>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Mission: You Can't Go Home Again
Day: 9
Stardate: 2444.06.09
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(Mars Colony – Counselling offices - Ensign JG Erin Cortes - 0900)
(USS Mystique – Outer Hull - aACSO(R)– Ensign Sekal-  0930)
(Earth, Starfleet HQ – Journalist, Elsie Biers – 10:00)
(Mars Facilities - Personal Office - Ensign Jg Erin Cortes- 10.08)
(Earth, Starfleet HQ, Conference Room 17c – Journalist, Elsie Biers – 10:25)
(USS Mystique – Outer Hull - aACSO(R)– Ensign Sekal-  1118)
(USS Mystique – Deck 11, Machine shop- aACSO(R)– Ensign Sekal-  1125)
(Earth, Joeys Kitchen – Journalist, Elsie Biers & Producer Cressida McGowan – 13:00)
(Mars Facility – Engineering  - R&D  – aACEO – Ensign JG Keira Merek – 1337)
(Mars Facility – Engineering  - R&D  – Pilot– Ensign JG – Ire Williams – 1340)
(Mars Facility – Engineering  - R&D  - aACEO – Ensign JG Keira Merek – 1345)
(Mars Facility – Engineering  - R&D  - Pilot– Ensign JG – Ire Williams– 1347)
(Mars Facilities - Personal Office - Ensign Jg Erin Cortes- 1401)
(Mars facilities - Holosuites  - ENS jg  Counselor Ariel Trei - 15.00)
(Mars Facilities - Science Complex, Jaton's Office - Science Officer Ensign Jaton Alyl - 1504)
(Mars Facilities - Ensign Cortes' Office - Science Officer Ensign Jaton Alyl - 1507)
(Mars Facilities - Counselling office - Ensign JG Erin Cortez- 1509)
(USS Mystique – Outer Hull - aACSO(R)– Ensign Sekal-  1600)
(Mars Facilities - Personal Office - Ensign Jg Erin Cortes- 1602)
(Mars Facilities - Personal Office - Ensign Jg Erin Cortes- 1503)
(USS Mystique - Personal quarters - aACSO(R), Ensign Sekal- 1605)
(Mars Base - Counselling office - Ensign JG Erin Cortes - 1607)
(Mars Facilities - Counsellor's Office - aACSO(R), Ensign Sekal- 1638)
(Mars Facilities - Counsellor's Office - Ensign JG Erin Cortez - 1641)
(Mars Facilities - Counsellor's Office - aACSO(R), Ensign Sekal- 1643)
(Mars Facilities - Counsellor's Office - Ensign JG Erin Cortez- 1646)
(Mars Facilities - Counsellor's Office -aACSO(R), Ensign Sekal - 1649)
(Mars Facilities - Personal Office - Ensign Jg Erin Cortes- 1701)
(Mars Facilities - Counselor's Personal Office - aACSO Ensign Jg Sienna Williams-Verin 1708)
(Mars Facilities - Counselor's Personal Office - Ensign JG Erin Cortez - 1710)
(Mars Facilities - Personal Quarters - aACMO Ens(jg) Ailynn Bracken and aACSO Sienna Verin-Williams - 1730)
(Mars colony - Ensign JG Erin Cortes and Ensign JG Trip Williams - Gym - 1904)
(Mars - Town near base - aACMO Ens(jg) Ailynn Bracken and aACSO Sienna Verin-Williams - 1955)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

(Mars Colony – Counselling offices - Ensign JG Erin Cortes - 0900)

After a fun and very successful camping trip, Erin sat at the head of a 
table in the counselling offices, waiting albeit nervously for the other 
counsellors to arrive. Having spent the last three days after talking to 
Admiral Remae about crew evaluations, Erin had formed a plan of sorts and 
was eager to discuss this with the others.

(Reply Trei, Ravenstone, Solice)

As everyone took their seats, Erin stood,

"Thankyou for coming. The admiral has asked that we provide crew 
evaluations, pysch evaluations if you will. He has asked that I co-ordinate 
these with yourselves and we split the crew down, by departments.

However, to provide impartiality, I am going to ask that anyone you already 
counsel you do not provide an evaluation for. Allow for a fresh pair of eyes 
so to speak."

(Reply Trei, Ravenstone, Solice)

After listening, Erin Continued,

"With this in mind, personally, I will be evaluating the medical and science 
staff both here and onboard ship. I will also be taking on two additional 
personel not in those departments. Ensign Trip Williams and one other."

(Reply Trei, Ravenstone, Solice)

"How the rest of the crew is divided is down to yourselves. I do ask that 
Ensign Ravok be evaluated by Ensign Ravenstone, again to allow for a fresh 
pair of eyes as I know you already counsel him, Ensign Trei."

(Reply Trei, Ravenstone)

"We should make everyone we speak to aware that our services are here for 
them, no matter what the problem, that we are the ear or the shoulder that 
they may need. That said, I am happy to allow you freedom of choice with 
regards to the other departments apart from the ones I have specified."

(Reply Trei, Ravenstone, Solice)

"Please, when your initial evaluations, pre our trip to the Trill homeworld, 
are complete, forward them to myself so I can compile them and provide a 
full report to Admiral Remae. I don't need to remind you that the Admiral 
started his career as a counsellor so his eyes will be on us for this."

(Reply Trei, Ravenstone, Solice)

"With that said, Please decide amongst yourselves which departments you wish 
to evaluate. As stated, Medical and Science along with Ensign Trip Williams 
and one other I will take. That leaves plenty of choice. There's surely 
enough of us and enough people to see to go round. Any problems, feel free 
to contact myself at any time. I expect initial evaluations to be with me no 
later than 16:30 the day prior to leaving for Trill. Any questions?"

(Reply Trei, Ravenstone, Solice)

After answering the questions posed, Erin dismissed the happy band of 
counsellors to their assigned departments and sat back.
~Sweet mary, this is going to be a lot of work. Time to get stuck in~

(Reply Trei, Ravenstone, Solice, any)
(Posted by Jackie)

(USS Mystique – Outer Hull - aACSO(R)– Ensign Sekal-  0930)

The EVA suit had a tricorder unit built into it with the controls at the left wrist and the inside faceplate functioned as a HUD on command. This day would be filled with such space walks as the science officer was checking all of the vessel's exterior sensor arrays.

Just turning on a sensor wouldn't tell you any of its various suite's external condition or how long they would remain operational, this was why he was prepared in this way. There were also several kits about his person on the suit holding tools in case a replacement was necessary.

He didn't need to take long walks from airlocks either since Luma was transporting him near to an array where he could use tricorder and visual sweeps to determine its overall condition.

The one he had just knelt down next to was a good example. He activated the scans and watched the readings roll up on the HUD.

"Luma activate lateral array at three percent power." He backed up slightly then returned his eyes to the readings.

(Reply: Luma)

The array powered up as it should and he had Luma vary the power output until satisfied. According to his scans everything was normal.

"Lock out power for the array Luma while I make a visual inspection. How clear were the readings from the array?"
The scanner in the suit was off and the helmet light on and he was inspecting the suite from every angle as she gave him the report.

(Reply: Luma)

Finally satisfied with a good report and visual inspection he rose from his crouch.

"Transport me to array four for inspection please Luma." Four down and twenty to go. At this rate he would be completed late tomorrow morning.

(Reply: Luma)

(Posted by Charles Gatling)

Earth, Starfleet HQ – Journalist, Elsie Biers – 10:00)

Stood outside on the grounds of Starfleet HQ, Elsie Biers an award winning investigative journalist couldn’t help but feel smaller than she’d hoped to at this exact moment. The size of the buildings around her, the hustle and bustle of the Starfleet Officers going about their business was all impressive, even to one such as her. As she stood still to take it all in and looked around the campus and spotted at least three useful interview spots within a stone’s throw.

“Can I help you Ma’am?” came a voice from just behind her. She swivelled quickly on her heels and found that she was standing in front of a Starfleet Security Officer. She felt his gaze look over her, she assumed to determine what sort of threat he thought her to be. ~Whatever number you’re giving me; it won’t be high enough~ she thought as she began to disarm him with her smile.

“Simply taking in the view, Lieutenant?” she said as she waved her hand around to the buildings.

The man coughed, “Ah, I’m an Ensign.”

Of course she knew this, Elsie was no fool and she’d been covering Starfleet and the Federations movements on her holoshow for the past few years. “Sorry,” she said touching the man on his arm, “I’m actually here for a meeting inside. Just catching my breath before going in.” she said to him earnestly.

He withdrew from touchable distance, uncomfortable with the touch perhaps? She noted it mentally and then continued to observe him as he pulled out a datapad. “Is that so?” he asked. Now she was getting a good look at him, she could see that he was probably fresh on the job, eager to impress and a little nervous. All things she then confirmed with her half-Betazoid empathic senses. “Name?” he asked, trying harder to sound authoritative.~Maybe being watched?~ she thought to herself as she noticed his eyes dart to the inside of the doors behind her.

“Elsie Biers. I’m here… well I’m not entirely sure who I’m meeting yet.” She said politely, still holding the bright smile in place. As she said her name she pulled out her CBS ID tag and let him scan the NFC tag inside of it to confirm at the same time she noticed a ping of recognition in his eyes.

Of course he’d heard of her, you could spend very little time on Earth without having seen her face somewhere. He took a second to look through the information he had and then looked back up to her, more nerves showing than before. “Yes, I see you in the system. Thank-you for that. When we see someone loitering outside, the uppers tend to get a bit nervous.” He said and within seconds looked horrified at what he’d let slip, “I mean…”

“Don’t worry, Ensign. I knew what you meant and I know how high security must be around here after last year.” She said empathetically, “Am I free to go in or are you arresting me?” she half joked.

He grimaced a little, “Of course, have a nice day.” he turned and headed back to wherever he was meant to be stationed. Elsie watched him leave for a moment, turned back around as she tucked her pass back into the jacket she wore and headed towards the self-opening door of Starfleet HQ. As she did so she nodded to the Security Lieutenant who she noted at the side of the door, it seemed apparent to her that he was the one who’d called her in as a Security threat.

As she passed though into the large atrium she looked around for a sign of where she would be expected to sign in at. The large reception desk in the middle seemed like a good place to start. She began walking towards it as she looked around the glass fronted area, as a large and impressive as it was from the outside. It took a moment to get to the desk due to the number of Starfleet employees and civilians passing through on their own business.

“How can I help?” the officer behind the desk asked. She was blonde, short in stature and had a much deeper air of authority about her than either of her male security counterparts. Elsie immediately respected her more.

“I have a meeting,” Elsie replied as he placed her bag down on the counter and began scrolling through her padd for the information she needed, “Ah yes, here it is.” she said as she pulled up the invite information and turned the padd around for the officer to view. “A Lieutenant Jorhas set it all up.”

The woman nodded as she took the padd and inspected the information, “Please place your bag on the scanner. Anything in there you want to declare?” she said. Elsie felt that her mind was being bored into as the woman looked at her.

“Not unless you count recording equipment” she said as she shrugged, trying to rid the conversation of the anxiety it seemed to be loaded with.

