>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: You Can't Go Home Again Day: 24 Stardate: 2444.06.24 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Mystique - Sickbay - CO - Admiral Remae Ktell - 0259) (USS Mystique – Sickbay – Medical Officer – Ensign JG Dural Methor DrPH – 0307) (Trill Surface - Tresh, Foxgloves Quarters – Intelligence officer Ens JG Jaelle Foxglove - 0535) (USS Mystique - Engineering - EO Ensign Boone Foster - 0945) (USS Mystique - Quarters - EO Ensign Boone Foster - 0951) (USS Mystique- Deck 14- CSO's office- aACSO- Ensign (jg) Sekal- 1002) (USS Mystique - Stennin's Office - Ensign JG. Stennin - 11:20) (Mystique - Geosciences Lab - Ensign JG. Stennin - 11:35) (Mystique - Geosciences Lab - Science officer Ensign JG. Adala Michaels- 11:36) (Trill - Senate Building - Ensign Billy Alexander - 15.00) (USS Mystique, personal quarters - Ens(jg) Erin Cortez - 1502) (USS Mystique, Office 3d - Reporter, Elsie Biers - 1504) (Trill - Senate Building - ENS jg Counselor Ariel Trei - 15.05) (USS Mystique, Cortez Personal Quarters - Reporter. Elsie Biers - 1509) (Trill - The Senate Building - Meeting Room- CO - Admiral Remae Ktell - 1615) (Trill - The Senate Building - Meeting Room-President Taylin Zon-1618) (USS Mystique - Holodeck 2 - aACEO Enisgn JG Keira Merek & Tactical Officer Ensign JG Ravok Shara - 1620) (USS Mystique - Transporter Room - CO - Admiral Remae Ktell - 1645) (USS Mystique - Bridge - CO - Admiral Remae Ktell - 1650) (Kir Kumari- Ready Room- Captain Kera Sheia- 1651) (USS Mystique - Secondary Conference Room - CO - Admiral Remae Ktell - 1700) (USS Mystique - Secondary Conference Room - Captain Kera Sheia - 1701) (USS Mystique - Secondary Conference Room - President Taylin Zon- 1705) (USS Mystique - Secondary Conference Room - Andorian Ambassador- Sei Lara- 1707) (USS Mystique – Ten Forward – Pilot -Ensign (JG) – Ire Williams – 1715) (USS Mystique - Ten Forward - EO Ensign Boone Foster - 1716) (USS Mystique - Erin's personal quarters - Ensign JG Erin Cortez & Ensign JG Ravok - 1720) (USS Mystique - Ten Forward – aACEO – Ensign JG Keira Merek – 1720) (USS Mystique - Ten Forward – Pilot – Ensign JG – Ire Williams – 1723) (USS Mystique - Ten Forward - EO Ensign Boone Foster - 1724) (USS Mystique - Ten Forward – aACEO – Ensign JG Keira Merek – 1726) (USS Mystique - Holodeck- Ensign JG Erin Cortez & Ensign JG Ravok - 1755) (Federation Space– Shielded orbital platform- Shadow Man- 1800) (USS Mystique - Corridor, Outside Secondary Conference Room - Science Officer Ensign Jaton Alyl - 1802) (Shuttle Menkal – Cockpit - Med – Ensign Gabriel Vesper - 2000) (USS Mystique- Deck A- Persona quarters-TAC. Ensign jg Ravok Shara-2231) (USS Mystique- Deck 4 - Ensign Michaels personal quarters- Science officer Ensign jg Adala Michaels & TAC. Ensign jg Ravok Shara-2242) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Mystique - Sickbay - CO - Admiral Remae Ktell - 0259) Ensign Methor started to inform their Admiral of the condition of Ensign Bracken. A lot of it was over his head but the Ensign did a fair job in making the Admiral understand. The patient was undergoing a problem that was targeted. This bit of information made him focus his attention. "Herself?", he asked. Dural talked about the condition a bit more but the clear message was that matches for a cure were going to take time. "35% still no matches.", said someone from the back and the task was becoming clear but a new idea was being tested and the Admiral was in time to see the results. You are just in time to view the results with us as they appear. "Please proceed.", he said as he watched carefully. "... Bajoran ancestry would put you at the top of the list of potential donors.", he concluded, and the Admiral simply nodded. (USS Mystique - Sickbay Office - CO - Admiral Remae Ktell - 0305) The Admiral and Ensign Methor were shown into a room for another briefing about Ensign Bracken. "I have good news, and odd news. I think best we start with the good news. We have a donor match for the stem cell transplant for Dr. Bracken. A fantastic match, better than I could have hoped for.", said the Ensign and this was good news. Remae didn't want to hold up the discussion and he nodded for the briefing to continue. A donor had been found and it was a half-sister to Dr. Bracken's mother. ". It's all perplexing. Because looking at her records, it lists a human father and Bajoran mother." It was turning into a blur of information. the Admiral made a wheel-make-it-go-faster spin with his hands. "... But until the two of them decide to take this public, I am holding both of you to secrecy.", concluded Dr Ryelle but then, carried on speaking, "Of course, it does beg a complicated question. How do you tell someone that their childhood classmate is their maternal aunt, or tell someone their classmate is their niece? If you have an answer, I'd love to hear it.", said the Doctor, finally finishing. The Admirals brain hurt, and he took a moment to take in what was being said. "We ask an expert in this field to help us break the news.", he said and look at both of them, "I'll leave this in your hands, find a Counsellor, brief them and make it happen, quickly.", he said and then added, "Do you want some of my blood? Just in case?", he asked and waited for a reply. Captain Dale Bracken was Second Officer on the USS Mithrandir while Remae was in command but that was decades ago and he hadn't been touch for years. Although Dale did make the wedding of himself and Jana. At some stage, she was going to have to be told too. (Reply from Methor, Ryelle, Any) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (USS Mystique – Sickbay – Medical Officer – Ensign JG Dural Methor DrPH – 0307) Dural agreed with the Admiral about bringing in an experienced counsellor to break the news to the two women as their actual ancestry. Not only was that the better option as they would be better equipped, also selfishly the Cardassian found that people’s lineage was a sore subject for himself. The subject was sore enough that as a person who loved conversing, it was one that he preferred to avoid. As the Admiral was discussing with Ryelle business of perhaps using his blood as a back up to their near perfect match they found an alarm went off at the imaging station. It was a timer that was set to let Dural and Ryelle know that the solution was adequately circulated through the doctor’s circulatory systems to have a very good chance of reaching all of it. Dural made long strides over to the appropriate secondary imaging control panel. He looked over to Ryelle and the Admiral and gave a nod. (Reply Admiral Remae, Dr. Ryelle, Dr. Solace) “Computer, begin prepared imaging scan.” He ordered. The computer chimed affirmative in response. In the room sequestered off behind a transparent protective barrier one a small mechanical arm could be seen descending from the ceiling, bristling with various sensors and other attachments, began it’s scan of Doctor Bracken. Cyan rays of light issued from the scanner fanned out in a triangular plane. The scan began from above her head and worked it’s way down the bed towards her toes. A second similar but indigo colored scan began at her feet and worked it’s way towards her head. They both made two overlapping passes in the span of 15 seconds. Dural knew the real scans were outside of the visible EM spectrum, the light show was likely put there to have a calming effect on the staff. To give them visual cues that something was being done. [Compiling data.] reported the computer. [Data compiled. You may view when ready.] Dural brought up the full body scan to the imager. It displayed all the patient’s major organ systems, heart, lungs, circulatory, digestive, nervous, skeletal and endocrine, all color coded for ease of differentiation. “Adding stained overlay.” He announced to those gathered, and pressed a series of buttons. The results displayed were curious. The program was to display areas with white blood cell concentrations with a violet glow. He expected a diffuse glow of a systemic infection, or maybe with the attack of the brain stem glow coming from mostly the spinal column as in a meningitis infection. He saw something else entirely. He saw a weak glow in the digestive tract, small intestine to be precise. Followed by a eerily un-erring semi-branched line going all the way up to just the base of the cerebrum and the brightest glow coming from the medulla oblongata section of the brain stem. (Reply any medical) “Nor have I seen such a thing, good doctor.” Dural agreed with his colleague. “We have something indeed, quite peculiar.” (Reply any Medical) “That’s something. I’ve got a hunch, if I may?” he asked. (Reply any Medical) “Petty Officer, if you could change your search and instead begin looking for Anti-nuclear antibodies?” He asked. (Reply any Medical) “Correct. The list of auto-immune would be much shorter.” He agreed. “Then if that comes up negative we’re only out just twenty minutes or so, small drop in the bucket from the hours it would take to complete the viral profiles.” (Reply a second medical) “Good thinking. I saw that in the small intestine too. We should run an in depth analysis on what she ate last. I believe we have some friends here visiting. Perhaps they dined with her this afternoon? We could also take a sample of intestine contents and analyze that.” (Reply any medical, Admiral Remae, Friends of Bracken) (posted by Todd) (Trill Surface - Tresh, Foxgloves Quarters – Intelligence officer Ens JG Jaelle Foxglove - 0535) =/\= Fo…..=/\= the voice echoed in Jaelle's ear before the signal was cut off and the comm line went dead. ~ Time. ~ she thought as she made her way back to her room planetside. She needed the secure net she set up there. But something else was troubling her everything was all to convenient for this mysterious group that was following her. But she was starting to connect the dots. Her trip to the hospital that was under lock down would just have to wait till later. Entering her room she slid effortlessly behind her computer console and with a wave of her hand brought up the holographic display. Already having a complete description of Faust allowed Jaelle to save a small measure of time input her features into the facial recognition systems of the planets camera systems subroutines. Faust was however a talented agent whatever time Jaelle gained was almost immediately lost once she found Faust on the camera system she was almost immediately gone again. Thus causing Jaelle to have to backtrack find another camera angle pick up the trail again, and start anew. Finally after fourth or fifth time of having to backtrack, she saw Faust enter a large courtyard between several buildings close to the central communication towers and the medical centers. Jaelle knew Faust would be keeping to the side of the courtyard as to not mix with the growing crowd of protesters that were becoming more and more prominent. She watched closely, hours already passed she had to get some kind of clue. This was something she could use. Then it happened in a flash Faust was gone, if you went paying attention you wouldn't ever notice a simple glitch in the recording. Jaelle knew better she watched body movement and got complete body and facial scan on those around her at the time of her disappearance. Starting with those closest to her and working out from there. The facial recognition database room time. Time that Jaelle did not have. Finally she hit upon something, a man passing Faust at the time of her disappearance. What was even more interesting was once he was found in the database there was inconsistencies between who Jaelle was looking at and what the computer said he was. "Computer give a full file read out on this person I want to know everyplace he was visited since he was on Trill." The computer beeped its acceptance of the order and began its processes. Once she was able to put a name to a face she could back track from there. The results came to soon for her liking it put Jaelle on edge. It should of taken longer. =/\= The person identified is known as Davis McNeil… =/\= the computer continued its report where and when he was born. Where he work, an investment broker. All well and good. The computer continued its report, died… ~ Hes dead…~ the thought came to Jaelle. ~ Pretty Active for a dead man.