>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: You Can't Go Home Again Day: 20 Stardate: 2444.06.20 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Mystique - Deck 3, Holodeck 3 - aACSO(R), Ensign (jg) Sekal and Ensign (jg) Adala Michaels - 0803) (USS Mystique- Deck 3, holodeck 3- Ensign (jg) Adala Michaels- 0830) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Mystique- Deck 3, holodeck 3- Ensign (jg) Adala Michaels- 0830) Adala had been watching the village entrance, noting people entering and exiting. There were men heading off to hunt, women leaving to gather firewood or berries from the surrounding forest. But there were some who came, dressed similar as she was and carrying packs on their backs bulging with trade goods. She made special note to how they were greeted and treated as they entered. She stepped back from her hiding spot and circled around until she was on the path again, some ways away from the village and approached from the opposite side, she paused as she rounded the last bend in the path and took her first look at the village and it's entry up close. The guard who stood beside the gate, spear in hand watched her approach with little evident curiosity. He had seen countless tradesman come through and today had been especially busy. His eyes flicked over her quickly and seeing no threat he waved her forward. Adala nodded to the guard at the gate of the village as she slipped through before gazing around the circle of huts and the clearing in the center. The clearing held a larger building with smoke coming from a hole in the center of the roof, apparently it was some sort of communal meeting or eating area. There was a large grinding stone off to one side as well as hides tanning on racks between a couple of open huts. Each hut was open in the front, covered only with a matlike drape which was now pulled away revealing the inner area and the main area on a platform, what appeared to be almost bamboo-like mats covering the floor of each hut. She turned her attention to a group nearby which was made up of several tradesmen and villagers. She soon joined them, her translater working well as she was able to understand the banter and conversations around her. They were currently setting out their wares, those who had been here before had already set out their wares on tables or mats. They were currently discussing the weather and when the cold might break. One of the villagers broke from the group, an older woman and approached Adala. "I haven't seen you here before." Her eyes took in the pack. "I hope you brought a mat for your wares, the tables are all taken". Adala, in the process of pulling a worn shawl from the pack, turned as the woman approached and spoke. "I have this, it'll have to do." she said smiling a little. She shook her head. "You are very young for a trader. Who sent you and where are you from?" "I am helping my mother, she's fallen ill and can't make the trip so I came in her place." she waved a hand in the direction she had arrived. "I come from beyond the river. It's a longer trek than my mother would make but we are in need of the trade." She knelt and began laying out the items that were within the pack. Isandra nodded and watched her unpack. "I am sorry to hear this, I hope she visits us soon." She left only for a moment then returned with a bucket and a mug. ,"Water from the well, it is fresh and sweet. You have had a long walk.Drink as much as you like." Adala took the bucket and the mug and smiled. "I will be sure to let her know of your hospitality. Thank you." she pulled a small pouch from the pack and undid the strings holding it closed. She placed the small pouch on the edge of the shawl. It contained small round balls of dough. "Treats for the children." she said as she settled to the ground beside the shawl. "My mother and I always make them and give them away." She explained as she watched the children playing nearby. The woman soon took her leave to tend to a nearby fire. The day was chill but clear as the villagers came and went exchanging furs, carved stones and Gelar tusks and claws for the merchandise the traders brought. The sounds of haggling carried clearly through the open area as tamed animals that were closely related to canines barked and played in the path with the children who at times left their games to gawk at the merchandise. Adala watched and listened to those around her, answering questions about who she was and where she was from. This was to be expected. The children soon were swarming over to her and accepting the treats she offered. Their parents and others in the village soon joined them. She sipped the water, thankful for it as the day warmed up and her pile of wares grew smaller. As the sun rose higher in the sky she settled back and using her eyes and ears learned what she could about the village. ~I wonder if I can stay the night, learn what it's like here after dark~ The thought grew as she sat. An argument between two villagers eventually erupted over a marble sized Onyx stone that was roughly cut but was broken up by one of the guards who ushered the two men away from Adala's impromptu stall. When the sun was at its highest she pulled rolled cloth from her pack and opened it. It contained a small piece of breadlike cake and a piece of fruit. It along with the water would compose her noontime meal. An elderly man walked up to her as she ate and watched her pointedly for a moment. When she had swallowed and washed it down with a drink of water he spoke. "Welcome to Varnland trader. I have heard good reports of you from my people. I am hetman Hesk and I welcome you to our village." (Reply: None) (Posted by Kathleen D and Charles G) (USS Mystique - Deck 3, Holodeck 3 - aACSO(R), Ensign (jg) Sekal and Ensign (jg) Adala Michaels - 0803) "No Sir. Not at this time." The Vulcan gave a slight nod. "Computer begin simulation." They were in a coniferous forest astride a well used game trail and Sekal was now wearing a loose fitting 'homespun' shirt of an off-white color which was almost tan. His breeches were coarser, heavier and of a darker color. The jacket was of leather with bottons of bone and he had a leather cap atop his head with flaps that were pulled down over his ears. While his facial features might give him away to a native the disguise would work well at a distance. He turned and began walking down the narrow track with long strides. The wind gusting through the trees from their left carried a chill but though the ground was moist from a recent rain there was no sign of snow or ice and his boots began picking up a thin film of ocher mud quickly. At about one hundred yards he took a fork off the main track to the right and they soon reached the edge of the wood. He slowed then and motioned for her to keep low. He bent his six foot, five inch frame as they exited the treeline until they reached an outcropping of tall grass and low shrubs and going to his hands and knees slid through a break, stopping just short of a rocky shelf that looked down over a narrow valley. There was a village below consisting of close to two dozen huts of mud and wattle construction with thatch roofs. They were laid in a rough circle around a larger building of the same construction and all were enclosed by a log palisade with a stout gate. In the valley a large herd of shaggy animals similar to sheep were grazing and being kept by several natives who were similarly dressed. The pasturage was brown and dry. He turned his head to where she had taken up station and kept his voice low. "These natives call themselves Eholians and their technological level is similar to that of Earth circa thirteen hundred. StarFleet just recently discovered this planet and set up a monitoring post not far from where we entered the simulation. The natives are humanoid with features very similar to that of a Terran." He made a gesture toward the village with its protective wall.. "As you can see the natives guard themselves zealously so there is little chance of up- close examination. As you know StarFleet directives prohibit overt contact with such a culture but due to their outward similarities with humans it has been decided to insert an officer for the purpose of gaining more detailed observations of their societal structure and physiology." Adala turned around as the simulation started and took in everything she could see, including Sekals new 'uniform'. She followed him down the path and listened to him as he explained about the village she beheld below. Adala watched those in the clearing in silence. Her thoughts already beginning to form about the people she was sent to observe and contact. He crawled back from the edge then led her back the way they had come until they passed their initial entry location and come to a rock hillside. There he spoke a key phrase and a portion of the rock wall disappeared giving them entry into the monitoring post. The outer vestibule was set up with a sensor control and communications station and living quarters would be accessed through the other doorway. The force field reinstated itself after their arrival. He then turned back toward her. ~ Don't mess this one up Adala ~ she told herself as she shimmied back and followed Sekal as he led her back to where the hidden monitoring post was and inside. "You have of course been chosen to make the initial contact and the introduction of technology into this culture is prohibited. You will be outfitted with an earbud hidden by your hair which has universal translator capabilities in order to facilitate communication. No weaponry beyond a simple knife are allowed and sensor equipment will have to be disguised and well hidden. If you require a cover story one will be provided." He indicated a table with items to choose from. "Now that you have more information on the simulation is there anything you wish to have clarified before you begin? If not you may choose your equipment and initiate the program." "Why has Starfleet chosen to make contact with these people at this time?" She felt there had to be more than just curiosity. Her excitement was growing as she gazed around her and took in the room they stood in. The Vulcan lifted an eyebrow at the question. "This world is in disputed space between the Federation and the Breen. It was deemed expedient they be studied now for possible transplant to a different world within Federation space if it becomes necessary." “I get to play good samaritan and find out, is that it?” She didn’t mean for it to come out as bad as it sounded. She liked these type of missions and enjoyed doing exactly what they were doing now, using the holodeck for such encounters. “I will take only what is needed. No need to take anything or do anything that would arouse their suspicions.” He nodded. "Traders have been seen to make stops at the village," he pointed to a pack on the table overfilled with light trade goods such as cloth and trinkets, "this pack should gain you entry." She picked up the pack and nodded as she looked through the contents. ~This is going to be interesting.~ she thought as she listened to Sekal. “Let me change and get into character.” She turned and picked up a stack of clothes that were by the door. “Is there anything else I should know about these people?” He nodded and motioned toward the door that led farther into the sanctum. "You will find a room to change in there with privacy. I will be monitoring your progress from the annex." As she moved in that direction he spoke again. "Computer open the portal." He then stepped through, his uniform restored as the door closed. Adala turned as he left and entered the other room, returning shortly, now dressed as a native, dagger at her belt, and shouldered the pack and prepared to face the natives, as it were. ~ Come on Adala, you can do this. You've done harder things in the academy ~ With that thought she tapped the pad by the door and stepped through when it opened, the door swishing shut behind her. She looked both ways along the path that curved around the hill where the observation post was. ~ Let’s get the show on the road ~ she thought as she turned to walk down the path towards the village. She'd observe for a while before actually entering the village. As she walked along she took note of the foliage around her, the scientist kicking in even more as she noted plants she'd not seen before and she should probably take note of for future reference. (Reply: None) (Posted by Charles G and Kathleen D) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: You Can't Go Home Again Day: 22 Stardate: 2444.06.22 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (Shuttle Menkal - cockpit - Med - Ensign Wen 0600) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (Shuttle Menkal - cockpit - Med - Ensign Wen 0600) Ohitika finally received orders to her final assignment - USS Mystique - Medical. As she entered the shuttle - Menkal, she stowed her bags and headed for the cockpit. Sitting down in the co-pilots position thinking of what happened during the year she spent at Betazed Mediical Center learning different physiologies. She set the controls on her side before they left the Starport. Ensign Gabriel Vesper was to be the Shuttle pilot on their way to the USS Mystique and she was going to try her small skills at co-piloting. After greeting with each other Ensign Vesper aquired final authorizations to leave the starport and they were on their way. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: You Can't Go Home Again Day: 24 Stardate: 2444.06.24 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (Mystique - Geosciences Lab - Science officer Ensign JG. Stennin- 12:10) (Mystique - Geosciences Lab - Science officer Ensign jg Adala Michaels 12:12) (Trill Surface - Tresh, Foxgloves Quarters – Intelligence officer Ens JG Jaelle Foxglove - 1437) (USS Mystique, Cortez Personal Quarters - Reporter. Elsie Biers & Ensign JG Erin Cortes - 1511) (USS Mystique - Secondary Conference Room - CO - Admiral Remae Ktell - 1710) (USS Mystique - Ten Forward – Pilot – Ensign JG – Ire Williams– 1729) (USS Mystique - Ten Forward – aACEO – Ensign JG Keira Merek – 1732) (USS Mystique -- Ten Forward -- Medical/Counselor Ensign J. G. Quinna Solice --1735) (USS Mystique - Ten Forward - EO Ensign Boone Foster - 1736) (USS Mystique - Ten Forward – Pilot – Ensign (JG) – Ire Williams - 1738) (USS Mystique - Corridor, outside meeting room - President Taylin Zon- 1803) (USS Mystique - Corridor, outside meeting room - aACSO(R)- Ensign Sekal- 1806) (USS Mystique - Meeting room - Science Officer Ensign Jaton Alyl - 1807) (USS Mystique – Sickbay – Medical Officer – Ensign JG Kyros Ryelle MD– 1900) (USS Mystique – Sickbay – Medical Officer – aACMO Ens(jg) Ailynn Bracken – 1901) (USS Mystique – Sickbay – Medical Officer – Ens(jg) Kryos Ryelle, MD– 1903) (Kir Kumari - Ready Room - Kumari Captain- Kera Sheia- 1930) (Trill - Senate Building- President Taylin Zon & Ambassador Addison Maccaullay - 2011) (USS Mystique - Erin's Quarters - Ensign JG Erin Cortez & Ensign JG William Alexander Jr – 2102) (USS Mystique - Ready Room - CO - Admiral Remae Ktell - 2135) (USS Mystique - Ready Room - MED – Ensign Gabriel Vesper - 2137) (USS Mystique - outside Ready Room - Med - ensign Wen - 2138) (USS Mystique - Ready Room - CO - Admiral Remae Ktell - 2145) (USS Mystique - Billy's Quarters - Ensign JG Erin Cortez & Ensign JG William Alexander Jr – 2146) (USS Mystique - Ready Room - Med - Ensign Ohitika Wen- 2150) (USS Mystique - Sickbay - MED – Ensign Gabriel Vesper - 2150) (USS Mystique - Ready Room - CO - Admiral Remae Ktell - 2200) (USS Mystique -Sickbay - Dr. Kryos Ryelle - 2203) (USS Mystique - Sickbay- Med - Dr Kyros Ryelle - 22:07) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (Mystique - Geosciences Lab - Science officer Ensign JG. Stennin- 12:10) Stennin nodded softly as the lab technician took a piece of the Diorite rock from the chamber. He looked as Adala approached him, and he pushed some buttons on his tricorder. "I have gathered some simple tools to determine the Curie temperature of our sample, ensign. If my indications are correct, we can determine the ferromagnetic properties of this material." (Reply Adala) "That is correct, ensign. The experiment is a rather simple one: we will observe the magnetic forces of the sample in a small vial. I will place a magnetic field below the vial, with a small ion flame between them. The ion flame will heat up the vial with the Diorite, causing it to loose its magnetic properties above a certain temperature. This is the Curie temperature. By using this tricorder, we can carefully measure the temperature of the sample during this process, using simple infrared scanning." (Reply Adala) Stennin nodded fervently at the notions of the ensign. "I have gathered some information on the physical properties of known Diorite composites. It would be highly illogical if this sample would express some erratic behaviour. To answer your query, the heat of the ion flame should be insufficient to melt the Diorite sample, if the other research is correct." (Reply Adala) "That is agreeable, ensign." Stennin watched closely as the lab technician placed a small sample of the Diorite rock in the vial. Stennin nodded, and took it carefully. He placed the vial in the clamp he had gathered, which hung next to a small plate. The vial could be moved, as the clamp was flexible. He carefully activated the ion flame, which burned bright blue. He adjusted the flame exhaust, so that there was a small beam visible. He looked at Adala, and nodded. He then activated the plate with a few taps. He tapped the settings a few more times until the magnetic field was right. With a slow descent, the vial travelled down. Stennin rose his brows and nodded. (Reply Adala) "That would be logical, ensign. The sample is being attracted by the magnetic field of the plate." Stennin stopped, however, as the vial approached the ion flame. The vial itself was of a sturdy transparent ceramics make, so it would withstand the heat. And if his calculations were correct, the Curie temperature would be sufficiently lower than the melting point. He watched closely as the vial entered the flame, and within a few moments, the vial turned red. As it heated, the Diorite blackened a little. Stennin took his tricorder in hand, and watched closely for the Curie point. After a few moments, the vial retracted. Stennin rose his brows and nodded softly. "Fascinating." Stennin watched for a few more moments as the vial cooled down, and it moved back towards the magnetic plate. It heated up again, and the vial retracted. The process repeated itself a few more times, as Stennin pinpointed the exact temperature. (Reply Adala) Stennin nodded. He tapped the console another time, and the experiment was turned off. "It would be logical to assume our premise was correct. The Diorite sample has ferromagnetic properties, as is evident from the Curie point. However, it would require more research to determine the exact composition of the rock. It would be logical to continue your research, ensign. Are you in need of my assistance?" (Reply Adala) Stennin nodded, and took the tricorder in hand. "That is agreeable, ensign. I shall research this data and anything that you have so far. Physical properties, chemical structure. It is only logical that I report any findings to you as I find them." (Reply Adala) Stennin rose a brow. The way humans addressed one another was certainly peculiar, but fascinating as well. "Your appreciation is most welcome, ensign. But I must inform you that it would be illogical for any Vulcan to incline their scientific progress solely in the appreciation of their fellow scientists. It is our duty to further the knowledge of the Galactic community as a whole." (Reply Adala) Stennin nodded, and rose up the tricorder. "I shall investigate our findings right away. You can find me in my office. It is located near the Chemistry Labs." He nodded again, and took his tricorder. He then exited the lab, leaving Adala to her research. (Mystique - Stennin's Office - Science officer Ensign JG. Stennin- 12:35) Stennin sat down at his desk, as he investigated the data from the tricorder. With a few taps, he put the data in his LCARS terminal. He searched for a moment, and found the data that Adala had collected so far. With a few more taps, he opened the file and transferred the data to the report. He nodded for a moment, and then began reading all the data. (Reply Adala) (Written by Yoerik van Heugten) (Mystique - Geosciences Lab - Science officer Ensign jg Adala Michaels 12:12) Adala approached him, and he pushed some buttons on his tricorder. "I have gathered some simple tools to determine the Curie temperature of our sample, ensign. If my indications are correct, we can determine the ferromagnetic properties of this material." " This results should be rather straight forward" "That is correct, ensign. The experiment is a rather simple one: we will observe the magnetic forces of the sample in a small vial. I will place a magnetic field below the vial, with a small ion flame between them. The ion flame will heat up the vial with the Diorite, causing it to loose its magnetic properties above a certain temperature. This is the Curie temperature. By using this tricorder, we can carefully measure the temperature of the sample during this process, using simple infrared scanning." " I'm going to alter the bandwidth of the scans. If anything unexpected happens that may corrupt the results" Stennin nodded fervently at the notions of the ensign. "I have gathered some information on the physical properties of known Diorite composites. It would be highly illogical if this sample would express some erratic behaviour. To answer your query, the heat of the ion flame should be insufficient to melt the Diorite sample, if the other research is correct." She nodded her head at his remarks " After these observations. I'm going to cross reference the research." "That is agreeable, ensign." the lab technician placed a small sample of the Diorite rock in the vial. Stennin took the sample He placed the vial in the clamp The vial could be moved. Stennin activated the ion flame,it burned bright blue. He made adjustments so that there was a small beam visible. He looked at her, and nodded. He then activated the plate He tapped the settings a few more times until the magnetic field was right. With a slow descent, the vial travelled down. Stennin rose his brows and nodded. " Nice and easy" she remarked to him. As Stennin made micro adjustments "That would be logical, ensign. The sample is being attracted by the magnetic field of the plate." Stennin stopped, however, as the vial approached the ion flame. After a few moments, the vial retracted. Stennin rose his brows and nodded softly. "Fascinating." Stennin watched for a few more moments as the vial cooled down, and it moved back towards the magnetic plate. It heated up again, and the vial retracted. The process repeated itself a few more times, as Stennin pinpointed the exact temperature. Adala smiled softly and looked at Stennin out the side of her eye. " That's it. The research was well grounded ." Stennin nodded. He tapped the console another time, and the experiment was turned off. "It would be logical to assume our premise was correct. The Diorite sample has ferromagnetic properties, as is evident from the Curie point. However, it would require more research to determine the exact composition of the rock. It would be logical to continue your research, ensign. Are you in need of my assistance?" " Anything else I need I will be sure to contact you. You have been most helpful. I really want to analyze the chemical structures " Stennin nodded, and took the tricorder. "That is agreeable, ensign. I shall research this data and anything that you have so far. Physical properties, chemical structure. It is only logical that I report any findings to you as I find them." Adala looked at him and smiled " Thank you, that means a lot to me. That you would care so much about my research to just offer to help." "Your appreciation is most welcome, ensign. But I must inform you that it would be illogical for any Vulcan to incline their scientific progress solely in the appreciation of their fellow scientists. It is our duty to further the knowledge of the Galactic community as a whole." " Still...thank you " she said as she touched his arm in a friendly gesture. ."I shall investigate our findings right away. You can find me in my office. It is located near the Chemistry Labs." He said as he took his leave Adala watched him leave in silence before turning back to her work. (Reply none) (Posted by Kathleen Deal ) (Trill Surface - Tresh, Foxgloves Quarters – Intelligence officer Ens JG Jaelle Foxglove - 1437) Jaelle was still in her quarters trying to get a handle on what she was looking at. Now having a starting point on one of the people who were working behind the scenes were a start. When her alarms went off. In the wilderness of Trill there was a charge of a small antimatter detonation. It was in a region that was not densely populated and the resulting explosion would not effect any towns or people. So what was out there that could cause that kind of event. =/\=Ensign Foxglove this is Faust.