Exeter Compile 16 Dates: September 15, 2020 to September 21, 2020 Mission: The Flames of Purity, Day 15, 16 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: The Flames of Purity Day: 15 Stardate: 2445.09.15 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (Flames of Retribution - Holding Cell Three - CMO - Ens Gabe Vespers - 20:09) (Flames of Retribution - Holding Cell Three - SFI Agent, Lt. Commander Tyko Nix - 20:14) (Flames of Retribution - Holding Cell Three - CMO - Ens Gabe Vespers - 20:16) (Flames of Retribution - Holding Cell Three – CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams- 20:21) ( USS Exeter - Gym - Sec/Tac Ens. Stan More - 21:03 ) ( USS Exeter - Gym - Sec/Tac Ens. Stan More - 15 21:07 ) ( USS Exeter - Gym - Science Officer, Ensign SG Christopher West - 21:08) ( USS Exeter - Gym - Sec/Tac Ens. Stan More - 21:09 ) ( USS Exeter - Personal Quarters - Sec/Tac Ens. Stan More- 21:16 ) (USS Exeter - Holodeck 2 - sec Officer Ensign Paul Sleeford - 2120) (USS Exeter – Mess Hall - SPC Ensign Rylee Page & SPC CPO Ewan McDonald - 2120) (USS Exeter - Billy Alexander Quarters- CIO/3O Lieutenant JG Jaelle Foxglove and SOPS Ensign SG Billy Alexander -2133) (USS Exeter - Familiar Territory - Dog(sg) Layla Williams - 2200) (Flames of Retribution - Holding Cell Three – CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams -2302 ) (Flames of Retribution - Holding Cell Three – CMO– Ens – Gabe Vesper - 2325) (Flames of Retribution - Holding Cell Three – SFI Agent, Lt. Commander Tyko Nix - 2330) (Flames of Retribution - Holding Cell Three – CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams - 2333) (Flames of Retribution - Holding Cell Three – CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams- 23:34) (Flames of Retribution - Holding Cell Three – CMO - Ens Gabe Vespers - 2335) (Bajor – Personal Residence – Lt. Cmdr (Ret) Kozos Jebeza – 2348) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: The Flames of Purity Day: 16 Stardate: 2445.09.16 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (Prophet’s Truth, Brig – MO, Ensign SG Kyros Ryelle, MD – 0045) (Prophet’s Truth, Brig – FO Lt(sg) Ailynn Bracken – 0046) (Flames of Retribution- Holding Cells -CMO, Ensign SG Gabe Vesper, ACFO, Ensign SG Ronnie Winters, CFO, Lt. JG Ire Williams, SFI Agent, Lt. Commander Tyko Nix, Dir. R&SE, Ashlyn Williams - 0300) (Flames of Retribution- Holding Cells -CMO, Ensign Gabe Vespers - 0350) (Flames of Retribution- Holding Cells - SFI Agent, Lt. Commander Tyko Nix - 0352) (USS Exeter - Personal quarters - (SPC) Sec. PO3 Sytuk- 0355) (Flames of Retribution- Holding Cells - CMO - Ens Gabe Vespers - 0355) (Flames of Retribution - Holding Cell Three – CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams - 0356) (Flames of Retribution- Holding Cells -ACFO, Ensign SG Ronnie Winters,- 0400) (USS Exeter - Gym - (SPC) Sec. PO3 Sytuk- 0418) (USS Exeter - Personal quarters - Tac/Sec Ens. Stan More - 04:19 ) (USS Exeter - Deck 3- Living quarters -aCTO/COO Lieutenant jg Ravok & Sec/Tac Ensign Greta Smith-0543) (USS Exeter - personal quarters- sec Officer Ensign Paul Sleeford 16: 06:00) (USS Exeter-Bridge - aCTO/COO Lieutenant jg Ravok-0606) (USS Exeter-Ready Room - CO, Lt. Commander Trip Williams-0610) (USS Exeter-Ready room - aCTO/COO Lieutenant jg Ravok-0611) (USS Exeter-Ready room - CO, Lt. Commander Trip Williams-0612) (USS Exeter-Ready room - CO, Lt. Commander Trip Williams & aCTO/COO Lieutenant jg Ravok-0613) (USS Exeter - Personal Quarters - CSO Lt Jg Erin Cortez - 0619) (USS Exeter- crew mess sec Officer Ensign Paul Sleeford - 06:30) (Prophet’s Truth, Personal Quarters - FO/CEO Atho Turil – 0705) (Gamma Quadrant – The Planet, Abandoned Shrine – Entity Vessel - Trentin Jost – 0710) (USS Exeter- deck 20 Security Office- 16: 07:10) (USS Exeter – Deck 3, Merek/Shara Quarters – 2O/CEO – Lieutenant Keira Merek – 0711) (USS Exeter-Sickbay – Nurse – CPO- Ewan McDonald - 0713) (USS Exeter-Bridge - CO, Lt. Commander Trip Williams - 0715) (USS Exeter – Main Engineering – 2O/CEO – Lieutenant Keira Merek – 0717) (USS Exeter - Bridge-Sec Officer- Ensign Paul Sleeford 07:17) (USS Exeter-Bridge.- aCTO/COO Lieutenant jg Ravok- 0718) (USS Exeter – Bridge – 2O/CEO – Lieutenant Keira Merek – 0721) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Begin Compile >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: The Flames of Purity Day: 15 Stardate: 2445.09.15 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (Flames of Retribution - Holding Cell Three - CMO - Ens Gabe Vespers - 20:09) Blinking Gabe found himself nolonger on the bridge but now in a small cell. "Dr. Vesper, fancy seeing you here, I wish it was under better cirmustances." Turning Gabe saw Nix "Why are you everywhere there is trouble?" Gabe said pacing the room slightly, looking back at the man he didn't trust. (Reply Nix) Ire introduced himself and greated Gabe who simply grunted and ran a hand around the wall. "Well I wish I was meeting you under better under cirumstances. Though not the first time I've made new friends in a prison cell." "This is hardly the time for comedy, what's going on?" (Reply Nix) "Do you know where we are? Did you see Ensign Page she was with me in the Runabout?” Williams asked. "I'm very sure that Commander Nix has a lot of answers." Gabe said verbally spitting at the man. (Reply Nix, Williams) (Posted by Mat) (Flames of Retribution - Holding Cell Three - SFI Agent, Lt. Commander Tyko Nix - 20:14) "Do you know where we are? Did you see Ensign Page she was with me in the Runabout?” Williams asked. "I'm very sure that Commander Nix has a lot of answers." Gabe said verbally spitting at the man. "Well, by my guess, the bad guys have won a momentary battle." Nix paused and he stepped a few steps away from the CMO. "Doctor, would you call yourself an observant person?" (Reply Vesper) "And you've seen everyone on the Exeter's medical records?" (reply Vesper) "Look around at the different cells, I know you cant see the ones next to ours, but looking at the ones on the other side of the brig... what do they all have in common?" (reply Vesper) "Our enemy has abducted all crew with Bajoran heritage. That is where we are, that is what is happening. There is your answer Lt. Williams. We are prisoners of a Pah Wraith worshipping cult." (reply Ire) "Best thing to do now is just wait and see what happens next." (reply Ire, Vesper) (reply Ire, Vesper) (posted by Will) (Flames of Retribution - Holding Cell Three - CMO - Ens Gabe Vespers - 20:16) "Well, by my guess, the bad guys have won a momentary battle." Nix paused and he stepped a few steps away from the CMO. "Doctor, would you call yourself an observant person?" Trying not to sound too off Gabe pulled the air through his nose, this was not the time for chit chat, this was the time for action. "Observant enough to know that this is a situation that requires action rather than a tea party yes" Gabe leant against the wall. "And you've seen everyone on the Exeter's medical records?" "That's a given Mr Nix.'" "Look around at the different cells, I know you cant see the ones next to ours, but looking at the ones on the other side of the brig... what do they all have in common?" "Oh for God's sake will you please get to the point?" Gabe snapped. "Our enemy has abducted all crew with Bajoran heritage. That is where we are, that is what is happening. There is your answer Lt. Williams. We are prisoners of a Pah Wraith worshipping cult." "Well that’s just wonderful." Ire replied getting into a comfortable position. "Best thing to do now is just wait and see what happens next." Nix "For someone that's worked this out you've broken very easily" Gabe sunk down the wall. (reply Ire, Nix) (posted by Mat) (Flames of Retribution - Holding Cell Three – CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams- 20:21) He listed to the conversation between Vesper and Nix as he tried to get his head into gear. "Our enemy has abducted all crew with Bajoran heritage. That is where we are, that is what is happening. There is your answer Lt. Williams. We are prisoners of a Pah Wraith worshipping cult." He moved himself into a comfortable position and nodded. “Well that’s just wonderful.” "Best thing to do now is just wait and see what happens next." ~Well this is going to be fun. I do hope Rylee is okay though~ (Reply Vesper, Nix, any) (Posted by Robbie) ( USS Exeter - Gym - Sec/Tac Ens. Stan More - 21:03 ) Stan listened as Chris explained about stance and how important it was in boxing. The better position the more power you could expel , in your fists . However Stan noticed a flaw. “ Won’t that make it easier for the other guy. To deflect my punches?” He asked Chris "One of the key things when sparring, but this is more important in any martial arts that involves kicking then really boxing. Is that you don't want to have an open stance compared to your opponent." “ I still don’t quite understand? “ Stan replied "See when you and I both have out right foot back, and we mirror eachothers stance its closed. You are more protected from attacks to the gut. But if for some reason, you're opponent opens the stance or you do, say, if you move your left foot back instead of the right, it means that your abdomen is now more open from a strike from my right or power leg." “ I see.” Stan shifted his legs mirroring Chris’s stance. "It's why you have to keep your head on a swivel you know. You never know what you might encounter. It's why the most important part of your body to train is your brain. It's got to constantly be looking. Problems don't get solved with just a quick punch or jab. It's the whole picture, it's the brain, it's the head on the swivel. Analyzing everything around you. Much in life. If you strike because you think you need to strike, you may score a hit, but you might end up losing the bout." “ Got it. So patients is the key.” Stan said, Very much like being in a situation. Let the other people drain their phasers. Shooting at you then strike. "Now lets see you hit that bag." “ Ok.” Stan said Doing actually as Chris had showed him. Stan took up the stance. Then he faced the punch bag and gave it a hit. He was a little disappointed the punch did not seem as powerful. “ That did not feel as powerful” Stan said ( Reply , Chris ) “ I see.” He said nodding. ( Reply , Chris ) ( Posted by:- Norman 🐼) ( USS Exeter - Gym - Sec/Tac Ens. Stan More - 15 21:07 ) Stan's training session was continuing. "You need to make sure that you use your whole body when throwing a punch. It's a lot like man sports, baseball, shot put, etc. Our bodies are finely tuned machines. Every gear in a machine, every muscle in our body, works in sync to do what it has to do." Shot put. A memory flashed before More’s mind. About an incident involving the shot put. During his school years.In century’s gone by and even today. Once a year the Highland games were staged. Many feats of strength were on view. Including the shot put. As the Scottish Shot Put champion was in town for the games. Stan’s school governors invited him to open the school sports day. On the day he arrived dressed in his traditional Scottish dress. Including of course , the kilt. At first when the chairman of the governing board. Asked the man to give a demonstration. He refused but after a few drams ( glasses of Whisky ) he agreed. Taking the centre circle in front of all the children and parents. The man put the shot put under his chin and spin around. Before throwing it. Now traditionally no underwear was worn under the kilt. That plus it was windy day led to the inevitable. Parents either put hands across their children’s faces or dragged curios innocent little eyes away. The next day the chairman plus half the governing board , resigned. “ The shot put..... yes the shot put...” Stan said remember what he saw that day. "The important thing to remember, is that while fighting, punching, is good outlet, good exercise, good way to get centered. But there is always a better answer than to punch first. Boxing is good for the soul, but the mind is the most important thing to lead with." “ I agree but unfortunately in my line of work. You don’t get time to think. A split second could cost you your life. Take what happened on the Asteroid. Those people were nay interested in sitting down and making peace.” Stan said ( Reply , Chris ) “ They took our people. If they realise them without a fight. I will happily lower my Phaser rifle. But I canna see that happening. That is why I and doing this. To get my anger out just in case the surrender without a fight.” Stan explained ( Reply Chris ) ( Posted by:- Norman 🐼) ( USS Exeter - Gym - Science Officer, Ensign SG Christopher West - 21:08) “ I agree but unfortunately in my line of work. You don’t get time to think. A split second could cost you your life. Take what happened on the Asteroid. Those people were nay interested in sitting down and making peace.” Stan said Chris looked at Stan and nodded. “ They took our people. If they realise them without a fight. I will happily lower my Phaser rifle. But I canna see that happening. That is why I and doing this. To get my anger out just in case the surrender without a fight.” Stan explained "Well I wasn't necessarily talking about that." Chris said. (reply Stan) "It's more an in general thing. Little moment that come up in our day, where we aren't sure how to react. We may have our fists trained, and a tongue with words that can back that up. But sometimes we need to lead with our minds, assesses, hypothesize, and react. As much as I love hitting things, and I'm damn good at it, my mind is the thing I exercise the most. Because at the end of the day its what keeps me out of trouble." (reply Stan) "Anyways, it's late, and I'm going to head to get some sleep. Just keep practicing, remember use your whole body to throw the punch, you'll get more power." (reply Stan) Christ then walked towards the door, "Remember Stan, your mind is a key part of your body. Include it in the process of throwing a punch. Assess your surroundings. Make sure things are what you think they are, before pouncing. It's my philosophy to life. Engage brain before releasing fist. Its what helped turn this juvenile delinquent into a productive member of society." (reply Stan) Chris then nodded and left the gym. (reply Stan) (posted by Will) ( USS Exeter - Gym - Sec/Tac Ens. Stan More - 21:09 ) The training session continued. "Well I wasn't necessarily talking about that." Chris said. “ I dinna understand” Stan said "It's more an in general thing. Little moment that come up in our day, where we aren't sure how to react. We may have our fists trained, and a tongue with words that can back that up. But sometimes we need to lead with our minds, assesses, hypothesize, and react. As much as I love hitting things, and I'm damn good at it, my mind is the thing I exercise the most. Because at the end of the day its what keeps me out of trouble." “ You sound like a Vulcan.” Stan replied "Anyways, it's late, and I'm going to head to get some sleep. Just keep practicing, remember use your whole body to throw the punch, you'll get more power." “ Aye and Thank yee” Stan said Christ then walked towards the door, "Remember Stan, your mind is a key part of your body. Include it in the process of throwing a punch. Assess your surroundings. Make sure things are what you think they are, before pouncing. It's my philosophy to life. Engage brain before releasing fist. Its what helped turn this juvenile delinquent into a productive member of society." “ I will good night Chris “ Stan said smiling Chris then nodded and left the gym. More continued for a little while. Being careful to follow Chris instructions. Then a large yawn signalled it was time for sleep. Stretching he took off the boxing equipment and left the gym. (posted by Norman) ( USS Exeter - Personal Quarters - Sec/Tac Ens. Stan More- 21:16 ) The doors to Stan’s quarters opened to the sound of four guilty paws. Hurrying away from the scene of the crime. A table lay on its side with a smashed vase laying in pieces. On the floor. “ LILLIAN!” Stan shouted. Nothing. He walked over to Lillian’s play and rest area. The puppy was not there. He walked into the bedroom and noticed. A guilty nose and front paws sticking out. From under his bed. Bending down Stan tried to look into her face. But the puppy kept looking the other way. “ Well? “ said Stan. Lillian switched to cute but innocent mode. Making her eyes wide and watery. She made a little whimpering sound and tried to lick his face. “ What have I told you about running around the quarters? Now yer par has got ta clean this all up. Yer ah bad wee lassie Lillian More. Nay treats for yer today.” He told her ( Reply , No one ) ( Posted by:- Norman 🐼) (USS Exeter - Holodeck 2 - sec Officer Ensign Paul Sleeford - 2120) As the door closed Sleeford turned to the panel and tapped in a few commands, appearing on the floor was a British Mk 4 Lee Enfield .303 rifle, a sand bag, Small cleaning kit, spotting scope and a case of ammo, nodding Sleeford continued. “Computer, display the century range at Bisley, late twentieth century, lanes thirty through forty. Range four hundred yards” As the computer beeped and the room changed to an out door landscape, the light breeze drifting over from the right, smiling Sleeford spoke again. “Computer. Standard target with aiming patch.” As the large white square, with the sixty inch diameter black circle appeared Sleeford could just make out the nine inch white square. Laying down on the grass, Sleeford adjusted the sand bag, picking up the cleaning kit and began to prepare the rifle for firing. Satisfied if was clean and oiled sufficiently Sleeford rested the fore-stock of the rifle against the sand bag. Taking a five round clip, Sleeford loaded the rifle, bringing t up to the aim, he opened and closed the bolt, chambering the first round. Pushing the safety catch forward with his thumb he pauses and gently squeezed the trigger. The brass plate slammed into his shoulder, as the bullet travelled down range. Moving his head Sleeford peered through the spotting scope. “Outer, ten o’clock. Too high , too left” Adjusting the rear sight down one click, Sleeford chambered another round and repeated the shot. Again peering through the scope. “Outer, nine o’clock, more to the right “ Aiming off to the left hand side of the white square Sleeford fires again. Firing