USS Boudicca Compile 01-07 December 2008 Part 2 =================================== Mission: The Loudest Silence, Day 2 Stardate: 2408.06.22 =================================== (USS Boudicca - Bridge - FO Commander Aleksander Stolev - Day 2 - 0931) Stolev heard the door to the bridge open, but he did not look up from the report he was perusing. It wasn't unusual for various crew to come and go from the bridge, and if he looked up every time a door opened, his neck would be sore in no time. However, he noticed a familiar person approaching the command well and looked up with a smile as he saw the Captain approach. "Good morning, Sasha," she said, smiling as she reached him. "Thank you for sending Denise to bring me up to date yesterday, it helped a lot. So, what's our status this morning?" Sasha stood up and stepped aside towards his usual seat. "We've completed transfer of the enzymes, and are now en route to Solaria IV at warp six. All stations operating at 100%." He paused a moment, then added, "it's very good to have you back on the bridge!" (reply Rivers iyw) (posted by Aaron) ===== (USS Boudicca - Bridge - CO - Captain Susan Rivers - Day 2 - 0933) "We've completed transfer of the enzymes, and are now en route to Solaria IV at warp six," Stolev answered as he rose and stepped aside to his usual seat beside the command chair. "All stations operating at 100%." He paused a moment, then added, "it's very good to have you back on the bridge!" Susan smiled broadly as she sat down. "It's good to be back, Number One!" ===== (USS Boudicca, ACSO Rel's Office - ACSO Ensign (jg) Ayslin Rel - Day 2 - 1555) Ayslin scanned the article, "Chroniton Production Via Quantum Foam Induction", that she was reviewing for the Journal of Federation Physical Sciences. The author had a decent theory, basically trying to create a stable controllable temporal anomaly, but there were flaws in the theory, and Ayslin was sure that the author was deliberately overlooking them. He'd published several other articles concerning time travel, or projects closely related to them, all of them having turned up dead ends. She was pretty sure he was getting desperate to have a breakthrough before he was forced to retire, or the Daystrom institute didn't renew his grants. She had just begun to write out her issues with the article when her comm badge chirped. =^=Deston to Rel=^= "Ayslin here, what can I do for you Carl?" Ayslin asked. =^=All of us scientist-types who've been pulling the all-nighter are going off-shift a little early. I was wondering if you'd care to join me for dinner later on? Things have been so hectic I've lost track of... well, everything; I'd like a chance to actually sit down and talk with you, if you'd like.=^= Ayslin thought for a brief second, "Sure, sounds good. When do you want to meet?" (Reply Deston) "That works fine, meet you in Ten Forward." Ayslin said with a smile. Hopefully she would manage to make some friends quick. (Reply Deston) (Posted by Patrick D.) ===== (USS Boudicca - Quarters - ACSO Ensign (jg) Carlyle Deston - Day 2 - 1555) Having arranged to meet his new coworker in the lounge at 1700, and thus having about an hour to kill, Deston went through a set of ablutions designed to keep him awake, aware and at least somewhat sentient for the next few hours, whereupon he planned to enjoy a long, deep sleep. He started off shucking his uniform and spending twelve minutes in the 'fresher, emerging with that newly-scrubbed, freshly-shaved shine. He set up an alarm, and spent 28 minutes taking a nap. Then, another fifteen minutes doing some yoga (vertebrae popping like bubble wrap in an eager fist), another minute in the 'fresher, and then finally dressing for the evening. With only minutes to go, he headed out for the Ten Forward lounge. ===== (USS Boudicca - Ten Forward - 1659) The lounge wasn't crowded, but it had that air - the calm before the storm; he suspected he'd yet again missed an announcement about some event or other. ~Better claim a table before the room fills up,~ he decided, casting about for a likely spot not too near the space usually used for entertainment purposes. His intention was to have a conversation (and, yes, a meal), and he didn't want to interrupt, or be interrupted by, whatever function was going to happen later on. As he was deciding, he saw Ensign Rel walk in. He moved over a little to make himself visible and greet her. "Good to see you. I just got here myself; anywhere you'd prefer to sit?" (reply Rel and fill in wherever, whatever, whenever, however from here on in) After they'd established their territory, Deston said, "Starfleet has a real knack for posting people right in the middle of situations, don't they?" He chuckled. "As exciting as yesterday was, it certainly made for poor introductions. I thought that, before I collapse into catatonia later tonight, we might get a chance to make a better job of it - unless the space gods and Starfleet see otherwise." He glanced up and around from under beetled eyebrows in an exaggerated fashion for a moment, then cleared his face and reached a hand across the table. "How do you do? I'm Carl Deston." (Reply Rel) (Posted by John O'Neill) ===== (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - CO - Captain Susan Rivers - Day 2 - 1700) Susan sat staring at the viewscreen, which was now displaying the Starfleet logo instead of the face of Admiral Linden, but she wasn't seeing it. She was deep in thought and by the expression on her face, the thoughts were not happy ones. Eventually she tapped her commbadge. "Rivers to Stolev. Commander, please arrange a senior staff meeting tomorrow morning at 0900." (reply Stolev) "We have new orders, Commander, for after we have dropped off our passenger. I'd like to discuss them with you, now if it's convenient." (reply Stolev) (Reply ALL) (Posted by Liz) ===== (USS Boudicca, Ten Forward - ACSO Ensign (jg) Ayslin Rel - Day 2 - 1700) Ayslin walked into Ten Forward, the hem of her colorful skirt swirling around her ankles. She had quickly changed into the flowy skirt and a short sleeve shirt more suitable for relaxing and let her red hair fall loose past her shoulders. She hadn't had much time to do anything else, other than change and dash back out the door after her shift. Stopping just as she walked into the room she quickly found Carl, and walked over. "Sorry if I'm a little late, got held up in the lab," Ayslin "Good to see you. I just got here myself; anywhere you'd prefer to sit?" "Some place by the windows, love the view at warp," Ayslin said. The two Ensigns made their way over to an empty table. After they'd established their territory, Deston said, "Starfleet has a real knack for posting people right in the middle of situations, don't they?" He chuckled. "As exciting as yesterday was, it certainly made for poor introductions. I