=/\= "Go ahead." She answered thankful for the call. Also it answered some of what caused the explosion in the woods. =/\=I have been detained by people unknown, but they were secretive and powerful. I am burned and your cover is most definitely blown. I will update you when we see each other.=/\= "I thought as much," Jaelle sighed. "At least you managed to get out of there. Fall back to the Mystique and we will go from there after we brief the Adrmial." (Reply Faust.) (Posted by Matthew Locke) (USS Mystique, Cortez Personal Quarters - Reporter. Elsie Biers & Ensign JG Erin Cortes - 1511) Opening the door, Erin nodded an hello and glanced at the small floating ball at her shoulder. Looking back at Elsie, she fixed her with a gaze that told her no. "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. Sitting back at the table, Erin took a deep breath, “I owe you an apology.” “So you’ve said,” Elsie replied as she sat opposite the Ensign, “But don’t worry about it, I’ve had far worse thrown at me in the past.” she allowed a slight smile to peek out as she began looking around the room they were in, looking for an indication on Erin’s personality. “I heard what you did, for Ire and I. You saved his bacon so to speak. “ “Oh,” Elsie said, she expected this was what had turned Erin around on speaking to her, a side-effect of turning the footage over she had hoped for but not expected would happen. “That’s nothing, simply doing my duty on that one. If it hadn’t have happened so fast, I would have come over and helped you out. Ensign Williams beat me to the punch… so to speak.” she half-joked. There was a silence in the room for a long second as neither of them said anything. Elsie was as comfortable with silence as she was speaking, but the longer it went on she felt the need to say… something. Erin broke the silence first, “Look, I am sorry for the way I reacted. You can understand that seeing him…. It was a shock.” Elsie dropped the Reporter pretense and nodded calmly, “I understand and though I can’t relate, I do feel if you’d given us a few minutes more you may have understood the purpose for me showing you the footage. I promise, it wasn’t the gotcha moment you perhaps think it was, in no way would I allow such a vicious person airtime I’m in charge of without a good reason..” Dropping her head, Erin closed her eyes, “I am also very sorry for throwing the water over you. I reacted badly and for that, I hope you accept my apology.” “Forget about it,” Elsie waved her hand again, “Seriously, the water was the least of my concerns when you charged out. I thought you were going to injure the first person you bumped into in the hallway!” she laughed a little. Looking up at her, Erin sighed as if a weight had been lifted from her. “I also have a small favour to ask.” “Sure,” Elsie nodded as if to allow her to continue. “You said that there was more footage, an ending that I didn’t stick around to see.” “The most exciting part! And the reason I think you don’t need to concern yourself with the scumbag for another year or so… at the very least.” Elsie said as she sat straighter in the chair. “I would like to see it. On my own. No cameras, nothing.” She pursed her lips before responding, “That’s… yes, that’s certainly your right I suppose. I’d like you to consider coming in and speaking to the camera, just for a short few minutes after you’ve seen it. Nothing incendiary, just your thoughts and feelings after seeing it. Of course, if you still don’t want to, then that’s fine.” “I will consider talking with you again.” Erin said. “Good.” she could feel that Erin’s mood had lightened somewhat, whether that was because they were coming towards the end of their discussion, she’d gotten what she’d wanted or she’d apologised for the water incident she couldn’t tell. Elsie pulled out the padd and began isolating the video file needed and with a third wave of her hand sent it across to the rooms terminal. “I’ll leave you to watch it. Enjoy.” Nodding softly, Erin stood, “Thank you, I appreciate that.” Smiling Elsie stood up and marched out of the room without a second glance backwards. She understood it may take time for Erin to get around to actually watching the footage and they had time… by all accounts things weren’t going too well on Trill and they still had the voyage back to Mars which would take days. As she rounded the corner, she turned the video recording function back on and said, “Back-up audio recording to the central editing server as a priority.” The drone beeped it’s confirmation. (Reply none needed, any) (Posted by Jackie Smith & Jono Bradley) (USS Mystique - Secondary Conference Room - CO - Admiral Remae Ktell - 1710) Trill had, quickly, taken up the offer of the Admiral and this pleased the Bajoran. It wasn't what he wanted but given the situation, it was a benefit to all and he was happy to see his attempts seem to be on the same page as the President. Even though Remae felt sorry for him on a personal level. Alarmingly, Ambassador Lara jumped to his feet and pronounced that trade relations would commence with Trill and the Admiral relaxed. It seemed not all Andorians were as controlled as their Kar. ". May the future of this new Andorian, Trill and Federation alliance be a bright one.", he concluded. Remae was shocked for a moment, it was all too easy. Andoria would provide protection of their interests and of the new starbase while at the same time, recommend improved relations with the Federation. The combined treaty of three would bring closer Trill, Andoria and the Federation and the Bajoran imagined that, for the future, a never-ending series of formal events, toast, signing, and other diplomacy would ensue for him. Ambassador MacCaullay took her leave, without saying a word, she departed, and he wasn't stupid enough to not understand she wasn't happy and that alone proved that the choice to hold back Trill, was the correct one. If such a person, in a high ranking position was displeased, there was an entire cohort off Trill wanting and not wanting membership that would have to come together. The President had tough times ahead, his divided people would have to come together in order to construct something has large as a starbase, even a small one. The Admiral had just the aACEO for the job but in the meantime, Remae had the feeling, he was going to bump into this Ambassador in the future. As the doors closed, he looked around the remaining assembled people, Andorians, Trill and members of the Federation, raised a glass that had appeared to each person and made a toast. "To the future.", he said downing the glass in one go, at least, this part of the job was done. (USS Mystique - Secondary Conference Room - CO - Admiral Remae Ktell - 1805) "Your Excellency, if we could have a moment of your time?", said Ensign Alyl who wasn't alone, and he noted the presence of Ensign Sekal and Jaton's brother. As they bowed, Remae noted an office across the way, "Why don't we make use of this office?", he said and opened the door to an unused office on the other side of the corridor. (Reply from Alyl, Zon, Kazran, Sekal, Any) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (USS Mystique - Ten Forward – Pilot – Ensign JG – Ire Williams– 1729) “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) Ire nodded in agreement. Mystique was an old ship, but she was a tough one with a proud history and it was good to have her sailing the stars again. “Oh and I hear you’ve been busy too, Ire. Care to share?” Ire grimaced as Merek spoke to him and took another mouth full of breakfast before he spoke. “Ow nothing too interesting spent. Time on the surface seeing the sighs and getting to know the locals. As well as trying not to get into any problem.” “Don’t be so modest,” she said spreading jam on her bread, “Ire defended our fellow officer who was attacked on the surface.” Ire paused and gave a sigh. So this was something else he would now have to add to his list of activated that people would gossip about. “I just happened to be there at the right moment and persuaded them leave use alone.” “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.” Ire took the compliment but shook his head. “We are here as guests and visitors. We are supposed to show the people of Trill why they should come back to the Federation and not beat their citizens. In retrospect there were other options that I should have taken but all I wanted to do was to get the two of use out of the situation but he attacked me so I defended myself by incapacitated him as quickly as I could.” (Reply Bonne, Merek) (Reply Bonne, Merek, any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Mystique - Ten Forward – aACEO – Ensign JG Keira Merek – 1732) “We are here as guests and visitors. We are supposed to show the people of Trill why they should come back to the Federation and not beat their citizens. In retrospect there were other options that I should have taken but all I wanted to do was to get the two of use out of the situation but he attacked me so I defended myself by incapacitated him as quickly as I could.” “Very well put Ire. If any legal proceedings happen and you need a character witness, feel free to call on me. I would speak on your behalf.” She said in all seriousness. She took a bite of her jam covered bread when she finished. (Reply Ire) She swallowed and covered her mouth to avoid spitting food on him. “Boone, can I call you that?” she asked. This was maybe the second time she had spoken to him and wanted to be sure of what his boundaries were socially. (Reply Foster) “When we first spoke you had said your home world was called “Echo Earth”, there’s not a lot written in the Star Fleet data base and I was wondering if you could elaborate a little more.” (Reply Foster, Ire) (Posted by Todd) (USS Mystique -- Ten Forward -- Medical/Counselor Ensign J. G. Quinna Solice --1735) Quinna made her way to ten-forward. As a medical officer, she knows that she needed to eat, but her heart was not into it. She walked to the replicator and ordered Beef Broth. She could drink her nutrition. She turned to see a group sitting at a table. She knew Ire Williams and Keira Merek, but did not know the third at the table. She wondered if she should join. She tended to be reserved as she did not want to interrupt where she was not asked. Though Quinna did not feel hungry, she did feel brave. Quinna approached the table, she smiled, “Hi,” Quinna turned to Foster, “I am Quinna Solice.” She introduced herself. She then focused her attention to the whole group, “ May I join you?” Quinna pointed to the empty 4th chair. (Replies Williams, Merek, Foster) (Played by Kris) (USS Mystique - Ten Forward - EO Ensign Boone Foster - 1736) Boone's immediate supervisor thanked him and another officer for their help. Boone slightly tilted his head down a few times thanking Keira for her appreciation. Ire and Keira then talked about his rendezvous with Trill citizens and heroic actions. Ensign Merek swallowed and covered her mouth to avoid spitting food on Boone. “Boone, can I call you that?” she asked. This was maybe the second time she had spoken to him and wanted to be sure of what his boundaries were socially. Boone laughed, "Well, that's my name, so o'course. “When we first spoke you had said your home world was called “Echo Earth”, there’s not a lot written in the Star Fleet data base and I was wondering if you could elaborate a little more.” "I'll try not to bore you too much." Boone took a big gulp of his milk to help the thick syrup down. "Basically, Echo Earth knows about advanced technology, but tradition prevents us from using it. There is technology on Echo Earth that is only used by members of a special group on the planet. I was one such member. Others, non-technology use people, don't use any advanced technology on a day to day basis. People travel on animals, cook over a fire, grow their food, and build their own buildings and so on." Quinna approached the table, she smiled, “Hi,” Quinna turned to Foster, “I am Quinna Solice.” She introduced herself. She then focused her attention to the whole group, “ May I join you?” Quinna pointed to the empty 4th chair. "By all means." Boone waved toward the 4th chair. "I'm Boone Foster." Boone then looked back at Keira and Ire. "If you ever get a chance to visit Echo Earth you can, but it's expected no technology be brought to the surface, and you wear appropriate attire. Even when I go back, I'm not allowed to wear my uniform." (reply Ire, Merek, Solice) (posted by Calvin Capps) (USS Mystique - Ten Forward – Pilot – Ensign (JG) – Ire Williams - 1738) “Very well put Ire. If any legal proceedings happen and you need a