he looked down at his hands. =^= ...and I am. I am happy for you. For us? Not so much. =^= "Things will get better for us. We just have to be patient," Eva said, trying to be reassuring. Sasha sighed. =^= I wish I were as confident as you. =^= He glanced at something off-screen, then back into the monitor. =^= Well, I have to get back to the bridge. Thanks for calling, and tell the twins again how much I love them. =^= Eva frowned. She didn't like leaving things unresolved between them and she didn't feel that they had fully resolved the matter of her recent promotion. "If you *must* go, then go," she said, a little more harshly than she had intended. "I love you too." =^= Of course, I love you too. =^= Sasha smiled sadly into the monitor.=^= See you soon, I hope, =^= he said, before closing the connection. Eva stared at the darkened screen for a few seconds before the twins demanded her attention. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- end compile