Compile summary Your adoring FO/CO --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2407.02.01 (USS Mystique - Sick Bay - CMO Lt. Jg. Angeni O. Windsong-Trommashere - 1458) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2407.02.04 (USS Mystique - Personal Quarters - COPS Lt. Travis Keswick & ACMO Dr. Vren Marto - 630) (USS Mystique - Sickbay - ACMO Dr Vren Marto -0800) (USS Mystique - Sickbay - CMO Angeni O. Windsong-Trommashere -0805) (USS Mystique - FO's office - Commander Saleke -0925) (USS Mystique - Personal office - Ensign Cynthia Darson - 930) (USS Mystique - Bridge - Commander Saleke -1025) (USS Mystique - Main Engineering - ACEO Ensign (jg) Norman Harper- 1026) (USS Mystique - Bridge - Commander Saleke -1047) (USS Mystique - Observation Lounge - Commander Saleke -1145) (USS Mystique - Observation Lounge - CMO Lt. Jg. Angeni O. Windsong-Trommashere -1146) (USS Mystique - Observation Lounge - Commander Saleke -1147) (USS Mystique - Observation Lounge - CMO Angeni O. Windsong-Trommashere -1148) (USS Mystique - Observation Lounge - ACMO Dr Vren Marto - 1149) (USS Mystique - Observation Lounge - ACEO Ensign (jg) Norman Harper - 1150) (USS Mystique - Observation Lounge - TC Ensign (jg) Shurik Rosanov- 1151) (USS Mystique - Observation Lounge - 2O Lt.(sg) CT/S Jason Dema - 1152) (USS Mystique - Observation Lounge - ACSO Ensign SG Taya - 1153) (USS Mystique - Observation Lounge - COPS Lt. Travis Keswick - 1154) (USS Mystique - Deck 2 - Holosuite 3 - ACONN Ensign (jg) Andreas Schliegler - 11:55) (USS Mystique - Observation Lounge - ACOUNS Ens(sg) Regan Alessi -1156) (USS Mystique - Observation Lounge - 2O Lt.(sg) CT/S Jason Dema - 1157) (USS Mystique - Observation Lounge - ACMO Vren Marto -1158) (USS Mystique - Observation Lounge - ACEO Ens(jg) Normam Harper -1159) (USS Mystique - Observation Lounge - Commander Saleke - 1200) (USS Mystique - Observation Lounge - ACEO Ensign Norman Harper - 1201) (USS Mystique - Observation Lounge - ACOUNS Ens(sg) Regan Alessi - 1202) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- begin compile Stardate: 2407.02.01 (USS Mystique - Sick Bay - CMO Lt. Jg. Angeni O. Windsong-Trommashere - 1458) Angeni was working on the padds, her face pale in color as she pushed herself to finish what she was doing. She repeated a quiet mantra in her head, trying to remind herself she could be doing a whole mess of other, more intense things than sitting down with a gaggle of padds. She heard a noise, and she immediately looked up towards the windows to see if it was a patient. The entire area was empty except for Captain Winters (I think) and a few nurses. She then felt someone looking at her, and she spun around in her chair, and nearly had a heart attack when she heard Cindy. "Oh! Hon...you scared the crap out of me..." She stood up and gave her a hug, and she turned the padds over, smiling at her, "Hey...I can rest when I'm dead..." "If this is not a good time, I can come back. But when I heard the chief medical officer was feeling at the top of her game again, I wanted to come and see for myself." She spoke with brightening flourish as she stepped up to the desk. Then with a quieter and more serious tone she asked, "How do you feel Ang?" Angeni laughed and smiled, pulling up another one of the cushy, comfy chairs in her office up so that her dear friend could sit down. She held her head in her hands for a moment before looking back up at Cindy, waving a hand, "I am always ready and willing for a bit of company. Other than that, I'm doing okay...I've only been up for I don't know...I don't remember, but I'm feelin' okay." "I'm glad you're better," she said sitting in front of the other woman. "You had a lot of people concerned when I was here before. And you still have me worried, seeing you start right into work after you've come off your sick bed. How would Dr. Vren feel about that?" Angeni sighed and leaned back in her chair, pouring herself a cup of tea out of a rather ritualistic looking tea pot, and she offered a mug to Cindy. "I'm sure Dr. Vren would be rather upset about it. I heard you stopped by to visit...and thank you. I'm also pretty sure you know who isn't going to be happy about it either, but I have a ship to take care of...and between you and I, I still don't trust her as far as I can throw her. She's a semi nice woman...but...I don't know...there's just something about her." (Reply Cindy) "How are you doing? I haven't talked nor seen you in several days...I was getting worried about you. I hope that you and I are still friends...I know that all the weirdness that's happen between us is probably a massive strain on our relationship, but if it means anything to you, I still want to be your friend...hell...you're the best friend I've ever had...the two of you are the closest things I have to family here on this ship..." (Reply Cindy) Angeni sat back again in her seat, her face showing how tired she was. She wanted nothing more than to curl up in bed and go unconcious for a while, but she had stuff to do, most important of all was to be as attentive as humanly possible to her friendship with Cindy. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2407.02.04 (USS Mystique - Personal Quarters - COPS Lt. Travis Keswick & ACMO Dr. Vren Marto - 630) Marto woke to the sounds of mewling coming from the other room. It was still fairly quiet but getting louder by the second so Marto threw on her robe and hurried through to feed the plants before their noise woke Travis. Muffin had been bad enough but six was beginning to be five more than she could cope with easily. Thank goodness they had thought to strengthen the sound baffles when they had put the room to rights. Travis rolled over as he stared to walk up do to sounds coming from the other room. He caught a glimpse of Marto as she headed to the other room and the bedroom door closed behind her. Travis rolled on his back. then he looked over to the empty place in the bed where Marto sleeps Travis took in her sent into his nostrils rich gave him the energy he need to get out of bed. Travis put on some paints as he walked over to the closet and looked thew some things on the top shelf. He turned around with a small black velvet box in his hand and placed it in his pocket. then he Headed for the door leading to the living area as it opened. Travis sow Marto working on the plants Travis just leaned in the doorway and just watched her in silent thought. Marto's head turned slightly as she heard the door open behind her. "Hiya hun. Give me a few minutes to feed and water these little monsters. Sorry, did they wake you? Honestly I'm beginning to think I should have just planted one seed and kept the rest in storage." Travis smiled "No you didn't walk me, the bed is just not fell right with out you." Travis sead as he screeched his chest as he made his was over to where marto was tending to the plants. he raped his hands around her and kissed her head. Might as well get the all going at once but botany is not my strong suite. Travis added as he move away to give Marto