off his last two rounds he checked the fall of shot. “Bull, nine o’clock, five inch group, not bad. Computer remove sighting square.” As the large white square vanished Sleeford loaded another five rounds and sighted of the target, firing, round after round Sleeford felt the repressed anger slowly release. Pausing he checked the remaining rounds in the small box, nodding to himself he looked at the target. “Computer, Chang target to a nato standard figure 11 target” As the target changed to that of a running man, Sleeford reloaded and continued firing, loading clip after clip, as the last empty case hit the floor among the others Sleeford checked the target through the scope, seeing a large ragged hole near the center he slowly lowered the rifle. “ Computer. Stop program.” As the range vanished, along with the rifle, target and all the equipment, Sleeford Kay on the floor of the holodeck, frustrated and annoyed with himself, he’d been the security officer for the away team, his only job was to protect the team, now the first officer and a fifth of the crew where gone, because he’d failed. Standing Sleeford walked towards the doors of the holodeck, leaving the room and turning left, having no particular direction he just wandered the corridor. (reply none) (Posted by Alistair) (USS Exeter – Mess Hall - SPC Ensign Rylee Page & SPC CPO Ewan McDonald - 2120) “Do you mind if I join you?” Rylee looked up and blinked, “I’m sorry. Was in my own world for a moment.” Ewan smiled. “ I know what you mean.” Smiling softly, she nodded, “Please. Although i may not be much company.” He sat down in a chair across from her. “Don’t worry I may not be the most chatty as well.” “You were in Sickbay, right?” “Yes I am Nurse Ewan McDonald.” “Is this some sort of check up? Make sure i’m okay to continue working?” “Slightly. I was you here on your own and wanted to make sure that you were okay after what you have gone through. Also I am on a split shift so I came to grab a snack and wanted to chat to someone not from my department.” Rylee smiled, "Aw, I suppose it's true what they say… you can't ever stop being a nurse can you?" “As a medical professional when we get together we do chat a lot about work and things to do about work. I have also not talked to people outside my department.” He ran his had through his hair and smiled. “Sorry long day and I am babbling” "Long day…. That's an understatement. " Rylee remarked leaning back in her chair. “Yea it’s definitely been one of those days, sorry..” "It's okay, it's not every day you get toasted by a massive electric current or watch a Lieutenant disappear infront of you.” “Yes that must have been a bit rough on you.” "Sorry…. I'm just a bit… it's a bit raw." “I can totally understand that.” "Tell me about you." “What would you like to know.” Taking a sip of her drink, allowing herself time to think, Rylee regarded the man infront of her. "Why did you become a nurse not a doctor?" Ewan thought about that for a moment. “I wanted to become a Doctor when I was really young about the same time I wanted to become a fireman.” He smiled. “I always felt that nursing was more about caring for the patient than treating the condition. I know there are lots of variations in it and I know Doctors who are amazingly compassionate and caring with their patients and some nurses you could get more sympathy out of a stone. I guess what I am trying to say is that I really like helping people and being a nurse lets me do that.” Rylee smiled, "Says a lot about someone doing that job. You're caring." “What made you want to work in operations?” "How long do you have?" “I am not due back on for another few hours.” "I need a stronger drink to answer that question and a lot longer." She replied with a smile. “The stronger drink I can get you but the time I unfortunately can’t change.” "Another time then perhaps when I'm not feeling sorry for myself. " Ewan nodded and sipped his tea. “Not a problem.” Rylee glanced at him and smiled softly, "I'm sorry. I'm not much company am I?" “Not it's fine. It's totally understandable.” "Just had kind of a bad day." She replied, unconsciously flexing her fingers on the hand that had been burnt. “I would be more worried if you were not feeling a bit out of sorts. It may not feel like it but its a good sign.” "I suppose. I know it's silly but I just wish there was something I could have done…" “Like what. From what I understand they transported him right off the runabout with no warning or nothing. You're not clairvoyant. There way you could have known what was going to happen.” "Doesn't stop the guilt though does it?" “What you need to do is focus on what you can do rather than what you should have done. We will get him back and then others. We can then make those……..pay for what they have done.” Smiling, Rylee out down her drink and nodded. "You have a point there." “Sorry you came for some peace and quiet and here I am going off on one.” "It's fine. Look, I should go get some sleep. Another time perhaps?" “Yes another time would be nice. Enjoy your rest.” He gave her a pleasant smile as she left and then looked out at the stars as he finished his scone and tea. (Reply none) (Posted by Jackie and Robbie) (USS Exeter - Billy Alexander Quarters- CIO/3O Lieutenant JG Jaelle Foxglove and SOPS Ensign SG Billy Alexander -2133) “Enter.” Billy said as he heard his door chime ring. He had just gotten out of the shower after eating some dinner. He wanted to go check on his cousin, but he knew Trip well enough to know to give him some space in moments like this. Trip would reach out when he was ready, but would not be as receptive to those who try and talk feelings when he’s trying to gauge next steps. So Billy knew that when the time was right, Trip would come to him. As the door open Billy stood in the center of the room wearing red Gym shorts with the Starfleet Arrow on one leg and NCC-1672-C on the other leg. He had a towel around his shoulders and his hair was wet. “To what do I owe the surprise?” "Is it really a surprise." Jaelle spoke running a hand over her ear pulling an unruly stand of white hair along with motion. "Can I come in?" She knew emotions were running high and if Billy wanted to be alone she would honor his feelings. "Sure," Billy said as he walked over to the dresser and put on a tank top. She entered and stood in the middle of the room. She knew the nature of the mission, what the away team saw, and had to fight though. She tilted her head slightly, "How are you holding up?" "I'm holding." Billy then walked over and sat on his couch. "It sucks, it's not ideal. I want those bastards to pay. But my fretting, my worry, doesn't help matters. What helps is just I dunno. Having a beer and letting the dominos fall." She sat next to him. "For the first time in a long while. I don't know how to feel." She folded her hands together she wanted to throw herself into his arms. She was scared when Billy left for the base. She was scared for what she might be asked to do. She was happy that Billy came back safe and unharmed. She was angry that her crewmates were taken. She was sad for Trip and everyone else who had a loved one taken. "Billy," she called his name softly. "Is it alright to be happy even though so many around me feel sorrow?" “Depends on why you’re happy. It’s ok to be happy and relieved, as long as your happiness isn’t caused by someone else’s tragedy.” "Trip asked me to help make sure Ashlyn was protected. When she was taken I failed them." “There was nothing you could do with how premeditated it was. You did the best you could. That’s what matters.” Conflicting emotions clashed with in her, and her small frame shook with lack of knowledge of how the express the confusion that wracked her body. She looked to Billy trying to find answers with in his eyes. "You know there's a darkness that dwells inside me. You also know that I will not hesitate to use that to get our lost back before they can harmed. Knowing this can you still stand by my side." “I think….” He paused, “I think you have more of a choice than you think. I think the darkness is like a security blanket for you, it’s comfortable, its easy to go back to. But I think you can use your skills without giving in to the darkness.” "Maybe…" Jaelle feel silent for a while. “Knowing that I won’t let you give into those darker instincts, and I will hold you accountable to be the person I know you can be, the better question is what will you do?” "Listen to the Captain’s orders. If Trip sends me. I will get them back." She shifted in her seat to look at Billy, as a sweet smile graced her face. "I am happy you're ok though, I was worried, and I'm here to listen if you want to talk about it." “I’m fine.” he said, “I mean am I made of the field, not really, but it’s ok. I never….I never felt like things were out of control.” "Things don't always have to get out of control." She answered slowly, Jaelle had seen her fair share of firefights to know that even if you always keep control you will see things, do things that weigh on a person. “Listen, if Trip sends you, promise me, promise me you wont go nuts. Get our people back has a lot of gray area sure, room for interpretation. But it doesn’t always mean be the assassin, being what everyone thinks you are.” "That in itself has a lot of grey area." She responded calmy. “I just don’t want you to lose yourself to something I think you’re not.” She sighed deeply. "I am, who and what I am. I can't turn my back on my abilities and if they mean the difference between a civilian getting harmed or not. The difference between a life coming home or not. I will use them, I have used them. People are the sum of their experiences both good and bad. While I lived a long life and have lived though different phases of my life under different aliases. I am who I am now because of those influences." Jaelle wanted to reach out for Billy. "I know you're scared, I'm scared. I don’t want to lose you. But I have to be able to be me, and that means all of me." “And I’m saying that being all of you means you don't have to give into the baser instincts, there is a balance between using your skills, and being a killer.” Billy paused. “Sorry, I don’t mean it like that.” She smiled, "Yes you did, and you are right." She added quickly allowing him to continue. “I just think that you keep saying you are what they made you, that you have no choice. And I’m saying you can be whoever the hell you want to be. You’re not a prisoner to the programming, to the instinct.” Billy stood up and walked over to the window. “I know we are who are past has made us to be. But I think maybe you’re letting your past keep you from who you want to be.” She stood and walked to the window, and wrapped her arms around his waist looking into the stars. "What I want to be is right here. Being with you. I know my choice," she closed her eyes her small frame trembled. "Understand I know I'm not a prisoner to the programming, long ago I was. I wont lie about that. But I want to be honest, I don't want you to ignore what I was. I want you to hold me to the fire if I go to far, and I want you be understanding if those skills are required. I know it's scary but scares me is losing you." “Yeah and I get that someday, maybe those skills might be needed. But I guess. Look we’re Starfleet, in theory yeah we’re supposed to be this beacon of hope, in practice, well they kind of screwed the pooch. But its a dawn of a new era. We represent that. And I just think, that you know, you can still utilize those skills without having to be a…. I guess there is no other word. A killer. You can still be the hero, be everything you are, without….having to take a life.” "Yet there are times when we must take a life. Nothing is ever as clear as we want it to be. Will it be my first option… no. But will I hesitate when the time comes…" she left the answer hang in the air. She knew Billy already knew the answer. "And no there is no better word for it. Don't think you're being mean or that you'll upset me by being honest with me. I'm stronger than that." “I know sometimes a life must be taken. I’m not stupid.” He said staring off into space. “Maybe this is why I’ll never be suited for command, or really anything but a clerical job.” She pulled back, anger rising in her voice. "Don't do that your not stupid and don't you dare sell yourself short. You are stronger than you give yourself credit for." “My cousin, Trip, yeah, he knows what to do when he needs to do it. But me, I don’t think I could ever take a life. Honestly, had they told me to take the phaser of stun, I wouldn’t have fired. I just don’t think I can do it.” Billy walked over into the bedroom area and sat down on the foot of the bed, “Honestly, I don’t know why I’m on a Starship, I should have stayed on Mars. Because honestly, even if push came to shove. I don’t think I could take a life.” She was concerned but she still smiled as she crossed the room to stand before him. "That's who you are," she closer to Billy to force him to look at her. "And there is nothing wrong with that. You are a great, kind, caring man with a big heart. You are so many things that I am not, and I love you for everything you are and everything you are not. Make no mistake we are both where we need to be." A hand came up and slowly caressed his face looking into his eyes. "There will come a time when my skills will be needed. But make no mistake there will come a time when your compassion will be needed even more so, and that will make a difference." “When has compassion ever won a battle or ended a war. For all the good that is in the hearts of those spread throughout the quadrant…. The only thing that ends conflict, is the exact thing I’m asking you not to do. The one thing I know I can’t. And yeah maybe, maybe my job sometimes leads people in the right situation to to do what they got to do. But even that remote participation, sometimes...weighs on me. There is too much hate in the universe. I saw that clearly on the base.” "It is instead times of hate that compassion is needed all the more." She said simply, she was glad he was opening up, letting his hurt show. “I’ll be fine… but once we get back to DS9...maybe it’s time for me to head back home.” "That is your choice, I won't deny you that. I will miss you. I would rather be close to you." She knew he wasn't fine, the mission had rattled him more than he was willing to let on. "I love you. You know that. But I will not force you to be something you are not. Because that's not the man I love. I know you hurt, I know wondering how can you combat such hatred." She tilted her head, "but I would be lying if I told you I didn't want you to stay." “I mean...just because I transfer….doesn’t mean we still couldn’t be together. The fleet is filled with long distance relationships that work.” "I know that, and we would still be together. I mean I just like having you close by." “I don’t know, my head is just….I’m just off.” "And that's ok. With what's going on that's ok." She replied running a hand though his still damp hair. “Look, umm...I think, I think I’m going to try and sleep now. Sorry for running you off.. I just, I’m wiped.” She smiled softly, as she kissed his forehead lightly. "It's an honor to spend any time with you. I hope you sleep well and I will check on you in the morning. She turned to let herself out of his room. "By the way, how comfortable is your couch?" She asked making her way toward the replicator. She asked for a few blankets and a pillow. “Umm, standard issue, I guess.” Once she gathered the items from the replicator she went to setting them about the couch. "You're not getting rid of me that easily, not tonight, if you need me I will be right here. Hope that's all right." Billy smiled, “Only as long as you’re fine sleeping on a couch.” "I've slept on better and worse." She answered as she got comfortable. When actually real sleep was rare for Jaelle. To many bad dreams to keep her awake. But there was a calm that filled her tonight, letting out a small yawn she settled into the couch her small frame filling the space. She listened to Billy as he also settled into his bed. She was happy to have him in her life. She was happy to be close. She listened calm still. Still she could hear the tall tell signs of sleep coming from the room. It was then she allowed the tiredness from the day to overtake her and for her to pass to the peace of sleep. (Reply none) (Posted by Will and Matt) (USS Exeter - Familiar Territory - Dog(sg) Layla Williams - 2200) Layla grumbled. Youman thingy, you know, the one that wouldn’t let her sniff her, had taken her for a walk. Layla liked walks, but Squeaky Rabbit was still on her mind. Caity had gone and utterly failed to deal with the obvious interloper that was the cancer in their midst; what's more she had completely failed to give more tummy rubs or biscuits. Layla suspected that Caity wasn’t devoted enough to the common cause. She carried Squeaky Rabbit as they walked the corridor toward Youman thingy’s bed. She didn’t mind the smaller room, the bed was comfy, and in a nice place, and Youman Thingy didn’t always notice when she drank out of the waterbowl in the other room. They entered the room, and Layla hopped up onto the bed, next to Thingy. Whining slightly she rolled over and enjoyed a hug and a scratch, her left rear paw twitching. Thingy knew the best scratch spots, second only to mommy of course. Suddenly, Thingy stood up and walked toward the room that the waterbowl was in. Layla stretched and stood up, and followed her. “Layla...Really? I can’t have a wee in peace?” “Hhhhhhrumph.” Layla sneezed. “I know baby. I’ll look after you though.” Thingy stood up, and pulled up her trousers, then waved her hand at the small sensor on the wall. Layla wagged her tail, and jumped up as Thingy left the room, she put her head into the waterbowl, growling at the noise. Slowly it stopped, and quietened again. “Layla…” Thingy called. “Out of there, that’s where we...that’s where we dispose of waste.” Layla wagged and sneezed once more. Thingy sighed. “I’m talking to a dog about a toilet, I need to get a life.” Layla liked thingy. Thingy was silly. Thingy allowed her on the bed to sleep sometimes. Squeaky Rabbit stared at Thingy. Layla growled at Squeaky Rabbit. And ran over, biting her. Laughing, Thingy smiled gently, then lay back in her bed, falling asleep. Layla jumped up onto the bed and snuggled up, feeling Thingy’s arm around her, she was about to doze off, happy that things were mostly okay. Squeaky Rabbit stared at sleeping Thingy. Squeaky Rabbit was going to steal Thingy. Thingy was sleeping, Layla had to deal with Squeaky Rabbit. ~Stupid people~ Slipping off the bed, Layla snuck up on Squeaky Rabbit, picking her despotic enemy up carefully in her mouth, Layla had a plan. It was cunning. Slowly, on silent paws, Layla padded up to the waterbowl, that Thingy had sat on earlier. Carefully dropping it into the bowl, she sat back, waiting for Squeaky Rabbit to meet it’s demise so Mommy and Daddy would come home. It seemed ages, and Layle got bored. Thingy was making the same sleepy sounds that Daddy made, so she knew that she wouldn’t play. Suddenly. The thing that followed her around everywhere pulled her attention. She was sure that she’d catch it now. The thing that followed her around everywhere was in her grasp. Up till now, she’d tried speed, however, that was when she was little and silly, now though, she was a big dogg, and knew that these things you needed to creep up on, slowly, she crept round, the black thing, however, was too fast, and she found herself chasing the black thing around again when suddenly she remembered. Thingy had waved at the wall. How could she forget. Slowly Layla walked over to the waterbowl; Squeaky Rabbit wasn’t going anywhere. She saw the spot on the wall and hit it with her paw. Then, sitting on her haunches, she watched Squeaky Rabbit go round and round. ~Young fool. Only now at the end, do you understand.