>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: You Can't Go Home Again Day: 6 Stardate: 2444.06.06 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Mystique, Corridor 34 - Luma'Lenai - 0013) (USS Mystique, Corridor 34 - aACSO, Ensign Sekal- 0014) (USS Mystique, Corridor 36B- Petty Officer Steven Hammons- 0015) (USS Mystique, Bridge, Sec/Tac Ensign Taya, 0016) (USS Mystique, Corridor 34 - SecTac, Ens(jg) Carson Peters - 0018) (USS Mystique- Deck 8, Primary Computer Core - aACSO, Ensign Sekal- 0020) (USS Mystique, Deck 8 - SecTac, Ens(jg) Carson Peters - 0024) (USS Mystique, Deck 8. Primary Computer Core - aACSO - Ensign Sekal- 0025) (Mars Base, Runabout Delilah Transporter Station - SecTac, Ens(jg) Carson Peters - 0038) (Shuttle Dakota - Engineer Ensign Scott Matrix - 06:00) (Runnabout Red River – Passenger Section- Mission Ops Ensign JG Billy Alexander and Ens JG Erin Cortez - 06:30) (Mars Facility – Officer’s Mess - ENS JG Kaz Poldan and Ensign JG Trip Williams - 07:15) (Mars Facility – Admiral’s Office – aACMO Ens(jg) Ailynn Bracken – 0745) (Mars Facility – Admiral’s Office - CO Admiral Remae Ktell – 0749) (Outside Admiral's office - Ens(jg) Erin Cortes - 0856) (Mars Facility – Operations Center - Conference Room - COUNS Alaya Ravenstone – 0949) (Mars Facility – Operations Center - Conference Room - E/SYO Ensign Boone Foster – 0952) (Mars Facility – Operations Center -Medical Officer - Ensign JG Dural Methor DrPH - 0953) (Mars Facilities - Operation Centre –Pilot – Ensign JG- Ire Williams – 0959) (Mars Facility – Operations Centre - Conference Room - CO Admiral Remae Ktell – 1003) (Mars Facility – Operations Centre - Conference Room - aASEC, Ens(jg) Carson Peters – 1007) (Mars Facility – Operations Centre - Conference Room - Ensign (jg) Garek Darpeg – 1008) (Mars Facility – Operations Centre - Conference Room - aACSO (R)- Ensign Sekal – 1023) (Mars Facility – Operations Centre - Conference Room - CO Admiral Remae Ktell – 1045) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Mystique, Corridor 34 - Luma'Lenai - 0013) Luma had been unsuccessfully dealing with the intruders while waiting for help to come. She had slowed them down a great deal with force fields and by cutting power to keep them in place, but Luma was not trying to kill them. She had been told to let them live, so she was trying to do so, in spite of the pain of having holes cut in her body. Each hole tried the fragile stability that the brain ship had on her telepathic ability. "Luma," Carson spoke, "Are they still trapped in Transporter Room 3?" Sekal had touched Luma's walls, and was helping her to calm down, but Luma's voice came from all around them, and not exactly quietly, =^= No. Two are three cooridors down, one blew a hole in the deck and went down. The last one is trying to reach the bridge. Luma is scared. That one is a telepath, the Carson and she is trying to take over Luma. =^= On the padd that Sekal carried a map of the Mystique appeared, and on the map where the intruders. When Sekal mentioned the sleep gases that were usually common on starships, Luma had to inform them, =^= The sleep gases were removed by the intelligence peoples when they broke Luma's drives. =^= Another wail of telepathic pain came through and that was loud enough to rouse every slightly psionic person on the base. The ship was scared. =^= The clothing they wear makes it so that Luma can not get a clear transporter lock on them. These small ones know far too much about Luma =^= Anger and suspicion came from the brainship. She felt betrayed but knew that Sekal would not have done so, nor would the Admiral. =^= The Sekal should stop touching the skin and raise his defenses. =^= Luma spoke kindly, =^= Luma can disable the telepath by destroying her mind. =^= (reply any on the Mystique) (posted by Mel) (USS Mystique, Corridor 34 - aACSO, Ensign Sekal- 0014) =^= The Sekal should stop touching the skin and raise his defenses. Luma can disable the telepath by destroying her mind. =^= "No Luma that is not allowed. Transport me to the primary computer core on deck eight and I will take care of the telepath. You can also transport the others where needed to intercept the rest of her group." (Reply: Taya, Peters) The Vulcan shook his head. "It is a common misconception. While the bridge is the command center the computer core is the nerve center and the place she can access Luma. She will go there." (Reply: Peter's, Taya) "Energize now." He hefted the live phaser set on heavy stun and nodded to them before being broken down into energy and whisked away. (USS Mystique, Corridor 36B- Petty Officer Steven Hammons- 0015) He and the other petty officer hadn't needed the transporter but had come upon two of the intruders while attempting to flank the door to Transporter Room three. It had become instantly obvious that the interlopers had no longer been trapped there but were roaming about freely. Both pairs jumped behind cover upon spotting one another and began trading fire. From the whine of the enemy rifles and the scars their beams were making on the bulkheads they were not looking to take prisoners. It was a stalemate of sorts, Hammons and Jared couldn't move up without exposing themselves to murderous energy beams. Unless they came up with something they would need support. "Orders are orders but damn it sometimes you have to break the rules." He growled at Jared who was on the other side of the corridor. Jared looked over at Hammons and gave him the thumbs up. "Do what you've got to do!" PO Hammons pulled his sidearm and looked it wistfully for a moment before ducking back a little farther from a phaser beam that missed him by inches. By his estimation they were holed up four doors down or between fifty to sixty feet. He would have to be pretty precise if he wanted to take either of them alive. "Give me covering fire on my mark." "Got it!" Steven Hammons set his phaser rifle on the deck and using both hands adjusted the controls on his sidearm. A low whistle began that slowly built in strength. Jared looked over at him in shock but nodded. Hammons set himself in position at the corner with his arm poised behind him for a toss as the whistle became louder. He could hear cries of alarm from down the corridor. "Now!" Jared quickly poked the muzzle around the corner and began spraying shots to keep the baddies down. As the whistling hand phaser built to near its crescendo Hammons sprang up and swung his right arm around in a side arm toss that sent the weapon flying. Screams of fear started up as it clattered on the deck in the enemy area followed by an explosion that made the deck jump. Hammons had already grabbed his rifle and he and Jared jumped around their corners with roars and rifles firing. One of the enemy had been running headlong away in panic and the beams struck him in the back knocking him forward and flat to the deck where he lay unconcious. The other guy lay moaning in pain just inside an office with his left arm missing. "Tag the other guy." Jared grabbed a transporter tag and hot-footed it to the unconcious one as Hammons disarmed and tagged his 'catch', Hammons then tapped his combadge. "Delilah transporter we've got two enemies in custody, one severely wounded. Bagged and tagged. Energize." The whine of the carrier beam cut in as the two goons dematerialized. (Reply: Any present) (Posted by Charles Gatling) (USS Mystique, Bridge, Sec/Tac Ensign Taya, 0016) Taya had Luma beam her to the bridge, as one of the bad guys was headed there. She hid behind a console. having a clear view of the turbolift. While Taya waited, she became aware of how loud her breathing was. This was going to be her first time facing an actual enemy in a situation that could end her life. As a child, she had trained for years with her ushaan-tor, and there was plenty of sparring where injuries could and did happen, but none of that was meant as deadly combat. Now, facing a person trained as well as she was, and probably even better, things were entirely different. There were many stories about how brave people were or what they would do in battle, but the truth of it was, no one knew until they were in that situation. Her antennae were rigid and leaning forward. When the lift door hissed open, Taya held her breath and pointed her hand phaser at the figure in black that had emerged. The person was male and in the low light, looked Human. Before moving anywhere, he very carefully looked around, stopping several times to listen. Seemingly satisfied he was alone, he moved toward a console. The man was bent over a computer station, with his back towards Taye. She stepped out from her cover to get a clear shot and fired. The beam struck the man center mass. He cried out in pain and fell against the console, stumbling, but staying on his feet. His body armor absorbed most of the stun energy, but he was still shaken. Taya fired again, but the second time, using a continuous beam instead of a single shot. The man dropped to the floor, his body making a dull thud as it hit the metal deck. Taya slowly moved forward, keeping her weapon trained on the man. When close enough, she kicked his phaser across the room, pausing a few sonds to be sure he was out. She wished she had hand cuffs. "Taya to Carson," she said, tapping her comm badge. "I've eliminated the threat on the bridge. I'm going to beam down with him to the Delilah to turn him over to security. I'll be right back." (reply Carson, any) (posted by Rob B.) (USS Mystique, Corridor 34 - SecTac, Ens(jg) Carson Peters - 0018) =^= No. Two are three cooridors down, one blew a hole in the deck and went down. The last one is trying to reach the bridge. Luma is scared. That one is a telepath, the Carson and she is trying to take over Luma. =^= "While surrounding the intruders and facing them down with weapons would be suitably heroic we have come across one already with a willingness to commit suicide and if these are agents of the same organization might I suggest anesthezine gas instead? If they can be rendered unconcious we would have a chance of forestalling any attempts to kill themselves before they could be thoroughly questioned." Sekal said. Carson liked the idea, but he immediately saw a flaw in the Vulcans plan. Last time he was here, he'd taken the time to look through the Mystiques defence systems. There were no gases onboard the ship, somebody had removed them. As if she had read his mind, Luma responded =^=The sleep gases were removed by the intelligence peoples when they broke Luma's drives.