thought that, before I collapse into catatonia later tonight, we might get a chance to make a better job of it - unless the space gods and Starfleet see otherwise." He glanced up and around from under beetled eyebrows in an exaggerated fashion for a moment, then cleared his face and reached a hand across the table. "How do you do? I'm Carl Deston." Ayslin chuckled and shook Carl's hand across the table. "Pleasure to meet you Carl, I'm Ayslin Rel, your new colleague. Thanks for inviting me to dinner, hard to meet new people at your first posting, hectic work schedule and things getting in the way." (Reply Deston) Ayslin smiled again, "So, how long have you been aboard?" (Reply Deston) (Posted by Patrick D.) ===== (USS Boudicca, Ten Forward - ACSO Ensign (jg) Carlyle Deston - Day 2 - 1700) Ayslin chuckled as she reached across the table and shook Carl's hand. "Pleasure to meet you Carl, I'm Ayslin Rel, your new colleague. Thanks for inviting me to dinner, hard to meet new people at your first posting, hectic work schedule and things getting in the way." "All too true. Remind me later to tell you about my third-year roommate I met a month before finals." Ayslin smiled again, "So, how long have you been aboard?" Deston paused for a moment, mentally tallying. "Almost a year, now. Well... sort of. I've only actually been on board the /Boudicca/ for about six months - if you count the drydock time. It took a while to get to my assigned berth." He stopped as one of the wait staff approached the table. "Good evening! Go ahead and order, Ayselin, unless you need a moment...?" (reply Rel, any Ten Forward staffer who wants in) Deston looked at the waitperson and said, "A chochow dosa, a tekkimaki with a splash of redhot, and a pitcher of carbonated icoberry, please. Um, could I have extra asafoetida on the side, please? Thanks." He turned back to Rel and said, "Honestly, I'd really like a steak, but ever since the McLaren's - that'd be our Chief Engin.. I mean, our Theoretical Engineer, Lt. Cmdr. McLaren, he was Chief back when I first came aboard but he's been reassigned, and his wife Arania, who's the manager of this fine establishment - she's a wonderful woman, very musical and outgoing, you've probably seen her? Anyways, their wedding was on Earth, on the McLaren family's ranch..." Deston stopped abruptly, closed his eyes and smiled. "I'm sorry," he said in a much more measured cadence, "I'm afraid my brain is running amok." He opened his eyes again, gave a slight nod, and resumed. "I developed a taste for Terran beef at the McLaren's wedding last year, and I'm afraid it ruined me for almost every simulation and substitute I've tried since then. There," he said aloud to himself, "that wasn't so difficult, was it, Carl?" He theatrically rolled his eyes in not-quite-mock self-depreciation. "So - how long have I been aboard? Assigned as a crewman about eleven months ago, but thanks to the, er, /unpleasantness/ at the tail end of the war, and damage to the /Boudicca/, I wasn't really able to actually claim my quarters aboard the ship until about three months ago. It's been a pretty busy three months, though. I'll send you some highlights to look over later on." The pitcher of fizzy icoberry juice arrived. "Would you like some?" he asked Rel as he poured a glass. (Reply Rel) (Posted by John O'Neill) ===== (USS Boudicca - Bridge - FO Commander Aleksander Stolev - Day 2 - 1701) Stolev stood up from the command chair and stretched his legs. He was just about to turn over the bridge to the beta shift when his comm badge chirped. =^= Rivers to Stolev. Commander, please arrange a senior staff meeting tomorrow morning at 0900. =^= Stolev tapped his own badge in response as he sat back down. "Acknowledged," he replied as he began keying in the notification. "Can I inform the staff as to the subject?" =^= We have new orders, Commander, for after we have dropped off our passenger. I'd like to discuss them with you, now if it's convenient. =^= "Sure," replied Stolev. "Let me get this notice sent out and then I'll be right in." (reply Rivers iyw) Stolev quickly finished typing up the message for the senior staff, then hit the send button. With another slight stretch and a stifled yawn, Stolev stood up and headed for the ready room door, via the replicator. With a freshly replicated cup of coffee in hand, he then pressed the chime and entered the ready room. (reply any) (posted by Aaron) ===== (USS Boudicca - Ten Forward - CIV Cy Tudor - 1702) Ayslin Rel had returned to Ten Forward, Cy Tudor noted as he made his way over to the table she was sharing with the hunky but alas, none gay Ensign Carlyle Deston, after waiting for the usual greetings to be over and done with. He arrived in time to just catch the last bit of conversation from Ensign Deston. "...It took a while to get to my assigned berth." Deston stopped as Cy closed in on them and greeted him with a pleasant and cheery. "Good evening! Go ahead and order, Ayselin, unless you need a moment...?" (reply Rel) Cy waited expectantly, PADD in hand and finger poised over the little keyboard, smiling brightly at Ayslin Rel. (reply Rel) Having tapped in the Trill Officer's order, Cy turned to Deston and cocked an eyebrow at him. Deston looked at him and said, "A chochow dosa, a tekkimaki with a splash of redhot, and a pitcher of carbonated icoberry, please. Um, could I have extra asafoetida on the side, please? Thanks." The order was quickly tapped in to the PADD with a practiced finger while Deston continued talking, this time to Ayslin, telling her that he'd prefer a steak but since tasting the real thing at the McLaren's wedding, he didn't like anything else. Cy chuckled as he was walking away, ~ I can sooo relate to that! After having 'beefsteak' myself, I would never settle for any substitute either! ~ He thought about his upcoming date when he got off work that night, with his own particular beefsteak, Crewman Torquil Andean. He could hardly wait. Stopping at the bar to give Arania the drink orders, he hurried back in to the kitchen to make sure the order was being seen to. By the time he returned to the bar, Arania had the pitcher of icoberry juice ready. Scooping it up he returned to place the pitcher before Carylyle Deston, together with a couple of tumblers, just in case the young woman wanted to try some. "Would you like some?" Deston asked Rel as he poured some in to a glass. "It's very good!" Cy stated, giving the couple a warm smile before hurrying back to the kitchen to get their food order. (Reply Any) (Posted by Sal) ===== =================================== Mission: The Loudest Silence, Day 3 Stardate: 2408.06.23 =================================== (USS Boudicca, Observation Lounge - ASCO Ensign (jg) Ayslin Rel - Day 3- 0850) Ayslin walked into the observation lounge, her uniform neatly pressed, shoes and