~ She pulled the file on time and place Davis McNeil ended his tour of living. His body was only found this morning, stuffed in a crio unit and left to freeze. It also meant the man in the person she was looking at was another operative for her personal stalker. She checked the clock as time continued to tick away. She knew this game. How to assume an identity not your own. Most who did this know that they a false identity is only good for so long. If the body for the real Davis McNeil was found it meant these people were ready to disappear. It also meant that Jaelle had no more time to waste to find Faust. (Reply None) (Posted by Matthew Locke) (USS Mystique - Engineering - EO Ensign Boone Foster - 0945) Boone woke up this morning, and was ready to get back to work. After his thoughts last night about his personal goals he really wanted to get his hands back on the ship. He walked into Engineering with a mission to do so. As he walked in he took a look around to see who was there. The amount of officers were minimal. Next, Boone walked over to an empty terminal and pulled up a summary of Engineering. All in all, the ship looked like it was in good condition. Boone pulled up the work order list at the console. He looked at it and quickly made a choice as to which order was priority. Again, there was nothing major going on so the work order he pulled wasn't all that major. He took a standard engineering tool set, and made his way to a crew members quarters. (USS Mystique - Quarters - EO Ensign Boone Foster - 0951) The doors opened to the crew member's quarters. Boone looked at the person who stood inside. "Mornin'. I was told there is an issue with your sonic shower?" Boone looked at the woman who clearly had dirt and grime on her face and hair. "Yes!" she exclaimed. She showed Boone the end of her hair. "It appears to be doing the opposite," she said unhappily. "Yes, ma'am. Let me take a look at it." Boone walked in the quarters, and noticed one of the few standard layouts of the ship. Based on this he knew where the sonic shower was and made his way there. He took the panel off the wall and took a quick look inside. Looking first at what he thought the problem may be, he took a tool from his kit and scanned one of the couplings. As he expected, for some reason it had overloaded and was no longer working correctly. He dismantled the one in the wall, and quickly replaced it. Before putting things back together he rolled up his sleeve, turned on the sonic shower and stuck his arm inside. It was no longer throwing more dirt on him, and his armed looked slightly cleaner so he was convinced it was working again. He took his arm out, and rolled his sleeve back down. After replacing the panel he returned to the crewmember. "It's all ready for ya." The woman thanked him and he promptly left the room. Walking his way back to Engineering he thought about his personal conversation with himself last night. ~Yep, making Starfleet a better place, one sonic shower at a time!~ (reply any, none) (posted by Calvin Capps) (USS Mystique- Deck 14- CSO's office- aACSO- Ensign (jg) Sekal- 1002) The morning had been light so far with the Vulcan making the round of the labs after checking in with his fellow department head to insure that departmental business was running smoothly and efficiently. His meeting with the Trill science minister the day before had been enlightening but there was much to do yet. Should Trill make the decision to opt back into the Federation a resumption of full relations and flow of information would result. With the Mystique at the epicenter then all departments would be involved in the initial steps which would add greatly to their workload. He had been notified shortly before that another officer had just arrived and added to the department and was on his way down so had truncated his visit to Stellar Cartography. Not before he had gotten a full count of the stars currently catalogued however which meant that he was running behind. Indeed when he stepped into the office he noted that the Admiral and the new officer had already arrived. He nodded to Remae. "Admiral." (Reply: Remae iyw) The officer was a Vulcan he knew at a glance. While Romulans were Vulcanoid in appearance the two could be differentiated between quickly due to overt cues. The way they stood or moved, mannerisms and facial expressions. This new officer raised his hand in the traditional gesture as well. "Dif-tor heh smusma. Ish-veh tor Sep-Wafikh tor ragel-tor du." Which Sekal returned. "Sochya eh Dif." After the greeting he returned to Federation basic due to the Admiral's presence as he lowered his hand. "Your presence in the science department is noted Ensign Stennin. It is my understanding you have already been introduced to the other lead officer in the department. I am the lead officer over the research branch of this department and my name is Sekal." He moved around the two to his desk and set down his personal PADD then returned to the conversation. "We currently have two researches going on concurrently, one in stellar cartography and the other in the mineralogical lab on deck six. As you have just arrived I would suggest you acquaint yourself with the labs then relocate your personal belongings to your cabin on deck two after which you may do as you see fit until zero six hundred tomorrow." The other nodded. "Yes, that would be logical. I will familiarize myself with the science facilities aboard this vessel right away. It would be only logical." Sekal cupped his hands at the small of his back as he studied the older Vulcan. "Indeed. Once yourself and Ensign Michaels are conversant with your new duties we will change the shift rotations to accommodate you. Ensigns Verin, Alyl and myself are currently on staggered shifts but that will change to an eight hour rotation. I will speak with Ensign Verin on how best to manage the new schedule." "As all Vulcans know well, infinite diversity in infinite combination. It is only to commit oneself to discovering the truth about the universe." An eyebrow quirked prior to his reply. "And science is the perfect expression of pure logic." "Then let us cooperate in the pursuit of science, ensign." "Report for assignment at zero six hundred tomorrow Ensign Stennin." He raised his hand with center fingers spread in the ancient salute. "Live long and prosper." The other Vulcan did the same then used the replicator in the office to acquire a PADD. He stopped and spoke before leaving with the Admiral. "I shall begin my inspection of the Chemistry and Biology labs forthright, ensign." Sekal nodded in reply and after the door had closed his eyes dropped to his personal PADD which currently sat with its edges perfectly aligned with those of the desk. The data on the PADD held more than just the information on the Anelurian Crystal which he had brought with him to StarFleet. On it was also the algorithm he had made for his doctoral thesis at the Vulcan Academy of Science. The latter he had not had opportunity to delve into since coming to StarFleet but the department was now fully staffed and more with competent officers. This meant he would soon have time to test his theory. (Reply: Stennin, Remae) (Posted by Charles G) (USS Mystique - Stennin's Office - Ensign JG. Stennin - 11:20) Stennin had been inspecting his small office for a few minutes. It was small, and attached to the Chemistry Lab. There was a small desk with a LCARS panel on it. He found two tricorders in one of the wall panels, and sat down in the chair. As he opened the terminal, he noticed it already had some files on it that were of interest. He saw most of them headed by either Sekal or Williams, but also some by other scientists. He found a file by someone called Jaton, and another by a woman called Adala Michaels. He opened the file, discovering it was on a geology project, which caught his interest. The premise was simple, but yet, the project had found some fascinating results. Stennin nodded and murmured a few times as he read the report. Ensign Michaels appeared an able scientist, and he put down a few notes. As he finished the report, he transferred his notes to a PADD, and then inquired the location of Michaels from the terminal. Apparently, she was on the same deck, in one of the labs. (Mystique - Geosciences Lab - Ensign JG. Stennin - 11:35) Stennin entered the largely empty lab, and looked around. There were two men, a Tellarite and a Acamarian, who stood near a large LCARS terminal. Undoubtedly, Stennin thought, this was the cartography table that was eminent in any geosciences lab. But he looked further, and found two women standing near a small X-Ray machine. One of them, Stennin surmised, would be Adala. He stepped closer and listened as the women conversed. (Reply Adala) Stennin rose a brow as he heard the women speak. There was certainly a passion visible in their research. But he had come to understand such behaviour from any non-Vulcan. He nodded softly as the women turned around and saw him. (Reply Adala) "Greetings. My name is Ensign Stennin. I am the new science officer assigned to this ship." (Reply Adala) "Your assumption is logic, ensign. I indeed are in need of some of your services. I am here to inquire about your results from your project. I believe it was on the sedimentary flow of the River Sismak on the planet Ardonis VI?" (Reply Adala) "That is logical. Our work is often many and diverse. I shall enlighten you. According to my notes, you studied some of the findings of Doctor Thomas Selwig, who visited the planet in 2338?" (Reply Adala) Stennin nodded softly and turned his head sideways a bit. "Fascinating. According to your premise, there were some overlooked results?" (Reply Adala) "I have found in your discussions that there was a small rise in temperature between the time that Selwig took the samples. And that these findings indicate a small decrease in the carbonation processes in the river, especially of the serpentinite rocks?" (Reply Adala) Stennin nodded again and scrolled on his PADD for a moment. He turned the device towards Adala. "Your graph on the temperature shift is...fascinating. It would be logical to assume that there is some unknown underlying consequence of this. If you are in need of any assistance on the continuation of this discourse, I shall be available." (Reply Adala) "That is agreeable, ensign. If I may inquire, what is your current experiment on?" (Reply Adala) Stennin nodded, and stepped closer. He saw a small chamber, in which there was a small fragment of an igneous rock. He nodded again, and then turned his head to the LCARS displays aside the chamber. He looked as Adala tapped some commands, but understood little of the data that came in. However, he rose his brows when he noticed a graph, that appeared to be an XRF spectrum. He nodded softly and looked at a few of the peaks. "If I am not mistaken, some of these lines seem to indicate a magnesium component inside." He pointed to one big peak. "And this is undoubtedly the wavelength of nickel. The height seems to indicate a significant portion of it is consisting of nickel. I would suggest a ferromagnetism analysis to determine this further." Stennin nodded again and turned back to Adala. (Reply Adala) "That is logical, ensign. I shall prepare the experiment forthwith." Stennin blinked for a moment when he heard himself. He had not used that word very often, and it certainly wasn't a very Vulcan expression. He shrug it of. It was assured that he picked up the vocabulary from working among humans in the Academy. He nodded again to Adala and then turned to one of the work tables. He replicated a PADD from the wall, and took a few notes. (Mystique - Geosciences Lab - Science officer Ensign JG. Adala Michaels- 11:36) Adala and her lab technician stood analyzing the soil samples. The test was a simple one. They were testing soil nutrients of a planet in a binary star system. Soil composites were enriched beyond average levels of an M class planet, not by much but still an interesting result. They were also analyzing the interior of a Diorite rock, it was bluish grey in color. The interior of the rock contained quartz and was composed of Zircon, apatite, titanite, magnetite, and ilmenite. Adala looked at her technician. " Run an analysis on sample T-14 again. Increase the intensity of the scans by 3 percent. Anymore than that and we run the risk of losing composition integrity " Adala said She turned and noticed a Vulcan man watching them. Adala turned towards the young vulcan and tipped her head. " Ensign, May I help you?" "Greetings. My name is Ensign Stennin. I am the new science officer assigned to this ship." “Welcome aboard, I am Ensign Michaels.” "Your assumption is logic, ensign. I indeed are in need of some of your services. I am here to inquire about your results from your project. I believe it was on the sedimentary flow of the River Sismak on the planet Ardonis VI?" Her technician stepped forward . " Ensign Michaels is currently running some follow up analysis on her preliminary findings." She said before Adala had a chance to respond. "That is logical. Our work is often many and diverse. I shall enlighten you. According to my notes, you studied some of the findings of Doctor Thomas Selwig, who visited the planet in 2338?" " There were some results that were inconclusive and left gaps in the initial report" Adala responded ~ is this a bombardment or a rockslide.