=^= "I'm assuming there's a reason you can't get a transporter lock onto the intruders Luma?" Carson asked quietly. He kept his eyes down the corridor and could feel Taya at his back looking the other direction. The small grouping of them should be sufficient as long as they worked together, him, Taya, Sekal and the two Security Officers they had with them. =^=The clothing they wear makes it so that Luma can not get a clear transporter lock on them. These small ones know far too much about Luma...The Sekal should stop touching the skin and raise his defenses. Luma can disable the telepath by destroying her mind.=^= "No Luma that is not allowed. Transport me to the primary computer core on deck eight and I will take care of the telepath. You can also transport the others where needed to intercept the rest of her group." responded Sekal. "Not solo," he said as he looked at the Vulcan. There was no way the only member of the team which wasnt a member of Security was going off by himself on a death mission. "If we can get close enough tag them with a transporter transponder. We should be able to use them to beam them directly into the cells down on Mars." Carson said as he looked around the team to make sure everyone understood. "No unnecessary risks." he added, "to the Bridge then, Mr Sekal?" he made a motion to the Vulcan. "It is a common misconception. While the bridge is the command center the computer core is the nerve center and the place she can access Luma. She will go there." Sekal said as he readied his weapon. Carson understood the reasoning, "Ok, the computer core then. Taya stick with Hammons & Jared, tag the two locals and then track down the missing third member of the team. Stay in contact." He turned back to Sekal just as the Vulcan called for Luma to energize. Carson watched as the Vulcan dematerialised in front of them. He sighed, "Luma transport me to Ensign Sekal" (Reply Luma) "Damn," he said and turned back to the other three. "I guess I'm heading to the computer core on foot. I hope I get there before he get's himself killed." and with that he broke out into a sprint down the corridor leaving Taya, Hammons & Jared behind to take on and track the remaining three. (USS Mystique- Deck 8, Primary Computer Core - aACSO, Ensign Sekal- 0020) He stood in the center of the chamber as she walked in with his phaser at chest level and pointed at her. Her phaser was likewise pointed at him. He had not had much time to prepare. A Betazoid of course with hair as black as a raven's wing and deep, dark pupils. Her body armor was light, curvaceous and effective. She had a smirk on her face. "That was stupid Vulcan, you should have fired before I saw you. Now I have only to kill you at my leisure?" He gave her a curious look. "And how are you so sure you have the upper hand?" The look she gave him was of complete shock. She shook her head and moved a few steps closer. "I thought Vulcans were supposed to be smart but you are dumber than a box of rocks!" She spit at his feet. "My phaser is set to kill and I can pick from your thoughts that yours is set to heavy stun which won't stop me. I only have to press the firing stud once and you are dead!" "You presume much." Sekal noted as she took another two steps. "First of all you assume that you are strong enough to read my mind without my consent not knowing that I allowed you to pick up that thought." She shrugged. "A game then? I'm supposed to play a guessing game with you? All right then tell me what else I'm assuming wrongly before I kill you." He lowered his phaser. "You assume that your phaser is functional." She frowned and pressed the firing stud. Nothing happened. She was frantically trying to get it to function as he circled between her and the door, the phaser now at his belt. "How?" "You had even Luma fooled as to your destination but it was apparent where you were going. If you wished to use Luma you would go to the bridge but to control her... that is here with the bio neural gel packs. There is no other way." Her hand tightened around the weapon. "My phaser." "It should be obvious, I set up an energy dampening field beginning inside the door and lured you in with obvious weakness. A phaser set to stun, an unwillingness to fire. All there for you to pick from my thoughts and only what I allowed you to see." She was moving like a whirlwind before he finished the thought. A telepath didn't fight a Vulcan psionically unless they had an overwhelming advantage, their defenses were just too strong and had to be broken down over time. That was time she didn't have. Her right foot clipped his right shoulder as he turned his head away from the kick She pressed her advantage confidently, following up with a series of kicks and punches that were just short, just late and otherwise close to landing. He was fast but not as experienced and she was going to use it against him. She was slowly backing him toward the door when one kick caught him on the shoulder again, unfortunately he appeared to be waiting for it. Sekal grabbed her ankle with his left hand and pulled her in as his right elbow jabbed for her throat. She dropped and rolled but her ankle was still imprisoned and she was suddenly tossed to the side and against the wall. She lost sight of the Vulcan as she tried to roll away only to bump into something hard at the back of her neck. Fingers drifted inside the padded collar of her armor. She screamed a curse as they came together at the bundle of nerves between her neck and clavicle. Sekal stood up after disarming the unconcious prisoner. There were offices she could be secured in now that she had no weapon and until the enemy party was neutralized. He would take her to one now. "Security the telepath is neutralized." (Reply: Any security aboard) (Posted by Charles Gatling) (USS Mystique, Deck 8 - SecTac, Ens(jg) Carson Peters - 0024) Carson had made it most of the way to Deck 8 without letting up. Thought as fit as he was he needed to make sure he was ready to go into combat once he got there. He hoped Sekal had a trap in mind for the telepath or that the telepath wasn't much of a fighter. He neared the Primary Computer Core when he heard a scream and then a curse before silence, hefting his weapon into a ready position he cleared the hallway and then proceeded to the doorway. As he looked in he could see Sekal standing over a woman dressed all in black. "Security the telepath is neutralized." Carson was close enough to hear Sekals message, though he assumed the man was communicating with the other part of the team. "Good to know," he said as stepped into the room. He took a deep breath, "Well done." he continued as he stepped around the womans body. "That was a damn foolish move you pulled." he said in an attempt to admonish the Vulcan. He couldn't put too much effort into it though, he was silently impressed that Sekal had engineered all this in such a short space of time. (Reply Sekal iyw) =^=Jared to Ensign Peters, two of the intruders taken care of, Sir. They're being transported now.=^= Carson tapped his badge, "Well done, where is Ensign Taya?" he asked without much hope. He knew before asking the question she'd probably gone off solo to hunt the third intruder and before the Petty Officer could respond her voice came over the comm. unit. =^=Taya to Carson, I've eliminated the threat on the bridge. I'm going to beam down with him to the Delilah to turn him over to security. I'll be right back.=^= "No need Taya, all intruders have been neutralised. We'll meet you down there." Carson said and he tapped his badge, "Luma can you confirm that there are no more intruders?" he asked as he shouldered the phaser rifle, knelt down and tagged the woman on the floor with a transporter tag. (Reply Luma) "Super." Carson said sarcastically, "Luma I'm going to be assigning a contingent of Security Officers to the Mystique for the time being. They'll be joining you shortly." he internally cringed at having to spend the next hour rescheduling the department. They were already woefully undermanned as it was. "Carson to Delilah transport station, 3 to beam down. Beam the tag's occupant directly to cell 4 and ask the officer in charge to apply a psionic inhibitor to the prisoner." (USS Mystique, Deck 8. Primary Computer Core - aACSO - Ensign Sekal- 0025) Sekal heard footsteps as Ensign Peters spoke up near the doorway. "Good to know..." Sekal turned with a nod as the officer sucked in a relieved breath then released it....well done." He stepped around the telepaths prone form. "That was a damn foolish move you pulled." "Was it?" The Vulcan replied dryly. "Due to a shortage of time I was unable to notify you of my plans and my priority was to keep phaser fire away from the computer core and insure Luma's safety." Sekal's right hand swept over the unconcious form. "She was no threat due to the deception I used." An eyebrow lifted. "A deception that would not have been possible had I brought along an unshielded mind. She would have been warned and the trap spoiled." (Reply: Peters iyw) "Perhaps your concern stems from the fact that scientists are not known for effective self defense." He shook his head. "I assure you I am well able to take care of myself. I was able to anticipate and avoid every blow until she made a mistake and left herself exposed. I only allowed the fight to go on as long as it did to avoid the possibility of killing her." (Reply: Peter's iyw) Sekal shrugged. "If you have doubts the perhaps we can spar or train together. The workout would be welcome." (Reply: Peters iyw) He stood by silently and perfectly at ease while Carson tagged the telepath for transport then made arrangements for leaving the Mystique with a permanent security detail. He had escaped the episode without injury except for a small bruise on his shoulder. (Reply: None) (Posted by Charles Gatling) (Mars Base, Runabout Delilah Transporter Station - SecTac, Ens(jg) Carson Peters - 0038) They had beamed down to the station and Carson had sent Sekal on his way, thanking him for his assistance but still firmly showing his disagreement with the way he had ran off by himself. He and Taya had debriefed the two petty officers on what had happened whilst they weren't there and then they sent them on their way. They had just gotten word from the teams lead by Chief Tamblyn on Jupiter station that there had in fact been a few members of the team also there. The battle had been more bloody on the station, but thankfully none of his teams were badly injured. Carson tapped his comm. badge, "Ensign Peters to Admiral Ktell. Sir, the incursion of the Mystique has been succesfully repelled. We have several prisoners under guard and a Security team stationed on both Jupiter Base and the Mystique for the time being, no major casualties on our side, Sir." (Reply Ktell, Taya) (Posted by Jono Bradley) (Shuttle Dakota - Engineer Ensign Scott Matrix - 06:00) Scott was considered a rebel by his academy friends. Awnry, sarcastic, intelligent, but undisciplined. He wasn’t about to live up to his father’s expectations. Why should he? Nonetheless, he managed to make it through the Academy and through the graces of those he’d never met, landed a post. Albeit a mess that Federation was in. Still he found it humorous and somewhat romantic. ~Let’s see what’s next.