pins polished, and her hair pulled back and braided, and found a seat near the middle, hoping she wasn't taking someone favorite seat. Sitting down she took a long sip of her coffee. Ayslin loved her coffee, and would take what ever she could get. She was always looking for new blends, different methods of making it, secrets for making it better, and whatever she could find. She also always tried to be early, she hated being late, it ruined her whole day, which meant on paper she fit right in with Starfleet, even if every time table the fleet set turned out to be hurry up and wait. So she took her seat and waited, running over various reports and experiment ideas on her PADD. (Reply Any) (Posted by Patrick D.) ===== (USS Boudicca, Observation Lounge - AOPS- Lt. Tollian Yalix - Day 3- 0851) Tollian stepped into the Observation lounge with a spring in his step and a smile on his face. He'd finished his reports early yesterday, made all the arrangements for the transfer of the Medical supplies to the colony and still had time to have a nice dinner with Jahlen. He couldn't have been happier. The doors slid open and Tollian stepped through, humming the chorus to the Efrosian Opera, Jal Borgassi dia Mosdollo. NRPG: Roughly translated, "The Tender Kisses of women." He stopped mid note when he realized exactly what he was doing. He smiled broadly, then placed his PADD in front of his customary seat at the table. He stepped over to the Replicator and ordered himself some Kabarra, the Efrosian Equivalent of triple espresso with a hint of chocolate and caramel. He returned to his seat, sat down and noticed that he was sitting next to the new science officer. He smiled at her and decided to introduce himself, since he was going to be sitting next to her throughout the meeting. "Hello, I'm Tollian Yalix, AOPS." he said, "I don't believe we've met yet. He offered his hand in the traditional Terran manner, although he realized that she was Trill. He didn't know if it was customary for Trill to shake hands or not, but didn't think it would hurt to make the offer. (Reply: Ayslin Rel) (Posted by Daniel Greene) ===== (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - 2O/CCOUNS/Lt.Cdr. Dorga 'cha Nooras - 0852) Dorga, smiling broadly, dark brown eyes twinkling with amusement, walked in a few seconds behind Tolian Yallix. Tolian appeared to have been completely oblivious to her presence as she'd dogged his heels and had been humming a tune as he's marched towards the Observation Lounge, and Dorga had got a strong sense that he was feeling very happy. Now Dorga being a counselor who liked to be kept informed of the 'goings on' in the lives of the ship's crew in order to know what their mental state might be, had learned that a certain on and only J'Naii doctor had been seen about the ship far more often than she had ever been seen before! Apparently the J'Naii doctor had in fact been a recluse and had kept to herself for the most part, but now apparently she was far more outgoing now and always in the company of an Efrosian Operations Officer. ~ Gossip is indeed my good friend. ~ Dorga thought as she smiled and nodded her usual once, at all who were already assembled in the lounge. ~ That's one rumor that appears to be true. Mister Yalix's mood certainly makes me think that the doctor Jahlen is much more than a friend to him. ~ She thought she would have to stop by sickbay soon and see what the good doctor's mood was like, helping herself to some real coffee and two delicious looking muffins with lots of butter to spread on them, before taking her place in the chair to the left of the head of the table. (reply any) (posted by Sal) ===== (USS Boudicca, Observation Lounge - ASCO Ensign (jg) Ayslin Rel - Day 3- 0853) Ayslin watched as an Efrosian lieutenant walked in, whistling quietly. He placed his PADD down at the seat next to Ayslin then proceeded to get some very interesting smelling coffee from the replicator. Taking his seat next to Ayslin, he turned. "Hello, I'm Tollian Yalix, AOPS." he said, "I don't believe we've met yet." He said, extending his hand, which Ayslin shook. "No, sir, you were on board the Bristol when I was pulling my bridge shift a couple of days ago, and I've been holed away in the lab getting things organized since. I'm Ensign Ayslin Rel, the new Assistant Chief Science Officer," Ayslin said with a smile. (Reply Yalix iyw) "I have to say, whatever you're drinking smells wonderful, may I ask what it is, sir?" Ayslin asked. (Reply Yalix) (Posted by Patrick D.) ===== (USS Boudicca, Observation Lounge - AOPS- Lt. Tollian Yalix - Day 3 - 0854) "No, sir, you were on board the Bristol when I was pulling my bridge shift a couple of days ago, and I've been holed away in the lab getting things organized since. I'm Ensign Ayslin Rel, the new Assistant Chief Science Officer," Ayslin said with a smile. "Welcome aboard, Ensign Rel. I hope you come to love it here as much as I do." "I have to say, whatever you're drinking smells wonderful, may I ask what it is, sir?" Ayslin asked. "Kabarra" he replied, "It's a drink made from the oil extracted from the Dried Kabarra tree leaf that grows on Efros. I've been told it tastes a great deal like Espresso with Chocolate and caramel. The leaf oils contain a very potent natural stimulant similar to caffeine. It's recipe number 13928-6B if you'd like to try it sometime." (reply Rel iyw) (Posted by Daniel Greene) ===== (USS Boudicca - Observation lounge - TAC/SC Lieutenant(jg) Detron Trei - 08.55) Detron walked into the room and placed his PADD on the table near the front. Detron walked over to the replicator and ordered Earl Grey hot with lemon. He returned to his seat and waited for the others to arrive. (Reply Rivers, Anybody at meeting) (Posted by Edward) ===== (USS Boudicca, Observation Lounge - Con/Ops Ensign(jg) Micheal Orion - Day 3 -0855) Orion entered the Observation Lounge hoping for the best, he knew he step out of bounds more than once on the last mission. He kept quite, because he did not care for the conversation,he found it prudent not to look directly at anyone as he found an empty chair and slid gracefully into it. In his hand he held a coffee mug, steam rose of the cup filling the room with the sweet smells of jasmine and honeysuckle. Along with the more earthly sent of sage to Orion it was a tonic better than any hypo-spray. He waited sipping his herbal tea. Letting the mix of flowers and herbs re-energize his body. Has he waited for everyone else to arrive he let his mind wonder. The innocent and then after ward the finding of Loqi, raised some emotions and memories Orion had felt he long since laid to rest. But in using mental techniques taught to him by his late mother, father, and close family had caused the memories of them to resurface. However painful thoughts memories were, they paled with the lost of his lover and betrothed. ~I should of been there, to share in the fate of all I loved, Now after this last mission I'm propbly more alone than ever.