~ Layla growled in her moment of glory; Squeaky Rabbit had been vanquished and Mommy and Daddy will come back. Suddenly. Squeaky Rabbit had his revenge. She didn’t know the spell that Squeaky Rabbit had cast, but there was water everywhere. The waterbowl was pouring over the sides. Barking at the danger, Layla tried sniffing for Squeaky Rabbit, but the water got up her nose and it made her sneeze again. Youman Thingy walked into the room. “Ah Crap. Layla...what did you…” She sighed, and tapped the box on the wall. “Yoeman Thingsholme to Engineering. I’ve got quite the problem here.” (Reply None) (Posted by Mark) (Flames of Retribution - Holding Cell Three – CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams -2302 ) (Dream Sequence) He was on a beach walking along the soft sand with the crystal-clear water lapping at his bare feet and then sun high in the blue cloudless sky. He looked beside him and saw that Greta was walking with him, her arm linked with his. She was more beautiful than he had ever seen her and he was as happy as he had ever been. They had managed to get some R&R from the busy work schedule and had come to the beach to spend some time together. It had been a wonderful day and he smiled at the memory as he looked at her knowing that he was an incredibly lucky man to be with her. He saw the smile on her lips the reaction of some bad joke he must have said. He looked into her eyes, those dead soulless eyes and he paused. “Greta…..” The sound of screeching seagulls made him turn away and when he looked back she was gone. He spun around frantically searching for her, but he was alone on the deserted beach. The ground suddenly rocked from under him and he stumbled to keep his footing he reach out and grabbed a bulkhead. “You have got to be kidding me.” He looked over to see that he was in the aft compartment of Lucky Thirteen with Greta wearing their flight suits. He gave her a grin as he said. “Its fine we will do an emergency decompression which will blow us out of the fighter hopefully far enough to get clear of the blast and remember to activate you transporter beacon so we can get picked up.” “You know this is crazy.” Ire nodded and hit the hatch release. Suddenly they were not standing in the cramped airlock of the fighter but in the stone walled corridor of the asteroid base. He heard the sound of rushing air as the door opened in front of him to hard vacuum. ~This is not right~ He spun round to see Greta now standing in her security uniform rather then her flight suit she was in a moment ago. “Greta….” “Why did you leave me here, Ire. Why did you leave me here to die?” Even over the screams of the decompression sirens and the sound of escaping air he could still hear her voice clearly. “Why did you not come and save me? Do I not mean anything to you? Do you not love me?” “Greta I am sorry.” He could see her lips run blue and frost begin to form in her uniform as the temperature dropped dramatically. “Why did you let me die.” “Greta I am sorry.” “You left me to die here on this asteroid while you saved yourself.” He watched as she stepped forward, her freezing hands reaching out to him. “What kind of man lets the woman he loves die alone.” Her frozen hand touched his cheek. “You killed me; you killed our family.” He watched in horror as she exploded into a shower of ice shards which were then sucked out into space by the grasping wind. (Posted by Robbie) (Flames of Retribution - Holding Cell Three – CMO– Ens – Gabe Vesper - 2325) Gabe sat silently in the cell, whilst they had been well looked after he had failed, failed to protect, failed to support and failed to be; his whole career as a Doctor flashed Infront of his eyes, how could he return from this. The silence of his zone deafening his mind, fighting to hold back the anguish of the last few hours he sighed. The other cellmates had tried to engage him but mainly Gabe had kept himself to himself. The voices he heard faintly, he knew them but he knew he couldn't help them. Kicking off his boots Gabe looked down as the voices resumed “Sir you mentioned that you have had the misfortune to be in a Klingon cell before do you have any idea about getting us out of here. As I for one have enjoyed the wonderful facilities here but would like to see what else is available.” Ire said, Gabe couldn't work out if it was to fill the void or he had a plan "Do you ever stop talking! Every hour your voice fills my ears, unless you've got some form of tool we're stuck here; doomed until they open the door. What's your plan then, rush them have you got some phasers hidden away? At any rate, these aren't Klingons they're Bajorans you want to kill your own people?! (Reply any in cell) "These walls, they're closing in" Gabe stood and paced "I can't...I can't..." Falling to the wall he sunk his head in his hands (Reply Nix, William) (Posted by Mat) (Flames of Retribution - Holding Cell Three – SFI Agent, Lt. Commander Tyko Nix - 2330) “Sir you mentioned that you have had the misfortune to be in a Klingon cell before do you have any idea about getting us out of here. As I for one have enjoyed the wonderful facilities here but would like to see what else is available.” Ire said, Gabe couldn't work out if it was to fill the void or he had a plan "Do you ever stop talking! Every hour your voice fills my ears, unless you've got some form of tool we're stuck here; doomed until they open the door. What's your plan then, rush them have you got some phasers hidden away? At any rate, these aren't Klingons they're Bajorans you want to kill your own people?! "Calm down doctor, that's an order." Nix replied, annoyed at both of his cellmates. "These walls, they're closing in" Gabe stood and paced "I can't...I can't..." Falling to the wall he sunk his head in his hands "The best thing we can do right now is wait. My guess, is the Exeter is tracking us, so we should wait and see what happens."; (reply Vesper, Ire) "Besides, it might be better for us to get to their base before planning an escape anyways. Get more intel, a more complete picture. Then escape." (reply Vesper, Ire) "There seems to be quite a bit of us in these cells, not just the three of us. Had it been just the three of us, we'd be in an escape pod right now. But we can't do anything until I'm certain I can get everyone out...and that doesn't look to be the case. Besides, doctor, until you calm down and breathe, you're no good in any escape plan." (reply Vesper) (reply Vesper, Ire) (posted by Will) (Flames of Retribution - Holding Cell Three – CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams - 2333) His world exploded in pain as he jolted awake. He took a moment to steady himself taking long deep breaths and he fought to bring himself under control. He looked over at Nix and Vesper as he got himself under control. ~Ow Greta I do hope that you are safe back on the Exeter. I don’t know what I would do if I lost you~ “Sir you mentioned that you have had the misfortune to be in a Klingon cell before do you have any idea about getting us out of here. As I for one have enjoyed the wonderful facilities here but would like to see what else is available.” (Reply Nix) (Reply Nix, Vesper any) (Posted by Robbie) (Flames of Retribution - Holding Cell Three – CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams- 23:34) "Do you ever stop talking! Every hour your voice fills my ears, unless you've got some form of tool we're stuck here; doomed until they open the door. What's your plan then, rush them have you got some phasers hidden away? At any rate, these aren't Klingons they're Bajorans you want to kill your own people?! ~Just because they are Bajorans you think they are special. They have killed innocent people. Just because they may thing that there cause is legitimate dose not mean that murder and kidnapping is acceptable~ He was about to speak his thoughts, but Nix spoke. "Calm down doctor, that's an order." Ire heard the tone of Nix’s voice said nothing. "These walls, they're closing in" He watched as Vesper stood and began to pace. “I can't...I can't..." Falling to the wall Vesper sunk his head in his hands "The best thing we can do right now is wait. My guess, is the Exeter is tracking us, so we should wait and see what happens."; “Yes sir.” "There seems to be quite a bit of us in these cells, not just the three of us. Had it been just the three of us, we'd be in an escape pod right now. But we can't do anything until I'm certain I can get everyone out...and that doesn't look to be the case. Besides, doctor, until you calm down and breathe, you're no good in any escape plan." (reply Vesper) Ire looked up at Nix and frowned mentally. Could he not see that Vesper was in destress or had being a solo agent for too long. Ire moved over to Vesper and sat down beside him placing a hand in his. “Gabe its going to be okay. We will get out of here. I am sure that everyone at home is working their hardest to come and get us.” He glanced over at Nix before looking back. “The commander is right we need to stay calm. Gabe…………. look at me one step at a time okay. We will get through this.” (reply Vesper) (Reply Vesper, Nix, any) (Posted by Robbie) (Flames of Retribution - Holding Cell Three – CMO - Ens Gabe Vespers - 2335) "The best thing we can do right now is wait. My guess, is the Exeter is tracking us, so we should wait and see what happens."; "Actually, the first duty of any captive officer is to escape, or have you forgotten that Commander" Gabe spat again. "Besides, it might be better for us to get to their base before planning an escape anyways. Get more intel, a more complete picture. Then escape." "Feels like you're holding us here if I say so, but what do I know I'm only a doctor" Gabe tried again to push the escape. "There seems to be quite a bit of us in these cells, not just the three of us. Had it been just the three of us, we'd be in an escape pod right now. But we can't do anything until I'm certain I can get everyone out...and that doesn't look to be the case. Besides, doctor, until you calm down and breathe, you're no good in any escape plan." Ire looked up at Nix and frowned mentally. Could he not see that Vesper was in destress or had being a solo agent for too long. Ire moved over to Vesper and sat down beside him placing a hand in his. “Gabe its going to be okay. We will get out of here. I am sure that everyone at home is working their hardest to come and get us.” He glanced over at Nix before looking back. “The commander is right we need to stay calm. Gabe…………. look at me one step at a time okay. We will get through this.” "I don't trust him, he survived in his ship long enough to lure ours into a trap, now look at us." Gabe spoke low enough for Williams to hear but not Nix. (reply Williams) (reply Nix, Ire) (Bajor – Personal Residence – Lt. Cmdr (Ret) Kozos Jebeza – 2348) Ever since she had spoken with the crew of the Exeter Jebeza had difficulty sleeping. Knowing that her daughter had not been “sold to slavery” by the Orions had brought all those feelings of loss back to the surface. Tonight especially she tossed and turned, but could not get anything resembling a restful sleep. ~Maybe if I help.~ She tossed the covers to one side and bolted out of bed. “Lights,” he commanded and the room lights in her disheveled bedroom turned on. Normally she kept a tidy space to live in, but since she had spoken to the baby-faced Junior Lieutenant her desire to tidy up had slowly diminished. She had thought of calling up the Exeter, but had nothing new to offer. “The plans!” She said to no one as she made her way to the storage area. The door opened as she approached the lights automatically turned on. She moved to the back corner, where everything was covered in a thin layer of dust. She began her search that took several minutes. She moved several storage containers to get to one that was on the very bottom. She wiped the top of the container and pushed the opening button. The last of Trentin’s things. Not touched since their messy divorce. The pushed the contents around until finding what she was looking for. A 20 year old civilian PADD. She thumbed the unit on, which started a boot up sequence, done in an instant. On the screed was [Denorios-class Owner’s Workshop Manual]. Taking her prize she made her way out to the front room and her communications terminal. She took the isolinear chip out of the PADD and placed it in a slot on the side of the monitor. Using her command codes, she opened a channel. She knew that the location of the Exeter, while on mission would be classified as a need to know, and by mission parameters she didn’t need to know. So she send a message with the highest priority she had access to, once the link was established, she sent the entirety of the isolinear chip encoded and encrypted to prevent tampering from non-Starfleet sources. With a small note: “Lieutenant Foxglove, I hope this helps. – Kozos Jebeza, LtCdr (Retired)” She stayed up until the entirety of the file was received. Not expecting a reply, she tried to go back to bed, hopefully to get some sleep. (Reply Foxglove, but not directly, otherwise None) (Posted by Todd) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: The Flames of Purity Day: 16 Stardate: 2445.09.16 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (Prophet’s Truth, Brig – MO, Ensign SG Kyros Ryelle, MD – 0045) Ryelle looked helpless as he saw Ailynn began to fade. The gesture she had made to him seemed to indicate that due to her dextrocardia, whatever cocktail she gave him would probably kill her. More so than that. From feeling her slowing heart beat, he could tell that Ailynn was afraid that due to her condition, her criculovascular system might not be able to handle the gas. He could see it in her eyes. The same look he saw when he comforted a young man with an illness who had come to the monastery to die, the pain, the feart, the thought of failure. A part of Ailynn did not think she would ever wake up. ~Silly girl!~ He thought to himself as he looked at the young woman who was 10 years his junior. ~We could have worked this out together.~ He began searching through the medkit, but he couldn't find anything that would work in this situation. Not with her dextrocardia. Nothing that wouldn't just accelerate what he feared might happen. He kept his hand firmly on her wrist as he felt her pulse weaken. ~Damnit. And Ronnie, it's like she knew something might happen. When she brought to my attention that Adala seemed concussed. When I ruled Adala unfit for duty, when I took her place, Ronnie, Ronnie said no matter what I had to keep Ailynn alive. It's like she knew. And here I am....failing....failing at that reality.