>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: Repercussions Day: 4 Stardate: 2444.07.11 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (Mars Facility, Science Annex - CSO's Office – CSO Ensign Sienna Williams-Verin - 0120) (Earth - Istanbul, Eminonu ferry terminal - SO (Research) Ensign Jaton Alyl - 0210) (Earth - Istanbul, Eminonu ferry terminal - Ensign Janice Hammerfield - 0211) (Earth - Istanbul, Spice Bazaar - SO (Research) Ensign Jaton Alyl - 0213) (Earth - Istanbul, Spice Bazaar - Ensign Janice Hammerfield - 0214) (Earth - Istanbul, Spice Bazaar - SO (Research) Jaton Alyl - 0215) (Earth - Istanbul, Spice Bazaar – Janice Hammerfield - 0216) (Earth - Istanbul, Spice Bazaar – SO (Research) Ensign Jaton Alyl - 0217) (Earth - Istanbul, Spice Bazaar –Ensign Janice Hammerfield - 0218) (Mars Complex – Science annex, Floor 3, High energy particle physics lab – CSRD – Lieutenant (jg) Sekal- 0600) (Mars - Personal Quarters - MED- Ensign Gabe Vesper- 0700) (Mars Base, personnel quarters, John's quarters - IAO, Ens(jg) John Williams - 0715) (Mars Complex – Science Department – Science Officer – Ensign (JG) – David Clarke - 0716) (Mars Complex – Science Department Mess Hall – Science Officer – Ensign (JG) – David Clarke - 0719) (Mars Base - Sickbay - CMO Ensign Ailynn Bracken & ACMO Ensign Erin Cortez - 0746) (Mars Base, Security Services Centre, SCO Office - SCO, Ens(sg) Carson Peters - 0755) (Mars base, Security services centre, outside the CSO office - IAO, Ens(jg) John Williams - 0755) (Starfleet Command - Personal Quarters - Captain Remae Ktell and (SPC) Admiral Jana Bell - 0800) (Starfleet Command - Personal Quarters - Captain Remae Ktell - 0801) (Mar Complex - Mess Hall – Nurse – Ewan McDonald - 0809) (Utopia Planitia Shipyards, Observation Deck - Starfleet CSEC, Vice Admiral Jono Janeway & Vulcan Defense Fleet Commodore, Saleke - 0810) (Mars Base, Security Center, Taya's Office, aATAC Ensign sg Taya, 0815) (Mars - Personal Quarters - MED- Ensign Gabe Vesper- 0850) (Valkyrie Fighter MkV Designation Ares One - Cockpit- FSCO Lt. JG Trip Williams and SPC Civilian Liason Ashlyn Jones- 0900) (Mars Complex – Fighter Wing Command Complex - Pilot – Ensign – Ire Williams - 0927) (Mars - Personal Quarters Corridors - Med- Ensign Gabe Vesper- 0945) (Mars - Personal Quarters - Med- Ensign Gabe Vesper / Ensign Ailynn Bracken- 0950) (Mars Facilities – Flight Offices – CEO – Ensign SG Keira Merek – 1000) (Mars Facilities – Flight Offices – NPC-ENSIGN JG BAKER– 1001) (Mars Facilities – Flight Offices – CEO – Ensign SG Keira Merek – 1003) (Mars Complex – The Vault– Archivist - Aleese Akess - 1012) (SS Vital Spark –Bridge - Ships Master - Maia McDonald - 1024) (Mars Facility, Science Annex - CSO's Office – FSCO Lt. JG Trip Williams - 1030) (Mars Orbital - Mars Orbital Traffic Control Officer - Ensign (JG) - Oliver Wallis - 1033) (Mars Facility, Science Annex - CSO's Office – CSO Ensign Sienna Williams-Verin - 1035) (Mars Facility, Science Annex - CSO's Office – FCSO Lt. JG Trip Williams- 1037) (Mars Complex – Star Fleet Intelligence Department - SFI Agent – MCPO - Rebecca Faust - 1103) (Mars Facility, Interview room - Ensign Jg John Williams & ACMO Ensign Erin Cortez- 1502) (Starfleet HQ - Medical - ENS SG Counselor Ariel Trei - 10.30) (Starfleet HQ - Medical - ENS SG Counselor Ariel Trei - 10.40) (Mars Base - Security Holodeck 6 - ENS SG Counselor Ariel Trei - 11.25) (Mars Base - Holodeck 6 - ENS SG Counselor Ariel Trei - 11.40) (Mars Complex - Mess Hall – Nurse – Ewan McDonald ) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< 0) It had been a long day, longer afternoon and then a long night as she had sat with Sekal and Saleke in Sekal's office while Kenna and T'Lah had a playdate. It would have to be something that they would do again, letting the cats have a play date. Setting down the carrier, Sy left a displeased Kenna inside of it while she moved over to the large crate in the corner by her desk that had the beautiful black lab and her puppies. Sy checked in on them, kneeling beside the crate. "Hello Mama" She spoke with a soft voice, ignoring the deep sadness that she was feeling with her surprise plans for Lynn just abruptly cancelled. Granted, Lynn did not know or realize that Sy had plans for them and no one could predict that Lynn would be needed on Earth when her Mum was there and one of the most talented surgeons in the fleet. "Let me just check on your babies." Sy spoke softly, always being sure to use her empathy like her Mom had showed her to soften the hostility some animals might feel towards humans, and most Mamas were very protective towards their babies. The pups had been found and brought in by Ravok earlier and Sy smiled. They really needed a vet aboard. She checked each of the labs over carefully, putting a soft colored collar around each so that she could keep track of the puppies. The one that she was worried about, the littlest was a grey and white puppy who was significantly underweight. Sy had nursed enough orphan animals on the ranch that she knew how to handle this poor baby. "It's ok baby, we'll get you fed." She walked over to the replicator and programmed into it what she needed, placing the puppy on her lap and mixing the formula and putting it into the bottle. Still holding the puppy wrapped up in the soft, fuzzy baby blankets, she checked the temp and then offered it to the hungry puppy wearing the orange collar. "It's ok baby." She whispered, the puppies having been born sometime recently and the Mama too skinny to help keep them fed. Where she had come from eluded Sy. There were all sorts of animals here on the base that had been let loose and were reproducing over the years, and she had seen a lot of cats, adopting out the ones that she could. But never any dogs. But there must be at least a male dog somewhere for there to be babies. "It's ok little girl, we'll find your papa too and get you and Mama taken care of, I promise. I think there are people here who would love to have you as a lifelong friend." Sy rocked the puppy gently while she fed, then helped her go before putting her back in the crate with Mama and her siblings, and the blanket that now smelled like Sy too. She refilled dry and wet food and water, including a nutritional supplement that would help Mama produce some more milk. Sy just knelt there afterwards, staring down, "Mama, you made some pretty puppies." She whispered before the tears began to fall. She sniffled, glad that Trip was not here, glad that Luma was busy with Vex, glad to just be alone and hurt and let the pain wash through her. Lynn had not even bothered to leave a message. That was what hurt. Whatever had called her to Earth, it had not been worth even sending a message. At least Trip had sent her that quick comm to let her know that he was ok since she had not been able to sense him. She moved over to the other side of her office, still crying, but she let out Kenna who was now frantic at her human's distress. Kenna crawled into Sy's lap and clung to her, purring loudly. "Kenna, it hurts. I never understood before why it hurts so bad when people have issues in their love life. I think I care about her more than she does me. And I think..." Sy sobbed and the words were lost. "It was easier before, when I didn't love anyone." It was the accumulated stress of the day most likely that caused her sobs, but Sy picked herself up off the floor and laid down on the couch in her office, the grey, scratchy wool blanket something that she had not bothered to replace. Like most Betazoids Sienna was a very tactile person. Right then she just did not give a D&*N. And with a heavy, sad heart she finally let her swollen eyes close, her siamese ragdoll curled up under her chin protectively purring. (reply any, none) (Posted by Mel ) (Earth - Istanbul, Eminonu ferry terminal - SO (Research) Ensign Jaton Alyl - 0210) Jaton hadn't really slept after the soiree in San Francisco the night before, but that seemed the best bet as he got off the ferry and set foot on the Historic Peninsula of Istanbul. And as he did, the sea breeze carried the afternoon call to prayer from the New Mosque across the way. Not that it was new anymore; the building had been standing on that spot for over 800 years. He took a breath of the sweet air and let it invigorate him. It had been 35 years since he'd set foot in the city, but even after all that time, it had the same character as ever. He walked past the tourist kiosks offering tours of the Bosphorus and joined the throng of people heading up the hill towards the old markets and landmarks of Constantinople. He saw people of dozens of races from all over the Federation, and even beyond. He smiled to know that this city that had so captured his heart as a 15-year old student all those years ago still had the same effect on the peoples of the galaxy. He might go to the Covered Bazaar like many others were now doing, or to the Hagia Sophia, but for now a cup of tea would suffice. (reply any) (posted by Spencer) (Earth - Istanbul, Eminonu ferry terminal - Ensign Janice Hammerfield - 0211) Jaton hadn't really slept after the soiree in San Francisco the night before, but that seemed the best bet as he got off the ferry and set foot on the Historic Peninsula of Istanbul. And as he did, the sea breeze carried the afternoon call to prayer from the New Mosque across the way. Not that it was new anymore; the building had been standing on that spot for over 800 years. He took a breath of the sweet air and let it invigorate him. It had been 35 years since he'd set foot in the city, but even after all that time, it had the same character as ever. He walked past the tourist kiosks offering tours of the Bosphorus and joined the throng of people heading up the hill towards the old markets and landmarks of Constantinople. He saw people of dozens of races from all over the Federation, and even beyond. He smiled to know that this city that had so captured his heart as a 15-year old student all those years ago still had the same effect on the peoples of the galaxy. He might go to the Covered Bazaar like many others were now doing, or to the Hagia Sophia, but for now a cup of tea would suffice. Janice walked through the crowded bazaar. The groups and close quarters made her fell uneasy and vulnerable. Every part of her said that walking in this was wrong but it was her usual patrol route for the area. She had been asked to keep an eye out for a very specific individual there the past few days. Rumours had it that they would be there at some point but the timeline was never fixed. It was a standard person of interest that security wanted to have a quiet out of the way word with. Eventually the crowd became to much for her and she nipped inside one of the small cafes that looked over the area. Huddling up to one of the poles lifting up a tarp she hung onto it looking out. Her eyes darting back and fourth through the sea of people. Unintentionally she edged back slightly and felt a bump followed by the unmistakable sound of a cup tipping over. She winced and turned round, “Oh shoot – I didn’t mean to!” She reached for the napkins on the table to wipe up some of the mess quickly before the tea spread any further between the cracks in the table. (reply Jaton) (posted by Adam) (Earth - Istanbul, Spice Bazaar - SO (Research) Ensign Jaton Alyl - 0213) The cafe Jaton had settled in was crowded, but then again it was just across from the main entrance of the Spice Bazaar so it was only to be expected. Jaton was able to get a cup of tea with no problem and was about to sit at a table when he got bumped from behind. The tea spilled over the table. “Oh shoot – I didn’t mean to!” Jaton turned around and saw another Starfleet officer behind him reaching for the napkins to mop up the mess. She seemed a bit flustered. "No harm, no foul," Jaton said. "After all, it's just a cup of tea. And I didn't get burned. I can just get another one. Would you like some?" (reply Janice, any) (posted by Spencer) (Earth - Istanbul, Spice Bazaar - Ensign Janice Hammerfield - 0214) The cafe Jaton had settled in was crowded, but then again it was just across from the main entrance of the Spice Bazaar so it was only to be expected. Jaton was able to get a cup of tea with no problem and was about to sit at a table when he got bumped from behind. The tea spilled over the table “Oh shoot – I didn’t mean to!” Jaton turned around and saw another Starfleet officer behind him reaching for the napkins to mop up the mess. She seemed a bit flustered. "No harm, no foul," Jaton said. "After all, it's just a cup of tea. And I didn't get burned. I can just get another one. Would you like some?" Thankful he seemed very accommodating to having his tea spilled. Janice continued to mop it up slightly annoyed with herself. She glanced at the time realising it was time she took a break she had been trudging around for hours. “I uh.. yes please. Just let me finish cleaning this off. Anything will do.” At the very least it would be inconspicuous her sitting at a table and looking into the crowds. (reply Jaton) She finished wiping everything and sat the damp napkins into the empty tea cup. Reaching back she grabbed a chair and sat down. “Again – sorry about that I want paying enough attention. Im Janice.” (reply Jaton) “Nice to meet you. Glad you didn’t flip your lid. I know some people that would,” She peeked out into the mass of people every now and again and her gaze almost looked like it went right through Jaton as they spoke. (reply Jaton, any) (posted by Adam) (Earth - Istanbul, Spice Bazaar - SO (Research) Jaton Alyl - 0215) "No harm, no foul," Jaton said. "After all, it's just a cup of tea. And I didn't get burned. I can just get another one. Would you like some?" She still seemed flustered as she continued to mop up the spill. She then looked at her chronometer “I uh.. yes please. Just let me finish cleaning this off. Anything will do.” Jaton nodded. "Garson! Ki fincan çay daha istiyoruz lütfen," he said, raising his hand to get the owner's attention. "Hemen, efendim!" the man said in reply. She finished wiping everything and sat the damp napkins into the empty tea cup. Reaching back she grabbed a chair and sat down. “Again – sorry about that I want paying enough attention. Im Janice.” "There was nothing to be upset about. It was an honest mistake. I'm Jaton." “Nice to meet you. Glad you didn’t flip your lid. I know some people that would,” She peeked out into the mass of people every now and again and her gaze almost looked like it went right through Jaton as they spoke. The owner came over with the fresh cups of tea. "Çok sağol," Jaton said as he laid the saucers on the table. As he stirred in two lumps of sugar, he looked behind himself. "Is there someone you're waiting