space to work. Marto chuckled "You won't be saying that two weeks from now when the are bigger and louder and we're going to have to wear earplugs to get any sleep at all.. I'm parched. You couldn't get me a cup of tea please?" "Well we have not been getting much sleep lately anyway. Not that Im complaining. Travis sead with a smile as he placed his hand on her lower back then turned and walked over to the replacator and ordered Marto's favorite tea then taking it back to her. "Here you go hot tea just the way you like it." Travis sead handing her the cup of tea. Reaching for the cup Marto looked up at him, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "Hmm......... sore back have we? I'm sure I read somewhere that Japanese women knew how to cure that. The idea was that they walked up and down the patient's spine and used their feet to massage the back. Of course I've never tried it personally but if you want to lie face down on the floor I'll give it a go. I don't think a tiny little thing like me could do you much serious damage." Her mouth finally split into a grin as his _expression changed. "Or I could always just kiss it better if you prefer?" "Well you are the doctor I leave my well being in your hands. Travis sead with a big smile. Marto grinned back at him. "Well, one of these days I might just try walking on your back, but not today and certainly not when we're due on duty soon, so I prescribe breakfast and a shower for both of us." Watching his smile she shook her head. "Oh no Travis, breakfast together yes, the showers we take separately." Travis gave Marto a Playful frown. "Well in that case why don't you jump in the shower and I will fix breakfast. Travis sead with a smile. Marto stood on tiptoe and kissed him. "Thanks hun, I want to get into Sickbay early this morning. I've a lot to do before the staff meeting." Turning she headed off back to the bedroom. "I'm honestly not that hungry so just something light for me please." As Marto turned to head to the bathroom Travis hooked the back of her robe by the rope and gave a gentle tug causing her robe to fall to the floor and Travis smiled as he took in the view. "Something light I think I can arrange something." Travis sead with a big smile on his face. Not stopping or looking back at him, a small smile turned up one corner of Marto's mouth. "I'll get you for that Travis." she said. "When you least expect it, but be warned. Get you I will." "I look foreword to it. Travis sead as he turned and headed for the repltactor. Well Marto was in the shower Travis set up the table with coffee for Travis and another cup of tea for Marto. He took out the small box he placed in his pocket earlier as he rotated it in his fingers as his hart started raising. He placed the box on her chair as he when to the bed room to put on a fresh uniform. Marto came back out dressed and running her fingers through the riot of curls on her head, crossed to the table and pulled out her chair. A small thud caught her attention and she bent over and picked up the small box that had fallen to the floor. Snapping it open she looked at its contents, one eyebrow going up in an almost Vulcan gesture. "Travis............... what's this?" Travis stepped out of the bedroom as he was putting on his uniform jacket he adjusted the collar. "Look we have been together know for over a year and you know me better the anyone and I think I know you better then anyone. I think we are destine to be together. So I thought I would take it to the next level." Travis sead as he took the ring out of the box and kelt down on one keen. "You are my life you make me wont to be a better man. would you do me the honer of being my wife Travis sead as he looked deep into her eyes as he waited an anticipation for her answer. Marto stared down at him speechless for once. All of a sudden her brain seemed to have stopped working coherently. Suddenly she had gone from a normal morning getting ready to go to work to standing in the middle of a suddenly suffocatingly hot room listening to the man she loved ask her to marry him and somehow her brain had gone blank and her mouth had stopped working. She looked down at Travis with his heart in his eyes and at the ring he was holding up to her. It looked exquisite. A thin gold band, a large square diamond in the centre with two smaller ones either side and deciding on her answer took a deep breath. "Yes." It was barely eloquent but to be honest Marto didn't really trust herself to say much more than that. Never one for being overly sentimental somehow for once in her life she felt like crying. Travis smiled and slid the ring on her finger and gave her a big hug lifting her of the ground and spun around. "You made me the happiest man in the galaxy." Travis sead excitedly but there celebration was interrupted. When the comm system chimed. "Lt. Keswick this is Ensign Koran you are need on deck 7 we are having a large power drain that cant be explained. "Sorry love we will have to celebrate later duty calls. Travis sead still with a large smile on his face. Marto sighed and shook her head. "Oh well, at least nobody is shooting at us this time. I'll try and find some time today to replicate you a family earring so if you can pop into Sickbay later on I'll pierce your ear and simply put in a stud until it has healed enough for the earring." "Ok I will see you at the meeting then." Travis sead as he gave her a passionate kiss and squeezed her butt as he darted out the door. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2407.02.04 (USS Mystique - Sickbay - ACMO Dr Vren Marto -0800) Walking into Sickbay Marto could immediately see Dr Trommashere sitting behind her desk and her spirits dipped for a moment, but only for a moment. Marto made up her mind that nothing at all was going to be allowed to spoil today of all days so squaring her shoulders she walked boldly into the office and greeted her superior. "Good Morning Angeni, how are you feeling today?" (Reply Ange IYW) Things hadn't exactly been going well between Angeni and Marto for the last few days and if Marto was being honest with herself they probably hadn't been going well between them since Marto had been assigned to the Mystique. Marto had tried to be friendly and once or twice thought that perhaps she had broken through whatever barrier Ange had set up between them, but each and every time Marto thought that the barrier seemed to slam back into place once again and finally this last time, Marto had simply given up trying and merely resorted to being politely cool in her dealings with Ange. So without really waiting to hear any reply Marto simply sat down at her desk, logged on to her computer and started checking over the reports that Angeni needed before the meeting. Checking over the supply lists, equipment overhauls and patient updates took her most of the morning. Once she had it all collated she sent the report to Angeni's computer. One item however had caught her attention, since it was still flagged as pending and she decided to take a personal interest in it. She turned to Angeni, "I've sent you my report for the meeting. If there is nothing else I have something I need to do before then." (Reply Ange) Taking her curt nod as a yes Marto headed off to the suite of rooms reserved for the counsellors. Knocking on Regan's door she waited for an invitation to enter. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Stardate: 2407.02.04 (USS Mystique - Sickbay - CMO Angeni O. Windsong-Trommashere -0805) "Good Morning Angeni, how are you feeling today?" Angeni was deep in thought, her mind focused on the padd. It had been years since she had to do a full report, and the changes onboard the ship were still stunning. She marveled at the fact that she had to give such detailed reports. She was up for it, but still in the same she was still tired by it. Usually stuff like that was given to the interns, those that were under the cheif doctors themselves, but she didn't want to do that. They were all equals...even her and Marto...somehow...and she wasn't going to change her habits just because she wasn't too fond of her. She heard the young woman's voice sound out behind her, and she kept her eyes on her padd, waving her hand just above her chair. "I'm fine, thank you, yourself?" She wanted to talk more to her, but she couldn't bring herself to. She hated her in the way a failing and ailing superior hates her younger counterpart. It wasn't anything personal, it was as simple as just not liking the fact that one day she'll replace her. Also, and if it meant anything, she hated to think of how good she actually was in the application of medicine. At some point, she'd have to do a report on the medical stylings of Dr. Vren, and if anyone got a hold of it, it would be Ang's head on the chopping block not hers. Underneath it all though, she silently applauded the woman. She loved her tenacity and spirit, the drive that kept her and just about anyone in this job, ~But does she have to be so damn perfect about it?~ "I've sent you my report for the meeting. If there is nothing else I have something I need to do before then." Angeni put down her padd and she turned to the woman, looking her up and down for a moment before looking in her eyes. Without a word, she quickly skimmed over the report, and she nodded, but before she could get another word out, the woman had gone out, and she sighed softly. "Have a good day, Marto...and let me know if you need more time off for whatever you are doing..." Maybe she had been too harsh on the woman...~I need to lighten up at some point...~ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2407.02.04 (USS Mystique - FO's office - Commander Saleke -0925) The chronometer read 0925 and Saleke set aside the work he was doing which had been piling up steadily, with the Captain still unconcious he had taken on the responsibilities of her office as well as his own oversight of the crew and the reports to Geneva as well as monitoring the state of the ship could be overwhelming to someone who was not focused and disciplined; Even Saleke was doing little more than treading water for the time being and when the reports from the CSO started flooding in... he was going to have to rely on Ketal to filter out most of the extraneous information. The Vulcan stood up quickly and crossed to the replicator where he ordered a chilled mineral water, the electrolytes would help him sustain a sharper mental footing. The com sounded as he turned back to his desk and he answered as he returned to it. "Saleke here." =^= Commander we are entering the solar system now through the outer asteroid field, arrival at the planet estimated to be in one hour and thirteen minutes at warp one. Long range sensors have been redirected, short range sensors have been targeted on the planet.=^= The voice had been that of Lt. Ketal whom Saleke had left in charge of the bridge earlier. "Acknowledged Mr. Ketal, slow to warp one, I will be arriving on the bridge before we enter orbit." He took a sip of the mineral water before looking at the pile of paperwork awaiting him... he could not ignore it completely even now. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2407.02.04 (USS Mystique - Personal office - Ensign Cynthia Darson -0930) Cindy looked over images that had been sent to the Myste via the advance probe over the past several days. She'd been waiting for the chance to set foot upon this new world whose terrain she was observing. In a matter of hours the ship would at last arrive and science teams would be sent down. Lt. Ketal had already assured the peppy young scientist that she would have her place on one of those teams. She was still contemplating this when Saleke's dispassionate voice diverted her thoughts momentarily. "All senior officers will report to the Observation Lounge at 1200 hours for a briefing prior to exploration of the planet." She was not a senior officer but it was good to know that the FO was not going to waste any time getting the ball rolling, although if she had her say she would be going down with a team as soon as they achieved orbit. "Ensign Darson," Lt. Ketal's voice broke in over the com a few seconds later, "prepare a full report for the senior officers briefing, as the exploration of the planet is being led by you I will expect you to be in attendance also." ~A report?~ Shyness had never been a dominant trait in her father's children or blood relatives, but the idea of giving a presentation to the senior staff gave the very bold, straight-talking young woman pause to think. "Aye sir," she said after a few moments. "I'll be ready." She only wished she felt as assured as her reply sounded. ~I have a few hours,~ she thought after turning to look at the clock on her desk. She lifted her cup of tea to her lips and drank in the warm liquid. She stopped drinking and sniffed at the drink then held the cup in front of her and observed the many "thumbnail" pics forming a mosaic of ancient cinemagraphic classics around the outside of her favorite drinking mug. "You know Tom, I'm going to need more boldness than this," she said to the picture of one young actor who'd attained fame in his art-form during the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. Moving from her chair, she went straight to the replicator and placed the mug inside the little niche. "Computer, Darson brew number nine." The liquid inside the mug sparkled as something like a transporter effect overtook it, then the new brew appeared in it's place. The mug was filled to the brim again, where it had been only half-full before. Fresh swirls of vapor streamed from the interior. The liquid itself was essentially the same cloudy amber color, but with an aroma that carried a few extra ingredients. Cindy lifted the mug out of the niche and returned to her desk. "First we will start with the basics," she mused to herself after taking her next sip. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2407.02.04 (USS Mystique - Bridge - Commander Saleke -1025) "Mr. Schliegler take us out of warp." Ketal instructed as the azure planet filled the viewscreen at maximum magnification. "Viewscreen to normal magnification." (Reply: Andres, Travis) The turbolift door hissed open and the FO stepped onto the bridge, Ketal heard him approaching the command chair and acknowledged his arrival with "Commander," as he lifted himself from the chair and stepped aside. Saleke stopped before sitting down and looked closely at the image of the world revolving slowly in the center of the screen and approaching swiftly. "Arrival time at the planet is now twenty two minutes." Ketal spoke from his right. The Vulcan nodded slightly as he sat. "You may take science one Mr. Ketal," He saw Ketal bow his head slightly before walking to and taking over his station from the ensign manning it, not long now. (Reply: Any) Now would be a good time to take care of some unfinished business, he tapped the intercom. "All senior officers will report to the Observation Lounge at 1200 hours for a briefing prior to exploration of the planet." He then tapped the intercom to deactivate it. (Reply: All) Ketal turned his head slightly toward the FO before returning his attention to the board and tapped his combadge. "Ensign Darson prepare a full report for the senior officers briefing, as the exploration of the planet is being led by you I will expect you to be in attendance also." ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2407.02.04 (USS Mystique - Main Engineering - ACEO Ensign (jg) Norman Harper- 1026) The ability to work sleeplessly for two days with minimal amounts of coffee never failed to astonish Norm, but the fact that he possessed such a skill was even more amazing. He kneeled, now, before the broken replicator of a very stingy lieutenant. The fact that he was covered in slush every time he tryed to get the thing to give him french fries might have been more tollerable had the transporter technician not been in such a rotten mood. He had tested other replicators including the transporter chief's and his own and it didn't quite make sence that this was the only one out of service. Norm had recommended getting breakfast elsewhere until he could finish fixing this one, but the Lieutenant had insisted on breathing down his neck, and because he was outranked, Norm had no choice but to let him. It seemed that he was forever elbow deep in something or another, and now was the time to retry the testy replicator. "Order something," Norm said holding a bolt in place with his hand. "Computer," The lieutenant smirked, "give me a bowl of chicken soup." Norm cursed loudly as the replicator attempted to do as it was told. It succeeded in replicating the soup, but neglected to supply a bowl. Scalding hot soup rushed down Norm's arms, dripping from his elbows onto his knees. He supressed the instictive want to turn around and plant his fist in the other man's stomach, and instead sat staring at his reddened flesh. "Problem?" The lieutenant asked. "I'll have you reported by the end of the day," Norm threatened, not quite sure what he would report. After all, he hadn't specified that soup wasn't the best thing to test with, and reporting a bad additude wasn't exactly going to get him anywhere. He wanted to say something more along the lines of, 'I'll hang you by your intestines,' but couldn't imagine that getting him far either. The Lieutenant opened his mouth to say something but was interrupted by the intercom. =^=All senior officers will report to the Observation Lounge at 1200 hours for a briefing prior to exploration of the planet.=^= It was Saleke's voice, and Norm couldn't have wished for better timing. "Escuse me!" He barked pushing the man out of the way with hie shoulder, "I need a new uniform." He marched out, his anger bubbling under his skin, and his arms on fire. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2407.02.04 (USS Mystique - Bridge - Commander Saleke -1047) After all had reported in Saleke checked with the helm. "Distance to the planet Mr. Schliegler?" (Reply: Andreas) "Slow to one quarter impulse and enter standard orbit." The helmsman went about his work efficiently and the ship settled into orbit without incident, the Zephyr still in tow. Now for the real work which the ship had been commisioned for to begin, they had to find a suitable place on the surface to begin the exploration. "Mr. Garrett focus all your resources on getting the Zephyr spaceworthy, I want that ship launched as quickly as possible." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2407.02.04 (USS Mystique - Observation Lounge - Commander Saleke -1145) Saleke eased into the chair at the head of the table and settled forward with his elbows on the table, palms together and fingers interlaced with the index fingers together at the tips and pointing toward the ceiling as he considered the placques adorning the opposite wall. He had arrived early as was his habit and awaited the others who would make it to the briefing. Even while this mission was beginning many events were swirling on the periphery and threatening to unravel their plans and if the Captain did not take a turn for the better soon as Dr. Mias was certain he would order the ship back to Geneva so that she could receive the best care the Fleet could offer. Riven seemed to believe that rest was the only ingredient needed now in her recovery, rest to allow her mental energies to regenerate. The small data PADD that fit into a palm he normally carried was laid on the table before him with two small boxes as the first of the officers began arriving. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2407.02.04 (USS Mystique - Observation Lounge - CMO Lt. Jg. Angeni O. Windsong-Trommashere -1146) Angeni slipped into the Observation lounge, realizing that the only other person there was Saleke. She stared out the window for a moment, looking at the stars, trying to remember why she came up here. The stars had lost their luster, and it just didn't seem worth it anymore. She felt lost in a sea of people, and she turned around to face Saleke, realizing she was being completely and utterly rude. "Hello, sir." She paused for a moment, realizing she had hardly spoken more than three words to him ever...what she had just said made five. "Beautiful out...isn't it?" (Reply Saleke) She turned, her back to him again as she looked out over everything, "I used to love looking up at the stars...dreaming that some day I'd be up here doing what I'm doing now...but...I don't know...I'm going through a period where I just don't feel like doing this anymore. The stars have lost their luster, along with the glory and wonderment. I guess this is normal but it still bugs me. I want to be here to be the best CMO ever, but still, I dunno...I'm sorry...I really shouldn't be acting this informal with my higher up..." She turned to face him again, and she sat down in a chair, fingering the hem of her white lab coat as she stared down at her padd, wondering how quickly she could get everything done and over with so she could get out of the room. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2407.02.04 (USS Mystique - Observation Lounge - Commander Saleke -1147) The Vulcan's consideration of the placque commemorating the launching of the Mystique a scant four months ago was not so deep that he did not notice the entrance of the CMO as she turned and looked out the port which showed the cold regions of space around the sliver of the planets' horizon. His eyes swept back to the placque, three of those four months had been with him as second in command of the ship unless you counted the amount of time he had been filling in for the Captain for a variety of reasons including a mission in which his abilities were tested. The other two significant time frames had been because of her injuries, he realized he had actually spent very little time operating as only the FO. "Hello, sir." He parted his steepled fingers and turned his head to see that Dr. Trommashere had turned toward him she averted her eyes quickly and looked back toward the safety of space. "Beautiful out...isn't it?" The question was not unexpected and was one of a wide variety of openings humans used for the beginnings of a conversation, Saleke regarded the sight as the penumbra of light growing around the planets' disk heralded the coming arrival of the sun as they continued their orbit. "Beauty in an intellectual and artistic sense is of course not lost on Vulcans and in that sense it can be both noted and appreciated... therefore in a word yes... it is beautiful." He could see her tense in surprise as he spoke. "The emotional connotations of the word however do not apply." He watched to see her reaction as she then used the opportunity to begin a reverie, his words seeming to unlock something that had been on her mind. She turned her back to him again as she looked out, "I used to love looking up at the stars...dreaming that some day I'd be up here doing what I'm doing now...but...I don't know...I'm going through a period where I just don't feel like doing this anymore. The stars have lost their luster, along with the glory and wonderment. I guess this is normal, but it still bugs me. I want to be here to be the best CMO ever, but still, I dunno...I'm sorry...I really shouldn't be acting this informal with my higher up..." She turned back to him then in embarasement and he cocked his head in surprise at the revelation, as she sat back down while toying with her lab coat her eyes kept flicking to the door as if she wanted to bolt from the room. "Doctor you have been on the ship for only a short time now, little more than two months now as I recall and it is not uncommon for there to be a prolonged period of adjustment for many new officers. If you are seeking a transfer to a ground based post or station or convalescent leave I can not of course indulge you at this time nor would I were we at Geneva." He crossed his legs and leaned back a bit. "Your decision to unburden yourself of your thoughts to me causes me no discomfort, I am not one of the Counselors but being your superior officer does not mean you can not discuss any problem you are having with me, should you have need to do so you have an open invitation to speak with me in my office." (Reply: Angeni) A look of confusion was plainly etched on her face as he stood to his feet and looked down at her with that unemotional gaze. "You have all of the necessary skills and mental acuity to be an excellent Chief Medical Officer Doctor Trommashere though you at times are unfocused and lack discipline, your behavior during the latest medical emergency is a case in point. Your duty was to oversee the function of the medical department, not engage in search and rescue operations without the prior knowledge of and approval of the command staff." She did not accept that well but the truth often had a way of making people uncomfortable. "Your injuries caused during that episode arose from your own misjudgement and deprived the ship of her CMO during an emergency." (Reply: Angeni) His words were having an effect he could see as her forlorn look hardened to be replaced by either resolve or anger. "In essence what I am saying Doctor is that you are too valuable to the ship to place yourself in unnecessary danger and I expect you to remember that in the future, I am also saying that you are an integral and necessary part of the officer contingent of this ship and you will remain here and in your assigned position until I decide otherwise." ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2407.02.04 (USS Mystique - Observation Lounge - CMO Angeni O. Windsong-Trommashere -1148) She turned back to him then in embarasement and he cocked his head in surprise at the revelation, as she sat back down while toying with her lab coat her eyes kept flicking to the door as if she wanted to bolt from the room. "Doctor you have been on the ship for only a short time now, little more than two months now as I recall and it is not uncommon for there to be a prolonged period of adjustment for many new officers. If you are seeking a transfer to a ground based post or station or convalescent leave I can not of course indulge you at this time nor would I were we at Geneva.""Your decision to unburden yourself of your thoughts to me causes me no discomfort, I am not one of the Counselors but being your superior officer does not mean you can not discuss any problem you are having with me, should you have need to do so you have an open invitation to speak with me in my office." Angeni's head snapped up and she thought it was going to fly off the bones. She wasn't even sure he could pick her out of a line up let alone know her issues and feelings. She didn't want to be transfered to any ground base or take any...sick leave, but she was tired of not feeling like she was in the right place at the right time. She opened her mouth to say something, but nothing came out except a little whimper. "You have all of the necessary skills and mental acuity to be an excellent Chief Medical Officer Doctor Trommashere though you at times are unfocused and lack discipline, your behavior during the latest medical emergency is a case in point. Your duty was to oversee the function of the medical department, not engage in search and rescue operations without the prior knowledge of and approval of the command staff." "Your injuries caused during that episode arose from your own misjudgement and deprived the ship of her CMO during an emergency." Angeni closed her mouth, her face getting bright red as she felt the 'I-Could-Kill-You-Right-Now' rise up in her body. She put her hands on the arms of the chair, her knuckles going white as she gripped down onto it. She wanted to tell him that no one else was doing it, that she was the only one there, so of course she was going to play Rescue Hero. It was in her blood and disposition to help people, and the fact that he was scolding her about that pissed her off to the point that if she wasn't careful, she would've said something that she would've regretted. She just squared her jaw and looked at him evily. "In essence what I am saying