~ It was at that moment, as Ailynn's pulse began to fade and disappear, that the former Bajoran Monk turned to the oldest and deepest form of healing he knew, prayer. "Oh great Prophets." He said slowly, "Despise not the petition of your humble servant. Listen to my prayer, listen to my supplication. Save this daughter of Bajor. Her Bajoran ancestry may be small, but she is one of your children. Listen to my cries. Your humble servant. Though I left my post of prayer, praising you day and night, I did not cease my love for you, and kept my devotion to you at the forefront of my life. Despise not my petition, I humbly beg you, save your daughter, before she loses her life at the hands of the servants of your most mortal enemies the Pah Wraiths." At that moment, as he knelt on the ground in hope, in despair, grasping his hands together. As Ailynn's pulse stopped, Ryelle found himself enveloped in a flash of light. (Unknown location - Unknown Place - Prylar Kyros Ryelle - Unknown Time) Ryelle looked around, he was in an empty room, a white space, alone. "Hello?" he asked meekly, a slight fear in his voice. Not that he was scared. But the fear and awe that one would have when confronted with the deity they had pledged their life to serve. He had heard stories of those who had spoken this way with the prophets. Particularly from the logs of the holy emissary, the revered Captain Benjamin Sisko. "Who am I that should be so honored to speak with the Prophets?" In an instant the surrounding changed, it was the Medical Center on Mars, and their in the blue uniform, stood Ailynn, with her Lt. JG pips. A banner that said congratulations Dr. Kyros was hung from the ceiling. The day Ailynn promoted him to Ensign senior grade. "Who is this one to you? Why does her life mean so much to you? You pray for her, grieve for her. She would sacrifice her life for you, why would you not honor her choice?" "Because it's not her time!" He shouted. Calming himself he spoke again, "Revered prophet, it is not her time. She is needed. Her death would be my failure. I was asked specifically to make sure nothing happened to her, and I failed in that. I failed in that, because I could not reveal that to her, and now it is too late." The room shifted, it was now the corridor outside the Exeter sickbay, Ronnie now stood in front of him. "Because this one told you?" the entity asked. "Yes, I don't know why, but it's like she knew. They're close, good friends, maybe more, I don't know. But she asked and I failed." "This one's time is not linear. As if her path has folded in on itself. She is here, yet will never be. She is an anomaly. Aiming to correct that which could be." "Regardless, Ailynn is who you need in this fight, not me. Please save her." The scene switched once more to the bridge. There Trip stood in front of him. "What need has she to fill, other than to stand by this one's side. He is a warrior, he has no need for her." "No that is not true, in her heart, Ailynn is a warrior, in her heart, she is who you need. She needs to be there to face your foe not me. I am but a humble monk, even to the end. I don't have the tenacity of a warrior. I don't have the tenacity needed to face the greater threat. I am a healer, a guide, I am a cleric, not a fighter. Yet she, she could be the paladin you need in the fight to come. You take the form of the man you say is a warrior, yet she is his faithful companion. He may be the one who draws the bow, but whether she knows it or not, she is the arrow. I have assessed her Pagh before. If your enemy is to be vanquished, she is needed, not I." The being in the form of Trip nodded. " You're love for us, for your comrade, your dedication is fitting. In another life, another place, another time, had things been different, you would have made a well loved and faithful Vedek. Amongst infinite time, understanding, and universe, you would have been a most excellent Kai. Your purity is unmatched." The scene shifted to a familiar bar, to a familiar ferengi, for all those who have journeyed near Deep Space Nine. "So then, you want the girl to live. What are you willing to pay for it, what price are you willing to give up." "Anything." "Anything?" The being asked in a familiar tone. "Even your own life." "Yes. I feel it, in every fiber of being. She is the one to face this threat. Not I. I am merely the vessel to bring her to the front, to give her the sword she needs to finish the fight that I can not." The scene shifted once more to the Geology lab on the Exeter, appearing in front of him, one of the Prophets in the form of Adala. "And what of the friendship with this one. You promised to enjoy the little things, the finer things. To push each other out of your comfort zones. You saw the potential of a strong friendship in this one. Would you abandon her?" "She is strong, she will carry on. She will carry my memory in her heart. She will not lock herself away." The scene shifted once more to an amusement park, in front of him stood Quinna Solice, as she was that day, the day of the party, the day of Gul Dulon. The day the two of them went of to the amusement park. The day he fell for her, but never found the courage to tell her. "And what of this one, of the love that you never shared. The feelings you hid and buried out of fear. Wont she miss you. Wouldn't you rather live for her, with her." "Your enemy threatens all of the Galaxy, threatens you. I would rather die a thousand times, then see you hurt. She is the one to face this challenge. I am but a simple monk. She has the blood of warriors in her. I would day for Ailynn. this day, every day, for a thousand years. Because I have felt in her pagh. She is the one to shoulder this burden. I am simply the Prlyar who will set her on her way." At that moment the scene shifted once more to the white empty room. Before him stood Ailynn, Ronnie, Trip, The familiar Ferengi, Adala, and Quinna, in unison they spoke to him. "Very well our good and faithful son. It shall be as you desire. Rest well. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten." In that moment the figures faded and infront of him stood a tall black man in a Starfleet Uniform from the late 24th century. Captain pips on his collar. "Are you.... are you he?" The figure nodded. "Are you a vision of the prophets, or are you him... the emissary?" The figure nodded again. Ryelle ran to him, ran to the emissary, to the one who gave his life for Bajor, for the Alpha Quadrant, who defeated the emissary of the Pah Wraith's, Gul Dukat. Ryelle hugged him as a child would hug a father, and the emissary hugged him in return as a father would a son, whispering silently into his ear. (Prophet’s Truth, Brig – MO, Ensign SG Kyros Ryelle, MD – No time has passed) Ryelle was back in the Brig, the chronometer on the tricorder indicating no time had passed, was it a vision, a dream? No! He placed his hand on Ailynn's wrist, her pulse was becoming stronger, his was becoming weaker. However the gas was leaving the room, dissipating, as if by...by magic. He took of his earing, his beloved earing, a gift from his parents the day he joined the monastery and placed it on Ailynn's right ear. As his breath began to fade, with his last pit of strength, he whispered in her ear, the words that Benjamin Sisko once said to Bajoran Resistance Leader Li Nalas, ""Dying lets you off the hook. The question is, are you willing to live for your people? Live the role they want you to play? That's what they need from you right now." And in that moment he collapsed to the ground. In a flash, both he and Ailynn were taken to a scene, a scene only spoken of, never scene. In the fire caves, Benjamin Sisko squaring off against Dukat. "Benjamin, please." Dukat said, "We've known each other too long. And since this is the last time we will ever be together, let's try to speak honestly. We've both had victories and our defeats. Now it's time to resolve our differences and face the ultimate truth. I've won, Benjamin. You've lost." "The Pah wraith will never conquer anything." Sisko replied, "Not Bajor. Not the Celestial Temple. And certainly not the Alpha Quadrant. "And who's going to stop us?" Dukat replied mockingly As Ailynn and Ryelle, both weak, one recovering, one fading, watched, the image of Ailynn appeared beside Sisko as they both said in unison, "I am." The scene shifted back to the brig. Ryelle laid on the floor, his vision failing. He watched as Ailynn's eyes opened, and before her stood the image of Benjamin Sisko kneeling before her placing his hand on her shoulder. The Emissary, Ryelle's beloved Emissary looked at Ailynn and spoke to her, word he once spoke to his beloved comrade in arms, a brave prune juice loving warrior. "Running may help for a little while, but sooner or later the pain catches up with you. And the only way to get rid of it is to stand your ground and face it." As soon as he finished speaking, Sisko banished, returning to the celestial temple. Ryelle smiled one last time, having saved Ailynn, having met his beloved Emissary, having been deemed worthy to speak with prophets. And with one last breath, one last happy smile, knowing Ailynn would prevail, knowing that all he had lived for was true, with fulfillment in his heart, he died. (Reply Ailynn) (posted by Will) (Prophet’s Truth, Brig – FO Lt(sg) Ailynn Bracken – 0046) Ailynn was, despite her considerable faults, a scientist. ~I am…~ Whatever she held true to heart, when she read or saw evidence that forced upon her a change of knowledge, a change in perspective, she was happy to do so. Her life was built on evidence. ~where~ First thought... ~Vision hazy...increased vitals...bp...ooh girl lay off the TetraK...Tripping way more than…~ Second thought. ~I’m clean...I have been for 7 years...That wasn’t a trip …~ third thought. She sat upright slowly, looking up she saw a face, one that had been burned into her education, one that she couldn’t possibly be seeing. ~The Emissary.~ "Running may help for a little while, but sooner or later the pain catches up with you. And the only way to get rid of it is to stand your ground and face it." She felt her blood run cold, but instantly it was replaced by the deepest sense of calm, and love. She’d never exactly gone out her way to learn or follow the words of the prophets. Sometimes, they’d come to her, but she was a scientist dammit… As Sisko slowly disappeared, his words burning in her consciousness, the reverie slowly passed, and the reality of her situation instilled itself. Her worry, becalmed, her unease, settled, all disquiet in her soul had been settled, as though she had been held by the highest power and it had used a hand to press all the sadness, all her insecurities, no power could hush her neuroses permanently, but even now those had been settled. She was… ~My true self~ She leaned over Ryelle’s body, she half heartedly checked his pulse at the jaw, two highly practised fingers confirming what she didn’t need them too. ~You stupid stupid...Why couldn’t you just…~ but she knew ~How could you…~but she knew. ~why did you...~ but she knew. Pulling the calm unto herself once more, she raised her right hand, and resting it on his brow, she began an ancient benediction that she had long since forgotten that she had ever known. Muttering quietly, she wept as she prayed. Her heart opened, her devotions ended, but her mourning as yet not begun; a dichotomy twixt her human and Bajoran selves. One side wanted vengeance, the other desired peace. One side wanted argument, the other; solace. One side wanted hatred, the other; forgiveness. One side wanted blood, the other; abjuration of the same. She caught sight of Ryelle’s prayer beads, having fallen out of his pocket, and lifting them up, borrowing them against the moment that she would herself deliver them, along with his ear jewellery that in his dying moments, had given her. Picking up the beads she slowly rotated them in her hands, for the first time in her life she felt something outside herself, and not only opened herself to it, but openly sought it’s guidance. She became the outside looking in. She became the inside desperate to expand its wings. One side wanted death, the other peace. She was the pivot; two opposing moments surrounded and encompassed her. She was the living dichotomy. In her calm, her mind began working. ~They put us under anaesthetic...why?~ for a few moments she considered it, before her mind supplied the answer. ~THINK AILYNN...bioscan. Anesthesia forces systems to underestimate personnel counts, fault in every scanned system, interesting.~ ~where are we~ She knelt once more, Ryelle’s prayer beads rolling around in her fingers. Her left arm was itching beyond anything. ~I am love, and hatred.~ ~I kill, and cure~ ~I am the dichotomy inherent in the system~ ~I am~ Her arm itched horribly, she pulled back the left sleeve of her tunic, the pain immediately dissipated. On her forearm, on the underside, was a beautifully intricate tattoo, she’d never seen such work, sure as whatever on her her own body. It was a single word in the bajoran phonemes. She drew and relaxed her breath, the tattoo had been a message from the prophets. Bowing further, she deepened her prayer, the word had struck her to her core. ‘Paladin’ (reply none) (posted by Mark) (Flames of Retribution- Holding Cells -CMO, Ensign SG Gabe Vesper, ACFO, Ensign SG Ronnie Winters, CFO, Lt. JG Ire Williams, SFI Agent, Lt. Commander Tyko Nix, Dir. R&SE, Ashlyn Williams - 0300) Ronnie was woken up in the middle of the night what sounded like vomiting in the corner of the room. Looking over from her cot, she could see that Ash was bundled over in the corner. “Ash, umm is everything ok sweetie?” ~Do I really bloody look alright?~ Ashlyn thought as her system tensed itself once more. “I feel abysmal. Nausea, the obvious vomiting, and the room seems to be spinning around in ways that rooms don’t normALLY MOVE! Excuse me, but I rather think I’m going to puke again.” “Nausea and vomiting, dizziness, are you ok? How long has this been going on, did you hit your head or anything?” Ronnie was, obviously, not a doctor, and though she had first aid training, she really didn’t know how to handle anything medical. At this moment, she instead retreated into a scared little girl, who was a prisoner, and was frozen at the thought that she was unable to do anything for someone she cared about. “No, I didn’t. It started a few days ago. Not this bad though. Simple queasiness, and horrible acid reflux. I feel terrible, see if you can get a doctor.” “Excuse me!” She shouted, hoping to maybe get a guards attention, “My friend isn’t feeling well, could we get a doctor or someone please?” The guard walked over and looked at Ronnie with a cold smile. “You must think I’m stupid, the whole we need a doctor is the oldest escape trip in the book.” “No seriously, she just vomited in the corner, I mean, it please. Can you get a doctor?” “Fat chance.” “Come on, there has to be a doctor on your ship, or amongst the captives. I promise we wont try anything.” The Guard looked at her as if she was trying to pull a fast one on her. “Gabe! Gabe! You’re here right?” She yelled hoping that the CMO was there and could here her. Maybe if the guard new there was a doctor there, he’d be more sympathetic. Gabe rolled over on his tiny bed, he was in a deep sleep and had no intention of waking. The distant voice kept calling coupled with the sounds vomiting. Slowly opening his eyes he took a moment to get his surroundings "still here" Gabe sighed as the room came into reality. "Gabe is that you?" Ronnie asked. The troubled and pained voice of the woman he had feelings for reverberated around the cell, throwing his feet to the ground he bounded up and rushed remembering only in time of the forcefield. "I'm here, I'm really here what's wrong?" He yelled matching Ronnie's tone. "It's Ashlyn Williams, she's not looking so hot." Ire pulled himself off the floor as the yelling voices merged from his nightmare and jolted him awake. He got unseadlity to his feet and paused for balance before stepping over to Vesper.. “What’s happened?” Gabe spun, his temperament had returned quicker than his sense "If I knew that I wouldn't be asking would I!" Ire hid a mental grin and nodded. “Okay. Doc just asking.” Grunting he swung back to the room "Ronnie, what's happening? Will someone let me out of here I'm a bloody Doctor, that woman is a Federation Citizen and has a protected right to treatment whether you agree or not, now let me out!" Ronnie began pleading with the guard. "Please, she's our captain's wife. She's a much better bargaining chip well and healthy." The guard shrugged his shoulders and went over to the holding cell containing Ire, Nix, and Vesper. "Which one of you is the doctor?" "The one in Blue...me" Gabe said sharply. As the force field dropped the guard came in and pointing a disruptor at Gabe motioned for him to follow. As Gabe left the cell, the forcefield returned leaving Nix and Ire in the cell alone. "Well lieutenant," Nix said with a straight face. "Pretty ballsy for whats her name to identify the patient as the captain's wife. Lets hope her condition is actually serious." “Sir, she knows what she is doing.” He looked around the cell. “What are we going to do?” “Nothing kid,” Nix replied, “We are going to be quiet and play it safe for now. The doctor has this, and anything we do, might just make things worse.” Nix had a feeling he knew what the symptoms were, and if it turned out to be true, it meant he was going to cancel any escape plan he had brewing in his head. ~Too risky, its become too risky, As the conversation was carrying on Gabe was brought to Ronnie and Ash's cell and placed in there. "Do what you got to do." Looking dead at the man Gabe forgot his place "I'm a doctor not an empath, some equipment would be a nice idea. I'm sure out of all the ships you've raided you've stolen a medkit, or do your God's promise infinite life?!" The guard returned with a standard federation medkit stored in a makeshift first aid area. Most likely stolen. "Here. Be quick with your treatment." Snatching it off the man he looked back at Ronnie and tried to give some visual comfort but he felt his eyes more drawn than anything. "I won't ask where you got this from, or rather who." Gabe stood and looked at the guard "Unlike you, my job isn't limited by time, it will take as long as it takes and not a moment less. Now if you really want to help I suggest you give me some space and some light" The guard went to answer "Unless you want to add the murder of Federation Citizens to your list of crimes I suggest you back off. She's here because she's Bajoran, help her for that reason at least" As Gabe turned and knelt to Ash there was a little more light and the guard had moved back. Pulling the tricorder out he quickly scanned Ash. "Now, how are you both? And I don't mean medically?" Gabe said in a hushed tone switching the tricorder from Medical to Engineering he scanned covertly. “I’m fine,” Ronnie replied, looking at Ash with her arms crossed. “I’m just worried about Ash, it’s not supposed to happen like this.” Her words suddenly pulled him "like what?" “I mean, sorry, she’s a civilian, aren’t there rules against taking them, and now she’s, sick or poisoned or something. Gabe…” Ronnie walked over and gave him a huge hug, “Please….help her.” Responding to the hug Gabe held her tightly feeling her breath on his neck he closed his eyes for a moment, looked at her and smiled "check my readouts please, there is a power conduit running in the corridor behind these cells? Ronnie nodded and began to double check the readouts. Placing his cheek on hers he looked again "thank you, keep the guard busy I need to work out where the coupling is" Gabe gently kissed her ear and kept the scan going as he turned to Ash hoping it was enough to get a layout of the room he looked down as Ronnie was making a good scene to cover up his actions. “Doctor; thank you. Ronnie, I haven’t been poisoned for pity’s sake.” She thought a lot of Ronnie, but she was a worrier sometimes. “I’ll be fine. I just need some time, and a tiny bit of space to puke my guts up.” Wheel’s began to turn in Ronnie’s head. ~It’s not supposed to happen like this. Did I, did I screw something up?~ “Are you sure?” Ronnie replied. Ashlyn’s normally placid and sweet demeanour snapped. It had been a long, stressful day, and she felt all over the place emotionally. Ronnie’s fussing was sadly the straw that broke the Camel’s back. “FOR PITY’S SAKE IT’S ONLY BLOODY MORNING SICKNESS!” Ashlyn yelled, her temper fraying and broadcasting her Bracken lineage. ~No, no, no!