“Hmm” was all she heard in response. Elsie waited for what seemed like a full 10 minutes before the Lieutenant finally looked back up and handed her a visitors’ badge, “Wear this at all times whilst on the campus. Your CBS credentials will do you no good here.”

Elsie nodded, took the visitors badge and applied it to her top and continued waiting.

“Is there something else I can help you with?” the Lieutenant asked when it was clear she wasn’t going to leave.

“I know who has organised the meeting, but I have no idea where it is or with whom.” Elsie replied. She hated going into this knowing nothing but it had been so out of the blue that they’d finally agreed to listen to her proposals that her Producer hadn’t had time to give her all the information required.

“Oh.” She said from behind the desk, “How… unusual. Is that how you media types normally get your scoops?” she said. It became clear at that moment that this woman did not like her, her job or what she stood for. Elsie had come to expect this reaction from certain corners of the military due to her stance on how passive the Federation and Starfleet through them had become in recent years. She’d been outwardly critical of the xenophobia and inward looking nature of not just Starfleet but also large portions of the populations of the ‘inner worlds.’

“No… not usually. I can only assume this is how Starfleet operates.” Elsie retorted though still keeping a smile fixed on her face.

“Let me see then...” she began typing on the terminal on the desk once again, “Conference 17c, you’re seeing Commodore Rolo. I’ll have someone escort you there now.”

“Thank-you” Elsie said as she picked up her bag, stepped away from the desk and waited for someone to take her where she needed to be. ~Rolo, that make’s sense- head of PR and Earth liaison~ she thought to herself.

(Mars Facilities - Personal Office - Ensign Jg Erin Cortes- 10.08)

After the meeting, Erin had dismissed the other counsellors to conduct
their crew evaluations and walked into her office in a world of her own. 

Dropping the padds she held onto the coffee table infront of the couch,
she sat down behind her desk and furrowed her brow at the sight of an
envelope on her desk.
~What the..... wait, is that handwriting?~ she thought to herself as she
picked up the envelope,

"Sorry for the transporter prank, sincerely Billy." she read and then
smiled softly,

~okay, so maybe I did get him wrong.... he is kind of cute.~ she thought
as she opened the envelope and instantly regretted thinking that as an
explosion of gold and silver glitter exploded all over her and her desk.
Yelling some very unladylike words in several languages that included
Spanish and a few words in Romulan that she had picked up from Ravok, Erin
stood, covered in glitter and took a breath,

"Oh, okay, I see how it is. William Alexander, I will have my revenge. I
don't know how or when but watch your back."

(reply None)
(Posted by Jackie)

Earth, Starfleet HQ, Conference Room 17c – Journalist, Elsie Biers – 10:25)

Elsie was escorted into the conference room and then left there by herself for a good 5 minutes. She poked around the room before setting her bag down on the floor and choosing what looked like the comfiest seat. She pulled out her padd and sent a quick message to her producer detailing that she was now in the building for the meeting, which was to be held with Commodore Percical (Percy) Frederick Rolo III and to meet her this afternoon at their usual restaurant to discuss what was said.

As she finished the messaged and his send the door opened again and in strode the man she’d seen fronting many a press conference for Starfleet, Commodore Rolo. She uncrossed her legs and stood up slowly as he beamed towards her, “Miss Biers, how lovely to finally meet you.” He said as he extended a hand to shake.

She took it and repaid the compliment, “and yourself Commodore. This meeting has been a long time coming.” She said, referring to the many years of requests she and her production team had filed to Starfleet for access.

“Of course.” He said, taking his hand back, “Please sit. Let’s not stand on ceremony.” he took the chair out next to the one she had been sitting in and sat down, she followed suit.

“Why am I here Commodore?” she asked. Best to be forthright in these situations, show them that you can play at their level, gain respect and then demand more.

“Why indeed.” He said, a grin appearing on his face. “Where to start?” he asked himself.

“I find at the beginning to be the natural place to start,” Elsie said trying to catch him off-guard.

“Yes and why not.” He shifted slightly in his chair to get comfortable and pulled the jug of ice cold water from the centre of the table towards him and poured two glasses worth out. He took one of the glasses and took a sip before continuing, “Admiral Remae Ktell has been given command over the Mars base, including Utopia Planitia and all its surrounding facilities.”

Elsie’s eyes widened. She’d seen some reports of mobilisation of resources and crew around Starfleet for the past few days, but nothing seemed to have been reported in the news or leaked through unofficial sources so far. This was news… an official change in direction for Starfleet. This was potentially exciting. She kept as much of this emotion off her face as possible, “Go on.”

“Part of his mission is to extend the hand of friendship to those races which we were once friends with. We didn’t expect it to happen this quickly but we have the potential for one of those races to re-join the Federation.”

Elsie watched the man as he spoke, choosing his words carefully, trying not to give anything unnecessary away. “And you’re not going to tell me which race this is?”

“Not yet.”

“Then I still don’t understand why I’m here, Percy.” She used his first name and not rank as a way to try and get past the Starfleet façade. The look he gave her, said that he understood what she was trying to do and it wasn’t going to work.

“I believe you have a proposal for us? Your producer... Cressida, has been submitting interview requests to Starfleet on your behalf every month for the last year and even before that. You’re here because I am now more open to allowing you a small slither of access.”

Elsie clapped suddenly, “How wonderful. Cressida seemed to think her persistence would bear fruit, I however did not.” She said with a big smile across her face, “We’re looking to do a series of interviews mixed with fly on the wall footage on board a Starship or perhaps base if that’s what you’re suggesting with Mars.” She paused and took a sip of water but continued before Percy could interject. “We’ve wanted to do this for years, really show what life is like on the inside of Starfleet. Did you know that over 67% of the general public still have no real idea on what your job is? How you defend and protect the Federation. After the terrorist attack last year, we felt that it was even more imperative to move ahead with this documentary… really show everyone the face behind the uniform so to speak.” Elsie had delivered parts of this pitch around the galaxy before on previous jobs so it was well rehearsed. She neither spoke or thought about the other reasons they wanted the inside access, you never knew on these jobs when they’d find corruption, or the potential for an award winning expose.

Percy’s eyes narrowed as he watched Elsie speak, he was clearly still trying to decide whether what he was doing was a good idea or not. “Ok. Most of that can be done, Miss Biers.”

“Most?”

“Yes, most. We can’t have you wondering around a secure base or Starship, filming mission critical information and putting members of Starfleet at risk. The interviews we can do.” He said matter-of-factly.

“It’s full access or nothing Commodore.” Elsie said as she shifted her position to allow her greater reach and view. “We won’t be creating some puff piece for you. It’ll be proper journalism or nothing.”

There was a pause as he thought it over.

“You brought me here for a reason Percy. You knew what we were proposing so I have to assume that it’s already been cleared higher up.” She said pushing the matter further.

“We have final oversight on the footage you’re allowed to use.”

“No way. Not a chance.”

“Your producer gave me her word that you’d agree to this.”

It was Elsie who paused for a second this time, she wouldn’t have thought Cres would have agreed to Starfleet oversight unless she felt they were offering something more lucrative. “Did she now?” she said, slowly trying to find the right words. “You understand you wouldn’t own the footage. If you can tell me now what we wouldn’t be allowed to air, perhaps I could agree.”

“Anything confidential or mission critical wouldn’t be allowed to be a part of your series and you and whoever you bring with you will be required to sign a standard NDA agreeing to this. We can’t have members of Starfleet or our procedures compromised.”

Elsie nodded, she understood this. “With the understanding that as soon as what is captured isn’t mission critical or compromises your security it could be used by CBS in future broadcasts.” Her heart was beating faster now the negotiation was flowing. She understood now that Cressy probably hadn’t sold him anything, she wasn’t great at negotiations or dealing with people- an absolute killed Producer/Director/Camera Operator, but there was a reason she was behind the camera and not in front of it.

“I can agree to that, but it would be Starfleet who decide when that sort of footage can be used and not you, your producer or your corporate heads at CBS.” Percy replied.

“Fine.” She said in a way which made her sound as if she’d been defeated. “Tell me more about Mars and their mission.”

Over the next hour the Commodore outlined what Admiral Remae Ktell was doing and where they were going next. They were to be allowed access to him and his crew for the duration of their current mission in which they were taking the USS Mystique to negotiate with the Trill and then access to the Mars Base Complex once they came back if they hadn’t gotten all of the footage they required. She left the commodore once the conversation was finished and the details committed to.

As soon as she left the campus she fired Cressida a message and headed to their meet-up spot.

(USS Mystique – Outer Hull - aACSO(R)– Ensign Sekal-  1118)

The short range, ventral array, starboard side was number nine of the day and it did not take a detailed inspection to see that this sensor suite was unusable. The metal was scored and discolored by impacts and heavily dented in a number of locations around the platter sized module.

Sekal turned off the headlamp for a moment as he collected a tool from the kit on his right hip. He knelt down and began running the de-magnetizer along the outside edge attached to the hull. The base plate released after a moment and he pulled the unit free then activated  the comm after using the tricorder to check the components that had been beneath.

"Luma, one to transport to deck eleven."

(Reply: Luma)

(USS Mystique – Deck 11, Machine shop- aACSO(R)– Ensign Sekal-  1125)

The machine shop was pristine, having been thoroughly cleaned before the ship was mothballed.

Sekal had two options, craft another baseplate and cover for the suite or repair what he had taken off and brought inside. His helmet and gloves were currently off and he was allowing the atmospheric supply for the suit to recharge.

"New is better than reconditioned." He scrolled through the database to find the materials and forms needed then replicated the materials in small sheets to match the specs then added then to the fabricator which would build them into the requisite shape, thickness and size. The original was still with him, battered as it was it could still be used as a reference guide.

After all was complete and the new baseplate and cover were verified for fit and accuracy Sekal went to a nearby office where he queried the array to verify it was still functional. Fortunately the damage had been confined to the cover for the suite and not the components inside. That would no doubt have changed very quickly if the suite had seen more damage.

He replaced the helmet and gloves, reactivated the suits environmental system and picked up the new baseplate and cover before speaking.

"Luma please transport me to ventral array, subject number nine."

(Earth, Joeys Kitchen – Journalist, Elsie Biers & Producer Cressida McGowan – 13:00)

Elsie had acquired their usual table at Joeys ordered her usual and waited for Cressida to show up. Both of them were freelance, but neither had worked without the other for the past 8 years. The A team, they’d won two different journalism prizes in that time together and weren’t planning on stopping anytime soon.

Walking into the bistro, Cressida headed straight for their usual table, ignoring the stares. After all, her look usually got a few wherever she went.

Long blonde hair on one side, the other shaved quite close with a tattoo of vines up the side of her neck and head, she was aware that this was not a sight most people saw.

Dressed in black combat trousers, blank tank top and black denim jacket, she sat down at the table and smiled at Elsie,

"So…. How did it go?"

Elsie finished taking an sip of the cocktail she’d ordered and before answering pushed a drink she’d ordered towards Cressida. “Interviews, full access to the Mars base and their mission to Trill.” She said as a beaming grin appeared on her face.

"Oh…. Holy crap. I never thought we would get that far!"