~ she thought. Stennin nodded softly "Fascinating. According to your premise, there were some overlooked results?" Nodding her head " Lack of sufficient technology will do that" "I have found in your discussions that there was a small rise in temperature between the time that Selwig took the samples. And that these findings indicate a small decrease in the carbonation processes in the river, especially of the serpentinite rocks?" She crossed her arms and tilted her head. " Selwig took the samples during two different seasons, further research into the report would lead to the conclusion" ~ I haven't even had my coffee this morning ~ Stennin nodded again and scrolled on his PADD for a moment. He turned the device towards Adala. "Your graph on the temperature shift is...fascinating. It would be logical to assume that there is some unknown underlying consequence of this. If you are in need of any assistance on the continuation of this discourse, I shall be available." " Thank you, If I need any further help. I will make sure you are the first one I contact." "That is agreeable, ensign. If I may inquire, what is your current experiment on?" She turned to her work station " Diorite composition on multiple worlds and how soil enrichment effects the values of the contained minerals. Nothing to write home about " "If I am not mistaken, some of these lines seem to indicate a magnesium component inside." He pointed to one big peak. "And this is undoubtedly the wavelength of nickel. The height seems to indicate a significant portion of it is consisting of nickel. I would suggest a ferromagnetism analysis to determine this further." She took a deep breath. She wasn't fond of people asserting themselves into her research but he was a fellow officer. " a ferromagnetism analysis it is then " "That is logical, ensign. I shall prepare the experiment forthwith." Stennin responded. (Mystique - Geosciences Lab - Ensign JG. Stennin - 12:10) Stennin nodded as he finished the last part of the small setup. He turned and looked at Adala, who was still at her machine. (Reply Adala) (Written by Yoerik van Heugten) (Mystique - Geosciences Lab - Ensign JG. Adala Michaels- 12:12) Adala had her machine set up and calibrated for the ferromagnetic test... ( reply Stennin) ( posted by Kathleen Deal) (Trill - Senate Building - Ensign Billy Alexander - 15.00) Billy had made his way to the Senate building as fast as he could. He tried reaching Trei on her commbadge, but something or someone was blocking the signal. The ship had gone on lockdown due to the illness to Dr. Bracken, the news broadcast from the evening before about virus in the symbiote pools and not knowing how it might effect alien biology. By alien of course, it meant non native trill. Then of course there were the two attacks on Starfleet personnel. All of this gave rise to the ship going on lockdown with only approved personnel being allowed on the service. As the Admiral's Aide Billy had hardly been further than a 50 yards from the Admiral. That was until Ensign Trei decided to go down to the planet with out prior authorization. ~Where is she?~ Billy thought to himself looking around the senate building. The admiral was not happy and Billy had become his errand boy. His orders were simple, find Trei and take her back to the Mystique. Whatever repercussions she faced would be at the Admiral's discretion, he was just the errand boy. Finally he found her. "Ensign Trei, there you are." Billy exclaimed as he jogged up to her. (reply Trei) "Listen, don't know what you're doing down here, but the Admiral sent me here to come get you and take you back to the Mystique." (reply Trei) (reply Trei) (posted by Will) (USS Mystique, personal quarters - Ens(jg) Erin Cortez - 1502) Sitting in her quarters, a lot was running through Erin’s mind. The information that Carson had told her about the reporter having saved their bacon with the video footage of the incident on the surface had thrown her. Taking a deep breath, she knew that she needed to talk to Elsie and apologise for her behaviour. Tapping her combadge, she spoke, “Cortez to Biers.” (Reply Biers) “Would you come to my quarters, i owe you an apology.” (reply Biers) Sighing, Erin walked to her replicator, got a fruit juice and sat, waiting for Elsie to arrive. (Reply Biers, any) (Posted by Jackie) (USS Mystique, Office 3d - Reporter, Elsie Biers - 1504) It had been a few hours since the incident down on Trill and Else was now more confident in her decision to hand the footage over to the good looking Security Chief, she felt that Cressida would have been proud and probably a little peeved at the same time. It wasn't asif it was the only copy, if they could fill part of the documentary with it they still would, but at least this way the Ensign protecting Erin Cortez wasn't about to lose his career over it. Elsie twirled the knob and sped through some of the footage which had been captured down on the planet and found herself intrigued by a group of Ensigns sat eating and drinking nonchalantly very close to a loud and obtuse protest, ~where is this going~ she thought to herself, although sure no other incidents had been reported. =^=Cortez to Biers.=^= The communication came through the speaker in the small room. Elsie wasn't hooked up with a standard Starfleet communicator, her personal civilian device beeped and she tapped it to respond. "What can I do for you, Erin?" she asked with a pleasant voice. =^=Would you come to my quarters, i owe you an apology.=^= ~Now, that's a shock~ Elsie thought, "I'm sure you don't, but I'll be with you momentarily." Elsie said, as she paused the footage, logged off the system and headed out of the room. (Trill - Senate Building - ENS jg Counselor Ariel Trei - 15.05) Billy Alexander tracked her down to take her back to the Mystique. She complied with the order and went willingly. (Reply Billy iyw) (Posted by Edward) (USS Mystique, Cortez Personal Quarters - Reporter. Elsie Biers - 1509) As she'd walked along the corridors, Elsie tapped a quick message to Cressida and then tapped the buzzer to Erin's personal quarters. She waited but a moment before the door slid open, she saw Erin standing within waiting and in that moment Elsie wasn't sure whether she was about to be attacked, cried on or hugged. She noticed Erin's eye flick to the small floating ball which was at Elsie's shoulder, "Don't worry about that," Elsie said as she walked in, "Completely off the record, as they say." She waved her hand in front of it and the camera turned off its video record function. (Reply Erin) (Posted by Jono Bradley) (Trill - The Senate Building - Meeting Room- CO - Admiral Remae Ktell - 1615) Remae's first question about then virus seemed to have surprised the President. Apparently, the virus only attacked the symbionts of the Trill hosts, he took the PADD of the information regarding the Kopin Virus. "As you can see the Kopin Virus is only infectious to symbiotes within the pools. If you or I were to take a swim he would be unharmed. Like I said if there nothing I can do to assist with the status of your crew I will spare any and all resources I can to assist.", he said and it was clear he wanted to help. Remae was grateful. "Thanks for that.", he said and with a quick press of a few buttons on the PADD, he sent the information directly to Sickbay's database with an alert to anyone on duty that he needed a full briefing on its contents. The President moved swiftly on, he was clearly anxious to talk about the bigger picture and the Admiral listened to him explain the need for help with their virus and their need to access Betazed. Another PADD came his way. ~ I need to invest into whomever makes these damn things ~ The President outlined an attack by a few Trill minors on one of the civilians on his ship, the manipulation of his own Senators on another officer and combined with what he already knew about Ensign Taya, the prospect of membership was looking doubtful. "I read the report.", said the Admiral referring to the report from Ensign Peters via Billy who had passed it on to him. Remae received a lot of reports but this one, flagged as a Serious Incident Report caught his eye. He had planned to have a long chat with Ire, later on and maybe, buy him a drink for his actions. "My officers indicated that Ensign Williams was defending himself and others when he, reacted to this, Derrin Archos attack. The problem for me, is, this statement as recounted by Ensign Williams : 'You have no business being here, Starfleet and I am gonna make damn sure you know it...' "Then, let's speak about my Andorian Officer, Ensign Taya.", he said putting down the PADD whgicj he was holding : 'We don't want you here. Go back to your ship and tell your Captain to go home to Andor.' "She was beamed up the Kir Kumari. Thankfully, we are on, social terms with the Andorians at least, I think we are.", he said crossing his arms and pausing for a moment. "Trill isn't unified, is it Mr President? This, condition, as you well know is a requirement for membership of the Federation. You were once but now you aren't.", he said being his full weight of the Federation down to bear onto the room, "I can't recommend Trill's re-admission to the Federation at this time. I am sorry.", he said and then added, "However, I do have a counter-proposal for you, in light of your need to access Betazed and other resources, facilities and we need a partner and continued friendship of Trill.", he said standing. "Would you care to join me?", he asked and tapped his commbadge, "Mystique, away party plus one to transport.", he said and they disappeared. (Trill - The Senate Building - Meeting Room-President Taylin Zon- 1618) "Then, let's speak about my Andorian Officer, Ensign Taya.", Taylin listened to the message on the PADD with disgust and sadness. " I truly had no idea of this incident." He said as the admiral carried on... "She was beamed up the Kir Kumari. Thankfully, we are on, social terms with the Andorians at least, I think we are." ~ Please dont lead to an engagement ~ Taylin thought. "Trill isn't unified, is it Mr President? This, condition, as you well know is a requirement for membership of the Federation. You were once but now you aren't.", Taylin tapped his fingers on the table before him. ~ We are unified, sure we have people who dont want the federation but we are a single global government. With warp technology. With no risk of a civil war...yet here we are ~Taylin thought as he felt hope for his people slipping away. Feeling like a failure. "I can't recommend Trill's re-admission to the Federation at this time. I am sorry.", The admiral said. Taylin lowered his head. Feeling sick to his stomach ~ I have failed my people~ "However, I do have a counter-proposal for you, in light of your need to access Betazed and other resources, facilities and we need a partner and continued friendship of Trill." The president looked at the admiral holding back the tears in his eyes. The admirals counter proposal felt like someone had let air back into the room. "Would you care to join me?", Taylin smiled " Yes, Admiral thank you " he replied as he stood up and walked to the admiral and his away party , "Mystique, away party plus one to transport.", As they materialized on the Mystique a security officer approached him at the admirals request and escorted him to a conference room. (USS Mystique - Secondary Conference Room - President Taylin Zon- 1658) Taylin sat there with immense patience awaiting the arrival of the others who were to attend . ( reply , any) ( posted by Davis) (USS Mystique - Holodeck 2 - aACEO Enisgn JG Keira Merek & Tactical Officer Ensign JG Ravok Shara - 1620) She watched from her perch above as Ravok wandered into the darkened wooden structure. ~He stepped over the tripwire completely!~ She thought and made a mental note to move it up 3 centimeters higher next time. " Keira ! " he called out..... It put him right on target for this. She pulled the first bit of bailing twine loosening the quick release. The twine holding the 23 kg fern bale instantly became taught with a groan, the large square object began it’s pendulum-arc descent, coming in from Ravok’s left hand side. Out of the corner of his eye he saw swift movement descending toward him ~ What the hell~ he thought as jumped out of the way. The bale barely nearly hit him full on. Not wasting any time Keira jumped down to the second story giving the first audible indication that someone else was here. Ravok was too busy dealing with the bale. With a swift motion of her talon-curved blade she cut the second twine holding another cord that arrested the descent of a similar weighted 30kg sand bag. The twine was looped around the cord arresting it’s fall, until now. Old well used pulleys began squeaking and turning as the cord that passed through them gaining speed. The sandbag flew down out of nowhere to Ravok’s front. Alerted by a series of noises. His focus intensified. He saw a sand bag swinging at him fast he put his arms up in front of his face the sandbag hit his elbows. Had it not been for the safety protocols of the holodeck the sand bag would of exploded on impact. While he was distracted she exited the second story through a window sliding down the ladder she had placed there, repurposed from the colony ship that brought her mother to the planet, and had hit the ground silently. And took off running around to the front. He looked up and around the upper floors ~ Come on, I didn't come here for this. Not after the day I've had ~ he thought. He heard swift steps behind him but it was too late. She quickly approached Ravok from behind, grabbing his uniform top with an iron grip and yanked back hard, pulling him over her right inner leg into a throw. She released him following his momentum, she pivoted on her right foot and swung her left leg over following him down with his descent. The holodeck safety protocols engaged cushioning his fall, but didn’t stop her from dropping to her knees using his chest as a saddle. Straddling his supine form, she grabbed his wrists and shoved down and forward hard, pinning his arms down on the ground above his head. He hit the ground softer than he thought he would. He was happy she finally decided to show herself. " Keira , What the hell?" He remarked. She giggled. “I got you now.” He glared at her briefly and tensed up his left arm. Giving the impression he was going to move that arm , but quickly rolled his right hand and twisted his wrist and loosened her grip on his right arm freeing it. With his right arm he went across his torso to his left side and used the weight and momentum of his arm to wrap around the right