~ Ronnie thought to herself. ~It’s too soon.~ Unsure exactly how to address the situation Gabe froze his mouth open. Realising his tricorder was open he made a mental note switched it back to Medical and looked. "Erm, yes well, if I was on the Exeter and not a POW I could easily do something to help." Gabe said trying to regain his composure he looked down and checked the readouts it was right. "Congr…..erm….does Trip know, I'm supposed to know, this is very irregular, let me see what I can get you." Gabe blustered back to the med kit trying to keep what he saw in his head. “Trip knows.” Ashlyn replied, pulling her hair back and she closed her eyes and breathed deeply and slowly. “He sensed it a day or two ago. Told me this morning. Yesterday Morning” Ashlyn waved her hand. “You know what I meant. I was going to come and see you, but I’ll confess I hadn’t counted on getting kidnapped. I know you’re limited Doctor, the sickness will go away soon. The readings; are they all okay?” "Erm, I think so, truth be told I'm not exactly scanning you." He looked down and back at the woman. "A healthy bean for want of a better word, I will of course want to do a proper scan if….when we get home, until then this should help with the sickness but please, leave the heroics up to us?" Ashlyn nodded, she wasn’t worried until Vesper had said that. “Believe me. I’m far from heroic. I’m more than a little scared and a actually want to go home. When not if.” "Just stay calm please, you have a baby boy to think of now." Gabe did one final scan of both Ash and the room and placed the equipment back into the medkit, he knew better than to try and keep anything. As Gabe packed the bag away Ashlyn felt her heart soar. In all honesty it made no actual difference, boy or girl, but for some reason the thought of a son made her happy. As if something somehow was meant to be. As Ash and Gabe continued talking, Ronnie returned to a cot almost on autopilot. ~Did I screw things up. Did my very presence mess things up. Did I make too many splashes in the timeline. I mean, Ash and Trip aren’t supposed to conceive for another 41 days. And yet, now, here they are. Then again, they got married sooner this time around. No….no….but I’ m still here. But I know he’s not me. Every life is a miracle, a combination of the right place, right time, right moment….Whoever he will be, it won't be me. I screwed up. I came back to fix it all, and the ultimate casualty is…. But why am I still here….. Why haven’t I faded. Why am I still here….if….if I will never come to be.~ Ronnie then collapsed on the cot and began to silently weep. Gabe sat next to Ronnie and placed his arm around her "come on now, anyone would think you're invested in this. I'd better get back" he wiped a tear and smiled. (reply None) (posted by Will, Robbie, Mat, and Mark) (Flames of Retribution- Holding Cells -CMO, Ensign Gabe Vespers - 0350) Walking back into his cell Gabe turned and watched as the guard raised the forcefield, when the moment was right he turned and walked to the corner, go the quiet "Commander, Lt, I have news. There is a plasma conduit running behind the Cell Ronnie and Ashlyn are in, the junction runs below us and from what I can tell is the one that that would bring down the containment fields, it was a quick scan without a second chance I couldn't be too sure, but it's definitely there. Thankfully, I now have an excuse to get back across to make more scans. I just need to know your thoughts? (Reply Nix, Williams) (Posted by Mat) (Flames of Retribution- Holding Cells - SFI Agent, Lt. Commander Tyko Nix - 0352) "Commander, Lt, I have news. There is a plasma conduit running behind the Cell Ronnie and Ashlyn are in, the junction runs below us and from what I can tell is the one that that would bring down the containment fields, it was a quick scan without a second chance I couldn't be too sure, but it's definitely there. Thankfully, I now have an excuse to get back across to make more scans. I just need to know your thoughts?" "So is she pregnant then?" (reply Vesper) "The Captain's wife. I've been around the block a few times, listening in on the symptoms, sounded a lot like morning sickness. So is she pregnant?" (Reply Vesper) "Well that sure as hell complicates things. I mean if she was just sick it would be easier. But with child...and if something happens to her....or to the child.....yeah I'm not living through that again. Trust me, prison breaks with pregnant prisoners don't always end up the way you hope." (reply Vesper) "My vote is still hang tight and wait, but I surely wont stop you. Or you Ire, if either of you plan on escaping I won't help either, as I think you're plan is a bit foolish." (Reply Ire, Vesper, iyw) "Say you do get the forcefields down, then what? How many guards are on this deck? Where will you go next? Do you know where the escape pods are? Can you save everyone? If you can't, what happens to those left behind? You have one idea, well, what's the next step? Have either of you successfully escaped the holding cell of a ship, with 40 hostages, while it was at warp? Because if you have a plan, I'm all ears. But before I even think of helping, I just need to know for sure if you've thought it all out." (Reply VEsper, IRe) (reply Vesper, Ire) (posted by Will) (USS Exeter - Personal quarters - (SPC) Sec. PO3 Sytuk- 0355) Sytuk was asleep, his quarters were silent. Suddenly his alarm went off. He rolled over and looked at the time. He looked up at the ceiling. Taking a deep breath he sat up on his bed. He walked over to his chair and sat down. The events of the previous day, still fresh in his mind. He closed his eyes and began to think about his life , his past. NRPG: FLASHBACK ( Romulan Colony- The Dur'ek Orphanage-14 year old Sytuk) It was early morning in the orphanage. Cela, the romulan woman who ran the orphanage was awake and starting her day. Her Husband Kuvel was up doing his morning routine of reading the new informative updates from the Romulan freestate. " I need Ryakna up and ready to go within the hour" Kuvel said., referring to a young Sytuk. That was the name they had given him, the romulan word for garbage. " He's in his hole. " Cela responded. Peering up from his PADD " Then go get him" Kuvel said in a demanding tone. Cela dropped what she was doing with frustration. " As if I don't have a million other things to do" she stormed off to the small room where Sytuk was locked in away from other children. She keyed in the access code to unlock the door to the dimly lit room. The room was small with dim yellow lighting softly illuminating the unfinished concrete walls. In the center of the room sat Sytuk in a steel chair. His head was down, his feet planted flat on the cold concrete floor. " Get up, you have work to do. " Cela said to him. Sytuk didn't respond. She reached beside the door and grabbed the klingon like pain stick and walked into the room. " Did you hear me ? I said GET UP !!! " She yelled as she activated the pain stick , the red glow and harsh buzzing noise filled the room. Still Sytuk didn't respond. This angered Cela so she took the pain stick and hit his shoulder with it, a red glow illuminated the point of contact. Sytuk's massive frame didn't budge. Cela pulled the stick away, she became flooded with rage and increased the level to maximum and hit again. He flinched ever so slightly. " This thing must be broken...Kuvel!!! " she yelled out." Her husband came running." What's wrong. ? " He isn't listening, he's playing his games again." Kuvel grabbed the pain stick and held it in front of Sytuk's face. " Listen to me Ryakna. Get up!" Sytuks eyes opened and he glared up at Kuvel , his eyes filled with rage. Sytuk grabbed the pain stick with one hand and Kuvel's throat with the other. He rose to his feet lifting Kuvel off the ground and threw him against the concrete wall. Cela backed up in fear and went to slam the door closed but Sytuk held his hand out and stopped the door from swinging closed. He dropped the pain stick on the floor. Cela ran into the room with the other children who still asleep and quickly woke them up, she figured using them as a shield would stop him. " Stop this right now , you're scaring the children." She said. As the romulan children looked frightened, they were still waking up and trying to make sense of it all. Sytuk stood there and looked at them. Many of them were the same age as him, yet he was physically larger than them due to Remans reaching physical maturity a lot faster than Romulans. He was also tasked with physical labor chores around the orphanage so even at a young age his physical prowess was impressive. He quickly disregarded their presence and walked straight towards Cela, the children got out of his way. Sytuk grabbed Cela with his hand firmly around her neck. " Let me go.." she pleaded. Sytuk looked in her eyes with blank emotionless expression " No…" He said in a deep tone. Suddenly Cela began to scream and shake, her eyes rolled in their sockets. He wasn't choking her, he wasn't physically harming her. He was doing something else, he was sharing his pain with her. The pain she had caused him over the years. The hot water, the lashings , the pain stick . All the emotional and physical pain he experienced coursed through her mind. He released her from his grasp and she fell to the floor. He looked down at her. She was screaming in agony. He turned around and the other children were looking at him. Some of the older ones were holding onto the younger ones. " Ryakna, don't hurt us. " one of the younger ones said in a sweet voice. He looked at the little girl " Never…" he walked past them and out the door. He walked into the kitchen area of the orphanage and grabbed a cutting utensil with his right hand and drove it into his left forearm. He dislodged the tracking device in his arm, tossing it across the room. After doing so he walked out of the orphanage and climbed the wall surrounding it, he landed on the other side and looked around , the morning was still dark. He took a deep breath of fresh air and walked off into his new found freedom. NRPG: END OF FLASHBACK RPG: Sytuk opened his eyes and looked around his quarters. He felt remorse for his actions but still attributed his freedom to those actions. He stood up and grabbed some off duty clothing and put them on. It was time to hit the gym for his morning workout. He left his quarters and headed to the gym. (posted by Rob) (Flames of Retribution- Holding Cells - CMO - Ens Gabe Vespers - 0355) "So is she pregnant then?" Nix asked "Excuse me?" Gabe was stunned at the question "The Captain's wife. I've been around the block a few times, listening in on the symptoms, sounded a lot like morning sickness. So is she pregnant?" "Yes, about two months pregnant; but I'm not entirely sure what that has to do with everything!" Pacing the floor again Gabe was trying to understand the mans insistence for ruling escape out. "Well that sure as hell complicates things. I mean if she was just sick it would be easier. But with child...and if something happens to her....or to the child.....yeah I'm not living through that again. Trust me, prison breaks with pregnant prisoners don't always end up the way you hope." "Do you ever stop" Spitting again Gabe felt his temper surging. "My vote is still hang tight and wait, but I surely wont stop you. Or you Ire, if either of you plan on escaping I won't help either, as I think you're plan is a bit foolish." "Oh how nice of you, forgetting your duty as a Starfleet officer again" Gabe spun and looked at Ire as he followed the conversation. "Say you do get the forcefields down, then what? How many guards are on this deck? Where will you go next? Do you know where the escape pods are? Can you save everyone? If you can't, what happens to those left behind? You have one idea, well, what's the next step? Have either of you successfully escaped the holding cell of a ship, with 40 hostages, while it was at warp? Because if you have a plan, I'm all ears. But before I even think of helping, I just need to know for sure if you've thought it all out." Gabe finally flashed red "you're missing a very good point here, Commander. We have a prime opportunity to scout the ship out, I can make Ashlyns symptoms worse, I can get her to their sickbay, that means we can find out the number of guards, we can get a plan sorted and we can do our duty as officers to get off this barge. You might not know but both my sister and myself have biochips implanted in us, these work as locators. This means the Exeter will be able to find us, it is out duty to make that search as easy for them as possible. Now you can sit there and take the moral high ground as much as you want or you can put your training to good use and help us. You may have forgotten Mr Nix that Ashlynn is pregnant, that makes this a Medical Emergency, in Medical Emergencies the CMO takes rank, now I WILL get her to that sickbay, we WILL recon the deck and we WILL get a plan. Now you can sit there and shirk your responsibility all you want but you WILL help in one form or another am I clear?!" Gabe bellowed the final part above a whisper and stopped allowing the silence to make his point. (Reply Ire, Nix) (Posted by Mat) (Flames of Retribution - Holding Cell Three – CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams - 0356) Ire listened to the new that Vesper brought back. ~Well that’s going to be an interesting conversation if…………when we get back~ "My vote is still hang tight and wait, but I surely wont stop you. Or you Ire, if either of you plan on escaping I won't help either, as I think you're plan is a bit foolish." Ire just shook his head. ~What was that old film series that Aunty use to watch Austin powers……..not wrong spy 666…..no 007, that it James Bond license to kill~ A ghost of a smile danced flashed across his face. ~Yes Bond would have had some kind of fancy gadget to get us out of the cell, incapacitate the crew, take over the ship, save the hostages and get the girl~ (Reply Vesper, iyw) "Say you do get the forcefields down, then what? How many guards are on this deck? Where will you go next? Do you know where the escape pods are? Can you save everyone? If you can't, what happens to those left behind? You have one idea, well, what's the next step? Have either of you successfully escaped the holding cell of a ship, with 40 hostages, while it was at warp? Because if you have a plan, I'm all ears. But before I even think of helping, I just need to know for sure if you've thought it all out." ~Not James Bond for sure. It is a pity that its only fiction and not real life~ He shook his head and began his coordination exercises. If he did find himself in front of the helm console he needed to be sure that he was able to fly it even if it was in Klingon. (Reply Vesper) (reply Vesper, Nix) (posted by Robbie) (Flames of Retribution- Holding Cells -ACFO, Ensign SG Ronnie Winters,- 0400) Ronnie laid quietly on her cot. She had barely spoken since hearing the news. She was able to let out a meek congratulations, and a meek dismissal to Gabe as he returned to his cell. She tried going back to sleep, but she couldn't. She kept thinking about how she messed things up, how she might have changed the timeline, in a way unintended, and how she might never come to exist. ~Damnit. Damnit. Damnit. I screwed up, and now....now, that's it for me. If I knew I was gonna cause my own nonexistence, I'd have prevented the freaking incident from happening too....but now, I tried to be safe, keep as much of the timeline intact, and I am paying the price. Oh gran.....I wish you were here. Not Dale....the real you...the one I left behind. (Flashback to 2440) It had been a long road to get there but she finally made it. The plan that she and her grandmother had concocted was finally coming to fruition. The stardate was 2440.03.11. She knew where the person she needed to see was and hoped that she would be at the Napa house like she was told. Ronnie was tired, lonely and afraid. She'd have to become integrated in history without altering it. Which meant not telling anyone about the incident. Not saving those lives. How could she, if she stopped it, her father's imzadi needed to die so he would fall in love with her mom. So she could be born. But it wasn't that incident she was sent to stop. It was another. She was being selfish, but she needed to be. Knocking on the door she waited for a woman to answer it Dale had just sat down after another infuriating day. After years of devoted service to the Fleet she'd found out she was, once more passed over for promotion. A flag rank, it seemed, was being denied her. She wouldn't mind but the people that were gaining the flags nowadays were the wrong sort of sycophants. She was glad that she had this place, few people knew about it. None that would gossip. It was a small hectarage hobby farm in the heart of the nappa valley, the wine it produced graced the tables of the great and good everywhere, but that wasn't its primary purpose. ~solitu…~ The door finished the word for her, and swearing like only her father knew how, stood up and opened it. "Gran?" Dale took a step back as the past and present proverbially slapped her around her cheeks. "Ashl…" she stopped, mid greeting, and reached out, twisting and lifting the jaw of the newcomer. "No..you're not" Dale was normally an emotionally stable person, not like Aimee, but now she was angry and rattled "...she's still on Bajor, and not my granddaughter anyway. So who, my lovely do you think you are? I only have one grandchild. And she has her own issues at the moment. Speak." Her Command voice snapped to the fore. The one that she'd almost forgotten about. She hadn't used it since the Hades. "It's hard to explain, may I come in?" Dale sighed. "Sounds like you better had." She stepped aside, and allowed Ronnie in. "Kitchen's through the way" Ronnie followed her grandmother into the kitchen and followed her suggestion to sit down. "You are correct that you only have one granddaughter. Right now. But I am your granddaughter. And you were not off base when calling me Ashlyn. But I'm not your daughter." "Please don't be cryptic, it's been quite a week already. Coffee?" She motioned to the pot of freshly brewed coffee "Sorry, apparently you once said I have my father's