“He tried playing coy, but they clearly want something from it. They know they’re sinking and need to right the ship, so to speak” 

"This must be something they really need. Good PR."

“We need to be set and ready to head over to mars in the next day,” Elsie said beginning the planning process as a waitress began bringing food over and placing it around the table.

Grabbing her drink, taking a long sip, Cressida looked at her close friend and sighed,

"So, loosely translated as Cressida get packing. Everything. Remote cameras, full set up."

Elsie grinned, “You know it”

"I got you covered. You know that. Maybe we should set off a good few remotes, follow some of the crew at a distance. I suspect we won't be allowed to film any of the negotiations?"

“Full set of remotes and 2 manuals, the remotes will probably get shut off if there’s anything… confidential, whereas the manuals we can override and keep recording.” She then leaned in a little close, “Full access to me, means full access. I guess we’ll see when we get there.”

"Shame, could be good. But we can get some good footage."

“Mmmhmmm” Elsie nodded as she continued eating. “Hopefully some characters to interview. Mars base has several thousand Starfleet officers, the Mystique will have a few hundred. May as well try and get the interviews on the ship, they’ll feel more under-pressure than on the base. Make it more exciting”

"I get you. Maybe we should try and do some pre and post mission interviews. Incase stuff goes down. This is Starfleet after all. Nothing is that simple."

“True, probably worth doing. Can just see something going wrong on Trill and then the access being revoked.”

Sitting back in her chair, Cressida looked at her,

"Does this mean I need a suit? You know how much I hate suits."

“I don’t think they’ll let you on the base wearing that” she replied with a smile, half joking.

"Great, scoop of the century and I need to go shopping."

Laughter broke out, “How about the hair? We could go to a stylist now…”

"Nope, no touching the hair. Non-negotiable."

“One day.” Elsie said, eyeing her carefully.

"When do we leave?"

“As soon as possible, get CBS to book us a shuttle tonight or tomorrow morning.”

Elsie stood up and moved to pay the bill, “I’ve got to go back to the apartment and grab up all the notes and pack.”

"And I need to suffer a fate worse than death."

“What’s that?” Elsie said as she turned back around to look at her with a quizzical look.

"Suit shopping."

“Of course.”

(Reply None)

(Posted by Jono & Jackie)

(Mars Facility – Engineering  - R&D  – aACEO – Ensign JG Keira Merek – 1337)

Peterson’s squad leader had told Keira that Ensign Ire Williams had been looking for her during the block leave, after which Keira’s head was clear or at least more so, ready to focus on the work. Her instructions to the staff was to send Ensign Williams in as soon as he showed up. She had been told that it had something to do with some drones and some kind of cybernetic implant. She was no cyberneticist but drones was something she could help out with.

It wasn’t too long before Ensign Williams was shown back to the room consisting of a large table and work space. Displays and read-outs lined the wall on one side, with an empty area on the other half re-enforced walls lining the entire section and sturdy clear partition in the middle separating the two halves.

“Ire, how can I help you?” She greeted him warmly.

(Reply Williams)

“Well, bring one of them out, lets take a look.” She says indicating the workspace behind them. 

(Reply Williams, please describe a drone in detail, including what you want it to do)

Keira snaps open an Engineering tricorder and the device begins emitting it’s usual rhythmic tones.

“Power source, Krellide or Neodymium power cells? Something else?” she asked while scanning.

(reply Williams)

“That’s what my readings show here.” She confirmed. “Readings on this unit look good.”

(Reply Williams)

“Medical has cleared your implant then?” She asked cautiously.

(Reply Williams)

“I recommend we start slowly. We start the one unit, move that around a bit, make sure you’re OK. Try some of the systems out, ensuring they all work. Then and only then start adding control of multiple units one at a time to ensure you can handle the load. Sound fair?”

(Reply Williams)

(Posted by Todd)

(Mars Facility – Engineering  - R&D  – Pilot– Ensign JG – Ire Williams – 1340)

“Ire, how can I help you?” 

Ire smiled back at Merek’s warm greeting.

“Good after. Thanks for seeing me I know that you are busy.”

He paused for a moment before carrying on.

“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 a UMTSC to 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 spoken to Science and Medical, but I thought that is was prudent to get an engineering option as well.” 

“Well, bring one of them out, let’s take a look.” 

Merek said indicating the workspace behind them. 

Ire nodded and tapped at the workspace controls. There was a familiar whine of the transporters as UMTSC one appeared on the workspace along with the isolation unit. He stepped back, looked at it to make sure that It was secure. He looked at its sleek low profile 8-meter-long design before he looked over at Merek.

“It was part of the Solo Flight Project which occurred when the 52nd fleet disappeared for 5 years. Starfleet wanted an autonomous small fighter which could be deploy in great numbers and quick to build to be a defensive screen for fighters, star ships, star bases or planets. The idea was that one pilot with a neural link could control six of them freeing up fighter craft for other duty stations. The design team used parts of the Gueken fighter as a starting point and worked out from there. They managed to get it into production and operational before the 52nd fleet returned but after the return the political clement had changed and then project was shut down.” 

He saw Merek snap open an Engineering tricorder and the device begins emitting its usual rhythmic tones.

“Power source, Krellide or Neodymium power cells? Something else?” 

Merek asked while scanning.

Ire nodded 

“And also a micro-fusion plant which powers the two impulse engines and reaction control thrusters along with the phasor cannons and also gives power to the two mini quantum torpedoes launchers. Although it’s not warp capable, which was something they were working on before the project was closed it can out manoeuvre almost anything in its class.” 

“That’s what my readings show here.” 

Merek confirmed. 

“Readings on this unit look good.”

Ire nodded and gave a mental sigh of relief. He knew that there was not a problem with the UMTSC but having an Engineer confirm this was good. 

“Medical has cleared your implant then?” 

Ire nodded.

 “Yes, I have spoken to Medical about the implant and Science about the data link and failsafe system.”

“I recommend we start slowly. We start the one unit, move that around a bit, make sure you’re OK. Try some of the systems out, ensuring they all work. Then and only then start adding control of multiple units one at a time to ensure you can handle the load. Sound fair?”

Ire nodded. He did not want to tell Merek that he had, had all six hovering and drifting around in the maintenance bay a few days ago.

“Okay I’ll power it up and hover it around.”

He glanced around the room to make sure he would not damage anything when it powered up. He pulled out his jack and plugged it into his data port and the other end into the isolation unit which he placed on a desk beside him.

“Okay powering up.”

He sent the command and ‘felt’ part of his mind drift into the UMTSC. He ‘felt’ the heat as the fusion plant powered up and the slight tingle as the power rushed through its system. There was a slight feeling of nausea as he ‘saw’ himself and Merek through its sensors and he saw it through his own eyes, but it passed.

“Okay starting to hover.”

He increased power to the manoeuvring thrusters and ‘felt’ himself drift up off the ground. The computer gave him distance and object avoidance information as he pulses the manoeuvring thrusters again to slid it into the middle of the room and perform a slow horizontal 360-degree rotation. There was a soft beeping in his mind as the computer told him he was getting close to the walls, but he ignored it as there was plenty of room to complete the turn. When he had turned it the full 360 degree he looked over at Merek.

“What systems do you want to try first?” 

(reply Merek)  

(Reply Merek, any)

(Posted by Robbie)

(Mars Facility – Engineering  - R&D  - aACEO – Ensign JG Keira Merek – 1345)

“What systems do you want to try first?” Williams asked.

“Bring it down to hover at two meters, please.” She requested.

(Reply Ire)

Keira approached the craft while Ire kept it perfectly still, her blonde hair whipped around freely in the turbulent air surrounding it. She attached a small scanner / transmitter to report back telemetry and systems information. Once it contacted the hull a blinking amber light switched on its center. She walked quickly to the edge of the room and a large door opened at the opposite side. “Let’s take this outside.” She said.

(Reply Ire)

“Mister Williams,” she said grinning, “take us out.” She entered a command into her PADD and the amber light on the transmitter turned to green.

(Reply Ire)

The drone took off like a shot propelling itself skyward.

(Reply Ire)

“It’s ready, show me what you got. Show me some maneuvers.”

(Reply Ire)

“Readings look good, that’s faster than a shuttle cruising in atmo.” She announced. “How fast can she go?”

(Reply Ire)

“Let’s see it. Punch it.” She said as she began to walk outside. She wanted to see it for herself.

(Reply Ire)

The readouts on her PADD were going wild, numbers getting higher fast enough that the numbers were illegible. She heard a near deafening BOOM and felt it in her bones as the unit shattered the sound barrier. The numbers kept climbing. Then plateaued.

“How you feel?” She asked.

(Reply Ire)

“Feel like adding more units?” She asked. “How many have you tested before?”

(Reply Ire)

“If you’re feeling up to it, lets bring them out.” She said. “Bring them into a holding pattern to the West of the compound, I’ll borrow some bandwidth from the sensors to give us a picture of all of them.”

(Reply Ire)

She tapped her combadge. “Merek to operations. I’m going to borrow one quarter bandwidth to track some incoming friendly unmanned craft. Please acknowledge.”

=^= We’ve been watching the airshow from up here too. Other than those craft the skies have been clear. Permission granted.=^=

Keira used her PADD to access the sensor grid remotely. Soon she had the necessary sensors available with out compromising base defense.

(Reply Ire)

“Ok, let’s see what you got. Start with some formation flying.” She offered.

(Reply Ire, any)

(Posted by Todd)

(Mars Facility – Engineering  - R&D  - Pilot– Ensign JG – Ire Williams– 1347)

 “Bring it down to hover at two meters, please.”

Ire nodded.

“Bringing it down.”

He felt the sensation of drifting down as the drone descended smoothly to two meters off the floor.

He saw Merek approached the craft as he kept it perfectly still. He could see her blonde hair whipped around freely in the turbulent air surrounding it with his eyes and the drones sensors.

~Concentrate~ 

Merek attached a small scanner / transmitter to report back telemetry and systems information. Once it contacted the hull a blinking amber light switched on its centre. Merek walked quickly to the edge of the room and a large door opened at the opposite side. 

“Let’s take this outside.” 

Ire grinned.

“That sounds like a good idea.”

He had only hovered them around the maintenance bay and had not been able to try out their full potential.

“Mister Williams,” 

“take us out.”

He grinned.

“Yes ma’am.”

Ire paused for a moment to make sure that he had enough clearance and then pivoted it skywards and increased the impulse engines to full power. The drone shot into the sky like a rocket.

“It’s ready, show me what you got. Show me some manoeuvres.”

He taped down on his feelings of exhilaration as he focused on keeping his mind on flying

“Okay.”

He swung the drone around in a lazy turn so that he would fly back over them. Then began a series of banks, turns, alerion rolls and loops as he got the feel for how manurable it really was.

~This is so much more responsive then what the file says~

 “Readings look good, that’s faster than a shuttle cruising in atmo.” 

 “How fast can she go?”

He heard the question with his ears and realised that Merek was talking to him.

“From what the data said it is about twice as manoeuvrable as any of our fighters as well as twice as fast at impulse but that’s just data.”

“Let’s see it. Punch it.” 

