Compile#3 April 06-08 (USS Rosenante & USS Boudicca joint) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Mission: Just Another Saturday Night Day: 1 Stardate: 2413.12.30 Compile Summary (USS Boudicca – Ready Room – Captain Durand – 1028) (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 1 - 1029) (USS Boudicca - FO's Office - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 1 - 1032 (USS Boudicca - Deck 22 - aCEO Ensign(Sg) Anton Gesar - 1036) (USS Boudicca - Main Engineering - ACEO Ensign(jg) Henry Jacobs - 1039) (USS Rosenante - Transporter Room 1 - aFO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 1 - 1153) (USS Rosenante – Transporter Room 1 – CO - Captain Durand – 1154) (USS Rosenante - Transporter Room 1 - FO - Commander T'Larah Sullivan - 1155) (USS Rosenante - Transporter Room 1 - CO - Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid - Day 1 - 1158) (USS Rosenante – Corridor – CO - Captain Durand – 1202) (USS Rosenante, Corridor, CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 1, 1203) (USS Rosenante – Corridor – CO Captain Durand – 1205) (USS Rosenante - Captain's Mess - FO - Commander T'Larah Sullivan - 1207) (USS Rosenante, Corridor, CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 1, 1208) (USS Rosenante - Captain's Mess - aFO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 1 -1211) (USS Rosenante – Captain’s Mess – CO – Captain Durand – 1213) (USS Rosenante, Captain's Mess, CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 1, 1216) (USS Rosenante – Captain’s Mess – CO Captain Durand – 1219) (USS Rosenante, Captain's Mess, CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 1, 1222) (Starbase 989 - Promenade - ACMO Basil Candle - Day 1 - 12:38) (Starbase 989 - Promenade - ATAC/SC Ensign(jg) Jessica Signos - 1402) (Starbase 989 - The County Cork - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 14.04*) (Starbase 989 - The County Cork - ATAC/SC Ensign(jg) Jessica Signos - 1407) (Starbase 989, The County Cork, SO Ensign Mike Rosenbauer, Day 1- 1409) (Starbase 989 - Promenade - ATAC/SC Ensign(jg) Jessica Signos - 1410) (Starbase 989, Promenade, CIV Dahlia Jackson - Day 1- 1411) (Starbase 989 – The County Cork – ATT LCDR Lorimar – 1413) (Starbase 989, The County Cork, SO Ensign Mike Rosenbauer, Day 1- 1415) (Starbase 989 - Promenade - ACMO Ensign Sam Lopez- Day 1 - 1441) (Starbase 989 - Promenade - Dyson Bird, Day 1- 1444) (Starbase 989 - County Cork - ACMO Ensign Sam Lopez- Day 1 - 1445) (Starbase 989 - The County Cork - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 14.50) (Starbase 989 - The County Cork – Combat Nurse – E’Mpak- Day 1 - 2008) (Starbase 989 - The County Cork - aFO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 1 - 2011) (Starbase 989 - The County Cork – Combat Nurse – E’Mpak - Day 1 - 2014) (USS Rosenante, Ready Room, CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 1- 2015) (USS Rosenante, Ready Room, CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma- 2016) (Starbase 989 - The County Cork – aFO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 1 - 2017) (USS Rosenante Ready Room Lt Kraal a/CO SB 989 2028 ) (USS Rosenante, Ready Room, CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 2- 2029) (USS Rosenante, Bridge, CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma- 2035) (USS Rosenante, Transporter Room 1, CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma, 2040) (SB 989 Rothal Chapel 2O/COPS LT Tom and Dahlia Jackson Day 1 2100) ======================================================= Mission: Just Another Saturday Night Day: 2 Stardate: 2413.12.31 Compile Summary (USS Boudicca – Ready Room – CO Captain Durand – 0745) (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 07.55) (SB 989, Promenade, RJs, NPC Rupert, 0825) (USS Rosenante Docked SB 989 Braak Owner Braak's Bar Day 2 1845) (Geneva Station-Medical Ward-CTAC-LT Chance Raschen-2340) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca – Ready Room – Captain Durand – 1028) Durand listened carefully to his First Officer, absorbing everything she had to say. He noted how carefully she phrased her responses, and how neutral and unbiased she appeared. ~Precisely why I gave you the job Josh… I *knew* you would be completely professional about it. Your reputation was correct, at least as far as that goes…~ He asked her recommendation, and she gave it without hesitation. He nodded, then replied in a measured tone. “Very well, Commander, thank you for your efforts with the investigation, and your candor in response to my question.” He pinched the bridge of his nose between thumb and forefinger and shut his eyes for a couple of seconds, then went on, annotating on a PADD as he did so. “We’ll proceed as you suggest. Notify Lieutenant Trei to report here at 0800 tomorrow, at which time I will hold Mast to resolve the issue. I’d like you to attend as well, Commander.” (Reply Caskie) (Posted by Russ) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 1 - 1029) Josh simply watched the captain as he took in everything she had to say and pinched the bridge of his nose as he spoke to her. “Very well, Commander, thank you for your efforts with the investigation, and your candor in response to my question.” He pinched the bridge of his nose between thumb and forefinger and shut his eyes for a couple of seconds, then went on, annotating on a PADD as he did so. “We’ll proceed as you suggest. Notify Lieutenant Trei to report here at 0800 tomorrow, at which time I will hold Mast to resolve the issue. I’d like you to attend as well, Commander.” Josh simply nodded. "Understood sir. I will inform the Lieutenant." Josh stood and was about to leave the Ready Room but hesitated unsure as to how the captain would take her gesture. Finally she simply smiled and decided that her medical experience far outwayed anything else. Turning back she regarded the captain. "Sir might I get you an analgesic of some sorts. It appears to me that you seem to be suffering a headache." (Reply Durand iyw) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - FO's Office - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 1 - 1032) Once back in her own office Josh sat down at her desk and began writing a message to Lt Trei. She made sure that the computer encoded it as priority and for his eyes only and then sent the gist of her