~ Orion knew that the crew talked and by now every person knew or had a good ideal what had happened on the bridge. True, while other were faced with simular symptons few were at the level that Orion felt, if any. So he sat quitely watching the others and enjoyed the one thing in life he knew he could enjoy to it's fullest... His tea. (posted by Matthew Locke) (reply who ever wants to) ===== (USS Boudicca – Deck 1 – Observation Lounge - ACMO Ens. Tau Renora – 0855) Dr. Tau entered the Observation lounge with a few minutes to go. He never liked being the first one there; his mind would always try to convince him he was in the wrong place, or had the wrong time. On the other hand, a few minutes to sit and think before things got going were always appreciated. Renora chose a seat somewhere in the middle, a little off to the side of the growing group of people, put his PADD on the table, and nodded towards his crewmates. There were a couple new faces, though they had been through sickbay just the other day when they had reported aboard, and he knew little more than their names and that they were fit to serve. He smiled at the new Science Ensign, a red haired Trill who was currently chatting with Lt. Yalix. (Reply any) (Posted by Rori) ===== (USS Boudicca - Observation lounge - Lieutenant (jg) Denise Lebranski - 08.56) Denise brought in another carafe of the real coffee donated indirectly by the Romulan Consolute on Earth. With it came muffins. They'd had the ingredients, Arania's magic staff had been the ones to make something of them. "Good Morning," Denise said cheerfully to those already there and put the carafe and plate of baked goods down on the table. She snagged a muffin and mug of coffee for herself before retreating to the middle of the table. Most people tended to stake out the ends, she was perfectly happy to sit on anything that would hold her weight. (Replies, any) (Posted by Lorna) ===== (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - FO Commander Aleksander Stolev - Day 3 - 0859) As usual, Stolev strode into the observation lounge just before the start of the meeting, carrying a PADD and an empty mug. Lieutenant Lebranski did not disappoint, as there was a carafe of freshly brewed, non-replicated coffee on the table, along with several muffins. With a smile and a nod to those already assembled, Stolev poured himself a cup, took a muffin, and headed for his seat to the right of the chair where the Captain usually sat. (reply any) (posted by Aaron) ===== (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - CEO Lorimar - 0859) Bob entered the room just on the heels of Commander Stolev. ~Which means ah'm cutting it close, since he is habitually right on time tae these things...~ He headed directly for his customary seat at the far end of the table opposite the command staff. He swished the contents of his coffee cup experimentally, debating whether to refill from the carafe, the replicator, or not at all. Not knowing just how long the meeting would last, or what the topics of discussion might be, he opted for the latter. He set first his cup, then his PADD on the table, then settled himself into the chair. Casting a glance up and down the table, he returned any greetings with a polite smile and nod, then took a quick look out the viewports. He never tired of that view, be it moving or stationary. ~Perhaps ah should hae been a bridge officer... they get a better view? Och... who are ye kiddin' on laddie... ye are who ye are... and quite happy tae be such!~ He pulled his gaze back to the lounge and took another sip of coffee while he waited for things to begin. (Reply Any, None) (Posted by Russ) ===== (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - CO - Captain Susan Rivers - 0900) Susan walked into the Observation Lounge at 0900 hours on the dot and took her seat, the expression on her face sober. "Good morning," she said. "And thank you all for coming. I have some orders from fleet headquarters to relay, but first I have another duty to perform. Ensigns Deston and Rel, step forward please." (reply Deston and Rel) "There are very strict rules about the conduct and behaviour of those holding the rank of Ensign(jg). It isn't often that I have to ask this, but hand me your pips, both of you," she said, her voice serious."I am afraid neither of you can retain that rank in view of your performance over the last few days." (reply Deston and Rel) Susan put her hand in her pocket and pulled out a small box. Opening it, she removed two gold pips and fixed one on Deston's collar and one on Rel's collar. "Accordingly, you are both promoted to the rank of Ensign(sg)," she continued, and held her hand out to both of them in turn, smiling as she did so. Congratulations, Mister Deston. Congratulations, Mister Rel." (reply Deston and Rel) "Ensign Orion, step forward please." (reply Orion) "Mister Orion, I am pleased to promote you too to the rank of Ensign(sg)," Susan said, as she removed the blank pip on his collar and pinned another gold one there instead. "Congratulations, Mister Orion," she added, offering him her hand to shake, again with a smile. (reply Orion) "Lieutenant Trei, please step forward." (Reply Trei) "It is with great pleasure that I promote you to the rank of Lieutenant(sg). Congratulations, Mister Trei. It's well deserved!" As she spoke, Susan had fixed two gold pips to Detron's collar, replacing the one gold and one blank pip already there. (reply Trei) "Lieutenant Yallix and Lieutenant Lorimar, please step forward. You are both awarded Captain's Commendations for your efforts with the SS Bristol and the solution of the problems caused by young Loqi. You both have my thanks, and I am sure that Loqi would join me in that." (reply Yallix and Lorimar) Once the congratulations had died down, Susan continued more soberly. her face almost expressionless. "As those of you who have served on the Boudicca for a while know, the ship has been reclassified as an enhanced exploration vessel. It seems that a gap has now arisen in the schedules at Geneva and we are recalled there for a major refit. Alongside that, I have to announce that there will be changes to our crew complement. The marine companies are being reassigned, and our tactical and security department will also be losing SCPO Haverstaad. Counselling Examiner Marsh is also being reassigned." She had broken the news to Sasha the day before, and had assured him that she would try her best to see that Eva was reassigned to the Boudicca in another capacity. She had also told him that she was not over hopeful about the success of that, as she had signally failed to keep Drizzt aboard. Of course, it was not unusual