He followed Merek outside a little slower than he would have liked. Having one part of his mind on the ground and the other zooming around above. When he got outside he paused and made sure the he was fully concentrating on the drone.

“Okay.”

He went up. He could ‘feel’ the impulse engines screaming as he pushed more and more acceleration into them.

~Okay not too high~

He rolled and pulled back brining the drones nose back and over to face back down towards the surface of mars. His sensors picked himself and Merek out as the drone dove for the surface. He could ‘see’ the altimeter spin down.

~Okay pulled out, maintain level flight and go sonic~

A grin appeared on his face as he pulled the drone out of the meteoric dive for the ground and into a long runup to wards them. A small part of his mind realised that if he had done that in the fighter he would have blacked out and become a crater in the red dirt. He levelled out and put more power into the engines. he felt the push of wind on his face and heard the sonic boom as the drone screamed overhead.

 “How you feel?” She asked.

~Don’t say you are feeling nauseas when you roll for good ness sake~

“Yes, I feel good and I have an handle on what it can do.”

 “Feel like adding more units?” 

~Ow okay. That’s why I am here am I not~

 “How many have you tested before?”

He reduced the power and banked the drone for another fly by.

“All six but only hovering around the maintenance bay.”

 “If you’re feeling up to it, lets bring them out.” 

“Bring them into a holding pattern to the West of the compound, I’ll borrow some bandwidth from the sensors to give us a picture of all of them.”

“Okay going into a holding pattern west of the compound.”

He suddenly ‘felt’ the five other drones in his mind.

~wow this is getting crowded in here~

He remembered that there was some kind of swarm logic program attached to the drones so that they would respond as one unit rather than six individual fighters.

~Okay do that first. Then I can get more creative~

He heard Merek talk to operations as he controlled the five other drones into a lazy figure of 8 holding pattered as they caught up with the first drone and joined in formation. 

Ire grinned to him self as he heard Operations response.

~Airshow they want an airshow they will get~

“Okay ready when you are.”

 “Ok, let’s see what you got. Start with some formation flying.” 

~Okay let’s do some of the Nova Squadron’s display flying~

He let the drones do another rotation of the holding pattern.

~Okay everything looks good. I can’t see any drifting from where I want them~

He to a breath held it and let it out slowly.

~Okay let’s get started~ 

He manoeuvred the drones into a wedge shape with the leader out front and the others trailed two and three behind as he turned them towards compound. 

~Okay spacings good, no bunching up~

He looked up to see them drones heading towards them. He also ‘looked’ down to see where he and Merek was standing.

~Okay, wait for it, wait for it, now~

He began to roll the lead drone and watched with pleasure as the other drones tracked his movements and rotated with him. From the ground it looked like the whole wedge formation was rotating with the lead drone in its middle as it flew overhead.

~Okay an easy one to get started with~

He put the drones into a long slow turn giving him self time to work out what was going to com next. He had the whole Nova Squadron’s repertoire to pull from. 

~Okay I know how I want to end this but what shall I do next~

His mind frantically went through different display formation trying to work out what would be interesting to watch and help him practice his manoeuvring.

~Okay that one might work~

He split the drones into two flight of three in an arrowhead formation or one fighter in front and the other two slightly behind on either side. He sent one east and the other west in long looping turns which would have them flying past north and south.

~Okay group one speed up and group two slow down a little. Good to go~

He could ‘see’ the two groups from the drone sensors heading towards each other and could see one ground with his own eyes.

~I need to make sure that I don’t get nauseated do all these rolls~

He checked the range finder, the altimeter and the engine data of all the drones. He paused for a moment as he tried to sort out all the incoming information. He took a deep breath to steady him self and focused. 

~Okay all moving parts are okay, right on time, and group one roll right, group two roll left~

He watched as the groups merged and came out the other side. He had a moment of nausea as his image of the two groups rotated but his body on the ground told his brain that he was still stationary. He paused to make sure that they two groups were both flying straight and level before he took another deep breath. He brought the groups back together and smiled to himself.

~I am so glad that I took the time to practice in the maintenance bay and scoured the data that came with them or I would be going all over the place puking my guts up which would not be very good~

He paused making sure that the drones were where he wanted them and when he was happy, he gave himself a mental nod.

~Okay here we go~

He brought the formation in on a fast speed zipping them as close to minimum regulation hight as possible as they reached over head, he put them all on their ends and watched them launch into the skies. This was going to be tricky as he had to control them all at the same time going in different direction.

 ~Okay nearly there. Just a little higher. GO~

All six drones immediately broke formation which pulled away in six directions and began a downwards loop. 

~I got this; I got this~

He had six views from six drones and his own eyes to deal with. Bizarrely watching from the ground meant that he could tweak the formation by what his eyes told him. As the drones reached the bottom of the loop, they formed up in a three in front and three behind formation heading towards the ground.

~If this goes wrong, me and Merek are dead along with a lot of the compound~

He breath out slowly.

~Okay three needs to get in tighter its drifting, six you need to speed up as you are falling behind. Okay everyone else just stay where you are for a few more seconds~

He could ‘see’ him and Merek getting close and closer.

~Okay now~

The drone hit minimum safe altitude, and all pulled up fanning out across the compound followed by the sonic boom after shock.

~Wow I did it. Take that Lieutenant Gibson you condescending moreon. I told you I could do it~

He gathered them all back and put them in the lazy figure of eight holding pattered he had, had them at the beginning and took a deep breath. He gave himself a slight grin and looked to Merek.

“So how was that?”

(Reply Merek)

(Reply Merek, any)

(Posted by Robbie)

(Mars Facilities - Personal Office - Ensign Jg Erin Cortes- 1401)

Sitting her desk, Erin sighed ~Let's get these evaluations over and done with~

Tapping her combadge, she spoke,

=/\= Cortes to Bracken =/\=

(reply Bracken)

=/\= Report to my office, please. =/\= 

Sitting back, Erin waited. 

(reply Bracken, Any)
(Posted by Jackie)

(Mars facilities - Holosuites  - ENS jg  Counselor Ariel Trei - 15.00)

She walked up to the Pannell and described to the computer the program of her homeworld Betazed.  She specifically asked for a plush vibrant park with lots of flowers.  When the program was ready, she entered.  The environment was a good representation of what she described.  She asked the computer to insert a welcoming comfy couch.  It popped in a field of flowers.  She was satisfied with this and prepared for the first in the security department to come for the evaluations.  She tapped her COMM Badge.

"Counselor Ariel Trei to the Security Department.  Report to Holosuite 1  for Evaluations.  ENS Ravok will be evaluated by another counselor.  Trei out."

(Reply Security department)
(Posted by Edward)

(Mars Facilities - Science Complex, Jaton's Office - Science Officer Ensign Jaton Alyl - 1504)

Jaton put a bowl of food down and a dish of water for the cat that had adopted him a few days ago, and he came running. Jaton smiled to himself. It was the little things that he had to learn to cherish again.

=/\= Cortes to Alyl =/\=

Jaton tapped his commbadge in response. "Alyl here."

=/\= Report to my office, please. =/\=

Jaton nodded. "On my way." He then tapped his commbadge. He then looked down at the cat. "Be good," a small smile spreading over his face.

(Mars Facilities - Ensign Cortes' Office - Science Officer Ensign Jaton Alyl - 1507)

Jaton found the office he was looking for easily enough. When he went to ring the doorchime he found that the office door was already unlocked, so he walked in. "You asked to see me, Ensign Cortes?"

(reply Cortes, any)
(posted by Spencer)

(Mars Facilities - Counselling office - Ensign JG Erin Cortez- 1509)

 "You asked to see me, Ensign Cortez?" came a voice, Erin looked up from her PADD and nodded to the young Trill infront of her.

"Take a seat, Ensign. This won't take too long."

(Reply Alyl)

Smiling softly, Erin put her PADD down on the desk and leant forward on her desk,

"I'm sure everyone knows by now that the Admiral has asked the counselling team here to conduct mandatory crew evaluations before the mission."

(Reply Alyl)

"I will admit something, I don't like doing them but I looked forward to speaking with you."

(reply  Alyl)

"I've never been to your homeworld. I've heard wonderful things about it."

(Reply Alyl)

"And how do you feel heading back there now, with this mission. It must be kind of a double edged sword for you."

(reply Alyl)

"Well, I suppose so, you get to go home but there's a catch isn't there? we are all going with you. It's a big mission. Anything concerning you about it?"

(Reply Alyl)

(reply Alyl, any)
(Posted by Jackie)

(USS Mystique – Outer Hull - aACSO(R)– Ensign Sekal-  1600)

He had stopped for lunch then worked through the afternoon. 

Number sixteen was checked and verified leaving eight to do tomorrow.

Sekal had enough of a workout for now. He decided to take a couple of hours break then see if his body would be up for another several hours of work tonight.

It wouldn't be outside though, he had pushed his limits enough for today. While Luma was able to transport him in immediately in case of accident or injury it was illogical to push himself without a partner due to the inherent dangers of working in space. 

He had already claimed deck two, room five as his own on the ship so he went there to relax.

(Reply: Any aboard)

(Posted by Charles Gatling)

(Mars Facilities - Personal Office - Ensign Jg Erin Cortes- 1602)

After Alyl had left, Erin took a moment, typed up some quick notes and then tapped her combadge,

=/\= Cortes to Sekal =/\=

(reply Sekal)

=/\= Report to my office, please. =/\= 

Sitting back, Erin waited. 

(Reply Sekal, any)
(Posted by Jackie)

(Mars Facilities - Personal Office - Ensign Jg Erin Cortes- 1503)

After Ailynn had left, Erin took a moment, typed up some quick notes and then tapped her combadge,

=/\= Cortes to Alyl =/\=

(reply Alyl)

=/\= Report to my office, please. =/\= 

Sitting back, Erin waited. 

(Reply Alyl, any)
(Posted by Jackie)

(USS Mystique - Personal quarters - aACSO(R), Ensign Sekal- 1605)

Luma had just transported him in from the exterior of the ship. His EVA suit was still on except for helmet and gloves which had already been shed and he was planning on a shower, food and possibly a refreshing nap so that he could begin sensor calibrations when the combadge which was sitting on the desk in his room twittered.

He reached for and activated it. "Sekal here."

=/\= Report to my office, please. =/\=

"You are the new Counselor are you not? What is this concerning? I am currently on the Mystique."

(Reply: Cortez)

"Very well, I will beam down after I have showered and changed. One half hour estimated."

(Mars Facilities - Counselor's Office - aACSO(R), Ensign Sekal- 1635)

He had beam down and queried the computer for her location then strode straight through her door since he was expected and running late. She did not appear at all surprised, while using the buzzer was expected it was not like she had mentioned having another appointment.

"I am here Counselor a you can see. Shall we get down to the reason for you ordering me to appear in your office while I am in the midst of important repair work on the ship that the Admiral plans to use for transportation to Trill?"

(Reply: Cortez)

(Posted by Charles Gatling)

(Mars Base - Counselling office - Ensign JG Erin Cortes - 1607)

"You are the new Counselor are you not? What is this concerning? I am currently on the Mystique."

"Crew Evaluation, Ensign, as requested by the Admiral."