message. From Cmdr Jennifer Caskie to Lt Trei Re Jadharra III It is my duty to inform you that after serious investigation that the Captain has decided to convene a Captain's Mast to investigate the circumstances regarding the deaths of certain Starfleet crew and your participation in those circumstances. Please report to the Captain's ready room at 0800 tomorrow where a Captain's Mast will be held. Please also note that whilst a Captain's Mast does not strictly allow you legal representation I as FO will be present and will be available to represent you should you feel the need for representation." "End Message and send. Computer please acknowledge receipt of message." Josh sighed. Not one of her finer moments to be honest, but that was what being an FO was all about. Moving away from her computer she asked it to log and notify her when the answer came through from Lt Trei. (Rreply Durand, Trei iyw) (Posted by Marilyn) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Deck 22 - aCEO Ensign(Sg) Anton Gesar - 1036) Anton had gotten all his tools ready and was getting to start the level 1 diagnostics on the engineering systems. He was giving commands out here and there to get things going. =^=Jacobs to Ensign Gesar. Level 1 Diagnostic underway. Awaiting further commands=^= Anton tapped his badge, "Very good Ensign. Now remember, a Level 1 diagnostic requires physical verification of operation of a system mechanisms and requires that you to take system readings, rather then depending on the automated programs. This guards against possible malfunctions in self testing hardware and software. It would not be a good idea to work on other tasks while performing the diagnostic. Don't rush to get the job done Ensign. It's quality, not quantity. Continue with your work, Gesar out." ~Eager kid.~ (Reply Jacobs, None) (Posted by Oleg Kislyuk) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Main Engineering - ACEO Ensign(jg) Henry Jacobs - 1039) Anton tapped his badge, "Very good Ensign. Now remember, a Level 1 diagnostic requires physical verification of operation of a system mechanisms and requires that you to take system readings, rather then depending on the automated programs. This guards against possible malfunctions in self testing hardware and software. It would not be a good idea to work on other tasks while performing the diagnostic. Don't rush to get the job done Ensign. It's quality, not quantity. Continue with your work, Gesar out." "Aye, sir" Henry replied as he tapped his badge and went back to his workstation. Scanning the touch panels, Jacobs recorded readings into his tricorder and logged them into a padd. As the scan began power levels began to fluctuate, soon after they leveled off. It was an oddity of his but while he was walking Jacobs paced the engineering floor typing into the padd and reading the output from the tricorder. ~Glad we are finally taking this time out to look at her thoroughly.~ Jacobs recruited the help of two of the crewman who were working on the second level. " I need you two to help me out. I need help working on this diagnostic, and if we all pull together we can get this done. " After recruiting the help of the other two crewman in engineering the three men split up and compiled the diagnostic readings into padds to hand into aCEO Ensign Gesar. "Hey guys we will be doing this until we receive follow up instructions from the aCEO" (Reply none needed, but welcome) (Posted by Darryl) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Transporter Room 1 - aFO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 1 - 1153) Josh, still grinning like the proverbial Cheshire cat, stepped of the platform and stood slightly behind Captain Durand as Captain Salid introduced Cmdr Sullivan. Josh took a deep breath and looked around the room. It brought back so many memories, some good, some less so. Catching Dawson's eye she winked at him happy to see that whilst he was all business outwardly, at least he winked back at her and smiled a greeting. Suddenly Josh realised that coming back to the Rose for a visit might not be as easy emotionally as she had first thought. After nodding a greeting at T'Larah Josh realised that Captain Salid had carried on talking and paying him the attention he deserved as ship's captain she managed to catch up. "I hope you like Beef? Our Chef has put together a very interesting menu for our lunch today. Complete with some traditional beef dishes as well as some Vulcan fare for commander Sullivan. And I'm happy to say that she has put together a dessert that I understand is a favorite of Commander Caskie's, although she didn't tell me what it was." Josh smiled quietly to herself, Marcia had done more than just her favourite dessert, she had also remembered that Josh had a preference for beef too. Turning her mind to the dessert she thought about it for a minute or two and then smiled at Captain Salid. "Well sir, I can guarantee that it won't be Zabaglione since that includes a dessert wine, so my guess would be Cranachan." Watching the puzzled faces she smiled. "It's a Scottish dessert using Raspberries, oatmeal, honey and cream, although to be honest I do tend to add a shot of Glayva to mine when I make it, but I'm sure that will be missing today. Either way, it is delicious." --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante – Transporter Room 1 – CO - Captain Durand – 1154) Alan smiled at the Captain and First Officer of the Rosenante as he relaxed and stepped off the transporter pad. He approached Captain Salid and extended his hand. “Nice to meet you , Captain… thank you for the welcome.” (Reply Salid iyw) He turned to the Rosenante’s First Officer and was about to extend his hand to her, when he thought of the cultural taboo regarding physical contact that many Vulcans held. ~Better not to offend on a first impression,~ he thought quickly. Raising his right hand quickly, he faced his palm toward her and split his middle and ring fingers, keeping the others together in the traditional manner of greeting. Relaxing his smile, he returned his facial features to neutral and spoke in his best unaccented Vulcan. “Dif tor heh smusma,” he offered, hoping he got it precisely correct. ~Live long and prosper… or something nasty about your parents, if I said it wrong…~ (Reply Sullivan