side of her lower torso. Using the weight of his arm he forced her downward. The force was enough to allow himself to become free as she landed to his right on her stomach. He rolled over onto her and pinned her down, his chest was against her back " You may have stealth but I'm stronger." He said to her as he used the weight of his body to hold her down for a brief moment. “Strength is nothing without knowing how to apply it.” she quipped. Not wanting to actually hurt him she jabbed her elbow into his axillary right side. He rolled back to the ground holding his ribs on his right side. She had driven her elbow into his ribs. " Damn that hurt, little elbows" he said to her . “Ten centimeters or so lower and I would have thrown your heart into spasm.” she said. Now she had gotten up and away. She looked down at her left hand. Instinct had taken over, her knife was in her hand, reversed grip. A curved talon ready to dig under his rib cage. Her eyes widened briefly. She threw the knife to the side. “I didn’t bring you here to hurt you.” she said softly. " I believe you" he said as he stood up. " But all of this , why ?" He asked “Well, you had asked at dinner that one night, why I tensed up every time I went through a doorway first…” she said. " Yeah, go on " he replied trying to follow “This was all part of the training I went through when I was young.” she explained. “I’d be sent to the barn to retrieve something and there would be traps waiting. Never anything that caused permanent damage. A bruise here, maybe.” she said. " Why were you through that? What happened?" He asked with immense curiosity. “It was all because of some event that happened before I can remember, when the place looked like this. My parents never told me, but talking to others I pieced it together. They had pushed away technology and I’m told we were happy. Then we were found, pirates or something. They watched and waited. Decided that year’s harvest was too good to pass up. Real non-replicated food. Tons of it, in the wrong hands could bring a fortune. So they came. We had no technology active so no warning. They beamed in during our festival, I was just a baby. My mother hid with me. My father stood up to them. Proud Romulan soldier. They mercilessly beat him., took everything except enough seeds to plant next year, told my father they’d be back.” He listened to Keira with unbroken interest. She had told him stories but never this part. Never the reason behind everything. “Turns out it was one of their last mistakes. That was a lean year I’m told. The pirates as promised were back the following year, but my father and mother had spent the year preparing. All the technology they had put away, they brought back out. Romulan and Federation.” " Giving your colony an entire year to prepare? Sounds extremely arrogant to me. I bet they were surprised by what they found when they returned." He said “Their last mistake was coming back. The whole town ambushed them, took out the pirate landing party in less than a minute of phaser and disruptor fire, the entire village was former Imperial Navy, Starfleet or Klingon Defense Force. The ship in orbit wasn’t monitoring the situation, they assumed that they had already won. My father grabbed a hunting spear he had made, and holstered his issue disruptor. He took up one of the raiding party’s communicators, he knew their language and ordered, “ she paused, “One to transport.” Ravok crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow. " I can only imagine what he did next." “He slaughtered them all.” she said. “The aftermath actually is one of my first memories. I remember he came back, still holding the spear smeared and dripping with multiple kinds of blood, I didn’t understand it at the time. I’m told that event changed him. He did what he had to do to protect his family. That was when he started saying that no daughter of mine will become a victim.” He smiled. " Well he did a fine job. You can definitely handle your own. What did your father do with the ship? I'm sure he didn't leave it in orbit." He enquired “He landed it. We used their ship to revitalize our own technology, it modernized our colony. I learned much of my first lessons in engineering from that vessel. We still lived a simpler life, but from that point forward we used the technology to defend ourselves.” She explained her early life to him. This was the most she had shared with anyone. " Thank you for sharing that with me. So how far would this have gone. Were you expecting me to fight ? " he asked, trying to see the endgame in this. “No you were supposed to give up once I had you pinned.” she admitted. “A kiss would have been nice.” He stepped closer to her. " It's not too late for that. " He said as he grabbed her hand gently to pull her to him. She giggled the first sign of the lightheartedness she had planned this being returning. “No, silly the make-out barn is over there.” He used his eyes and sighed with frustration " I can't stay long I have somewhere to go" he said “What did you have planned?” she inquired. She picked up and holstered her knife. " I have to go check on Erin. " he answered. “Oh.” she said, eyes narrowing. “I bare my soul and you’re going to spend time with another woman?” ~I’ve seen her curves..~ "NO!" He exclaimed " I told you it isn't like that with Erin. You can think that with anyone else, but she...she is my Rinam ( romulan for sister)she was in a fight,she was injured. " Ravok responded with worry as his eyes stared off into the distance. “What!? Who hit her?” She said her jealousy turned to righteous anger. “Maybe I’m going to have to cut someone today. Is she OK?” " Down on the surface. She was attacked by two youths, apparently they lied her into the woods and tried assaulting her. Ire stopped it. He broke one of their knees and rescued her." “Ire did what?” she laughed. “I didn’t know the guy had it in him.” Ravok glared at her slightly upset for laughing and rubbed the back of his head and paced back forth a few steps. " Now Erin is hurt. Once again a victim and Ire's career may be over. He came to me and told me everything and I had to start a report with security. His career may end and my name will forever be attached to that...Keira, She needs me" he said to her with compassion for his best friend. “I don’t want to get in the way of that. If you’re concerned, damn it, I’m concerned too. Is there any way I can help?” Ravok thought for a moment. " Between us, Erin has a lot of emotional baggage. Her former boyfriend was...abusive. He nearly killed her a few years ago. He was locked away but now he is a free man once again. Elsie the journalist revealed that to Erin in her interview. That woman revealed a lot to all of us in our interviews." He said not wanting to mention what Elsie had told him especially not to a fellow Romulan. She immediately wanted to know who this man, no, this P’taq, this varule was that put her fellow crewman on death’s door, but she felt he had more to say. " I think Erin could benefit from learning how to defend herself. Not that she needs to worry or anything but it wouldn't hurt for her to know how to stand her ground. I have told her a lot about you. I have told her about us. She knows how much you mean to me but I don't think she would want you to see her upset. I would love nothing more than for you to go with me ,but it wouldn't be for the best she would close up immediately. I could however suggest that you could help her learn how to defend herself. Even if she never has to use the skills you taught her, she would still gain confidence " “Agreed, if she’s in a vulnerable state, I wouldn’t suspect I have a warm welcome as an outsider.” She paused lost in thought, then continued, “how will she get my help if I can’t approach her about it?” " I will suggest that you could show her a few things." He replied “I will do it for you.” she said and gave his hand a squeeze. " Thank you Keira, you don't know how much that means to me. Besides Kora ,Erin is the only family I have left. " He said gratefully “Thankfully I was never chosen to be interviewed. You said, “revealed”, what did she reveal to you?” she asked tentatively. His eyes widened and he took a deep breath. " There's stuff about me that you should probably know. If you never want to speak to me again I will understand and request a Transfer. " he said, preparing himself to mention what Elsie had told him. “She’d have to have revealed some pretty heinous stuff, like you being the spawn of Fek’lhr, come to drag my soul to Klingon damnation or something.” she said in a humorous tone. " Ok, you already know about my uncle Tyren Shara,” he said. ~The Baba Yaga of Romulus?~ she thought, remembering the stories he had told her. He continued unabated, “.. but apparently the shuttle accident that claimed my real mother's life wasn't an accident at all. The Romulan government released a report 2 years after her death claiming the accident was work of a Tal Shiar operation. My real mother's name was Velina Kervik, a former Tal Shair operative who was killed because she handed over information on Romulan warp technology and its implementation of singularities. The Tal Shiar found out and had her killed. Yet I survived. They were able to remove me from her womb just in time to save my life." “Why worry about that? It’s a good thing. If they hadn’t done that you’d be dead just like her.” she said trying to make sense of his line of thought. " I spent my entire life believing my mother was a nobody and I found comfort in that, but now I know she was nothing but a typical ...Romulan stereotype. That makes me the typical Romulan stereotype." “You are nothing like a typical Romulan stereotype.You were raised by a Klingon woman far away from influence of the Romulan Empire,” she countered him, an effort to make him feel better. “You think I’m just the product of my family?” He laughed " Your family, The Great Merek clan were honored politicians. They didn't have to get their hands dirty. Anyone who has read even a little bit of our history would know your grandfather was probably the most enlightened voice of reason within the Senate." He said to her “It’s good to know you think that, but if that were in my blood you think I could have done something else at the negotiations table besides stammer at the Admiral after it was over?” she offered. " I was ok with having an estranged outcast uncle being a Tal Shiar operative. But I am of my mother's body. I grew in the womb of a Tal Shiar. As if I didn't have a hard enough time already having people accept me " Ravok said. “So you think that she pumped in Tal Shiar euslh ghoyiph {R-ND: corrupt poison, venom} into your veins through the umbilical cord? At some point a person has to be held accountable for their actions. If she was a Tal Shiar and they killed her, I say she broke even. Debt paid, but that debt was paid to clear your ledger.” she explained, concern in her voice. “If they think she’s dead, they think you’re dead too.” He looked at her and smiled. " Here I was so worried about telling you this. Most Romulans hear the words Tal Shiar and go running, but I should have known you'd be the one to not flinch " Ravok said with a smirk. “It would take more than that to scare me away.” she said. He smiled at her response. Feeling something more and more for her. Now was a better time than ever. Her willingness to stand by his side, her willingness to help his best friend. Her reaction to Erin's pain equaling that of his. Keira was truly someone he could rely on. He felt it in his heart. After such a short time. He had acquired such strong feelings for her. He loved her, but was too embarrassed to admit it in words but decided he would show her in a much more personal way. " I do have one more thing to tell you" he said as he grabbed both her hands and looked at her "Lathuel.." he said looking her in her eyes. She appeared confused for a moment. ~What? Who is…~ " Lathuel ,It's my name, my real name. " Ravok responded, sharing this with her. Sharing this with her meant that he had given her a part of himself, a part he could never have back. “Your. Real. Name?” She was astounded that she meant so much to him. She had been wanting to do the same too. She didn’t go home immediately after Trill. Spending last night before shift in his quarters, essentially unconscious with the combination of alcohol and sedatives running through her system, and waking in the morning untouched with a blanket over her, in his bed and seeing he spent the night on the couch. She couldn’t count how many assholes she had met at the academy that probably would have taken advantage of her. “I..realise now that being jealous of Erin, I was acting daigae {R:ND foolish, silly}” She said. Her mind was screaming at her. ~Just tell him! You know you can trust him!~ He shook his head " No , it's who you are it's part of the way you care " “I know it’s a big step.” she said trailing off. “You just, my real name is Human in origin. You’ll think it’s daigae.” " No, I wont. I promise " he replied “I don’t want you to think, I’m telling you to make us even…” she said. " Hey, I know you wouldn't do that." He smiled ~Just do it!