"Very well, I will beam down after I have showered and changed. One half hour estimated."

(Mars Facilities - Counsellor's Office - Ensign JG Erin Cortes- 1636)

Allowing entry, Erin sat behind her desk as the Vulcan Science officer walked in.

"I am here Counsellor a you can see. Shall we get down to the reason for you ordering me to appear in your office while I am in the midst of important repair work on the ship that the Admiral plans to use for transportation to Trill?"

Resisting a smile at the pointed manner with which he spoke, Erin gestured for him to take a seat.

"As I am sure that it has gotten round the base by now, the Admiral has asked that the counselling team conduct mandatory crew evaluations before the mission to Trill. Lucky for you, you got stuck with me."

(Reply Sekal)

"I am sorry for pulling you away from the repairs but this won't take long. I will be sure to note in my report your concerns about any delay to your repairs and your kind assistance in this matter"

(Reply Sekal)

Nodding, Erin picked up a Padd and glanced at it,

"Tell me, how do you feel about your current role?"

(Reply Sekal)

(Reply Sekal, Any) 
(Posted by Jackie)

(Mars Facilities - Counsellor's Office - aACSO(R), Ensign Sekal- 1638)

Sekal sat in the proferred chair and relaxed into it.

"As I am sure that it has gotten round the base by now, the Admiral has asked that the counselling team conduct mandatory crew evaluations before the mission to Trill. Lucky for you, you got stuck with me."

He shook head slightly. "A misplaced euphemism. Luck is by nature chance meeting circumstance though by that definition I suppose your inference might perhaps have merit. As for what has gotten around base....", he shrugged,  "...that I would not know as I have been on the ship affecting repairs for the last twenty four hours and gossip has been scarce."

"I am sorry for pulling you away from the repairs but this won't take long. I will be sure to note in my report your concerns about any delay to your repairs and your kind assistance in this matter"

"My only concern Ensign Cortez would be with a group that has the authority to recommend I be grounded if their conditions are not met who can pull me off work in progress with little to no warning. Outside of that I do not see the loss of an hour on the task to be debilitating.,"

"Tell me, how do you feel about your current role?"

"How do I 'feel' about my current role? You do realize do you not Ensign that an answer to your question requires an emotional component?"

He leaned forward in the chair. "I can tell you the details of my job duties and what is required of me. I can tell you my orders and what I can extrapolate from them. To ask me however to express an emotional note about my duties is insulting Counselor."

He pivoted his head a bit as he scrutinized her. "Vulcans through the teachings of Surak learned the necessity of controlling their emotions through logic so that now logic is the only qualifier of our existence. To ask for an emotional verbalization on my job duties is to deny the basis of my intellectual foundation. As you are a Counselor I am caught off guard that you are unaware of this."

(Reply: Cortez)

He crossed his arms. "I understand my duties, agree with them and carry them out without complaint. Is the answer sufficient for you Counselor?"

(Reply: Cortez)

(Posted by Charles)

(Mars Facilities - Counsellor's Office - Ensign JG Erin Cortez - 1641)

"Vulcans through the teachings of Surak learned the necessity of controlling their emotions through logic so that now logic is the only qualifier of our existence. To ask for an emotional verbalization on my job duties is to deny the basis of my intellectual foundation. As you are a Counsellor I am caught off guard that you are unaware of this."

"Oh I'm aware. Simple question Ensign. Just standard really

He crossed his arms. "I understand my duties, agree with them and carry them out without complaint. Is the answer sufficient for you Counsellor?"

Smiling softly, Erin nodded ~well this could be fun~

"So tell me, the current mission. You understand the importance of this, Right?"

(Reply Sekal)

"So how does your Vulcan logic rate our prospects? a bunch of freshly minted Ensigns going off to try and persuade the Trill to rejoin the Federation?"

(Reply Sekal)

(Reply Sekal, Any)
(Posted by Jackie)

(Mars Facilities - Counsellor's Office - aACSO(R), Ensign Sekal- 1643)

"So tell me, the current mission. You understand the importance of this, Right?"

Sekal was on his feet in an instant and looking down at her from his six foot, five inch height. He stood there for a moment staring down at her before speaking.

"It is obviously your intention to cause a reaction through insults and I trust you have gained enough for your research 'counselor'. I have reported into this charade as requested and given answers to your questions despite your rude and abrasive line of questioning. Give me an appropriate reason for an extended session or an apology or I shall be leaving."

(Reply: Cortez)

He remained for now.

"So how does your Vulcan logic rate our prospects? a bunch of freshly minted Ensigns going off to try and persuade the Trill to rejoin the Federation?"

"There are many variables as well as many milestones for success...", he began, "... to make it to Trill is quite within reach at eight to five for. Will there be discussions? Undoubtedly. As to the chance for successfully reintegrating Trill into the Federation on this single trip the odds are one hundred thirty eight to one... against."

He folded his arms and waited for the next insult.

(Reply: Cortez)

(Posted by Charles Gatling)

(Mars Facilities - Counsellor's Office - Ensign JG Erin Cortez- 1646)

"It is obviously your intention to cause a reaction through insults and I trust you have gained enough for your research 'counsellor'. I have reported into this charade as requested and given answers to your questions despite your rude and abrasive line of questioning. Give me an appropriate reason for an extended session or an apology or I shall be leaving."

Erin took a deep breath, "Firstly, I apologise if my questions seem rude, abrasive or a little on the nose. Most of these are reasonably standardised questions. Secondly, If you think my intention has been to cause you any consternation or upset, then you could not be further from the truth. I am simply trying to do a task that I have been assigned by Admiral Remae." 

Pausing for a moment, Erin continued,

"So how does your Vulcan logic rate our prospects? a bunch of freshly minted Ensigns going off to try and persuade the Trill to rejoin the Federation?"

"There are many variables as well as many milestones for success, to make it to Trill is quite within reach at eight to five for. Will there be discussions? Undoubtedly. As to the chance for successfully reintegrating Trill into the Federation on this single trip the odds are one hundred thirty eight to one... against."

He folded his arms and stared at her. Erin glanced at her Padd for a second and then looked back up at the tall Vulcan infront of her,

"Ensign, last question and then you are free to leave."

(Reply Sekal)

"May I ask, why are you so reluctant to talk? I am honestly curious as to whether this is simply your own feelings against what I do or whether this is a purely dislike of myself. If it is the later then may I suggest that we talk, away from this office in a purely social setting sometime? I feel like, the role I do, I see people when they are at their worst, when they need help and, the one time I have had to meet the crew is to evaluate them. 

You aren't the only one opposed to these evaluations. Believe me, it has not been easy to talk to some people. I get it, I really do. The idea of some young, jumped up Ensign writing an evaluation on you when they don't know you, your role or what it is to be you has to be difficult to swallow. But, I honestly just want to firstly, apologise if my manner has been an affront to anything you hold dear. Secondly, I understand that Vulcans subscribe to logic. I do.  But everyone, Vulcans, Romulans, Bajorans, whoever, everyone reaches a point in their lives where they need help. 

Our team is always here to provide that help and support. Don't forget that."

(Reply Sekal)

(reply Sekal, Any)
(Posted by Jackie)

(Mars Facilities - Counsellor's Office -aACSO(R), Ensign Sekal - 1649)

"Ensign, last question and then you are free to leave."

He nodded without speaking.

"May I ask, why are you so reluctant to talk? I am honestly curious as to whether this is simply your own feelings against what I do or whether this is a purely dislike of myself. If it is the later then may I suggest that we talk, away from this office in a purely social setting sometime? I feel like, the role I do, I see people when they are at their worst, when they need help and, the one time I have had to meet the crew is to evaluate them."

Was it possible she could be so dense as to the proper etiquette in dealing with Vulcans? She continued to make the same mistakes and was seemingly ignorant of them. Sekal was beginning to consider that it was her training that had been insufficient and she was not properly certified in dealing with his species. If anything arose from this evaluation that was out of line he would have ample ammunition to have it reversed.

"You aren't the only one opposed to these evaluations. Believe me, it has not been easy to talk to some people. I get it, I really do. The idea of some young, jumped up Ensign writing an evaluation on you when they don't know you, your role or what it is to be you has to be difficult to swallow. But, I honestly just want to firstly, apologise if my manner has been an affront to anything you hold dear. Secondly, I understand that Vulcans subscribe to logic. I do.  But everyone, Vulcans, Romulans, Bajorans, whoever, everyone reaches a point in their lives where they need help.

Our team is always here to provide that help and support. Don't forget that."

He had her apologies and more. "Very well Ensign but allow me to set the record straight, I am not opposed to such evaluations should the Counselor be properly accredited and trained. I harbor no ill will toward you as that would require a negative emotional component I will not allow to rule my judgement and should you wish to talk outside this office feel free to stop by my office in the science annex or anywhere else I might happen to be."

He uncrossed his arms and moved them behind his back where he cupped his hands in his 'at ease' position.

"Also allow me to state that you caught me after a very demanding day with a transmission that was nothing short of an order to make an appearance here when a request would have been fitting and just as effective."

He cocked his head slightly to the left. "You then unwittingly gave insult to my logical foundation using your Academy instructed evaluation questions without giving thought to the being you were asking and modifying the question."

He shook his head. "Am I aware of the importance of the mission? Counselor you are perhaps unaware but the reason I came to StarFleet was to help rebuild and for the purpose of missions such as this. There can be no more important short term objective. I wallow daily in affronts to my intelligence reminding me of everything from closing doors to the proper disposal of bodily wastes and it becomes tiresome."

And finally. "As to the severity of my reaction I must confess that since the meld with Luma'Lenai I have not had adequate time for proper meditation and she is a highly emotional being."

(Reply: Cortez)

He nodded. "We shall be seeing one another again counselor." Before leaving.

(Reply: Cortez iyw)

(posted by Charles Gatling)

(Mars Facilities - Personal Office - Ensign Jg Erin Cortes- 1701)

After Sekal had left, Erin took a moment, typed up some quick notes and then tapped her combadge,

=/\= Cortes to Williams-Verin  =/\=

(Reply Williams-Verin )

=/\= Please report to my office =/\=

(Reply Williams-Verin )

Sitting back, Erin waited

(reply Williams-Verin , any)
(Posted by Jackie)

(Mars Facilities - Counselor's Personal Office - aACSO Ensign Jg Sienna Williams-Verin 1708)

The very last thing that Sy wanted to do this day was report in to see a counselor. She had heard that evaluations were taking place around the base, and she figured that was what this was about. It wasn't her first evaluation, and it annoyed her to no end that this was happening now, when she was in the middle of repairing the arboretum and the science research lab on the Mystique. With an annoyed frown, Sy had apologized to Luma and that she would have to come back to working on the arboretum, asking Luma to beam her directly to the counseling division. The one good thing about having a sentient spaceship was that she was great at doing small favors like that which were not exactly in the rule book.  She knew that Sekal was working with Luma on the sensors. While Sy had the technical skills to assist him, Luma had made it VERY clear that this arboretum space would be filled with the plants that she chose.