character witness, feel free to call on me. I would speak on your behalf.” Ire nodded to Merek and nodded. “Thanks that is appreciated.” Merek turned to look at Boone. “Boone, can I call you that?” He saw Boone laughed, "Well, that's my name, so o'course.” “When we first spoke you had said your home world was called “Echo Earth”, there’s not a lot written in the Star Fleet data base and I was wondering if you could elaborate a little more.” "I'll try not to bore you too much." Boone took a big gulp of his milk to help the thick syrup down. "Basically, Echo Earth knows about advanced technology, but tradition prevents us from using it. There is technology on Echo Earth that is only used by members of a special group on the planet. I was one such member. Others, non-technology use people, don't use any advanced technology on a day to day basis. People travel on animals, cook over a fire, grow their food, and build their own buildings and so on." Ire looked up and saw Quinna approaching “Hi,” He saw Quinna turned to Foster, “I am Quinna Solice.” as she introduced herself. “May I join you?” Ire nodded as Quinna took the last chair. "By all means." "I'm Boone Foster." "If you ever get a chance to visit Echo Earth you can, but it's expected no technology be brought to the surface, and you wear appropriate attire. Even when I go back, I'm not allowed to wear my uniform." Ire nodded. “It must be nice in a way to go back to basics and not be reliant lots of technology.” (reply Foster, Merek, Solice) (posted by Robbie) (USS Mystique - Corridor, outside meeting room - President Taylin Zon- 1803) After the meeting Taylin stood and walked out out of side door of the meeting room. He was unexpectedly greeted by an officer, a Trill officer. The one he had seen the day before in the Senate building . The officer bowed his head and asked for a moment of his time. Taylin calmed his emotions " Certainly " he replied as he gestured his hand back towards the meeting room he had just left. ( reply Jaton) Taylin walked in and stood with his hands folded behind his back " How can I help you Jaton ?" ( reply Jaton) " Of course I know who you are. If my memory serves me right both your parents were members of the Diplomatic Corps , one of four brothers , and Symbiosis Commission 2405?" ( reply Jaton) " My previous host knew your father very well. " Taylin responded . ( reply Jaton) ( posted by Davis) (USS Mystique - Corridor, outside meeting room - aACSO(R)- Ensign Sekal- 1806) The meeting had been unexpectedly brief and Jaton Alyl had been eager to meet with the President of Trill. As the Trill Science Officer asked for an audience with the Admiral and the President of his home planet the Vulcan watched the Andorian delegation file out. Their behavior was puzzling. The Andorian Ambassador had a satisfied expression on his face while the female Captain of the ship looked puzzled. The other two Andorians went by too quickly for Sekal to take much notice of their behavior. He quirked an eyebrow and followed the others into the meeting room then stood back to observe. Ensign Alyl had some ideas which he wished to voice to them and had asked the Vulcan to stand in to offer ideas or support which he would do if he found them logical. He had already expressed his support of much of it but conditions could change depending on how they were received. The Trill science officer now being the center of attention was being bombarded by questions from President Zon. " Of course I know who you are. If my memory serves me right both your parents were members of the Diplomatic Corps , one of four brothers , and Symbiosis Commission 2405?" ( reply Jaton) " My previous host knew your father very well. " Taylin appeared to know Jaton very well. Sekal cupped his hands behind his back in the "at ease position and watched patiently. (Reply: Any present) (Posted by Charles G) (USS Mystique - Meeting room - Science Officer Ensign Jaton Alyl - 1807) "Your Excellency, if we could have a moment of your time?" President Zon replied to Jaton calmly. "Certainly." He seemed a very good leader, and from what Jaton had seen of him he had taken a liking to him. If the Trill chose their presidents via a popular vote, Jaton would certainly vote for him for another term. Jaton smiled and bowed his head again as Admiral Remae directed the group back into the conference room. Zon didn't sit. This would be an informal meeting. Rather he stood with his hands folded behind his back. Jaton did the same. " How can I help you Jaton ?" "You have me at a disadvantage, your Excellency. How do you know who I am?" " Of course I know who you are. If my memory serves me right both your parents were members of the Diplomatic Corps , one of four brothers , and Symbiosis Commission 2405?" "That's true. How did you know?" " My previous host knew your father very well. " Taylin responded . It was then that the name clicked in his head. Zon. Joress Zon was an old family friend that Jaton had known since childhood. He smiled at the realisation. "Well it's certainly good to see you again." With that little social nicety out of the way. "But I'm not here to catch up. I wanted to talk to you about the virus." (reply Zon) "As it turns out, your current science minister is my eldest brother, Kazran. We've been working all day to create a proposal for you on a hypothesis we have. We've also filled in Sekal on it, which is why he's here as well." (reply Zon) "The fact of the matter, through a series of events that we're still unsure of, I have been offworld for over 25 years. As has Alyl. We believe that the DNA a symbiont that has been offworld for so long could contain the key to curing the virus. Either via providing gene therapy of some kind or as for pinpointing the genetic target." (reply Zon) "This is also a unique situation as you may know already. If you check the records of the Symbiosis Commission, you'll know that Jaton is not the only current host for Alyl." (reply Zon, Sekal, Kazran, Remae, any) (posted by Spencer) (USS Mystique – Sickbay – Medical Officer – Ensign JG Kyros Ryelle MD– 1900) The moment had come, the moment where it was time to wake Dr. Bracken up. Everything had gone well and it was time to wake the good doctor up so that she could begin resting at home. It was Dr. Methor who had discovered the issues lodged in Dr. Bracken's intestine. Something that Dr. Bracken had eaten had caused an intense reaction. Similar to those struggling with coeliac's disease, it seemed that Dr. Bracken had an intense allergy to certain Trill grains. They were able to remove the invasive grain from her intestine then using the biofilters from the transporters to help eliminate some of the t-cells and antibodies, they were able to remove the allergen from her system. However there was still the damage done to the Medulla oblangata. A boost of Stem cells from Miss Jones, who unknowingly to both of the young women was Dr. Bracken's aunt, would help jump start the recovery process. All of this had been done over the course of the night and had been finished at 0700. However they had left Dr. Bracken in the ICU for 12 hours to monitor her vitals, make sure the swelling had gone down and damage repaired and to make sure that they had in fact eliminated the invasive allergen in her system. Satisfied, Ryelle moved over to the bio bed, and with a simple injection from a Hypospray waited patiently for Dr. Bracken to open her eyes. "Thank the prophets, Dr. Bracken you gave us quite the scare." (Reply Bracken) "Don't struggle too much, you've been under for quite some time, take it easy, everything is going to be ok." (reply Bracken) "Now then what is the last thing you remember?" (Reply Bracken) (reply Bracken) (posted by Will) (USS Mystique – Sickbay – Medical Officer – aACMO Ens(jg) Ailynn Bracken – 1901) Light... Insufferable…blinding… Light. “Mmmff…dmt…brt...” "Thank the prophets, Dr. Bracken you gave us quite the scare." Her mind wanted her above surface, her brain desperately craved stimulation in the same way as a humpback whale would desire oxygen. It would die without it. Her brain rebelled, and in the game of brain versus body, brain…always…won. She fought, her immeasurable intelligence, every fibre of her will, and hundreds of thousands of years of evolution focused itself on one…single….consideration...one that her forebears had become rather good at... ~survive~ Her body was supplying information from every sensory neuron in her body, firing all at once, her brain, still desperate for more information, unready as her body was, forced, neurochemically to a sitting position. ~Information…so much now…a face swam into…Academy…Mars…No… ~ "Don't struggle too much, you've been under for quite some time, take it easy, everything is going to be ok." She turned her head round to Ryelle. “You see…you say that! But the First Fifteen are still short a decent hooker.” She found herself saying, still coming out of the anaesthetic. "Now then what is the last thing you remember?" She peered forward. “I feel terrible.” She slowly shifted as she sat on the bed. “Why do these things have no backs? Does that not disturb anyone? Never trust anyone…” (Reply Ryelle, only IYW) Her higher order thinking was slowly coming back online. She held up a finger. “Not so fast. Water.” (Reply Ryelle) Sipping at the drink, she spoke gently. “I was at the beach, felt bad, needed to leave. Recognised symptoms. Trusted Trip.” She sipped at the water once more. “You got the message?” (reply Ryelle) (posted by Mark) (USS Mystique – Sickbay – Medical Officer – Ens(jg) Kryos Ryelle, MD– 1903) Ryelle looked at his boss and smiled. He still needed to tell her the news about her family lineage, but that could wait, days if he needed. His first priority was his patient, who was also his boss, which was odd, but medical emergencies don't discriminate. "Yes, Ensign Williams, err Trip as you call him acted splendidly and made sure to get you here with time. When he hasn't been on duty he has been here checking in on you. Though, I think I told him about 3o minutes ago he needed to go to bed. The poor idiot, was here during the procedure with his sister, before going and pulling a 12 hour shift on the bridge." (reply Bracken) "As for the sister, well I can't be certain, but I'm not sure she ever left. She may even be in the waiting room right now, not certain. I've been in the on call room in the back, napping periodically throughout the day. The other doctors and I have taken turns monitoring sick bay and monitoring your vitals." (reply Bracken) "Now then, on to the technical aspects. You have a severe food allergy to Trill grains. So, next time you are on Trill, you might consider a diet of fruit, vegetables, meats, and no grains. It was rather severe. Caused inflammation throughout the body, and damage to your medulla oblangata, just as you suspected. Your stem cells were damaged, and any replicated ones ran the risk of incurring the same damage to the system, even after flushing the grains out. You needed a transplant to repair the damage and repair your own cells. We found a donor, and were able to get everything back to normal. It is safe to say you will make a full recovery. All thanks to your old classmate and fellow bajoran, human chimera, Ashlyn Jones." (reply Bracken) "Now then, you are free to go visit with your friends, get something to eat, but we'd like to keep you in sickbay overnight for observation. Also, please avoid all grains for the next two weeks as a precautionary measure, give the body time to heal. Now then, go tell the worry worts you still live." (reply Bracken) (reply Bracken) (posted by Will) (Kir Kumari - Ready Room - Kumari Captain- Kera Sheia- 1930) Ambassador Sei Lara walked in and sat down as Kera Sheia poured two glasses of the Andorian Ale she kept on the sideboard. He sipped from his glass after it was set before him and nodded his approval. "You do keep the best on hand." He watched her as she remained standing while taking a drink. "Something is on your mind." Her eyes sparked as she deposited her glass on the table and crossed her arms. Her look was decidedly not friendly. "You as much as declared me a Federation shill after the meeting here then was quick to offer everything they could have wanted while on the Mystique. You shocked everyone there including myself and the Admiral." Her eyes were piercing. "What game are you playing Sei?" He waved his hand in negation. "Diplomacy is no game Kera Sheia, it's an art unto itself." "Then perhaps you will deign to tell me its intricacies." She placed her hands palms down on the table and glared at him as she leaned forward. "And please