iyw) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Transporter Room 1 - FO - Commander T'Larah Sullivan - 1155) As the Boudicca's CO and FO materialized on the Rosenante's transporter pad, T'Larah noticed one of the largest grins she had seen in a good long while decorating the senior Commander's face. As the two Captains had an exchange of pleasantries Josh Caskie gave T'Larah a nod, knowing each other like they did, that was all the greeting that was needed. Always interested in human expressions of emotion T'Larah silently wondered to herself if T'Larah's survival of the same condition that had killed Jennifer's husband had any bearing on her thoughts or actions at this time. Sullivan wisely kept her theories to herself. At that moment Captain Durand turned to her to give his own greeting. Human reflex was to offer a hand in a hand shake, but something stopped him mid movement he instead offered the traditional Vulcan salute, fingers extended and joined but split in the middle in two separate pairs. “Dif tor heh smusma,” and even spoke it in Vulcan. ~Impressive pronunciation, but with a heavy Terran accent.~ "Impressive Captain," She said splitting her hand in the traditional Vulcan salute. "but Federation Standard will do fine. Peace and long life to you as well. Let me be the second to welcome you both aboard the Rosenante." (Reply Cmdr Caskie, Captain Durand) Captain Salid had motioned the way to the Captain's mess, Captain Durand had started talking 'shop' as it was called where conversation was steered to the more neutral ground of work-related topics. As they conversed T'Larah chose a more personal subject to speak with the former CMO and then FO of the Rose. "Commander Caskie hopefully your family is well?" T'Larah started with reference to the reason she had left the Rose in the first place. Hopefully she wasn't being too forward. (reply Cmdr Caskie, room for more) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Transporter Room 1 - CO - Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid - Day 1 - 1158) "Permission granted, Captain Durand, Commander Caskie." Ahmed replied. "Please allow me to introduce my first officer, Commander Sullivan. Welcome aboard the Rosenante." Durand stepped down from the transporter platform, his hand extended in greeting. “Nice to meet you, Captain… thank you for the welcome.” Ahmed gave the man his best smile and his hand a hearty shake. "The pleasure is all mine Captain. I'm honored that you could join us aboard the Rosenante. It isn't often that I get the opportunity to entertain fellow Starship Captains." The Boudicca's captain seemed pleasant enough and was apparently also rather diplomatic. He stepped forward, now facing T'Larah and raised his hand in the traditional Vulcan salute. "Dif tor heh smusma,” he said, nailing the complicated Vulcan language right on the head. He didn't know where Durand had learned the phrase although it wasn't a complete surprise that he had. It was a rare treat to hear anyone speaking anything but Federation Standard these days. (reply Sullivan) Once the introductions and greetings were complete. Ahmed continued. "I hope you like Beef? Our Chef has put together a very interesting menu for our lunch today. Complete with some traditional beef dishes as well as some Vulcan fare for commander Sullivan. And I'm happy to say that she has put together a dessert that I understand is a favorite of Commander Caskie's, although she didn't tell me what it was." "Well sir, I can guarantee that it won't be Zabaglione since that includes a dessert wine, so my guess would be Cranachan." Jennifer responded. Ahmed had never heard of the dish and it must have shown on his face, because his former first officer continued with an explanation. "It's a Scottish dessert using Raspberries, oatmeal, honey and cream, although to be honest I do tend to add a shot of Glayva to mine when I make it, but I'm sure that will be missing today. Either way, it is delicious." Josh offered. Ahmed smiled, and although he was not familiar with the particular delicacy, he was certain that anything that Marcia had put together would be perfect. (reply Caskie, Durand, Sullivan iyw) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante – Corridor – CO - Captain Durand – 1202) As the four were making their way toward – wherever the Captain was going to have lunch served, they hadn’t been told specifically where as yet – conversation devolved into small talk. Alan hadn’t had a great deal to say as yet, preferring to let the former shipmates converse. He could scarcely fail to notice how pleased Caskie was at being back in their company. ~Is that a reflection, I wonder, on her current position? Or just pleasure at seeing old friends again?~ The engineer in him came to the forefront during a lull in conversation. “Captain, pardon my curiosity… my inquisitive nature gets the best of me sometimes. This ship is the only one in service, to the best of my knowledge at any rate, with a ‘spiral geometry’ drive. How do you find it in service? Is there any enhanced tactical utility with it?” (Reply Salid, Any, Room for more) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Corridor, CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 1, 1203) The walk to the Captain's Mess was one of small talk and the usual verbal dance of conversation with people that you didn't really know. As usual Ahmed was hoping to get a hint from the small talk that would help him tailor the conversation more directly to the interests of his guests. “Captain, pardon my curiosity… my inquisitive nature gets the best of me sometimes. This ship is the only one in service, to the best of my knowledge at any rate, with a ‘spiral geometry’ drive. How do you find it in service? Is there any enhanced tactical utility with it?” Durand asked him during a lull in the otherwise constant conversation. Ahmed smiled, and ordered his thoughts before replying. "It's been my experience that the drive is more of a strategic benefit rather than a tactical one. It requires a great deal of energy to operate, which is very reason the Rosenante is equipped with dual synchronized warp cores. And while the extra energy provided by this configuration is substantial, the continued operation of the spiral drive makes it somewhat counterproductive during tactical engagements." "However, for strategic operations, where