It was important to keep Luma happy and small, minor things like replanting the arboretum with lavender, cooking herbs, and roses made the ship happy. Sy was waiting for the sunflower seeds to arrive from earth and when they did a small section would be devoted to the many different kinds of sunflowers. It really was pretty amazing what Luma was and how much of an individual she was.  

But with a sigh, Sienna went to hit the chime. The half betazoid entered, eyeing Cortes, and assessing her. Sy realized that she was not impressed. This was who her cousin was getting in such a twist about?

"I'm Sienna Williams-Verin. You wished to see me?" Sy used a cool voice, "I was in the middle of the very necessary task of replanting the arboretum aboard the Mystique to Luma'lenai's specifications. Ensign Sekal was in the middle of working on the sensors. We are -busy-." Sy emphasized. She really hated evaluations.

(reply Cortes)
(posted by Mel)

(Mars Facilities - Counselor's Personal Office - Ensign JG Erin Cortez - 1710)

"I'm Sienna Williams-Verin. You wished to see me? I was in the middle of the very necessary task of replanting the arboretum aboard the Mystique to Luma'lenai's specifications. Ensign Sekal was in the middle of working on the sensors. We are -busy-."

Noting the edge of her voice, Erin sighed slightly,

"Take a seat."

(Reply Williams-Verin)

Leaning forward, elbows on her desk, Erin looked at her for a second, then spoke,

"Listen, I get it. No-one likes crew evaluations, least of all me. I hate having to get people to come and talk when they are busy and don't want to be here."

(reply Williams-Verin)

"I don't want to cause any delays to the important work I know you are doing here. I also don't want this to be any longer than it needs to be."

(reply Williams-Verin)

Sitting back in her chair, Erin watched the woman for a second and then it hit her.. ~wait a second, Williams? oh.... oh fan-freaking-tastic. Billy's cousin. No wonder she doesn't like me~

"Ensign, I'll be as brief as I can. Just a few quick questions then you can be on your way and i'll be out of your hair, okay?"

(Reply Williams-Verin)

"Thankyou. Tell me, what exactly is it you do here?"

(Reply Williams-Verin)

"And you like your role, your job so to speak? you're happy?"

(Reply Williams-Verin)

(reply Williams-Verin, any)
(Posted by Jackie)

(Mars Facilities - Personal Quarters - aACMO Ens(jg) Ailynn Bracken and aACSO Sienna Verin-Williams - 1730)

A smile set on her face as the final pieces of her plan came together.. It had come to her in a moment of realisation. She’d been off base, seen other things, her girlfriend hadn’t.

So, the thought had seeded itself. A very very careful plan had been put into place, enquiries had been made, and recommendations taken, eventually, reservations made. That had been a day or two ago.

But that hadn’t been the final step, Digging deep into her thoughts, she considered what she’d want for a proper date, and after a chance conversation with a ward nurse, something else fell into place. A dress. No, not just any old dress, the design that the seamstress had sent her had been divine. It had cost, but Ailynn wanted everything to be right. She’d even taken a liberty or two, and made sure it would fit like a glove.

The evening came. Ailynn had snuck into Sienna’s quarters a short while before the end of shift, sending her a message to be there as she finished. On the bed she left the dress, a figure hugging bespoke number in the most beautiful shimmering jeweled turquoise colour. She’d left a note too. Handwritten, in a matching ink, her practiced copperplate, flowing script leaving the enticing message;

‘Be ready...1900 hours. A. x x ’ 

As a final, cheekiest message, she’d carefully sprayed the note with her favourite perfume, the one that Sienna had always loved, but Ailynn had never told her what it was.

Sy had come tired to her quarters and gawked like a schoolgirl. The dress. Wherever Lynn had found it, it was perfect. The corset back would need help, but the perfume, and the card… Like the silly girl she was, Sy held the card to her. This was a date. THIS WAS A DATE!!! Sy was in a tailspin. Shower, hair, makeup, THE DRESS.

Lynn knew her so well.

Sy did her makeup with practiced ease, then did her hair before slipping the dress on. She was going to need help with the back and Trip was not here. Of course. But the way the skirt twirled, and the halter corset. It was what Sy would have picked had she chosen it.

Lynn loved her too.

Sy reached into her jewelry and took out the sapphire choker her Dad had given her for graduating the Academy. She had no matching earrings,  but one day she would find a set. She picked her crystal stars on french hooks and put them in where the gold studs normally lived. Her dark hair went up in the hair sticks that had tiny crystals adorning the ends. Wherever Lynn was taking her was obviously not on base. They were going to need authorization, now that they both were authority figures they had to give the rules some nod. Set a good example. 

Sy looked around for something to wear. She chose the knee length dark emerald green cloak as the best choice and laid it out on the bed. Her shoes she went practical with and...she needed something for her badge. She knew her Mom had a gold rope chain she wore her comm badge on. Maybe Sy could find something like that in town. For now she pinned it to the inside of her cloak. And paced and worried. Lynn was due in a few minutes and Sy had the worst case of nerves. Worse than when she spoke publicly in the meeting. 

Ailynn had agonised over what to wear, finally settling on a full-length clingy halter neck number, fully open at the back to the base of the spine, in a rich, racing red colour. Her shoes had taken somewhat longer, but the only ones that went with the dress had more of a heel than she’d have liked, but she went with them anyway. A shower, using her favourite oils, and a tiny measure of wine to calm her nerves as she carefully applied her makeup, using a richer, more formal pallette than she tended to day-to day. Then, her attention was drawn to her hair, which she carefully brushed straight, before weaving it into the intricatest french-braid, and carefully pinned with a set of small, ruby-tipped pins that she’d been desperate to wear for ages. Her perfume followed, in all the classic places, and finally, she picked up her commbadge, and affixed it to her left collar, right at the nape of her neck, and on the opposite side, the gold staff of aesulapius broach, that Sienna herself had given her a few days ago. Deciding that she was then ready, she left her quarters, and stepped down the corridor, aware of a few glances as she passed.

In her quarters, Sy was dealing with the corset back, needing some help to finish getting ready.  She smiled happily seeing Lynn. Sy just stood there, ribbons fluttering down her back, the bodice barely staying on, and stared at her Lynn. Sy’s empathy flashed and Lynn could feel the sheer weight of the lust that Sy felt seeing how Lynn was dressed. It just wasn’t lust, possessiveness, it was joy, it was so many things all mixed together. It was years of suppressed love that just burst out of Sy. A singly expressive tear rolled down Sy’s cheek, making her happy that makeup was now waterproof and she wasn’t smearing mascara everywhere. “You are…” Sy’s voice choked with the emotion and she tried to get the words out, “You are beautiful. Amazing. Wonderful. Thank you for tonight…”

Ailynn blushed, deeply, but stepped inside, standing behind Sienna, “and you…” she said, trying to whisper through the nerves in her throat, “look more beautiful than sonnets can describe. Do you need help?”

“Yes, yes indeed I do.” Sy coughed a bit, trying to dislodge the emotions caught in her throat. She had never felt like this before, not with anyone else, ever before. Lynn made life worth living. 

Ailynn’s delicate, though surprisingly strong, highly trained fingers, carefully tightened up the corset back, “breathe in slightly.” she pulled together the laces, making sure that the laces were symmetrical.

Sy took a shallow breath as Lynn tightened the ribbons that laced up the back of this dress. Sy wanted it tight, but she also knew from experience that too tight meant that she would be unable to do anything tonight.  When the dress had about an inch of skin showing, she told Lynn enough. There would be other nights for the thoughts in her head. 

“Are we ready? My lady...your carriage awaits.” she lifted her arm, hoping that Sienna would like what she had planned for the evening. As Sienna answered, Ailynn perched carefully on the edge of her bed.

Sy shook her head, “Wait a moment…” She moved over to her desk and took out the hand-blown, risan necklace. It was in starfleet blue, and it was designed to fit snugly around the neck, with a matching blue ribbon to tighten it. “I found this in san francisco after the incident at a thrift store. It’s risan glass, what they call ‘lamp work’ for some reason. But it was beautiful and I wanted to give it to you, but like everything else I just was too scared to?” She bit her lip in that nervous habit she had. 

“Do you like it? You don’t have to wear it if you don’t like it.”

Ailynn gasped involuntarily,  “Sienna, it’s the most beautiful thing...the colour is beyond gorgeous.” She held the necklace over the back of her trembling left hand. “ the way it catches and refracts the light, Prophets...it’s beautiful. It would be my honour to wear it but…”

Sy bit her lip harder, drawing blood as Lynn paused. It felt like forever.

“It will clash horribly with red...but please, it’s too beautiful not to be worn? On you this will...shine. Please...allow me?” 

Sy blinked and nodded, sinking down to her knees so that Lynn could tie the choker on her.  Her hair was up, and Lynn could see the queen of hearts tattoo at the base of Sy’s neck. It was normally covered by her hair. Sy was nervous to be in this position with Lynn but, it felt right. 

“I’m going to need to take the other one off...I hope that you don’t mind?” Ailynn asked, as she undid the clasps of the necklace that Sienna was wearing and placed it carefully in the box on the table, before picking up the glass choker that she had rested on her knee. 

Ailynn tied the necklace around  Sienna’s neck, carefully pulling the deep teal ribbons to a careful bow, smiling gently, she then offered a hand to Sienna, to help her up, looking deeply into her eyes. “Shall we? I’ve arranged a pass and transport, it’ll be a short ride into town, I’ve been told it’s the best restaurant nearby, fresh ingredients, trained chef...a months waiting list…”

Sy patted Lynn’s hand as they walked out, dressed far too well for the base.  The two women were obviously engrossed in each other, “Do I want to know?” She asked. Their families were both starfleet elite and that meant connections. 

Ailynn winked, “A girl has to have her secrets.”

“”Well, then I will enjoy this secret then. I think I am going to enjoy learning all of your secrets.” Sy flirted suggestively as they exited the base. “Thank you for thinking of this. I had not been off base yet, and if I stayed in, I was going to continue working. This was indeed just what the Doctor had ordered.” 

AIlynn smiled, nodding to the taxi driver, who had pulled up, under serious suspicion from the security detail, who’d relaxed when they saw Ailynn and Sienna. ‘Ma’ams’ they’d nodded.

She helped Sienna into the transport, and then rather made a hash of getting in herself, she’d never been the most graceful of beasts, her long legs bent at rather ungainly angles, she glowered in fun at Sienna, “If you laugh…” she nudged her with her shoulder playfully.

Sy put a hand over her mouth, smiling behind the hand, “Not laughing my love, not laughing.” Sy did give the taxi driver a glare however for not helping Lynn into the taxi.

(Mars colony - Ensign JG Erin Cortes and Ensign JG Trip Williams - Gym - 
1904)

After spending most of the day chasing down crew members for evaluation, 
Erin knew there was one she had left to pin down.

Knowing that this one maybe more intriguing than the rest, she wanted to 
catch him in a setting that would be more comfortable for him.

So, after changing into some gym clothes, she found herself walking into the 
gym.