~ he thought. The shuttle , of which there where many, landed him on some god forsaken location on Mars. He had his travel ordered, but no one bothered to look at them. He guessed it was just a rush to get personnel to wherever they were needed as quickly as possible. He swung his backpack over his shoulder and hopped off the shuttle. Following the masses he lined up and awaited his assignment. (Reply any/none) (Posted by Steve Smith) (Runnabout Red River – Passenger Section- Mission Ops Ensign JG Billy Alexander and Ens JG Erin Cortez - 06:30) It was an early morning shuttle flight to Mars. However it would get the new personnel and supplies to Mars at a reasonable hour. There were a few runnabouts leaving to Mars around this time, some full of supplies, some with personnel, and some that were 50/50. The Red River was one such runnabout. It was carrying some engineering equipment and medical supplies as well as two young ensigns. One of the two was a young man by the name of William Santiago Alexander Jr. or as he was known to family and friends, Billy. Billy was the son of Rear Admiral Will Alexander, former CO of the USS Mithrandir and currently serving as an Associate Justice on the high court for the Starfleet Jag corp. There was a deep Starfleet lineage on both sides of his family, including a few admirals and captains on either side. But Billy didn’t care about that. He knew he wasn’t going to have the kind of career that ended in the captain’s chair of a starship, but given the right opportunities he could have a fulfilling and rewarding career. He was headed to Mars to take a clerical job, as Mission OPS helping Admiral Remae Ktell. He figured that was a good fit. He wasn’t going to be a stellar pilot, or engineer, or security officer. But he did have a knack for officer work, keeping people organized, and he was a hard worker. He just happened to be average. While his cousins Sienna and Trip Williams graduated in the top 25% of their Starfleet class, Billy graduated at the exact halfway mark of the class. Exactly 50%. So to get this kind of assignment for him, was a blessing and exactly what he needed to make a mark for his career. Overall his major was in General Shipboard Operations, with a specialization in Human Resource Management. He thought he might end up working at HQ working with personnel and fleet logistics, working with the brass as a clerical specialist on which supplies needed to be sent to which starbase, but this posting was going to be a lot more fun. Plus he would be with his cousins. The other officer on the runnabout was a beautiful brunette sitting directly across from him. As the runnabout lifted off and made its way up through to the Earth’s atmosphere to begin the roughly 45 minute journey to Mars, something was bothering him about his traveling companion. He knew she was in his graduating class, that much was obvious, but there was something else. And it finally hit him, one name, Marcus Reed. Sitting on the run about, Erin's mind began to wander. The next step on her journey was beginning and she felt a pang of nerves bit, more so, excitement. Having left her parents behind, she had loaded her bags onto the runabout and gotten comfortable when another passenger wandered in. Glancing at him, she felt a familiarity to him, she knew who he was. But he wasn’t sure if he remembered who she was. Sighing softly, she had turned her gaze back to the view. ~he's kind of cute~ she thought to herself as she sat quietly. Closing her eyes briefly, she allowed herself to drift off, wondering what would happen next as a voice broke the silence. “Excuse me, I don’t mean to sound weird, but were you on the Academy archery team?” Opening her eyes, she looked across to the man who had spoken and smiled, "Maybe. Why do you ask?" “I think you used to date my roommate freshman year, guy by the name Marcus Reed.” Smiling widely, a little laugh escaped her, "That's a name I haven't heard in a while." Pausing, she furrowed her brow a little, "Marcus… wait, you mean deadshot"? ~It is, her, it’s Erin, aka, The Ticking Time Bomb. I knew it was her!~ Billy thought to himself. He hadn’t really seen her since they were both freshmen. She left a lasting impression on his roommate, that was for sure. “Yeah, he only was on the Archery team first year. I think you broke two of his ribs with a well placed punch or two on your two month anniversary. Not sure he deserved it though. Yeah, he may have oggled the waitress, and honestly I never hung out with him after that year. But I don’t think he deserved the walloping you gave him.” Smirking a little, she bit her lip, "Is that what he told you?" Sighing briefly she closed her eyes for a split second, flashing back to that moment and then opened them, looking back at the man infront of her. Staring into his hazel eyes, she realised she was staring and looked away. “Well not just what he told us. I was there. He had a few of us there ready to play instruments to serenade you. It was at the Creole Kitchen, big open patio if I remember correctly. We were gonna get out there so he could sing, but before we could cue, you caught him looking at the waitress one to many times. I think the yelling started. Thirty seconds later, boom, boom pow.” Raising an eyebrow, Erin looked back at him, "What you didn't see was the bit before that." Rubbing her shoulder, Erin looked at the man again, ~don't get confrontational. Calm down girl~ she thought to herself as she took a deep breath and continued, "I got there a few minutes early and he was flirting with her. So, when it happened, I… " Blushing slightly, "... am sorry to say, I saw red." Billy flashed her a disarming smile. “Hey, Marcus was a sleaze. He ended up getting kicked out after second year. Just had to make sure you were Time Bomb Cortez.” ~Wait.. did he really just call me that?~ "Pardon? Time bomb? That's a… don't tell me I had a nickname?" Billy looked at her and with a calming tone. “Ummm, yeah kind of. It’s what we called you first year. Seems like that year you had a short fuse. Apparently Marcus wasn’t the only person you punched that year. But I guess whatever the brass said to you worked. I never heard about any time bomb incidents after first year. I always thought the name was kind of cool.” Blushing hard, she looked away. "That explains a lot. I…. " pausing a second, she though to herself, ~wow, he is kind of cute and honest to boot. But, that is totally embarrassing ~ "... had reasons for that. Brass, they were good to me. Now, cool, calm and mostly collected together." She looked up, desperately hoping not to be bright red, she smiled softly. “Shame, now I can’t call you Time Bomb anymore. Probably the best nickname I ever came up with.” Smirking a little, "Alright, I'll allow it. But just because it's you, flash." “Flash, haven’t heard that one. Most people just call me Silly Billy the Destiny Maker.” "Well, that's what my roommate, Johanna christened you. Not my nickname but it fits" “Johanna, I don’t think I met a Johanna. I mean don’t know why anyone would call me Flash. I mean the Destiny Maker was because of the six girls I dated briefly in the academy they all met their future spouse a week after dumping me. Sort of like a good luck charm. Six weeks of fun with Silly Billy, then next person you date is the one. Eh, meant I always had a date on Valentine’s day. So why did she call me Flash?” ~Wow, six…. He has a better track record than I do~ she thought as she smirked again. "Johanna and I used to like watching old movies in our room. Popcorn, you name it. Favourite one was Flash Gordon. Loved that movie, one of my favourites as a kid at home. Johanna knew that and knew…. " ~shut up. Stop right there. ~ "... well, let's just say that we thought it was fitting. Flash Gordon, saving the earth. " She winked at him. Turning her gaze to the front, she absent mindedly rubbed her neck and smiled to herself. Billy began laughing. “You must have me mixed up with somebody else. Guys like me don’t save the world. The guy who graduates in the absolute middle of the class isn’t the hero. And that is absolutely ok with me. Sorry, but I’m no hero. Sidekick maybe. I’m fine with being the sidekick. But guys like me, we’re the guy in the chair. We make sure the hero makes it home alive. We don’t do the actual Earth saving.” Not looking at him, Erin shook her head, "Sorry, but I respectfully disagree. Most guys I know…. " “Erin, was it? Sorry, I kind of forgot your name” A lie, Billy remembered her name. Erin Julia Cotez, “Other than Time Bomb Cortez.” He said cutting her off. “You don’t know me, I think I hardly spoke to you when you dated Marcus. Look I appreciate the little confidence boost. But I don’t need it. I know who I am, and what I’m about. I’m not going to do the most amazing things in the world, I get it. Probably not gonna get a center chair. And that is ok. Knowing my ceiling, knowing my skills. You know I’m confident and comfortable in my skin. My brother might be a Flash Gordon, my cousins might be, but me, I’m ok being the number 2. It’s who I am. I’ll be the best damn number 2 there is. Don’t mistake my being the sidekick as humility. I know who I am, and who that is, is Billy, average, confident, cute, and a damn fine human being. I may not be the hero, but not everyone needs to be. So while I appreciate the vote of confidence, it is not needed.” Keeping her eyes away, erin fell silent for A moment. Not knowing how to quite respond, she froze and let him finish. After he stopped, Erin knew she had spoken out of turn. A pang of embarrassment flew through her as she fought to collect herself, she rubbed her forehead slightly. ~wow, well done idiot. Perfect. What a way to endear yourself~ Taking a second, she drew a deep breath, "Sorry, if I spoke out of turn. Happens when I get nervous. Not exactly a time