for?" (reply Janice) (posted by Spencer) (Earth - Istanbul, Spice Bazaar – Janice Hammerfield - 0216) "No harm, no foul," Jaton said. "After all, it's just a cup of tea. And I didn't get burned. I can just get another one. Would you like some?" She still seemed flustered as she continued to mop up the spill. She then looked at her chronometer “I uh.. yes please. Just let me finish cleaning this off. Anything will do.” Jaton nodded. "Garson! Ki fincan çay daha istiyoruz lütfen," he said, raising his hand to get the owner's attention. "Hemen, efendim!" the man said in reply. She finished wiping everything and sat the damp napkins into the empty tea cup. Reaching back she grabbed a chair and sat down. “Again – sorry about that I want paying enough attention. Im Janice.” "There was nothing to be upset about. It was an honest mistake. I'm Jaton." “Nice to meet you. Glad you didn’t flip your lid. I know some people that would,” She peeked out into the mass of people every now and again and her gaze almost looked like it went right through Jaton as they spoke. The owner came over with the fresh cups of tea. "Çok sağol," Jaton said as he laid the saucers on the table. As he stirred in two lumps of sugar, he looked behind himself. "Is there someone you're waiting for?" The fact that he spoke the language completely flew past her as she was returned her attention. "Hmm...?” she stopped looking about then returned her gaze back to Jaton, “Of sorts. If you see any Denobulans in the crowd let me know.” (reply Jaton) “Reasons,” she remained cryptic pointing to her security uniform. She had learned a while back that sometimes it was best to not give to much away otherwise people want to know more than they really want to, “But anyway... “ her gaze wandered down to the cup of tea on the table and she picked it up giving it a sniff, “Rosemary?” (reply Jaton) “Coulda fooled me,” she took a small sip of it to avoid burning her mouth, “Are you stationed out of here or just come for the sights? Or even just the tea?” she raised the cup. (reply Jaton) (posted by Adam) (Earth - Istanbul, Spice Bazaar – SO (Research) Ensign Jaton Alyl - 0217) "Hmm...?” she stopped looking about then returned her gaze back to Jaton, “Of sorts. If you see any Denobulans in the crowd let me know.” "Denobulans? Why particularly?" “Reasons,” she remained cryptic pointing to her security uniform. Jaton nodded. He knew better than to get involved in an investigation when he didn't need to. “But anyway... “ Janice's gaze wandered down to the cup of tea on the table and she picked it up giving it a sniff, “Rosemary?” "Nope, just regular black tea. Just as it's been drunk traditionally for centuries." “Coulda fooled me,” she took a small sip of it to avoid burning her mouth, “Are you stationed out of here or just come for the sights? Or even just the tea?” she raised the cup. "I've come to see the sights and relive my youth. I spent three years in Turkey on exchange in school. I'm actually stationed to Mars." (reply Janice) (posted by Spencer) (Earth - Istanbul, Spice Bazaar –Ensign Janice Hammerfield - 0218) "Hmm...?” she stopped looking about then returned her gaze back to Jaton, “Of sorts. If you see any Denobulans in the crowd let me know.” "Denobulans? Why particularly?" “Reasons,” she remained cryptic pointing to her security uniform. Jaton nodded. He knew better than to get involved in an investigation when he didn't need to. “But anyway... “ Janice's gaze wandered down to the cup of tea on the table and she picked it up giving it a sniff, “Rosemary?” "Nope, just regular black tea. Just as it's been drunk traditionally for centuries." “Coulda fooled me,” she took a small sip of it to avoid burning her mouth, “Are you stationed out of here or just come for the sights? Or even just the tea?” she raised the cup. "I've come to see the sights and relive my youth. I spent three years in Turkey on exchange in school. I'm actually stationed to Mars." "Ah I see – lucky you,” she took another small sip from the tea, “and what s this relive the youth – you don’t look that old to me.” She then noticed the trill in him, “That is unless there are actually two of you in there in which case I have no idea how old you are.” (reply Jaton) She nodded quietly and took another glance around her still not seeing her mark, “Cant imagine what it would be like having another set of thoughts in your head. I heard there is quite a bit of training that is required before the joining?” (reply Jaton) (posted by Adam) cience annex, Floor 3, High energy particle physics lab – CSRD – Lieutenant (jg) Sekal- 0600) He had skipped going to the office this morning, the parameters for future investigations were completed and in the database and updated components for his future project had been targeted. Such equipments was something he did NOT have the authority to order as of yet since extremely expensive components for a redesigned and updated class of starship would have to be approved at the top of the command chain. In the meanwhile the Vulcan head of Scientific Research and Development at Utopia Planitia had something more foundational to do. He had to take a concept material from a ground floor research three decades in the making, prove it, make the technology sustainable and then get approval for the testing that would be required to prove it for mass use. Once all those hurdles had been completed, once the new crystal drive technology was proven functional the very starship engines in use by the fleet would have to be redesigned. The reason? The Anelurian crystals that powered the warp drive and EPS grid gave off an increase in heat energy due to improved efficiency in the matter/anti-matter intermix chamber where there would be less of the wasted deuterium. Utilizing a leaner and more efficient crystalline matrix changed the energy discharge. More high energy plasma would be available to power the warp coils while less of the lower energy plasma would be there for the EPS grid. This meant that the power flow system of a starship as well as a warp engine would have to be redesigned. There would be no change to that for the shields as they utilized energy from the warp drive engines however. The improved energy conduction technology taken from Trill would lower energy needs around the ship by a negligible amount. More power would have to be drawn from the warp drive via shunts and distributed around a ship to make up for the shortfall. But first.... The High Energy Particle Physics Lad was deserted this morning except for himself and the only noise in the room other than what he made came from the diagnostic equipment which was humming softly in the expansive chamber. The machines were little more than computers with advanced sensor pallets designed into them in order to initiate and monitor changes in structure at the atomic level or analyze the subatomic particle present in an energy form. This was the beginning of the most important phase of the investigation, the phase that had stymied researchers on Vulcan. Even with the help of his research team would it be enough? The door opened to an adjacent office which had been turned into a storage room. Sekal had in his hand a demagnetizer and he used it to unlock the crate that had been brought by the Commodore who was his sire, a gift from the Vulcan government for the research. Sekal lifted the lid and he looked at its contents for several seconds before choosing one of the smaller specimens among the deep blue crystals rhat threw off a sky blue glint due to its refractive qualities. His own specimen was still in his office and now with the arrival of the surplus it could be relegated to a display piece as it had commonly been In the past. He closed the lid of the shipping crate filled with approximately twenty five cubic feet of material and returned to the lab where he placed it in a machine that would reduce it into its component atoms. Tri methyl selenide. Selenium and carbon being the primary atomic components with a number of other compounds, not naturally occurring according to his theory. But how had the crystals been brought into existence? On it's own this combination of molecular components could not be duplicated as had been demonstrated with dilithium though there had been some limited success at times. He turned on the unit and set it for the sonic destructive mode. Phased energy forms were normally used but this crystal had been proven resistant by Vulcan scientists to such energy. Analyzing its component atoms wouldn't be enough though, it was the energy field that permeated the material that had baffled Vulcan researchers. Without that energy form the crystals themselves were better at being the catalyst for a matter/anti-matter reaction but it was this energy field that amplified the energy discharge. Until it was understood it could not be used to power a starship. It would take a couple of hours for the machine to properly reduce the sample. It would take only a few minutes for him to set the test parameters. After that he would wait until the procedure was finished to check the results. He also set up unit to interface with the most powerful sensors suites in the lab. If the energy form was from this space/time than any energy particles would be noted, compared and catalogued. If it was not then how could it be proven where it came from? That would be the hardest question to answer but as his father had said to prove an enigma one had to explore its boundaries. Or as one Terran author had once wrote loosely paraphrased.. "To find out what it is we must first prove what it is not." (Reply:Any) (Posted by Charles G) (Mars - Personal Quarters - MED- Ensign Gabe Vesper- 0700) Gabe walked into his quarters, the day had dragged on and he was unsure really how this conversation would go, but it needed to be done. "Computer, open a communication to Lt Cmdr Ash Vesper" [Channel Open] Gabe waited for the answer, he watched as the screen flashed. Eventually the answer came Ash looked like she just sat down into her chair with a mug of tea. The grey streak in her hair left purposefully undyed. “Gabriel – How’s my favourite son today?” "Mum, who’s Dr Bracken?" She retuned part of her tea from her mouth to the cup and sat it back down, “Aimee?” She enquired further seeking clarification. "Who is Aimee, I'm talking about Ailynn. Mum who was the CMO on the Hades when you were there? And don't tell me a Bajoran male like always because I know that's not true." Gabe tried hard not to loose his temper, it seemed every time he asked a question people kept turning it around or trying not to answer “Where did you hear about her? More specifically what do you already know?” she looked on at him intently. 'Ailynn is the CMO on Mars. Apparently her mother was the CMO on the Hades the same time you were there. Shes told me to speak to JB about all this. It makes no sense she kept calling her Aunty Janey. I need the truth. “So... back... when. When we were out on assignment the Doctor – Aimee – she and Mil were a thing. That is before they split up,” “Who is Mil?!” Gabe said frustrated. “Hold on mister.... Im not done,” she looked at the screen intently putting her tea to one side. “Janey told me that Mil and Aimee had a child. I didn’t know till now,” She waited till the expression of what’s this about suddenly sank in with a decent amount of realisation. “Who is Mil mum?” “These aren’t things I like to talk about. Id rather they just stay back where they were. Thats my feelings on it.” Ash paused, “I didn’t expect that you would find yourself here. I guess the universe is small indeed. For what its worth, im sorry for not talking about it earlier with you but I hope you understand why?” “Understand what, what are you saying to me?” Ash looked noticeably sad, “We had a fling. He was your dad... he died. Hes also Ailynn’s dad. You have a half sister.” “Fling, im the result of a fling?!” Gabe yelled loosing it a little. “Your dad... didn’t die like I told you. After we hooked up her left for Startfleet medical. There was an accident and he was in a coma. We couldn’t get him back from that,” “Oh more lies mum, what can I believe, who can I believe?” Gabe felt the tears fall on his face, “Gabe, gabe, gabe....” Ash tried to interject to calm him down some, “GABE! PLEASE! What was I meant to tell a toddler looking for his dad. When you looked up and asked me about him. Sorry I had a fling and then he had a coma. I... I just couldn’t bear to tell you that. It was... it was easier for me to lie. Im sorry.” “Easy for you, EASY FOR YOU. I trusted you mum! I believed everything you said and now its not true, what else isnt true! “Yes you right it was easier for me... and at the time I thought easier for you.” She sighed, “You wanted the whole truth that’s it.” “Oh youve got a sister congratulations I hope you can forgive me for lying to….” Gabe was cut off. “Hold it right there mister. Dont you take that tone with me. I am still YOUR mum,” she looked intently at the screen, “I get it that you feel this way. Once you’ve finished that ill ask that you think about how I feel too. I tried my best Gabe. I wanted to leave all this behind.” A tear left her stern face, “And don’t you dare think for a second that any of this doesn’t hurt me too.” “I dont know what to think, I dont know” Ash looked down a bit welling up a bit, “Right now you I would like it if you could think that you have a half sister ive never met; that your mum tried her best; that talking about your dad isn’t east for me; and despite keeping some of the more painful details from your mum still loves you very much.” “I cant do this mum, i need space” “Im sorry Gabe. Ill... Ill call tomorrow,” she added quickly. [Channel closed] Gabe looked at the blank screen. (reply none) (posted by Mat and Adam) (Mars Base, personnel quarters, John's quarters - IAO, Ens(jg) John Williams - 0715) "The time is zero seven fifteen hours..." The computer said. With a groan, John woke up from a blissful but rare dreamless sleep. Getting up quickly, he got himself showered and dressed. After a light breakfast, he strapped his trusty phaser to his belt. Grabbing some PADDS, he headed to the security services centre. It was a bit of a walk, but John enjoyed the stroll, as it presented an opportunity to get to know the layout of the base. (Mars base, Security services centre, outside the CSO office - IAO, Ens(jg) John Williams - 0755) Straightening his uniform, John pressed the door chime. "Enter.."He heard his boss' voice call from inside. John entered the room, and snapped to attention."Good morning Sir, Ensign Williams reporting. (Reply Peters) John relaxed and sat down, placing the PADDS on the desk in front of him."Thank you Sir." (Reply Peters) He nodded."I've read some of the