Trip was alone in the gym. Which was rare for a base of 50,000 people. It 
was one of the few places on base he was currently allowed to go. He had 
made a compelling case on how taking care of his physical health was an 
essential aspect of his day to day and the gym was placed on the lists of 
areas he was allowed to visit while on restriction. It helped with some of 
the frustration he was going through being limited to quarters, and the 
extra duties he had. Both were taking away from his ability to be in the air 
on patrol so Ensign Shinsuke Kurasawa was taking lead on patrols. Of course 
the paperwork with overseeing the four different fighter squadrons was also 
a key reason why he hadn’t flown since he returned from the mission.

The reason why the gym was empty became apparent when Erin Cortez of the 
counseling staff came in to the gym and then instructed the computer to lock 
the doors for the next hour. Trip had a feeling she was here for his crew 
evaluation and given the confidential nature of them, it meant there could 
be no one else in the room. Though why she had chosen the gym was a mystery. 
But given that many of the other pilots had had their crew evaluations 
earlier that day,Trip was certain his time had come.

Nodding an hello, Erin simply walked over to the bench press a little way 
down from him and sat down.

Trip sat up at the bench press as he finished racking the bar at the end of 
his set. He was wearing black PT shorts with the Mars Base logo on the left 
leg at the bottom. He wore a red tank top with that said Starfleet Academy 
Athletics Department on the front, and on the back in between the 
shoulderblades Established 2161.

"Trip, right?"

“You finally found me, and here I thought I could avoid my eval for awhile.”

"Ah, I guess that it's not easy trying to keep things quiet on a base this 
size."

“Well, when a good number of my staff has already been interviewed, it was 
pretty obvious it was coming. Though I'm not sure why Counselor Ravenstone 
didn’t conduct this during our session this morning.”

Smiling,

"Because crew evaluations are being done with a fresh set of eyes. No-one is 
being evaluated by any counselor they already see. Impartiality."

Glancing over at him, she noted his tattoos,

"Must admit, never thought about a tattoo.  Mind if I ask what they mean?"

“Is this part of the evaluation?”

"Would it change your answer if I said yes?"

“So the Spade is because, well one of my nicknames is the Ace of Spades, it 
started as an inside joke with some cousins, but it stuck and carried over 
to my academy wrestling career. The TL are the initials of my nearest, 
dearest, closest friend and occasional lover who died in the incident last 
year. The roman numeral three is because I am James Andrew Willams the 
third. Hence why my dad nicknamed me Trip. I might get a new one, of a red 
dragon.”

"Dragons are powerful mythical creatures. If I were to get one,  I'd have to 
say a Phoenix. " she responded. Taking a breath, she continued,

"Listen, you're a smart guy. I won't beat around the Bush with you so to 
speak."

“Then shoot, where do you want to start? You’ve seen my psych profile, you’ve 
seen my medical records, my permanent record. Do we start with the time I 
almost died, do we start with the psychic connection I was involved in with 
Rae when she died and how I felt everything she did as if I had died and all 
the anxiety. Or the part where I slept with a subordinate.”

Wrapping her hands, Erin looked at trip and replied,

"None of those. My only purpose here is to get a sense of you now. I don't 
know you, haven't met you before so I am just trying to get a read on you 
now.

This needn't be a confrontation, or a difficult thing. Be honest, speak 
freely. If you want to tell me to go, do so. I'm no shrinking violet."

“This is an evaluation, feel free to ask anything you want. I’m not shy, but 
the only thing I ask, is you let me finish my workout.”

Erin opened her mouth to respond and then stopped.

Trip then laid back down on the bench and lifted up the barbell to begin a 
set of ten.

"Need a spotter? I'm tougher than I look.”

“You can watch it if you want, but there is around 215 lbs on here, heavier 
than you and about as heavy as me. I mean keep an eye, but don’t hurt 
yourself.” Trip said as he carried on with his set. His max bench press at 1 
rep was around 340 lbs. He could do 3 sets of 10 at 215 lbs without a 
spotter, but anything more he knew he needed someone to watch him.

Taking the Moment to watch him, Erin thought to herself,

~He's interesting. He doesn't know me and I don't know him.~

After a minute,  Erin sighed,

"Listen, I'm not like a traditional counsellor. I don't do things the way 
you have probably experienced before. So, I know and you know what's going 
on here. So let's just get down to it "

Billy finished his rep and racked the weights and sat up.

"State of mind,  right now."

“Annoyed. Working out is my me time. It’s a spiritual experience for me as 
well as physical. I am alone with my thoughts, I can focus, I can think. 
Especially on a run. But the gym is one of my happy places and I would have 
preferred you meet me in my office or yours. Rather than coming to me on my 
off hours in one of the few places outside of my quarters I’m actually 
allowed to be.”

" I take that, so I'll make this quick simple and then be on my way."

“You can take however long you need. I know these are important. That’s why 
I am answering truthfully.”

"Do I have glitter in my hair?".

Trip gave her a glance and then began laughing.

"Damn it. I knew it. "

“Let me guess, are you Erin Cortez? Sorry you didn’t give me your name 
before, but my cousin planned on glitter bombing a counselor by that name as 
revenge for an alarm clock incident. But yeah, bright, shiny, all over. 
Silver and gold glitter.”

" I swear… wait… Billy's your cousin?"

“Yes, I’m surprised you didn’t know that already.” ~Should have been in my 
file under other family members in Starfleet section. Is she even prepared 
for this?~

"Okay, You got me. I Knew. Yes, I am the one who Reset his alarm call to… 
something more appropriate. Erin Cortes,  pleased to finally meet you, 
mister Williams."

“Likewise,” He said as he started his third set.

"I Just have one last question then I will leave you alone. "

Grunting, Trip managed to say, “No doesn’t work like this. Sorry, you can’t 
give me a two question eval and call it done. That’s not an evaluation. That’s 
half assing it.”

"Excuse me?"

Trip finished his reps and stood up. “If this is a legitimate evaluation it 
has to be more thorough. There is no way in two questions you can know a 
damn about me or my readiness. And given that you are engaged in an 
antagonistic relationship with my cousin, any negative eval you might give 
will be immediately appealed and met with instant bias and suspicion. 
Therefore if you want to get this right, which I assume you do. It’s got to 
be a legitimate eval.”

"Okay, step back Soldier. Firstly, my relationship, whatever that may be, 
with your cousin has no bearing on my ability to assess you.

Why are you so angry, Trip?"

Trip sighed, “I’m not. I’m annoyed there is a difference.”

~trying to keep me under control,  don't snap bsck~

“Look, I already know I’m supposed to see a counselor on a regular basis, 
mandatory counseling, on account of my anxiety issues. I also know that I 
have recently had reprimand placed in my permanent record. I’m here in one 
of my happy places and my workout is being interrupted for an evaluation. So 
given all that, now you tell me that you can adequately evaluate me in two 
questions. I’m sorry, but you don’t know me, and there is no way you can in 
two questions.” Trip got up and began racking the weights.

"Okay, I'll accept that. Sometimes ideas seem great at the time and never 
work out that way in practice. "

Trip walked over to the squat rack and loaded it.

“Look, I’m sorry for acting like a jerk. But look at it from my perspective. 
I go to the gym to get in tune with myself. You come in here, I have all 
that baggage with me, you are engaged in some weird prank fest with my 
cousin, and think you can evaluate me in two questions. It’s only natural 
that I get a bit defensive. I’m not trying to question your impartiality, 
just call out subconscious bias.”

"Okay, let's address that elephant in the room. You don't know me either so 
suggesting that I would let my personal life and feelings get ln the way of 
my work is, frankly, uncalled for and a little bit rude.

Having said that, you were right.  I invaded your personal space in an 
effort to put you at ease. For that I am sorry."

“Ok, look, I’m sorry if I made it seem like I was insinuating you would let 
your personal feelings get in the way of this. But at the same time, look, I 
do my best to treat everyone here with a certain sense of respect and 
professionalism, and I apologize for not offering that same courtesy to you. 
You can call it testosterone or whatever, but at the same time it is hard 
for me to return that same courtesy when it was never given to me in the 
first place.”

Knowing this was not the point to argue with him, Erin felt herself flush a 
little at being called out.

“You came in here, did not introduce yourself until much later, essentially 
ambushed me in the gym for my evaluation. Did not even bother to schedule an 
appointment, just came in here expecting to give the evaluation, during my 
off hours mind you, as if I would be cool with it. I lost my temper a bit 
there and I am sorry. I get that you probably wanted to get me into a 
setting where I might be more comfortable, and yes, my psych profile has 
mentions about how much I love the comfort of the gym. However, professional 
courtesy would have dictated an appointment of some sort being set up. You 
didn’t even let me know earlier in the day that you would be doing my eval. 
Why is it not being done by the counselor doing the rest of the Flight team? 
See these are things I would have liked to have known in advance. Or at 
least that this was going to happen. So yes, I’m sorry for my rudeness, I’m 
sorry for making it seem like you might have a bias, and I am sorry for just 
being a jerk. But in the future, please, some professional courtesy would be 
nice.”

"I respect your honesty, Trip. Really I do. For ambushing you as you so 
eloquently put it, I am sorry.

It was not my intention to cause any distress or not to afford you 
professional courtesy. I…" Sighing softly, she continued,

"... have always done things a little differently and need to learn that it 
won't always work that way."

“Anyways, look, I’m pretty open and unfortunately brutally honest, so 
please, ask me anything.” Trip said as he turned to start a set of squats.

"Okay,  what caused the restricted duties? And before you answer, yes I know 
what happened.  What I mean, what caused it. In here…" she tapped her head 
to indicate her mind.

Trip finished his set of ten and then turned to the counselor. “Boy meets 
girl, boy finds girl interesting, boy finds girl super pretty, boy wants to 
feel loved, boy senses girl wants to feel loved. Boy thinks he can fix the 
girl. Boy is alone with the girl, stuff happens. Boundaries are weakened and 
things happen.”

"Okay."

“So to sum it up, I wasn’t necessarily thinking, I gave in to passion and 
attraction. When the flirtation started I wasn’t her superior officer, we 
were peers and equals. Do I regret wanting to be with her no, I don’t. Do I 
regret not following the rules, yes. But I owned up to it and I took my 
lumps. But do I regret trying to take a chance with her, no. But in the 
future, well, I’ll be more careful on which romantic strings I take a chance 
on.”

~okay, I see that and now I feel really bad.~ she thought to herself.

"Trip, listen, I want to apologise again. I feel like we need to start 
over." She stated as she walked to the door and unlocked it.

"It was unfair of me to 'ambush' you. For that,  I am sorry. If you want me 
to leave, I wouldn't hold it against you."

“Counselor, let’s just finish the evaluation all right.” He said as he 
turned to start his next set. “You need to do your job. It’s fine. We’re all 
a bunch of rookies trying to figure this out.”

"Okay. Do you regret your actions that lead you to restricted duty?"

“Well that's a bit of a complicated question now isn’t it?” Trip said as he 
started another set.

"Only as complicated as you want it to be."

Racking the weights he sighed. “Here is the thing. Do I regret sleeping with 
her? No. It was a heat of the moment, passion thing. I'm an adult, I take 
responsibility for my actions. However do I regret putting myself in that 
position, yes. Breaking the rules? Yes. Not thinking about the consequences? 
Yes. There are a lot of things about that whole thing I wish I would have 
done differently and could have done differently. But the actual action? 
 No.”