speed and long distance deployment is key, the Rosenante can't be beat for her ability to get to a trouble spot quickly. The drive allows us to travel closer to the transwarp barrier than any ship the Federation has ever produced, and the added benefit of the subspace conduit that it produces allow us to keep pace with most known Borg Vessels without the need to use their transwarp tunnels," he explained. "The real added tactical benefit of the drive comes from the components that make it viable as a drive in the first place. The power from the synchronized second core can be shunted to tactical systems, and the added boost actually allows the Rosenante to operate using a double layered defensive screen. She is capable of producing both the Standard Regenerative Shielding as well as a more localized shielding systems that can be used to strengthen the standard deflectors that may have been depleted during extended combat operations, or to form their own independent layer. Additionally, all that extra power can be unleashed through the ship's advanced Type XIV phaser strips. With 18 array strips in total combined with her four dedicated photon torpedo launchers and two dedicated quantum torpedo launchers, she's a force to be reckoned with." "Complementing that, the ship is TIHS capable at two Tactical Stations on the bridge allowing two qualified tactical officers to each command the ship's firepower simultaneously. With her integrated stealth systems, this makes her a very nasty opponent." "Thus far we've only had to resort to her full combat potential once. She performed admirably. Now the most amazing thing about her capabilities is that in her original privateer configuration, she would boast nearly twice the offensive capabilities of her current configuration. If there was one thing that Doenitz knew how to build, it was warships. But it is precisely because of the raw aggressiveness of this design that The Rosenante remains the only ship of her class. Her capabilities are handy, but they just don't fit the more peaceful political agenda of the Federation as a whole." (reply Durand, Sullivan, Caskie) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante – Corridor – CO Captain Durand – 1205) As they continued strolling along, Durand listened with great interest to Salid’s response. He digested all of it, mentally comparing it with the design documents he had read during his days as an engineering officer. The concept, he noted, had little changed from the original prototype that had been discussed in engineering circles at the time. The devil, of course, was in the details; he had no doubt various tweaks and refinements had been long since made. “Sounds very much like your principle bottleneck now would be the energy delivery systems, no? I love the idea of having the secondary matter/antimatter reactor system and the inherent energy surplus that you get… but the fact remains you can still push just so much energy through the EPS system. Unless of course you have some sort of bundled conduits… in which case there would be cooling issues under high load, I would think. Your ATT officer, McLaren, was aboard the Boudicca during the MPD battle, from what I understand. He wrote a pretty interesting treatise on that very issue. I highly recommend it, if you haven’t already seen it Captain. The Boudicca had some serious overheating issues during the fight, according to his report. I gather they were firing pretty much all her weapons almost continually for an extended period. Perhaps you’ve discussed it with him already?” (Reply Salid, Any, Room for still more) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Captain's Mess - FO - Commander T'Larah Sullivan - 1207) As the four Senior Star Fleet officers arrived at the mess it was obvious to T'Larah that the mess staff had gone to quite a lot of effort to put this luncheon on at such a short notice. She saw the official UFP insignia in royal blue flanked by olive laurels on the china. She knew that it was usually reserved for dignitaries, ambassadors and Admirals. The ice sculpture fitted as the center piece was carved with such intricate detail that T'Larah believed that if one looked close enough they could probably find their quarters in the crystal clear hull of the ice Rosenante and Boudicca. Once the group was seated, the wait staff appeared with atomic clock-like precision. Drinks first, for T'Larah they brought a greenish-brown Vulcan and Terran herbal tea blend. Sullivan's nose detected even from across the table the Turkish coffee favored by Captain Salid. She silently chastised herself for not being able to identify the Boudicca's officer's drinks by sight and smell. The soup however had also puzzled her. The plomeek she had immediately recognized by smell alone, however it was mixed with some more potent flavors that she did not recognize. As soon as it was offered she looked at the others trying it, with such a potent mixture, she wanted to see how the others reacted to it first. As the Captains began a different conversation about the joys of command, Caskie took the opportunity to speak first. "Congratulations on your promotion T'Larah. I hope you have been well? Tell me how is everyone on the Rose?" Jennifer asked. "Thank you. My health is optimal at this time. Have you heard about Chance?" (Reply Caskie) "He was injured in the fight with the Irlixians, when the Tactical console exploded. He was evacuated after the battle, and we know that he is on Starbase Geneva, and while he is still in a comatose state, he is stable and breathing on his own." T'Larah informed her friend. She finally sampled the Plomeek soup hybrid. As Josh responded, the mix of subtle Vulcan and potent Terran flavors blended on her palate. (Reply Caskie, any) (Posted by Todd) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Corridor, CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 1, 1208) “Sounds very much like your principle bottleneck now would be the energy delivery systems, no? I love the idea of having the secondary matter/antimatter reactor system and the inherent energy surplus that you get… but the fact remains you can still push just so much energy through the EPS system. Unless of course you have some sort of bundled conduits… in which case there would be cooling issues under high load, I would think. Your ATT