logs. What happened was...disturbing to say the least." (Reply Peters) (Reply Saarsgard & Sleeford) (Posted by Jan-Willem) (Mars Complex – Science Department – Science Officer – Ensign (JG) – David Clarke - 0716) David rubber her eyes and groaned. He had been looking at his wall mounted screen for hours. “Computer go back to the component 97452 a rogue comet and show me what would happen if it was removed.” The lines on the screen that represented time, shifted, melded and relined themselves. He looked at the screen. “Ow this is great component 07452 all life with in fifty years of the comets path would not have existed. Fragments from that comet helped bring about space fairing civilisation across the sector.” He shook his head. “This is the reason why they gave temporal cold cases to Temporal mechanics scientist to make them all go crazy.” He looked at the empty coffee cup and sighed. “Coffee.” He picked up the cup and headed for the mess hall. (Mars Complex – Science Department Mess Hall – Science Officer – Ensign (JG) – David Clarke - 0719) He stepped into the mess hall and moved over to the replicator. “Double expresso hot.” He picked up the cup and moved to a table where he dropped into it and began to slowly sip his coffee so that he would not get a massive caffeine rush. "I so hope this works" (Reply any) (Posted by Robbie) (SPC David Clarke) (Mars Base - Sickbay - CMO Ensign Ailynn Bracken & ACMO Ensign Erin Cortez - 0746) Sitting in sickbay in a pair of comfy jeans and a jumper, Erin sighed. The journey back to Mars had been quiet. Just her, Ailynn and the pilot. She'd barely spoken the journey back, exhausted and scared, she had leant against her friend and just sat. Now, back home, she was a little nervous. Leaving sickbay meant interacting with the crew who no doubt had heard the whole sorry saga. Ailynn looked at the young woman who over the last few weeks had become not just a colleague, but a close friend. “Erin…?” Looking up, she sighed, "Yeah?" She sat down near Erin, and took a breath. “Erin...I can’t let you beat yourself up, this was not your doing.” "Doesn't stop me feeling guilty. Logically, I know what you mean but, part of me does think that I could have done more." “Erin...sweetie?” "I know. I'm just… tired now. All I ever do is fight. I'm done fighting. " Ailynn sighed gently, looking at her friend, and reaching out and holding one of her hands. “Erin, I’m going to say something to you, and I’m not certain you’re going to like it.” "Go on. I appreciate your honesty. " “I adore you as a friend and colleague, but I need you to focus on you now.” Looking down, Erin gripped her hand tightly and said, "I don't know how. I've always tried to help others… I don't know how to fix myself. " “We can get whatever leave you need sanctioned, but I need you to head back to Earth, back to medical, and get the support that you need. I can’t provide it here.” Looking at her friend, she nodded, "Just promise me something?" Nodding, Ailynn squeezed Erin’s hand. “Of course...anything. You know that.” "Don't forget about me." Ailynn sighed sadly. “Honey, even if I wanted to I couldn’t. You’ve been an amazing colleague and good friend.” "I wish I could stay here but, you're right. I need … something. A change, time whatever it is. I just don't want to lose you as a friend." “We’ll keep in touch. Not like I’m going anywhere soon, and you’ll be back. I can’t shake you that easily.” Sighing, I just need to do one last thing before I pack up and go home. " “Oh?” Ailynn asked, puzzled. "I need to talk to Captain Remae. I … have memories in my head. Memories that I know aren't mine and aren't Dulon's. I think they belong to him." “Oh Erin.” Ailynn’s voice was concerned. “You do need to speak to him then. It may be those are memories that he’s forgotten, talking could start the healing process.” "For us both." She replied. "I feel a connection with him. It's strange and I doubt that anyone but him can understand. " “I agree, you need to speak to him.” "I need some time alone. I haven't been quiet in a long time. But, it takes me so long to move since the surgery…" “You’re body is still healing. You’re trying to do a bit much, you’ve had surgery only yesterday. You need sleep. I can give you a really mild muscle relaxant? But I don’t want to give you any more than that.” "I would like that. But for later. First I need to talk to Remae. " “Need company to his door?” "I'm going to go back to my quarters first. Take a shower. I need to get clean if that makes sense. I might go and sit in the park for a bit." “Completely. Let me know if there’s anything, no matter how trivial.” "I will. " “Take care sweetie.” (Reply no-one) (Posted by Jackie and Mark) (Mars Base, Security Services Centre, SCO Office - SCO, Ens(sg) Carson Peters - 0755) Having woken up only half an hour earlier, Carson had got himself showered and dressed. Read through the mornings reports and then walked out of the "lay-over" quarters into his office, ordered a hot coffee and sat down behind his desk. Blowing a large pocket of air out of his lungs, he cracked his neck and stretched his legs out behind the desk. He had a few minutes before Saarsgard, Sleeford and Williams would arrive for their briefing. Stifling a yawn he cast his mind over the day before. Only once in his career had a day been as jam-packed as that one had been. Both days came with a death toll and Carson found himself again thinking about his old mentor Lieutenant Trask. The anger began to bubble up inside of him, the anger was overtaken by a sadness and eventually by the feeling of lonllness overtook him. Head down on the desk, he heard the chime of the door as at least one of the Ensign's had arrived for the meeting. He sighed, sat back up straight and said, "Enter." (Reply Saarsgard, Sleeford & Williams) (Posted by Jono Bradley) (Starfleet Command - Personal Quarters - Captain Remae Ktell and (SPC) Admiral Jana Bell - 0800) Remae had spent the night in some spare quarters since he was released from sickbay. The day has been strange, but, he seemed to him that with the file now gone from his head, he was more of a complete person, but he had questions, and most of them involved how much Dulon controlled his actions of the past years and which were not. The way Dulon has controlled Erin troubled him, it had seemed he was waiting for the right time to move. The ability to transfer consciousness into a transportable file and then, potentially, bring it back to life inside someone else had enormous ethical and moral questions that need answering, and more concerning, was there any other copies of Dulon floating around the universe? Jana was next to him in bed as both of them had fallen asleep long after midnight. His wife had spent more than a few hours inside the communications hub of command talking to Admirals and answering questions. "Morning.", she said as stirred, sleeping in late was a rare event indeed, but they afforded themselves time to be alone. "Hey.", said Remae, looking over and giving a big yawn to Jana. "I don't want to get up, but this day is going to be a big one.", she said, half getting out of bed and stopping when one leg hit the floor. "The signal we sent out got the attention of many of the old officers, some from the 52nd Fleet, they are making their way here today, we're going to see what can be done about command. Admiral Kriller is coming too.", she said, all business and ignore Remae's attempt to hang on to the leg that was still in bed. "Get off.", she said, smiling, freeing her leg and escaping into the bedroom. "I've got to see Erin today.", he said and also began to stretch, "We have a lot to talk about, and we have something in common, a special link, if you will." Remae was wondering if any of his memories were also in Dulon File, perhaps Erin knew more than he would have liked, but, he would have to find out. "The Admirals are meeting at 1 pm today, so I'd better get ready.", she said and then she was gone, back into Admiral mode, focussed, all business. He organised his thoughts for a moment; he had errands to run, people to see, looking at the list of senior brass which was coming to the meeting, he had a lot of old friends to say hello to. A big day indeed. *FLASH* "What's the matter pipsqueak? Sleeping alone these days? I can't imagine why!", said the entity in bed next to him. A fully dressed Q, in modern Starfleet 2444 uniform, Captain's pips attached was grinning at him centimetres from his face, "Good morning!", he said and snapped his fingers, they were both gone. (Space) Floating in space was an experience Remae hadn't done for many years, floating around, without a spacesuit, floating and breathing, but the memories came back. He couldn't move, but his rotation brought into sight a planet, and it was unquestionably his homeworld of Bajor. The memory of floating around with Q outside the Bajoran wormhole came back to him in waves, so many decades ago, his encounters with the orbs and Q's attempt to understand the religion and why Remae has a lack of it was hard to Q to understand. A personal visit to the Prophets didn't help, and Q gave up trying to understand. "It wasn't that long ago.", said Q, floating next to Remae, his legs crossed, seemingly quite happy to go wherever the tides of space took him. "Q, what I am doing back here again?", said Remae, annoyed again and more annoyed that the fact he was floating in his pyjamas, "Are you still bent on finding out about religion, because, there are better teachers than me!" "Teachers? Good idea.", said Q snapping his fingers. Q was now wearing a teachers gown, black hat and he had a pointer in his hand, a book titled 'Advanced Dimensional Mathematics for Pipsqueaks, written by Q' and he was pointing at a floating blackboard, covered in math that Remae didn't understand, it was insanely hard. Remae was sitting at a chair and behind a school desk. It was floating in time with the blackboard. "Quiz time Pipspeak.", said Q banging the blackboard, "What happens to the universe if entities like you travel between them?", he said. He waited for a moment, slamming the book closed, "The barriers break down and your friendly neighbourhood omnipresent species has to keep them separate.", he said and with chalk, drew a F- on the board. "Fail.", he said to Remae. The Bajoran put a few things together, he was from another dimension, and so were a few others, a few Spectres, a few Janas and the list went on. Q snapped his fingers. A gathering of people was all around him; there must have been 3 Remaes, 2 Janas, 2 Spectres and host of other people, duplicates, triplicates and beyond. The noise broke out, 2 Remaes started talking to each other about what Q was doing, Jana was attempting to get her hands on Q, and a Spectre was trying to move around the classrooms without success. The noise stopped, and everyone vanished. "This is your mess... you are going to fix it.", said Q but before anything else could be said, Bajor came into view again, and it was clear, even at this distance, something was very wrong. Flashes of light burst across the surface; it was like a light show that ran across different areas, on and off, intense and soft... "What's going on down there? Q?", said Remae concerned, angry and worried about his planet. Q turned around as if it was a lot of trouble and looked back, "Oh, that? Nothing to worry about, they have a civil war down there, that's all.", he said and then added, "You should be paying more attention in my class! Detention!", he said and snapped his fingers again. The classroom disappeared, it all disappeared and he was alone again... just as he caught sight of a massive Federation Starship in the distance, heading for him... it was flanked by two others, the first was so big it could only be the USS Republic. It came close and missed Remae by only a few meters; the hull spun past the Bajoran until it had passed. The ship was pristine like it was brand new and as it passed, the warp nacelles glowed a colour of intense blue that meant only one thing, Lt Sekal had completed his project, the Republic was equipped with the new type of energy source he had just started experimenting with. The three ships headed to Bajor, fighters came from all sides and the shooting started and the battle commenced and then stopped as if someone pressed pause. Q's head appeared again from subspace and looked down at the Bajoran, "So, I may have brought you to the future... but your concern is the dimensional breakdown, I'm not going to be the galaxies repair technician anymore, when the barrier comes down, you will have a problem!", he said and snapped his fingers once more. (Starfleet Command - Personal Quarters - Captain Remae Ktell - 0801) He was back in bed, and the sound of Jana in the sonic shower was the same as before, seconds had passed, but Q had left a gift for Remae, a PADD titled: 'Advanced Dimensional Mathematics for Pipsqueaks, written by Q.' It seemed Q's lessons were only just starting. (Reply from Any) (Posted by Anthony Keen (SPC Jana Bell)) (Mar Complex - Mess Hall – Nurse – Ewan McDonald - 0809) He sipped his tea as he slowly worked his way through bowl of porridge. He glanced at the PADD that he was skimming through. He was skimming through the updates from Albatross Organization so that he could keep up to date with deployments. His fingers paused in mid swipe as a name appeared on the screen. ~Ow hell they are going back to Pelennor Fields~ He took a deep breath as his memory flowed back to the first time he had been there. (Pelennor Fields – Heavy Lift Cargo Shuttle – Medivac Nurse – Ewan McDonald) The shuttle rocked hard as it dropped through the atmosphere. As Ewan gripping onto the restraints on his seat as the bottom dropped out of his stomach as the shuttle lost hight and then stabilised. They had been deployed to the Mohoni Three to help with a natural disaster that had affected the colony world. Unfortunate for the colonist’s conflicts had broken out across the world as the resources became scares as the relief fleet rushed to help. There had been a massive clash between two armed groups over dwindling food supplies. His team had been going to help set up a mobile surgical hospital when they had been diverted to help evacuate the wounded. Which was why he was in the shuttle flying information with three others. “Ewan we are starting our circuit do you want to see.” Came the call from the pilot up front. Ewan nodded as he unbuckled his self and moved into the cockpit. The view through the windows clear as the pilot turned for a observation flyby. The land in front of the shuttle saw was flat and looked like the bottom of a massive valley. They were coming in from the south and he could see a winding river meandering off to the east and a massive