~ Her mind screamed again. She looked into his eyes all joking aside. Vulnerable for the first time with anyone. “My name is Dísira. I was named after the Norse female spirits that protect hearth and home.” "Dísira…" he said. "It's beautiful , a name very befitting of the woman you are. " She blushed in response. " I swear unto the sacred trust of your name, That I will never speak of it to anyone to do so will be giving away what is not mine to give, but mine to hold " Ravok said to her . Repeating the Traditional Calanistraian vow spoken when ones name is given. “I swear unto the sacred trust of your name. That I will never speak of it to anyone to do so would be giving away that which is not mine to give, but mine to hold.” She said repeating the vow. He smiled . " Thank you " “Now, Lathuel. Go help your friend.” she said. “Call me if you need anything.” " I will , Dísira. " he said as he backed away and turned and jogged to the exit ... (Reply none) (Posted by Todd and Robert) (USS Mystique - Transporter Room - CO - Admiral Remae Ktell - 1645) They beamed up and when they did, Remae asked a nearby office to escort the President of Trill to a nearby senior conference room, "I'll be joining you shortly.", he said and as they left, Remae walked out and headed via another turbolift. (USS Mystique - Bridge - CO - Admiral Remae Ktell - 1650) He walked onto the Bridge and then, without much ado, he asked for a channel to be opened to the Andorians, "Kar, I was hoping you would be available for a conference with the President of Trill on the Mystique. I invite you, Commander Tesha, Ambassador Sei Lara and whomever else you wish to bring." (Reply from Sheia) "Thank you Kar.", he said and then look over as someone from Security was already heading out the door to escort them to the Conference Room. He tapped his commbadge, "Ambassador MacCaulay, could you join us in the Conference Room?", he said, and he was already walking to the turbolift. (Kir Kumari- Ready Room- Captain Kera Sheia- 1651) The Admiral's communication had been piped in on her desk monitor. =^= Kar, I was hoping you would be available for a conference with the President of Trill on the Mystique. I invite you, Commander Tesha, Ambassador Sei Lara and whomever else you wish to bring. =^= Her antenna were pointed questioningly at the image. "I accept Admial, thank you for your invitation. We will be there shortly." =^= Thank you Kar. =^= He signed off and she began immediately sending out communications of her own. "Ambassador Lara, Commander Tesha and Guard Commander Drizzt meet me in the transporter room immediately. Our presence has been requested for a meeting with the Admiral and the Trill President." (USS Mystique - Secondary Conference Room - CO - Admiral Remae Ktell - 1700) All the actors in this piece were gathering, this matter was going to be solved and as each party entered, they took their seats at the table and waited for the Admiral to speak. (Reply from Zon, Sheia, Tesha, MacCaulay, Sei Lara, Any) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (USS Mystique - Secondary Conference Room - CO - Admiral Remae Ktell - 1700) Remae started speaking to the group in the Conference Room. The Bajoran was seated in at the head of the smaller table, and not everyone managed to get a seat but, everyone looked at him, and he took a moment to remember this meeting, a meeting that would, if all went well, benefit everyone. "Thank you all for coming. I wanted to speak to you, in the same room, at the same time, to offer a proposal that I've been considering. Firstly, I want to recognise that you were both a part of the Federation but that Federation has been damaged, but not lost, never lost.", he said as the speech he had prepared fell away, and he began speaking from his heart. "We're in a position to help. The Federation is not what it once was but, the member worlds are waking up after a slumber, we're rediscovering ourselves and starting this journey, I would like nothing more than to invite Trill to return, but now, is not the time but we're not going to abandon a friend, a friend we want to help, assist and protect from the unknown.", he said and looked the President of Trill for a moment, in the hope of reassuring him. He turned to face the Andoirans congregation for a moment, "I understand Andoirans caution in these matters and the Federation needs to earn your trust, again, as it once did.", he said and then addressed the rest of the room, "The same way, the Federation wants to be trusted, we want you to trust us.", he said and came to a pause, speechmaking wasn't a skill he ever wanted to be good at so he got to it. "I am going to recommend to the Federation Council that Trill become a protectorate of the Federation, with open trade, exchange of knowledge, exchange of people and open access to all our medical knowledge. Trill will be open once more to the Federation, we'll accept candidates to Starfleet Academy once more, we'll be open and honest, and we'll work together to solve Trill's problems. Such as open access to Betazed for the treatment the symbiont population needs and assistance in preparing Trill for its Federation Membership.", he said and nodded again at the President. "This news may not be of liking to the Andorians, an expanding Federation so, to you, I propose the following. If Trill agrees, you are free to negotiate your treaty with Trill, for trade, knowledge or other areas you wish to cooperate in. The Federation will not interfere unless asked to.", he paused again and took a moment to gather what was to come next. "We'd like to start construction of a starbase at Trill, this starbase will be constructed by Trill for Trill but with the Federation's help. We invite Andorian to assist in the construction of this base so that it become a hub, a centre for all trade/defence and diplomatic activity for this sector of space. A place for us to work on mutual problems, mutual goals and trust.", he said before looking at them all, "I can imagine this base being a mix of all our technology, as a representation of our goals of becoming closer friends and allies once more.", he said stopping to let the information sink in. "Starbase Freedom. has a nice sound to it, don't you think?", he said and then stopped speaking altogether. As everyone around the room muttered or spoke to aides, Remae thought to himself for a moment; he was taking a risk, no doubt. the Federation wasn't up to much protecting, but that was going to change, even if he had to go to each member world and tell them, the Federation was back. (Reply from All in the Conference Room) (Posted by Anthony Keen (USS Mystique - Secondary Conference Room - Captain Kera Sheia - 1701) The Ambassador had been more sober than she had seen him at any point on this excursion at the prospect of finally sitting down across the table from the prime mover and shaker in the Trill government. Kera Sheia herself was unsure why the Admiral had invited them here or what his plan was. That Remae had gotten them all here though indicated he had something perhaps unprecedented in the works. Sei Lara sat to her left with Drizzt beyond him and Tesha as always to her right. She watched Remae closely as he stood to begin the meeting. (Reply: Tesha, Drizzt, Remae, any present) (Posted by Charles G) (USS Mystique - Secondary Conference Room - President Taylin Zon- 1705) Taylin looked around the room. He looked at the Andorians and to the Admiral . He stood from his chair and looked at the Andorians gathered in the room " I formally grant any andorian vessel free passage through our space, as long as we all can continue forward in a nature of cooperation and friendship. Furthermore any acts of aggression toward federation or andorian citizens will be dealt with in accordance to the laws of the effected powers. " He turned to the Admiral " I grant the federation the same. Work on plans to construct Starbase freedom will begin as soon as possible, and I would love nothing more than to have all of us make this starbase a monument to the future and a dedication the past. Admiral Remae , thank you. " Taylin concluded with nothing !ore.to be said. The symbiotes were going to be alright and a brighter future was becoming more of a reality than a dream . (Reply any) ( Posted by Davis) (USS Mystique - Secondary Conference Room - Andorian Ambassador- Sei Lara- 1707) The Trill President stood to his feet and looked in their direction. " I formally grant any Andorian vessel free passage through our space, as long as we all can continue forward in a nature of cooperation and friendship. Furthermore any acts of aggression toward federation or Andorian citizens will be dealt with in accordance to the laws of the effected powers. " Then turned to the Federation group." I grant the federation the same. Work on plans to construct Starbase freedom will begin as soon as possible, and I would love nothing more than to have all of us make this starbase a monument to the future and a dedication the past. Admiral Remae , thank you. " Sei Lara then stood to his feet, an unreadable expression on his face. "Andoria has broken her self- imposed isolation to reach out to others in forming alliances and while this circumstance is unique I am prepared to extend the hand of Andoria to Trill in matters of trade." His gaze traveled slowly around the room taking in each face. "It is apparent to me as well that the Federation and Trill will need assistance in protecting their interests here so on behalf of Andoria I offer military support for the purpose of the movement of equipment and the protection of Starbase Freedom and the Trill homeworld and its colonies." His eyes then settled on the Admiral. "Additionally I will recommend to my government that consideration be given to the resumption of full diplomatic relations with the Federation though I will not recommend application for membership at this time." A small smile cracked his features. "That consideration may grow in time however seeds first have to be planted. May the future of this new Andorian, Trill and Federation alliance be a bright one." (Reply: Any present) (Posted by Charles G) (USS Mystique – Ten Forward – Pilot -Ensign (JG) – Ire Williams – 1715) Ire sat down at the table with a large plate of what the replicator called a jumbo breakfast. He looked down at the large quantity of bacon, sausages , eggs , black pudding , baked beans , tomatoes and mushrooms along with a couple of slices of toast. He also had a mug of hot tea which he began sipping as he looked out of the large observation windows. Since starting the night rotation, he had found it easier to switch his body to eating his breakfast at 1700 then lunch at bout 0100 and then dinner at 0630 after his shift and before going to bed. He had, had a few strange looks when he had what counted as breakfast at five in the afternoon, but he had gotten use to it. He had also decided to try breakfasts from federation planets, some of them had been quite good and others had been downright disgusting, but it was an interesting start to his day. He was looking forward to his shift on the bridge and the ability to get away from the day he had, had. Event though they were just in a parking orbit and going round and round Trill. It would not be the most interesting shift he had ever done at the CONN of the Mystique, but it would help to get his mind off the disaster the day had been. He gave a mental sigh as he picked up his cutlery and began to eat. (reply any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Mystique - Ten Forward - EO Ensign Boone Foster - 1716) It was a little early for dinner, but Boone was hungry. He walked into Ten Forward and could smell a delicious meal. He looked around and craned his neck to find the source. He was certain he found it from across the room. ~Breakfast!