"Fair enough,  we all have moments that we regret in our lives. Lord knows I 
have those…."

"Honestly, regret is overrated."

"Is it? What makes you say that?"

"Our experiences in life make up who we are. The good, the bad, the ugly. 
Regret in my opinion is a way of giving power to the bad of our lives. 
Giving poor to those moments. Living a life knowing regret is overrated 
means acknowledging the crappyness of our lives, but not letting those 
moments keep us from moving forward."

"Easier said than done sometimes. But that Is a story for another day." She 
replied, closing her eyes briefly then opened them,

"Trip, why did you become a pilot?"

"Because I wanted to see the stars. Be my own man. Be free."

Smiling, "I can understand that. Freedom is important to you?"

"It's important period. It goes to dignity, to self worth, and all of that."

"So, being on restricted duty, not being able to go where you want or need 
to has to have been hard on you…"

"Actually, yes and no. It sucks because I really can't leave my quarters. 
But I'm completely unpacked. Caught up on my reading and experimented with 
mew recipes. Plus I have people over.  In a way it's quite freeing 
actually."

Smiling, "sometimes solitude can be a blessing."

~also a curse~

Watching him for a second,  Erin wondered to herself how different Trip and 
Billy seemed. Then, nodding to shake herself out of her thoughts, she tilted 
her head slightly,

"Okay, I have one last question then I will go."

"Fair enough."

"Being honest, if you were writing your own evaluation, what would you say 
about yourself?"

"Are we talking performance or psychological evaluation?"

"Psychological. Performance is not something I can attest to. Not a pilot. 
Can't fly a paper aeroplane. "

“Recurring anxiety issues due to a telepathic event. Not in full control of 
empathic abilities. Normally even keeled and kind but can be overprotective 
of those he is close to. Can lash out when annoyed. Normal and not insane, 
sees the world with a positive perspective, trying to find the best in 
people. Tried and failed to escape his Father’s and Grandfather’s legacies 
and shadows. Came to term with that and realizes he does in fact want to be 
like both of them. Not necessarily the best judgement in personal life, but 
professional to a fault. Will always own up to his mistakes. Not perfect, 
may never be perfect, but is trying to be the best he can.”

Trip paused. “Yeah, I’m flawed but doing my best, that is the best thing I 
can say about myself both psychological and performance wise.”

"Well, that's what I see. From what you said and what I have read. "

Pausing for a moment, Erin walked towards the door and stopped. Turning 
back, she glanced at him,

"Take my apologies. I shouldn't have approached you this way. I am sorry."

“Yo, wait up a sec,” Trip said chasing after her. “Listen, I may have been a 
little bit snappy. You caught me off guard and I didn’t treat you well. You 
weren’t the only one who didn’t act as professional as they could have been 
and I would be a hypocrite if I didn’t apologize.”

Stopping, Erin turned back,

"Thank you."

Trip then extended his hand. “Look the thing is, in a perfect world you and 
I, we’d both have a lot more oversight and guidance. You wouldn’t be the 
counselor in charge of the evals, I wouldn’t be leading a Fighter Wing, and 
we’d have time to be young Ensigns just trying to figure everything out. So 
I’m sorry for being a jerk, I should have kept that in mind.”

Taking his hand, she shook it,

"Perfect worlds don't exist but we muddle through and do the best we can. 
Both professionally and personally. "

“But just a pro tip. I get the idea that you try and make things your own, 
do things different, shake things up a bit. And I commend you for it. It’s 
good to shake things up and make things your own. But at the same time we 
can’t just throw away the structure and guidance of the things in place, 
even simple courtesy. Rules give us structure and guidance. I’m not sure I’m 
the one who should be saying that, given recent events. Please, keep trying 
to make this your own, but don’t forget that things are in place because 
they work.”

Nodding, Erin flashed a soft smile,

"I understand. And, if I may, don't be too hard on yourself. You're a good 
guy, Trip."

Trip smiled, first of gratitude, then one of mischief. “Oh and if you 
really, really want to get back at my cousin, I’ve got some pictures from 
halloween a few years ago. If you want them.”

Raising an eyebrow,

"You do? Won't he realise where they came from?"

“Consider us even. I gave him the glitter bomb idea.” ~Besides this way, it 
means she won't escalate the prank to a level that might actually get one of 
them hurt.~

"That was you? I'll take them and remind me never to get on your bad side."

Trip smiled, nodded and went back to his workout.

~They’re either gonna kill each other or sleep together. I’m pretty sure 
they both like each other. They just haven’t realized it yet.~

(Reply None)
(posted by Will and Jackie)

(Mars - Town near base - aACMO Ens(jg) Ailynn Bracken and aACSO Sienna Verin-Williams - 1955)

Minutes later, they stepped out, and Ailynn, after catching her girlfriend’s arm, led her toward the door to the restaurant. ‘Toscana Trattoria’. Faux Italian fixings clung, embarrassed to the wall. She led Sienna passed the queues of people desperate to get a table, all to be disappointed, straight to the front door, past the concierge at the door, who held it open for them. “Grazie amici” (Thank you friend.)

She nodded toward the door. “Ready?”

Sy took a deep breath and nodded, finding the crowd’s emotions somewhat difficult to deal with. Many of them were thinking nasty things about the girls who were being escorted into the restaurant. 

Upon entering, still gently leading Sienna, they were met by the maitre d’. Smiling deeply, she spoke to him warmly. “Buona Serata Mario, Come stai, tabella sotto il nome di Bracken, Grazie.” the fluent Italian coming to her. She looked around, the attention of other diners had been drawn to them as they’d entered. She carefully lead Sienna to the table, and pulled a chair back for her, helping her into a seat. (Good Evening Mario, How are you? Table under the name of Bracken, thank you)

“Secluded table...how adorable.’ 

Sy blushed as Lynn escorted her. It was wonderful and she greatly enjoyed the experience now that they were away from the haters at the front. "Lynnnnn…" Sy hissed, more like a teenager than the woman she was becoming, "How much is this place costing?" She kept her short cloak, needing her comm badge as was required by security, "We did not need to do this, I would have been just as happy staying in with you, but…" Sy had moisture in her eyes as she took Lynn's hand in her own and raised those knuckles to her lips, kissing them. "Thank you. I love you. Would you, ah, would you want to order for me? Just remember,  I can't handle terran alcohols, even wines. I trust you." Sy hoped. Maybe it was too much, too soon. But she hoped.

Ailynn smiled gently at her worry, "I hadn’t forgotten, don't worry. As to the cost, in the spirit of honesty, less than you'd think." She nodded to the proprietor "He's a business man. He also knows, or does now, that there's a stunningly clever girl on the base who can get him a reasonable number of cases of an excellent Tuscan red for his restaurant." She winked, and teased the back of Sienna’s hand

The contact made the bond that was beginning to form between them be sharper. Sy enjoyed the emotions washing over her. It was headier than the best betazoid wine she had ever tasted. "Ah, the wonders of capitalism and contacts. "

The waitress came over and Ailynn ordered for them, making sure that she understood that Terranalcohol was not to be added, for serious health reasons. 

"So...nice surprise? Nasty surprise? You look amazing."

Sy laughed. "Not a nasty surprise at all. The best surprise. You know that I never really dated, just kinda hung out and escorted friends but it never really went further. I never really knew how much of that was me not being typical. I have always felt apart, drifting, unless I was with Trip. He was always 'home' to me. And now, I am starting to feel that with you too. Like you are home. And that scares me a little. But it is also the most exhilarating thing I have ever experienced before." She blushed, reaching up to touch the risan beads.

Ailynn took a sip of the wine that she’d asked for and smiled, "you and your family has always been home to me, when my mum couldn’t be there yours was. Your dad too. It feels different now, not bad different, just different. I'm sort of scared too, but it's the kind of scared that I might feel before a big procedure? I know I'm going to enjoy it and have fun,  but I still worry."

Sy did not have anything quite like that workwise to compare it to. "Exactly. As close to perfect as life can be."

The starters arrived, simple, rustic style stuffed mushrooms, fresh bread, and a small bowl of oil for dipping. Sienna’s also came with a glass containing a respectable measure of a deep red liquid.

Sy startled seeing the wine, "Must be for you, dear." She started to hand it over to Lynn.

Resting her hand on Sienna’s again, "Its okay, relax..." she carefully sniffed the glass and replaced it in front of Sienna. "It's a Betazed wine. It'll match the stuffing perfectly"

She raised an eyebrow,  "How did you manage to get any betazoid wines? With them not being a member world, it is so difficult.." She trusted Lynn and raised the glass to her lips, tasting the rich, deep wine. Sy had always favored red wines.

“I didn’t actually, they have a small stock to cater for speciality tastes.”

As Sy set her glass down, she dipped a piece of the bread lightly in the herbed oil and offered it to Lynn, wanting the experience of feeding her. Sy's dark eyes grew more expressive and caring.

Ailynn leant forward blushing deeply as she took the piece of bread that Sienna fed her. She kissed Sienna’s finger as she blushed deeper, then picked up another piece and returned the gesture. 

Sy returned the gesture, making a soft sound of deep pleasure as Lynn's fingers touched her lips. "This is perfection. Perfect perfection." Sy radiated her happiness as the two began to eat the breaded mushrooms. Sy loved mushrooms of all kinds and these were better than most she had tried. 

Ailynn smiled as she felt the edges of Sienna’s projected happiness. She could see the unfettered joy on her girlfriend’s face, and Sienna’s intoxicating delight warmed her own heart even further. 

The meal began to draw to a close, with desert being brought to them, a rich, luxurious chocolate gelato. Ailynn took a tiny spoonful and offered it to Sienna. As she did she slipped off her right shoe and rubbed her toes against the backs of Sienna’s left calf, smiling coyly.

Sy blushed at the offered treat, the teasing by Lynn. She had something serious to discuss,  " We will have to tell the Admiral. About us. There is no conflict of interest though so a memo should be fine. I know the legalese." She was content, but she was also growing tired now that she had eaten the amazing food. 

"How do you feel about that?"

Ailynn nodded, she’d preempted this. “Please don’t be mad, but he already knows. I told him this morning. Sadly, there is a massive conflict of interest, with me being your doctor, and that’s the reason I had to tell him once we’d realised our feelings. I can deal with an emergency, but I’m strictly forbidden to treat you in any normal capacity. I’d lose my license immediately. It’s for that reason that Kaz was assigned your medic regarding your blood issues.”

She nodded, "I guess that makes sense. I am sorry that I put you in that position though. Does Kaz know much about the disorder? Can you help him?"

Ailynn nodded. "I can advise him on the minutiae. Treatments you've had that kind of thing. Don't apologise, I knew what the deal was when we got together. It's worth it to be with you."

She interlaced her fingers with Sienna’s on the table. "Shall we head back and get coffee?"

"Let's head back, but no coffee for me. I am much too full and uhmm. Stimulated… already. But we can get coffee for you if you want it…" Sy's voice trailed off as she watched Lynn. "I love you."

"Love you too." She blushed, her face as red as her dress. "Let's get back."

(Reply none)

(Posted by Mel and Mark)