flair for the dramatic. My name is Veronica Kadaya Williams, but my parents nicknamed me Ronnie. They wanted to honor two of my grandparents so Kadaya is for my mother's adoptive mother. And while my given name is Veronica, Ronnie is a tribute to my mother's birth father." "Kadaya? Ronnie?" She nearly dropped the cup that she was passing over. "That's right Gran, Ronnie is for Ronal Ashalan. My mother is Ashlyn Jones and my father is Trip Williams. You can test my DNA if you want." Dale half sat half fell into the chair opposite Ronnie. "Ashalan? I haven't told anyone about him. For good reason no one knows about his part in my life." She felt the tears run down her face. Ronnie moved over next to Dale and put her arms around her. She took a handkerchief from her pocket and offered it to her. "Thank you. Assuming what you say is true, we'll talk about proof later. I'm going to guess that something happened for me to talk about it all?" "Yes, and it was you who sent me back." "I had a sneaking suspicion it might have been. I'm assuming that I had a reason? “Yes, you did.” "Wait...you said your parents are Ashlyn and Trip? “Yes, sorry, I shouldn’t have said that, but my being here, my being here could change everything, but it’s important for me, for the timeline, they do get together, and if I stay out of his way, it will happen.” Dale rubbed her temples, nodding. "I have so many questions." Ronnie then began to cry, “Gran, can, can I hug you?” Dale felt her heart melt, knowing without the need for proof of the truth. Wordlessly, she pulled Ronnie into a close hug, the type that she remembered Ailynn had loved as a younger child. Ronnie, in tears wrapped her arms around Dale, squeezing her as if she was never going to let go. “I never thought I would see you again.” Dale allowed the young girl, who was 18 at the outside, relax in her arms. Gently without knowing it Dale leant forward and kissed her gently on the top of the head, and carefully released Ronnie, reaching out and tucked her hair back behind her ears. "Sorry. Old habit." "We have a lot to talk about, but… you… young lady...look exhausted. Have you eaten at all? You're staying here, of course." Dale smiled gently, and warmly, still holding Ronnie's hands. “Now, I’ve, I’ve only been here for maybe an hour. I umm….beyond that, I was, in the future….and you, sent me back, but...as I did, I watched…. I watched you….” Ronnie then collapsed in Dale’s arm in tears sobbing. “I knew I would see you again, but I thought I could handle the emotions.” Suspecting she knew the rest of the sentence, held Ronnie once more. "Ssshhh…" she whispered. "You've gone through more than even I can imagine, its okay...You’ve shown how strong you are by even just making it to the door. Few people could. I certainly wasn't as strong as you are it that age." “Mom and dad…. When they died, I was here, you were watching me, you raised me...I never got to know them.” "Oh my poor darling…" Dale could feel herself well up again. “I came back to fix, to stop….. Stop it…. PADD, in my bag, all in there.” "Ronnie...you've gone through a lot, and you're safe now. We don't need to do this in one evening. I'm guessing you've had how many years of me nagging you, so...go and get some sleep. We can talk at breakfast. We both have a lot to process overnight." “Can we just sit here for awhile….” she said between sobs. “I just would love to sit with you awhile.” "Of course darling, no shop though. Go on through to the sofa in the snug, its my favourite little room here." “Gran,” She said with a soft whimper, “I know this you hasn’t made it for me yet, but do you think you could make me hot cocoa. You know, like the way you do for Ailynn.” Dale smiled and nodded happily. "A favourite huh? Well...thankfully i have the right ingredients. Including three big marshmallows, two white one pink." “Exactly.” She said with a smile. “You made that for me so many times. It also made me feel better.” Dale smiled as she prepped the ingredients, and warmed the milk to add to the rich cocoa. “She finds you, you know.” Ronnie said with a small smile. “My mom that is.” Sighing deeply, and nodding. "I'm glad, truly. Did older me tell you everything or does this me need to tell you the bits that older me still hides.?" She passed over the cocoa. “She told me everything,” Ronnie said blowing on the cocoa. “She wanted me to know as much as I could about my parents. Even all the duck stories. So much so, that now I have the same irrational fear of ducks as my father.” Dale laughed, sitting down next to her granddaughter on the soft low couch. "Does she forgive me? You know why I did what I did, but does Ashlynn understand?" “You will meet her, I can’t tell you when, or how, I don’t want to ruin the timeline. But she will come to you. And she loves you, loved you dearly. You connected instantly. She wrote a novel that was based on you, as a tribute, on how proud of you she was, on how much she loved you.” Blushing Dale sipped her cocoa, and listened as Ronnie carried on speaking. “She talked to you every day, she even was close to Aimee. It was like she had always been with you. You became her hero Gran. The only person in her life in those days that she loved more than you was my dad and I.” Dale knew she couldn't hold back her tears. There were things that Ronnie would know but Dale wanted to relate. "It was the hardest thing, but it was the only way to keep her safe. Kadaya was the kindest, gentlest person I think I've met. It destroyed me when she died. Her father...well. I tried, I tried to get her out and into a different family, but even my influence didn't extend that far. I've never forgiven myself. You have to believe me i tried." She'd never opened up about this before, once a tear formed, the dam broke. “She forgave you, Gran. Don’t be too sad, you’ll see. You will be so happy.” "I'm sorry, I'm supposed to be looking after you, not the other way." Ronnie put her mug down then curled up on the couch resting her head in her grandmother’s lap while yawning. “I love you Gran, So very much.” She said sleepily, closing her eyes. “For the first time, in hours, I finally feel safe.” Dale welled up once more, "love you too." She found herself replying honestly. Carefully Dale ran her fingers through the long, dark, hair that all the girls of her mother Leola's lineage had. She carefully pulled stray locks out of Ronnie's eyes, gently smiling happily now, Ronnie's breathing now deep and regularly showed that she had lost her battle against sleep. (End Flashback) Ronnie had come back to the past to change a cataclysmic event. She had a mission to complete. She knew she needed to be brave. She came back to save her parents, and everyone, and even though her mom and dad were having a different child and it mean that she would never be born...she would still do her best to complete her mission. As she drifted of to sleep, a different thought crossed her mind. She was not in her timeline anymore, things were different. But she was still there. Maybe it was in fact a different timeline, a different parallel universe to begin with. That by going back she caused a new branch. Maybe the fact that he would be born, and that she would never exist in this timeline, other than her current self, it meant that things would be different this time....That in the end, when the final showdown began 2 years from now.... the Exeter would actually win. (reply none) (posted by Will and Mark) (USS Exeter - Gym - (SPC) Sec. PO3 Sytuk- 0418) Sytuk walked into the Gym and looked around there were a few others there getting in their pre and post shift work outs. Sytuk walked over to the bench press and set the weight at his usual setting and began lifting. His mind went to a place of relaxation. With each lift we felt more relaxed. He needed to get his mind right for the upcoming events of the day. ( reply any in the gym at that time if you want ) ( posted by Rob Davis)- Spc Sytuk (USS Exeter - Personal quarters - Tac/Sec Ens. Stan More - 04:19 ) After clearing up the mess Stan changed , showered and went to sleep.Thankfully his dream was just a simple one. Stan woke a little later and gazed out the window. His thoughts kept going back to how Lillian. Had managed to topple over a glass table. Smashing a rather large vase. ~ Her collar should of activated the moment she left her area. The rest and play monitor should of emitted a tractor beam. Gently pulling her back. So why did it not work? ~ Stan thought. He got out of bed and moved to where Lillian lay sleeping. The dog lay on her back with her legs in the air. Her limbs twitched and she gave little high pitched whimpers. Meaning she was having a dream. Knowing she would not be happy at being woken up. He slowly moved towards a maintenance panel. Pulling it open he looked inside. One of the circuit blocks was hanging loose. He placed a hand on it and pressed hard. It clicked back into place. ~ I knew it. There that should do. Can’t have yer wee scaly breaking my things.~ Stan thought ( Reply, none ) ( Posted by:- Norman 🐼) (USS Exeter - Deck 3- Living quarters -aCTO/COO Lieutenant jg Ravok & Sec/Tac Ensign Greta Smith-0543) Ravok approached Greta's door. He knew it was early but he pressed the button anyway. Grabbing a cup of coffee, Greta yawned. Having been up for a while, she was dressed in her uniform trousers and standard issue vest top. Taking a sip of the coffee, she turned to sit on her sofa as the door chime rang. “Who is it?” " Its uh me, Ravok. " He answered awkwardly. Closing her eyes for a brief second, she thought to herself, ~So it begins.~ Sitting down on the sofa, she replied, “Come on in.” Ravok entered and Venus followed behind him. As soon as Venus saw Greta she ran over and frantically rubbed her head against her and started sniffing all over her ,wagging her tail in excitement. Reaching down, a small smile flittered onto Greta’s face, “Hey there little monkey. You being good for your dad?” " She missed you." Ravok said as he sat down in a chair. “I missed her. I know Ire…” Greta stopped, took a deep breath and took a sip of her coffee. " I'm sorry for waking you, I just wanted to see how you are doing " Ravok said. “Honestly? I’m coping.” Ravok listened to her, he wanted to let her express herself. He wanted to be there for her. “I slept, ate. All the things that More…. Sorry Ensign more told me to do.” “Sir, may i speak freely?” Greta asked him. " Greta, we aren't on duty. I'm not in uniform and neither are you, it's me Ravok. Just talk to me." He said in a soft tone. Taking a second to get her thoughts in order, Greta put her cup of coffee down on the table and looked at him, “I know why you are here. You want to know if i am capable of doing my job.” She stated. " I'm going to be direct and speak freely myself. I am here because I owe it to Ire , to make sure you're alright. That is the primary reason I'm here. I know you are capable of doing your job. I've seen you operate under stress before ." Ravok responded. She nodded, knowing where this was going and knowing that Ravok was right. Ire was his friend long before she was. " But the real question is for how long can you do your job ? What if the worst happens? What if you join the away team and it is discovered the love of your life is dead, murdered by the cultist. What then? What of your ability to do your job for the survivors? Greta I'm being realistic. There is a good possibility we are going to lose the people we love. I need you to remain as safe as possible. I owe it to Ire and I it owe to our fellow crew members." Ravok paused. " You're also an extreme hot head. In a fight I'd want you at my side , but not this one. It can't be this one." "I know. I understand that. But if I may ask one thing of you?" Ravok sighed and lowered his head and looked back at her. " Of course Greta " "Don't sideline me. I can do my job on the ship. It would be worse for me sitting here doing nothing. " He shook his head. " Greta , I don't want to sideline you, this isn't about that. This is about making sure you're ok. " "I spent most of last night wondering what was going on, was he okay? I need to be active. " Ravok placed his face in his hands. " Have you talked to the counselor?" Greta nodded, "After getting medically cleared, was one of the first things I did. She cleared me." " So you're clear for duty." Ravok said, taking a deep breath. " If there is an away team or rescue team. You are not to be on it. I'm not going to argue your ability to serve, the counselor cleared you. It is what it is and since you need to be active I am assigning you to torpedo bay duty." Greta raised an eyebrow, "That's almost as bad as being sidelined." He raised his hand. " Look I know it's boring, but it will keep you occupied. I need you to count, analyze and catalog the photon torpedoes. Address any errors. You aren't involved in direct combat but you're not sitting on the bench either. Keep me loaded, help me bring them home. Can you do that ? " Ravok asked. Biting her lip and forcing down the need to respond in a way that would probably not have ended well, Greta nodded, "Yes, sir." Ravok raised an eyebrow realizing Greta's facial expression " You know you can't bullshit me. Every time you bite your lip you're holding back. No matter what you are doing. Ire and Keira would second that observation. Say what you need to say. I'm here to do what's best for you " Ravok noted. "I'm…. It's just better for me if I'm not just sat here alone. It was bad enough last night…" Ravok got up and walked over to her, crouching down next to her. " You're not alone...ever." Smiling softly, Greta nodded, "I know…. I just …. It's hard being here expecting him to walk through the door and knowing he isn't." " I know , I can't even imagine what your feeling right now. " Ravok said with an intense sincerity. He wanted to change the tone. "I'm also sticking you in the torpedo bays because Ensign Kol was taken by the cultist. So I need someone I trust in the spot. " Ravok said with a smile. "Aw, you trust me even though I know people call me the Scottish wrecking ball?" " I have my limits" He laughed. "I'll be okay. Just promise me something. " " Sure" He replied. "Bring him home. Bring them all home." He looked at her for a moment and took a deep breath. " I can't promise that. But I can promise that if we all do what needs to be done we will show those cultist they picked the wrong people to mess with." He said ,placing a hand on her shoulder. " Greta I will do everything I can to make them pay " Closing her eyes for a moment, she turned and looked at him, "He picked right." " Who ?" He questioned. "Ire. He picked the best best man." Ravok smiled." He picked the best fiance as well...for now. " He said standing up and walking towards the door and turned back , "Aekiraekaelhta' " He said to Venus, giving her the command for ' Come' in romulan. He looked at Greta. " Are you going to be fine ?" "I'm going to be fine. Give them hell for me?" Ravok smiled " We will Ensign Smith." He said as he walked out the door. Taking a final sip of her coffee, Greta took a deep breath and closed her eyes. ~I'm not one for prayer but I just… ire, wherever you are, we're coming.~ ( reply None) ( posted by Jackie and Rob) (USS Exeter - personal quarters- sec Officer Ensign Paul Sleeford 16: 06:00) The insensate bleep woke Sleeford, sitting upright he looked around to find himself on the floor by the window of his quarters, having fallen asleep contemplating the next move of the cultists that had kidnapped some of the crew. Standing he bent to scoop up the towel from the floor, walking to the shower he got ready for the day ahead, technically he would be sixteen hours early for his shift, but given the circumstances he knew it probably wouldn’t matter. Dressing in a clean fresh uniform and clean boots he headed out to the crew mess for breakfast. (posted by Alistair) (USS Exeter-Bridge - aCTO/COO Lieutenant jg Ravok-0606) After speaking with Ensign Greta Smith Ravok returned Venus back to his quarters and made his way to the bridge. Still dressed in his off duty clothing. Ravok wasn't reporting for early duty. He was checking on Trip, the same way he checked on Greta. After a location inquiry he learned the Captain was in his ready room. When Ravok reached the door to the ready room he took a deep breath, preparing himself for whatever state his friend and captain would be in. Ravok often thought of Trip as tough as nails, strong willed and clear minded. He knew Trip wasnt perfect. None of them were. Ravok pressed the button to alert Trip of his presence at his door. ( Reply Trip) " Lieutenant Ravok, Sir." He responded. ( reply Trip) ( reply Trip.) ( posted by Rob Davis) (USS Exeter-Ready Room - CO, Lt. Commander Trip Williams-0610) As Ravok entered Trip was seated at his desk trying to enjoy some breakfast. They had crossed into the Gamma Quadrant while he was asleep. They were still on an intercept course of the Enemy vessels. The transponders were still beeping and still moving, indicating that they had not yet stopped, and based on course projections, they would probably over take the bird of prey within an hour or so. So he was trying to get a hearty breakfast before making his way to the bridge and prepare himself for the attempted rescue. In front of him was a mug of hot tea, it was a black tea, of the kind that was famous with english breakfasts. Yet it was mixed with generous portions of milk, sugar, and honey. Next to the mug was a glass of apple juice. On his plate was the every delicious american style biscuit, the flaky breaded delicacy that had more in common with a scone than a cookie. There were two on his plate, smothered in sausage gravy, with a side of scrambled eggs, hashbrowns, and three pieces of applewood smoked bacon, which he was saving for last. He needed a little bit of cheer in his day, as he slept terrible, the whole while grabbing for an Ash that was not there. Trapped somewhere, abducted, out in the middle of the Gamma Quadrant. "Your shift doesn't start for a couple hours, what brings you to darken my door?" (reply Ravok) "Huh" Trip exclaimed, "Get some breakfast and pull up a chair, let's talk about it." (reply Ravok) (posted by Will) (USS Exeter-Ready room - aCTO/COO Lieutenant jg Ravok-0611) "Your shift doesn't start for a couple hours, what brings you to darken my door?" Trip asked. Ravok scratched the