officer, McLaren, was aboard the Boudicca during the MPD battle, from what I understand. He wrote a pretty interesting treatise on that very issue. I highly recommend it, if you haven’t already seen it Captain. The Boudicca had some serious overheating issues during the fight, according to his report. I gather they were firing pretty much all her weapons almost continually for an extended period. Perhaps you’ve discussed it with him already?” "Actually, I have. And I also experienced a situation during my time as CEO aboard the Nimitz where critical power relays would become damaged and suffer from extensive thermal bleed, or in some cases the ship would simply lose power to critical systems or sections. During one of our military operations in the Cait system, we had such an issue. We solved it by running temporary high-yield conduits through the ship's corridors, effectively leap-frogging the damaged sections." "At my request Commander McLaren has been working hard on implementing a more permanent solution along those same lines. Currently we have nearly half of the ship's systems connected to not a single, but a double power distribution feed. That is to say that there are two primary power conduits running along the spine of the ship, and that each of the primary systems junctions, especially those assigned to defensive systems, life-support and weapons have been similarly reinforced. These back-up lines follow a completely different wiring diagram, so that they are less likely to be damaged by the same event that disabled the primaries. This created a number of challenges where the thermal distribution was concerned." "He's been installing thermal sinks with Cryogenic thermal shielding. So far this has allowed us to bypass areas that were too damaged along the primary distribution lines and also allows us a short period where we can activate some of the backup conduit for an added transfer of power to ship's systems. We can't run them like that for too long before the shielding starts to deteriorate, but the advantages of being able to do so at all far outweighs the dangers and disadvantages of making the modifications." He shrugged, "Besides, Starfleet Engineering Corps has all but told us not to expect any significant design upgrades to any utilized components that are not fleet standard. Which means if the component isn't in general use by the fleet, we won't be getting updates or service modifications in any time soon. So, we're stuck doing the design work and modifications ourselves to overcome any real or perceived design flaws." --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Captain's Mess - aFO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 1 -1211) Entering the Captain's Mess Josh could not help but sigh. She had eaten here many times before. She recognised the room, the china and the crystal. Walking across to the windows she stopped a moment gazing out at the view before joining everyone else and seating herself. As soon as she was seated the staff brought out the first course. Josh wasn't quite sure what it was apart from being a soup, but the aroma that came from the bowl in front of her certainly promised something tasty. Josh picked up her spoon and tasted a mouthful. It was delicious and there and then Josh promised herself not to leave the Rose without speaking to Marcia first and getting the recipe. After his first mouthful Captain Salid began the conversation. "It's good to have an opportunity to meet new friends and to see old ones again." he began. "Tell me Captain, how do you like commanding the Boudicca?" Since Salid had addressed her captain Josh turned her attention to T'Larah. "Congratulations on your promotion T'Larah. I hope you have been well? Tell me how is everyone on the Rose?" (Reply Durand, Salid, Sullivan) (Posted by Marilyn) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante – Captain’s Mess – CO – Captain Durand – 1213) Salid had led them to the Captain’s Mess, where his staff had prepared a sumptuous feast indeed. ~I thought this was just lunch? If this is just lunch, I’d *love* to see a fancy meal!~ Durand smiled as he listened politely and sampled a bit of this and that from the selections prepared and brought forth. They all looked delicious. He looked up from his plate when addressed by Salid. He grinned slightly as he spoke. “My compliments to your chef, first of all. To answer your question, Captain, she’s a fine fit. What I mean to say is she is a warrior at heart, despite her current refit configuration. My background is more tactical than scientific, so you might say we were made for each other.” He paused a moment, his focus drifting to the vapors wafting gently up from the exquisite ice sculpture of the two starships. (Reply Any iyw) “She’s in fine shape, particularly considering the action she has seen. We’ve had some chance to flex her scientific muscles the last couple of months as well.” He went on to briefly describe the exploration mission from which they had just returned. “Considering just how short staffed we are in the science department, I think our people acquitted themselves splendidly. I’d say the short version would be that I share the same affection for her and her crew that any commanding officer does.” He paused and took another mouthful of chili. “I’ve never had a meatless chili quite like this… is it a secret recipe?” (Reply Salid, Any, Room for more) (Posted by Russ) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Captain's Mess, CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 1, 1216) "It's good to have an opportunity to meet new friends and to see old ones again." Ahmed began. "Tell me Captain, how do you like commanding the Boudicca?" Durand grinned slightly as he spoke. “My compliments to your chef, first of all. To answer your question, Captain, she’s a fine fit. What I mean to say is she is a warrior at heart, despite her current refit configuration. My background is more tactical than scientific, so you might say we were made for each other.” “She’s in fine shape, particularly considering the action she has seen. We’ve had some chance to flex her scientific muscles the last couple of months as well.” He went on to briefly describe the exploration mission from which they had just returned. “Considering just how short staffed we are in the science department, I think