~ Boone walked over to the replicator and his mouth began to water as he thought about his future meal. He pushed a button and the replicator beeped happily. "Let me have n'order of Echo Earth's bacon, sausage, eggs - runny, fried taters, and flap jacks with syrup. On the side i'd like some hot salsa and a big glass of milk." The replicator took a moment to materialize his order, and when it did it created three plates full of food, a large class of liquid, bottle of syrup, and a small jar of salsa. Luckily it all came on a tray. Boone took the tray and walked over to the officer with the big breakfast meal. "May I join you?" (reply Ire) "I won't lie, my breakfast is inspired by yours. Where d'you learn to eat like that?" (reply Ire, any) (posted by Calvin Capps) (USS Mystique - Erin's personal quarters - Ensign JG Erin Cortez & Ensign JG Ravok - 1720) Ravok gave Erin her time to recover but couldn't wait any longer .... He made his way to Erin's quarters as quickly as he could. And chimed the door pad. Groaning, Erin sat up on the couch and stretched, "Come in." He entered the room and walked over to the couch where she was relaxing. "How are you feeling ?" Looking At him, she lowered her eyes, "I suppose you want the honest answer to that and not the 'I'm fine' response?" He knelt down on the floor in front of her. " I asked how are you feeling, so tell me how you are feeling ? " "Let's see. I get jumped by 18 year old boys. I get smacked about and then, to top it all off, I cost someone their commission. How do you think I'm feeling?" He nodded his head as he listened to her "Lathuel, I'm not okay. I'm so far from okay. My okay is in the gamma quadrant. I should have beamed out but… I got scared. I couldn't think straight and, because of me, Ire is gonna get thrown out of Starfleet and the whole mission is up in smoke. All because I was an idiot. I feel great." She responded, throwing a smile on her face as a tear rolled down her cheek. He grabbed at the box of tissues sitting next to her on the couch and handed her one. " We get afraid. We are only Ensigns. Even though we have all been handed a great deal of responsibility we are dealing with things seasoned officers have conflict with. We are all trying to find our path. You were not an idiot. You were afraid. No one and I mean no one can blame you for that." Ravok said to her, trying to reassure his friend. Taking the tissue, she looked down, "Now, because of me, Ire's in trouble, I caused a diplomatic incident and…. It brought back some things that I thought I had dealt with." Ravok looked at the floor and sighed. " Erin..'he said without looking at her. " Do you think maybe...you need counselling? Like some kind of help. ?" "Help? What are you saying?" " Look I only asked because I care about you. I love you Erin, I really do. You vent to me as your friend, but I'm not qualified to help you. You hold it together for your job,but you always put you on the burner in the back ...or is it on the back burner? I'm sorry I always mess human phrases up. But seriously you might want to consider professional help. You know better than I do the benefits of councillor and patient dynamics. " She looked down, knowing what he was saying was probably true but not wanting to believe it. He stood up and cracked his neck. " What I'm about to say may anger you or even end our friendship. Before I say anything let me remind you that I am direct and always have been with you. " He said as a disclaimer and took a big nervous breath. " Perhaps right now you aren't fit to be a councillor and need to take some time to work on yourself before you start working on the mess in other people's heads." "How dare you! You think that I can't do my job? Just because I am a little bit upset right now? What gives you the right to say that to me!" She stood and walked away from him, "I thought you were my friend, and yet here you are, not listening or even trying to understand what is wrong! I CAN DO MY GOD DAMN JOB. I CAN HELP PEOPLE!" " Stop running from the truth Erin" he yelled. " That night in the bar when I played the piano and you started losing it and shivering in fear...is that normal? NO it's not! " he declared "you go through what I went through and tell me what's normal? You try and live with nightmares, with constant fear, feeling that you are unsure of yourself, that the one person you wish would love you doesn't know you and…."she started to breathe quickly. "..... doesn't know your past and is probably thinking that….. you are…. An idiot….." she closed her eyes, fighting to keep her breathing under control. " I am not discrediting any of your feelings. What you went through was...it was disgraceful. You are not the only one who lives with nightmares and constant fear. People exist like this all the time, some let it break them ...some learn from it. Like I have. Also, there is no reason for Billy to think your an idiot " "It's….. hard…. I … need my work…. I …" she turned to him, a tear falling down her face, "I… don't know what to do…. He's going to think… he doesn't know…" " Look Ensign Alexander has a job to do. He will learn everything. Soon enough. He's with the admiral who received the report. I'm sure he will come running when he can. " Ravok said. " Don't worry about Ire. He isnt mad at you and doesn't regret saving you from whatever they could of done to you." He said. "That's not what I meant. I… haven't told him about…. Him." Looking to her friend, a thought occurred to her, "Lathuel, you said you had bad dreams, nightmares? How did you deal with them?" Ravok looked at her " My father helped me " "Zahl Makh? Is that what it's called?" " How do you know about that? That's something most outsiders don't know about " he said with caution and curiosity. Smiling softly, "When we became friends I made it my business to learn as much about your culture as I could. " pausing, she looked down, "it's forbidden for outsiders to go through it isn't it?" " No Its not forbidden. It's just...It's just something your mind might not be able to handle. " "I want to try. I need to do something. I… can't keep living like this… like a victim. Please?" He nodded his head in agreement that she did need to try something. " ok look, The Zhal Makh isn't about stopping certain dreams from happening. It's meant to help guide us to the center of who we are. It's a journey to the deepest place within ourselves. First you it's different. " "Known that my whole life." She replied "Well first of all you're human. A Romulan or a Vulcan maybe even a betazoid could do it with no problem. But human minds are and forgive me for this ...human minds are simplistic. I am willing to help you but if we gonna experiment with your mind I need to be sure you will be fine. " "How do we do that?" She asked, wiping her face and, for the first time in a long time, she felt a glimmer of hope. He sat down next to her on the couch. " Well we can use the EMH to monitor your brain patterns. If it looks like your mind is unable to handle it. The Zhal Makh will end right there and then. That's even if this will work in the first place. I was never the guide. My father guided down the path. I know the steps by heart. So I should be able to do this for you. " "Okay." She replied, taking a breath. " Erin please keep this between us. It's rather personal for me to share this with you. There are things that we don't readily share. This being one of them" He pleaded with her Taking his hand in hers, she smiled softly, "you should know by now, that I would never betray that trust. You are my brother. My closest friend. It means the world that you are willing to do this for me. I will not tell anyone. " He squeezed her hand . " You know I have a funny feeling this isn't going to be the last time you ask about some ancient Romulan mind experiment " he said with a laugh. "I need to do something. You were right. I need help, to be stronger. To be the person you all know I should be. You are the only person I trust completely. I know you can help me do this. Tell me how it works." " We need to use a holosuite. You walk along a winding path painted on the floor. Lanterns light the path. Along the path there are certain steps you must accept. The first being Yut Mahk, closing your eyes. Followed by lu shiar , qlam wath,vri glam, and finally rok khan. Each of these must be followed to reach the understanding that you are in control of exploring your mind. As your guide on this journey I will talk you through but you must walk it alone. " Taking a deep breath, she nodded, "Okay. You stay with me, right? You don't leave. " Ravok turned his head to her and smiled. " I will be right there, I won't leave you….but once you reach the fourth step in the Zhal Makh, vri glam you must finish it no matter what. The Zhal Makh can be stopped before that, but never after. Every journey has an end and the Zhal Makh demands it." Thinking for a moment, Erin looked at her friend, "I need to do this but, as I have promised to not breathe a word, will you do the same? You're probably going to hear some… things that you won't like." " Well since I have to spend private time with you in a holosuite I must let Keira know of respect. But I wont tell her why. Come to think of it I am not even sure if she knows of the Zhal Makh. She probably knows more klingon rituals than anything. " he laughed. "Just promise me you won't tell anyone what you hear. I am trusting you more than I have trusted anyone. " Still holding her hand he raised their joined hands slightly." I promise I won't repeat anything you say. Do not hold back " Sighing, Erin squeezed his hands, "okay." ( Reply none) (Posted by Jackie & Davis ) (USS Mystique - Ten Forward – aACEO – Ensign JG Keira Merek – 1720) Keira’s plans had decided to spend some time helping his friend get over something from the surface. She tried not to take it personally, but in the end just felt disappointed. She skipped lunch so tussling around the holodeck wouldn’t make her stomach feel like cement. Now that that was done and over with a quick change out of uniform and into civilian casual clothes and she head to the lounge. “Chicken & Vegetable soup, two slices of bread, strawberry jam and an ale please.” As she ordered her meal she looked around and saw two faces she recognized. ~Ire and Foster, I wonder if they want some company?~ She walked over with her tray, plotting a parabolic course to avoid bumping any tables. They were talking when she approached. "I won't lie, my breakfast is inspired by yours. Where d'you learn to eat like that?" Foster said. “Sorry to interrupt, do you gentlemen mind if I sit here with you?” Keira asked politely. (Reply Ire, Boone) “That does smell good. I just got chicken soup.” She said disappointed the second time that day, “Now I wish I would have had breakfast.” (Reply Ire, Boone) (Posted by Todd) (USS Mystique - Ten Forward – Pilot – Ensign JG – Ire Williams – 1723) "May I join you?" Ire looked up from his food and nodded. “Of course please take a seat.” "I won't lie, my breakfast is inspired by yours. Where d'you learn to eat like that?" He saw about to reply when Keira came over to the table. “Sorry to interrupt, do you gentlemen mind if I sit here with you?” “Please.” He said. (Reply Boone) “That does smell good. I just got chicken soup.” “Now I wish I would have had breakfast.” Ire smiled at them both. “I am on the night shift on CONN since we left mars. So, my morning is your evening which is why I am having breakfast but I got board of having the same breakfast for my morning so I decided to have a different breakfast every day.” He looked at his plate and shrugged. “and today it is a jumbo breakfast. What are you having for dinner?” (Reply Boone, Merek) (Reply Boone, Merek, any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Mystique - Ten Forward - EO Ensign Boone Foster - 1724) After asking his question the Assistant Chief of Engineering approached. “Sorry to interrupt, do you gentlemen mind if I sit here with you?” Keira asked politely. "Not at all ma'am." Boone pushed the chair with his foot Keira was standing at to move it out for her to sit. “Please,” Ire responded. Both of the gentleman's responses were nearly in unison. “That does smell good. I just got chicken soup.” She said disappointed the second time that day, “Now I wish I would have had breakfast.” “I am on the night shift on CONN since we left mars. So, my morning is your evening which is why I am having breakfast but I got board of having the same breakfast for my morning so I decided to have a different breakfast every day." He looked at his plate and shrugged, “And today it is a jumbo breakfast. What are you having for dinner?” "When I walked in I could smell the delicious aroma of bacon and sausage, so I decided to go with breakfast as well. When I was a kid it was always a special treat to eat breakfast as dinner. I thought I'd treat m'self to it. Flapjacks, sausage, bacon, taters, with a big o'glass of milk." Boone forked more of his meal, and shoved it in his mouth. (room for replies, Boone, Merek) Once it seemed the breakfast conversation was over, Boone attempted to switch topics. "It seems eventful things are happening on an hourly basis around here. What's new with you all?" (reply Merek, Ire) (posted by Calvin Capps) (USS Mystique - Ten Forward – aACEO – Ensign JG Keira Merek – 1726) "It seems eventful things are happening on an hourly basis around here. What's new with you all?" “A trip down to the planet, diplomatic meetings on planet and on the Andorian ship, moonlit strolls on the beach.” She then warned, “Trill hooch is a hallucinogen as a warning to you gents.” “Yeah I’ve been busy, but I did want to extend my thanks to you Mr. Foster. You and Ensign Matrix being along allowed us to make good time in this old girl to Trill.” (Reply Boone) She nodded, “Oh and I hear you’ve been busy too, Ire. Care to share?” (Reply Ire) “Don’t be so modest,” she said spreading jam on her bread, “Ire defended our fellow officer who was attacked on the surface.” (Reply Ire) “The way I see it. The young man was lucky, that it wasn’t someone with less restraint. Can you imagine if his violence activated Foxglove? Or if Counsellor Trei fought back and went into a battle rage? Could have tore him limb from limb. I congratulate you on your restraint Mr. Williams. I don’t know if I would have been able to hold back. One of them probably would have been unconscious when I got done.” (Reply Ire, Boone) (Posted by Todd) (USS Mystique - Holodeck- Ensign JG Erin Cortez & Ensign JG Ravok - 1755) Ravok finished programming the parameters of the program. /Program complete enter when ready\ the computer said and Ravok opened the doors . Before them was a recreation of a traditional Zhal Makh chamber. Ravok entered and stepped to the side. Allowing Erin to enter. The path was lit with several lanterns. The rest of the room was dimly lit. Looking at the room, her breath caught in her throat. Something about this place, even though it was a holodeck, seemed magical. " Take off your shoes. Erin. Before you is the path of the Zhal Makh. You will wake this path and hold it symbolic of the path you must walk with yourself. "Ravok said to her repeating the words his father spoke to him many times when he was a child. Doing as he asked, she placed her shoes to one side and looked at the path. Hoping that her eyes did not betray