Doctor is that you are too valuable to the ship to place yourself in unnecessary danger and I expect you to remember that in the future, I am also saying that you are an integral and necessary part of the officer contingent of this ship and you will remain here and in your assigned position until I decide otherwise." Angeni's head spun around on its axis. That was as close to a compliment she was going to get from him she felt. It was the oddest chewing out she ever had. One minute he was yelling at her for going out and rescuing people, then he was saying that she was too valuable to lose. Maybe it was a good thing...maybe she needed the re-affirmation that she was actually worth something to this ship, but it just left her more confused than ever, and she put her head down on the table, wanting to cry. ~I swear...I couldn't get a straight answer from ANYONE on this ship...but that's about as close as I'm going to get I think~ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2407.02.04 (USS Mystique - Observation Lounge - ACMO Dr Vren Marto - 1149) Marto glided into the room and nodded to both the Commander and the CMO. Crossing to the replicator she asked for a glass of iced water and picking it up walked to the farthest seat from Angeni she could find and putting her padd and her water down in front of her simply sat there in silence with her hands resting on the table in front of her. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Stardate: 2407.02.04 (USS Mystique - Observation Lounge - ACEO Ensign (jg) Norman Harper - 1150) As Norm walked the halls he figured he would probably be one of the first people to the meeting, but upon entering the observation lounge he came to the realization that he had been beaten by the head medical staff and the first officer. He should have guessed. He smiled gently at all present, nodded toward Saleke and chose a seat in the middle of the table, leaving plenty of room for Mason and anyone else who wandered in. He placed his reddened hands gingerly on the table before him and cursed that lieutenant silently. When this meeting was over he would find the transporter chief and have his bad judgment reported. Norm bit his lip and thanked the powers that be that those in the room could not hear his thoughts - at least not without physical contact. He wanted to hurt that technician just as much as his hands hurt. He looked out at the stars and watched them pass vacantly, "Intriguing, aren't they." He said to no one in particular. "They look so insignificant from here, but an uncountable number of lives rely on every one of them." (reply any iyw) He glanced over at Marto's glass of water and looked longingly at the replicator. It wasn't a bad idea, but then again, he didn't feel like getting up. He rubbed the palms of his hands together and marveled at the feeling of the raw skin. His thighs hurt too, admittedly, but the heat had been partially absorbed by his thick uniform pants. He wondered about the dangers of rolling his sleeves to his elbows while he worked and then shrugged them all off. What was one layer of skin? He had two more. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2407.02.04 (USS Mystique - Observation Lounge - TC Ensign (jg) Shurik Rosanov- 1151) Shurik slipped into the observation lounge shortly after watching the assistant chief engineer enter. He looked around for a familiar face and a good seat and noticed the only person he could really say he knew on the ship - Dr. Vren. He grinned and started toward her. "'Allo!" He said, attracting the attention of the ACEO as well. He could feel his eyes on the back of his neck and knew he was wondering who he was. Having only met the FO once, Shurik decided it might be wise to sit a little closer to him. He turned and sat in the empty seat to the ACEO's left, leaving the right vacant for the Chief Engineer. "I em Ensign Rosanov," He offered his hand to the other man, but noticed it was the colour of scalded flesh and instead ran his hand through his hair as though it had been what he was intending to do all along. "Norm." The other man answered softly, as though he'd been lost in his thoughts. Shurik looked up at Saleke and nodded, "morining!" He said, hoping it was not yet noon. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2407.02.04 (USS Mystique - Observation Lounge - 2O Lt.(sg) CT/S Jason Dema - 1152) Jason entered the loungen seeing several of the officers allready present. He greeted them all before sitting down. He saw taya wasn't there yet, and hoped she would come soon. Dispite the messages he sent her, no replies were given, so he decided to leave aside for as much he could, and turned his heart to stone. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Stardate: 2407.02.04 (USS Mystique - Observation Lounge - ACSO Ensign SG Taya - 1153) Taya walked into the observation lounge with a small tugging at her lips. She walked to an empty seat, noting to herself that it looked like she was the last one there. She looked around catching several people's eyes and smiled at them. Finally her currently green eyes rested on the man she had come to reveal her inner self to. ~That's strange, ~ she thought as he wouldn't look at her. She stared at him for a few more seconds knowing that he knew she was looking at him. Still he did not look at her. ~Why is he ignoring me~ Taya mentally sighed and put it to the back of her mind so she could focus on the present matter. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2407.02.04 (USS Mystique - Observation Lounge - COPS Lt. Travis Keswick - 1154) Travis walked into the Observation Lounge. He tried to keep his demeanor as looked at the other officers. Travis was till on an emotional high as he made his way over to Marto and took the empty chair next to her. Placing a padd infont of him on the table as he looked over at her. "I have to say it looks good on you." Travis whispered into her ear as to not disturb the other side conversations going on prier to the start of the meeting. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2407.02.04 (USS Mystique - Deck 2 - Holosuite 3 - ACONN Ensign (jg) Andreas Schliegler - 11:55) Breathing heavily, Andreas sank back in his chair as the Mystique Bridge around him dissolved...again, as a result of the session being ended with the destruction of the Mystique. Andreas shook his head as he worked out where he had gone wrong this time. He grinned sourly when he considered that at least this time he managed to keep the enemy vessel off their back for 35 minutes. But in the end the ship had managed to reach the back of the Mystique in a prime position to weaken the aft shields with a phaser burst to be followed by a barrage of torpedoes aimed at the section where the two warp nacelles met up with the lower section. The explosion invariably ripped off the lower deck which was followed quickly by a warp core breach. Andreas shook his head as he watched the computer display and found the simulated death toll on the Mystique due to his flying to have risen to 95. That was the other problem. To keep the people inside the ship from being thrown into bulkheads or through walls as Andreas flung the ship violently about. The initial dampener system was adequate but not more than that. ~Perhaps the Engineers can help me there,~ Andreas considered, ~to find a way to get the dampeners reacting faster.