jutting out crop from the west. In between was what had been named pelennor fields after some battle in an old book. As the shuttle descended, he could begin to make out the rough area of where the two-armed groups had placed themselves. The big groups became smaller groups of people milling around as the lined up for landing. “We will be down in 30 seconds.” Ewan nodded and moved back to his seat. He pulled out his medivac bag that he had stowed beside him and did his final check of his equipment before landing. He felt the shuttle touchdown and heard the engines go idle. “All yours Ewan. We are the first one down the other three will be here in 30 seconds.” “Thanks, I will try and not take too long.” He slung his bag over his shoulder and tapped the shuttles side hatch. As he stepped out, he was hit full in the face with a blast of hot air, it was like stepping into furnace. As he took a breath, he smelt the dust in the air and the sound of screams in the air. He shaded his eyes from the glare of the sun as a woman came up to him. “Are you Dr George?” “No ma’am I am Ewan McDonald one of the nurses. Dr George is one of the other shuttles.” “Okay. how may can you take?” “We can take six stretchers and four sitting or sixteen sitting.” “Okay do we know when the Star Light will be in synchronous orbit?” Ire looked out over the mass of wounded. “She should in position soon and then her transporters can help getting these people out.” “How long…” “Ma’am Dr George will know……….How many patients do we have?” “Over five hundred which need to move as soon as possible.” He turned back to look over the sea of broken and wounded bodies. “Let’s get started.” (Mar Complex - Mess Hall – Nurse – Ewan McDonald ) “Do you mind if I sit here.” Ewan pulled his mind back into the present. “Ow of course yes.” (reply any) (posted by Robbie) (SPC Ewan McDonald) (Utopia Planitia Shipyards, Observation Deck - Starfleet CSEC, Vice Admiral Jono Janeway & Vulcan Defense Fleet Commodore, Saleke - 0810) Yawning and holding onto a hot cup of coffee, Jono rode the turbolift straight to the top of the observation deck. His team had been working in overdrive for the last 12 hours in an attempt to rebuild portions of the Starfleet Council due to the events of the previous day. Cayne’s arrest and subsequent disappearances, arrests and retirements of many of the previous Admiralty had left a large black hole within the organisation's leadership. This needed fixing, a weakened Starfleet, even in its current form was bad news for the quadrant. It had been games of political warfare throughout the leadership, whilst trying to select new members. Janeway and those of a similar mind were pushing for officers that they knew or suspected wanted to move Starfleet back in a direction of exploration and expansion. The turbolift doors opened and as he stepped out of the lift, he made a motion with his hand and the two Security officers that were with him stopped walking and fell into a guarding position around the entrance. Knowing exactly where he was going and who he was meeting, Jono deftly made his way through the corridors and spotted the Vulcan standing at the glass window which looked out over a once great ship, the USS Hades. Walking up, he made his presence known and as the two men came side-to-side he said, “It’s good to see you again, Saleke. It’s been far too much time.” VDF Commodore Saleke turned his head from the viewing window to regard a former comrade in arms. He had received a transmission from Janeway before his ship had departed dock requesting a meeting and had pushed his departure time back in order to accommodate it. The lounge was an efficient place for an informal discussion and the only question in the Vulcan's mind was as to its purpose. "Greetings Admiral Janeway, it has indeed been a considerable amount of time." His eyes indicated the USS Hades that was clearly visible below and he crooked an eyebrow. "Enough time that we have grown noticeably older." Janeway suppressed the hint of a smile, “I’m not so sure on that point,” he said as he eyed the Vulcan, who looked very much like he remembered. “I hope my request to meet you hasn’t delayed anything for you too grievously.” Saleke shook his head slightly. "Our mission was interrupted by VDF command and we were rerouted to Mars for an important delivery. There is ample time yet to leave UP." “Well I’ll get to the point of my summons, straight away. You may be aware by now of some of the disruptions the Starfleet Council has endured over the past 12 hours or so.” The Vulcan regarded the man for a moment before speaking. "My son mentioned it." Saleke moved away from the window to face him. "Corruption among the Admiralty in StarFleet is the reason that Vulcan has been withholding information on the crystals which I have just delivered to my son. This is well known and I find it gratifying that the arrests have taken place." He regarded him for an instant. "What is your purpose in wishing to speak with me? “A request.. An invitation if you will, to rejoin Starfleet. Mars base has been a good step and your son has been a vital part of that, I know you’re doing good work with the Vulcan Defence Force. But I… we feel that you could do that same work and more if you took up a position on a rejuvenated Starfleet Council. The Vulcan's expression did not change of course. "The invitation is unexpected. Whom did it originate from?" “There’s been a lot of movement in the last day and those of us left with a small portion of power have been struggling to gather those loyal to expanding the fleet and reenergizing Starfleet’s core mission. The invitation comes from those of us left, myself, Admiral Bell to name just a few.” Saleke held Janeway's gaze for a moment. "It is encouraging that preliminary Fleet expansion has begun but political machinations could derail it quite easily. There are no assurances that you could present to the contrary and I am not certain that I would be willing to resign my commission in the Vulcan Defense Fleet without a logical reason to do so. I am however willing to consider it. What posting was offered?" Leaning against the metal railing for a moment, “Taking into consideration your expertise and experience we’d like to reinstate you as a Vice Admiral in control of Research and Development within Starfleet. You would be the one in directing the philosophies and creating the technology that we will endeavour to follow and use for the next 50 or so years. You understand why it’s so important that this role in particular is taken on by someone without an isolationist viewpoint and that’s why I think you’re the perfect selection.” Finishing he waited in silence for the Vulcan to respond. Saleke looked away as he considered the offer. Before moving into command he had been a scientist and still maintained an interest in the discipline. He stayed updated on the latest innovations and investigations. He was also expert on the subject of developing the new warp drive engine technology and had researched it heavily himself. Taking a posting with Research and Development would mean managing the technological progression of the Fleet and was a powerful incentive. The offer was intriguing certainly but carried with it uncertainties. Though no longer with StarFleet he was loyal to the Federation and the opportunity was not easily overlooked. And such an office would give him the opportunity to watch over the future treatment of someone he had made a vow to. He turned back to Janeway. "What of Luma'Lenai?" “What of her?” The conversation had taken an odd turn of events. He knew of the entity known as Luma’Lenai but not why Saleke would be bothered by her. “I believe she’s currently stationed within the Mars primary computer.” His expression and tone did not change. "Luma'Lenai has been misused by those she trusted with her existence which is unconscionable. If I am given complete oversight over Luma in addition to managing Research and Development I will take the post. Any attempt to abridge that oversight will lead to my resignation and I will take Luma with me. Is this understood? If necessary I will wait for you to contact Admiral Bell and gain approval as I will not take the position without that assurance,” Narrowing his eyes a little as he looked the Vulcan over, “Give me a moment.” and he walked out of the observation room and into the corridor where his men were standing. The Vulcan turned to look out the window once again as Jono contacted his superiors. He had spent years fruitlessly attempting to remove Luma from the Mystique and into the presence of other beings. To have complete oversight of her movements would enable him to both protect and release her into the Freedom once envisioned for her when she had been removed from the generation ship and integrated into the Mystique. Bell and a few of the others he’d contacted seemed to have a better idea as to why Saleke might be interested in the complete oversight and between the few of them had agreed to his terms, less out of the need to recruit Saleke, but this meant that SFI would have to deal with him if they wanted access to her. “You have an agreement, Admiral Saleke.” Saleke turned to face him once again and then nodded. “I am then agreeable and will take the position. It will be necessary to contact the VDF command and notify them of my intention. My first officer is well able to assume command of the Sinya and continue its mission. Is there anything else I should know?” “There will be a meeting at 1300, Archer Arena to decide on the future of Starfleet. The more people we can gather that would prefer to see Starfleet return to the stars the better.” Saleke nodded. "I will notify my superiors and proceed to Earth. There should be time on the trip to acquaint myself with research currently going on here on Mars." He lifted his right hand with center fingers spread in the Vulcan salute. "Live long and prosper Admiral Janeway, I will see you at the meeting." Returning the ancient Vulcan salute, Janeway nodded and then headed back to the turbolift ~1 down…~ (Reply none needed) (Posted by Jono Bradley (Jono Janeway) & Charles Gatling (Saleke)) Taya had wakened early to assess the tactical team tryouts and to choose the final 160. The first 97 were easy. After that, trimming it down from 217, got difficult. Pausing for a moment, she thought about the red alert from last night. Overall, Taya was glad nothing happened; it seemed it was more an overreaction than anything else, but it had shown her how quickly and efficiently her tactical people could mobilize. It was going to be a good group. "Do you have a minute?" It was Kirby. "Sure, Paul. What's up?" "I know you're busy, but I need to ask you something. It's more advice, actually." Taya's curiosity was piqued, her antennae leaning slightly towards her aide. "You're a woman, right?" Taya let out a hearty laugh. "If you don't know that by now, you need to get some help." She laughed again. Kirby's face turned red. "I'm sorry. I don't know why I said it like that."He sat in the chair across from her. "I need a woman's perspective on something." Taya rested her arms on her desk and she leaned forward. "What about?" "You know that yeoman in medical, Kathy Miller?" "I know who she is." "Well, I, um, you know. I, uh, want to ask her out." Taya didn't see that coming. Kirby was known on the base for just looking for a good time. "My experience with women is, well..." His voice trailed off. "I had my fun. I'm 40 now and I'm ready for something different." Taya smiled. She was happy for Kirby. "You know I've never been in a relationship, so I don't know what I can tell you." "I just need advice from a woman's perspective. How do I approach her? What if she says yes? Or no? Where do I take her? What do I do?" Taya could see that Kirby was serious, that this was something important to him. He was trusting her, so though she wasn't sure what to tell him, she had to give him something worthwhile. "With my people, there are four genders involved in a relationship, and there are rituals and social rules that can be very complicated," said Taya. "The best advice I can give, is just be yourself." "I know that," said Kirby. "I have a reputation here, so how do I get around it?" A young woman with no experience, giving an older man sex and relationship advice, was becoming awkward. Taya wanted to run out of the office. "How about this?" said Taya. "Start slow. If you see her in the mess hall or the Red Sands, ask to sit down. If she says yes, be yourself. Pay attention to her. Listen to what she says. But the most important thing is, you need to show her you're not looking at her as your next conquest." Taya was amazed she was giving such sage counsel. "What if she says no?" "You keep trying," said Taya. "It all comes down to this. If you're serious about a long-term relationship and you think Yeoman Miller could be that one, go for it. Again, just be the true Paul Kirby, not the..." She stopped. Kirby chuckled. "I get it. I hope I didn't embarrass you or make you uncomfortable." "No, I'm fine." Taya was glad the talk had ended. There was a silence that was becoming uncomfortable. "Thanks for the help," said Kirby. "I don't want to take up more of your time." He got up, nodded, and walked out. Taya took a deep breath and let it out slowly. It was time to get back to choosing her team. (reply none) (posted by Rob) (Mars - Personal Quarters - MED- Ensign Gabe Vesper- 0850) After the channel closed Gabe stood gobsmacked, he was expecting something but not to hear that he was a brother. Slumping on the small soft chair a tear fell from his eye, all the years he hadn’t known who he was, his purpose and his being, now gone; complete. The silence of the moment filled the quarters and drained away the everyday sounds of station life, the small humming of the power conduits replaced with the almost unheard internal screaming Gabe made, the pain inside was visible to anyone outside. (Earth 25 years ago) “Mummy, why don’t I have a Daddy?” a five year old Gabriel asked his greying mother. “Sometimes we don’t have everything we want son, our missing pieces make us stronger. Your father was a strong man, a man who went down with his ship, someone to be proud of.” Came the reply as the pair embraced (now) “Lies!” Gabe yelled at the memory now tainted (Earth 15 years ago) “When I grow up I want to be like my Dad, I want to save people, I want to be strong and brave” “You will Son, you will” (Now) “Lies again, he wasn’t strong and brave he was a cheat, he was a fool, he had his own family!” Gabe yelled again pushing himself up and swiping the picture frames from the cabinet. “Vesper to Chief Brown” =/\= go ahead son =/\= “Report to my quarters right away, Vesper out” Gabe