for serving husbands and wives to be on different vessels for large parts of their Starfleet careers but it was never easy to be separated for long periods of time. She wondered deep down what effect it would have on their relationships, but naturally this wasn't something she had expressed to Sasha. It would be hard enough for him as it was, without Susan putting it into his head that his very relationship with Eva might not survive the separation. It was however a concern for her personally; she had already had one relationship which had failed to survive separation. "So after we have returned Loqi to his pod, we are under orders to make all reasonable speed to Geneva, where the Boudicca will undergo her refit. Once that is completed, we will be given new orders." She paused, and then added, "Are there any questions?" (Reply ALL) (Posted by Liz) ===== (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - Ensign (jg) Carlyle Deston - Day 3 - 0901) Captain Rivers walked into the OL and took her seat; the quiet snatches of conversation died out immediately. "Good morning," she said. "And thank you all for coming. I have some orders from fleet headquarters to relay, but first I have another duty to perform. Ensigns Deston and Rel, step forward please." Deston glanced at Rel as they both stood, but he discerned nothing from her face. He suspected some sort of commendation was about to be presented; he'd seen several and personally been through one before. The Captain's next words were, however, rather unsettling. "There are very strict rules about the conduct and behaviour of those holding the rank of Ensign(jg). It isn't often that I have to ask this, but hand me your pips, both of you," she said, her voice serious. "I am afraid neither of you can retain that rank in view of your performance over the last few days." As he removed the pip from his collar, Deston thought rapidly. ~Now just what does she mean by THAT? I can't think of anything that might have been cause for censure...~ He reviewed the events of the entire encounter with the Bristol and it's stowaway as he handed the pip over. ~...nope; nothing. Unless I'm...~ The Captain put her hand in her pocket and pulled out a small box. Opening it, she removed two gold pips and fixed one on Deston's collar and one on Rel's collar. "Accordingly, you are both promoted to the rank of Ensign(sg)," she continued, and held her hand out to both of them in turn, smiling as she did so. "Congratulations, Mister Deston. Congratulations, Mister Rel." He chuckled to himself as he shook Captain Rivers' hand. ~Unless I'm making an ASS out of U and ME with her tone of voice... suckered again, Runt.~ "Thank you very much, sir!" he said, pride much leavened with relief evident in his voice and expression. ~When will I learn?~ he sighed inwardly. He caught Rel's eye as they moved to return to their seats; he grinned and gave her a wink. He watched the rest of the ceremony: Orion and Trei's upgrades in rank, Yallix and Lorimar's commendations. He stood and applauded along with the rest of the crew present in the room, and shook hands with each of them with words of congratulations. Afterwards, the captain continued with the meeting, with news of rather greater overall import. "As those of you who have served on the Boudicca for a while know, the ship has been reclassified as an enhanced exploration vessel. It seems that a gap has now arisen in the schedules at Geneva and we are recalled there for a major refit. Alongside that, I have to announce that there will be changes to our crew complement. The marine companies are being reassigned, and our tactical and security department will also be losing SCPO Haverstaad. Counselling Examiner Marsh is also being reassigned. So after we have returned Loqi to his pod, we are under orders to make all reasonable speed to Geneva, where the Boudicca will undergo her refit. Once that is completed, we will be given new orders." She paused, and then added, "Are there any questions?" Deston didn't feel any particular emotions regarding the reassignments; he really didn't know any of the marines, as both he and they moved in very different circles on board the ship and were very mission-focused during Aways. He certainly had nothing against them - indeed, thanks to their efforts during his imprisonment, he was rather more pro-military than he'd been prior to joining Starfleet - but he knew they were now seriously under-utilized: soldiers forced to be crossing guards. It would probably be for the best, at least for them, to transfer somewhere where they were actually needed, rather than stay here where they were mostly a convenience. As for Haverstaad and Marsh - again, no opinion, though he knew them somewhat better through various minor interactions and other proximal encounters. He really just didn't know them well enough. A major refit, however... he'd endured one before, and the prospect didn't thrill him one iota. He thought quickly. "Yes, sir. I wonder if some of the Science staff and I would be permitted to accompany Loqi and stay on Solaria IV during the refit, to facilitate research on his planet and people. It is a unique opportunity." NRPG: Yeah, Carl spent several months in-game at Starbase Phoenix essentially doing make-work while the Lady B was being repaired, and I would assume that would leave a bit of a bad taste in his mouth. He'd be looking for a way out of that. Don't personally care how this plays out - whether instantly nixed, or actually roleplayed as a sub-mission (my assumption being that, if it's allowed, it would just be something assumed to have occurred "behind the scenes", so it doesn't interfere with the actual upcoming mission). (Reply any) (Posted by John O'Neill) ===== (USS Boudicca – Deck 1 – Observation Lounge - ACMO Ens. Tau Renora – 0903) Captain Rivers strode into the Observation Lounge at exactly 9 o’clock, her face set in a somber serious mood. At first, Dr. Tau thought she might just still be feeling a little lethargic from her quarantine, but as Renora studied her face, she almost looked downright mad. He started to scan his mind for something they may have done wrong during the last few days, but was stuck. The Captain singled out Ens.’ Rel and Deston, and called them up to the front. Just like elementary school when a kid gets called out by the teacher, you could almost hear the ghostly “Ohhhhh!!”