bomb, more of a bad joke." Billy flashed her a disarming smile. “Don’t worry about it. Really. I take no offense. I just don’t need pity. I got this assignment because enough people turned it down. That’s fine. What I lack in skill, I don’t lack in self believe and self worth. I’m not saying I come from a family of cocky men, but I kinda do.” "Pity? That's what you think that was?" “Maybe not pity. But, you don’t know me, so why would you think I’m some Earth saving hero. Everyone knows that Admiral Alexander’s kid was a middle of the road guy. I don’t need to be told I’m a hero to feel good about myself. I don’t need to be a Pike, or a Picard, or a Janeyway, or a T’Vhor, or a Jopek to be a hero. I just need to be me. I love me.” Fighting back a flash of anger, Erin turned back to him, "You know, you're right. I don't know you that well. You don't know me either. You have no idea what the hell I have been through, why I reacted like I did to Marcus, why I…. " pausing, she realised she had started to raise her voice, swallowing hard, she continued, "..... well, I thought I was being nice but, maybe I was wrong. " “No, sorry, I think I’m the one out of line. Look, when someone comes from a long line of great Starfleet officers, and at seven realizes they aren’t as athletic, or dextrous, or quick thinking, or as good at math or science as their sibling and cousins. They learn their place really quickly and can become either super jealous or absolutely comfortable with their limitations. I chose to be absolutely comfortable with who I could be and what my limits where. Which makes me a little bit overly cocky and self assured, even though I have no reason to be, based on skill. But I know what I’m good at. I’m great at organizing. Great and putting together schedules and rosters and what not. I have a near photographic memory, which is great for that stuff. But when you can’t figure out physics or advanced quantum mechanics, it doesn’t matter how well you remember if you remember it wrong. But I remember people. I remember conversations. That is how I remembered you. Like I said. I know my place. I’m a great sidekick. And that is ok. So please accept my apology, Erin.” Nodding, Erin turned back to him, blushing slightly, "Billy, I'm sorry. I suppose I see why you gave me that name now. I just… I need to temper my temper of that makes sense." Looking, her brow furrowed and then she smiled, " wait….. I… I have the strongest memory of you. After the… incident, I remember being sat outside, talking to myself…. As one does. You were there." “I was indeed.” Billy looked out into the distance. The weird thing about memory is that two people can remember the same event but differently. That is why there is the saying, there are three sides to every story, your side, my side and the truth. What one remembers may be truth, or the perception of the truth. Erin’s mind flashed to that moment, sitting on the curb, head in her hands, worried about repercussions. It was raining and she didn’t have an umbrella. Her beautiful dress being drenched in the rain. She could have waited inside, but the rain matched her mood. She felt she belonged there, sitting in the rain. That was when Billy showed up. Billy looked at her and began to speak. “It started to rain. You didn’t have an umbrella. So as you were sitting there, I sat down next to you, and shared mine. You were scared. You thought you were going to get kicked out. You asked me to tell Marcus how sorry you were.” ~that's right. I was shaking ~ She thought to herself. “You said, that you were going to be a failure. Your mom and dad never made it past lieutenant. You wanted to surpass them. You thought your temper was gonna hold you back.” ~I remember… oh no… he must really think I'm a crazy person ~ "And I was, nearly. Not for the first time. " “Do you remember what I said to you that night?” "Honestly, I don't remember much of that night other than utter panic and some painful knuckles. Mostly, if I am honest, I remember feeling disappointed in myself." Billy moved over and sat in the seat next to her. He put his left arm around her shoulder and held up his right arm as if he was holding an imaginary umbrella. Then turning his head to stare into her eyes he said. “When my dad was Captain of the Mithrandir, he realized afterwhile, he wasn’t cut out for command. It just wasn’t what he was good at. He tried, he failed, and he was afraid of what it meant for his career. What happens to a captain who can’t command. Well he got roped into a JAG position and realized that what he was good at was being a lawyer, and he excelled at it. And it saved his career. He became an Admiral before he even left his 30s. This isn’t me bragging. There is a point I promise. The point is this, sometimes we may think we are destined for failure, lost because our own limitations keep us grounded, hold us back. But we can take were we are weak, and own it, make it a strength. You think your anger is gonna hold you back. Use it. Channel it. If it is going to cause you to be a failure, then make it your bitch. Failure doesn’t mean defeat. It means time to grow. Time to kick ass. You’ll bounce back. I’ll make sure Marcus doesn’t press charges. He’s an Ass anyways.” Billy then removed his arm from her shoulders and walked back to his seat. “That’s what I said. Word for word. Basically verbatim. See, conversations I can remember. Astrophysics, I can’ figure it out and I remember it wrong. Well enough to pass anyways.” As soon as his arm hit her shoulder, she remembered, every word, every second. The rain on the umbrella, the shaking, the feeling of utter desperation and the moment before then that had caused her so much pain. Wiping her eyes a little, she looked back at him and said, quietly and simply one word, "Thankyou." ~and that is why you are such a mental screw up ~ "Well, I suppose it's one way to make mark. Nearly ruin your career and make yourself look like an idiot all in less than an hour." Thinking back, she knew that her past had finally caught up with her. The one time she had truly trusted a guy and he'd broken her, scarred her physically and mentally to the point where she had nearly lost her career. ~ I guess there goes that chance. I mean who would want a scarred, second hand screw up?~ “Eh, people expect first years to have mess ups. When my Gramps was CO of the Academy, he basically said as long as a cadet doesn’t break the honor code or commit murder, and they make sure to pass all their classes and have a pulse, they make it to second year. I mean hell, my cousin was participating in semi pro cage fights after curfew, and he made it through. They weren’t going to kick you out because you broke a cadet’s rib. Hell we teased Marcus for months for getting beat up by a girl. No the issue wasn’t the hit, it was the bomb behind it. And you fixed it or you wouldn’t be here.” Erin smiled and found herself in a bit of a trance. “Erin, Erin you there?” Billy said. “You zoned out a bit.” In that moment then Erin realized she had just imagined that whole scenario in her head. Him going over to her, putting his arm around her, that moment of familiarity, that closeness. She was daydreaming and she was embarrassed. “Anyways, I don’t know if you heard me the first time, I saw you there sitting in the rain, handed you my spare umbrella. Put my hand on your shoulder and said, “Don’t sweat the small stuff, he’s not gonna report it. He’s embarrassed he got beat up by a girl. Look, today must suck, and you look down in the dumps. Keep your head up. Look, there are assholes out there like Marcus, who mean well, they just are selfish and don’t necessarily consider how their actions forget others. Don’t let this moment keep you from trusting people. People are jerks, but don’t let that stop you from being yourself. Just next time, breath before the rib punches. You’ll do fine Cortez. Keep your chin up.” Memory is weird, and one act of kindness can be remembered differently by two people. But when one has a near perfect memory, it becomes more clear which memory is the more accurate. In that moment Erin realized that how she remembered those words of kindness, that moment of hope was different. To her it was a pivotal moment, helping her find strength to better herself. For Billy, they were just mere kind words to someone who needed to hear them, nothing more. Just a small act of kindness that meant nothing more and nothing less. Billy then looked at her. “We’ve got a bit more time until we get there, and I’ve done enough talking. Why don’t you tell me, I’m curious. How did Time Bomb Cortez go from time bomb, to commissioned officer. Spare no details.” Billy flashed a disarming smile that indicated that maybe just maybe he actually cared to listen. Smiling a little, fighting back the blushing, she looked at him. “It’s a long story so settle in.” Taking a breath, she began, “After you went back inside, i walked back to the academy. Lost in my own head, thinking about how, even though i knew you were right, i just felt such a failure and was so scared. I walked round the grounds, soaked to the bone and shivering. I wasn’t looking and walked straight into Lieutenant Bollington. You remember him? The coach for the academy archery team. He took one look at me, put his arm around my shoulder and walked me back to his office not saying a word. He sat me down, handed me a towel and just asked what had happened. It all came out. Everything, what had happened with marcus and what had ……. Caused me to do that. I will never forget what he said to me. He looked me dead in the face and said, “ Erin, i’ve been there and i’m going to tell you what was said to me in that moment.” I looked at him, thinking, fantastic… here goes the dressing down. But he didn’t. He perched on the edge of his desk and said something to me that has stayed with me for a long time. He said, “Algún día, todo el amor que has regalado, volverá a ti y finalmente se quedará.” Smiling softly, she continued on, " He told me that i had nothing to worry about, that he knew that Marcus was a bit of a playboy and he had been surprised that no-one had punched him well before i did. Then, he made me a promise. He promised me that, any time, anywhere, he would listen to me. Let me talk and let me vent. He was one of the best men i have ever met save for my father of course. From that moment on, i spent most weekends on the holodeck at the academy with him and a couple of others from the team, training, running simulations, anything it took to keep me level. Seems funny now but