paced the upturned room whilst he waited for the woman he knew as JB to arrive, the woman who turned out to not be the person he thought she was. The door chimed and Gabe allowed entry Looking around the room the meek woman saw the upset, she saw the mess. “Whats going on son?” Janey asked “Don’t call me Son” “Ah, you know?” Janey said trying to step over the mess without breaking anything. “Yes…I know. I’ve just finished talking to mum” Gabe said with his lips pierced, the look of anger brewing on his face “we all thought it was best, your mum made the decision” Janey said quickly trying to fill the blanks “DON’T, I don’t want to hear excuses” Gabe bellowed “These aren’t excuses Gabriel, these are reasons, this is you history.” “Why, why do I find out from her?!” “It wasn’t supposed to happen like this, your Great Uncle tried to keep you from coming here until we could sort something out, until Ashley could come to tell you….” Gabe cut the woman off “My Uncle?!” Janey sighed and moved to the side of the room, she had spotted the family album when she saw Gabes quarters before. Opening the book she looked for a photo, eventually finding the one she was looking for she moved aside to Gabe who stepped back a little. “Stop being a kid and listen to me Gabe. This picture was taken at your naming day, there’s me, your mum and you.” “Yes I’ve seen the photo many times thank you” “Not all of it.” Janey said moving to the computer that she picked up off the floor and placed back onto the desk. She entered her access and found the photo she was looking for. It was identical apart from one man. “This is your Grandmothers Brother, he in charge of the entries into Starfleet Medical, he tried to get you assigned to deep space, but he couldn’t. The need was too great on Mars, by the time you and Ailynn had met each other it was too late.” Gabe was silenced, he looked at the photo there stood a man in an Admirals uniform with his arm on the baby. He had a family. But something kept repeating “You know her?! You could have just told me when I got here, why….” Gabe started muttering trying to make sense of things Janey grabbed him, if he wanted to the he could have over powered the short frail woman but even Gabe knew not to do that. “Yes, I could have but its not my place. The other night Ailynn came to my quarters and told me about the moment you two had in Sickbay, I told her then contacted Ashley to tell you.” “But why?” Gabe said slumping into the sofa again “You need to hear from the right people, Im not the right people. But I’ll tell you more. You’ve met before now. Remember that holiday we took in Risa, me you and your mum? Remember that little girl that you played with on the sands? That’s Ailynn.” As Janey spoke she pulled another photo from the album showing Janey, Ashely, Ailynn, Gabe amd Aimee enjoying a moment in Risa. Gabe flew out of the chair and made for the door “NO I wont hear it, youre lying, you cant change my childhood!” “Wait” Janey said rushing to stop Gabe from getting to the door “Out of my way!” he yelled pushing passed and leaving the room “Wait, where are you going?” Janey called after him Stopping in the corridor Gabe turned to face Janey, he wasn’t angry at her, he was just angry at the situation at the years of lies and at the hurt rushing round his body. “to get the truth” Gabe yelled turning the corner. (reply none) (posted by Mat H) (Valkyrie Fighter MkV Designation Ares One - Cockpit- FSCO Lt. JG Trip Williams and SPC Civilian Liason Ashlyn Jones- 0900) Ashlyn took a last look at the house, and expansive fields that opened up into the stunning countryside before them. She knew that she’d be back, coming here now, she felt centred, focussed, and very slightly hungover. As she took a seat in the cockpit, behind Trip, she caught his glance, and smiled gently, refraining from chatting as he was doing his pre-flight checks. Minutes later, they lifted off, the ground retreating below them, and slowly moved to leave the Earth’s atmosphere once more; destination: Mars. “So, what did you think of Dale?” Trip asked, laying in his flight plan. Ashlyn sunk down in her seat, her brow furrowing, thoughtfully. “Sees a lot more than she lets on; kind and warm-hearted, I’d kill to be able to have grown up with her. With that said, She’s unswervingly devoted to her job...I hate that word, her calling I suppose; and she is crazy proud of you.” “Well don’t hold that against her.” Trip said with a chuckle. Ashlyn laughed. “I’m being serious.” she protested. “I think it was hard on her, seeing you in person for the first time since you were born. Knowing Dale, she probably feels guilty she wasn’t there for you.” “We promised to talk as much as possible, but both our jobs, you know? Ash stretched out, crossing her legs, and then cast her gaze at the pale blue disc, slowly retreating. Her manner was quiet, and thoughtful, but she spoke the silence with something that had been nudging her thoughts. “You know what was weird? It’s genuinely no criticism, just the opposite actually.” She said carefully, knowing Trips feelings regarding Dale. “It was that most, if not all of the important parts of the conversations that we had, the serious ones I mean, was how much of it wasn’t what was said, that was all distractionary, it was what wasn’t? That make sense?” “Ummm, do you mind repeating that in English?” “A lot of it was allusionary, it was spoken around, hinted at. Okay, that first night, was a bit more direct, but after that, I’m not sure I can explain it.” "We have enough time for you to try." “I suppose what I mean is that we’re all on the same page, and don’t need our places in the plot explained, we just...understand? That sound weird?” "It doesn't. My dad and I are that way. Same with gramps. We just, get each other " “I think it’s because I grew up how I did, a cuckoo I suppose.” She regarded his face and he piloted the shuttle. “A creature of one nest supplanted into another.” She shrugged, “not in a bad way.” "So what did y'all talk about it?" Ash drew a breath, and sighed deeply. “You know that thing, where you catch up with an old friend, and you suddenly realise that you have nothing to tell them? That the moment that they were part of your life is now no longer relevant?” "Oh...I'm umm… sorry." “That was the thing; it wasn’t that, just the opposite, that’s my point. We chatted, laughed, she kept tucking this lock of my hair behind my ears.” Ashlyn felt herself well up again. “No one has ever done that before.” “Dale did that all the time with Aimee and Ailynn. It was a sign of affection.” Trip said smiling. She showed me her File picture, when she hit CO of the Hades? Her hair is tucked right back there.” She laughed gently, “but yes, I know. “Gosh I feel like such an idiot!” Trip exclaimed out of the blue. “Oh my goodness, all those times I used to joke….must have stung like daggers.” She looked at him, the last day or two had been busy and emotional, she wasn’t certain that she was keeping up. “You’ve somewhat lost me.” “When I was a kid, I used to joke with Dale all the time, and look at her and say, in that weird you know ten year old way were you don’t really know what love is and think marriage is a game and say, ‘Miss Dale, I wish you had a daughter my age, because then I could marry her and you could be my mother in law.’ and she would look at me and smile a sweet smile and say, ‘Well what about Ailynn, I could be your grandmother in law.’ Then I’d laugh, say that Ailynn was gross and had cooties and then I’d go antagonize ducks or something.” Ashlyn laughed, “she was 13, she did have cooties or something.” The smile fell from her face. “But I know what you’re meaning.” “But all those times, she knew you were out there, and it must have hurt her not being able to share you with her world.” Nodding, she opened and closed her mouth to speak, trying a couple of times. “You can’t blame yourself for that. You were a kid. She’s a strong lady, a passing remark from a ten year old wouldn’t have gotten to her That much eh?” she was referring to how Trip held Dale in his heart, how much her careful lessons had meant to both of them; and what her good opinion meant to him. “Although if you would have been running around as little Ashlyn Bracken, I’d probably think you had cooties.” Trip began to laugh, “You and me together, I don’t see that. No offence.” She tilted an eyebrow at him, unknowingly the same, precise gesture that Dale would have done. “None taken, besides, I do have cooties, whatever the blazes that is, if...Trip Williams…” she waggled her head at him, “It keeps your type away.” "You'd be lucky to land a dude like me." They laughed deeply, and Ashlyn felt her soul calm once more. Her face fell serious though, as she once more watched countless stars pass them. Her manner had instantly switched to deadly calm, and collected. “This isn’t going away, is it.” "Do you want it to go away?" “As it stands? I have no idea what’s going on. You’ve had training for this; I did a degree where people told me how to move boxes. I have no centre of what is normal anymore” "At a certain point you'll reach a new normal." “Lets hope so, as things stand, I’m not ashamed of hiding.” She looked at him. “I’m terrified” "Ash," he said as he slyly he pressed a button and the fighter began to shake. "Oh crap!" He exclaimed. “T..Trip? What’s happening?” Ashlyn’s voice was panicked. “I’m not a pilot, I don’t even belong to the Fleet strictly, but I know that this isn’t normal. I’m scared!” Ashlyn held on for dear life onto the arms of the chair that she was sat in, trembling violently. Trip then quickly pressed a few buttons and the fighter stabilized. "Got ya!" "My nerves are not up to any more" Ash said, calming down. "I'm sorry I panicked, what happened?" "Classic travel prank. Make it seem like everyone is going to die. But it's all under control." "Are you out your mind?" She asked incredulously. "We've done little else for days but make sure the people who would actually kill me on sight don't find anything out, and you pull that?" "Sorry, just being silly." "You're not funny." Ash's temperament thankfully was calmer than Ailynn's, she laughed gently and playfully punched the back of his seat."Asshat" “Listen, sometimes you just need to break up tension with humor. Humor is a defence mechanism of mine. Besides, consider yourself lucky. I usually pull that maneuver when someone is sleeping. It definitely gets the heart racing more.” Ashlyn laughed, slouching back down in the chair again. "Next time warn me when you're going to surprise me." She stuck her tongue out at him playfully. "I still can't figure this out, wrap my head around it i mean." “So do you think you might change your last name?” She turned to him, pulling her attention away from the view out the window. "Hadn't thought about it. Our names are already confusing enough." “I guess, yeah, names are weird, it gives identity. I already know that my choice in name causes some challenges in the family.” "I wondered about your name to be honest. I Forget why I thought about it." “Choosing to be James Andrew Williams the third, rather than James Andrew Williams-Verin. I guess the odd thing is, no matter how much I didn’t like being compared to them, and I worked hard to be my own man. But I also liked being the third, being linked to them.” "I like Trip. Its funny when mum calls you James. You always pay attention and stop being silly." “Well Trip was my dad’s idea. He knew I was the third, and he knew there was a famous engineer from the NX-01, named Charles ‘Trip’ Tucker, and well, Trip stuck. By the time I got mad at being the third, I already loved Trip. But yes, when anyone calls me James, I know I am in trouble.” "I remember Tucker, vaguely." She said. "Bracken-Jones?" She suggested insincerely. “Yeah, who knows, maybe one day you can claim the name Ronal Ashlyn. Though I get the sense you are a lot like me. Culturally more human.” "Oooh! Ashlyn Ronal. Tres exotique." Her playfulness dropped, her face falling serious. "Thank you Trip. I couldn’t have coped these last few days without you. “Well, look, Ash, I didn’t do it, look I did it for Dale, and it’s killing me, and I need to tell Sy and Lynn, and maybe I should be the only one of us in the room.” Ash nodded. "I understand, and I agree, it's best that I'm not there. I don't know what's going to happen, but I need there to be people that I can rely on." “Look Ash, I like you.” Trip blushed awkwardly, “not that way. You’ve become one of my good friends over the last month. We can trust them. I’m sure of it.” "I know, I wasn't insinuating that I couldn't. If I can't trust old friends and family then who can I trust" “I know you were a senior when I was a freshman, three years apart, but I kind of wish that I’d have gotten to know you better back then.” "Me too. Can't carry regrets though can we. Sure, we lost time as friends. Look forward though, we can't dwell on might have beens." “Yeah,” Trip said, making sure they were still on their approved flight plan. "Besides. Unless I kill you for daft practical jokes, we'll be friends for a while. Right?" “I’d like to think so.” Trip said with a smile, a thought popping in his head and did his best to shake it out of there. “I mean, shoot, I know all your secrets right?” She blushed, but laughed good-naturedly, "wicked boy. But yes you do know most of them. Not many to know to be honest. Nothing too controversial." “Do share,” he said in a mischievous tone. "Well, it ranges from kissing some younger kid or other to putting laxitives into Butch Hannisy's drink just before tryouts." “Well, who didn’t put laxitives in Butch’s drink, I mean it happened at least 4 times a year.” "That explains so much." Ash replied distantly. "Always thought it odd how often he'd be in the toilet pre-game. Figured it was nerves." “So this younger kid, what were they like?” "Couldn't hold his fruit punch, but he was a good kid. I liked him. Good kisser, warm hands." She winked. "Yeah, well I hear the punch was spiked " "I do remember." "Hey you ummm, don't have feelings for me do you. Because, like you're great and all but I kind of have a blind date tonight that Ravok set me up on. I just don't want this, us, our friendship to be awkward." She shook her head. "As I said before, it was a long time ago. Those kids have long gone I think. Just friends. Have fun on your date." ~Just friends...yeah... probably for the best.~ Trip thought as he gave a half smile. ~No screw it, you know what's building in your heart, listen to what Ronnie said.