our people acquitted themselves splendidly. I’d say the short version would be that I share the same affection for her and her crew that any commanding officer does.” He paused and took another mouthful of chili. “I’ve never had a meatless chili quite like this… is it a secret recipe?” Ahmed chuckled slightly, "Everything that Marcia makes seems to be a secret recipe. She's probably the most talented and secretive Chef I've ever met. She handles all the meal preparation for any diplomatic events that the ship may be assigned. In addition, since I can not possibly let her sit idle, I've asked that she manage the crew mess as well as cooking for myself on occasion. I know that there aren't many Starship Captains with personal chefs these days, but when you find a such a talented individual, it's a crime to let their talents go to waste." Ahmed made a gesture to the table. "You realize that she put all this together on short notice. You're really in for a special treat when she has a few days to prepare." The Captain of the Rosenante could feel the pride that he felt for his ship and crew swell in his breast and for a brief moment, he allowed himself to beam with that pride before he finally reigned in his emotions. He had a lot of things that he wanted to ask Jennifer, but he was uncertain what he could and couldn't ask her. The last time that he had seen her, she was leaving the fleet to look for her son Ian, whose ship had gone missing. Admittedly, he had watched for reports along the Starfleet channels discreetly, but he had heard nothing. Since five years had passed as a result of the time jump from the time Ian's ship had gone missing until Jennifer had begun her search, he was unclear if there had been a positive or negative resolution to her search. But she was back in service. And that in it's own way was a sort of answer. She'd moved on with her life regardless of the outcome and that meant that at the very least Jennifer Caskie's strength had not failed her. He smiled at the polite conversation going around the table, thinking that Durand had a fine ship and crew, which knowing three of the ship's previous commanders; Sevant, Rivers and Stakes, wasn't surprising. All three were exemplary officers. "If you're interesting in an engineer-to-engineer tour of the ship, I'd be glad to show you around. Before i joined the command branch I served as CEO on two starships, a Sovereign and a Modified Galaxy Class. I understand that you are a bit of an engineer as well, so we'd be able to talk shop." "That might give Commander Caskie the opportunity to say hello to some of her old friends on-board without my monopolizing all of her time." (reply Durand, Sullivan, Caskie) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante – Captain’s Mess – CO Captain Durand – 1219) "That might give Commander Caskie the opportunity to say hello to some of her old friends on-board without my monopolizing all of her time." Durand looked across the table at Salid and smiled. “Commander Caskie has a commitment at 0800 tomorrow. Aside from that, however, she is completely free to enjoy her time here at the station. I’d never presume to speak for her, Captain… but I strongly suspect that she hardly considers spending time in your company – or that of any of her friends here – being monopolized. Clearly, her former associates are people of very good character.” (Reply Any) There was a brief pause between courses, and Alan took that as an apropos time to act. He leaned over and retrieved the wooden presentation case that had been sitting on the gleaming deck beside his chair. He slid it carefully across the table to Salid. “Captain, kindly accept this as a small compliment in honor of this fine vessel, and her master.” (Reply Salid, Any) (Posted by Russ) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Captain's Mess, CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 1, 1222) Durand looked across the table at Salid and smiled. “Commander Caskie has a commitment at 0800 tomorrow. Aside from that, however, she is completely free to enjoy her time here at the station. I’d never presume to speak for her, Captain… but I strongly suspect that she hardly considers spending time in your company – or that of any of her friends here – being monopolized. Clearly, her former associates are people of very good character.” Ahmed found himself returning Captain Durand's smile. "Well Captain, I've been told I'm a bit of a pirate from time-to-time. But as to the rest of the ship's compliment, I need only say that the commander is a very good judge of character." He gave his prior First Officer a proper smile and then an almost private wink, which admittedly was well outside his normal paradigm. "Wouldn't you agree Commander?" (Reply Caskie, Durand, Sullivan rfm) Eventually the dining courses were cleared away from the table and the group of officers settled themselves with a sense of anticipation of the mysterious dessert, yet to come. For his part Ahmed had wondered whether or not Jennifer was going to be correct about the identification of the dessert, and also what in the world Durand was doing with the gleaming wooden presentation case that he had just placed on the table and slid towards him. “Captain, kindly accept this as a small compliment in honor of this fine vessel, and her master.” his counterpart said. Ahmed gave the man a perplexed look for a few moments, surprised that he had not really noticed the high-quality wooden box prior to now. Although, if he gave it a moment of thought, he could recall seeing it and dismissing it out of hand. Just because someone could remember every experience with the clarity that they had at the first moment they had first lived it, didn't mean that they always wanted to remember everything. He accepted the box wordlessly, rotating it slightly so that he could see the fine craftsmanship. He ran his fingers along the smooth edge of the container, noting the slight imperfections in the richly colored rosewood, before he reached the small brass clasp. He turned the latch and lifted the tang before gently taking the lid of the container in both hands, one to either side, and lifting it to reveal the container's contents. Inside was a variety of related items, the first of which caused the captain to break into a large smile. A small stasis storage chamber held at