the fear that was in her, she turned to her friend d and said, "what now?" Ravok summoned the back up EMH to access Erin's Vitals " How may I be of assistance?" The EMH. Ravok looked at the EMH " I need you to access the brainwaves and vitals of Ensign Cortes, if for whatever reason anything goes outside of normal parameters I need you to deactivate the simulation we are in." He said " I'm a doctor not a holodeck spectator " The EMH responded. " You're a program that is designed to follow orders...so follow them " Ravok stated. Ravok looked at Erin and pointed to the path. " Yut makh, close your eyes the journey begins ." Standing where he had pointed, she closed her eyes, trying to keep her mind calm. Taking a deep breath, she put her arms down by her side and waited. " In your minds eye recall the dream as much as you can remember , hold on to it and walk" Ravok said. "It's night, I'm alone in the room, " she began taking steps forward, ".. I can hear movement behind me… a presence… a feeling of terror…" she kept walking.. ".... it's… it's…." Her breathing quickened, a sign of the rising panic she was feeling, " .. he's here… in the shadows." Watching her walk the path she approached the next step. " You have reached Lu Shiar, the lifting of the eyes. Look behind you ,look at what you fear...look at him ,look at the room " He said to Erin. Feeling herself shaking, in her mind, she looked at the room, "I.. can see the wall where he…. Hit…. The table…. " In her mind, she turned and looked into a face that haunted her dreams, "Oh God… he's here…. I…. " her breathing quickened. " Why did he hit the wall ? Details...details make the path. What is he doing ?" Ravok asked feeling terrible seeing his friend go through this. " Her vital signs are elevating. She is close to a state of severe panic" The EMH said . Ravok looked at the EMH and said "Good" "He's…. Behind me… I can feel his hand in my hair…. The wall…. " she winced as she felt in her mind, him push her into the wall, "I… I…. He's about to hit me…" Ravok stepped closer to her " Stop it , you are in control that's the key. Stop it" he said looking at her as she panicked "Stop it!" He demanded Seeing his face in her minds eye, Erin could feel the panic rising. Quickly. She froze in place, shaking, trembling and just stared at the man who had caused her pain in the worse way imaginable. Holding her hands up, she began to shake, badly as she fought against the figure in her dreams, "...no…. Please… no… not again….. " Ravok sees her falling apart and runs to her on the path and grabs her shoulders " Snap out of it , Erin...Erin!!" he yelled Feeling the touch, she reacted the only way she could. She swung out with her fist and connected with his face. Opening her eyes, she looked, realised who she had hit and her breathing became ragged, short and sharp. Shaking, she moved away, not able to speak. Ravok rubbed his lip. Green blood was on his finger. He wiped the blood on the black part of his uniform. " Well , I hope you're alright " He said sarcastically Shaking, she backed away further, breathing quick, "Oh God… I… am so….." The EMH stepped to Ravok " You are wounded your adrenaline levels have increased and she had a panic attack. " Ravok glared at the EMH " Wow, you must be the beta version. With your oh so observant diagnoses of the situation...Computer deactivate EMH" Ravok requested as the EMH disappeared. She could hear The exchange But had curled up against a Wall Of The Holodeck. Wrapping her arms around her legs, She Buried Her head in Her Arms and went quiet. Ravok walked over to her and sat on the floor in front of her. " Hey, it's ok. " he said as he looked at her Shaking her head she didn't lift it, "I screwed up…. Hurt you… I couldn't even finish this…. I'm a failure… he was right, still is…." " No no , you've got it all wrong Erin. The Zhal Makh failed because this isn't a real chamber and you are human. On my father's ship we had an authentic chamber. The human mind can only handle so much. But you fought back. You hit me as if I were him. You fought back " he smiled at her and patted her arm. Shaking, she looked at him, tears had run down her face, "I hit you. How can you be okay with that…. Oh God, don't tell Keira…. She'd kill me." He laughed. " You thought I was him, besides Keira would be more upset that I allowed myself to get hit. ...I promise I won't tell anyone. I won't even file a report." "What the hell is wrong with me? I can't shake this. I feel so… weak. I can't fight back. The first punch I throw in my life and it's at my brother." He smiled at her calling him that " Rinam , if it makes you feel any better. It was a good punch. Now that I think of it. The Zhal Makh may have worked." He said to her with enthusiasm. "You're just saying that." " What I mean is. You didn't fail. The Zhal Makh can take us as far as we need to go. You reached the center and fought back. Have you ever fought back ? Were you ever able too ?" Ravok asked. "No, never." " I'm so proud of you. You found your strength. It wasn't deep within you. It's just beneath the surface." Sighing, she wiped her eyes, looked at him, "buried deep under neuroses and insecurities. " " No " he said as he leaned scooted toward her and wrapped his arms around her and hugged her " Stop thinking so little of yourself, Rinam. You are strong. I should know I've been on the receiving end of one your punches now" he said with a chuckle. "Dinam, I'm not strong. I can't even bring myself to tell Billy what happened. I'm hiding behind the fact I know his work is important to him but, deep down, it's because I'm terrified." " Alright " he said as he stood up " Let's get you back to your quarters, what you need is time to reflect and time to relax " She nodded and held out a hand, standing slowly. He grabbed her hand and helped her up. The two of them walked out of the holodeck. ( reply none) ( posted by Jackie & Davis) (Federation Space– Shielded orbital platform- Shadow Man- 1800) Shadow Man as he was called was an a heavily scrambled and secure channel with his employer Mister Green. He took a sip from the mug of piping hot tea with cream and sugar before he answered the question. "The espionage business is going well here. I've been getting leads from a number of fronts and we are working an angle on one now." =^= What of this secret research that an Informer from Roanoke turned you onto?" Shadow Man nodded while chuckling inwardly over his employers husky accent. No hint of it showed on his face though. "They are quite content to leave it in place apparently since it serves their own goals. Our informant wasn't even sure what it was except that the Vulcan carries it on his person. Since we have no one in place yet there's no way to know what it is or its importance." =^= And what are you doing to find out? =^= Shadow Man took another drink then set the china cup down gently upon its saucer. "As I said we are working that angle. There is an operative there we are attempting to turn. If we are successful then it will all be available to us." =^= And if you are unsuccessful?=^= "Then we will liquidate her and find another point of entry." =^= That is not acceptable. =^= Mr. Green snarled. His leather harness jingled as he slammed his fist down on an actual wood table beautifully varnished. =^= I pay you well for your time and I want results!=^= "We all want results." Shadow Man replied smoothly. "Clandestine operations however once revealed are useless. I am taking every precaution to insure that your anonymity as well as ours remains intact. The next step contains an element of risk but it is manageable. Sending down a team for a large scale acquisition of information with a broad net carries unacceptable risk. You pay us because we are the best at what we do and we will do it the right way." Mr. Green wasn't happy but he backed down after a throaty growl. =^= If it's useful to the Federation it's useful to me and I will reward you when you're successful but the longer it takes the smaller the bonus.=^= Shadow Man shrugged. "Large bonuses do a man no good if he's dead or in prison. You will have it when I do, however long it takes." Mr. Green growled then cut the transmission and Shadow Man shrugged and picked up the cup of tea again. His employer had already received several lucrative advantages from their business arrangement and was in no position to shutter the operation over one element that he just *had to have* immediately. As for himself, well if this client got impatient and pulled out there were others who would pay almost as well. Shadow Man was not going to risk his neck or those under him to go *cowboy*. Mr Green would get his information when it was available, not before. (Reply; None) (Posted by Charles G) (USS Mystique - Corridor, Outside Secondary Conference Room - Science Officer Ensign Jaton Alyl - 1802) Jaton stood outside the conference room where President Zon and Admiral Remae were currently meeting. Flanking him were Kazran and Sekal, lending credence to the plan that he and his brother had hatched the night before. It was only a matter of getting the president's ear for a minute to iron out the possible complication of committing reassociation. As he paced back and forth, he heard the meeting wrapping up. ~Showtime,~ he thought to himself. As the president came out, Jaton followed his brother's example in bowing his head at just the right angle befitting his station and his family's standing. "Your Excellency," he began, "if we could have a moment of your time?" (reply Zon, Kazran, Sekal, Remae, any) (posted by Spencer) (Shuttle Menkal – Cockpit - Med – Ensign Gabriel Vesper - 2000) As the shuttle sped through the stars Gabriel sat with his feet on the forward console, his mother had always shown him how to be comfortable around ships, sometimes a little to comfortable; he knew when to push the boundaries. His people skills weren't as attuned to the skill of human interaction, which often lead him to some uncomfortable moments in the academy. Coming from a line of Engineers Gabriel had always wanted something a little different so had ventured into Medical, the same skills as his mother but on living machines. She had always spoken well of Starfleet medical and how it had saved her life; the fine nimble hands that had worked their magic and brought her back from the abyss of death. He knew very little of his father, other than he too had been a doctor but had moved into command, having died a short time after in battle. Gabriel had always tried to find out more, but his mother always refused to talk about him, the pain must had been too much. “Proximity alert” the computer woke him from his wondering mind Running his hands over the console Gabriel saw that he was at the right coordinates and so was his new ship, his new life. Leaning over to the comms he opened a channel “USS Mystique, this is the shuttle Menkal, requesting permission to dock, I have orders to meet with Admiral Ktell.” =/\=Menkal you are cleared for docking, the Admiral is expecting you in his office=/\= “Understood Mystique, Menkal out” Gabe piloted the shuttle to its destination, as the doors opened he walked out the shuttle and allowed the crew to do their job. He took directions to his destination. (USS Mystique – Outside Admirals Office - Med – Ensign Gabriel Vesper - 2130) Gabe pulled his uniform straight, held the PADD tight and pressed the entry button (Reply Ktell) nrpg: going to assume entry here RPG: Taking a deep breath Gabe walked through the now open doors and into the office. Stopping at the edge of the desk came to attention. “Ensign Gabriel Vesper reporting for Duty as ordered Sir.” (Reply Ktell) (Posted by Mat) (USS Mystique- Deck A- Persona quarters-TAC. Ensign jg Ravok Shara-2231) Ravok was emotionally spent from the long day he had. The Ire incident, Erin being hurt, counciler Trei beaming down to the surface, Keira's holodeck adventure , Erin's semi- failed Zhal Makh. He knew he should try to get some rest but he knew he had one more place to go. He stood up from his chair and walked over to a Terminal on his wall. " Computer, display the current location of Ensign Adala Michaels." The display in front of him showed him that Adala was in her quarters and biometric scans confirmed she was still awake. He dismissed the terminal in front of him and grabbed a box he sitting on his counter containing some rocks he had taken from the surface of Trill. Ravok had made it a custom ever since he was a child to take rocks from worlds he had visited. These rocks would bring his total up to 53. He tucked the box under his arm and exited his quarters… (USS Mystique- Deck 4 - Ensign Michaels personal quarters- Science officer Ensign jg Adala Michaels & TAC. Ensign jg Ravok Shara-2242) After the lights went out on the holodeck Adala returned to her quarters determined to find out why the lights had failed. The batteries had been fully charged when she had entered and she wasn’t there long enough for them to run dry. He arrived outside of her door and chimed the door pad, alerting her that someone was there. Adala stood at the chime, the floor around her littered with parts from the flashlights. She'd been at it for hours and checking over everything. Nothing was wrong with them, which had her stumped. "Come" She moved to the door, part of the flashlight in her hand. As the door slid back the part she had in her hand slid to the floor. The doors opened and he stood there leaning with his