~ Andreas sighed and swept away the sweat beads from his face and he plucked at the sweat drenched uniform as it clung uncomfortably to his body. "Alright," he finally said, "once more from the top, computer. Program FlightSchliegler 3, parameter settings, enemy Akira with the characteristics of the Zephyr on an intercept course, distance 700.000 kilometres, enemy starting speed Warp 1.5, Mystique at full impulse. No damage to either vessel." The bridge reappeared around Andreas and looking round for flaws he saw the frozen figures of the bridge crew as he had set them up. He involuntarily grinned as he regarded the figure of the First Officer, sitting in the command chair wearing a black eyepatch and a tricorn. He knew he was going to be in a lot of trouble if the real Saleke ever found out but somehow it would be worth it. Andreas turned back to his console and adjusting his seat, he breathed deeply. "Once more onto the breach, dear friends, once more. Computer, run program!" Immediately the frozen figures surrounding Andreas came to live and he heard the FO say: "Aye, me laddies, blow the scurvy dogs out of the stars! Bo'sun, keep'em on our broadside, laddie, and be lively about it!" "Aye, Sir!" Andreas shouted as he started to turn the Mystique in an arc towards the enemy vessel. Eyeing the reactions of the other vessel cautiously, Andreas gently banked the vessel so that it would approach the enemy on their side, ensuring a maximum number of weapons would be able to fire. As the enemy vessels neared one another and the other Akira dropped out of warp, Schliegler's comm badge beeped. "Aye laddie!" Andreas piped out, "Bo'sun here!" Instead of a reply there was a long silence, followed by a rather meek... =/\= Uhhhhm, Ensign Schliegler? Uhhh,. Yeoman Partigue here, Sir. Do you know what time it is? =/\= Andreas frowned as it dawned on him that the message was not part of the simulation. "Computer, freeze program!" Andreas said sighing. "It's about twelve?" Andreas replied. =/\= It's actually 12.02, Sir. =/\= Andreas shrugged. "OK, it's 12.02. So?" =/\= Uhhhm, the meeting, Sir? The senior staff meeting at 12? =/\= "What of it?," Schliegler replied. " I'm not senior staff, Lieutenant Commander Herkimer 78 is." =/\= Uhhhm, Sir, I believe you are, Sir. You're line-staff and therefore senior staff. =/\= Andreas frowned again. "Are you sure?" =/\= Uhhm, yes, Sir. Quite sure. =/\= Andreas cursed loudly as he tried to jump up from his seat but was stopped by the safety harness. As he struggled with it to release him, he asked :"Okay, quickly. Where is it?" =/\= Observation Lounge, Deck 1, Sir. =/\= "I know where the bl**din' observation lounge is!" Andreas snapped as he managed to free himself from the harness and made his way for the holosuite door. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2407.02.04 (USS Mystique - Observation Lounge - ACOUNS Ens(sg) Regan Alessi -1156) Regan hurried into the Observation Lounge, PADD in hand, and was relieved to see that she was not quite the last to arrive. "Good morning, Commander," she said to Saleke, then moved to find a seat for herself. Glancing around the room, she nodded in a friendly way to Marto and Travis, who seemed deep in conversation. Travis had an aura of happiness around him that was positively glowing, as was Marto's. Regan smiled to herself, then caught sight of Norm. His hands were scalded raw. She slipped into a seat next to him. "What happened to your hands?" she asked in a low tone, shocked at the sight of them. (reply Norm) "You should have them looked at," she said firmly. "I'm sure either Dr Vren or Dr Trommashere would be happy to do so, and there's still a few minutes before the meeting starts." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2407.02.04 (USS Mystique - Observation Lounge - 2O Lt.(sg) CT/S Jason Dema - 1157) Jason looked up at the door to see Taya walking through the door. An awful feeling seemed to block his throat, as he quickly looked away from her, and concentrated on his PADD. The fact she didn't show up was hurting enough, her not responding added an extra blow, but her appearing so suddenly, with seemingly nothing going on, was just too much. Jason did hide his anger, for now. He could feel her eyes watching him, but he just couldn't bear to see the look in her eyes. ~Just what I needed, a girl that thinks she can use feeling as a beachball. Play and toss it away.~ Jason had his share of hurt feeling, and he had enough. Right now, it seemed like he could never forgive her for what she did, never -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2407.02.04 (USS Mystique - Observation Lounge - ACMO Vren Marto -1158) Marto sat in her chair watching the First Officer and Angeni from under her lashes. There was a tension in the room, at least on Angeni's side that even Marto, not exactly the brightest penny when it came to emotions, could feel. She kept her gaze on her padd, all the while thinking that sometime soon, whether she wanted to or not, she was going to have to sit her boss down and have a frank talk with her. It wouldn't be so bad Marto thought, if all they had to talk about was their relationship with each other, but Marto was beginning to come to the conclusion that this was only a minor part of Angeni's problem and in most respects not the major part at all. Marto knew from treating Ange that she had received counselling in the past from Dr Mias, but after having to call him in the last time, Marto wasn't professionally sure that he was the right person to counsel her. Maybe Regan would be better speaking to her, Marto thought. She had certainly seemed easy to talk to earlier on. Marto found that she liked the new counsellor and had been gratified to even see something of a friendship developing. But to be honest all Marto really wished for just now was someone else to come in and break this silence that had fallen. As if by magic the door slid open and Ensign Harper walked in and bestowed a gentle smile on them all. Marto smiled back at him watching him take a seat. It was indeed easy to smile back at him. He had that kind of nature that made you want to reciprocate and Marto envied him that. When he spoke it jolted Marto back out of her thoughts "Intriguing, aren't they." He said to no one in particular. "They look so insignificant from here, but an uncountable number of lives rely on every one of them." Marto nodded her head. "Indeed there's a pedestal on Bajor, in B'hala in fact, that gives each star in our sky a name and a reason for being there. The star of planting, of harvest, of storage and of conservation. The rain star and the star of heat. The star that tells us of the high tides for fishing and the one that tells us that the water will dry up soon in the central plains. The stars tell us more than we can honestly read I think and I think our lives depend on them far more that we really pay attention to with all our vaunted science honestly." Somewhat surprise at herself Marto simply stopped speaking and watched the others come into the room one by one. She smiled and nodded at Shurik and then smiled gently up at Travis as he sat down beside her. "I have to say it looks good on you." Travis whispered into her ear. One side of her mouth lifted up into a smile, which was all honestly Marto would allow herself in public. But she did place her hand on his leg and squeeze it gently just as the door hissed open again and disgorged Regan. As she sat down she nodded over to Marto and Travis and Marto's face formed a small smile back. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2407.02.04 (USS Mystique - Observation Lounge - ACEO Ens(jg) Normam Harper -1159) Norm looked up from his hands to see Regan rushing into the lounge. He smiled at the sight of her and shifted to make more room for her. "Hello!" He said. "What happened to your hands?" She whispered instead of starting with a reply hello. Norm shrugged, "Some jerk Lieutenant and a broken replicator. I don't understand how his isn't functioning properly, the system relay is fine." He looked back down at his hands and flexed his fingers, "I can't do anything to 'im-" Norm tugged at his collar in frustration, "He outranks me." "You should have them looked at," she said firmly. "I'm sure either Dr Vren or Dr Trommashere would be happy to do so, and there's still a few minutes before the meeting starts." "It's not that bad. It'll heal in its own time. It's already less red than it was an hour ago." He gave a false smile in vain, knowing Regan was, indeed, a telepath. ~I've been in and out of theropy- phyiscal and mental- to be able to handle this.~ He shook away the sour feelings. Regan wasn't at fault. (reply Regan iyw) "I would've loved to give him a good pop in the nose." He chuckled. He then decided it time to change the subject, "How's Menno?" ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2407.02.04 (USS Mystique - Observation Lounge - Commander Saleke - 1200) As the officers filed in the many of them murmered greetings to Saleke who nodded and replied politely, several of the number seated themselves in clumps including Lt. Keswick and Ensign Vren who made a handsome couple, the Vulcan noted it while turning his attention to Lt. Dema and Ensign Taya who appeared to be trying with great vigor to ignore one another. The new Counselor leaned over and whispered to the ACEO who shook his head while cradling a reddened hand, seeing the gatherings attention was fractured it seemed there was no better time to begin the proceedings even though one of the ones summoned had not yet arrived, the briefing would not be held up by him anyway however and the Commander intended to have a talk with Ensign (jg) Schliegler about the matter later. The Vulcan stood up and looked about the table slowly and pointedly, gathering the attention of the officers and squelching the conversations that had been going on. "Before we begin the briefing we will recognize the efforts of those among us who proved themselves capable in the recently passed engagement," He reached for a small box as he made the announcements. "Ensign Norman Harper please come forward." (Reply: Norm) As Norm Harper made his way forward Saleke stated. "Ensign Harper is being promoted to Ensign Senior Grade." He took a gold pip from the box and reached for the collar of the man and extracted the black pip then replaced it with the gold one. "Congratulations Mr. Harper." (REply: Norm, any) As Norman Harper made his way back to his seat the door to the Lounge hissed open and the tardy member of the group arrived, he scooted into the lounge and stopped quickly... looking quickly at Saleke before stating, "Sorry, Sir. I got....detained unexpectedly." then hot-footed it to a seat and tried to blend into the group. Saleke rewarded him with a long and scathing look before turning back to the matter at hand, yes he was going to have a talk with the ensign about his timing. " Doctor Vren Marto please come forward." (Reply: Marto) Saleke took a black pip from the box and waited for Marto to approach, as she did so he said. "Dr. Vren has proven to be a highly capable medical officer and is being promoted to Lieutenant Junior grade." (Reply: Marto, any) After placing the pip on her collar he cupped his hands behind his back before looking around the table at each and every officer. "We will begin the briefing with departmental reports." He sat down as he said. "Begin..." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2407.02.04 (USS Mystique - Observation Lounge - ACEO Ensign Norman Harper - 1201) In all his life Norm couldn't recall a more prompt beginning to a meeting. His experience with everything told him that meetings and breifings pretty much all started late. He watched in mild wonderment as the vulcan first officer stood to begin. "Before we begin the briefing we will recognize the efforts of those among us who proved themselves capable in the recently passed engagement," He reached for a small box as he made the announcements. "Ensign Norman Harper please come forward." Norm sat for a minute, not quite sure if he had heard correctly. He couldn't recall doing anything spectacular, but when no one else made a move to front and center he gave proper credit to his ears. A faint smile played with the corners of his mouth, but he attempted to mask it under a more military facial _expression. He looked up as the doors hissed open and the new ACONN scrambled into the meeting. He seemed to be lost in a haze as Saleke replaced his black pip with a new gold one and he disregarded Schliegler's interruption. Saleke called for Marto to come forward and Norm found his way back to the seat beside Regan. ~She doesn't outrank me anymore.~ He gloated to himself. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2407.02.04 (USS Mystique - Observation Lounge - ACOUNS Ens(sg) Regan Alessi - 1202) "It's not that bad," Norm insisted. "It'll heal in its own time. It's already less red than it was an hour ago." He gave a rather false smile. Regan sighed. Norm was too open a guy to lie well. "If you say so," she said softly, privately determining to keep an eye on his injury and insist he sough medical attention if it didn't get any better soon. She glanced over at Marto, and hoped that Marto might notice Norm's hands at some point. "I would've loved to give him a good pop in the nose." Norm chuckled. "How's Menno?" he added, changing the subject. Regan gave him a look, which said she knew perfectly well what he was doing, then said, "He's fine. Settling in very happily. And he wants to know when you are next coming over to see us?" (reply Norm) They all fell silent as Commander Saleke stood up and began the meeting. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------