back of his neck. " Well, I just got done checking on Greta, and now I'm just checking on you. Oh and I also tried praying for the first time, I hope that goes well." He said to Trip with a smirk. "Huh, Get some breakfast and pull up a chair, let's talk about it." Trip offered. Ravok looked at Trip's hearty breakfast and turned to the replicator on the wall. He proceeded to order 2 pancakes with a side of Ketchup and a glass of concentrated lemonade. He sat down with his unusual breakfast combo. He looked at his plate and Trips face and laughed. " There are a lot of things you eat that I find weird, so dont judge me." He said pointing his fork and laughing. ( reply Trip) He took a bite of his breakfast. " So I woke up after not sleeping that long. Like any of us really could." He stopped to take a drink. " So I woke up, walked into my office and sat down and prayed. I don't know to whom or what I prayed, but it was a rather interesting experience nonetheless. ( reply Trip ) " I prayed for hope. For us, for them. I asked that whoever or whatever that might be listening to just meet us halfway. Just give us a chance. I don't think that is too much to ask for. " Ravok remarked as he took another drink of his lemonade concentrate. ( Reply Trip) ( reply Trip) ( posted by Rob Davis) (USS Exeter-Ready room - CO, Lt. Commander Trip Williams-0612) " There are a lot of things you eat that I find weird, so dont judge me." He said pointing his fork and laughing. "If I was going to judge you it wouldn't be for your choice of food." Trip said with a smile. " So I woke up after not sleeping that long. Like any of us really could. So I woke up, walked into my office and sat down and prayed. I don't know to whom or what I prayed, but it was a rather interesting experience nonetheless." "What did you pray for?" " I prayed for hope. For us, for them. I asked that whoever or whatever that might be listening to just meet us halfway. Just give us a chance. I don't think that is too much to ask for. " Ravok remarked as he took another drink of his lemonade concentrate. "I pray myself." Trip said taking a sip of his tea. "I guess I'm searching. My mom and my sister have an affinity to the Betazed religion, to the goddess, but I never felt connected to it. My dad on the other hand was more spiritual, even studied some of the Bajoran religion for awhile. Me, I think there is something out there, something that binds us, but I'm not sure who or what. But I like to believe that there is something out there, an unmoved mover so to speak. If everything in motion was set in motion by something else, then the unmoved mover is the one who put everything in motion, without being moved himself. On Earth this was first theorized by the Ancient Greek philosopher Aristolte and echoed by Philosopher and Theologian Thomas Aquinas." (Reply Ravok) "I guess, when Rae died, I really began searching for something, anything that led to an afterlife, hope we'd meet again. Then when I met Ash, I found myself giving prayers of thanks. Regardless of belief, I think it can be useful. Saved my Dad's life." (Reply Ravok) "He was a POW in the Civil War, prayer, prayer of hope specifically, were instrumental in keeping his mind sane during days of imprisonment and torture." Trip paused. "Sorry that might have been a little dark." (reply Ravok (reply Ravok) (posted by Will) (USS Exeter-Ready room - CO, Lt. Commander Trip Williams & aCTO/COO Lieutenant jg Ravok-0613) Ravok listened as Trip explained yet another facet of humanity's tale. Trip was sometimes the most human person he knew, even though he was a hybrid. Ravok didn't have a dislike for telepaths or empaths, he just had a deep rooted uneasy feeling when it came to them. But this uneasiness was not felt in the pretense of Trip. " ….. If everything in motion was set in motion by something else, then the unmoved mover is the one who put everything in motion, without being moved himself. On Earth this was first theorized by the Ancient Greek philosopher Aristolte and echoed by Philosopher and Theologian Thomas Aquinas." Trip said. Ravok put his eating utensil down, looked at Trip and crossed his arms. " So what made you become such an expert?" He held his hand up " Let me rephrase that. What inspired you to acquire that knowledge?" Ravok asked, trying not to question another person calling to faith, but more so to understand the path taken to a deeper understanding. "I guess, when Rae died, I really began searching for something, anything that led to an afterlife, hope we'd meet again. Then when I met Ash, I found myself giving prayers of thanks. Regardless of belief, I think it can be useful. Saved my Dad's life." Ravok raised his eyebrow. " It did ?" "He was a POW in the Civil War, prayer, prayer of hope specifically, were instrumental in keeping his mind sane during days of imprisonment and torture." After a momentary pause, Trip said. "Sorry that might have been a little dark." Ravok shook his head with a friendly smirk that grew to a smile. " No need to apologize. It didn't get dark. Not at all. The theological notion of the unmovable mover sounds kind of like Cradol, the romulan representation of fate. Everything in our lives is already set in motion. The doors are there to be walked through. Every door opened and walked through is another step closer to fulfilling one's destiny. Now that doesn't mean that fate is concrete and unwavering. To us fate is like the waves of the ocean. Metaphorically speaking we are born in the ocean. The waves carry us to our destiny. We must learn to keep our heads up long enough to be carried to shore. The shore being the fulfillment of our destiny. The aspect of hope does become prevalent through our lives, the hope that we and those we care about make it to shore. So your father's prayers , while being captured kept him sane, gave him hope and allowed him to reach the shore. That isn't dark at all, it's beautiful." "Oh I meant it was dark because of the POW thing." Trip said with laugh. Ravok laughed. " Yeah, I understand, especially with ...you know " he said trying to hint towards the current circumstances without having to say it. How could he say it ? Loved ones were taken. "You know this is the farthest I think all of us have been away from home. Here deep in the Gamma Quadrant. Its all new." Ravok looked out the window of the ready room. " Now all I have to do is visit the delta quadrant and I've seen the galaxy." He said with a laugh. "To think a year ago we were on Mars. Now look at us." He picked up his drink and finished what was left of it. " It's crazy How much things have changed." Ravok said, looking at his empty glass. " I often wonder why us? Now granted the class of 2444 was the largest graduating class in nearly 40 years, but why us? We're all still so young and bound to make mistakes. Yet here we are in the gamma quadrant." "Because we can't control our fate. We just do what we're asked." " As acting chief tactical officer I shouldn't say this , but I am saying this to you as a friend, a brother . I am scared out of mind. It's crazy to think right now it's us and them out here. " Ravok said as he looked out the window into the void of space. His fear wasn't for himself but for the crew. "Is it really any different then zooming out to the Kuiper belt as no experience ensign jgs?" " This time, yeah. Same element of danger exists, this time is just different. I guess it's just another step on our path. Cant stay comfortable forever I suppose." Ravok said, looking at Trip. "Trust your brothers." Ravok nodded his head. " I trust you. I trust us." He said with a smile. "How could you not?" Trip said with a smile. Ravok took a breath, adjusting his demeanor towards a more professional one. " I checked on Ensign Smith, she's holding it together as well as can be expected and has been cleared for duty. I have assigned her to the torpedo bays so she isn't actively involved in a combat scenario but she also is not just sitting there doing nothing. Sometimes the best way a player can support the team is from the bench. She's on the bench but still has the playbook in her hands as it were." "Yeah… She and Ire have been through so much. I almost wonder if they'd have been happier on Mars." " I have thought about that myself. But I don't think either one of them had it in mind to stay on mars for the rest of their careers " Ravok replied. "Sure its a bit more mundane. Its hard enough being in a relationship in Starfleet. But dating a fellow officer in a high pressure situation. I've read the reports. She shut down in a potential combat zone and that could have cost lives." Ravok shook his head. " I didn't even read into the away team reports. " He rubbed the back of his neck. " That's not good. Not good at all. " Ravok paused for a moment. " Damnit Greta, I'm sorry Sir. It's just that she's a good officer but she leads with her emotions . We know that better than anyone. " "We do. It's true." " Don't get me wrong I consider her a friend , her and Keira are close. As much as I want to be disappointed in her for freezing up, I would be lying if I thought I wouldn't possibly do the same thing. " He said to Trip. "I didn't. I'm in her same situation and I didn't. I don't expect insane production from my officers. I only ask of them what I ask of myself." " You're right you didn't waver in your duties. " Ravok responded. "She may be cleared but I want her on less stressful tasks. She's not cleared for combat or away teams until further notice. And I want her attending counseling sessions every two weeks. And I want you giving her those orders." Ravok looked at Trip then moved his eyes around the room. "Shes not going to take that well at all , but I will do as you command." "Look I get it. It sucks to have your significant other taken. But I expect some emotional suppression in those situations. They have my wife and you don't see me shutting down. I'm doing my job." " You are and that sets a great example for the rest of the crew, everyone has lost someone. We need to keep our heads on straight." Ravok said as he looked at the chronometer on his wrist. " I have to get ready for duty. I have two departments two prepare." "Just. Look, when you tell those things to Greta, just let her know that I trust her, she just… she has to separate work from the heart. If that makes sense. Im rooting for her. I am." Ravok stood up and grabbed the empty glass and his plate tossing them to the receptacle. " I will Sir. Thank you for breakfast. " "Any time." " See you soon...Captain." Ravok said. "I'm not being too harsh on Greta am I?" Ravok stopped. " Captain, you have always wanted my honesty so here it is. You are justified in your stance. She froze up on the away team, but she didn't have a ready room to go to. She did not have the same luxury you did Sir. You followed protocol to the letter. You turned over the bridge and immediately got examined by the ship's counselor for fitness of command. " Ravok drew a breath. " Sometimes we have to not only think like our enemies but also think like our friends. If you were her, would you have reacted the same she did? It's impossible to know. You're a battle tested leader and one of the finest men I have met. " “If I was on the away mission I’d have finished the mission. I wouldn’t have froze. And I only went into the ready room and called the counselor to confirm what I already knew. So then if you questioned my fitness I could shove it in your face.” Trip paused and smiled… “With a smile of course.” Ravok laughed. " I would never." “Look….I worry about Greta. She’s a great officer, I just, I don’t want her too burdened. I want ther to have all the tools she needs to succeed.” " She does Sir. " Ravok replied “And Honestly, I’m barely keeping it together, but I have 500 lives counting on me. Sorry, five hundred and one.” " It's important to be precise...wait. We only have five hundred people on this ship, I may not know much but I know that much."Ravok said, pointing his finger and smiling. “Yeah… she’s….yeah. So we have to get them back….We have to succeed. Because I have a lot riding on this. So I keep myself together, because I know I can’t fail. You go tell Greta that, tell her, tell her that I need her not to freeze. That we will get Ire back together, and that it’s going to be ok. That Trip is rock solid determined, and she will have her Ire Bear back in one piece. I guaran-damn-tee-it.” ~ Yeah ...she's….yeah.~ Ravok thought trying to make sense of that remark. " I will tell her Sir. See you soon" Ravok said as he walked out the door and walked to the turbolift. ( reply none ) ( posted by Will and Rob) (USS Exeter - Personal Quarters - CSO Lt Jg Erin Cortez - 0619) Sitting on her sofa with a mug of coffee in her hand, Erin had had a restless night. Her mind had been full of thoughts of Ailynn and the others. Taking a sip of her coffee, she knew that they would be found but her thoughts had now turned onto what state her friends would be in when they found them. Sighing, her mind wandered. Back to a time not that long ago when she had been back on earth, before she was recruited into Starfleet science and before her recovery had been deemed by the counsellors as complete. (Flashback) Breathing heavily, Erin pulled herself up and over the last ledge of the mountain she had been climbing with her father. She knew he had a reason for taking her to this place. He had told her that there was someone he wanted her to meet. Someone that may be able to help her understand and deal with her thoughts. Wiping her hands free of dust on her trousers, Erin stood tall and took in several deep breaths and looked around her. The view was indescribable. Forest for as far as the eye could see and a clear blue sky. A slight breeze blew around them as she took in the sight. Standing off to her left, her father watched her carefully. He could tell that, despite what the doctors had told him, his daughter was not right. Something was hiding deep within her and it hurt him that he could not help her. “Erin?” She turned and smiled softly, “Yes?” “You see that cabin just on the top of the next rise?” Erin turned and looked. Seeing a small wooden cabin, her head tilted slightly as she wondered why he had brought her here. “Go there. I’ll wait here for you. Ahiga is in there. Talk with him.” Erin looked at her father for a moment. This man had not left her side throughout her recovery and had even slept next to her bed. She was confused and a little worried about what he had brought her to do but she trusted him with her life. Nodding, Erin turned, walked the last few metres up to the cabin and knocked on the door. As she stood a few steps back, the door opened and an older man with long black hair opened the door. “Erin, Please come in.” Looking at him for a moment, Erin took a deep breath and walked through the door into a comfortable living area. A sofa was off to one side and a roaring fireplace directly infront of her with a rug that was filled with colours. On the rug lay what looked like an old fashioned teapot with two mugs next to it. As she stood taking in the sights and sounds of the room, she became aware that the man had moved from behind her to her side. Gesturing with his hand, he knelt down on the rug next to the tea pot and began to pour a drink. Erin sat opposite him, her legs crossed and her hands on her knees, not knowing what to say to him. “Your father has spoken of you.” Ahiga said softly. “I bet he has.” she replied a little glib. Realising immediately what she had said, she closed her eyes briefly and opened them, looking at the man infront of her. “I’m sorry. I…. it’s been a difficult time recently and i reacted instantly rather than thinking about what i should have said.” Ahiga nodded knowingly. “He did not tell me what had happened. I, however, can tell there is a darkness that does not belong to you in your soul.” Raising an eyebrow, Erin looked at him, “You have no idea how right you are.” He smiled a little and handed her a cup of hot liquid. Regarding the woman infront of him, Ahiga chose his words carefully. “I mean no disrespect when i speak of the darkness. Everyone has it. Deep within them. This, for you, is different. This is not your darkness but it lives within you.” Erin nodded, “It’s not something that i particularly want to talk about. I know my father asked me to talk to you ….” She stopped as she saw the man hold up his hand. “Your father is a good and honest man. He wants to help you understand however it is not within his or my power to do that. Please, drink the tea and i will explain why he has sent you here.” Erin looked at the man and took a long sip of the slightly bitter liquid. Wincing slightly at the taste, she put the cup down and sighed, “Please, explain.” Ahiga watched her for a second before he spoke, “Erin, for many many years, my culture has believed that there are spirits of the earth and sky that guide us. That help us and teach us. We all have a guide in this life, whether we choose to see and greet them or not. It is your time to see and meet yours. The drink allows you to enter a meditative state that enables the spirit to speak to you. I will help you on this journey if you are willing?” Erin sighed again, “At this point, i am willing to try anything.” Ahiga nodded, “Close your eyes and try to clear your mind. Think of a place that makes you happy, a place you feel safe and calm.” As she did as he requested, Erin felt her mood change, something was different but she couldn’t quite understand what it was. Putting her hands down, she felt grass underneath them. Opening her eyes, she gasped a little. Before her lay the woods not far from her house and she recognised the clearing she was sat in. As she looked around, her conscious mind realised that this was a dream. ~A vivid and very real dream~ she thought to herself. After a second, she heard a sound behind her in the woods. Something moving, but lightly on the leaves that had fallen from the trees. As she began to turn, she had a feeling that she should not and stayed still. As the sound grew closer, a smell hit her nostrils. A not unpleasant smell but it was one that she had smelt before. ~Fur?~ She became acutely aware of something beside her, the weight of an animal leaning against her side. ~Erin, you need to own the darkness inside you. Acknowledge it. Don’t hide from it. I will be here to guide you whenever you need me.