spare me the platitudes." He grinned despite the look she was giving him. "All right since you asked nicely..." "Sei..." she growled. He took another quick sip then began. "This was the chance we'd been waiting for the last two weeks, to present Andorian interests before the highest authority on the planet and there was every chance I wouldn't get another opportunity. I had to make the most of it." "To get his attention you mean." "Exactly!" His antenna began moving excitedly as the story unfolded. "After his oratory was the best time for that, to match his speech with one equally as stirring. To do less would have squandered the opportunity." He watched her sit down and she shook her head. "You are talking theater." He laughed. "Of course I am! Diplomacy isn't all about nitpicking the details, there is a lot of theater involved. Knowing when to storm out or making an impassioned speech is all a part of that. There is a time for everything and an Ambassador has to know when to take advantage of an opening. The Admiral knows more than a little about the subject which was why he got us all together in that cramped little meeting room then proceeded to give the President first the stick and then the carrot in the human vernacular." "And we...." "Oh yes he had plans for us." He tipped his glass and took a bracing drink then set it on the table and looked her in the eyes soberly. "To balk at his requests would have spoiled the atmosphere." "So you gave them?" She let the question hang in the air. "Everything that the government authorized me beforehand to offer. Trade and protection." She took a reflective sip of her own ale. "I'm willing to wager the Federation did not come up in their instructions." She met his eyes. "Not that I'm against it mind you, far from it. In fact I approve but this may very well get you into trouble don't you think?" He shook his head. "There are many benefits. The Federation still holds upwards of one hundred twenty worlds under its banner and a resumption of diplomatic relations gives Andoria access to them. Trade deals will arise from it, enough that we will be able to finish the rebuilding that has been in process for the last two decades." Her eyes and expression had softened. "You all but promised them an Andorian return." Her look grew wistful. "I'm sorry to point out the obvious...," he shook his head, "... I made it clear I would not make that recommendation. That is a political decision that is out of my hands but who knows." He shrugged his shoulders. "An alliance no matter how temporary is a start. Where it goes from there we cannot foresee. Perhaps we will one day rejoin... or it may all fall apart. Only time will tell." He raised his glass. "To the future with all its unknowns." She did the same. "May it be a peaceful one." Then they drank in hope but aware the future was not assured and peace can be a fragile thing. (Reply: Any Andorian who may want to wander in) (posted by Charles G) (Trill - Senate Building- President Taylin Zon & Ambassador Addison Maccaullay - 2011) Addison stormed into the council chambers, past guards whose parents she remembered being pregnant. Past paintings who’s faces she no longer stopped to see. In fact; now she did stop, and saw the ages of judgement staring down on her. Feeling the oppression of the judgement of her failure, she exited the hall, and strode into the Presidents’ suite. Respecting the position the other man held, she bowed, formally. “President.” Taylin turned and looked at her with remorse and regret. " Ambassador" he responded and bowed his head to her. Knowing right and well he had ruined everything she worked so hard for do to his own desperation. Trying to remember the good man that lay underneath the oppressive weight of office, she tried to mitigate her feelings, temper her mood. “Zon, as devoted as I am to this office, what was that? Where was the strong man that I’ve long known, where was the President who was talking so tough on dessentors?” He looked down with arms folded behind his back and walked toward the ambassador. " That was me, tearing down all you had built. That was me being so desperate to help the symbiotes. That was me not standing my ground " “And...to what end?” " To what end? " he asked . " We will still gain from this. In almost every way we are a federation world once again. In every way except official. " he replied “We will gain nothing that you couldn’t have held out for more of...we will gain nothing that their own code of honour would not have covered anyway. We have gained...nothing, other than the drain on our populace and our resources.” Taylin shook his head. " I don't care for nor trust their code of honour. I need more than that. We have gained a future. We have gained a chance." “I wore their uniform, I swore to uphold those values, but now...now I feel their constraint.” " I know you did. The federation will help us and if you think I'm going to expend just our resources to build this starbase you are wrong. This is a collaboration of powers here. I knew what I was doing when I agreed to these terms. The Andorians will work hard to one up the Federation in their efforts to construct the base . The federation won't be wise to it and will only see it as the andorians being helpful...Do you believe the Andorians flew one of the best ships here for the convenience of it ? No my friend they brought the Kir Kumari here to showcase their capabilities in warfare. So I believe they will do everything in their power to show just how far they have come without the federation." Taylin said to her trying not to respect her view of the situation “I understand that, and genuinely I don’t necessarily disagree. My frustrations are that we didn’t push enough, We sat back and accepted the offered terms without making our own case, making a stand. It’s no sleight against yourself” Taylin looked at his friend with understanding " I didn't push back. I took what was thrown at me. Two of their officers were attacked and maybe I wanted this done and over with. The part of me that is Taylin is a politician, not the part of me that is Zon. Thinking clearly as Zon I want the quickest resolution. " he responded feeling ashamed of admitting his faults. “Here’s the thing; and I'm genuinely asking. If we went to all of the core worlds and asked a sample of the populace, would they all, in all honesty be supportive of the Federation as it stands now? Would they?” She sat down, her mood calming, becoming more introspective. Taylin clenched his fist with frustration not towards her but towards the feeling that had been building inside of him for weeks. He felt like he was drowning. He felt alone. " No, I suppose not, but I am the leader of this world. My first concern must be the people here. Senator Dyl once one of my closest friends led a movement based on lies and propaganda, but he inspired dissent in others so easily. Perhaps we aren't ready. Maybe the Admiral is right or maybe I just have to much damn respect for the uniform he wears." Addison sighed, deeply. “Dyl, for all his good points, allowed his desire for power to take hold of him. I wonder if those that desire such things still would if they actually knew it’s burden, its...price” " Sadly they never do and even more saddening is the fact they never learn from the mistakes of those before them " Zon responded. “You’re right, of course, and maybe even now, this can be managed to assist our cause. Jobs, opportunities, trade. You name it.” " The times ahead won't be easy, but I haven't lost faith in what the people of this world can do. We have some of the most brilliant minds in the field of science in the galaxy. We have a rich culture and society in which we preserve the past to better our future." "Addison" he said with a smile. " I am sorry that I have let you down. You are the voice of reason. You are my guide, my conscience." Addison sighed. “You didn’t let me down, it's easy for me to criticise, it’s easy for me to hold you up to a level of examination that I’m not holding myself to. I’m ashamed to say I forgot how much I trusted you.” Addison spoke sadly, she’d let her most trusted friend down. " To show you how much I trust you. Not only are you Trills ambassador to the Federation, I am appointing you to the office Trills Executive Representative to the federation. With that you will have the authority to make any decisions that will protect Trills interest when it comes to our dealings with the United Federation of Planets. " “Taylin, that’s...are you sure? Not that I’m turning it down you understand, but that is an awful lot of influence for someone who was only seconds ago yelling at you.” Calm now, she was returning to the relaxed manner that she was normally with when near her old friend. " You also get to be my personal voice among the Federation council. " He said with a laugh. “I will not fail you my old friend. We have much to do, a society to try to heal, reweld all those fractures. How do we move forward?” " I will handle Trill, you handle the Federation"he replied Addison smiled, sitting back in the chair. “Did you think that we'd be sat here having this conversation, all those years ago?" Taylin sat down in a random search he never sat in before . " Truthfully, yes . I always had hope, even when those around me had lost it ." "I missed it every day you know. After I left I mean. I think others should have that opportunity, an encouragement to attend the Academy I mean. Trill still has lots to offer." " We could slip in a few terms that we have some of our citizens with equal training and certifications become officers in starfleet. We could even start a campaign with our youth to join. " “It’s tiny things like that that we’ve forgotten, and the tiny things make big things. I adored my time in the Fleet. I became a better than my parts, my life back on the Hades, as you know...I’ve felt no closer to any other person as I did back then.” She motioned a hand “yourself excluded, of course. We’ve been close for far too long.” He smiled listening to her talk as he looked off into the distance letting her words take his mind a float . “A fleck of sand makes an oyster. Mountains make molehills. Every teardrop raises the tide.” Addison smiled lifting her head off the back of the chair. “Fancy a drink? Since we’re friends again?” Taylin nodded his head to her " A drink would be great...My dearest friend " ( reply none) ( posted by Mark and Davis) (USS Mystique - Erin's Quarters - Ensign JG Erin Cortez & Ensign JG William Alexander Jr – 2102) Despite the fact that she knew that she had done nothing really wrong, Erin had spent the last few hours trying to avoid any form of contact with the crew. She knew that the rumour mill would have been in full effect and that was something she didn't want to deal with. Not the talking, or the looks. So she sat, alone in her quarters waiting for sleep or exhaustion to win her over. Before she could there was a knock at her door. As it opened Billy walked over to her and gave her a giant hug. “Are you ok? Tell me what happened.” Sighing, Erin looked down and began, “I went for a walk to clear my head. A kid said that her friend was injured so i went to help. These two older lads appeared. They were spouting all sorts of Anti-starfleet nonsense and then….. One of them hit me. I fell, twisted my ankle and….. I was so scared, Billy. Ire…. he… saved me.” Billy listened intently to her story, hugged her and kissed her on the top of her head. “Hey look, I’m relieved that you were ok. But why didn’t you tell me?I had to find out from Trip. I would have come sooner, but I was busy with work. I even sent you a message on your PADD, asking if you were ok since I was unable to talk when Trip told me.” Looking up at him, she tilted her head, “You did? I haven’t looked at my PADD since getting out of sickbay. I… didn’t tell you because i knew how much your work means to you. I didn’t want to interrupt.” “I mean, look Erin, like this isn’t a game. And now you have me playing games. Like seriously, even though Trip told me I should come talk to you ASAP, I’ve been sitting around for hours to see if you would tell me and you didn’t. I’m glad you are ok, but dammit Erin, if you get attacked, I shouldn’t have to hear it from Trip. I should have heard it from you. You were obviously able to communicate. You didn’t even reply to my message. What gives?” Stepping away from him, she took a deep breath fighting down the rising fear and anger that was rising in her. Looking at him, she spoke calmly, “You think i was playing games? Really? You should know me. I don’t do that. How would you even think that of