. Renora was relieved he hadn’t messed up with some serious infraction, but felt very badly for the new ensigns. But when Rivers started in on mentioning strict rules of conduct and behaviour, and how they were not performing as ensigns should, Renora had to scratch his cheek. Actually, the scratch was the distraction, so nobody could see the giddy smile that had invaded his lips. When his hand came back down from his face, he was biting his inside lips to maintain his poker face. After all, this is how he was promoted; at the time he had had no idea what was going on, but it seemed that this was Capt. Rivers’ and FO Stolev’s favorite method of springing good news, and Renora was damned if he was going to spoil it for the commanders, the ensigns, or quite honestly, the rest of the crew as well. Tau Renora applauded all the promotions and commendations; he had worked closely with Yalix, Trei and Lorimar back on Bhenden, and knew that these were well deserved. Additionally, he would personally congratulate the new ensigns after the meeting. After all the festivities died down, the Captain outlined the second reason for the meeting, the reclassification and retrofitting of the Boudicca. She mentioned how one of the major changes was the reassignment of the marines. Renora was unaffected by this; he was still in the Academy during the war, and by the time he received his first assignment, to the Boudicca, the marines were already more nostalgic than useful. This was an opinion he had kept to himself, however, as some of the war vets aboard might have a drastically different opinion. In times of peace, however, zealous armed forces are counterproductive. Renora wondered how Lt. Trei would react to this news; it meant he had total security and weapons control. Renora’s mind shot back to his Starfleet history classes. In the early days, before the Federation even, there had been a specific role for marines in space, MACOs. Not two years after the launch of the first warp 5 ship, public opinion was already pushing to remove a military presence from ships of exploration. Though Captain Archer had chosen to keep the ones on his own ship in response to an attack on Earth, the second and third warp five’s were staffed without MACOs. For hundreds of years, the Federation used its security officers for the role, and that policy was certainly effective. As for the refitting at Geneva Station, this was a pleasant turn of events: his best friend from Earth, and Academy roommate, Dusty Finnegan was stationed in the Engineering Corps at SB-G. When the meeting was adjourned, Renora made sure to approach the new ensigns, Rel, Deston and Orion. “Congratulations on your promotions,” he offered to them. “If you’re attending the celebration I know Lorimar hopes will happen tonight, I’d like to get your first drinks.” After all, they (hopefully Dr. Jahlen could come too) were now the five senior Ensigns aboard. (Reply Rel, Deston, Orion, any) (Posted by Rori) ===== (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - Con/ Ops - Ensign(jg)/(sg) Micheal Orion - 0903) Orion watched has all the other people enter the Lounge, all the while enjoying his tea. Then the Captain entered a somber look on her face. Orion wondered the cause, and he figured it would make itself apparent soon enough. "Good Morning" she said and the meeting was on the way. Then Ensigns Deston and Rel were called to stand before the captain and after some light teasing they were promoted. Even though Orion was only on the Boudicca for a short time he knew both were deserving, and applauded appropriately. Then he went back to his tea taking an other sip of the warm liquid. When he heard his name called, the unexpectedness of it nearly made the young ensign choke on his tea. Orion rose slowly placing the tea on the table before him then walked the distance to stand before the Captain. "Mister Orion, I am pleased to promote you too to the rank of Ensign(sg)," Susan said, as she removed the blank pip on his collar and pinned another gold one there instead. "Congratulations, Mister Orion," she added, offering him her hand to shake, again with a smile. Orion shook her hand, with a slight nod speaking silently, "May the gods honor this day, blessed be." before he turned and made his way back to his seat, nodding to the ones who were applauding his good fortune. He found his seat and went back to his tea listening intently has the details of their new mission which surprisingly enough was a trip back to star base Geneva for a refit. Orion had a odd feeling about the going back to Geneva, as if something was pulling him back there. A feeling he had not felt for the last four years. Not since... he pushed the painful memories from his mind, Orion for once was determined to enjoy his new found rank and the break the refit would bring with it. ( posted by: Matthew Locke) (reply any and all.) ===== (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Dedtron Trei - 09.10) Detron stepped up front and received his promotion to full Lieutenant. The promotion felt good as he though it was deserved. He returned to his seat and clapped vigorously for the other promotions especially Orion working with Detron in contact with Loqi. Detron felt the contact with Loqi was a beneficial experience for him even though it was very mentally taxing. Detron didn't know what to think about the ship being classed as an enhanced exploration vessel. That meant he would have 1 assistant to help him run security. As of now, he is the only one in the department. Nothing really has happened in security so just handling his duty as department chief hasn't been too tough. Detron clapped greatly for Lorimar and Deston for a job well done. He waited for the meeting to conclude before personally congratulating Bob and others promoted. (Reply Lorimar, Any at meeting) (Posted by Edward) ===== (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - Lieutenant (jg) Denise Lebranski - 0910) Denise was glad someone was happy to be promoted, of course, they'd probably earned their promotions in sweat, blood and tears and not had it forced on them. She joined in the applause and good cheers. She listened to the news of the marines being transferred off with mixed feelings. On the one hand, it was a strong sign that the war and all the fighting was over. On the other, what would they do if they needed them? She was sure the computer core peeps in Science were bouncing up and down awaiting the chance to delete the holo-marine from the rumours she'd heard. Alas, a loss of a lot of eye candy. Were all ships transferring off the men in green? Where would they go and what would they be destroying while waiting for purpose once more? Starbase Geneva got a sigh from her. While she hadn't been stuck on it for long, she wasn't real eager to go back. Maybe she should see if she could follow Loqi along and hide on a sandbank for a few months during refit. An entertaining thought, but she was pretty sure she'd be bouncing from department to department making sure the anal's at HQ were getting everything filled and signed in the right way. (Reply everyone, anyone, no one ;)) (Posted by Lorna ===== (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - 2O/CCOUNS/Lt.Cdr. Dorga 'cha Nooras - 0911) When anyone