~ Not knowing what to do, she put a hand out to her side and felt the warmth of the animal next to her. Something about its being calmed her mind and she took a deep breath and looked. A grey wolf stood at her side. A smile grew on Erin’s face as she looked at the animal. ~Freyr. My name is Freyr~ Erin nodded and closed her eyes as the feeling of the woods, the grass and the sounds of the forest faded. She opened her eyes and found herself back in the cabin. Ahiga nodded at her. “Now, the darkness within you is already dimming. Take from this moment and draw strength from it whenever you need to.” (End of Flashback) Erin opened her eyes and sighed heavily. The need for strength for her, her friends and the rest of the crew was evident. Those that had lost loved ones, those that had had friends and family taken from them. Putting her cup down on the table, she stood and said to no-one, “We are all a family and that does not end with blood. We will find you and bring you home.” (Reply None) (Posted by Jackie) (USS Exeter- crew mess sec Officer Ensign Paul Sleeford 16: 06:30) Entering the normally noisy mess Sleeford was struck by the subdued atmosphere, heading to the closest replicator he ordered a plate of warm buttered tea cakes, a large coffee and a glass of orange juice, finding an empty table Sleeford sat, taking a sip of coffee he enjoyed the silence in a usually very loud room. Staring into space and trying to gather his thoughts Sleeford defaulted to his usual stern look. Finishing his breakfast Sleeford caught snippets of conversations, hearing his name mentioned in a couple he smiled slightly, if some of these fools want to think that he’d been involved in the beam out of the Bajorian crew, at least they where leaving someone else alone, scuttlebutt had never bothered Sleeford, people had been gossiping and rumour mongering as long as there’d been a navy, it was their way of thinking they knew what was going on. Standing Sleeford picked up his tray and walked towards the replicator, passing the two loudest gossips, pausing Sleeford squatted slightly. “ If I was going to get rid of any one it would have been two gossiping old women like you two. Have a nice day” As he walked away he was glad to see at least one had the grace to look embarrassed. (Replies none) (Posted by Alistair) (Prophet’s Truth, Personal Quarters - FO/CEO Atho Turil – 0705) =^= We’ve just arrived in orbit around the planet, you wanted us to inform you, =^= the helmsman’s voice came over the comms. Turil keyed the comm-unit by his bed. “Begin landing procedures. Prepare our living prisoner to meet our leader. I’ll be there when I’m ready.” He then closed the channel. He keyed a cylindrical device and began speaking. “Artho Turil, personal log. We’ve arrived at our Gamma quadrant base. Some how one of the Starfleet prisoners died during transport. The engineer in me thinks that it has something to do with the Anesthizine we pumped into their holding cell as it was the only thing we had changed. Perhaps the mostly silent one in blue had some sort of allergy to the substance as rare as that might be. His companion the doctor, she had admitted as much herself, said nothing when we questioned what happened. It appears she has taken up her companion’s silent treatment of us. Something the scientist would not have caught, the only partially Bajoran doctor is also wearing a priest’s accoutrements, and the now permanently silent obviously fully Bajoran one in blue, has none. I can only assume she took it off of his corpse. The former priest in me says the Prophets had something to do with it. If they could hear the thoughts of our passengers why not just stop us outright? Surely they know something is amiss. The body of the male will remain onboard in our morgue until we can make arrangements. Even if he was on the wrong side I hate to see the loss of a fellow Bajoran. To think in another life time, I might have called him brother.” He paused briefly before continuing. A moment of silent reverence was the least he could do. “As we begin landing procedures I think on two things: This lush verdant world we are now in orbit of will make a good temporary home until we can re-claim our ancestral one, and the now known fact that this world once held the very Emissary of the Prophets on it’s surface. He was on a routine planetary survey with his son and a pair of Ferengi when his party was ambushed by Jem-Hadar. The Dominion has since abandoned claim to the world when they signed the treaty with the Alliance powers. It’s proximity to the Celestial Temple and with no intervening astral bodies in-between us gives us a straight line of sight for our next plan. A plan Jost assures me will “Silence the false Prophets forever”, what ever that means. I have the remaining piece of equipment needed to finish modifying the transmission dish as per Jost’s instructions. I thought he was going to make a weapon, but the plans look like the most he’d be able to manage is a tachyon stream or a stream of chronotons. It won’t hold a phaser, polaron or disruptor beam, hell it wouldn’t be strong enough to knock a passing comet off course. I vowed to follow him to the very end, and that’s what I’m going to do. I have faith the plan will work. End log.” Turil put his log cylinder down and exited to join everyone on the bridge. (Reply None) (posted by Todd) (Gamma Quadrant – The Planet, Abandoned Shrine – Entity Vessel - Trentin Jost – 0710) The days here in exile, in the Gamma Quadrant have worn on Jost. At the entity’s behest he read that book cover to cover, twice, to become familiar with it. With the Wraith’s help he was able to read the ancient Bajoran quite easily. It would have taken him months to do so on his own at the Archives on Bajor. Months that they did not have. He had also with instructions from the Wraith began modifying the communications dish to emit a chroniton pulse on a tachyon carrier wave. The chronitons were notoriously unpredictable. The tachyon carrier would ensure faster than light speed and, more reliable everything. Cobbling it together had kept him busy over the past months. Finding the remains of a Dominion base in the cave only a few kilometers away and catabolizing the shuttle that brought him here gave him all the parts he needed save one, the Cardassian phase discriminator salvaged from Empok Nor the abandoned Cardassian station. If DS9 had the part it would have been easier, but overall more risky to take it from there, however when the Federation took the station, they began replacing the parts and over a few decades very few of the parts in question had not burned out already. He could have made do with a Starfleet one, but that would require more that one power conversion to make it work, while the Cardassian one was already at the correct output. A phase discriminator that his First Officer and longtime friend Artho Turil at this very moment handed to him. “Excellent.” Jost said. “Were you followed?” “Perhaps,” Turil said cautiously. “We narrowly escaped a new Starfleet ship,” he explained. “I used every trick I could to get away from them. They were able to find us before, I would not be surprised if they eventually find us.” Rage filled the former priest’s entire form, “I said NO ONE follows you!” As his right foot stomped on the ground, the ground shook briefly but violently, plumes of Sulphur and fire shot up from the span-sized cracks just created. :: Yes, revel in your power.:: The tremor, no matter how momentary, knocked Turil off his feet, more out of surprise than shear force. Turil’s eyes now wide, as he scrambled back in a supine position, “ Jost…. I, tried my best I used every trick you showed us. Your Father’s tricks from fighting the Cardassians, even a few more your daughter came up with. Maybe it’s destiny, the True Prophets for their final victory allowing it to happen?” ::No, he’s incompetant.:: “I’ve brought you something, some one….” He said cautiously standing. “I captured two of the Starfleet Officers that were raiding the asteroid base in the Badlands, both of Bajoran decent. One died in transit, but the other survived.” He reported and activated his communicator, with one hand and the other acquired a small control remote from his pocket. “Transport her to the surface.” (Reply Bracken) The instant Bracken had materialized inside of a black 2m circle on the ground, Itel activated the forcefield, which turned the circle a bright magenta. (Reply Bracken) Turil pointed at the Starfleet officer,“Lieutenant Bracken,” then pointed to a Bajoran man wearing simple brown clothing adorned with a red sash, “Trentin Jost.” The man was standing in front of her and next to a large broadcasting array seemingly cobbled together from at least two different cultures’ technology (Reply Bracken) “I wouldn’t advise that,” Turil said matter-of-factly. “It’s a forty terawatt forcefield and lethal on contact.” He paused. “I wouldn’t want to see you get hurt.” (Reply Bracken) “Turil, Ignore her and help me install this last piece. She’s only here to witness the end of the false prophets.” (Reply Bracken) =^= Sir, long range sensors have picked up the Retribution. =^= “Good, I want my daughter here for this moment.” Jost said. =^= There’s another ship following her soon to overtake her, it has a Starfleet warp signature.=^= “Scramble the Truth my friend,” Jost commanded. “I will complete the installation myself. The Sabers?” Turil shook his head, “Destroyed, covering our escape from the Badlands.” “Delay them as long as you can. Activate our transport inhibitors and the ground shield on the way out. May the True Prophets guide you.” Turil nodded and bowed before leaving. (Reply Bracken IYW) (Posted by Todd)(NPC Trentin Jost) (USS Exeter- deck 20 Security Office- 16: 07:10) Sleeford sat at the desk he’d left not eight hours ago, staring at the daily duty roster on the PADD and seeing nothing but squiggles, his mind was not fully on his job, a problem he suspected a lot of the crew where having. The bosons call had him look up from the screen. All hands, battle stations. Alpha Shift, prepare for shift change. Senior Staff report to Duty stations." Placing the PADD on the desk, Sleeford walked towards the door, turning left he headed to the turbo lift , pressing the cPanel he waited for the car to arrive. (posted by Alistair) (USS Exeter – Deck 3, Merek/Shara Quarters – 2O/CEO – Lieutenant Keira Merek – 0711) Keira had woken earlier than normal. Her first real mission had left her a little on edge. She had lost a member of her away team on her first time out. The talk with Ravok and the three fingers of Romulan ale had calmed her down a bit, enough to get a little less sleep than she usually did, it was enough that she didn’t notice Ravok leaving earlier than she got up. She did a few sets body weight circuit training to shake the cobwebs out, a quick sonic shower and got dressed. She planed on using this opportunity to get a jump on her day. She approached the replicator. “One pumpkin spice latte in a to go mug.” The travel mug appeared on the replicator pad, a brushed metal cylinder with the familiar Starfleet Delta USS Exeter NCC 1672 C in black enamel and a black plastic handle. "Damn you Trip." The familiar boson’s whistle tone signaling a ship wide communication, with the Captain’s voice: =^= All hands, battle stations. Alpha Shift, prepare for shift change. Senior Staff report to Duty stations.=^= She grabbed the mug and was out the door. In the corridor on her way to the Turbolift another communique came up this time for her. =^= Bridge to Lt. Merek, =^= She slapped her combadge with her free hand, “Merek here, Skipper, send it.” =^= Have damage control teams on the ready. Our foe may be old, but who knows what’s under the hood. =^= “That was the plan, I’m already half way to Engineering.” She answered. =^= Also if you can figure out a way for us to beam over our captured crew without exposing ourselves by lowering our shields, I'm all ears. Otherwise, we'll just need to wittle down their shields and weapons without doing major structural damage. =^= “I’ll look into it and let you know.” She answered. =^= Acknowldged. =^= Trip answered closing the channel. (posted by Todd) (USS Exeter-Sickbay – Nurse – CPO- Ewan McDonald - 0713) “Well I think that should be it.” Ewan passed the PADD over to the duty Nurse and smiled. “Hopefully it won’t get be to….mental on your shift.” She nodded at him and her smiled widened slightly at his near miss. Medical professionals were not normally superstitious people but even the more jaded among them had some hang ups like saying the work ‘quiet’ on duty. It was supposed to bring back luck and make what was calm shift into a total nightmare. “You too get some rest as well.” He waved his thanks and headed for the door. As the doors parted to let him leave the intercom clicked open. ~Oh ow~ =^=All hands, battle stations. Alpha Shift, prepare for shift change. Senior Staff report to Duty stations=^= Ewan turned and looked back into sickbay. The had been chronically understaffed since the abductions losing both the EX and the CMO from medical duties was hard but also a section of the nursing and staff which was why he had just done a swing shift to cover. They did have a few medical officers around and the consolers as well as few interns, but the department was still stretched thin. ~Ow come on then~ He stepped back into sickbay and caught the eye of the nurse he had just handed over to who nodded in thanks that he had stayed. “It was not me who jinxed it.” She just grinned at him and passed him a medkit. (Reply any one in sickbay, any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Exeter-Bridge - CO, Lt. Commander Trip Williams - 0715) Trip's shift technically didn't start for another 30 minutes but he felt as they got closer to their foes he needed to be the one on the bridge. It turned out to be fortuitous. "Sir," came the alarmed voice of the Gamma Shift ops officer. "We are coming up to the Bird of Prey. Should be upon them within minutes." "Excellent," Trip said with a sly smile. "Shields up, red alert." "Aye sir," was the reply of the Gamma shift Tactical officer. Trip then opened a shipwide channel. "All hands, battle stations. Alpha Shift, prepare for shift change. Senior Staff report to Duty stations." Trip's words were quick, a call to arms. They would be on their prey soon. "Bridge to Lt. Merek," Trip said opening a channel. "Have damage control teams on the ready. Our foe may be old, but who knows whats under the hood." (reply Merek) "Also if you can figure out a way for us to beam over our captured crew without exposing ourselves by lowering our shields, I'm all ears. Otherwise, we'll just need to wittle down their shields and weapons without doing major structural damage." (reply Merek) "Acknowledged." Trip then waited as his Senior bridge crew made their way to their stations. (reply Merek, All) (posted by Will) (USS Exeter – Main Engineering – 2O/CEO – Lieutenant Keira Merek – 0717) Keira whistled high and shrill to get everyone’s attention. “Gather around. We don’t have much time.” Those engineers present collected near the MSD table while Keira took a drink of her beverage. “DC teams: Alpha, weapons. Beta: Shields. Gamma: Transporter Systems. Delta: Standby to be sent out if any of the other systems go down.” “Transporters?” a young NCO questioned. “Usually not critical in combat.” “We’re on a rescue mission,” Keira reminded the young woman. “We’ll need the transporters in top shape as we’ll be using them in combat. We can’t blow up that other ship until all our people are off of it.” “What are your plans for Epsilon team?” A Vulcan spoke up. “You’re down two aren’t you?” She knew the answer to the question before asking it, she took another drink. “Correct.” The answer came with flat affect. “How fast can you convert the cargo transporters to be safe for use on living organisms?” Keira challenged. “Starfleet regulations require one point three hours for completion of that task.” The Vulcan answered. “Battle will be over in an hour. I suggest you hurry.” Keira said. “Contact the bridge when you have that task completed. Everyone else, you have your orders, battle stations.” (posted by Todd) (USS Exeter - Bridge-Sec Officer- Ensign Paul Sleeford 07:17) Walking out onto the bridge Sleeford walked over to the tactical station and glanced at the board. Nodding to Ravok. “ Lieutenant” (Ravok) Taking another look at the board, Sleeford, turned and walked to the aft tactical station, pulling out the small stool, he sat and configured the panel. (Replies Ravok) (Posted by Alistair) (USS Exeter-Bridge.- aCTO/COO Lieutenant jg Ravok- 0718) Ravok was on Deck 2 in the lounge when he heard Trips call to arms. It took him no time at all to get to the bridge. When he walked onto the bridge he walked straight back too tactical, relieving Ensign Samuels. Ravok brought up the B'rel classes technical information on his terminal. If there was one ship design he knew like the back of his hand it was the B'rel. His step mother would rant and rave as if it were the most superior ship ever made. The B'rel bird of prey was certainly in service for a long time, but by the end of it's time it was rather comical to consider it a ship capable of doing harm. Klingons loved their past and former glories, never willing to advance themselves without a fight or a feeling that it was a shot to their pride and heritage. Ravok looked around the bridge as the other alpha officers took their positions and got to work. He looked up as Erin walked onto the bridge and winked at her with a smile. He watched Trinity take the helm. He cued up the photon torpedo controls, hoping to not use them but having them at the ready if need be. He slapped his commbadge " Lieutenant Ravok too all security and tactical personnel, confirm all stations are ready. Intercept of Bird of prey in 2 minutes " ( reply all security and tactical) Ravok looked to Trip and stood ready. ( reply all security and tactical) ( posted by Rob Davis) (USS Exeter – Bridge – 2O/CEO – Lieutenant Keira Merek – 0721) Keira strode from the turbolift sans coffee and headed toward the Engineering station. She activated the station. “Engineering is ready.” (Reply Bridge) (Posted by Todd) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< End Compile >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<