me?” "Really, because its been almost 10 hours since you were attacked and I had to come find you to tell me." Turning away from him, “I told you why i didn’t reply. I …. This got to me. Really got to me. I am sorry that i didn’t reply but, if i am honest, it hurts that you think i am having you playing games.” "You just don't get it do you?" "Get what?" She replied and turned back to him, "I could say the same to you. You… if you understood why I…. Closed down, why I haven't left this room since I got back… why i feel so…. Scared right now." Billy got up and headed to the door. "Honestly Erin. I just…. I can't…." "Can't what?" She replied, looking at him. "I know something is bothering you. I know you had something happen to you. You've shown me the scars. And sure maybe that caused you to shut me out. Fine. I don't need to know what happened. But for this to work, you can't shut me out. You can't just have something traumatic happen to you and not tell me. I shouldn't have to find out from my cousin. Like if you want me in your life you can't sideline me." "That's not what I was doing." She replied, finding her arms defensively across her chest. ~how can he think that? ~ "I mean I'm not going to get into how dumb it was for you to wander off on your own one day after Taya was attacked. It was stupid but everything worked out ok. But it just eats me up that you think so little of how much I care about you that you'd shield me from your pain just because I have work. I just, that's not how relationships work." Taking a breath, Erin could feel an anger building up inside of her. She knew, in the logical side of her brain that what he was saying was right. That she had been an idiot by not telling him straight away. Then there was the other side in her mind. The side that caused her to be defensive, to push people away and that spoke louder than any other voice. "I… I didn't think. I… what do you want me to say? It's done. Not like I Can take it back." "Thats fine. You want to keep me at a distance, fine. You want to not let me in. Fine. But I'm not playing high school drama games. I'm not gonna date someone one who doesn't even think to let me know when they're hurting. I'm not playing this game " "Then go. Leave if that's what you really want." "Goodbye Erin. It's a shame too. I was really looking forward to falling in love with you." Billy then walked out the door. Breathing deep, Erin watched as he left. Biting her lip, she grabbed the cup on the table she was stood next to and threw it at the wall with a yell. A yell of utter anger, fear and rage. Sitting down with a thump in the chair, she put her head in her hands. ~You stupid, stupid idiot. How can you not see that I am hurting. Like really hurting. You have no idea what this has done to me and there you go, walking out the door like everyone else does. What is it about me? What makes me just so unloveable? Every one I have ever gotten close to or think that I might…. Always leaves. So I surround myself with an armour. A wall that nobody has been able to get through. And here you come. With a pick axe and I am too honest for my own good. Damn it, Billy Alexander. How…. ~ Sitting at the wall, legs folded towards her, she sighed knowing that something that could have been so good, she'd ruined in an instant. (USS Mystique - Ready Room - CO - Admiral Remae Ktell - 2135) The Admiral was getting his paperwork and thoughts together when a "Ensign Gabriel Vesper reporting for duty as ordered Sir.", said the new arrival after Remae invited him into his ready room. He took the offered PADD and invited the Ensign to take a seat and to be at ease. The Bajoran looked over the PADD with the transfer orders attached. "Welcome aboard, Ensign - welcome also as our newest Medical Officer. Excellent, we are short handed at the moment as our aACMO, Ensign Bracken is currently out of action.", he said and then looked at the MO and added, ". you'll be hitting the ground running." NRPG: I am going to assume that Ms Bracken will be out of it for a while. RPG: He put the PADD down and looked at Ensign Vesper, "We should be departing Trill soon but, in the meantime, do you have any questions?" (Reply from Vesper) "They are going to need as many hands as possible in Sickbay, I would check in with Ensign Methor, he is overseeing things down there, dismissed", he said and sending the Medical Officer into action. (Reply from Vesper, Any) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (USS Mystique - Ready Room - MED – Ensign Gabriel Vesper - 2137) As the Admiral looked over the orders Gabe stood and wondered what was in store for him, since leaving the academy he had been on a years mission with no issues but this, this felt different; there was a feeling of something new, something exciting but dangerous. Eventually the Bajoran Admiral spoke. "Welcome aboard, Ensign - welcome also as our newest Medical Officer. Excellent, we are short handed at the moment as our aACMO, Ensign Bracken is currently out of action you'll be hitting the ground running." ~Hitting the ground running, that should make a change~ "We should be departing Trill soon but, in the meantime, do you have any questions?" “Absolutely none Sir, I'll be ready to serve you and the crew.” "They are going to need as many hands as possible in Sickbay, I would check in with Ensign Methor, he is overseeing things down there, dismissed" Ktell finished. “Very well Sir, I'll check in and see what needs done, no doubt the crew needs my expertise. Thank you sir” Gabe said nodding and moiving to the door. As he left Gabe made his way to the turbo lift and to his ordered destination. (USS Mystique - outside Ready Room - Med - ensign Wen - 2138) They finally arrived and being assigned quarters she put her stuff in there. She headed to report to the captain. She was ready to get to work in her new position. Arriving just in time to see Ensign Vesper enter the captains office. She decides to wait outside till he is done. (USS Mystique - Ready Room - Med - ensign Wen - 2145) As ensign Vesper exited the ready room, she entered and walked up to the Captain and reported in. Sir Ensign Ohitika Wen, Medical Officer, reporting in. (Reply Captain, any) (posted by Kierya) (USS Mystique - Ready Room - CO - Admiral Remae Ktell - 2145) Remae has just dismissed one new officer when another one reported in. "Ensign Ohitika Wen, Medical Officer, reporting in.", she said passing another PADD to the Admiral. Remae took it for a moment, following his usual process and asked the Ensign to take as seat as he reviewed the transfer orders. ~ Another Medical Officer ~ "Well, Ensign, welcome aboard. I see you are a Medical Officer and I have to say, your arrival is very welcome. The Senior Medical Officer, Ensign isn't well and is recovering in Sickbay, so my best advice to you, is to report to Ensign Methor who is currently in charge down there or Dr Ryelle who is helping us as well. See what you can do to help.", he said, and he thought to himself that, another visit to see Ms Bracken was in order. "Any questions for me, Ensign?", he said and waited for anything the Ensign wanted to ask, to be answered and then, finishing up their brief meeting, "We'll be departing Trill soon, Ensign." After departing, the Admiral left his Ready Room to stretch his legs. (USS Mystique - Billy's Quarters - Ensign JG Erin Cortez & Ensign JG William Alexander Jr – 2146) Walking up to Billy's door, Erin held a bottle of wine in one hand and raised the other to knock and paused. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she pressed the console outside the door and waited. Billy opened the door, he was in a pair of red pajama pants and a black tanktop. “What do you want?” "Can I come in?" “Here to tell me I don’t understand your pain again. Or is there some other thing from the day you conveniently forgot to tell me about it. Look, obviously something is on your mind. Just come inside and lets talk. But you aren’t going to bribe me to stay with you over a replicated bottle of wine.” Billy motioned for her to come inside. He went to the replicator, replicated a glass with ice and then poured himself a bottle of real bourbon. “So what did you need to say that couldn’t wait until the morning.” Putting the wine down on the table, she took a breath, "Okay, you were right. But…" she held up a hand, ".... I need to get this put in one go. You were right. I know I said that before. I know I can be closed off and distant. I push people away rather than let them in because that's what i have always done. Less chance at being hurt. But, i realise now that I can't do that anymore. I can't go through life doing that. So…. I need to be honest. Brutally if that's what it takes. What happened down on the planet was stupid I was stupid going off by myself. I know that now and accept that. I thought I would be safe, that I could handle it if anything happened. I was wrong." “Erin,” Billy said taking a strong swig from his whisky, “I don’t care about what happened on the planet, well I mean, I do. I’m mad you got hurt, but that isn’t why I’m upset. You just blew me off and didn’t tell me. Do you know how that makes me feel?” "Yes. Yes I do. It makes you feel like I don't respect you. Don't think enough of you to tell you myself. I was wrong not to. I know I was." She looked at him and continued, "It's no excuse for what I did. For how I made you feel. Believe me when I say that was never my intention. It truly wasn't…. " pausing for a second, she sighed and continued, "Okay, look. I'm screwed up. I have a wall in my mind that has been built up over years and…. When someone gets close to me, it's like a drawbridge goes up and I feel secure. But… with you, I don't want that. You are the first person in a long time that I could see myself….. I'm not explaining this right. You know something happened to me. Something that you never asked me about, not once. I should have told you about it sooner and then, maybe I wouldn't be in this god damn mess." Sitting down, Erin looked up at Billy and began to speak, from the heart for the first time in a very long while. "I've been so many things in my short life. Worn so many faces that I… I've forgotten who I am. The first person I ever thought I loved… his name was Christian. Looking back now, I know that I wasn't in love with him. He… was charming, too charming. It was a gradual change. Imperceptible at first then, before i realised what had happened, manipulation was the norm. One night, after a particularly big fight, he asked for …. Well, you can probably guess. I said no. Turned to walk away." Pausing, she looked away from his eyes, "... he grabbed my shoulder, spun me round and…" without looking at him, she slid a PADD across the table to him and continued, ".... it's all on there. Every last bit. Every word, every injury… everything. I'm opening up to you. Just read it, please and know that I never meant to hurt you. Never." Turning, she stood up, walked away from the table and sat on the couch. ~well…. There it is. All laid bare for him.