received a promotion, Dorga was always thrilled for them. Every one of the people that the Captain had called before her, without a doubt had definitely earned their new pips, and the 2O applauded each of them enthusiastically, wearing a big smile and giving them a nod of approval. She would certainly try to attend the celebrations later that day, perhaps take the twins along too. Hearing that the Boudicca was to return to Starbase Geneva for a re-fit was good news to the Chief Counselor, she felt that it would be good for moral for the crew to spend time there, and perhaps even get some extended leave, if the re-fit was going to take an extended period of time. Perhaps she would make plans to visit Vulcan or take the twins somewhere warm and sunny for a vacation. She would look into it should it be feasible. So when Susan asked if anyone had any questions, naturally the 2O asked her if she had any idea how long the re-fitting of the ship would take. (reply Rivers, any) (posted by Sal) ===== (USS Boudicca, Observation Lounge - AOPS- Lt. Tollian Yalix - Day 3- 0912) Tollian was smiling as the deserving officers were promoted one by one. It was very good to see people being recognized for their efforts. "Lieutenant Yalix and Lieutenant Lorimar, please step forward. You are both awarded Captain's Commendations for your efforts with the SS Bristol and the solution of the problems caused by young Loqi. You both have my thanks, and I am sure that Loqi would join me in that." Tollian for a moment hesitated, he wasn't certain that he had heard the captain correctly. But when Lorimar moved, Tollian snapped into gear and rose also. He moved to the captain's location and accepted his commendation in it's shiny ebony box. "Thank you captain." He replied simply and returned to his chair. (reply Any) (Posted by Daniel Greene) ===== (Sivao - Landing - Crewman Shadow to Sretalles - 1140) It hadn't really taken long for the furred inhabitants of Landing to discover that the only adult in the new camp was Rameriz, and that he couldn't touch anything. A mated couple set up their tents with their various offspring just downstream to supervise. Shadow figured it was inevitable, but she'd kind of, wistfully, hoped that she'd sneak in under the adult serving in Starfleet clause. Tent set up, tea drank, breakfast toasted, and the facilities shown to the guests Shadow was ready to brave the Center. Not that there was much in the way of facilities to show, the Sivaon people weren't much for baths or showers and so had sonic showers set up, and various plumbing centers set inside giant trees. She didn't know the engineering icky bits about how they recycled things back to nature, she just knew how to operate them. She wondered if Loren was weirded out by them being unisex. Shadow knew a lot of furless kept things gender separate. The Center was at the centre of the camp, which made sense since the camp was built around the center. She led Loren happily through the camp identifying people by trade and clan where she knew it. Bards and bards in training wore the hoops in their ears, the healers had the pouches and smelt of herbs and flora, the warriors had weapons and smelt of the hunt.. there was so much the limited furless nose seemed to miss, but her eyes seemed to notice things that would have by-passed Shadow. The afternoon sun in the clearing shined down onto the tents, showing individual personality and camp patterns. "I guess it's kind of like Earth's heraldry." Shadow finally settled on. It was something you grew up knowing how to read. (Reply Loren / Room for more) The Center was the only permanent structure in the camp. Shadow let herself in and ducked under the arm of a Gorn carrying boxes out. "We should bring back some food stuff for Bard Arania and some herbs for Doctor Fickett," Shadow said to Loren, seemingly out of the blue. She figured the Gorn was taking back some herbs that had been genetically designed for whatever illness his people had. Her people were very good at that sort of thing. (Reply Loren / Room for more) "We should find something for Chief Bob, too. He did make Rameriz's portable thingy for us." Shadow added. (Reply Loren / Room for more) The low light of the Center was perfect to Shadow's eyes, but she remembered Loren's sight was made for brighter places and wrapped her tail around her friend's wrist so she could guide her further within. They got some curious looks from outsiders, but the Sivoans were happy to ignore them until they found what they wanted. Most of the maps and charts and tools weren't labelled. Sivoan memory served purpose well enough and no labels meant more graphic detail. The medical section was at the far side of the Center. She may have been better to have come in the other door, but she wanted Loren to be able to see stuff and ask questions. (Comments Loren? :) Eventually she got to where she needed to be and asked the Eeiauon scientist on call to do a scan of her DNA and find her children on the planet. The woman nodded, did a quick scan and disappeared off to another section. Shadow sat down on one of the benches. (Comments Loren? :) The woman came back with coordinates and asked if there was anything else she could do for Shadow. The Yeoman shook her head and got to her feet. "It's just -" The Eeiauon blurted, showing her relative youth and inexperience, "Have you thought about becoming a Eeiauon citizen?" Did EVERYONE know her curse? She looked at Loren's confused look, okay, everyone but one very important person. She should *Really* explain to Loren *real soon*. "Uhm, no." Shadow managed, ducking her head in embarrassment and not quite fleeing. (Observations Loren?) Once they were outside, Shadow pulled Loren aside. "I guess I should explain.." She chewed on her whiskers nervously, "You see, my people have a right of passage.. kind of like Vulcans and Klingons do. I've told you about it? The Walk?" (Reply Loren) Shadow took a deep breath, "Well, I failed three times, I'm considered cursed and forever a child by my people, it's why I left. The Eeiauon's, our lost and refound cousins, think that it's all solvable by my just becoming one of them.. but I'm not Eeiauon, I'm Sivaon. I may live amongst the stars, but my soul will always belong to Sivao." (Reply Loren) (posted by Lorna) ===== ==================================== Mission: The Loudest Silence, Day 13 Stardate: 2408.07.03 ==================================== NRPG: Not really part of The Loudest Silence, but we'll have a jump before the next mission starts, so I just used that mission title for convenience. Otherwise it'd be Mission: Next Mission, Day -147 or some such silliness. RPG: (USS Boudicca - Personal Quarters - FO Commander Aleksander Stolev - Day 13 - 1845) "Very good!" Sasha said enthusiastically to Evan as he finished the last bite of baby food. Evan