~ “Actually, what if I cancel my blind date, what if we went and did something instead?” "You don't have to cancel a date...she could be the one. You know, the one" Ash replied. "Look, last night Ronnie asked me how long you and I had been dating. And I said we weren’t, but she said, you sure look like it, you even kissed her head as you left to fly off a goodby kiss. And I said, I did? And She was like yes you did." "Did you?" Ash hadn't noticed. "Wait...so Ronnie thinks we're dating? Pleasant girl but a bit odd." She said puzzled. “And she is not the only one, honestly, I have had at least five people in the last week ask me if we are dating.” "You know someone said something similar to me just the other day. I didn't think anything of it at the time" “When a complete stranger meeting us for the first time asks that question, I don’t know, it gets me thinking.” Ashlyn sighed gently, “Apart from finding each other attractive, I think dating is spending time together, enjoying each other’s company, having things in common, and knowing the most incidental things about someone, you know, the stupid things, things that make them tick.” "Yeah but there is still the romance of it all. Chemistry. I mean us dating. It's silly right?" Trip replied. “Totally daft. I mean, seriously, there’s no chemistry at all. I really like you despite your many faults, and prophets know mine are many and varied, and we still spend time together, but chemistry? Romance?” "Exactly, if we were dating I'd have pulled all the stops. Like I'd bring you flowers." Trip paused as he remembered the flowers he bought her the night of his promotion.. "I'd have brought chocolates." He paused again, he had bought her chocolates at the same time he bought the flowers. Ash looked down at her feet and then up again smiling. An odd thought began to form right at the back of her mind, something that the most ancient parts of her brain had been screaming at her for a while now; and finally it had got the attention of the higher thinking parts. "Ash," Trip said with a new perspective in his voice. As he began speaking it was as a veil was lifted. ~Why do I always get butterflies around her? Could it...do I…. I miss her when she's not around. Think about her constantly and talk to her every day. I'd be devastated if she wasn't around.~ "Ash," he said a second time. "Would it be so bad if we were dating?" Unbeknownst to either of them, her thoughts were similar. ~He’s intelligent, funny, gentle, caring, a smile and twinkle in the eye that makes me go weak at the knees. He genuinely thinks of me in a thousand tiny ways, that I'd not even been aware of, even if he had.~ At no point in their burgeoning friendship did she ever think anything was just a line. “I think it’d be pretty great.” She said quietly, suddenly embarrassed. "I mean we do mesh well together." She beamed, blushing. “Besides.” She paused. “When you stop and think about it, the only people who haven’t noticed that we already are dating is us. Even a complete stranger figured it out.” The blush started as a tingle at her hairline, and in a moment, her whole face was scarlet. "So are we gonna do this?" She nodded silently, biting her lip, shyly "I'd really like that." "So what now?" Trip asked. . "I've no idea. I'm sure that we'll figure it out." “Yup, we’ll figure it out, together.” (reply none) (posted by Will Banowsky and Mark Howard (SPC Ashlyn Jones) (Mars Complex – Fighter Wing Command Complex - Pilot – Ensign – Ire Williams - 0927) Ire looked at the images of the system on the screen mounted wall. The amount of starships entering the system was growing and even though that they had one squadron on patrol, he was still keeping an eye on the Wings readiness as well as where the starships being held. If the ships moved in an aggressive manner, he would have to scramble the whole wing. His eyes drifted to the patrol icon that showed the position of the White Skulls who now had the morning patrol since the shuffle up the patrol schedule from the day before. ~I hope nothing stupid happens or Greta and the White Skulls would be the first one to jumped~ He was glad that Ravok was back and had brought Merek. So at least if it all went crazy, he would hand over to Ravok and he would deploy with is squadron. He was looking forward to going out on a nice relaxing patrol, but he would have to wait until 1800 before he could go. He looked over to where the image of the screen showed earth where Trip still was. He would be happy when Trip got back, and he could go and get some rest before his shift started. (Reply any) (Posted by Robbie) (Mars - Personal Quarters Corridors - Med- Ensign Gabe Vesper- 0945) Gabe had spent his day off trying to understand what was happening. He left the academy an only child, moved to Mars and suddenly he is part of a bigger family. Turning the corner he felt his mind rush, his thoughts deafened by the pulsating of his heart. Barging past several crew members ignoring them completely he continued to his destination, faced with the closed door he allowed nothing to stop him, rage filling his hands, eyes and mouth. Insted of pressing the call button he firmly spoke to the computer, a calmer more rational Gabe would know that his actions right now were nothing short of being on report, but he didnt care, this was family “Computer, release door lock authorisation Vesper alpha gamma 342, medical override.” [override] (Mars - Personal Quarters - Med- Ensign Gabe Vesper / Ensign Ailynn Bracken- 0950) The doors opened and in stepped a furious Vesper “YOU KNEW, you sent me on a goose chase, you knew!” he bellowed across the room Ailynn was exhausted, and had only stopped off at her room for a change of uniform, before she headed back out to check the ITU patients, and file her reports. So she’d been standing there, just in her underwear as the door had burst open. Slowly, she turned around, her temper rising. If she hadn’t been so tired, she’d have been able to keep a lid on it. However, hundreds of thousands of years of evolution were firing every neuron in the most ancient parts of her brain, the ones which overrode rational thought. She’d warned him...precurser chemicals increased an output in her system… “...I…”...firing messenger nephrons that told the adrenal glands to start filling her bloodstream with adrenaline… “...Tried to tell you.” She was furious. Her body wanted to either run or kill, and she couldn’t do either. Her pupils dilated and nostrils flared in furious temper. “I...tried...to...TELL YOU!” Her temper snapped. Ailynn took another step forward. Watching the woman step forward Gabe did the same "tried to tell me? Tried to tell me?? You kept telling me to speak to Janey, you knew and you didn't try!" “I TRIED TO TELL YOU RIGHT THE OFF...BUT NO YOU’RE SO BLOODY ARROGANT I HAD TO BE A LIAR.” The last word was screamed at him. She was almost literally nose to nose. "Back then, according to Janey you didn't know then! How hard would it have been to open your mouth and say? Instead of sending me to her? Don't you understand, of course you don't, you grew up knowing your history, knowing your family whilst I was kept in the dark do you have any idea how that feels!" “Almost your first sentence to me, was to call me a liar regarding my mother being CMO on the Hades. You didn’t believe me on that, where the bloody ship is parked up there in drydock, and I could have taken you there. Tell me...honestly...after that moment, after the fact that you decided I was a liar, would you honestly, truly have believed me? If I’d have told me when I found out?” “I didnt call you a liar, I said we both had different stories, you snapped and went off on your own tangent telling me that everything I had been told was wrong. Well youre right, it was. I would have listened to reason, if you could have shown it.” “I...said...honestly.” Gabe stood for a second, “I dont know, I’ve spent my whole life having to be strong, I dont know.” his anger subsiding for a moment. If there was a major difference between Ailynn, and Aimee, her mother, it was that her temper subsided faster. “Look…” She began, closing her eyes, sighing gently and stepping back slightly. “I sent you to Auntie J, because I knew that above all the people in this stupid universe, that you would listen to her, and show her the respect that I know you and your mum hold her in. I sent you on that stupid ‘wild goose chase’ because I could see that we had an issue of trust that neither of us could back down from.” “You dont get it, you told me my whole life I had been lied to. Here I am being told by some random person that I thought I had never met before telling me my mother was wrong, you called into challenge my whole existence.” Gabe looked around, the small paper held tightly in his hand, on the side was a picture that he recognised. Without invitation he walked to it and picked it up unreavling the paper in his at the same time. “Look, thats us, at Risa everyone knew but you and I” Gabe felt the tears forming behind his eyes. “Janey told me we had gone on holiday together, as friends, but we were family; now do you see why it hurts.” She gently took the picture from him. “I remember this trip...but on my honor I never knew any more than that. We were just...family friends you know? You were...and forgive the way this will sound...just another kid my age.” She passed it back. Gabe shook his head as he pulled the picture back saying nothing. “Look…” She was finally fully calm. “Clean slate...complete truth? As I know it? Mum was the CMO on the Hades, I couldn’t say for how long. But she and your mum were friends. She operated on your mum, shrapnel wound or something I forget exactly.” He looked at her again and for the first time realised that she wasnt dressed, the overwhelming emotions changed from pain and anger to mild comedy, he started to laugh a little. “Firstly I suggest you get dressed, after all you are my sister” For the first time she realised that she was actually still in her underwear, shrugging slightly she moved to the replicator and ordered a fresh uniform, which she began to pull on. “I dont doubt that you said what you did with honesty, but this was my whole life.” Gabe walked over to a picture of a crew, he recognised Janey and his Mum. in the middle was a man in command uniform, a bajoran. “I take it this is dad?” Ailynn caught the moment, and placed a gentle arm over his shoulder, silently cursing secrets. She’d had altogether too many of those of late. “You’ve never seen him.” It was more an observation than a question. “That’s Dad.” “No, the man I thought was my father, isnt my father.”. “Gabe...I’m more sorry than you know.” Her heart bled. “I’ve been such a cow.” Taking the embrace Gabe looked at her, they were shallow and sunken but at the top of her nose was something that linked them deeper today than before. “Its not your fault” Pulling away gently, she moved toward her desk, and opened the bottom drawer, pulling out a bottle, which, after picking out two crystal glasses, poured two small measures. “Doctors orders.” she handed one over, then moving to the other side of the room, and picking up another picture, passing it over. The stardate on the picture said ‘Hades 2418.11.15’ “This is mum’s favourite picture. That’s her, that’s Dad. You’re mum had already left the Fleet I think. Mum always said they were so happy. So close. She still bores me with it, it was like everyone’s lives were literally in the hands of the person next to you. You become friends, close friends. I think that’s what the Fleet and Federation have lost as it shrunk back.” Taking the drink Gabe watched as Ailynn moved across the room, he followed as she produced another picture, he listened as the story of another family was told, a story that wasnt his. But looking at the woman he saw a chance to start again, right a few things. “Ailynn, the only thing joining us is Dad, we both know him as two different people, I dont have these memories, the fun times, just me mum and Janey. This is going to take some time, but it feels like we have a real family now. =/\=Brown to Bracken=/\= “Bracken. What is it?” =/\=Gabe called me to his quarters, he knows everything, the sensors have him near to you now, its just so you know=/\= Ailynn opened her mouth a few times, trying to figure out the best sentence to use. “Thank you Aunty J. I’ll...He’s here, we kind of argued.” She looked at Gabe, and shrugged. “Help me out man…” She whispered to Gabe. “We’re fine Chief” Gabe said throwing a dont you dare look at Aiylnn. He was in no mood to speak to Janey “It’s all good J. Bracken out.” She closed the channel, “Look. We have a long way to go, and I’m not asking for us to be besties or whatever, but for the moment, lets start again.” Gabe sighed, the last few hours has taken their toll. “I agree, a month ago we didnt exist. Im off duty for the rest of the day and I think I have some apologising to do to mum. I’ve got the first watch in the morning, breakfast my quarters, im planning on eggs and bacon?” “Now...we’re on a wavelength. I’m starving...Double neural object removal...same object two different heads. Interesting evening.” Ailynn was aware that she was rambling, a habit that she had when she was exhausted, and hungry. “Transfer the notes to me, ill have a look at them. I’ll see you at 0600 hours” Gabe took the moment to leave as Ailynn was getting herself sorted. (Reply none) (posted by Mat and Mark) Keira wanted more than anything to check on Ravok, Erin being hurt hit him like a punch in the gut. That would have to wait, however. Her project that could have been finished yesterday was put on hold so she could spend time with her boyfriend, and for that she felt a little guilty. Because right when Mars could have used a planet wide defense grid, it didn’t have one. She had double checked all the units before heading to where she was going, the flight offices. Sure, she could send the satellites up the old-fashioned way with a rocket. Admittedly that had a certain nostalgia, but it was terribly inefficient. If she scheduled a shuttle or runabout she could just deploy them off of that. She strode into the Flight Offices. (Reply any Flight Officer, clerk or the like) “I need to request a shuttle, runabout, tug what ever is available really. You got any pilots available as well?” (Reply Flight Officer) “Well I got 64 satellites to put up in the sky.” She said. (Reply any, Flight Officer) (posted by Todd) (Mars Facilities – Flight Offices – NPC-ENSIGN JG BAKER– 1001) Ensign Baker was on standby duty as Ravok was still off. He was in the middle of handling the preflight check list for the warbirds squadron when he noticed a beautiful blonde haired Ensign come strolling in. "How can I help you?" “I need to request a shuttle, runabout, tug what ever is available really. You got any pilots available as well?” Baker looked at her for a second and reached over and grabbed his PADD of the desk to his left. " Okay can I ask the purpose of this