~ “Look, I understand your hesitation to trust, and I know that, well what you went through was traumatic. I can only imagine the pain, the trauma, the hurt, the confusion. The survivor’s guilt. But I’m not him. And this will only work if you try and trust me. At least keep me in the loop. Like for us to work, like, I don’t need to know all your secrets, not right away, but we can’t have these moments were you shut yourself off from me. I’m here to give you everything I have, because that's what I believe relationships need, work, openness, and giving of oneself to the other. I’ll give you all I have, I just want you to let me in.” "This is me. I'm a screw up, I'm scared. Not just of my past…." Looking at him, Erin sighed and continued, "... because I know that I need to work on being open. Being trusting. It scares me more than you can think. All I can say is that I will. Let you in. I… I'm an idiot for not telling you what happened. Feel free to call me an idiot." She said with a soft smile. "You don't have to come running to me with everything but I want to be kept in the loop. You've got to trust me. I'm your boyfriend Erin. I shouldn't be finding out these things third hand." "I know…" "Is there anything else I need to know?" Thinking for a second, she replied, "other than the fact I suck at ancient Romulan meditation techniques, no." "Zahl Mahk?" "Zahl Mahk, that's the one. " "Erin, are you insane….of course you are. You're brain isn't suited for it. You could have… and who performed it, let me guess Ravok?" "Does it matter?" "So not only do you not tell me you were attacked, you risk your sanity in a technique not meant for humans, because why? Because you wanted a quick fix?" "This wasn't about a quick fix. Did you not hear anything I said? I needed to do something to help, to get me past what happened…" "Were you ever going to tell me?" "Of course I…." Cutting her off, "don't answer. It's obvious im not in your circle of trust." "Billy, I… " "Just save it. Im obviously not important enough to be told things that put you in danger." Keeping her mouth shut, she let him speak. Knowing no matter what she said, it wouldn't make any difference. "I get you want To get over what happened. But You're a counselor. You should know these things take Time." "Time? I've been fixing the root cause for almost seven God damn years or trying to. " "Yeah, and if you paid attention in class, you'd know that trauma like this could take decades to heal." Billy paused. "I get it Erin, you're hurting. In pain. What he did to you is inexcusable. Hes a monster. But its clear to me that I'm just an accessory to you. Just there. You know What Hurts, is that Rather than even taking to Me about this. Coming to me for comfort. You'd rather try some hokey remedy that was never going to work." " Hokey? Wow. And, for the record, you aren't an accessory. Never were. Doing what I did, even though it did fail to some extent, it worked too. But, that doesn't matter now does it? Because you never asked how it went. " "Stop. Just stop.I can't ask about how something went if I never knew it happened. Thats the point. Did you even once stop and say, this is hurting me, maybe I should talk to Billy? Are we a team or is it just me being along for the ride?" "Yes, I did. But, I knew that your work was too important…." "Forget my work." He cut her off. "I could have given my notes to the admiral and come see you. Or eaten lunch with you. I had time for you. You never asked if I did. Stop hiding behind the excuse that I was busy. It's obvious you dont trust me to be there for you." "So, what can I say? I don't trust a lot of people, I've learnt the hard way not to be so trusting because it gets you hurt." "Im not Christian damnit!" Turning away from him, she shook a little. Billy calmed down. "Erin, I was absolutely sure I was going to fall head over heels for you. But in the last two weeks, all you've shown me is that you don't trust me, and I can't...I just...I need some space." "You want me to leave?" "Look I'm not saying we're over. I really want to give us a shot. But I'm not playing these games. You need to ask yourself, is this something I want. Is Billy someone I want to let in. Because if you're going to keep sidelining me, then I'd rather get out now." "So, leave and see whether I can break down the walls I have before asking myself if you are what I want?" "No...you just… that's not it. Relationships are give and take, it takes work. Look, I need space. I need time to think. Ok. We can talk later." Nodding, she walked to the door, pausing for a moment, "I get it. And, for what it's worth, I am sorry. " and walked through the door. As she left Billy put his head in his hands. ~I don't expect her to trust me with her life right now or with all her secrets. But to not tell me she was attacked. To run to a romulan technique instead of talking to me. That stings. Stings bad.~ (Reply no-one) (Posted Jackie and Will) (USS Mystique - Ready Room - Med - Ensign Ohitika Wen- 2150) "Yes Sir thank you." The Captain basically ordered her to take a seat while he studied her orders, so she complied and sat down. "Well, Ensign, welcome aboard. I see you are a Medical Officer and I have to say, your arrival is very welcome. The Senior Medical Officer, Ensign isn't well and is recovering in Sickbay, so my best advice to you, is to report to Ensign Methor who is currently in charge down there or Dr Ryelle who is helping us as well. See what you can do to help.", he said "Any questions for me, Ensign?", he said "We'll be departing Trill soon, Ensign." "Sir, I thank you for the welcome. To let you know a little about me. Sir, I was raised Lakota medicine woman by my maternal grandmother and was taught medicine using herbal remedies before i started school. While attending, I helped my grandmother in healing the people of our tribe and nearby tribes. Hence the reason I continued studyng Medicine in Starfleet. I have learn to combine modern medicine with herbal medicine. I graduated Starfleet Medical with honors by I cofess that my personal interaction with patients is a bit lacking. "Sir will this be a problem? but i will learn." she asked as she finished (reply Captain Ktell) After her conversation with the Captain, she decided to head to sickbay to report in to Doctor Ryelle. (USS Mystique - Sickbay- Med - Ensign Ohitika Wen- 2202) When Ohitika walked into sickbay, she found it dark and quiet. She noticed the Captain talking to someone and assumed it was Doctor Ryelle. Walking over to her and waiting for a break in the conversation between her and the captain to report to her. "Doctor Ryelle, L am Ensign Ohitika Wen, reporting in for duty." (reply Ryelle, Captain Ktell, any) (Posted by Kierya) (USS Mystique - Sickbay - MED – Ensign Gabriel Vesper - 2150) Walking into the Sickbay he looked around, not knowing who was who he made his way to the nearest person, noting their postion he stood with his normal height. “Crewman, im looking for Ensign Methor” he was pointed in the right direction. Looking at the Cardasians back Vesper coughed “Ensign Methor, I'm Ensign Vesper; I've been assigned to Sickbay and been told to check in with you. Where do you want me?” Vesper Spoke standing tall and firm. (Reply Methor, any) (Posted by Mat (USS Mystique - Ready Room - CO - Admiral Remae Ktell - 2200) Remae walked into the Sickbay and it was dark and quiet but he noted Dr Ryelle sitting at spare desk and Ensign Bracken, sleeping, seemingly in recovery, given the lack of medical equipment or people around here. "Doctor. how are you and how's our patient?", he asked quietly. (Reply from Wen, Ryelle, Any) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (USS Mystique -Sickbay - Dr. Kryos Ryelle - 2203) Ryelle yawned as the Admiral walked in. He had gotten some sleep after the procedure on Dr. Bracaken was done, and he was used to being up late as the official doctor for the night shift, still that didn't meant that he was immune to yawns. "Ah Admiral welcome." Ryelle said with a warm and inviting tone."Why don't you join me in the office." (reply Remae) Walking into the office he motioned to the Admiral to take a seat. "Our patient is doing fine. We took her out of the medically induced coma a few hours ago. She is sleeping on her own. We are just keeping her overnight to monitor her vitals. She will make a complete recovery. I have no doubt about that. Kind of lucky that she had an aunt on board, even if neither new about it." (reply Remae) "Once Dr. Bracken has recovered a little bit more, maybe in a few days time, I'll sit with the two of them and a counselor and reveal the news. I just think it would be better to let her recover more. Perhpas as we get closer back to Mars. Back to their families on Earth. I mean, what good is it to have your reality shattered this far away from home and not be able to easily call the people with the answers. Or to have proximity to your happy place. I can't speak to the psychology behind it all. But from a spiritual perspective, it is good to be rooted, to be in that place of center. Prophets, there I go sounding like a monk again." (reply Remae) "Are you a spiritual man, Admiral?" (reply Remae) (reply Remae) (posted by Will) (USS Mystique - Sickbay- Med - Dr Kyros Ryelle - 22:07) After asking the admiral if he was a spiritual man, he noticed an officer he had never seen before standing outside the door to the office. It helped that most sickbay offices had clear windows, unless manually tinted, and in this case they were not. "One moment sir, I seem to have a guest." (reply Remae) Approaching the new officer she looked at him and said, ""Doctor Ryelle, I am Ensign Ohitika Wen, reporting in for duty." "Ensign Wen, welcome." He said with a smile. "Actually, it's Doctor Kryos. As a Bajoran, we go Family name first, given name last. But having been among humans for so long, you can call me whatever you like, as long as you don't call me late for dinner." Ryelle smiled. He loved that old Earth joke. What did they call it, a dad joke. (reply Wen) "It's kind of quiet at the moment, and our acting department head is indisposed at the moment. Why don't you take the evening off. I hear ten forward is a pretty happening place right now. We've got the rest of the journey back to Mars to put you to work. Go have fun, unpack. Rest." (reply Wen) "Have a good evening Dr. Wen. And welcome to this merry band of doctors and nurses." (reply Wen) As Dr. Wen began to leave, Ryelle returned to the office and sat across from the admiral. "Now then, I believe you have yet to answer my question. Humor this former monk. Are you a spiritual man, admiral?" (reply Remae) (reply Wen, Remae) (posted by Will) Stardate: 2444.06.25 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: You Can't Go Home Again Day: 25 Stardate: 2444.06.25 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Mystique- Deck 6- Science labs- aACSO(R), Ensign (jg) Sekal and Science Officer ,Ensign (jg) Stennin- 0700) (USS Mystique - Deck 2, Personal quarters - aACSO(R), Ensign (jg) Sekal- 1900) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Mystique- Deck 6- Science labs- aACSO(R), Ensign (jg) Sekal and Science Officer ,Ensign (jg) Stennin- 0700) Sekal walked into the lab and his eyes took in the industrious bustle that was going on within. Between researches currently being carried out and new officers becoming acquainted with the equipment the entire science department was in high gear. He noted the other Vulcan engaged in activity and made his way toward him. Stennin looked at his PADD for another moment. He nodded softly as he tapped a few commands on it, and then looked back at the chamber in front of him. They had spent the last hour researching three different solutions of hydrochloric acid with starch, in order to make dextrin. Stennin hoped he could use this compound as a pyrotechnic binder, particularly for zirconium. The idea was to use this zirconium-dextrin mixture to enhance the ignition sequences of the impulse drives. He watched for a few moments as the erlenmeyers were slowly swirled. He tapped the console of the chamber, and set a timer for six hours. He notified a lab technician to check the chamber every hour, and then turned around. He saw Sekal standing near him. He nodded, and rose his hand. Sekal watched until Stennin came to a stopping point and noted his presence. When he turned toward him he spoke. “Dif-tor heh smusma.” (Live long and Prosper) "Sochya eh Dif (Peace and Long Life) Ensign Stennin, do you have a moment?” Stennin rose a brow, but then nodded softly. “I am available at the moment, ensign.” "Come with me please." Sekal turned and walked through the chemistry lab then out and turned into another lab labeled *Mineralogical Research*. This lab was quiet in comparison to the others. At the far end he came to a cabinet mounted to the bulkhead and reaching in withdrew a chunk of crystal of cerulean blue, Multi- faceted, roughly the size of his closed fist and which tapered to a rounded point at one end. Stennin looked attentively as Sekal took a small crystal in his hands. He had not seen such an object before. The crystal was cool to the touch but warmed quickly in his hand. He passed it to the other Vulcan. Stennin blinked a few times before he took the strange crystal into his hands. It was cool, but slowly it became warmer. Stennin held it up and observed the object closer. The soft blue hues appeared to reflect throughout the crystal. "Have you been exposed to the Anelurian Crystal before?" Stennin shook his head slowly. “I have not, ensign.” He looked at Sekal for a moment, and then back to the crystal. He carefully turned it in his hand, looking at it from multiple angles. “Fascinating.” Was his only remark. "That is only logical." Sekal replied. "Very few know of its existence as it has been kept secret by the Vulcan government since it was first found thirty eight years ago. Due to some irregularities in taking samples it was logically surmised that it would be of great use in the future therefore it was kept hidden until some extrapolations could be made concerning its nature." Stennin rose a brow, and looked at Sekal. “In my days at the Science Academy, I was not informed of such decisions. It would be