least a Kilogram of deep rich darkly-roasted whole coffee beans. Alongside the container was a small powered grinder. It was sheathed in silver and dark wood, perhaps more Rosewood. It was elegant and well-designed and would no doubt be very useful. But those were not the only things in the case. Flanking the coffee beans was a micro-brewer, the sort that was designed to make your brewed coffee one amazing cup after the other. And to make the set complete, a large cream-colored handle-less coffee mug was included. On it's smooth porcelain surface was the logo of the USS Boudicca emblazoned in a rich dark navy pigment. It was a prefect gift, something that he would keep and treasure, especially during long duty-shifts and extended nights of studying ancient pottery shards on his off-time. "Captain... I.." He began and then smiled, "I really don't know what to say. It's a perfect gift. I couldn't have selected something better for myself." He gave Jennifer a smile before adding, "I suspect that you are probably a coffee drinker as well? And if that's the case, I'll have a kilogram of Turkish roasted beans sent over for your private consumption. I get a sizable concession about once every other month from my uncle Aamihr, who hand selects them from the brokerage markets in Cairo himself. There certainly isn't anything in the universe quite like fresh coffee. My father used to say that if we could just get everyone to sit around a central table, serve them fresh coffee and let them talk things out without interference, that they'd all come to an agreement before the supply was gone." "Thank you very much." he added genuinely still smiling. "I promise to use it until it breaks down, and then I'll refurbish it and do so again." (reply Caskie, Sullivan, Durand) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Starbase 989 - Promenade - ACMO Basil Candle - Day 1 - 12:38) "You're probably referring to Braack's Bar. It's right over there, with the pink neon lights," Eian said, and indicated where the bar was. "I don't mean to pry, but do you happen to know anyone in the Freighter crew? They just got in, so I'm not sure if they'll be at Braack's yet." ~Freighter crew? Why would he be interested in a freighter crew? Curious~ Basil explained his reasons and they talked briefly about the Boudicca Eian offered him a seat which Basil accepted. "I mean, I guess I'd have to know what you're looking for in a job. I've lived on starships almost my whole life, but I lived on Earth for the first six years and we made plenty of stops along the way...I've seen examples of a lot of different jobs. Everything from cleaning Harkaarian Regurgitation Repositories--and I don't recommend that one--to being a starship Captain. There's something for everyone out there," “Worked and fought with a Harkaari once, during combat saw him vomit stomach oils at least 20 m. Also meal times were interesting, we had to set up a screen as his eating habits were putting others off their food. Trouble was though we couldn’t see him eat, the sounds he made just seem so much worse. Your right, though, its just …what is right for you? If you don’t mind me asking what is it you do on the Rosenante?” (Reply Eian) “Was it something you know you would get into or something that you stumbled across you were good at?” (Reply Eian) “Do you think you have made the right choice?” (Reply Eian) (Posted by Warren Simkins) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Starbase 989 - Promenade - ATAC/SC Ensign(jg) Jessica Signos - 1402) Jessica had finished her lunch sometime ago, she made it to one of the gardens on the base, and enjoyed a relaxing walk, that let her mind unwind. Even after two months the mission on Jahdara III still weighed heavy on her mind. She had heard rumor of an ongoing investigation looking into the death of some of the crew that died in that mission but that's all she was able to uncover. So, she left it alone, that kind of investigation one did not want to pry into. But the implications, of a long term investigation like this did not make her feel at ease. There was some advantages about looking like a child. Jessica learned quickly that on her off duty hours people would let there guard down and say things that probably should have not been said. So she wondered the corridors of the base until she found herself at a pleasant enough place, The County Cork. --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Starbase 989 - The County Cork - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 14.04*) Rosenbauer talked about being in a combat group that formed since the civil war called the Marauders. Detron has not heard of this group but nodded as Rosenbauer continued. He congratulated Detron on completing the Rite of Ascension raising his glass to salute Detron on his accomplishment. Detron did the same then put his glass down and gave Rosenbauer the chest pump of a warrior. Detron drained the rest of his pint and ordered another. "Thank you. It was hard but rewarding. The thing he has for me is a negative attitude. Tell me about the Rosenante crew?" The second pint of Guinness was set in front of him and he took a large pull off the top. He looked over to see his assistant sitting near them. He turned back to Rosenbauer. (Reply Rosenbauer, Signos) (Posted by Edward) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Starbase 989 - The County Cork - ATAC/SC Ensign(jg) Jessica Signos - 1407) She stood at the entrance of The County Cork and peered into the place. Jessica was amazed by what she saw. The hardwood floors were polished and had a pleasant sheen to them, from the overhead lighting. She heard voices from with in the restaurant, few familiar most however were not. She entered the place looking for a familiar face. She came up and saw Lt Trei and several other people talking together. She knew the other has Lt. Commander Lorimar from the Boudicca the other She had not seen before. Jessica took a seat at the bar on the other side of Rosenbauer. The bartender eyed Jessica giving her the. ~Who's this kid at my bar.