request ?" He said as he typed on his PADD. He had a message from Ensign Ravok. “Well I got 64 satellites to put up in the sky.” She said. " Are you Ensign Merek ? Chief Engineer?" ( reply Merek) " Well your luck," he said as he handed her his PADD. " There is a Type 11 refit reserved for you by our acting executive officer, Ensign Ravok. His note says to provide engineering with any assistance needed as long as it doesn't conflict with the daily operations of the fighter wing. Since we have Two that aren't currently assigned to any squadron at the moment. The Type 11 for engineering use is located in hangar 5 , landing pad 9" ( reply Merek) " Flight operations has pilots they can assign you. " Ensign Baker said. ( reply Merek) He nodded his head . " Have a good day Ensign Merek" he stated as he walked away (Reply Merek) (Posted by Davis -npc- Ensign Baker) " Are you Ensign Merek ? Chief Engineer?" He asked. “Yes…” she said tentatively. " Well your luck," he said as he handed her his PADD." There is a Type 11 refit reserved for you by our acting executive officer, Ensign Ravok. His note says to provide engineering with any assistance needed as long as it doesn't conflict with the daily operations of the fighter wing. Since we have Two that aren't currently assigned to any squadron at the moment. The Type 11 for engineering use is located in hangar 5 , landing pad 9" “Thanks, this helps a lot.” She said grabbing the PADD and looking over the shuttle’s specs and maintenance logs. " Flight operations has pilots they can assign you. " Ensign Baker said. Keira cracked a smile and almost laughed out loud, but held the latter part in. “I’m more than capable and rated to fly a type eleven, thank you for the offer.” She said trying to be polite and not insult the guy for just trying to be helpful. He nodded his head . " Have a good day Ensign Merek" he stated as he walked away Satisfied in the ship she was assigned, Keira left and got to work. (Mars Orbit – Shuttle Brutacles – CEO Ensign SG Keira Merek – 1132) It felt good to be back at the controls of a small craft. The Romulan woman’s fingers deftly danced across the controls bringing the vessel into a smooth parabola. It surprisingly didn’t take her long to load up the six satellites for her first run and prep them for deployment from an ventral rack on the bottom of the shuttle. She keyed the communications to open a standard channel. “Shuttle Brutacles to Tactical Operations. Ready to begin deployment of defense grid.” (Reply Operations, Tactical Officer Prefered) “Understood. I will inform you on activation of each unit. It will be ready for you to establish control. Once I see there are no problems, I will move to the next unit.” She said evenly. (Reply Operations) “I will keep an open channel.” She said. “Moving to position one.” She announced. (Reply Operations) Keira plotted a course to the pre-determined coordinates. The shuttle responded as expected with smooth, easy arcs. Keira would have enjoyed flying manually, her way, but in this case she didn’t want to damage the merchandise and a few weeks of work for her engineers. “Arriving at destination in 3…2….1, full stop.” She said as she smoothly arrested her motion and placed thrusters at station keeping. “Releasing magnetic clamps.” She announced into the open channel, so that OPS could track her progress. “Initializing satellite.” A few moments went by as the unit powered up and ran a self check. “Operating system starting up.” ~This is the big moment, to see if your programming was a success or if this unit is going rogue and start firing at you, and sending a cybernetic unit to the past and kill your mom before you were born.~ “All yours OPS.” She said once the unit was ready. (Reply Operations) “Thank you, that’s good to hear, on to way point two.” She announced and continued the job. (Reply OPS, any) (Posted by Todd) (Mars Complex – The Vault– Archivist - Aleese Akess - 1012) “Ow come where is it.” She pulled up the next file out of the from the system and scanned the header. “Nope not that one.” She had gone through half a dozen files. She remembered that there had been a schematic drawn up of a variation to the some of the Republic system and she wanted to find out if it would be possible to add them. She would like to go up and physically see if the systems would work with the changes. “Ah there it is.” She grinned and pulled out of the file she was searching. “Akess to Engineering” (Reply Engineering) “Have schematics of the Republic and I would like permission to go up to the ship and compare it to the real thing.” (Reply Engineering) (Reply Engineering, any) (Posted by Robbie) (SPC Aleese Akess) (SS Vital Spark –Bridge - Ships Master - Maia McDonald - 1024) Maia was having a strange 24 hours. The day before she had received an emergency message from her father saying that she needed to stay where she was but finish the job as fast as she could. The next was the one she is holding was a message form her father who was senior in the organisation. This message was personal for her father who told her that she was needed back to earth. They had been attached to fleet support, but they needed to get home so that he could explain all. She looked around her small bridge and nodded. “Comms are we ready to depart.” “Captain we are cleared do depart.” “Okay let’s get going. Helm ahead on manoeuvring thrusters and when we are clear go to maximum warp.” “Yes Captain.” “Captain to engineering?” =^=Yes Captain=^= “Chief we need to go high and fast.” =^=You want to go up to the ceiling and bounce the cores=^= “Yes Chief.” =^=You break her you fix her=^= “Yes Chief.” “Okay helm lest go.” “Okay going in five, four, ready, steady, go.” Maia grinned as the Vital Spark went to walk. (Reply any) (Posted by Robbie) (SPC Maia McDonald) (Mars Facility, Science Annex - CSO's Office – FSCO Lt. JG Trip Williams - 1030) Trip had gotten back to Mars around 0945, and after getting his fighter situated and saying goodbye to Ashlyn he had left for his quarters. He was hoping to find his sister there, but she wasn't home. He had asked the computer where she was and after finding out she was in her office he made his way there. He was holding a small gift bag in his right hand. She was in the Science Annex, and as Trip made his way there, he was beginning to wonder if he had actually set foot in that building. As far as he could tell, this was the first time that he was headed to visit his sister at her office. Though in his defense, he spent most of his time before heading to Trill restricted to Quarters, and the of course they had only been back from Trill for a few days. So while he felt guilty he hadn't gone to see her office, he did have a plausible excuse. The closer he got to his sister, the stronger their connection became. It had been almost like an echo while he was on Earth, but now it was flooding back to him, as if he was opening his eyes in the sunlight for the first time after being trapped in a dark cave. It was a familiar and calming feeling. He knew at some point that their careers would separate them, that trajectory of their lives would separate them, but it would never soften his love for his sister, never soften their bond. He may have considered Ailynn a surrogate sister, may have even called her once his sister in blood and soul. But he would never care for Ailynn, the way he cared for Sy. As far as he knew, he may grow to love and even marry Ash, but Ash could never replace his sister. It was a different love, a different bond, and he knew it would survive distance, time, triumph and tragedy. As he arrived at the door, he had gotten the feeling that Sienna might have spent the night in her office. ~Poor Sy, I hope she didn't stay here because she was working late.~ Entering the door, because he could be rude and didn't feel the need to knock, he smiled saying. "How's it going sleepy head, I hope you didn't work too late." (reply Sienna) "I stopped by home, but you weren't there, so I thought I'd pop by and say hello. Sorry I wasn't around yesterday. Nice office by the way." (reply Sienna) "Oh I come baring gifts." He placed the bag on her desk."It's a gift from Miss Dale. She knows you are allergic to Earth alcohol, so it's a sparkling white grape juice made from the grapes from the Bracken vineyards. She thought you might like it." (reply Sienna) "So hows life in sciences?" (reply Sienna) (Reply Sienna) (posted by Will) (Mars Orbital - Mars Orbital Traffic Control Officer - Ensign (JG) - Oliver Wallis - 1033) Oliver looked around the room and paused as the screen updated again. “Sir we have another warp signature entering the system?” Oliver looked as the screen showed an icon appear from out system. Ships of all different classes and sizes had been arriving since the bay before. “Do we have an identification.” There was a pause as the controller checked their console. “Sir it’s the USS Katana she’s a Constellation Class.” Oliver paused for a moment and he looked at the icon that appeared. “A Constellation Class. How on earth is she still going. I though they would have moth balled her by now?” “I can not say Sir but I am sure you can ask the Katana’s Captain when the ship docks.” Oliver gave the controller and stern look. “Don’t go there. Give the Katana a course and heading so they she can enter Mars Orbit near the Orbital and pass them to approach control when they reach the outer marker.” “Yes sir.” “Sir we have two more warp signature entering the system.” He nodded as he looked back to the screen. (Reply any) (Posted by Robbie) (SPC Oliver Wellis) (Mars Facility, Science Annex - CSO's Office – CSO Ensign Sienna Williams-Verin - 1035) Sy was sleeping on her back, one arm hanging off the smallish office couch and the other curled around the sleeping Kenna who was on her chest. A tiny bit of drool had escaped her mouth and was on her cheek dry. Her uniform was rumpled, the new pip was under the couch and Kenna's hair was everywhere. The grey scratchy blanket was at her feet as if rejected by her during the two 3-ish hour naps she had gotten between supplemental pup feedings. Regardless she looked rough and to Trip's experienced eyes it was obvious that before sleeping she had been crying hard. The office smelled like dog, and the Mama lab in the corner by Sy's desk was eyeing Trip like he was an invader come to steal her pups. "How's it going sleepy head, I hope you didn't work too late." Sy opened one eye at her brother and dragged her hand across her cheek then put the pillow back over her head, "Feed the puppies and let me sleep." She mumbled through the pillows which to her twin must have sounded like 'Let me talk at you so you can't sleep anymore', which Trip obliged her by doing. "I stopped by home, but you weren't there, so I thought I'd pop by and say hello. Sorry I wasn't around yesterday. Nice office by the way." Sy threw the pillow that was over her eyes at her brother, who was not where she was throwing the pillow. Stupid brothers. She sat up, realizing that she wasn't going to be sleeping anymore right now. She rubbed her eyes, which were dry and crinkley and had those hard bits of sleep in them. She felt hungover. Without alcohol. This was not fun. When she did not speak at her twin, which should have been a clue to hand her coffee, he at least in self preservation sat down the gift he came to give her. "Oh I come bearing gifts." He placed the bag on her desk."It's a gift from Miss Dale. She knows you are allergic to Earth alcohol, so it's a sparkling white grape juice made from the grapes from the Bracken vineyards. She thought you might like it." Sy took the warm washcloth he thoughtfully handed her from the small bathroom and washed her face, which badly needed it. Her eyes hurt the most, likely from crying before sleep. "Words." She spoke in a tone that a zombie once said 'brains' in a horror movie. Her own brain was not catching up to being awake at all. Sienna was not the kind of person who awoke easily. "So hows life in sciences?" Trip was obscenely happy. Sy on the other hand, "You know there are like 6 things within reach of me that will eviscerate you, right?" She asked him in an entirely reasonable tone of voice. "No, seriously, there are. " Trip finally seemed to understand that this meant coffee and stepped out of her office to get her chocolate caffeine the way a good, kind, considerate brother would do. She waved her hand at the spare office. It had a file cabinet (for what, Sy had no idea), a bare metal desk, a heavy metal chair and a sofa that she had slept on that had better resembled a klingon sleep shelf. The pups were in a crate in the corner with Mom, and the bottle she had fed the small one with was cleaned in her small on-office bathroom. As the blessed caffeine began to infiltrate Sy's brain and the more advanced parts of it that were a humanoid began to work, she closed her aching eyes again for a few moments. "I had a surprise set up for Lynn last night in our quarters. Romantic. Sappy. You know, me. And she didn't know about it, but she had to goto Earth and she didn't tell me and then all that stuff on Earth and I have not heard from Mom or Dad yet. I couldn't bear to clean up the mess in my quarters that was supposed to be a surprise so I slept here. Which was not the smartest of plans because my back is screaming at me for sleeping on this torture device. It was good that I was here though, the pups needed me." She sighed. "How was Earth?" The slight sense of jealousy she tried to hide was there, she could not hide anything from her brother. And she was truly, deeply unhappy. "You thought to call me, and Lynn didn't. I know it's not her fault. I should have let her know I had something special planned. I wish I'd messed all this up in the academy and high school like everyone else did, ya know?" Sy leaned her head against her brother's shoulder. There was little here that marked this office as hers, just Kenna's carrier and toys. There weren't even pictures on the desk. It was impersonal and that just was not like Sy. There were not even plants. "Do you want to feed the pup? It's the one with the orange collar that needs the supplemental feeds. Ravok found them but I've not seen another dog anywhere. No males. And you'd need one to account for the pups." Sy smiled, the smile not reaching her eyes at all. "Formula and bottle are in the bathroom." Yeah things were not right with his twin. (reply Trip, any) (posted by Mel) (Mars Facility, Science Annex - CSO's Office – FCSO Lt. JG Trip Williams- 1037) "Do you want to feed the pup? It's the one with the orange collar that needs the supplemental feeds. Ravok found them but I've not seen another dog anywhere. No males. And you'd need one to account for the pups." Sy smiled, the smile not