right shoulder against the door frame holding the small box of rocks with his two hands. He looked at her with a fake serious face " Sorry to bother you so late Ensign Michaels, but I heard you were one of the best geologists on board and I need someone to scan the mineral content of these rocks. " he said trying to hold back his laughter. "Where ... where did you come from?" Seeing Ravok confused her. It was like yesterday they were saying their goodbyes and each going off to their new assignments. She stepped back and stifled a giggle. "Of course I am. What have you brought me?" she asked, in mock seriousness, as she held out her hand to take the box. He smiled and walked in her quarters and gave her a huge hug almost lifting her off the floor in the process. Adala wrapped her arms around him as he hugged her. "I can't believe it." she was shocked at seeing him again, but glad too, their parting had been hard on her, even though they were just friends. "Come in, sit down and tell me all about what's been going on." she wanted to get caught up. " I couldn't believe it either when I saw your name on the crew manifest " he said as he sat down. He sat the box of rocks down on a small table in front of him. " These rocks are from the surface of Trill. I grabbed them yesterday to add to my collection. I brought them here thinking you could analyze them for me like you did all the others I brought you back in the academy. I'm going to guess they have the same mineral content as the rocks from Cardassia Prime, but I'm not the expert ..you are " he said smirking. Adala listened as she picked up the box of rocks and began looking at them. She laughed. "You always did know how to make my day. Just bring me a box of rocks." She ran her hands over the surface of one of the rocks. "Leave them with me and I will let you know." " As for what's been going on , its alot. I have so much to tell you. " he said as he thought about everything he had to tell her, his thoughts stopped on his father. Adala and his father were close. He loved her. Ravok took a deep breath " Well I got to Mars and was assigned my own fighter squadron, we had a mission in the kuiper belt where we had to eliminate enemy targets in response to some recent attacks. I got stabbed when of the enemies beamed aboard, nearly bled to death. but thanks to the help of my fellow officer I made a full recovery. I even got a shiny medal for my sacrifice…"Ravok said to her. She turned to look at him, the fact he was here, that she was here. They were together again still taking time to sink in. As he spoke her eyes took him in and a slight frown crossed her features. "You really have to stop taking chances you know..." Her words trailed off and she took a breath before continuing. "... I need you .." He looked at her. " I had no choice, two of them beamed aboard. They tried to kill me and my flight officer. We had to stand our ground. I've stopped taking chances, I know if I take chances the lives of others will be at risk. I would die for anyone of my fellow officers without question. Those aren't just words either…" He paused for second " There is something else you need to know, The pirates we fought against were also responsible for an attack near Vulcan an attack that claimed the lives of two civilians…my father being one of them " Ravok said with slight tremble in his voice not because it pained him but because Adala would be upset by this news . Adala dropped the rock she was studying and looked at Ravok. "What .. who .." she stammered before burying her head in her hands, her shoulders shaking as she cried silent tears. The man who had been as close or closer to her than her father, was .... gone, murdered. After several minutes she pulled herself together, anger taking the place of her grief. "Tell me who ... what happened? Why .. " She knew she wasn't making total sense but it didn't matter. All that mattered to her now was finding out what happened and why. Her voice carried a deadly tone with it as she spoke. Ravok sighed " I didn't want to upset you but you have the right to know. The who and why has been dealt with. They are gone. My father always spoke highly of you and Erin, both of you shared a special place in his heart. When we return to Mars. I want you and Erin to join me in a ceremony called Lhok Ti " Adala had heard of the Lhok Ti and smiled slightly. "I am honored to be among those who you wish to attend Ravok. Your father was more a father to me than my own at times." " Lhok Ti is a ceremony practiced by some Romulans. When we lose someone we wait several weeks before grieving. We take this time to reflect on the deceased and what their absence in our lives truly means to us. The Lhok Ti is the end of this process. We go before our closest friends and family and confess our true feelings. Allowing ourselves to mourn completely. You , Erin , Keira , Ire , and Trip are my closest friends. " "Thank you for including me." Her voice broke then and she turned her gaze to her hands in her lap, which were clenched, a single tear running down one cheek. "I would like to know more how one honors a father, who they did not know." Her words almost a whisper, givins father and his memory a place very close to her heart. " Thank you for being willing to do that for me." He smiled . " Now tell me. What's new with you 'Ensign' Michaels ? " he asked, putting joyfull emphasis on her rank. She wiped the tear away and bit her lip. "You mean other than trying to stay out of trouble?" She laughed a little. "I can't get in trouble if you're not in the mix." She shook her head. "Same ole, same ole. Working ... They got me doing research in the lab.." She paused and then sighed. "Talk about boring ..." He laughed " Well not to sound like a stalker but, once I found out you were on board I traced your previous movements all the way back to leaving mars. It logs showed that you were either in your quarters or in the labs with 2 daily visits to the mess hall" Adala laughed. "What can I say? I don't have a life do I? I spend most of my time working. Food, when I decide to eat is whatever they slop they serve." She motioned around her quarters. "I don't own a lot." There were piles of rock climbing equipment along one wall. Along another various physical books on various topics. Not to mention the containers of rocks lining a third wall. Other than that her quarters were sparce. He looked around her quarters they were slightly bigger than his. He noticed the flashlights laying around in pieces. " You know now that I think about it , at the academy I never once went inside your quarters. You were always in mine " he laughed " I often wondered if you even had a replicator because you used mine all the time. " Adala shook her head. " You should know me well enough. I don't have a replicator here. Otherwise I would never leave my quarters. I asked them to remove it when I came on board. It's been the same everywhere I have been. I would be too easily tempted to just stay in my quarters and play with the rocks." " Well once we get back to mars I'm gonna have to show you around and I promise to keep you away from the replicators " he said with a laugh. " So is Starfleet everything you hoped it would be ? " Ravok asked Adala laughed. "It's that and more I think Ravok. So much to see and do. ... If they would let me out of the lab." She shrugged. "I don't mind to be honest, just wish I could do something ... out there." she made a motion towards the window of her quarters. He looked out the window. " Yeah, out there is great. Growing up on a starship I got so used to just being out there. Traveling the stars, seeing new worlds" he smiled. " But Mars is the start of something great. Plus there is this really great place called the Red Sands tavern, some of the best food in the sector...I went there on a date " "I grew up on board ships too, don't forget. I just want to be out there working. On a planet somewhere, to feel the ground beneath my feet. I enjoy seeing new places as much as the next guy." She laughed. "You take me to the tavern and plan on getting me drunk, don't you?" " No" he laughed . " Ok maybe a few times, they have Romulan ale and a lot of it. Also I finally recovered from the damage Lauren inflicted on me. Her name is Keira Merek, well Ensign Keira Merek." Adala nodded. "I have seen her around. But I don't know her that well. You'll have to tell me about her." Adala laughed. Ravok nodded his head " She's the head of Engineering. Half human half Romulan. Shes strong, fierce and smart. Yet she's also kind, compassionate and caring. I had a crush on her at the academy and never approached her. Yet when I was laying on Mars in a medical bed , recovering from getting stabbed. She came to visit me while I was asleep. She didn't even know who I was, all she knew is that I nearly lost my life and she was appreciative of me and everyone who risked our lives on our mission to the kuiper belt" he said as he stared into the distance. "She sounds like a keeper Ravok. Don't let her slip through your fingers. Maybe you can formally introduce me to her sometime?" It would do Adala good to get out and meet others on board the ship, others outside her department that is. " I would love for her to meet you. " he replied " She is gonna be so happy with my over abundance of female friends " he said sarcastically. Adala laughed loud at his words. "I am sure she will." Adala shook her head. "I promise to behave.... maybe." She considered the trouble she could cause but kept that to herself. " I'm not 100 percent sure but I am pretty sure she always has a knife on her" he said laughing Adala laughed at Ravok. “Then we’d be evenly matched.” she patted her hip, where a nearly invisible sheath peeked from beneath her tunic. “Why do you think I wear these things?” Her tunics had always been longer than the regulation ones, never by enough to go noticed if you didn’t know. " I'm gonna be honest, it's always been noticeable, well to me atleast .Growing up My step mother insisted that I treat everyone like they have a weapon on them " he said as he stood and walked over to her window. Adala stood and followed him to the window, staring out at the blackness beyond. "YOU would notice, you noticed everything." He crossed his arms and turned his left to look at her. " I had to, you grew up out there. You know how dangerous it is " he took a deep breath. " Most of the people here have lived comfortable lives of luxury. Assuming they are invincible, thinking they can't be touched. " he said as he turned his body to face her . " I'm just happy you're here where we can keep an eye on each other " he said laughing slightly. Adala clasped her hands behind her back as they chatted. "What you mean is you're glad I am here where YOU can keep an eye on me." she paused and smiled slightly. "No ... maybe you're right, where we can keep an eye one each other, AND get each other out of the messes we find ourselves in." He laughed. " Well as much as you been in the lab I don't see you getting into much trouble unless you get crazy with one your holodeck adventures ...your holodeck programs are the stuff of legend " he replied Adala shivered slightly and hoped he didn’t notice. “My holodeck adventures are … different for sure.” The last one had left her almost petrified to go back. “The last one I used didn’t end so well. That’s what all of this.” Waving her hands at the mess on the floor. “Is all about. The flashlights quit working for some reason, and it wasn’t the batteries. This one was different.” He tilted his head in curiosity. " Earlier on the bridge I did detect low level Electron fluctuations on the outer hull of the ship. These are common in Binary star systems. So it wasn't anything that would raise suspicion." "I've never had anything affect the lights before, it wasn't just that. Something was different with the program itself. I almost ... felt ... watched. I know I have input surprises in my programs and even I don't know when they will appear but never have I felt watched before." She paused. "You wouldn't want to come with me sometime to check it out would you?" He nodded his head " Yeah I would, I suggest we run a diagnostic on the holodeck's sensory output functions, sometimes a previously run program bleeds through on a current program. If a diagnostic doesn't reveal anything then I will analyze the code stream of the program itself. " Ravok stated “I would appreciate it Ravok. I don’t understand why things are doing what they are doing and it’s bothering me, especially when I find nothing wrong with anything.” Adala smiled slightly, she couldn’t count the number of times he had helped her with her programs in the past. He shook his head from side to side " What kind of friend would I be if I didn't help you out. I will run a diagnostic in the morning. But now I think I'm gonna get going today has been long " Adala nodded. “I probably should pick up my mess and call it a day myself. Thank you for coming to find me. I really have missed you.” Ravok smiled " Here let me help you , you've cleaned my place up a few times. Even though it was your mess " he laughed. Adala shook her head. “You go, you’re a busy boy. I can get this.” She laughed. “I’ll probably just replicate a couple more flashlights and trash these anyway.” Ravok nodded his head " I'm glad you're here. I will see you tomorrow " he said as he turned to leave. Adala waved her hand " Bye " ( reply none ) ( posted by Kj &Davis )