that one moment of kindness was what it took. The right words at the right moment from anyone can mean the world. So, i buckled down. I studied, i knew then that i wanted to do for others what he did for me…. ~and you did~ I wanted to provide a safe space and an ear or shoulder for people. I wanted to help others the way i had been helped.” Smiling softly, she looked away from Billy and, took a deep breath, “So that’s really it. Don’t get me wrong. I still have that temper, my mother is Irish and my father is from Chile. So, i’m doubly screwed in that department but i have learnt now how to harness it, to make it my bitch and so ends the tale of Erin, the screw up with a temper who became a counsellor.” “Bueno, me alegro que pudiste crecer de esa manera.” Billy smiled, “My Dad’s mom, my abuela is from Spain, made sure all her grandchildren could speak Spanish. I mean sure, the universal translator helped, but she wanted to make sure we could speak it without it. I’m proud of you Cortez. I mean yeah hadn’t really seen you in years, or even thought of you for that matter. But I’m glad you aren’t quite the time bomb anymore.” Raising an eyebrow, she looked back at him. ~well, at least he's honest with me. Refreshing ~ Smiling slightly, Erin nodded, "Nice to know I made an impression. So, tell me something, Billy. What's the admiral like?" “Which one, the one on Mars? My dad? My Grandpa James? My Great Uncles? Sorry, I come from a large Starfleet family. Kind of a pain really. Sometimes you can’t tell if people want to be your friends because of you or connections. It’s why I’m looking forward to Mars. We’re all equals there and nobody gives a shit. But at the academy, it’s all like hey, can I meet your Dad? oh hey your Uncle is a smart engineer, does he offer tutoring? It’s kind of a hassle.” Billy said with a chuckle. Chuckling, Erin broke into a grin. "I get that. I was just glad that I didn't have that problem. My parents served but were happy to stay at lieutenants. I meant the one on Mars." “Don’t really know him. I think my dad might have served with him when he was commanding officer of the Spectre. Not really sure. But I hear good things. My dad speaks highly of him, so that is a good sign.” "My parents seemed to like him. " Looking at him, she bit her lower lip a second, a nervous trait she had had all her life and then continued, "Billy, I hope you don't think that I'm a career climber. One of those people that only are friends with people because of who they know or what they can do for them?" “Cortez, you are an ensign right out of the academy. Of course you are a career climber. We all are in our own way. But point taken. That’s assuming I want to be your friend.” He said with a laugh and a wink. “I mean we have to look out for each other. I’m sure you have friends and classmates on Mars. Seems like half our class got sent there. Hold on to them. Lord knows I’m lucky. Got to cousins there already. Sweet little Sienna, and Trip, who if he could just stay out of his own way is probably going to be a damn good officer. Talk about a time bomb. Guy probably got into a fight once a month in high school. Mostly whenever anyone called any of his friends bad names. Me I’m not a fighter. I’m a diplomat. I let my words do the damage my fists can’t.’ "To be honest, you're probably one of the first people I have seen since graduation. I had some acquaintances, friends.. not so much. But I take your point." “But just like hands can rebuild, I let my words do that to. Like I said, knew I wasn’t going to win much fist fights, so stuck with what I’m good at.” "You know, for someone who says he's middle of the road, you give some pretty good advice. There's an old saying, 'the pen is mightier than the sword'. Words speak louder than actions." "I'm average academically and physically. But I'm a good listener and I love people. My mom is a counselor. You learn things. Plus we're from the southern state of Texas. Some things in culture don't change. My family, we're good folk. That's our code. Treat others with dignity and worth. It'll pay dividends in the end. That and bourbon cures all wounds. " Laughing, Erin nodded, "Tequilla or a good single malt for us. My family is small, just my parents and me. My mom always said that kindness costs nothing but to be truly kind can be the hardest thing especially in the face of darkness. " "Tequila is overrated." Billy smiled. "Honestly, kindness is easy. I find it easier to be kind than to be mean." "I get that, although sometimes being kind to someone who has hurt you, and I mean truly hurt you is the hardest thing you can do…." Gazing off for a second, Erin shivered as a memory flew into her mind. Shaking herself back to the present, "Trust me on that one." "Given the circumstances that can be true. But I forgiveness doesn't mean forgetting. And the pain lingers. But I think even the worst of the worst could be redeemed. Maybe I'm naive. But the cardassians were are bitter foes. Now they're in the Federation. And I bet if the Andorians or Trill came calling, they'd be welcome back with open arms. Forgiveness is the most courageous act there is." "Then I must be pretty god damn brave then. But that is a story for another time." Smiling sweetly, she just hoped that that had not come off as stand offish. Erin's past was something she did not like to talk about. Not that she was ashamed but she never wanted to be seen as something she had tried so hard to not be. "You don't ever have to share anything you don't want to. Not to me. Not to anyone. You someone respect and kindness. But you don't owe anyone secrets you don't want to share." Sighing, she nodded. Erin had a fire in her but it was something that she had worked to keep at bay. "It's not so much a secret. Just… my past is mine. I don't need or want anyone's pity or anyone giving me that look." Billy then got up and sat next to her. "Pity gets us nowhere. But sometimes people who aren't use to compassion mistake it for pity ' "That's me. It took lieutenant Bollington months to get me to realise that so, if I have spoken harshly, I apologise." Billy began laughing. "You're fine. Im used to it. Im so non threatening, like a teddy bear. People just have a way of opening up to me. You have nothing to worry about." Smiling at him, Erin nodded her thanks. "I… suppose what I meant was that I want people to see me for me. Not for my past, not for who my parents are. That's why I understood what you said earlier and I don't care who your family is. That's not me. That's not what I care about. What I care about, what I look for in a friend is someone who is kind. Humour helps but a kind spirit. Lord knows I have seen some pretty dark spirits in my life so I look for the light inside everyone. " Blushing, she turned away, "Sorry, that sounds so cheesy." "I like cheese." Billy laughed. "Look, everyone has a past. Some good, some bad. We don't let it shackle us, but we shouldn't let it shame us." "Sometimes that's easier said then done. Sometimes the hardest battles are those that go on in our heads. Battles that are personal can be the hardest." Billy turned to Erin and took her hand in his. "Sorry, i come from a family where touch is the love language. Listen, whatever happens, you have one friend. Since I have no ambition you don't have to worry about me stabbing you in the back. And whatever your past, who cares. New day, fresh start." Looking down at his hand, Erin closed hers around his gently, closing her eyes for a brief moment then opened them, "You decided then? You want to be a friend?" She winked. He released her hand and laughed. “If you want a friend that is." Billy got up and went back to his original seat. "I don't need a new friend. Got plenty. But I don't mind new ones. Always up for having a new one. Balls in your court time bomb." Raising an eyebrow, she smirked at him, "I'd like that." ~a friend. Girl can always use a good friend~ she thought to herself. "So, you have cousins already on base?" “Two, the twins. Trip and Sienna. They’re half betazoid. We’re all the same age, the two of them and then our cousin Miranda. Miranda didn’t enter Starfleet though, she’s a teacher. We grew up hanging out. Even got matching tattoos based on Playing cards. Trip has a Spade on his shoulder, Sienna a heart, Miranda a club, and me..” Billy rolled up his sleeve enough to show off his forearm, “A Diamond. Somehow we formed some cool us only cousin club. Trip is the Ace of Spades, I’m the King of Diamonds, Sienna is the Queen of Hearts, and Miranda is the Jack of Clubs. But yeah, Sienna is a science officer and trip is a pilot. Maybe you’ve already met them or heard of them, Sienna and Trip Williams, well Trip’s full name is James Andrew Williams the Third. Again hard for legacy kids to go unnoticed, but we’re all for the most part humble. Southern roots.Though Trip was on the wrestling team with me. Though I joined first.” Looking at the tattoo, her hand, subconsciously, rubbed her shoulder, "Never met any of the wrestling team until now. Archery was and still is my thing. Don't get me wrong, I knew of the team but jocks never really tended to talk to me." Putting her hands on her legs, she smiled, "Must be nice having family to rely on rather than having to forge new paths and friendships." “Well, yeah it is. I mean real large family. I’m the third of four kids. Lots of cousins. My Dad is number one of four, my mom is three of six. My mom’s parents have a ranch that they own in East Texas, divided the land into seven plots, kept one and gave the six others to each kid. So that way we could all be close. My Dad’s parents don’t live too far away either, but we see mom’s side a bit more because of the ranch. It was nice growing up with cousins. Even if I was always dead last. Well I mean, there are quite a few younger than me. But we’re all prety close in age. It was nice. Made special occasions nice. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.” Smiling widely, "Sounds pretty idyllic. It's just my mom, dad and me. Growing up, I was, and still am, a daddy's girl. He taught me how to handle a bow and gave me my first quiver. Still use it to this day. But, it was good. Family was small but pretty perfect. Although, i heard something once that I think is pretty true. Family don't end in blood, but it doesn't start there either. Family cares about you, not what you can do for them. Family's there through the good, bad, all of it. They got your back even when it hurts. That's my mom and dad and one close friend I still have. That's my family. We're not perfect but it's all I have." “Amen to that Time Bomb, Amen to that.” Billy smiled, he never realized how pretty she was all those years ago, but then again what one looks like at 18 and 22, is not always the same. “We’re in for a hell of an adventure Cortez, a hell of an adventure. I think it will be a fun ride.” Billy then reached into his bag and pulled out two glasses and a bottle of bourbon. He then returned to where Erin was sitting. “There is a tradition in my family. Whenever there is a happy moment, a sad moment, a joyous occasion, something worth commemorating, or just because we damn well please, we have a toast, and down a shot of bourbon. I think this is one of those moments.” Billy poured into the two glasses and handed one to Erin. “Two new dawns, fresh starts, and the beginning of a glorious new friendship.” He raised his glass and drank the shot. Erin, smiling, raised her glass, "Amen to that, Flash. To new friends, new adventures and a new chapter. " downing the shot, she glanced back at him and grinned. (reply none) (posted by Jackie and Will) (Mars Facility – Officer’s Mess - ENS JG Kaz Poldan and Ensign JG Trip Williams - 07:15) Trip walked up to the replicator and asked for a simple breakfast of a black tea, mixed with milk, sugar, and a lot of honey, some hashbrowns, and a breakfast sandwich consisting of two smallish chickenstrips, dripped in something called honey butter, with a nice flaky biscuit as the bread. He was looking for somewhere to sit when he saw Dr. Kaz Poldan sitting at a table. Trip walked up to him and sat down. “Yo Kaz, what’s up?” Kaz generally sit in the back out of sight of most people who were not actually looking for him, but after the last few days he decided to get out of his comfort zone and move out in. the open a little more. When he heard Trip it seemed like this actually paid off which made him happy because he was feeling a bit bad sitting at a 4 person table alone. “Hey Trip” Kaz said with a small smile and waved him to have a seat. “You get a chance to talk to your mom?” “No not yet I thought I get her alone away from all those other Trills who will more than likely pull her attention away from me.” His mother loved him he knew that, however, he also knew that her job was something she had always taken very serious so when people where around what Kaz was saying was just background noise most of the time. “That makes sense, this is probably an in private conversation anyways.” “How's your head?” “You know I’m feeling pretty good this morning. I mean the hand is a bit sore, but my head is fine. Might have just been ringing from the explosion. I’m feeling pretty good this morning.” Trip then looked at Kaz with a curious smile, “Can I ask you a random question?” Before Kaz could even respond, Trip blurted out his question anyways. “So like you’re a joined Trill right, so it’s like you have a whole host of people’s life and memories within you. So like how do you know you are you right. Like how much of you is Kaz and how much is Poldan. Like how do you know you’re really you? It’s a question I’ve just been curious about you know. In school for Federation History, like we still study races from old member worlds and its something I’ve always wondered.” “I do have the memories and emotions of the past host, but we have to go through tests to make sure we can handle the memories and not allow them to over power us at joining. We also have a ritual called Zhian’tara or a rite of closure. That allow a temporary telepathic transfer of the past host memory and would allow myself to talk to that host, and not just access their memory” “Interesting, so like there really is no way for like the other memories to overpower you unless you let them. So this Zhian’tara thing a ma jig, when the next host for Poldan becomes so and so Poldan, and they conjure you up, what do you think the Kaz memories will say.” Kaz smiled at the question. “You know if I was to die tomorrow the next host probably wouldn’t think much of my memories, the best they get is my medical knowledge, however, I want to do something big with my life. I want to be an Extraordinary person to pass on something like that to the next generation.” Kaz had never told anyone this no one had ever asked him. It is what he wanted to be the best to live a life anyone would be proud of. “Well then we need to make sure you don’t die anytime soon.” Trip said with a smile. “So by extraordinary do you mean action, adventure, medical breakthroughs, romance?” Kaz laughed “yeah that would be good. Honestly, to me if I could change one person's life for the better. That would be something extraordinary. I don't really need to be the doctor who invented something and saved a whole world. That would be awesome and extraordinary, but what if I saved the person who saved millions.” “Absolutely right. Because sometimes the most ordinary thing can lead to the Extraordinary moment. I learned that in a children’s holonovel I got as a birthday present. Sir Jimmy and the Magic Dragon by Jones Ashford. Simple story, with a lot of heart. As the Jimmy the Jester said to the knights with him. To be extraordinary requires a large price. I guess the question is, what are you willing to pay for it.” Kaz had never been one for the spotlight, he had never been the one shouting look at me i’m here. He generally faded into the background and went unnoticed and he was fine with that. “I’m not sure if there is a price I wouldn’t pay I mean i’d rather not die if I could help it.” “Don’t worry, we’ll make sure you don’t die. It’s what friends are for.” Trip said with a smile. “Honestly I’m glad I ran into you last night. It’s nice to have another guy to talk to. The only other male perspectives I have here are the guys in the squadron. And now that I’m the acting head of it, I need to distance myself from them. Not like in an unfriendly, jerk way. But its not appropriate to go to them with all my burdens. That’s the unfortunate price of command. I need to be able to give them an order that might send them to their death. Which sucks.” “Having to make a life or death call must really suck.” Kaz said with a smile he knew that feeling all to well he had to make those calls all the time that was just the part of being a doctor. “And given that I already have one reprimand for sleeping with a subordinate officer, I think I get the picture, leave some distance between you and those under you Be friendly but try and not get too personal.” “Yeah I guess that's the price of command. Kind of happy Bracken got that now.” Kaz was really good at keeping his distance, but he wasn’t sure he would want to do that if he had to. One of the things that made him a good doctor was the fact he made a personal connection with his patient. “Are you not worried that your staff might feel distant from you?” “Well, I’m not going to be a jerk to them, or be purposefully distant. But its not, unfortunately truly reciprocal relationship. I have to be impartial, I have to respect boundaries. They need to be able to come to me with their problems. I need to be there to counsel them, help them grow, help them fulfill their needs. But it’s not entirely appropriate for me to lay my burdens on them. If that makes sense. Like if I had a fight with my sister, I couldn’t call up Ire and be like hey I need to talk to someone, let’s get a beer. That’s what I mean. I need to be there for them and with them, but I have to remember at the end of the day, I’m their boss.” Trip then shifted gears. “So, is it true that you can’t revisit the family of a previous host?” “Yeah, it's a closure and a growth thing and one that took me years to understand. I wanted nothing more than to meet my dad and I knew I could or at least a form of him. Beside we have all the emotions from the past host that would be awful to see one of Poldan past wives.” Kaz really started to understand why this rule was in place once he was joined. “Interesting," Trip said with a smile. "I guess that makes sense. It must have been rough growing up without your dad. Knowing that his memories were out there and you couldn't do anything about it." Kaz shrugged “my stepdad did a pretty good job feeling in the gap. He always treated us like his own, but I always wanted to know what Jaton was like. You know.” "Well, I mean you kind of get a second chance right. If this new Jaton is who he says he is, then you can get insight from him on what he was like." “I'm not sure that possible or if he even wants to see me now I did a bad thing after all. Let my temper run out of control.” "Like you don't need to have him be your dad you know, the time to raise you is over. But you could forge a friendship with the guy." “Yeah I guess I should have gave him a chance to explain before breaking his nose.” Kaz honestly didn’t regret it much, but it was probably a bad thing. "Worst case scenario, have him marry the ice queen." Kaz laughed “ that’s an idea for sure. Think he go for it?.” “I mean, you could always ask, wouldn’t hurt right?” Kaz shrugged his friend had a point what would it hurt to ask maybe it would get him out of it maybe it wouldn’t no one would ever know unless they he did ask. “Anyways, I do think you should talk to him, have a beer or something, and figure out, you know what y’all are supposed to be to each other. He doesn’t need to be your dad, your father, even your friend. But I just know that you don’t know how long you have to get to know this Jaton, and you might regret not getting that chance.” Kaz looked at Trip he wasn’t sure when he became so wise. “Sure I guess you have a point. I guess I will find time to do that when I have a day off.” “Anyways I hate to leave, but I got to run to work. But if you’re ever up for a beer, let me know.” Trip said as he picked up his tray to leave. “I’ll be seeing you around Kaz.” “Bye” Kaz said in a hushed voice the last few moments of the conversation had really made him think. He knew he had acted poorly when he first saw jaton and even worse the one friend he had the one person he knew deep down he could always count on he had been a complete jerk toward for days now, he needed to talk to Ailynn as well make things right apologize for how he had been acting. (reply none) (posted by Will and Richard) (Mars Facility – Admiral’s Office – aACMO Ens(jg) Ailynn Bracken – 0745) Rather surprisingly considering that she hadn’t managed to get changed before falling asleep, Ailynn had slept well, and started the day in good spirits. Over breakfast, she had compiled her report for the Admiral, together with the transfer request, which now needed his authorisation. On the way to the offices, she had also swung by Medical, to check on Ensign Petrova, and was gratified to find that all was well, and the morning’s obs and scans were looking optimal. She was therefore upbeat when she reached the Admiral’s office, although there was one thing that she was on edge about discussing, but she had a responsibility to inform. She hit the door chime and upon hearing a word of entry from within, entered the room, and addressed Admiral Ktell when she reached his desk, handing a PADD over. “Good morning Admiral. My full report on nsign Petrova’s operation last night, and her subsequent transfer request to Medical HQ for you to authorise Sir.” (Reply Ktell) (Posted by Mark) (Mars Facility – Admiral’s Office - CO Admiral Remae Ktell – 0749) Doctor Bracken had dropped in to deliver his report on Patrova; Admiral Jopek had taken the time to look over the Ensign in the early hours but the business with the Mystique and the preparation for the Trill briefing had taken up his time. The request for the transfer pleased the Bajoran, it meant she was well enough to be moved and that was good news for her prognosis. Not that she would receive the best of care on Mars but, they were a long way from being up and running. “Request for medical transfer is approved, Doctor. Excellent work.”, he said, and he looked behind the Doctor at Trip, working away in his outer office. The Admiral looked back and towards the outer office where Trip was and made a look back at the Doctor, a sort of unspoken permission passed between them allowing Ailynn to speak to Trip, if she wanted to. “Any further?”, ask Remae and he waited for a moment. (Reply from Bracken, Any) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (Outside Admiral's office - Ens(jg) Erin Cortes - 0856) Standing outside the door, Erin took a deep breath. ~okay, big moment. Just pray he...~ Stopping her train of thought, she smoothed down her uniform and raised her hand to press the console and announce her presence but she stopped, hand hovering slightly. Thinking back to earlier and Billy's words to her, a soft smile crept onto her face. Realising it, she shook herself, fixed a calm look on her face and pressed the console. (Reply Remae) (Mars Facility – Operations Center - Conference Room - COUNS Alaya Ravenstone – 0949) Alaya was bleary eyed as she walked into the Conference room. The teal haired Betazoid was dressed in the dark blue gown and leggings set that Starfleet had approved for counselors. She wore no rank insignia, only her comm badge as appropriate for being on duty. Her low heeled boots made a soft clacking sound until she transferred onto the carpet of the conference room. Surveying the available options for refreshment, Alaya smiled over towards the bajoran Admiral that she had yet to actually meet yet, which she hoped would not get her into too much trouble. She poured a glass of refreshingly cold fruit juice and took a small cheese pastry. Glancing around the room Alaya noted that there were several clusters of officers already, however by the mix of the coloured uniforms she knew that they were friends and not in the same department. It was a good thing that tey were mixing, making friends across departmental lines. Alaya knew that this was the cream of the crop, the senior ensigns even though none of them had received promotions yet. Glancing around she wondered how many of them realized that, and how many took it as their due. She had read many of their files, but reading was one thing and learning who they really were was another. Alaya sat down near Counselor Solice and Counselor Trei. They had not had a chance to formally meet, but she hoped they could be friends outside of work. "Counselor Solice, Counselor Trei, it's a pleasure to meet you both. I didn't get a chance to really talk to you after yesterday's meeting and the day was chaotic and crazy," Alaya smiled to soften her words, "But maybe after this meeting we can finally get a chance to talk and see about organizing the department?" (reply Trei, Solice, any at the meeting) (posted by Mel) (Mars Facility – Operations Center - Conference Room - E/SYO Ensign Boone Foster – 0952) Boone entered the room. He was impressed with the Operations Center. There were times when he really enjoyed modern structures versus the wooden buildings he grew up with. He surveyed the room, and decided to sit next to a Cardassian. To his knowledge he had never met the officer before. "Excuse me, is this seat taken?" he asked pointing to the chair. (reply Methor) (posted by Calvin Capps) (Mars Facility – Operations Center -Medical Officer - Ensign JG Dural Methor DrPH - 0953) "Is this seat taken?" Came a voice that Dural had never heard before. He looked up from his PADD to see an adult human man in front of him pointing to an empty chair. "It is taken, by you just now friend." Dural said gregariously. (Reply Foster) "...and my name is Dr. Dural Methor, you may call me Dr. Dural or just Dural if you prefer." (Reply Foster) "The title is medical. Doctor of Public Health. We haven't met as I only just arrived yesterday. I've been meaning to get out and socialize, but I spent much of yesterday speaking with the Admiral, then the CMO. I spent the better part of the rest of the day after work arguing with Engineering about the specifications of my quarters and inquiring why the thermostat doesn't go above 30°Celsius." He said nearly begining to ramble but he caught himself. Looking at Foster's uniform, "I take it you are in Engineering?" (Reply Foster) Dural smiled, he was pleased he got at least some of it right, "and where do you hail from?" He asked. (Reply Foster) "I've never heard of that place, you'll have to tell me of your home in great detail at some point. I don't think we'll have time before the briefing." He admitted. (Reply Foster) (Posted by Todd) (Mars Facilities - Operation Centre –Pilot – Ensign JG- Ire Williams – 0959) Ire slipped into the Operations Centre with moments to spare. Things had been busy that morning getting the squadron up for its patrol along with sorting out the mountain of PADD that needed his attention. He glanced around the room and saw Trip and Ravok and moved over to site beside them. He paused while he gathered his thoughts as he waited for the Admiral to start. (Reply none) (Posted by Robbie) (Mars Facility – Operations Centre - Conference Room - CO Admiral Remae Ktell – 1003) The officers of the Martian Facility had arrived, in less than a week, it was clear to the Admiral how far they had come, their mood was different, confident, focused, determined. Although the room was quite full, the table, long, accommodated the numbers, barely but still others were forced to sit on one side of the table. On his right, Ambassador MacCaulay sat looking on, the Trill’s presence may have sparked some interested with the assembled group, but for now, she waited like everyone else. There were new faces on the table, introductions were going to made and finally, on a simple nod towards Ensign Sekal, the consciousness onboard the Mystique, Luma'lenai was also invited and linked via the communication system. “I want to introduce Ensign Cortes, our new officer assigned as a Counsellor. Welcome Counsellor.”, said the Admiral. There were others, of course, Ensign Bill Alexander, Ensign Methor and Ensign Ravenstone. Remae introduced them all and when he was done, he took a moment and looked at each of them in term and a sweeping pride filled him and he knew that with such a group, their skills, their talent, their commitment, there was nothing they couldn’t do. “Thank you all for coming. We have a lot to cover, so I will get started.”, said the Admiral, loud enough for all to hear. He picked up the first of his preparation notes and looked them over. “I’m starting with personnel and roster changes and I wanted to officially acknowledge our department leaders: Ensign Trip Williams has become the acting Flight Squadron Executive Officer (aFSXO) Ensign Sekal has become the acting Assistant Chief Science Officer (aACSO) Ensign Merek has become the acting Assistant Chief Engineering Officer (aACEO) Ensign Bracken has become the acting Assistant Chief Medical Officer (aACMO).” Remae looked around for a moment as he paused to read some more of his notes. “Ensign Sekal and Ensign Williams-Verin, I’ve been thinking about the Science Department and I’ve decided to make the following change. Ensign Sekal, I want you to focus completely on your speciality of Research. We’ve got to pour all our resources into getting our technology up to speed and I need you focussed on that. I am changing your position to acting Assistant Chief Science Officer (Research), aACSO (Research).”, he said to the Ensign. They had 20 years of catching up to do but that left a large gap in Science, who was going to manage the day to day work? “Ensign Williams-Verin, I am moving you into the generalist science role of acting Assistant Chief Science Officer (aACSO). It’ll be your job to work on all scientific aspects that aren’t research based in nature.”, he said nodding at them. The Admiral waited for everyone to settle down before moving on. “Next, to the topic of Security and Tactical. Ensign Peters, I am making you the new acting Assistant Security Officer (aASEC), and you’ll oversee your department, but I also recognise that Security and Tactical are quite different things, separate and very involved. I am recommending that you assign an officer from your department to the role of Tactical and that person will have a special focus on Tactical Operations, the Tactical Officer is a role you can assign when you are ready and later on, that role will become an acting Assistant position (aATAC).”, he said looking at the new Security Leader with a nod. “Thank you, I think it’ll be prudent now to go around the table, each department head or anyone else is now welcome to speak, even a few words about what they have been doing. However, before that, I want to acknowledge the fighter group. Their recent mission was successful but came with a cost, Ensign Petrova was severely injured but our medical department stabilised her enough for a trip to Starfleet Medical for treatment this morning.”, he said looking at the various fighter pilots in the room, he turned towards Ensign Trip Williams. “Ensign, for leading the group and successfully completing the mission, I am awarding you the Combat Action Ribbon for coming under enemy fire and performing your duty in the best tradition of Starfleet.”, he said nodding at the Ensign. The Admiral stood up and walked to the corner of the room and Trip headed to the front of the room and came to attention. Opening the little box, the Admiral took out the medal and pinned it to the uniform of the Ensign. As he leaned over, the Admiral whispered to the Ensign so no one else could hear… “This doesn’t mean you get out of cleaning the toilets in the Enlisted Mess, Ensign!” Quickly, he stood back and said, “Congratulations Ensign.”, outstretching his hand and smiling before inviting the Ensign to sit down again. NRPG: Trip can assign other medals and commendations to his team as he sees fit at a later date. Ensign Petrova is can also receive the Ribbon of Sacrifice, whatever Will wants to do. RPG: For a few moments, everyone was all smiles and relaxed and the Admiral let them have this time before bringing the room back to attention again. “Let’s go around the room, each department can report on what’s happening. Keep it brief please, we have a lot to go through.”, he said and waited for the first department to report. (Mars Facility – Operations Centre - Conference Room - aASEC, Ens(jg) Carson Peters – 1007) The group has become silent as the Admiral began to talk and welcome all the new(er) officers around the table. He made sure to note each of their names as they were introduced, so he wasn't caught cold at a later date not knowing who was who. He smiled as the Admiral made Ensign Williams-Verin a codepartment lead of the Sciences. Admittedly it was a large department and they probably needed more than one to help focus the research and development. “Next, to the topic of Security and Tactical." The Admiral said as he looked over the assembled officers. Carson sat up a little straighter and began readying the padd he has with him incase the Admiral asked for any information. "Ensign Peters, I am making you the new acting Assistant Security Officer (aASEC), and you’ll oversee your department, but I also recognise that Security and Tactical are quite different things, separate and very involved. I am recommending that you assign an officer from your department to the role of Tactical and that person will have a special focus on Tactical Operations, the Tactical Officer is a role you can assign when you are ready and later on, that role will become an acting Assistant position (aATAC).” ~What?~ Dumbfounded and a little proud, he simply nodded to the Admiral, "Thank-you, Sir." and allowed the moment to passby. This was big and he spent a good few moments trapped in his own head. ~This doesn't really change anything~ he thought to himself. He still needed to work side-by-side with all the other Security and Tactical officers, it just meant that if things went wrong it was his head it'd fall on. By the time Carson managed to refocus himself to the meeting, the Admiral was commending Ensign Williams for his successful leadership in the attack on the pirates. Carson politely clapped along with the rest of the room and then Admiral Remae asked for a brief but informative description of what was happening within each department. The room was silent but for a moment before he decided to be the first to speak up, "Admiral as you know, but some here may not. We had an attack on Luma & the Mystique late last night. Thankfully noone was injured and we have several prisoners under guard which will be questioned later on today in regards to their incursion and other investigations that are currently ongoing. Outside of that, I'd like to thank everyone here for helping to make the base lockdown as simple a process as it has been and another thank-you to the Engineers which have helped get the Security Ops centre fully functional. You've made my life significantly easier." Carson nodded to Merek across the table. (Reply any other Security, all other departments) (Posted by Jono Bradley) (Mars Facility – Operations Centre - Conference Room - Ensign (jg) Garek Darpeg – 1008) Darpeg listened to the Admiral Ktell's speech. Darpeg's Klingon half wanted to challenge Peters since he felt that Peters was not suited for his decision. But his Vulcan side prevailed, knowing that the Admiral had used logic and his knowledge of all his officers to make his choice. He leaned over in his seat and said to the person next to him, "We may see the facility start to become cohesive." (Reply any) (Posted by Gary Dupree) (Mars Facility – Operations Centre - Conference Room - aACSO (R)- Ensign Sekal – 1023) Sekal had set up a comm link to the Mystique so that Luma could overhear the proceedings from the terminal at his seat. He had chosen this location for that purpose, having been notified by the Admiral before the meeting that she would be included. In a more overreaching arc however she had already expressed an interest in becoming a part of Starfleet's general population on Mars and cooperating with Admiral Remae. As mind bondmate (temporary) his job was not only to be her point of contact as long as that continued but also her advocate when separated from her. He had learned this and much more during the mind meld and having accepted the interim position he took it as seriously as any of his other duties. A number of new officers were introduced, a medal awarded and promotions announced during the buildup of the meeting which he assumed centered on the Trill Ambassador who was present but had so far remained silent. The reshuffling of the science department was logical and he inclined his head respectfully to Ensign Verin for her advancement. The two would have to work closely together to insure the entire department ran smoothly. “Let’s go around the room, each department can report on what’s happening. Keep it brief please, we have a lot to go through.” If the Admiral expected a brief report from the science department he was doomed to be disappointed. "The science department is ready to move forward on the research front..." Sekal began, "... however the most pressing item of business to be noted is that of the Mystique and Luma'Lenai." Sekal initiated the computer terminal before him, it would have a dual purpose now and not only as communications device. "Computer access Mystique First officer and Captain's logs. Stardate twenty four, twelve, ten, zero four." =^=Access granted. =^= "Display derelict ship and crystal from those logs on the main wall monitor." The large monitor on the long side wall illuminated and the golden teardrop shaped crystal appeared on the left of the screen, the ship encountered by the Mystique on the right. He waited long enough for those on the opposite side of the table to reposition themselves before standing to his feet. "We had been operating on the assumption that the crystal was a container for Luma's life force..." he began, ".... however during the mind meld I learned it was in fact her true form in which her consciousness was housed. Captain Winters had it moved from the derelict ship and installed on the Mystique. More on that in a moment." He turned to look at Ktell. "Luma's kind predate all but the the earliest known life forms. While they did not have bipedal forms they were able to move themselves using their minds to the point a few were able to leave their planet and reach space using only thought for motive force. Their home planet was destroyed when their sun entered its red giant phase and engulfed it. Luma spent eons wandering the 'Star Song' as she calls it in deep space." He turned back to the monitor. "Luma was found by space farers on this generation ship shown who called themselves the Illuminar, bringers of light. They named Luma after themselves and integrated her on their ship. She became the ship in essence and served them." "The Illuminar were a race of telepaths and one was chosen as her bondmate until death. Tragedy however struck its inhabitants and with the loss of their genetic materials stored aboard due to radiation they declined until the last one perished long before finding a world suitable for colonization. Without them to maintain it much of the ship's systems broke down leaving her adrift." His eyes traveled around the room taking in many faces. "Integration into the Mystique attracted what Luma believes to be the only other surving member of her race, with its death she is the last of her kind. Also the crystal that was her form was destroyed but her life force took up residence in the bio neural gel packs of the primary computer. This simplifies moving her as she can be integrated into any system so structured." ~And now for the coup de grace.~ "The Illuminar are mentioned in Betazoid legends and from my contact with Luma I am convinced that Betazed was colonized by one of their generation ships. I believe the term is 'poetic justice' that Captain Winters, a possible descendant of the Illuminar was the one who found Luma and brought her back from isolation." There was a low murmer from one corner. "Luma has expressed a desire to become one of us and to serve in whatever capacity the Admiral requires. I currently hold the temporary position of mind bondmate, as soon as one more suitable is found I will step aside." He turned his head and nodded to Ktell then turned off the monitor as he resumed his seat. (Reply: Any) (Posted by Charles Gatling) (Mars Facility – Operations Centre - Conference Room - CO Admiral Remae Ktell – 1045) Everyone had their say and it was good to see everyone bonding, coming together and it was essential to what is coming next. “Thank you all, I now want to introduce Ambassador MacCaulay, as the Ambassador to Trill. She and I have discussed the possibility of Trill re-joining the Federation, and to that end, we’ve been invited to Trill to conduct a preliminary discussion.”, he said nodding at the Ambassador. “Starfleet have indicated to me that they are happy for us to proceed, but they will not provide any support, so it's up to us. With the Republic out of commission and not space-worthy, the fact we’ll be leaving Federation Space and entering neutral territory, we need to be ready for anything… to say this mission is vital to the viability of the Federation cannot be overstated.”, he said before pausing for a moment before adding, “You’ve heard about Mystique and how Luma'lenai are bonded together, this mission cannot succeed without Luma’s support. Luma, how do you feel about letting us travel to Trill?”, Remae asked and he felt the consciousness needed a say in this mission, he wasn’t going to order her or force her to go. (Reply from ALL) (Posted by Anthony Keen)