reaching her eyes at all. "Formula and bottle are in the bathroom." Trip went up to the bathroom to fix up a bottle of formula. As he was doing so he turned to his sister talking to her through the open door. "Listen," he said with a smile. He had planned on telling her that he and Ash had started dating, but he knew it was not the time. "I didn't know Lynn was on Earth either, and neither did her grandmother. I still haven't had a chance to talk to her. But if she left, and neither you, nor I, nor even her grandmother knew about it, it must have been something that she wasn't allowed to tell anyone." (reply Sienna if you want) "I know its rough, but relationships are hard, even ones that seem right on paper." He said as he checked the temperature of formula on his skin to make sure it wasn't too hot. "And you are both new at this. It takes some time getting used to it. When we went to Texas for winter break Freshman year of high school, and Rae and I had been dating for a month, I left without even telling her I was going to Texas. She called me and asked if I wanted to go out, and I said babe, you know I'm in Texas, and she said no, actually I didn't. So I don't think Lynn meant anything by not telling you she was going to Earth." (reply Sienna) Trip then walked over to where the runt was and took her out and held her in his arms, placing the bottle in the dogs mouth. "Who is a sweet little girl, who is a sweet little girl." He said with a baby talk voice. "You are, yes you are. Drink up and get big and strong." Trip sighed, he knew his sister was struggling. "Look Sienna." he only called her Sienna when he was concerned. "Sometimes we see something and it seems so perfect or set in stone, like a relationship, or a sporting event. You know how the underdog goes in, and on paper they should lose every time, but there is that one time the underdog goes in and flips the script and wins. Sometimes what looks like the perfect script, just doesn't work out that way." Trip then but down the bottle and then sat on the desk cuddling the puppy. "Sometimes, you have runts like this little princess, where everyone says there is no way they're going to make it. But with enough lough and attention, they'll grow and thrive." Trip looked into the puppies eyes, "Isn't that right..." He paused, "I'm gonna call you Layla, you Look like a Layla. Isn't that right Layla." Trip then turned back to his sister. "But it takes time and adjustment, and learning what its like to be with someone else to figure it out. But no matter what, me and Princess Layla here will be to give you hugs and kisses." Trip said the last part with his baby talk voice. (reply Sienna) (reply Sienna) (posted by Will Banowsky) (Mars Complex – Star Fleet Intelligence Department - SFI Agent – MCPO - Rebecca Faust - 1103) Rebecca had been at the console for the last few hours. She had been working on identifying, cataloguing and checking the record on each of the ships that were arriving into orbit. She had been getting scan data from as many sensor arrays the she could bring to bear. The last thing that they needed was an unknown starship arrive and try to meld in with the others. She started with the Boudicca which she found looking through the records of the Boudicca and the Keltoi class she belonged to. There had been a flurry of ships arriving since the call went out. They arrived on their own or in groups and were all shapes and sizes. There had been one surprise when an old Constellation Class had arrived. Rebecca had immediately brought up its records and scan data not that she thought it was a going to be hostile more to the fact that it was still warping around and not fallen apart. She had been and still worried about the amount of ships that had arrived with no clear command. She knew that the President had sent the signal but some of the ship Captains had not been back to earth in an awfully long time. She had been ready to implement her plans if mars had been bombarded from orbit or there had been invasion. She understood her role and dying needlessly was not it. She concentrated back to her console as another ship warped in. “Okay what do we have here.” (Reply from Intelligence, any) (Posted by Robbie) (reply any) (posted by Robbie)(SPC Rebecca Faust) (Mars Facility, Interview room - Ensign Jg John Williams & ACMO Ensign Erin Cortez- 1502) John was looking at her on his PADD. She had been brought in the room moments ago, by security. She was cuffed with her hands behind her back and she looked exhausted. He had Read several reports, but this was his first interview with her. Hé got up, and entered the interview room. "I'm John Williams. I work for internal affairs." He walked behind her, undoing her handcuffs."I specificly told them not to do that. I'm sorry." He said, giving her a smile."Before we talk about what happened, have you had something to eat or drink?" Erin shook a little and rubbed her hands where the cuffs had been. "Water… please." He nodded, heading to the replicator on the far wall. Moments later, he sat down opposite from her, setting the plastic cup of water in front of her. "So...what happened?" He asked, genuinely interested, his blue eyes gazing at her."And, more importantly, how are you recovering from surgery?" Looking at him, Erin was unsure. Unsure of what he was alluding to and why he was asking, "Considering I had surgery on my brain under 30 hours ago, how do you think I am? Tired, emotional and sore." "That makes sense..." He thought for a while. "Erin...may i call you Erin? I've been sent here by Internal Affairs to investigate certain….subversive elements within Starfleet. All this has to do with what happened the past 72 hours." He fell silent, but after a while spoke again."How much do you remember?" Looking away, she took a deep breath, "subversive elements? Is that what I am labelled as now?" He shook his head."No, not at all. You're not charged with anything..."He gestured at his PADD."...And medical reported that you were being controlled." "In answer to your question, I remember every damn part of it even though I wish I didn't." "I can imagine…"He sighed."... actually, i can't imagine, so i won't try." He smiled at her."I've read your report. Your logs. What i want to know is anything that might not be in those logs or reports. Anything that can help me...help us find the people behind this." "The people behind this?" He shook his head."Sure, we caught the guys who killer the spy, but i'm not sure it ends with them. I fear that the danger is not yet gone." "What spy? You are mistaken. What happened to me was not part of any spy plot." Hé looked at his PADD, then at her, saying nothing. "I… why are you speaking to me? I had nothing to do with any plot …." Erin started to tremble as she spoke. He nodded."I know. I had to be sure." He looked at her."Sure that that damned Cardassian had nothing to do with it. Last thing we need is another Dominion war." "And that would have been my fault, would it? You have no idea what he showed me!" She replied, her voice rising as the trembling continued. "So, tell me. What happened in your mind. Did he speak? Did you and him fight?" He gazed at her intently, his eyes seeming to pierce through to her soul. Closing her eyes, the memories of what he had showed her, what he did to the Captain flooded her mind, "Stop…" she said softly. He shook his head."No, not at all. You're the victim here Erin. That bastard violated you." He felt his anger grow. "Please…. Don't make me think about it…" she replied rubbing her head as a pain grew. A pain that was beginning to grow in her head. He felt his anger subside, finding her voice to be soothing."I'm sorry about that." "Thank...you…" she replied, rubbing her head again, "Anything else?" "Actually, yes. Are you in pain?" He said, grabbing a medical tricorder."I assume everything was taken out, yes?" "Yes. He's gone." He nodded."I was an EMT before i joined Starfleet, though…." He checked his readings again."..This is new." "What? What's wrong …" she whispered, hoping that it was nothing. Just a headache. "Nothing. Just some irritation of the micro stitches. It didn't show up in your medical file, that's all. Now, where were we. Oh yes. The Cardassian. I understand the memories are painful. But, we have to revisit them, i'm afraid." "Why? Why do I have to?" "Because i need to know exactly what happened. What was said. What was done." He fell silent. Glaring at him, Erin stood from her seat, "You want to know what happened?" "Yes. But please, sit." He answered. Feeling her voice rise with every word, her blood pressure rising, Erin spoke, "He made me watch as he used me to assault my friends! He made me live through what he did to the Captain…." She paused, wincing slightly. "Please, Erin. Calm down…" He began as he stood up. "HE GAVE ME NO CHOICE BUT TO SHOOT MYSELF!" She yelled as she felt a pain explode in her head. "Erin, please…" He began, slowly approaching her. Not hearing him, the room began to spin. Erin walked to the door slowly, taking deep breaths, the room spinning round and round. He came closer, placing his hand on her shoulder, trying to keep her from falling."Erin.." Feeling the hand on her shoulder, pain building in her head, Erin acted on instinct and swung out, hitting the man on the shoulder as the pain in her head became too much for her. Yelling out and holding her head, she collapsed down onto the floor, moaning in pain. John winced slightly at the punch. Seeing her collapse, he caught her, guiding her to the floor."Erin?!" He exclaimed, concern evident in his voice. "Wake up!" Moaning softly, Erin opened her eyes slowly, "what… happened?" He quickly ran his tricorder over her, looking for signs what was wrong with her. "My head feels like it just got hit… why am I on the floor?" "You punched me, and then went down." He closed his tricorder."Nothing is wrong with you, physically at least. I believe you had a psychosomatic episode." Sitting up slowly, Erin rested against the wall of the room and sighed, "I'm sorry." "Don't be. I may have pushed too hard." He looked at her. "I shouldn't have lashed out." "It's okay, really." He sat down besides her."I think we're done with the questions." He rubbed his shoulder."You pack quite a punch.." He said with a chuckle. Looking away, she sighed, "I'm sorry." "You're good, really…" "I should probably go back to my quarters, I have packing to do." "Packing? Why?" He asked as he got up. "I'm heading back to Earth in the morning. Starfleet medical. Doctor's orders. " He extended his hand to help her up."I'll walk you to your quarters if that's alright." Taking his hand, Erin smiled weakly, "thank you." (Reply none) (Posted by Jackie and Jan-Willem) (Starfleet HQ - Medical - ENS SG Counselor Ariel Trei - 10.30) After having an Earl Gray and a danish she decided to take some medical practice programs. It will be necessary for her to get comfortable helping Quinna in Sickbay so she should practice some basic procedures if she is needed to do so. She inserted card into a slot and a virtual body appeared before her. This reminded her of a game she played as a kid called Operation. The task this time was to find a vein to draw blood. She suspected it would take much practice to get comfortable with this. She was right. The first few attempts resulted in an angry red buzzer which was becoming most irritating and frustrating. Eventually after 20 or so tries she was able to hit the mark and draw blood without much pain felt from the procedure. She thought to herself she must be a glutton for punishment but she went through with 30 more just to get better and less apprehensive when the time came to do it for real. It was better she play IV roulette now than later. She did 10 more for good measure and seemed satisfied with the result. (Reply Any) (Posted by Edward) (Starfleet HQ - Medical - ENS SG Counselor Ariel Trei - 10.40) The next practice module was to take vital signs with a tricorder. For her to properly assist Quinna, she would have to familiar with the old school stethoscope . She placed the audio receptors in her ears and proceeded to check for a heartbeat and breathing sounds. The virtual patient reacted to the cold sensor as she expected it to. The first few were like fighting a spider monkey trying to push the sensor away from her. She understood this as no one likes something cold touching their body. She eventually was able to do the procedure gentle enough so the reaction was not that abrupt. She finished the module with practice with a tricorder. She was satisfied with the session and was ready enough to assist Quinna when she needed her. She will learn the more complicated procedures over time. She left Medical. (Reply Any) (Posted by Edward) (Mars Base - Security Holodeck 6 - ENS SG Counselor Ariel Trei - 11.25) She listened to Taya describe Roller Derby to her. She has roller skated before but she was a kid when she did it. She never did roller derby before but was willing to try it. From what she saw Taya do, she would do well as a Jetter so she strapped on the Knee pads and the elbow pads. She laced up her roller skates and tried to stand up. After a a few wobbly attempts to stabilize herself, she tried to move in the skates. It took her a few laps around the track to be comfortable. She took a few more runs to get comfortable with pushing for speed. "OK. I think I am ready. I think I can serve the team well as a Jetter. What do you think/" (Reply Taya) (Posted by Edward) (Mars Base - Holodeck 6 - ENS SG Counselor Ariel Trei - 11.40) She was impressed with the display of skill Taya showed her and the name she chose was appropriate . She thought a name relating to speed and fire would suit her. She chose Blazing Fire. Blazing for the athletic speed and fire for the red hair and dangerous temper which no one needs to see. "I choose Blazing Fire. You will see why in a minute." She took the track and plotted her path through the defenders. The first two she blew by them like they were standing still displaying the speed she proclaimed to have. The next defender tried to low bridge her but that was not a problem. She hurdled the defender and landed in stride with a most impressive sashay move keeping her balance. The next defender set up take her out. She had something for her. She faked like she was gong to engage with her then did a block with her hands and did a spin move around her keeping her balance after a wobble or two. The last defender was the Klingon that took Taya out. She had something for her. She built up speed and ran at her like Sonic the Hedgehog running over her dragging her on the track until she let go. She returned to Taya to see what she thought of the run. She needed a rest anyway. "How was that?" (Reply Taya) (Posted by Edward)