responded by beaming and gurgling happily at his father. Aleksandria likewise was just finishing her supper as well, to similar encouragement from her great aunt Marie. A beep from the comm system caught Sasha's attention, however, and he left his twins and his aunt-in-law at the table to head over to the desk, where the "Incoming Message" screen was displayed prominently. Sasha tapped the "accept" button, and was pleasantly surprised to see Eva's face appear on the screen. She smiled softly at him, though the smile didn't reach her eyes, which were pained. "Hey there beautiful. So I finally get to see you, no more text messages!" Sasha's smile faded as he noticed the look in Eva's eyes. "What's the matter?" =^= I've got good news and bad news, =^= she replied. =^= I've finished the tactical and security refresher courses and have passed top of my class, that's the good news. The bad news is that my next duty assignment is not on the Boudicca but the Hades. It doesn't look like we'll be together again any time soon. =^= Crestfallen, Sasha simply stared at the screen for a minute, trying to think of what to say. "Maybe... maybe it's some sort of misunderstanding. Some sort of bureaucratic mix-up. I know Captain Sash a little bit from my time on the Nimitz. I can get in touch with him and see if we can't sort all this out." Eva's smile was more a grimace. =^= I've already discussed the matter with an Admiral Seife at personnel. Apparently, the Hades needs someone of my experience more than the Boudicca. You're welcome to contact Captain Sash, of course, but I wouldn't get my hopes up. We both knew this could happen when we got married. I've left my request for a transfer to the Boudicca open, just in case a position comes open, but for now we're just going to have to make the best of a bad situation and do our duty. =^= He saw the pain show briefly in her eyes, and he knew that this wasn't any easier on her than it was on him. =^= How are the twins? =^= she asked. The smile returned to Sasha's face as he replied. "They're doing quite well, actually. Aleksandria has been crawling for about a week, and Evan just started yesterday. It was as thought he just got tired of sitting there watching her, and decided to take off after her." He looked down for a moment, as Marie had freed Evan from his high chair and he had promptly crawled over and latched on to his father's legs. He reached down and held up his squirming son, so that the boy and his mother could see each other. As soon as Evan noticed his mother on the screen, he stopped squirming and reached towards her, babbling excitedly. "You saying hi to mama?" Sasha asked Evan with a smile. Eva's smile grew wide as she laid eyes on Evan. "Whoops!" Sasha looked down as now Aleksandria was loose and tugging on his pant leg. He reached down to pick her up too, while trying not to lose Evan, who was still squirming and reaching. He eventually got them both on his lap, lunching for the monitor, but it was a struggle to keep them balanced. "Aleksandria didn't want to be left out of the action," said Sasha with a smile. =^= They are getting so big, =^= she said, looking from one twin to the other. =^= What have you been feeding them? =^= "Oh, just the usual meals from the infant plan," replied Sasha. "Louis says they're really thriving, upper percentiles across the board." =^= Mommy misses you both very much, =^= she said to them. =^= Wish I could give you both a big hug and lots of kisses. =^= She looked back at Sasha. =^= Looks like Evan is going to need his first hair cut soon, don't cut it too short. He looks enough like you already. He doesn't need your hair line too. =^= She smirked at Sasha and winked slyly. "What, you don't like the mop-head look?" Sasha chuckled. "Don't worry, I think I'll let Marie handle the haircuts. They're much calmer with her than with me." As if to illustrate, both children began squirming uncontrollably, and Sasha had to bend over to put them both down. He sat back up but continued to watch them crawl away. The smile faded from his mouth as he looked back up at her. "So... if you're going to be on the Hades for a while, I imagine... well... you will probably want the twins with you, won't you..." =^= Eventually, =^= Eva said, =^= but not right away. They need a stable environment and I won't be able to provide that on the Hades until I've gotten settled in. Maybe in a moth or so after I've gotten settled in and made all the necessary arrangements. Not in a hurry to get rid of them are you? =^= she finished with healthy hint of sarcasm. "Not at all, quite the opposite really." Sasha glanced back over to the twins again, before looking back into the monitor. "Having them here helps take the sting away. When I come home I have them to play with, or just to watch sleep, and it helps distract me from how much I miss you." He gave her a sad smile. "But I know that they need their mother, especially as they develop their telepathic abilities." =^= Yes it would be, =^= she replied, =^= and I miss you too, but we have to do what is best for them, don't you agree? I wish we could all be together as a family, but for the foreseeable future our duty is going to keep us separated. Just because we are separated doesn't mean that we are alone. You have to but reach inside yourself to feel my presence, just as I taught you. =^= As she said that, he felt the soft tickle at the back of her mind, as she reached out to him through their telepathic link. Even at this distance, they could still sense each other, albeit faintly. Sasha nodded. "I know." He closed his eyes and smiled, then they popped back open as he heard a loud crash, along with Marie's admonishing voice. Sasha looked back over his shoulder to see Evan hanging off the edge of the sofa, with the chess set that had been on the end table now scattered across the floor. He turned back to the screen with a slight grin on his face. "Evan just managed to knock the chess set off the end table. I can see I'm going to have to rearrange some things around here sooner rather than later!" Eva chuckled. =^= Well I should let you go, =^= she said reluctantly. =^= Still got a lot to do, and you need to Evan proof the living room. Like father like son. I will contact you once I've gotten on board the Hades. =^= Sasha smiled. "Yes, work to be done on both ends. Have safe trip, and give Sash a big hug from me," he added with a wink. =^= Sorry, Sash isn't my type, =^= Eva replied with a smirk. =^= You'll have to give him that hug yourself. Sure you two would have a lot to catch up on. =^= "Talk to you soon. Love you." Sasha then kissed his hand and held it towards the view screen before terminating the connection. =^= Love you too Imzadi, =^= Eva said, imitating Sasha's gesture as the screen went dark. (reply none) (posted by Aaron and Wes Harden)