logical to surmise that the acquisition of this was difficult. How did you come to hold this particular segment?” "The reason for my coming into possession of this is that my father was with his parents on the research ship when it was found. They are scientists as well so gave him a sample which he passed to me." Stennin nodded softly, and placed back the crystal in the cabinet. “And what is your particular interest with it, ensign?” "The Anelurian Crystal as they named it Is more efficient than dilithium when used in the warp core of an antimatter reactor. Its efficiency has been rated at eight six percent as opposed to sixty two percent for dilithium. This has the effect of reducing the amount of plasma byproduct and greatly increasing the amount of power available to a warp drive engine. This alone makes it extremely valuable but it is the other properties that have slowed its inclusion into current anti-matter reactors and has stymied researchers for the last three decades." “Fascinating. It would be logical to assume that there are reasons this material is not yet implemented. Is there any information on its origin?” Sekal cupped his hands at the small of his back. "The creation of the crystal I hypothesize was by some unnatural event and Some of its properties are… Illogical." Stennin raised both his brows visibly now. “Illogical, you say?” "Firstly the power generation curve does not follow a normal gradation. The amount of maximum power yield is increased by three hundred percent. The only logical explanation is that it is drawing power from somewhere else. Dilithium itself is theorized to have some tie to null space. Where these crystals draw their power from is unknown. This in itself could pose a danger for obvious reasons." Stennin listened attentively and nodded along. “It would be logical to assume that this was the reason Vulcan did not allow the use of this material.” "Secondly I myself became a part of another puzzling event related to the crystal where it appeared to draw energy from an event in the past which powered it for twelve hours. I was drawn to the past with it to the time of the event and witnessed it through my father's eyes. He has referred to the crystal before as an enigma. If we can solve its mysteries we will open up an advance in power generation that will catapult the Federation far ahead of its competitors." Stennin rose both his brows in visible surprise. “Would it be logical to assume you have experienced a chronitron radiation-related event?” "Yes. Ensign Sienna Williams- Verin was there and took readings. Chronitron particle emissions were clearly evident." Stennin turned back to the crystal and looked at it for some longer. As Sekal was explaining, the material had some hidden features which they could not yet understand. “It would be logical to investigate this material through the eyes of another species. Certainly, the humans would have a view on this matter. The Betazoids, or perhaps Deltans could also investigate the crystal on the presence of any psionic energy?” Sekal shook his head. "The crystals have no consciousness or telepathic ability, Ensign Verin is half Betazoid and sensed nothing from the crystal." Stennin nodded softly in understanding. " Bringing in illogical beings however on something that behaves illogically is…," his right eyebrow rose, "... only logical." He picked up the crystal and gazed at it intently for a moment before looking back at Stennin. "This is why I brought it to the attention of the Admiral instead of keeping its research secret. With the help of a science staff consisting of a disparate race of beings I find it logical that unlocking its secrets will be made possible." "Vulcan has also changed their stance now that I have brought it to StarFleet. If we can divine its secrets they will tell the Admiral where more can be found." "If it agreeable, I will begin a small logistics file to locate all the necessary information, components, and personnel." Sekal returned it to the cabinet. "Permission granted Ensign Stennin." Stennin nodded and turned to the wall terminal. He replicated a PADD, and held it up. "I will document all the details in this PADD. I will report to you in two hours, ensign." "Acknowledged." Sekal then turned for the door but paused before leaving. "I will be in my office." (Reply: Any) (Posted by Charles and Yoerik) (USS Mystique - Deck 2, Personal quarters - aACSO(R), Ensign (jg) Sekal- 1900) The Vulcan sat down at his desk with the monitor already engaged and positioned, the PADD near his right hand. "Science officer's log. Acting assistant chief of research Sekal. Communications between the Trill science ministry and the Federation have already been opened, in large part due to the influence of science officer Alyl. Familial ties between himself and the science minister have proven invaluable. The data stored in the memory banks of the Mystique and Luma herself is voluminous and will take quite a bit of time to go through as well as give ourselves and other Federation scientists much to work with." T'Lah leapt up onto the desk and walked around his right arm then settled herself across his PADD with her grey and white head near his hand, her green eyes looking up into his own. He quirked an eyebrow and began to scratch her lightly behind the ears with two fingers as he continued. "With our diplomatic mission to Trill ended and the labs on Mars now in readiness I will begin work in earnest on the crystal. The department now has enough personnel to put some of the officers on special assignment and I have made preliminary decisions in that regard. The crystal must take center stage but there are many other areas that will have to be addressed and prioritized." T'Lah pressed her head back against his hand and he scratched a bit harder eliciting the light rumble from her known as a purr. He shook his head at the illogic of the situation and continued. "The participation of Andoria in affairs along with Trill and the Federation is another achievement on the Admiral's record and is a satisfying conclusion to our endeavor here which ended as I predicted to the Counselor it would. The steps taken however are concrete and I expect that Trill will once again become a fully functioning member of the Federation. Many such steps will be needed to drive entropy back and push forward once more." "End log." His hand stilled as he looked down to see T'Lah had dropped into a doze. His initial reaction was to retrieve the PADD but he suppressed it and stood to his feet to get a shower. (Reply: None) (Posted by Charles G) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: You Can't Go Home Again Day: 26 Stardate: 2444.06.26 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Mystique - Ready Room - CO - Admiral Remae Ktell - 0900) (USS Mystique - Bridge - CO - Admiral Remae Ktell - 0923) (Trill- Presidents home- President Taylin Zon- 0924) (Kir Kumari - Bridge -Kumari CO - Kera Sheia - 0925) (USS Mystique - Bridge - TAC. Ensign Jg Ravok- 0928) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Mystique - Ready Room - CO - Admiral Remae Ktell - 0900) 'Captains Log Stardate - 2444.06.26 : We leave Trill with the hope that we have opened the door to some balance to the society that we, as an entity abandoned more than 20 years ago. The Federation should feel responsible for the damage caused to societies like Trill when they were left to their own devices.' 'Not everyone will be happy with the choices made, but a forced unification before another forced re-joining to the Federation is not in their interests, or ours.' 'We have taken the first steps along with our acquaintance with an old friend, the Andorians, and together, the construction of a new base to ensure our continued corporation.' (USS Mystique - Bridge - CO - Admiral Remae Ktell - 0923) The ship was prepared for departure and the viewscreen showed the President and the Captain of the Andorian ship displayed at the same time. "I've heard from Betazed, President Zor, a shipment of the Muktok plant is on its way, a gift of friendship from us to you. You can now speak to them directly to setup a trade route.", said the Admiral and turned to view the Andorian. "Kar, my Engineering Officers will be in touch with the first concepts of the base, so design and construction can begin. With Trill offering the heavily lifting, as part of their resource's commitment, we'll be sending specialised personnel and supplies as soon as possible.", he said as the idea of improving trade, security (Replies from Zor and Sheia) It was time to depart but the CO of the Mystique had one more thing to do, "Ensign, take us on a flyby of the Kir Kumari and then lay in a course out of the Trill system, one quarter impulse and then full impulse once we're clear.", he ordered and when the department board was green, everyone was ready. "Engage." (Rely from All) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (Trill- Presidents home- President Taylin Zon- 0924) He say at his desk. Listening to the admiral whonwas soon to disembark their space . " Thank you Admiral, we will secure a trade route immediately. Until we meet again. Have a safe return home and good luck " Taylin Replied Listening to the admiral talk to the andorians . Taylin felt a new found promise and hope for his world ( reply none ) ( posted by Davis) (Kir Kumari - Bridge -Kumari CO - Kera Sheia - 0925) Kera Sheia sat at ease in the command chair watching the viewer which showed a split screen, Admiral Remae on the bridge of the Mystique to the left and Trill President Zon on the right. While the meeting aboard the Federation ship had been of current historic note this communication which had been enabled by that meeting was more personally satisfying. Not united presently but working in cooperation toward a common goal for the first time in over a generation. Her own bridge crew seemed to sense it as well. While not all were as yet in agreement no one would speak openly against it and were working through the issues internally. it would take some time for all to openly embrace it but that was to be expected. The fate of Andoria had taken a hard blow and it would take time to recover. In the interim though steps were being taken .... and no journey could begin without those first tentative steps. The first part of the transmission was between the Admiral and President. =^= I've heard from Betazed, President Zon, a shipment of the Muktok plant is on its way, a gift of friendship from us to you. You can now speak to them directly to setup a trade route.=^= "=^= Thank you Admiral, we will secure a trade route immediately. Until we meet again. Have a safe return home and good luck " =^= The President then went silent as the Admiral turned his attention to her. =^= Kar, my Engineering Officers will be in touch with the first concepts of the base, so design and construction can begin. With Trill offering the heavily lifting, as part of their resource commitment, we'll be sending specialized personnel and supplies as soon as possible.=^= Kera Sheia nodded with a slight smile. "If any assistance with transport is needed you have only to make the request Admiral and we will comply. Andoria stands ready to give aid in whatever capacity required." She then turned her attention to Zon. "Mister President I'm sure our presence here has weighed heavily on you and it gives dissent upon your planet a target to rally against. In order to defuse the situation somewhat the Kir Kumari will meet the Betazoid ship and escort it in. Several ships are already enroute from Andoria and will replace us when they arrive to safeguard your interests. You may position them as you see fit." She stood to her feet. "Andoria extends to you both its deepest regards." (Reply: Zon iyw) After the transmission had ended the Mystique made a graceful maneuver around her ship before heading out of the system. Kera Sheia sat back down. "Helm take us out of orbit and lay in course to meet the Llianer." "Leaving orbit." The planet fell away as her ship turned the page of history to a new chapter. (Reply: Zon iyw) (USS Mystique - Bridge - TAC. Ensign Jg Ravok- 0928) Ravok did a quick check of the Tactical systems. Not that they were needed thus far. It was just a procedural thing. Finally leaving Trill ,Ravok couldn't wait to get back to Mars. Their brief time here was ...eventful. He hoped the return trip was uneventful and that everything went smoothly. Ravok checked in with ops that Tactical was ready and clear to go. ~ I wish I was doing a fly by of the Kir kumari ~ Ravok thought. Envious of the helm , envious of his friend. ( reply any) ( posted by Davis)