~ look. She returned his glaze with a disarming smile as an ID appeared has if by magic into her hand. "Just a cold Pepsi for the time being." She named the old earth drink one of the favorites of her family. Before She turned to the others, and with a brief nod. "Lorimar, Trei how are you both this afternoon?" She asked before she turned to the man next to her. "Oh, I'm Jessica Signos, how are you?" Her eyes bright and soft voice hide the fact that she was in fact one of the security officer's from the Boudicca's rank. (reply Trei, Lorimar, Rosenbauer.) It was about this time her drink arrived. She took a long pull of the sweet dark liquid. "Ahhhh, No matter where I am this stuff always reminds me of home." She spoke to no one and everyone. Before settling in to listen to the current conversation. (posted by Matthew Locke) (reply Trei, Lorimar, Rosenbauer.) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Starbase 989, The County Cork, SO Ensign Mike Rosenbauer, Day 1- 1409) Trei was giving him his full attention, listening intently as Mike gave a brief bit of his personal history. Normally Mike wouldn't even have said as much to someone he didn't know. It wasn't that he didn't like people, it was more of the fact that aside from a very select crew of people, he was a very private person. Perhaps it was a result of his time as a Ranger, losing good soldiers to bad situations, or maybe it was just a natural response to being part of a combat team to begin with. He may never know the answer to that singular question, but he knew the affects when he saw them. "Thank you. It was hard but rewarding." Trei said suddenly, causing Mike to blink for a second before he realized that the Klingon was referencing part of their prior conversation, concerning the Rite of Ascension. Before Mike could comment on the new subject, however, Trei determined to change the subject again. "The thing he has for me is a negative attitude." he explained. ~A what?~ Mike thought before he realized that Trei was continuing with his earlier statement concerning captain Durand. But the Half-Klingon warrior wasn't finished yet, he changed the subject a third time in as many minutes. "Tell me about the Rosenante crew?" he asked inquisitively. Mike paused for a few seconds, making certain that the sudden and unexpected subject changes were finally settled down before responding. "Ah sure. Not really sure what to say there?" Mike began, "We're pretty much like any other crew in the fleet. Captain Salid seems pretty okay, a bit stuffy, but a good Captain. Commander Sullivan is the typical logical Vulcan, but Jackson, he's as human as they get. A hard guy to work for I hear, but a nice enough fellow I suppose." There was movement off to Mike's other side and the Ex-Ranger turned to give a look over his shoulder. There was a young girl sitting there. Mike was probably thinking the same thing that seemed to cross the bartender's face, but her ID must have been good since he went ahead and filled her non-alcoholic drink order. If she had not been old enough, the bartender would most likely have run her off. "Lorimar, Trei how are you both this afternoon?" She asked with a tone that belayed her apparent physical age. "Oh, I'm Jessica Signos, how are you?" she asked Mike. "Fine thank you, Jessica. Mike Rosenbauer. Pleasure to meet you." he said with a polite nod. He wondered absently if she was a member of a species that didn't physically age the same as humans. Externally she appeared to be no more than maybe an early-aged teen. But her voice, tone and demeanor, other than her sparkling eyes, seemed to indicate a hidden wisdom that came only with experience and age. Her drink arrived and she took a long pull of the dark alien-looking liquid. "Ahhhh, No matter where I am this stuff always reminds me of home." She spoke to no one and everyone. "And may I ask where home is?" Mike asked her, hoping to get a hint as to her true origins. (reply Signos, Lorimar, Trei) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Starbase 989 - Promenade - ATAC/SC Ensign(jg) Jessica Signos - 1410) "And may I ask where home is?" Mike asked her, hoping to get a hint as to her true origins. "Oh," Jessica said the question catching slightly by surprise. "Earth, central Florida area. How about you? Where do you hail from? " (reply Rosenbauer) She spoke moving in her chair to face Rosenbauer, placing both hands on her knees, a wide smile on her face. But Mike's inital look to her was not lost in her mind. She saw the look in his eye the same ~who is this kid~ look. Giving the conversation a natural pause. Has she listened to Mike's origins. She nodded softly before she spoke again this time her voice softer. "You know if you have a question for me ask. I know my appearance shields my age, I caught your glace when I arrived. Sadly enough it's one I've seen far to many time in my life." (reply Rosenbauer) She looked over the bar and into the mirror behind it. She looked a the child that looked back at her. ~ How ridiculous it sounds, a child security officer in the federation. Look there letting there kids do the fighting for them. I can hear it all now. I will show them, I will make a difference. ~ The thoughts raced in her mind, has she let the conversation slip in between her own musing. (reply Rosenbauer, and any other in the Cork.) (posted by Matthew Locke) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Starbase 989, Promenade, CIV Dahlia Jackson - Day 1- 1411) "My God Dahlia," Tom replied almost breathlessly, "You don't realize how much I need that. I never had many girlfriends. I was always the quiet type." "I know." she replied in a similar tone, "that's one of the things that I always liked about you Thomas. You weren't busy chasing girls while everyone else was doing just that. You know you were always there for me, even when it made you feel awkward." As she was hugging him she noticed a smallish looking chapel across the promenade. Above the entry way was a carved stone work sign that declared 'Rothal Chapel. A private place for religious and special ceremonies.' She released her grip from Tom and stepped around him looking at the front of the facility. It looked intriguing and they still had not decided upon a place to hold the ceremony. "Thomas, look." she said pointing at the doorway. "There's a chapel. Didn't you say that humans were sometimes married in a church or chapel? "Yes, those of us that are more traditional like to use them. I am like that." he replied. "Can we go look? Please? It might be the perfect place to have the wedding." she asked. "Certainly. Let's go take a look sweetheart." