>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: You Can't Go Home Again Day: 6 Stardate: 2444.06.06 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (Mars Facility – Williams-Verin Quarters - aACSO Ensign Sienna Williams-Verin and aACMO Ens(jg) - 0005) (Mars Facilities – Security Quartermaster– Petty Officer – Steven Hammons– 0730) (Mars Facility – Operations Centre – Admiral’s Office - Ensign JG Scott Matrix – 0928) (Mars Facility – Sickbay – aACMO Ens(jg) Ailynn Bracken – 0941) (Mars Facility – Outisde operations Centre - Conference Room – aACEO – Ensign JG Keira Merek – 1107) (Mars Facility – Operations Centre – Conference Room - CO Admiral Remae Ktell and Ambassador Addison MacCaulay - 1050) (Mars Facility – Operations Centre – Conference Room – Ops/Sec– CPO Charles Tamblyn - 1055) (Mars Facility – Operations Centre – Conference Room - CO Admiral Remae Ktell – 1059) (Mars Facility – Outisde operations Centre - Conference Room - aFSXO Ensign JG Trip Williams, aACMO Ailynn Bracken, and civilian Ashlyn Jones – 11:00) (Mars Facility – Operations Centre – Conference Room - CO Admiral Remae Ktell – 1105) (Mars Facility – Command Complex, outside Admiral Remae's office - Science Officer Ensign Jaton Alyl – 1206) (Mars Facility – Medical Center - aACSO (R)- Ensign Sekal – 1218) (Mars Facility – Medical Center - Triage – aACMO Ens(jg) Ailynn Bracken – 1220) (Mars Facility – Medical Center - aACSO (R)- Ensign Sekal – 1223) (Mars Facilities – Hangar Offices – aACEO – Ensign JG Keira Merek – 1307) (Mars Facilities - 1st fighter wing - Hangar 5 - ENS jg Ravok- 1308) (Mars Facility – Science Centre – Pilot – Ensign (J.G.) – Ire Williams– 1320) (Mars Facility – Science Annex - aACSO Ensign Sienna Williams-Verin - 1322) (Mars Facility – Science Annex – Pilot – Ensign (J.G.) – Ire Williams - 1326) (Mars Base - Admiral Office - Intel Ens(jg) Jaelle Foxglove - 1400hrs) (Mars Facilities – Hangar Offices – aACEO – Ensign JG Keira Merek – 1402) (Mars Facility – Corridor - Ensign Jg Erin Cortes – 1407) (Mars Facility – Outisde operations Centre - Conference Room - Pilot Ensign jg Ravok and counciler Ensign jg Trei– 14:29) (Mars Facility – Security Complex– OPS- CPO Charles Tamblyn – 1445) (Mars Facility – Operations Complex– OPS- CPO Charles Tamblyn – 1530) (Mars Facility – Operations Complex– Ensign Billy Alexander - 1532) (Mars Facility – Security Complex - Ens(jg) Carson Garek Darpeg - 1740) (Mars Facility – Willliams-Verin Family Quarters – Pilot Ensign jg Ravok / aFSXO Ensign jg Trip Williams 18:02) (Mars Base, Security Center, Brig, Tactical Ensign Taya, 1834) (Mars Facility – Security Complex, Sec Ops Centre - aASEC, Ens(jg) Carson Peters - 1836) (Mars Facility – Medical Annex - Counselor's office - COUNS Alaya Ravenstone- 2000) (Mars Facilities – The Red Sands – aACEO – Ensign JG Keira Merek – 2001) (Mars Facilities – The Red Sands – Santiago Torres - 20:02) (Mars Facilities – The Red Sands – Pilot Ensign jg Ravok Shara - 20:03) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (Mars Facility – Williams-Verin Quarters - aACSO Ensign Sienna Williams-Verin and aACMO Ens(jg) - 0005) Sy woke screaming in the night. It was dark, Lynn was next to her, and she was screaming. Her mind reached out quickly towards Trip, not finding him close at hand. Lynn was saying something to her, but hen a few seconds later the yellow alert began. Sy sat quickly up, reaching for Lynn, trembling. "Honey, what's wrong, slow down. I'm here." "Luma's in pain." Sy managed to get out around rapid, deep breaths to calm the panic in her. "There are invaders on her and one of them shot her with something that burned, it was like someone took a laser scalpel to my skin, cutting it..." Sy realized she was babbling, was wearing nothing and that Lynn was next to her. And that Kenna, her traitorous cat, was likely on Trip's bed. Ailynn sat up kicking off her other shoe, realising that she was still dressed. She had no idea what it was like being an empath, she had caught the very edges of it when they'd kissed earlier, but she could see the pain, and worry on Sienna’s face. She shifted herself round and sat behind Sienna, pulling her into a hug, trying to calm her down. "Hi Lynn." Sy spoke softly, staring at the woman she knew that she loved. "How...how was surgery?" Sy didn't realize that she was still shaking, "Does yellow alert..." She wasn't sure what that meant, her brain was so muddled. "Do we need to get dressed and do something?" Ailynn shook her head. "You're off duty, and unless I have a medical summons, I’m here for you. Do you feel any better, do you know what happened?" Ailynn held her, she could feel Sienna still trembling. “You know about Luma, right? The entity on board the Mystique? She started screaming telepathically and it was like I was there, could feel people cutting into my skin. Someone used a phaser and cut into her, opening holes. Several holes. But Saleke is there right now, with her. He’s calming her down.” Sy leaned back against Lynn’s warm body. “I am interested in how the surgery went, though.” Feeling that Sienna was calming down a little, Ailynn herself began to relax, she knew that she should pull on some nightwear, but it seemed to be too much effort, she shifted her weight, and pulled her leg from behind Sienna, pulling her back into and embrace. Sy scooted over then laid her head on Lynn's shoulder, savoring the feeling of the ones you love being near. "Surgery went really well, no... beyond that. We were able to do both procedures. It will be a difficult recovery, and she won't be flying again for a while, but a full recovery is possible." Sy beamed, a bit of her empathy leaking. Pride/pleasure/joy. "I am so proud of you. I am not sure your Mom could have done as well.” Ailynn blushed deeply as she picked the edges of Sienna’s senses. “Thank you, that means a lot.” I… Lynn, can… have you ever heard that…" Sy screamed, putting hands over her ears to block the psionic backlash, “Sienna,” Ailynn reacted instantly to her distress. “What’s the matter? Luma again?” Ailynn held Sienna to her, trying once more to calm her down. “What happened?” "Someone cut a hole in the deckplating again. I do not want to be the one who has to fix that… Oh Luma…" “Sy, you have to try to let go…” Sy tried. She was not Luma's bondmate and this was not a good thing for her. "Oh. I saw out of Trip's eyes when they crash landed and I could see her burned body in his lap. We have only done it one other time, under extreme pain. Trip thinks that Luma might be trying to change me to make me more Betazoid. I was wondering, what you thought?" She sighed, “Do you want me to be honest?” Sy turned just a bit, "I always want you to be honest with me." “If...IF...that’s what’s happening, I don’t like it. Sienna, I don’t recall you being this affected by it before, and it’s hurting you. Seeing through Trips eyes? Honey, you’re only half Betazoid, your ability isn’t something that can just increase without repercussions.” "I don't know if it is her, that was why I wanted to talk to you. Maybe have you scan me. It could have just been the shock, when he crashed. It has not happened since, and… I guess I am just scared Lynn. Luma doesn't mean harm, but she can harm pretty easily." “It’s something that I don’t know more than basic about, but if Luma is trying to increase your psi abilities; without the genetic ability to handle it it could damage you permanently. Luma has to stop it, if that’s what’s happening.” "I was upset that I am not her bondmate, but now I am thrilled I am not. Sekal is handling her until we can find someone, but whoever that is…. They are going to need to be strong, and monitored regularly." Sy laid there, thinking, "It is why I want Solice counseling Luma. She has no psi abilities. I thought she was the best of the available choices. I should have asked you. Oh, I am your liason with Science." She smiled at that. She shook her head “It’s fine, good choice involving Solice, She’s the Departmental Liaison with Science anyway, so you two working together makes sense.” Sy smiled. Lynn's approval meant the world to her. “Now...I’ve got to be really careful what I say, as I’m not allowed to advise you medically in any way. However, in the past few days you have been through numerous traumae. We can get you scanned by a duty medic tomorrow. Also, perhaps there’s one of the counselling team that you could chat to, who’s better at understanding empaths and those abilities.” She hugged Sienna, kissing the top of her head. “I’m out of my depth, I know the mechanics...to a point. I’m always here for you, as I said, I can’t do it medically any more, but I can be here physically.” Worry filled her as she spoke. She hoped that the suggestion of a chat to a counsellor didn’t sound like a brush off, but she wasn’t joking when she said she was a touch out of her depth. "Who would you recommend? I think there are other betazoids on base. If not, Mum is not THAT far away, really." Sy snuggled against Lynn. "I kinda want to know…" Ailynn was aware of Sienna’s warm body relaxing against hers, anything that she said now would not as they said ‘be admissable in court.’ Whether she knew it or not, Sienna was beginning to mumble slightly as she lost her battle against slumber. Snuggling into her Sienna kept on talking. Ailynn made a mental note of things that they needed to catch up on when Sienna was awake. The yellow alert ended, "I guess it resolved ok. I don't feel anything from Luma now. I would be happier if she was down here with us. I have this feeling she could be a friend…" Sy yawned and as was normal for her, her eyes began to drift shut. She was a fast sleeper. Ailynn waited for Sienna’s breathing to become deeper, and stable, and then carefully slid her arm from under Sienna’s head, and then turned over. She was falling for Sienna more each day, but she didn’t like being too hot to sleep, she much preferred being on the cool side. As Ailynn lay back, her mind back fully awake as it often was at these hours, she reflected on her life this last week. Been posted to Mars Base, the newest of a bunch of new recruits, and found herself being promoted to lead those in her department. She’d begun to come to terms with her recent past, and troubles, some very severe, deeper that anyone other than her or her mother knew. She hadn’t truly shared the depths that things had got to. She reflected on that, and the infinite depth of her mother’s love. Every time she’d messed up, regardless of how severe, Aimee, her mother, had always given her a certain look, the look of unending worry, absolute pain, but always, above always, eternal eternal love. She’d fought her family name, she reflected since the first signs of puberty. That fight, had led her to the darkest places, but at every step, there had been faces that had always been there. Faces that even now, she realised that back then she’d seen as judging, now she saw they’d just been watching her, making sure of her safety, sure they’d slipped on the last, but everything that all of them had done, her mother especially, had been centred on absolute, unwavering and total devotion to her. She felt the sorrow and the tears swallow her, as she opened herself up truly to herself, she swung the judgemental eye inward, and found her own image deeply lacking. The sorrow in her heart swelled, and broke. She fell into tears, cuddling her knees, feeling very very alone, even in the presence of her newest love, whose sleep, she knew, she’d disturb by her shattering emotion. If she had thought about it, she would have realised that the powerful emotion was flooding the room; but she didn’t, once more, she was behaving like a stupid kid who was only worried about her own feelings. Her mood sank, suddenly regretful of pretty much everything that she had put her family through. Sy woke up fast from the second psi disturbance in as many hours hit her hard. She cast her mind about for Trip automatically before realizing it was her Lynn, the sobs triggering something visceral in Sy. "Lynn, Lynn love what is it, what is wrong. " Sy moved her very warm body out of the wonderful cocoon nest of her blankets to sit next to Lynn. Sy wanted to touch but felt like she was intruding on Lynn's grief. And touch would deepen this bond forming between them. "My beautiful girl, please, please talk to me." Ailynn wiped her eyes, and saw the worry in Sienna’s eyes. "I'm sorry. I...I had a moment, a realisation of what an awful, thoughtless cow I was to my family, growing up I mean. All my neuroses hit me all at once. It happens sometimes when I'm tired." Sy gently pulled Lynn close to her, "Do you want to go talk to your Mom? You can open communications, those relays seem to be working reliably. "We should have time to make a run to earth on the supply shuttles. I wanted to go see my Mum, ride my horse. Eat her hobo casserole. " Sy gently, so gently ran her hands over Lynn's still clothed body. "You need sleep more than anything." Ailynn lay down. "I'm so sorry." She shifted closer, and gently ran the backs of her fingers on Sienna’s back. "You do not ever need to be sorry. You are not just the girl I care about, that I am so afraid to admit that I love. Lynnie, you are my family too. You know that." Sy settled a gentle kiss on Lynn's lips. "Sleep, my dear." Sy began to very softly sing a bajoran lullaby she had learned long ago. Ailynn had no idea how long she was awake, seconds probably, the gentle lilt of Siennas voice, and the comforting scent of her daytime perfume, the remnants of which still hung on her skin, enveloped her in the deepest sense of safety, she slept, deeply, and soundly. (Reply none) (Posted by Mel and Mark) (Mars Facilities – Security Quartermaster– Petty Officer – Steven Hammons– 0730) He was keenly aware of the familiar weight that was no longer there and it was as if a vital part of his body had been amputated. His hand reflexively reached down to pat the area on his right hip near the belt where his sidearm normally rode. It had been sacrificed last night in the interest of self preservation after being his go-to weapon and companion since the day he had been issued a phaser. It had been lovingly cared for and maintained and was immaculate up until the point it had released an explosive discharge of energy while on the Mystique. He sighed. But this was the reason he had shown up at the requisition supply depot, to find another companion at arms. "Here's the requisition order." The steely eyed officer behind the screen noted as he looked at the terminal. "One hand phaser." "Right you are." Hammons nodded. "Be right back." The quartermaster disappeared for a moment then came back with a footlocker sized crate which he parked to the side and lifted the lid. He pulled out a specimen and Hammons blanched. "Do you know what a Dustbuster is?" "A what?" The man looked confused as he turned with the weapon. "From a few hundred years ago, a small, handheld suction device. I looked it up one time." "What about it?" The man moved toward the screen. "That's what that piece of crap looks like. Do you have any pistol grip phasers like my old sidearm?" The quartermaster sighed and returned the weapon to the crate. "I have a couple." He returned the crate to the back and came forward with one held in each hand. "Let me look at 'em." Hammons exclaimed. "One at a time." The man cautioned and handed one to Steven who looked it over carefully then passed it back and looked at the other. He had checked the sensitivity of the controls as well as charge. "I'll take this one." He said and removed the energy pack from it then replaced it with one from his pocket. He handed the original back to the QM. "What's that all about?" Hammons shrugged. "I'm just funny that way. I won't use a piece of equipment till I've tested it." "I assume you're going to the firing range then." The man replied. Hammons laughed. "It's like you were reading my mind. Yep I'm off for some target practice before my shift." "Before you go..." Hammons had been turning around but stopped. "What?" "Look I can't give those other personal phasers away, nobody likes them. You want to take one with you just to test it? I've got crates of those things back there." Hammons grinned. "You're right, you can't give them away. Sorry, not interested." He set the phaser at the belt in that spot on his right hip and was whistling as he walked out the door. (Reply:Any) (Posted by Charles Gatling) (Mars Facility – Operations Centre – Admiral’s Office - Ensign JG Scott Matrix – 0928) The admiral continued, “Sorry Ensign, now… we have a meeting at 10.00, over there in the conference room and then, I want you to report to the acting Assistant Chief of Engineer, Ensign Keira Merek.”, he said and then added, “Any questions?” “No admiral, and thank you for your time.” He replied. Matrix promptly left the admiral’s office and made his way back to the operations center and looked for the conference room. He had plenty of time before the meeting started so he took the time to familiarize himself with the center. Scott hadn’t seen so many people in one place since he left the academy. As chaotic was it was, people and equipment were moving and working in unison. “Excuse me.” Said a voice trying to push past him. “You’re in my way, move it.” Scott stepped away from wall where the crew member had stacked several containers in an organized pile. She finished placing three more containers labeled USS Republic, then turned to Scott. “These things are heavy enough without having to navigate some lost newbie.” She continued. “Sorry about that…didn’t mean to slow you up.” Scott replied. “I’ve got a bunch more to bring up. If you’re still here when I get back please stay out of my way.” She turned and disappeared into the crowd of workers. ~Hmm. She’s cute.~ thought Scott. (Reply any, none) (Posted by Steve Smith) (Mars Facility – Sickbay – aACMO Ens(jg) Ailynn Bracken – 0941) Ailynn nodded. “I agree, I’d suggest you take your time and look around upstairs the counselling suites are up there. I’ve had a glance around, but not properly in the last day or two I’m afraid. See what facilities you have. Go with what you feel right of course, but make sure you have an Office, a room for you. A lot of patients expect to see a certain thing when they arrive. Once you’ve met them and discovered their needs, then move on to more specialised treatment rooms.” " I understand. I just hope my methods are too out there. I can be a little unconventional. Other counsellors tend not to agree with me sometimes." “I’ll be introducing you to the other counsellors at the meeting, Ensigns Trei and Ravenstone. Ensign Solice serves as a Counselling capacity when not stationed on base.” "Excellent. I suppose there's more than enough neuroses to go around in a place this big." Reply Bracken (Reply Bracken, Any) (Posted by Jackie) (Mars Facility – Operations Centre – Conference Room - CO Admiral Remae Ktell and Ambassador Addison MacCaulay - 1050) Remae listened to all in the room and to anyone who had something to say, he particularly nodded when it was mentioned that a shift-system needed to be maintained. The report about Luma was of interest and the Admiral took a second look at Ensign Sekal, as the bondmate of Luma, he planned to speak to them both after the meeting. “Thank you all. Please, do not work beyond your shift if you can at all help it. Everyone should be supporting everyone else — normal shift-rotations. Keep sharp, no mistakes.”, he said and then looked again at the Ambassador. “I want to turn this briefing over to Ambassador MacCaulay for her to report on Trill and the mission ahead.”, said the Admiral nodding at the Ambassador. Addison looked around the room he couldn’t believe it had been so long since she left Starfleet and returned home. “As all of you know, we were once part of the federation we had a strong relationship, and many Trills served in Starfleet. You all should know upfront while some will be happy to rejoin the Federation others will not. They believe our alliance would be better made with another. I do have one request the Caves of Mak’ala should remain off-limits unless you are accompanied by someone our Guardians would not take kindly to strangers just walking into the caves. The rest of the planet is free to explore.” It was simple, and to the point, the group had been chosen to provide a valuable service, perhaps by Trill rejoining, it would launch other worlds to do the same. The Admiral remembered a quick conversation with Ensign Bracken and that a request for the Ambassador to visit the Hades, which was moored nearby. The ship was a wreck and not in any spaceworthy condition but he had granted that request. “We need to redirect our efforts to prepare the Mystique for launch, Ensign’s Sekal and Merek, start repairs on the ship but not for 2 days, on Stardate : 2444.06.08. I need to speak to Luma in person and prepare the ship’s complement.”, he said nodding at the two officers, it would be their job to ensure the Mystique was ready for an extended voyage. “Everyone else, remember your ship assignments, they may differ than your base assignments, prepare your duty stations for departure but only in two days.”, he said looking around. “Noone is to step foot on the Mystique for 2 days, that’s an order. Enjoy some R &R because from now, you are all on a break. Dismissed.”, he said looking at everyone and then added, “Use this time well, it may be the last break for a while.” “Ensign Sekal, please remain a moment. I need to speak to you and Luma.”, he said, indicating the meeting was over. “Thank you, Ambassador. I hope you will join us onboard but you can follow us in your own ship, if you want, its up to you.”, he said to the Trill. He waited for her reply as everyone filed out of the room. (Reply from Any) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (Mars Facility – Operations Centre – Conference Room – Ops/Sec– CPO Charles Tamblyn - 1055) Once Charles heard the news of switching to underway posts and what ship they were going on, his mind shifted gears and he went straight to work while he waited for everyone to be released from the meeting. Once the meeting was over, instead of waiting for everyone to file out of the conference room to speak to the admiral, Tamblyn simply walked up to him. Once he had a moment of the admiral’s attention he simply said, “Sir, since we are shifting to shipboard positions, which has me shifting sections from facility Security to shipboard Operations. Would it be possible to assign me to work in the operations sections for both? It would make my transition from the facility to aboard ship that much easier and reduce the chances of anything getting lost in the shuffle. Plus, the facility’s operations section is wholly understaffed and could use the help.” (Reply Remae) “Aye, sir. With your permission, sir, I have lots to do before the heavy work can get started.” (Reply Remae) (Reply Remae) (Posted by Charlie) (Mars Facility – Outisde operations Centre - Conference Room – aACEO – Ensign JG Keira Merek – 1107) Keira left the Conference room as directed, but she needed to report her current findings with the crash site. If it meant waiting to ambush the Admiral when he left the conference room, so be it. She saw Trip, Bracken and another civilian she was not familiar with conversing. She waived at Trip, she didn’t want to be rude, but she didn’t want to necessarily want to interrupt his conversation either. (Reply Trip) She found a spot with a cluster of chairs and a table to wait for the Admiral to come out of the meeting. She decided that now while she’s waiting would be a good time to review the sensor logs and add that to what she’s going to report. Who knows how long he’d be in there? She brought up the sensor logs and began with the approach. She scrolled past all the entries with the fighters, it wasn’t what she was looking for. She found the section with all the data involved with the God of War. The approach into atmosphere, shortly after there was an energy spike, then a short delay, then the release of the anti-matter and deuterium containments. ~There that section.~ She back tracked and slowed that section down. She looked closely at the readouts. It was a release of energy from the EPS. No explosion. Rules out a bomb or improvised explosive device. A crack that couldn’t handle the re-entry into Mars atmosphere? Looking less and less like sabotage and more like equipment failure. She’d have to check the logs to be sure. Still didn’t know who or what that body sized hunk of calcium was. She would probably have to link in medical to get some kind of result. Out of the corner of her eye she saw the Admiral leaving the conference room. Easy to spot, there aren’t many wearing red and he’s the only one with 2 kilos of brass on his shirt. She sprang to her feet and approached. (Reply Admiral Remae) “Excuse me, sir. I had a report that really wasn’t for everyone’s ears. My preliminary on the crash of the “God of War” yacht that was used in the fighter mission.” She said. (Reply Admiral Remae) ~Bottom Line Up Front, remember he’s a busy man.~ “Cause of it’s destruction was an unregulated mixing of matter and anti-matter. This is only preliminary because I’m narrowing down what was the cause of that. I also found enough melted calcium to be a body.” (Reply Admiral Remae) “The reason for my discretion is that I have not completely determined that foul play is off the table. The identity of the mass of calcium is inconclusive, at least with what I have at my disposal. I have ruled out any sort of explosive device or weapons fire from combat, that leaves clever deception and…” she became uncomfortable at the thought, “….improper maintenance.” (Reply Admiral Remae) “And what should I do if it IS the latter?” (Reply Admiral Remae) “Understood.” She said somberly. “I’ll finish that up today, before the end of Alpha shift.” (Reply Admiral Remae) “Oh, and sir, before I get on that, I’ve given some thought on our trip to Trill. After the two days off, who will be overseeing the hasty refit of the Mystique?” she inquired. (Reply Admiral Remae) “We seem to be hemorrhaging Engineers. It could lend some stability to the department if I transfer to Engineering for the Mystique mission. All the engineering crew are used to me, as much as you can be after 6 days, anyway. It will at least give you some time to figure out who of the Engineers Starfleet has graced us with being able to keep would be a good fit for the Republic.” (Reply Admiral Remae) “Understood. My portion of the report will be on your desk before I leave duty today.” She said, and left to go finish her work. (Reply Admiral Remae) (Posted by Todd) (Mars Facility – Operations Centre – Conference Room - CO Admiral Remae Ktell – 1059) The meeting had concluded and as everyone was filing out, some officers were taking a moment to speak to their Admiral. “…Plus, the facility’s operations section is wholly understaffed and could use the help.” Chief Petty Officer Tamblyn had made his request and it wasn’t going to be a problem for the Admiral but, on the base, as Security, he also had to inform his senior officer of the change. “Permission granted Chief, as long as our aATAC approves the move, you are good to go. You may want to find our Mission OPS officer as well; he’s probably around here as well... William Alexander Jr. This entire Centre needs a lot of work as does OPS on the starbase in orbit.”, he said approving of the transfer. “Aye, sir. With your permission, sir, I have lots to do before the heavy work can get started.”, he said, and then, when dismissed, the new Mars Operations Officer left the conference room. The Admiral had sat down again as he prepared to speak to Luma and Ensign Sekal. (Reply from None) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (Mars Facility – Outisde operations Centre - Conference Room - aFSXO Ensign JG Trip Williams, aACMO Ailynn Bracken, and civilian Ashlyn Jones – 11:00) Trip was excited about the prospect of going to Trill. He had hardly ever traveled outside the Sol System. A chance to go to a new planet, a new adventure, possibly bring Trill back into the fold. It excited him. The trip meant though he wouldn’t be able to visit Alex once she started her recovery. He’d be gone probably a month. He wasn’t sure what would happen to the fledgling relationship while he was gone, and he had a feeling in his gut, that once he returned from Trill the next call to Alex might end them before they ever really started. Still, as much as he was saddened by that, he was invigorated by a sense of adventure. As the briefing ended he waited outside the door until everyone had cleared out, including his sister and cousin. Otherwise they might get stuck chit chatting until next week. Then as soon as it was just him and Ailynn he pulled her aside towards a small waiting area and they sat down. ^ “So what was this thing you wanted to tell me?” Ailynn sat back in her chair, her demeanour pensive. "So me, you, and Billy all see someone who looks like someone we knew in High School. Now at the time I had more important things on my mind and it was a fleeting glimpse at best." She picked up her mug, and looked disappointedly at the remnants. "You notice if she was in uniform?" “She most definitely was not. Civilian clothes. Really stylish, very confident. Which is why I didn’t think it was Ashlyn.” "Could be a Support role then, consultant maybe, she was a smart kid...as to confidence, people change. Especially when they’re out from under everyone's thumb and given room to grow." “You don’t need to tell me twice about people changing. Two weeks ago I just wanted to be out in the fleet, having a good time. Looking at my fellow pilots as future drinking buddies. Now there lives are in my hands. Now I have to grow up and be responsible, overnight. Now my actions have consequences. And I’m paying the price for them.” Ailynn smiled, "telling me. A week ago, prophets, a couple of days ago, I was coming apart at the seams. Now I feel I have my life together for the first time ever…" “Well, you’ve been doing a bang up job.” She shrugged slightly, and carried on. "It's not just that, I feel happier than I have in ages about myself and who...I...am…" Her speech tailed off, her face blanching. “Umm, Lynn, is everything ok?” "Oh dear lord…"Ailynn nodded subtly as an average sized human female approached them, she seemed to have a presence about her that she hadn’t before. She was wearing a high collared trouser suit, black in colour and her dark brown hair was pulled into a tight bun, her face serious, but showed hints of smile lines, and dimples in her cheeks that Ailynn had forgotten that she had got. “Umm,” Trip whispered to Ailynn, “Is that Ashlyn?” Ailynn nodded, silently then spoke quietly, “Well if it isn’t it’s her twin sister...and we both know that she was an only child.” “Yeah, hey, Ailynn, do you mind, umm, I think I need to talk to Ashlyn alone. I might need to do some apologizing for drunken stupidity, and since I’m in the confessing mood. It shouldn’t take too long. I’ll let you know how it goes.” Ailynn shrugged. “Sure. I have a medicy...type...thing anyway. Later.” She stood up and moved to leave the room, passing Ashlyn on the way out. “Hey Ash...I would love to stay and chat, but I need to speak to mum about a patient transfer.” “Ailynn. Of course...Ensign Petrova…I saw the transfer docket. We’’ll catch up.” Ashyn was, in truth, terrified. Outwardly she was confident, good at her job, and generally seemed happy, however, beneath that, her soul was more disquiet, uncertain. ~Alright Trip, time to pay the piper. You know people might think I’m a man slut if they found out I drukenly made out with Ash, especially given I just slept with Alex after only knowing her two days, and almost fooled around with Ensign Flagg, but I’ve only kissed four girls in my life. So maybe I should try and get my wholesome image back. First step apologize to my only drunken makeout partner.~ “Trip...how are you?” She smiled and motioned to the chair, “May I? Something I said?” She joked. Trip nodded, “Nothing you said, just doing me a favor.” Trip smiled. Ash nodded, “I know...bad joke, forgive me. You look well! Please don’t tell me the rest of our high school is here too.” “Well all those who were in your class that went to the academy are elsewhere, just my class. But when you go to the high school in San Francisco where most of the Stafleet Officer’s kids go, what can you do.” “I remember, Fleet brats and the kids from the other side of the tracks like me. Just us three then?” “As far as I know it’s just you, me, Lynn, Sy, and my cousin Billy.” Trip then flashed a devilsh smile, “and Tommy Connicky.” Ash laughed. “Now Trip Williams, I do believe you’re mocking me...I happen to know he’s doing 5 - 10 years.” “It was a bad joke. He ended up in prison for the first time after spiking the drinks at my cousin D.J.’s post prom party. Then he tried to steal a shuttle craft a few years later, didn’t go well. Sorry I brought him up. I know he was hard to be around. I punched him at least once or twice.” She shook her head, “It’s fine, thanks for hitting him, sure he was a tool, but we all had our things didn’t we?” She shrugged. “We were kids. Family well? Sienna?” “Yeah, they’re doing well. My folks spend most their time out in Texas this day. On the family ranch,” Trip paused. Even though the economy was one of equality, some were still better off than others. Maybe not due to material possession, but due to family life and circumstances. Trip was blessed in the family department, Ashlynn was not. “We are all good. What about you. I heard you were on Bajor.” She sighed. “I was yes. Look, this is going to sound bad…” She framed her next words carefully. “Mum passed when i was 8. Dad brought me up but he was...not a pleasant drunk shall we say. After I left school, I yearned to go to the Academy...for some reason I let Dad hold me back, I felt I owed him to stay and look after him as his health failed. When he died...I left for Bajor that morning instead of going to his funeral.” She’d found herself opening up more than she’d intended, but had carried on talking nonetheless. “So I did a degree on Bajor, and came back here…near enough a year ago? I’ve been doing work for the local Council since then.” “Sorry to hear about your dad. I know he wasn’t easy to live with.” ~I can’t imagine every getting so mad at my father that I’d skip his funeral. But, I lucked out in that department.~ She smiled, and shrugged, “He wasn’t, but thank you for not judging me. It was an age ago, and I wasn’t in a great place.” “I’m not allowed to judge. Lord knows my decision making track record hasn’t been stellar of late.” Ash’s face looked confused for a second, “I saw the orders for Latrine duty...harsh.” She realised that Trip didn’t know what she did. “I should explain. My role here is Civilian Liaison, and Logistics. The first is making contact with people and organisations in the community and further afield, the second...well you know what that is, a lot of orders cross my desk, some of which have nothing to do with me, but I like knowing where all our resources are so I know where shortages could be.” “So you know I’m being punished. But do you know why?” She shook her head. “I don’t, no” “Haha, let’s just say, put a little bit of bourbon in me and put me in a room with a pretty girl, and sometimes you make bad choices. Sometimes it just happens to be with the girl you want to date, you go to far, and she’s a subordinate. Now she’s in a coma. You’re gonna have to try and make it work with a long distance relationship, while she’s recovering, when you barely know her. And you have latrine duty. But it could be worse.” Ash nodded sympathetically. “I’m Sorry to hear that. I saw the transfer, and happened to see part of the surgery. I’m certain that she’ll be fine. But...worse how precisely?” “She could be dead, I could be court martialed. Things can always be worse. Always look on the bright side of life. Even mistakes could be turned into great things.” “That actually is worse; and you’re right there are silver linings to be found.” “But hey, it looks like she will make a good recovery. Ailynn has really improved as a surgeon. She can actually get rid of scars now. When she treated me after I was almost stabbed to death, she botched the dermal regenerator and now I have 10 stab wound scars on my torso.” “Well, she looked in control well enough last night.” ~stab wounds?~ “But I guess every girl I’ve kissed has been met with some tragedy. Rae died, the girl I dated when I was an academy student got knocked up on Bajor, Alex almost died and is looking at 3 months of recovery and rehab. And, the fourth…..” Trip paused. “Lost her father.” She’d been following the list with an increasing dread. The conversation had been sailing into waters that, though pleasant memories, were a touch on the uncomfortable side. She blushed furiously. “Please tell me you don’t remember that…” For the last few years she’d clung to the impossible truth that she remembered, but he hadn’t, it had certainly seemed like it in the weeks after prom when no-one mentioned it. “Oh dear God…” “I couldn’t tell if it was your or Lynn. You had the same dress on and the same hairstyle. I believe my cousin Anne Marie gave you both makeovers for it. But yeah I just realized it yesterday that, it was you. Rae knew, the whole time, she knew. Didn’t tell me as a form of penance. Honestly after a few years we both forgot about it, it was seven years ago.” “Rae never spoke to me again after that night. Understandably perhaps, I was sorry to hear about her death, truly, despite things, she was nice.” Inside she was a ball of fear, her calm controlled exterior was wavering. “Yeah, she was amazing.” Trip sighed, “The reason why Lynn left is that I wanted to talk to you about that night. I’m really sorry Ash. Had I known, it was you I would have said something years ago. But I figured it was Lynn, and Lynn was the kind of person to not tell me that kind of thing out of embarrassment. I’m sorry, when I found out it was you, I kind of felt like I might have used you, ya know, and when I saw you yesterday, well what might have been you, I kept thinking about what I would say to you.” “No, look. Here’s the thing. We were both wasted. Spiked drinks. I remember a lovely conversation, with someone who was actually interested in me. The inside me I mean, not the…” she waved at her front. “...outside me. One thing led to another, and...well any fault is mine. I was 18, you….not so much.” “I may have been 15, but I knew what I was doing, I think. I don’t know, it takes two to tango. So it’s not your fault. Besides you were definitely beautiful on the inside back then, I’m sure that hasn’t changed. You seem to have taken my cousin’s fashion advice to heart.” “Black works well. Your Cousin did well with me, and thank you...not many saw past, well, anything to be honest. How is she? What’s she doing now?” “She’s a holonovel model these days. Got her start in a series called Sir Jimmy and the Dragon Princess. Bit part, but now she’s in all sorts of romance holonovels. The Dragon Princess series is one of my favorites. That Jimmy the Jester is a hoot. Jones Ashford really gets me.” Ashlyn felt her heart sink, and her face run deathly pale. “Oh no. No no no...please no.” Her fear and embarrassment skyrocketed. Trip normally didn’t use his empathic abilities to read people. But sometimes their emotions were so strong he picked them up passively. Trip knew Ashlyn was feeling embarrassed and worried about something. “What's wrong, is everything ok?” “Please no no no.” She held her face in her hands, covering her eyes. “Of all the stupid things that I’ve done since school, that is unquestionably the stupidest. Please tell me you haven’t read all of that insufferable pile of crap.” “I’ve gone through all three holonovels in the series at least 5 times a piece. My favorite is the third and final chapter. The Dragon Queen’s Wrath.” “Where Lynasha is rescued by Jimmy the Jester, and the Idolators of the Ivory Tower are wrecked asunder…” “And Jimmy is finally made a knight of the realm, Lynasha is permanently turned back into her human form, and the two are married and live happily ever after. Yeah that’s my favorite part. Gave me hope that I could find someone else after Rae died. Really helped me through a tough time. Especially when Lynasha turned down the throne so that she and Jimmy could be together. It’s one of the best love stories I’ve ever seen.” “Oh Boy.” Ashlyn said, sighing. “Since we’re in open confession...you are not going to like this, but if I don’t tell you now it will be Soooooo much worse.” “Ummm, what could you possibly confess to me. Our only major interaction in high school was when we made out and I haven’t seen you in seven years.” “Oh no, this makes that pale into insignificance. I only hope that you’ll still speak to me. There’s no easy way to say this...I’m Jones Ashford. Lynasha... Ash a lyn...it gets worse the more you think about it.” “Wait, wait, no, no no no no no.” Trip’s brain was turing as if all the little hamsters that lived up there were running on their wheels at the same time. “No, that's so, no no, I was 17 when the first one came out, no no. NO!!!” Trip was beginning to hyperventilate a bit. “But if you’re the dragon, no. It all makes sense now. Why Jimmy the jester seemed so familiar. And the three Jimmy’s, I had two cousins at that high school that rumor say you had a crush on, James Thomas and David James...No no, please tell me that you didn’t, that I’m not Jimmy the Jester.” “On the face of it yes, however that is not as simple as it appears.” “Did you write a holo novel where you and I, fall in love?” “Look, it isn’t as it seems. On the face of it...yes I did, but that wasn’t the reason. I wasn’t crushing over you if that’s what you were thinking.” “Well, I don’t think I can call the third book in the series my favorite anymore…” “Before the evening of the party, I’d rarely if ever been made to feel valued. You changed that, you taught me that I was worthy of love, and the prison that I’d trapped myself in was transient, and one that I had the power to escape from, that there may just be someone out there who wanted to love me. I used what I knew, it was therapy, nothing more, the characters, yes were drawn from people who I loved, and hated.” “Well it makes sense now why Count Contomaso was so vile, he was Tommy Connicky. You made him an evil chicken.” “Tommy Connicky is an evil chicken, that one wasn’t disguised much.” She laughed. “Look, after the first book, someone picked it up and loved it, and passed it on to someone. I wasn’t ever even intending to publish it, I hated it by the time that I finished the first one, however, a girl from where I am has to make a living, even in these times, the second and especially the third was far more… ‘we need more of this...we have to have more…’ ;well you’ve read the third one there was...more.” “It was borderline graphic. I mean, I don’t know if I should be upset right now or flattered.” “If you think anything, please ignore the second two as bad fanfiction, and look at the deeper meanings of the first. Or...throw them away and promise never to read it again.” “I’m not going to throw them away, they’re great pieces of literature. Ok that is not true. They are B grade fiction at best, but I love cheesy B grade fantasy. So no, I’m not gonna throw them away. May just not read them for awhile. But, damnit Ash, I was 15 when we made out. Like how could a 15 year olf move you so much to, well write a book about those feelings. I mean, yeah 3 years age difference means nothing now, but back then you were 18 and I was 15.” “Look, I know you’ve heard what I’ve said, but I’m not sure you understand. I...had almost nobody. I had no mum, I might as well have had no Dad, you and the others where the only people apart from the librarian, who I had any emotional attachment to. When you sat down with me, You, as did the others before you, helped me realise that what I was feeling...or rather not feeling wasn’t normal.” ~It was just a drunken kiss. How did I change your life with that.~ She paused a second. “Look again at both Jimmy’s and Lynashas quest. All the people help her, and indeed him. The other two knights, yes, they could have helped more, but it wasn’t their quest. They were there to help Jimmy. The keeper of keys...the librarian...didn’t actually do anything apart from open a door, but that door wasn’t a physical one. So I get that yes, it sounds really wierd, but all the tiny bits of story are simply how people around me helped me in the tiniest of ways. You were the hero, who made Lynasha realise that she could be loved.” She smiled. “Besides, you’re not a bad kisser.” Trip blushed. “But then why did Jimmy have to go on the quest, I mean why did he have to have a version of my real name.” Trip didn’t want to linger on the good kisser part, though he hoped it meant she had kissed other’s after him. “I can spin a plot, dress it up in mythological sounding themes, but in all honesty I’m terrible at coming up with names. I only changed my pen name by four letters for fraks sake. The dragon is a phonetic anagram of Ashlyn. I did say it was a terrible book. I was 19 when I wrote it, it was never shakespeare.” “Yeah, but like you could have named him Mick or something. Or like Duo, you know because I go by Trip. Picking a derivative of James seems more intentional. Especially the three Jimmys.” “If you’re suggesting that it was an intentional love note then, no sorry. Nah-ah. I needed names, one name three times was easier than thinking of three new ones. Besides, I was living on Bajor, largely on my own, and I didn’t think it all the way through. I certainly didn’t think that I’d be sat here having this conversation.” “Well I guess to be fair, over the last seven years I thought the best kisser I ever kissed was Lynn, so there we go.” “Flatterer.” She blushed. “But thank you.” “So, how has life been, you seem to be more confident in your appearance since high school. Did you get married, any little mini Ash’s running around>” “I’ve been okay, dates here and there, nothing bad, no fireworks either, pretty run of the mill. As to me...Since I owe it to you to be honest.” She stood up for a second, and ordered an orange juice from the replicator, taking a sip from it as she sat down, and placed it on the table, motioning to Trip to help himself if he wanted any. “I learned a lot from your cousin actually, when she was doing the make over for the prom. That night I learned that it didn’t matter what people thought, as people react to what’s in front of them. So I learned to have a ‘work face’; underneath that, I’m still the same, painfully introverted person, she just wears a suit of armour if you like, out of necessity.” “Well fifteen year old me didn’t care what you looked like. He thought you were hot even in a hoodie. I mean hell, if I remember correctly, the kiss was prompted, not just because you said you loved dragons but that red was your favorite color.” Once more she smiled. “Probably still is, however most of my stuff is sort of utilitarian. Just don’t get me started on red dragons.” she stuck her tongue out playfully. “Well I believe Lynasha was a black dragon. But I mean, I named my fighter squadron the Red Dragons.” “I did see that we had one, I should have realised that it was yours when I saw your name on the rosta. The other Williams? Any relation?” “No, no relation.” Trip said matter of factly. “So after we made out, you developed a crush on me right, and then used those feelings to write a book. You don’t still have feelings for me do you? Because even though we haven’t had an official date, even though she is in a coma, I am in a relationship. And I just want you to know where we stand. Didn’t think it was going to be an issue, but given the books. I need to be clear on it.” “The books were a long time ago. If...IF...I took a crush into writing those. It’s long since gone. Don’t read anything into any of the books. It was therapy at first, and latterly, the latinum from the Ferenghi publisher helped Gran’s life be more comfortable. Nothing else.” Trip nodded. ~I like this new confidence in Ash, she hardly spoke in high school. This may be the second longest conversation we ever had.~ “So we good? “I don’t know. I mean yes, on the surface yes. But it will take some time getting used to the fact you wrote a sex scene between a character based on me and a character based on you.” Ashlyn nodded. “That’s fair. As I said, that one was...demanded. But I take the hit for that.” “We only made out right? Like I don’t remember much of the evening other than dragons and making out, and then getting yelled at by Rae after I sobered up. But the period in between there is all black. What you wrote was just fantasy right?” Ashlyn half smiled. “Was there a four poster and a bowl of grapes in that room?” She shook her head. “Sorry, bad joke, look...how did the Jocks put it? First base, edging toward second. Don’t worry. Nothing further than that. Better?” “Yeah, kind of. Still weird that you wrote my favorite book series and based the hero after me. It’s going to take some getting used to. But enough about the past. You seem to be doing really well. I’m glad. So your life is good, no major tragedy, no heartache. All is for the most part honkey dorey?” Nodding she replied. “Good days...bad ones...no tragedy touch wood.” she tapped her head. “Life...is what it is...we try to improve. We all have heartache, but nothing permanent. What’s Sienna up to, I haven’t seen all of the lists yet” “She’s good. She and Lynn are umm….well, let’s just say for the first time in my life, I’m the third wheel.” Trip paused, “But I probably shouldn’t have said that. Damnit, filter is still broken.” She waved her hand. “I won’t blab. But good for them. I’m happy that they’ve found something in each other.” “Yeah, I’m pretty sure it means I die alone.” He said with a laugh, “I’m kind of cursed, and Lynn was my, when we’re both 40 and single back up plan. But who knows, maybe Alex and I will make it work after she recovers. But truth be told, it will all be ok.” “I’m sure she’ll be fine, and back here busting your backside soon enough.” “You know, I’ve only been in charge of other officers for a few days now, but honestly, it’s kind of, I don’t know, I think their happiness and professional fulfilment is more important to me right now than my own. It’s a weird shift, but I had a 32 hour round trip flight and a lot of time to think. But it’s going to be lonely.” “Lonely at the top, but equally don’t start wallowing. You’re too young to be writing yourself off as a lost course. Take each day as it comes, and don’t be afraid to share your heart, just...less so with subordinates. “I don’t think I can share with my subordinates. I can be there to listen to them, help them. But I need to be there for them, fill their buckets. I need to go to others to have my bucket filled.” She nodded, “I understand.” “And I don’t think it is going to work out with Alex, with her personality, and with us going to Trill soon, I don’t know, I think eventually it will end. But I will try to make it work. I’m not gonna just write of the relationship right now, even though its barely begun. I would never break up with someone in a coma. I don’t just sleep with someone and then dump them. I’m not the kind of guy who kisses someone and then never calls them back.” Trip then paused when he realized what he had said. To her credit, she didn’t flinch, or bat an eyelid, besides, the circumstances were utterly different. “It’ll work out if it’s supposed to; and if it doesn’t, then everything is a learning experience. We all have those scars.” “You’re right. Anyways I need to get back to work. I’m not supposed to have free time that isn’t restricted to quarters, so unless I’m in sickbay or the mess hall, I have to be at work or my quarters, and maybe I can argue the gym. But I don’t want to get in trouble…” Trip paused, “Again.” "Best not. Admirals have...views on trouble" “So I’ll see you around, my dad sent me a case of beer, so how about a beer sometime. Maybe tomorrow?” A gentle smile hit her face. "I'd like that. Be looking forward to it, nice to see the others too. I'd better go too. Stuff to find.” Trip nodded and left. He needed to talk to his sister and figured it would be best done over a hot meal. (Reply none) (Posted by Will and Mark) (Mars Facility – Operations Centre – Conference Room - CO Admiral Remae Ktell – 1105) Everyone had left the room but the Ensign; as the bondmate of Luma, the Admiral was going to speak to her via him, which meant, some of what he had to say was not for his ears but, this was going to be the way it was. “Ensign Sekal, some of what I am going to say is not for your ears but, the situation calls for my flexibility. I am ordering you, therefore, to keep secret the details of what you are about to hear. Understood?”, he said to the officer, he knew, by default, the Vulcan wouldn’t obey an order or divulge what he had to say. (Reply from Sekal) “Luma, I understand you spoke to Ensign Foxglove yesterday. I need to know if you are going to allow her onto the Mystique or not.”, he asked. (Reply from Luma) “Very well.”, he said, and then he began what he had to say, “We plan to escort the Ambassador back to Trill, a planet that is about 10 days away, stay a while and then return. This means many of the people who were just in this room will be onboard and will be the crew for this mission. They will be at various stations tied to their speciality: medical, science, engineering, conn, OPS, security, tactical and intelligence.”, he said and then stood up. “I can see that from your point of view, once fully operational, your skin, the Mystique doesn’t need a crew, you don’t need a crew but we need you.”, he said and began to walk around the table. “Firstly, this crew, many of these people are very young and haven’t spent much time in space, they are very competent but this will be, for many, their first deep-space mission. They need time to learn how to operate a vessel like the Mystique and they need to be able to do it without your help so they can make the mistakes they need to make.”, he was speaking carefully. He didn’t want it to sound like she as going to relinquish control of her skin to them but at the same time, they needed this time to learn how to run a ship. That couldn’t happen if she was doing all the work. “The ship will be leaving our space and outside of our borders. We do not know what is out there and we need to be ready. 10 days of travel will give them vital experience and hopefully, learn the operations and mechanics of a ship.”, he said now sitting down again. It was a one-way conversation, the Admiral knew it but he remembered what was just said by Ensign Sekal: “Luma has expressed a desire to become one of us and to serve in whatever capacity the Admiral requires.” “This makes my next comment and request very difficult for me but, I need to say this. If we do this, I need to be in command of the mission and the Mystique.”, he said and nearly choked on what he was saying… how would he like it if someone came along and told him, your skin and essence are mine to command. How would he feel? “For a Captain, one of the ultimate decisions that could be made is ordering the destruction of their own ship. In rare and complicated situations, that sacrifice is sometimes asked for… every member of Starfleet understands this and understands they may have to give their lives for the greater good, of the mission and sometimes, without an explanation from their commanding officer.”, he now leant forward to look the Ensign directly in the eye. “If I call for the destruction of the ship, Luma, will you follow that order and allow yourself to be killed and/or your skin to be destroyed, and possibly, killing all those on board as well?”, he said finishing what he had to say. He was extremely uncomfortable, asking a lifeform who hadn’t signed up for the service to give their life for it… but he had to know that Luma also understood was the ultimate sacrifice was all about.\ (Reply from Sekal, Luma'lenai, Any) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (Mars Facility – Command Complex, outside Admiral Remae's office - Science Officer Ensign Jaton Alyl – 1206) With the meeting over and before returning to the science complex to deal with making sure the animals didn't get too out of control while they were offworld, Jaton decided to make a quick stop off. He knew he wasn't good at being assertive with superiors, but at the same time he felt like he needed to speak up. He approached the door and rang the doorchime. (reply Remae, any) (posted by Spencer) (Mars Facility – Medical Center - - aACSO (R)- Ensign Sekal – 1218) Following the meeting and the subsequent impromptu refereeing of the discussion between him and Luma Sekal had noticed some light dizziness and a looming sense of fatigue. Even owing to the hectic schedule all of the personnel on Mars had been subjected to this was out of the norm enough that it necessitated a proper medical diagnosis. After stepping through the door he found a chair to sit in and closed his eyes to rest them for a moment from the brightness of the light in the room. (Reply: Any in medical) (Posted by Charles Gatling) (Mars Facility – Medical Center - Triage – aACMO Ens(jg) Ailynn Bracken – 1220) Ailynn saw Ensign Sekal sat in one of the treatment rooms off to the one side of the bustling triage area. Frowing slightly in concern, as she got closer, she could see that he was seated with his eyes closed, though whether in pain, or another reason she was as yet uncertain. She sat down in the chair adjacent to him after she closed the door. “Ensign Sekal? Ensign Bracken. What seems to be the problem? (Reply Sekal) “Lights, reduce intensity 50%” (Reply Sekal) (Posted by Mark (Mars Facility – Medical Center - aACSO (R)- Ensign Sekal – 1223) “Ensign Sekal? Ensign Bracken. What seems to be the problem? He opened his eyes in response to the question. "A slight dizziness, the beginnings of a headache it would appear as well as some fatigue doctor. And the lighting is causing some corneal overstimulation at the moment." “Lights, reduce intensity 50%” The reduced intensity was... "Much better, thank you doctor." "I admit I pushed too heavily on drinking a known diuretic but the hot tea was helping to offset the chill of the base. It appears that in my case it is extremely effective in that capacity and I will have to discontinue drinking it." He looked at Bracken. "What do you know of hot apple cider? I have been considering a change to that at any rate." (Reply:Bracken) "When did the symptoms start? Sometime this morning before the meeting." (Reply: Bracken) (Posted by Charles Gatling) (Mars Facilities – Hangar Offices – aACEO – Ensign JG Keira Merek – 1307) Keira usually like music playing while she was working. She felt it helped keep the process moving, and it usually lightened her spirits too. She did want to keep things moving, the sooner she got done, the sooner she could start working on her personal projects and maybe even unwind tonight or tomorrow. [♫ Big wheels keep on turnin’ ♫ Proud Mary keep on burnin’ ♪] As she worked her toes on one foot were tapping along to the beat of the classic Earth song. She hadn’t heard the security guard approach. " Excuse me ma'am . Ensign Ravok Shara is here to see you " [♪ Rollin’♪ Rollin’ ♫ Rollin’ on the River! ♪] The music continued to echo through the hangar. Her eyes widened. ~Here? I was just being a goofball.~ “Uh, Ensign Ravok? How’s my hair?” She was fidgeting slightly. The guard gave her a strange look as she did her best to straighten her hair. “OK, I’ll see him.” The guard led the way rolling his eyes. ~Keep calm, you might have to actually interact with him this time.~ " Hello Ensign Merek, I'm Ravok. " he said to her " I wanted to stop by and thank you for visiting Ensign Petrova and myself. Last night " “It’s no problem.” She admitted. “ It’s a lesson I learned my second year of the academy, we have members of our team to depend on. We’re all part of a team here.” (Reply Ravok) “Oh, Commander Sinclair.” (Reply Ravok) “Hey, I hadn’t gotten the opportunity to check out the Sands yet.” She said tentatively “There’s a bunch of people heading out tonight, did you want to tag along?” (Reply Ravok) (Posted by Todd) (Mars Facilities - 1st fighter wing - Hangar 5 - ENS jg Ravok- 1308) “It’s no problem.” Keira admitted. “ It’s a lesson I learned my second year of the academy, we have members of our team to depend on. We’re all part of a team here.” " My flight instructor at the academy used to say that to me all the time , practically beat it into my head . The people to your left and right depend on you. He would say to me ." Ravok said to her slightly nervous but calm. ~Her hair is perfect.Messy but perfect. I wonder if she knows that~ he thought to himself . “Oh, Commander Sinclair.”she replied " Yeah that's the guy. I had my fair share of dressing downs from him. " Ravok said with a grin. “Hey, I hadn’t gotten the opportunity to check out the Sands yet.” She said tentatively “There’s a bunch of people heading out tonight, did you want to tag along?” she asked him . Ravok looked at her for a brief moment and smiled " You know, that sounds like a good time. We all need a night to have some fun , throw a few back. So yeah , I'll tag along. " ~ I cant believe it , this day is getting better and better~ (Reply Keira) (Posted by davis) (Mars Facility – Science Centre – Pilot – Ensign (J.G.) – Ire Williams– 1320) Ire stepped into the Science Centre to hopefully find someone who could help him. After his conversation with Solace the night before he was hoping some one from the science department could go over the information and give him a scientific option that he could combine with the medical one from Solace. He had his PADD with him with all the data to make sure that he could show it when he was asked question. He would have come after the Admiral’s meeting had finished but his squadron was up on patrol and he wanted to make sure that they were all back safe and sound before he had gone off on his own project. “Sorry to disturb you.” (reply from any one in Science) (Reply from Science) (Posted by Robbie) (Mars Facility – Science Annex - aACSO Ensign Sienna Williams-Verin - 1322) Sienna was a relatively short betazoid, with long chestnut brown hair that was currently up in a bun. She seemed to be dealing with a grey and while domestic short haired house cat. The cat was gorgeous and was blinking the chartreuse eyes slowly. Sy had a tricorder in hand as she scanned the lovely creature. “Sorry to disturb you.” Ire spoke, making Sy jump. She tended to go into trances when she worked and sometimes she lost track of who and what was around. "Oh! You are the other Williams, the one not related to us. I'm Trip's twin, Sienna. What can I help you with Mr. Williams?" Sy smiled, stepping aside to pick up the cat and lead the way to her office where she offered him a seat. She made sure the door was closed and sat the cat down on the floor where she promptly hopped into Ire's arms. "She doesn't have a name." Sy spoke with a smile, "But I think she's already got a home. If you want a cat, dog or rabbit, I'm sure I can accommodate you. There might even be some domestic birds around here." She assumed that he had come so quickly after the meeting to talk to her about the animals that seemed to be all over the base. (reply Ire Williams) (posted by Mel) (Mars Facility – Science Annex – Pilot – Ensign (J.G.) – Ire Williams - 1326) "But I think she's already got a home. If you want a cat, dog or rabbit, I'm sure I can accommodate you. There might even be some domestic birds around here." Ire smiled but shook his head as he stroked the cat “Thank you but no. Unfortunately, due to me spending a lot of time away or messing around in zero-g my life is not conducive to have pets.” He looked down at the cat grey and white cat he was stroking. ~You are very cute and cuddly aren’t you~ (Reply Verin IYW) He shuffled the PADD out from his thigh pocket with out disturbing the cat and passed it to Sienna. “I have come in possession of six unmanned multimode tactical support craft which I can control through my microdata port...” He touched the port under his hairline “... I would like if you check the data and see if there is no long term issues due to its use that might cause me problems in the short of long term. I have already been cleared by medical but it’s prudent to get a science view point at well.” (Reply Verin) (Reply Verin, any) (Posted by Robbie) (Mars Base - Admiral Office - Intel Ens(jg) Jaelle Foxglove - 1400hrs) The meeting was over and it seemed the Adrmial had plenty on his plate. She wished circumstances were better but she had no choice with the mission to Trill looming on the horizon. She knew she had to act, things needed to be done, and she had to give a full report to the Adrmial before anything else happened that day. So she waited a few hours to let things settle done and give the Adrmial a chance to return to his office before she pressed the chime on the entry pad next to the door. Once she was allowed entry she came up the the Adrmial's desk. "Hello sir, there were something's I wanted to speak with you about that I thought prudent to be done after the meeting." (Reply Adrmial) (Posted by Matthew Locke) (Mars Facilities – Hangar Offices – aACEO – Ensign JG Keira Merek – 1402) Keira was as angry as she had been for over a week. The last time she was this angry was when that jerk hit on her in the bar in San Francisco. She had double checked it, and triple checked it. She even did a search of the entire computer core to ensure the document wasn’t buried somewhere. She tapped her communicator, “Merek to Petty Officer Preston Peterson. Hangar Office. Now.” She had tried hiding her…anger, annoyance, and disappointment. She failed. =^= On my way. =^= came a mumbling half coherent response. It gave Keira plenty of time to arrange a single chair facing the crash site. By the time she returned Peterson was running and tucking his uniform undershirt and fastening the jacket. By now Keira had composed herself. Once the young Petty Officer had presented himself she put her trap into action. “You wanted to see me, ma’am?” he cautiously inquired, standing with hands tightly clasped behind his back. “Tell me what you see here.” She handed him the PADD. He looked at the offered device glanced at the screen quickly, “It’s a maintenance record.” he said simply. “More specifically, it’s the maintenance record from the God of War pre-flight checks, just before the mission.” She corrected him. “Petty Officer Peterson is that your signature at the bottom of the document.?” She already knew the answer, she waited for his reply. He hesitated. “Yes, yes it is.” “I’ve read through the entirety of that record.” she said she began walking slowly, circling behind her prey, he began to turn and face her. “Head and eyes forward,” she snapped as she now stood behind him. “You performed the maintenance on that vessel, it’s now destroyed.” “Ma’am, it was just in combat. Vessels get shot at and get damaged.” He said standing his ground. “There were no weapons fire hits.” She said. “A bomb?” He offered desperation creeping into his voice. “No bomb was found, no explosion on the sensor logs.” She said. “It was a release of energy.” He was silent, “It was feed back loop causing short in the antimatter containment.” “Things break….” He said. “Look at the form again.” She said. “You found a flaw. A problem that would lead to the feedback that ultimately caused the destruction of the craft. You reported it, but you didn’t fix it, but you did state in your entry that you did fix the problem. Where’s the repair document that goes with that repair? I thought to myself what if he just forgot the paperwork? Well you didn’t request the proper replacement part either, because the inventory for that one part is still at the same level that it was when we came here. The replicator you would need was down at that time…” She circled around to the front again, like a predator she had cut off all avenues of escape. She could see now his eyes were wide as Galaxy class Saucer sections, but she didn’t let up. “Follow me.” She said through gritted teeth. She walked the short distance to the crash site. The lights in the hangar were lowered, but not enough to hinder movement, but enough to notice. Two spotlights were seen their purpose became clear on approach. One was illuminating the crash site as bright as daylight on Earth, the other was centered on a metal stool. “Have a seat, Mister Petersen.” She said. “I…I don’t feel….” He stammered. “Did that sound like a request?” she snapped. He sat as ordered. “I want you to look at what your inaction did.” She said. “Here, are the consequences. We almost lost two of our pilots. One was in critical condition, I had thought about you visiting her, and had she not just transferred today to Starfleet medical… the crash cite will have to do.” “Also, since I have you here. I want to thank you for volunteering to cover during block leave.” She said. “What?” he asked in protest. “What I have is falsifying a record and or dereliction of duty, the loss of this vessel makes it a serious incident a report has to go to the Admiral. I’ve already spoken with your squad leader, since he has no where to go during block leave he has volunteered to stay and be on call for any problems, your team and your co-team will stay here and cover watching the matter/anti-matter core on a rotation for the duration. I’m going to recommend, since no one did die that no reduction in rank, but one week condensed extra duty and a flag of no favorable actions for one month.” “Yes, ma’am.” He said defeated. “You and your squad start at 1800. Your squad leader has all the details you will report to him for the duration. Dismissed.” Peterson sprung to his feet and walked away. Keira released the report from her PADD and sent messages to Medical and Security. Medical to come identify the mass of calcium, and security if they wanted to do their own independent evaluation. She then released the crash site from a engineering hold status. She sent another message to the Supervising squad leader that once the site had been released by both medical and security that it was to be cleaned up by the squad. (Reply none needed, Medical, Security if you want) (Posted by Todd) (Mars Facility – Corridor - Ensign Jg Erin Cortes – 1407) Walking with a Padd in hand, Erin was reading through some psych evaluations. Her mind was Elsewhere as she rounded a corner and walked straight into a figure, "Hey watch out…." Looking up, her eyes widened as she realised who she had bumped into. "Oh god, Admiral. I'm so sorry. " (Reply Remae) (Reply Remae, any) (Posted by Jackie) (Mars Facility – Outisde operations Centre - Conference Room - Pilot Ensign jg Ravok and counciler Ensign jg Trei– 14:29) Ravok stood outside holodeck 2 with Trei. He held a small silver puck up to the pad on the wall to upload the program. The pad pulsed green 3 times then turned blue =/\= Program Ready enter when ready=/\= The computer prompted them. Ravok turned to Trei and smiled " I am actually nervous it will be my first time seeing the Romulan sky. Even though it's a hologram " The door opened. The scene before them was a bright and beautiful sunny day. They were in a large living room area with high marble looking walls, dark wooden pillars ran from floor to ceiling. The room had a patio that extended outside , there was a soothing breeze blowing. The sounds of birds and wind chimes could be heard. The breeze was blowing the shear white curtains that speared the living room from the patio very gently. Ravok stepped ahead of Trei. He could feel the breeze on his skin. He placed a hand on one of the wooden pillars and smiled . " I know it isnt real but ...I have never seen this , this place was the home of my family for 600 years. " Ravok calmly stated. Trei walked into the program and marveled at the Romulan setting. She thought it could resemble Betazed but Betazed was much more open and plush with flowers all over. She walked over to him and assessed his emotional state. "How do you feel right now? Can you use this feeling of home to tell me how you would feel if you saw your homeworld be destroyed?" She asked him. Ravok walked towards the patio and reached hand into the artificial sunlight. Feely warmth but not the warmth of a real sun. He turned back at counciler Trei. " I'm sure you know the answer to that question. If you saw your world destroyed . I am sure it would crush you in unbelievable ways. " Ravok looked around himself, taking in the sights " This place was once a real place . With real living people running through here . Its nothing more now than a memorial." He said with a sad voice. " Counselor, I would be devastated beyond words . But Romulus wasnt my home. Computer Run program Ravok Alpha 2 " Ravok ordered the holodeck computer The room around them faded away. The holodeck was exposed for a brief moment. Suddenly the interior of The Darmod appeared around them. They were standing in the main corridor . " Counciler this was home for me . For many years this is where I spent my time running up and down these corridors. My room is to your left and the bridge is down that way " he said as he pointed past her. " This ship has 8 decks . We are currently on Deck 1. Feel free to explore the entire ship exist in this program. " he stayed to her . The change in setting was unexpected but she was willing to go along with it. Truthfully she could not imagine seeing Betazed being destroyed before her eyes. She felt that his emotion was genuine when he reflected on the destruction of Romulus. She let Ravok lead her further. She will have questions for him as the tour goes on. "You can take me to the bridge if you want. It will be practice for when we go on the mission." He nodded his head at her and led the way down the long hallway to the bridge " This freighter was of Romulan design. The bridge is a alot different than on a starfleet vessel . " He said to her as they entered the bridge. It was a large room with green lights on the wall, there were only two stations to sit down at. Ravok started to feel intense emotions as he walked on the bridge. Especially as he walked up to where to his fathers station. " This is where he would sit , this station is main helm controls. The other station to the right was for the co pilot. S'Vet would sit there ....S'Vet was a Reman man he was like an uncle to me . " Ravok closed his eyes and lowered his head in silence as he placed his hand on the back of his fathers chair. After a moment of silence Ravok spoke with his eyes still shut. " This is where he was killed . I know this isn't the real thing but ....this is where he would of died. As a child I was probably 7 almost 8 years old my Father would let me take the helm from time to time. Feeling the power of the ship in my hands is what made me want to be a pilot. I was hooked . I couldn't get enough. " he opened his eyes and looked at the councilor. " This is very personal for me. Sharing this with you is...special.There is more to explore but if it's ok with you counselor I need time...before we go any deeper. Everything you need to know about me is here in this holodeck program. " he said with a grin. " Wanna sit down ?"he said as he spun the chair towards Counselor Trei. "Thank you. I will sit. Go on when you are ready"She replied . Ravok smiled as he ran to the other seat and sat to Trei's right. " Now when I built this program I was 12 years old. I put a considerable amount of resources into the detail of this ship, so the program doesnt allow for flight of The Darmod but you can turn the engines from on and off " He said with a laugh . " This pretty much it for the bridge. There are alot of parts of this program that allow for more interaction though. " he turned his chair to face her " Counciler, I have no intentions of hiding anything from you. I know your half klingon and your kind and my kind historically dont like each other . But if this is going to work in a meaningful sense we have to trust each other , I am going to show you things over the coarse of time in our counseling sessions that might make you feel...shocked or maybe uncomfortable. It may be hard at times to understand some of things you will see here but if you allow me . I will share this program with you as we progress through our sessions " he stated to her . " This is good we can use this in all our sessions" Trei responded Ravok nodded his head and smiled " Very well counciler. Until next time , Computer End Program " ( reply none) ( posted by Edward and Davis ) (Mars Facility – Security Complex– OPS- CPO Charles Tamblyn – 1445) Tamblyn sat at, what was no longer, his desk to finishing up reports for the investigation that Ensign Peters had him working on. After a week, he had finally gotten lots of information that will give both Fleet Security and Fleet Intel a solid start on the investigation. As his last act as a member of the Security Team, Chief Tamblyn needed to report his findings and to pass off his documentation to Peters before reporting in to Ensign Alexander over in operations. His biggest concern though was how his finding would effect his wife, Anouk. He felt like a horrible husband for not telling her what he had discovered, and yet he was about to tell Peters. Chance and T'Lela warned him when he was younger that there would be days like this. Now, Chance was dead, and T'Lela was the closest he had to a parent left. Charles shook his head and returned to the present. He went through the desk one more time before picking up the box he had on the desk and carrying it to the Chief of Security's office. The door was open, but Tamblyn held the box in one arm and knocked just the same. (Reply Peters) As he stepped into the office, placed the box next to the desk. As he stood back up, Chief Tamblyn began speaking, "Sir, since the admiral has us shifting to shipboard duty assignments, so that puts me in operations. Also, as long as you are good with it, I would like to remain in the Operations section when we return to Mars." (Reply Peters) "Well sir, I received several replies to discreet inquiries that I made using some contacts I developed on the civilian side. In my notes, I have named my sources of substantiated information and placed those names with said information from said sources. The PADDs that are standing up in the box is what I have not been able to confirm thus far." (Reply Peters) "Well sir, I discovered that my wife was hired under false pretenses to plan the burglary. There are copies of the original plan Anouk put together plus the plans I had put together after the fact basis on what did happen. Anouk agreed to the job because she did not sense any deception via her Betazoid impathic senses from the one who contracted her. Arouk is willing to testify in exchange that any sentence she is given lengthwise be served as house arrest limiting her to our ranch in Texas." (Reply Peters) "The person who hired Anouk was also from Betazed, and was recently found hanging in her home on Betazed. As for the one who hired her, he is currently enjoying the protection of the Orion Syndicate." (Reply Peters) "One of the supposed actual burglars that broke into the base archives was found dead on Trill, he was drowned. Another one, she was found on Andoria, stripped naked and left to freeze to death. That is all I have so far, Sir, and all the sorid and gory details are on those PADDs." (Reply Peters) "Any additional information that comes to me, I will make sure I forward it to you PDFQ." (Reply Peters iyw) Chief Tambly then went to a relaxed version of the position of attention and said,"Well sir, if you have nothing else for me, I need to head over to Operations and report in to Ensign Alexander." (Reply Peters) (Reply Peters) (Posted by Charlie) (Mars Facility – Operations Complex– OPS- CPO Charles Tamblyn – 1530) Charles stepped into the Operations Complex of the Mars Facility to see a relative ghost town. "I knew the Operations section was understaffed, but Damn." He said quietly to himself. He walked over to the office that had a sign on the open door the read 'Operations NCOIC', but the office looked like it hadn't been touched by anything other than air conditioning, lights, and dust. Lots and lots of dust. "Well, if my new boss is good with it, I will claim this office.", he said to himself. He turned away from the dirty office and saw another office that had a light on and started walking toward it. As he got closer, he was able to read the sign on the door that said 'Mission Operations'. Tamblyn knew that the Mars Facility did not have anybody in the Chief of Operations slot per-se, but he was directed to the Mission Ops Officer. Once Charles reached the door, he pressed the button for the chime and waited. (Reply Alexander) Once the door opened, Chief Tamblyn smartly entered the office and came to attention once he approached the desk. To Tamblyn, Ensign Alexander was a handsome and athletic man that had an air about him that he was hiding out, and Charles was okay with that. "Chief Petty Officer Charles Tamblyn reporting as directed, Sir." He announced as he saluted the ensign sitting behind the desk. (Reply Alexander) (Reply Alexander) (Posted by Charlie) (Mars Facility – Operations Complex– Ensign Billy Alexander - 1532) "Chief Petty Officer Charles Tamblyn reporting as directed, Sir." He announced as he saluted the ensign sitting behind the desk. "At ease Chief" Billy said returning the salute. "As you know Chief, we don't have a dedicated OPS chief on Mars yet. As such, since Mission Ops handles certain logistical issues on behalf of the Admiral's office, we've sort of de facto been putting our OPS personnel where they need to be." (Reply Tamblyn) "As we are getting ready to leave for Trill, we'll need to make sure we have enough supplies. Why don't you check in with the quarter master's office and help coordinate those efforts." (Reply Tamblyn) "Oh, by the way. My cousin and I are hosting a watch party for a baseball game tomorrow. feel free to stop by. Quarters are number 104. 1900 hours." (Reply Tamblyn) "Dismissed." (Reply Tamblyn) (Posted by will) (Mars Facility – Security Complex - Ens(jg) Carson Garek Darpeg - 1740) Carson's voice came over Darpeg's commbadge, "Ensign Taya and Darpeg. We have a limited time to get the answers we need- Earth have sent the big boys to take control of our prisoners. Take one each and see if you can squeeze anything out of them. The sooner the better, they leave base this time tomorrow." Darpeg looked at the antique Andorian guidance system that he was working on to install into a Federation warhead and said to himself, You'll have to wait" He then went to the Black Ops person and assumed an intimidating Klingon posture as he signaled for the guard to lower the force shield. After the shield was raised again he snarled, "Tell me what your assignment was here." The Oprative gave him a snide look and said, "I know you can't harm me since we're at a Federation base and you're wearing that uniform." Darpeg gave him a long look and said, "Not physically, but I am half Vulcan. And as such, I can do a mind meld. However, my mindmelding abilities are not very good. You might wind up mentally damaged." "But consent must be given for a meld." "Yes, but judging by your accent, I'd say you're from Delta Angoris, which is home to raiders along the edge of Federation space." "Space that the Federation no longer protects." Darpeg saw the realization from the Operative that he had given him information without realizing it. "I also looked up what you've been eating, and that tells me you have served in the Xandian navy." Darpeg then tapped his commbadge and said, "Darpeg to Carson, "The subject is starting to give out information." (Reply Carson) (Posted by Gary Dupree) (Mars Facility – Willliams-Verin Family Quarters – Pilot Ensign jg Ravok / aFSXO Ensign jg Trip Williams 18:02) Ravok needed advice and wanted to thank Trip for visiting him in Medical the night before. A small part of him even wanted to make sure Trip was alright. Considering everything that had happened with Ensign Petrova but felt it best not to bring her up to Trip. He had heard through the rumor mill that Trip received a rather harsh punishment from the admiral , but Ravok didnt like feeding rumors. Even so the rumor of his friend cleaning latrines bothered him alot. Ravok wanted to share in this punishment with Trip, but knew he couldn't. He also knew it wasnt best to bring this up to Trip. He was his commanding officer so Ravok wanted to avoid getting too personal like he allowed himself to do on the God of War. It felt like an eternity since Trip , Ire and himself were in the same room at the same time. Ravok was intimidated by Trip but would never tell a single soul of that. He gathered his nerves and decided to walk across the hall to Trips quarters He walked across the hall and chimed the door pad. Trip answered the door. “What’s up bud? You look like you’re about to take a final exam and didn’t study for it.” Ravok chuckled " I just have a few things on my mind . Can we talk?" He said to Trip. “Get your butt inside and have a seat and tell ole Trip what’s going on.” Ravok walked in Trips quarters " Thank you Sir, well I actually wanted thank you for visiting me and leaving a stuffed peregrine falcon for me. I assume that was you."He said to Trip as he took a seat on the couch. “Yeah, well, I don’t do flowers. But you’re welcome. But I get the feeling that is not why you’re here. You’re nervousness is off the charts, I think every empath on Mars can feel it.” Ravok sighed " Earlier today Ensign Merek invited me to go out with her and a few others 30 minutes ago she called me and said plans had changed…" “Oh, did your secret crush cancel on you.” Ravok cracked a huge smile " The plans have changed to just her and I going to the red sands. I think it's a date " “Oh, a date huh? And how can I help you?” " Firstly I am nervous but that I can deal with , secondly I feel weird asking you this but ...what should I wear?" He asked Trip. “Well, it’s a first date, so you should probably wear something nice.” " I dont own a anything nice to wear " he shamefully admitted “Well that can present a problem.” Trip sized up Ravok and smirked. “Well I can’t loan you any of my stuff, because I’m a bit taller and bigger than you, might look kinda baggy. But, the replicator should be able to help me out in getting you gussied up.” " Some many choices in the replicator " Ravok replied Trip sized up Ravok again, “You’re what, 6 foot even, 195 pounds. Arm length seems average. Hold on a moment.” Trip scurried into his bedroom and came out with a measuring tape. “Little known fact about me, I like to make quilts, blankest, and pillows, in my spare time. Everyone needs hobbies.” " Exactly, on point . You make blankets. Little known fact about me. I play piano " Ravok said to Trip with a smile Trip approached Ravok with the measuring tape, “Now hold still, and if I move your body parts, just go with it ok.” " Understood " he responded to Trip Trip then began taking Ravok’s clothing measurements. Trip didn’t even bother to ask Ravok what they were, because he assumed that if Ravok had nothing nice to wear he probably didn’t know. As he measured he scribbled own onto a PADD the measurements. He didn’t speak them out loud, because it was faster to just measure, type and go. But he would be sending Ravok a copy as soon as he was done. “Alright then, I have your measurements, don’t worry, I’ll send you a copy. First date, you want to look suave but casual. Don’t want to come off as trying too hard. But, and this will be very important. It is ok for her to be more under dressed than you. It is never ok for you to be more under dressed than her. Its just the way clothing works. A dude in a plain t-shirt and jeans kind of looks like he doesn’t care, but if a girl wears a t-shirt and jeans, she looks classy. I don’t make the rules, it just happens that way.” " It seems I have much to learn.I have to look suave but casual? So look like I don't care but at the same time look like I care " he laughed in response to Trip. “Plus you want to look like you give a crap, and the nicer you look, the more it looks like you care about her. But you don’t want to be too overdressed. Unless you look like you are trying too hard.” " I'm starting to understand you more an more , I'm taking notes trust me " Ravok replied “Ok, so here is what we are going to do. You have nice black shoes right?” Ravok nodded his head " Yes I do own those " “Ok, so little tip, always match the color of your belt to your shoes. If you wear a brown belt, brown shoes, black belt, black shoes. Always match the color of your socks to the color of your pants. Grey pants, grey socks. Unless you are wearing khaki slacks with black shoes, then it is acceptable to wear either black socks or khaki socks.” " You are in the wrong career " Ravok stated jokingly. “No, I just come from a long line of men who have learned over the centuries how to dress to impress.” Trip sized Ravok up one more time. “Ok, so here is what we are going to do, classic preppy look, never fails, you look like you are ready to party but not too snobby. Navy blazer, khaki slacks, black belt, socks, and shoes. Pink button down shirt, with a pink rose in the lapel.” Trip then went to the replicator and put in the clothing he wanted made with the right measurements. “No tie, tie is too formal. The khaki slacks says a little more casual five. This is what is called business casual. It’s also got a retro 21st century vibe going with it, that might add to your cool factor.” Trip handed him the clothes and smiled, “You should get the rose for your lapel from the arboretum, real flowers man, real flowers, and get her a bouquet too, just a small one, with some daisies or something. Now go to my room and try these one and come back.” Ravok nodded his head " Be right back " Ravok went toTrips room and put the clothes on and in a few moments reappeared. Walking out of Trips room adjusting his blazer He stopped and stood there " You sure pink is my color ?" “Yeah, it shows your comfortable enough in who you are. It’s a calming color. In color psychology, pink is a sign of hope. It is a positive color inspiring warm and comforting feelings, a sense that everything will be okay. That is the kind of feeling and emotion you want to inspire in her. The color pink represents compassion, nurturing and love. It relates to unconditional love and understanding, and the giving and receiving of nurturing. Perfect for a first date.” " You are the expert not me." Ravok said to him. “Trust me, the girl I dated my first three years at the academy, Celia, she was in to all this color psychology stuff, just bored me to death with it. But you know what, it’s kinda true. Like black invokes fear, so some sports teams will wear all black to play with the other teams emotions. Red is a color of rage and fury, and studies have shown that sports teams that wear red win championships more than any other color. Bright orange makes people angry, but sky blue calms them down. So yeah, you definitely want to go with pink on this one. It will give a nice warm and positive vibe during your date.” " We romulans prefer blue it shows power and importance " Ravok confessed. “Hence the blue blazer. Now then,” Trip pulled out some hair gel and handed it to Ravok, “When you get back home, put some of this in your hair and style it however you’d like. Also, remember, treat her well. Be honest with her, but don’t be a jerk. Treat her like a person, then a princess, then a Greek goddess, then a person again. You respect the crap out of her. Be a gentleman. And don’t expect a kiss at the end of the date, but if it’s gonna come, look into her eyes, the eyes will tell you what she wants, but don’t force it, let her make the move. Remember no means no and you aren’t owed a kiss at the end of the night.” " Just being in her presence is something to be cherished . " he said to Trip “Well don’t go worshiping her yet, let it develop slowly. Remember treat her like a person first, you don't want to have her be some fantasy woman who you will never be able to meet the expectations you have placed on her. But treat her right, or I’ll make you pay.” Trip flashed a smirk, “ Is there anything else?” " No sir, Thank you " “Alright, then, and you know what, forget what I said about the flowers, well get one for your lapel.” Trip then went to the replicator and replicated a fuzzy little brown bear with pointy ears and dressed in Romulan casual clothing, complete even with a typical romulan bowl cut. He then returned to Ravok. “Give her this instead.” " I can't give her this . It's too on the nose ...being that both of us are Romulan " “That’s the point broseph, it’s a celebration of your shared culture, you shared history and your bond as Romulans in Starfleet. If she likes it, she’s got a little bear that will always remind her of you. If she doesn’t like it, then throw me under the bus.” " Thanks again Sir, this means alot to me " “Don’t mention it. No of course if there is a date two, well, maybe we’ll go with all black, fearsome on the battlefield, but sleek and sexy on the ballroom floor, like a stealth fighter. Now get the heck out of my quarters and go finish getting ready for your date.” Trip then shooed Ravok out the door and into the hallway. ~Poor kid.~ The irony was not lost on Trip that he was you years younger than Ravok, ~So nervous, like a poor little lamb to the slaughter.~ (reply none) (posted by Robert Davis and Will Banowsky) (Mars Base, Security Center, Brig, Tactical Ensign Taya, 1834) Carrying a folding chair and a rucksack into the brig, Taya addressed the guards stationed there. "I'm going to be questioning the prisoner in cell 14. Please don't disturb me." She didn't wait for a response. Stopping at 14, she placed the chair and the rucksack on the floor and sat down a meter from the security force field. The man inside was sitting on the cot. He gave her an odd look. "I'm Ensign Taya. I'm the one that shot you on the Mystique." The man remained silent. "I know you're probably surprised to see an Andorian, and someone so young, but that's what you get." Taya's voice was flat, her gaze stern. "I realize you're probably trained and conditioned to resist interrogations, and you may have a suicide device implanted in you our medical scans didn't detect, so I'm just going to get right to the point." The man still didn't say anything. He also didn't give away anything through his body language. No doubt he was trained there as well. "We scanned your DNA, and according to Federation records, you're Ross Bolek, age 35, from Wisconsin, Earth. You have quite a record as a mercenary, at least what we have on file. Of course, it could all be fake." Taya shrugged. "I'm sure you know your rights under Federation law, and you really are going to be treated well, so I'll put an offer out there for you to consider." Bolek scoffed. "So you can make a sound, other than grunting in pain after being shot," said Taya. Bolek scowled. "Anyway, here's the offer. A Lieutenant Colonel James Tillwell is here with orders to take you to Earth." Taya paused to see if that meant anything to Bolek. It did, as she saw a very slight shudder in his legs. "He's taking you tomorrow, so you have until then to tell me who sent you to the Mystique and why. As I said, I'll be nice to you, but I can't guarantee you'll get the same treatment from Tillwell. Talk to me or talk to him, but either way, you're talking. It's just a matter of what your physical condition will be when you're in prison. I can take whatever time you need to make up your mind, at least until Tillwell drags you away." Taya sat calmly, her hands resting in her lap. Other than his initial reaction to Taya mentioning Tillwell, Bolek hadn't moved, though she could sense that he was thinking about the options she had given him. She read Tillwell's basic file, which said nothing about his interrogation methods, so making him out to be someone willing to cross lines was a bluff. It seemed it was paying off, as Bolek at least knew Tillwell had a reputation. A few minutes passed. Taya reached into her bag and grabbed an energy bar. "Have you ever tried one of these? This one is apple flavored." Taya unwrapped it and took a bite, chewing it slowly. "My mother loved Earth apples to the point of obsession, but to me, they're just okay. I have field rations too, if you want one instead. I'm not playing a psychological game with you. I just want information." "This isn't the first time I've been captured," said Bolek. "I've never talked before, so I can handle anything Tillwell dishes out." "Maybe, but in the past, you escaped or were rescued," said Taya. "This time, you're going to have the beating of your life and spend twenty years in prison. So, if that's your choice, my work here is finished." Taya tossed the rest of the energy bar back into the rucksack and stood up. She slung it over her shoulder, folded the chair and began walking out. This wasn't a ploy to trick Bolek. She really was finished. She was perfectly fine with letting someone else have their time with him. Waving at the guards, she was one step from being out the door, when she heard Bolek calling her name.... (reply none) (posted by Rib B.) (Mars Facility – Security Complex, Sec Ops Centre - aASEC, Ens(jg) Carson Peters - 1836) Darpeg and Taya would be well on their way into speaking with at least a couple of the prisoners by now. Once Tillwell had departed the Security section, Carson had headed straight for the Sec Ops centre so he could bring up the internal security cameras within the cells to watch the interrogations live. He sat down and brought up the live feeds, popped in two headphones and listened simultaneously to his colleagues and their quarries. Whilst sitting there he finished off a personnel requisition order, one thing Tillwell had made clear was that he expected that a base the size of the one they were one would have a much larger security and tactical force stationed on it. With the base already getting close to holding 10,000 personnel, Carson wanted to at the very least bolster their numbers closer to 10% from the 5% they were currently at. "Chief," he heard from behind him, he span the chair around whilst popping one of the wireless buds out of his ear. He saw Officer Jackson standing there, "Afternoon, I have the latest reports on incoming personnel here, Sir." Carson took the padd from him and dumped the information onto the terminal in front of him, "Thanks." Looking over his shoulder, Jackson noticed that he was watching the live feeds. "How's that going?" he said nodding towards the screens. "Slowly," Carson responded as he scanned the information the man had provided, "hopefully they can get something out of them soon" he handed Jackson his padd back and as he took it Jackson said, "Perhaps you should let Intelligence use their nefarious interogation techniques on them" he joked as he walked away. Carson sighed, he had forgotten to include them once again. He wasn't used to working with Intelligence assets so closely. Since he hadn't checked in with Foxglove for a few days, this seemed like the ideal time. He tapped his comm. badge, "Ensign Peters to Foxglove, If you're free we could use your assistance with an interrogation." (Reply Foxglove) (Posted by Jono Bradley) (Mars Facility – Medical Annex - Counselor's office - COUNS Alaya Ravenstone- 2000) Alaya had arrived in her office early for the night, and sat down in the very comfortable chair that she had been given. She had no appointments currently, and she leaned back, thinking about the early morning briefing she had been given before she had decided that a nap was going to be necessary if she was going to make it through the night shift that she had been assigned. She didn't mind the night shift, and most of what she saw were people who were having trouble sleeping, and those who were unlucky enough to have the swing shift. The Admiral had given most of the senior staff from today until the ninth off. Much of the personnel was new, and although many had attended the academy together, there were already groups within groups forming and for this to be successful, they needed to bond as a group. She had already seen the stress fractures of the crew who had been running double and sometimes triple shifts for over a week. People were exhausted and they needed to get away. She knew the kind of personalities that did excelled in starfleet - if they stayed here, they would continue to work in spite of the order and that could be disastrous when they got into space. "Computer, inform flight control that I would like a female pilot and one of the runabouts from 1400 on the 7th until around 1800 on the 8th. It is important that the pilot be female." The computer chirped an acknowledgement. "Computer, draft this memo and send it to all female staff who were at the briefing this morning." The computer chirped an acknowledgement, "Ladies, this is Counselor Ravenstone. There is a campground area about an hour's flight by runabout from here. I've secured it from tomorrow afternoon until the afternoon of the 8th. Please bring sleeping bags, camping supplies and anything else that you might require. This is a ladies only campout - no gents allowed! Time to let down our hair and have some fun. Please meet at runabout pad A at 1230 tomorrow afternoon." Alaya ended the transmission and sent it. She hoped people would show up. It should be fun, no matter who did. She stood, stretched and then greeted her first patient of the evening. (reply none) (posted by Mel) (Mars Facilities – The Red Sands – aACEO – Ensign JG Keira Merek – 2001) She had bought the dress back in San Francisco specifically for going out graduation night. Which she did. The encounter at the end had left a sour taste on the memory, but she was bound and determined to redeem the dress. She chose that same green sparkly dress she had worn that night out and a pair of heels that matched. She didn’t wear any jewelry but subtle make up and a small clutch completed her outfit. She walked in the door and most of the eyes were on her, for a moment. She didn’t know if it was the dress, her or the fact that she was definitely overdressed. She looked to the bar and the bartender immediately caught her glance and waived her over to a table that was prepped for two. (Reply Torres, ham it up) “This is lovely, I’m glad I reached out to you before we showed up. I hope it was no trouble.” She said sitting in the offered chair. (Reply Torres) “Let me know when he arrives. Can I get some liquid courage in the meantime?” she said butterflies swimming in her stomach. (Reply Torres) “Saurian Brandy would be great.” (Reply Ravok, Torres) (Posted by Todd) (Mars Facilities – The Red Sands – Santiago Torres - 20:02) As Ensign Merek walked into the Red Sands Santiago quickly approached here and ushered her to the table she had reserved. "Ah Señorita Merek, bienvenido, your table is all ready and over here." Santiago smiled his impish smile. He was a fan of love, and one of the things he loved about the restaurant business was how vital the environment, the ambiance, and the meal could be to building the romantic mood, the romantic feelings. He loved love. "I took the liberty of giving you the most secluded booth, for privacy, with some fancy red linens, y la mejor parte del ambiente romantico de tu mesa are the little candles in the center of the table. Not tall enough so you can't see each other, but the shadows they will cast on your face, will make him go crazy for you." “This is lovely, I’m glad I reached out to you before we showed up. I hope it was no trouble.” She said sitting in the offered chair. "No, no es un problema. I am a big fan of the potential of blossoming romance." “Let me know when he arrives. Can I get some liquid courage in the meantime?” she said butterflies swimming in her stomach. "Why of course señorita, what is your tonic of choice." “Saurian Brandy would be great.” Santiago motioned to one of the waiters to fetch a Saurian brandy for the young ensign. "Now you might want to wait for your friend to arrive before to order, but might I recommend a special menu for your dinner. It starts with a meat and cheese platter, Jamon Iberico, Sliced chorizo, some hard salami. As well as some manchego cheese, brie, and a nice swiss, served with a spicy apricot jam on the side, as well as some sliced bread. It is followed with a fresh gaspacho soup, with the main course of a steak, medium rare, covered with a blue cheese, caramelized onion, cream sauce and roasted potatoes on the side. Ending with a delightful tiramisu. As well as bottomless sangria. Is that something that interest you señorita Merek?" (reply Merek) "As you wish, I will make sure that your brandy gets here soon and I will direct señor Ravok your way when he arrives." (Reply Merek) (reply Merek, Ravok) (posted by Will) (Mars Facilities – The Red Sands – Pilot Ensign jg Ravok Shara - 20:03) Ravok entered the red sands wearing the outfit Trip had picked out for him. He felt eyes of not only women but men as well on him they weren't merely looking but staring ~ I guess Trip knows his stuff~ he thought to himself. In his hand were a few of the same flower that Keira had left for him and Ensign Petrova. Ravok decided to leave the Romulan teddy bear back at his place . Hoping that change in plans wasnt a mistake . Ravok walked up to Santiago " Hello, I'm Ravok Shara" he said as he decided to not drop his rank in here and simply be himself ( reply Santiago ) " Yes, I am here for Keira Merek party of two." He said to the charming Santiago. ( reply Santiago) Ravok followed as he led the way . As they walked Ravok took a deep breath and relaxed his mind . ~ Pilot cool~ he thought to himself. This phrase was a kind of meditation for him. A zone his mind entered to relax and better perceive the happenings around him. Ravok could see Ensign Merek. She looked absolutely stunning sitting there at the table. Subtle makeup green dress and matching shoes. His mind picked up every detail of her as they got closer. They arrived.. With a smile Ravok spoke " Hello, Ensign Merek..." ( reply Keira...I guess reply for him to not be so formal lol ) ( reply Santiago) " These are for you Keira." He said as he held up the flowers and handed them to her . ( reply Keira) ( reply Santiago at any point to sound off the meal lol) ( posted by Davis)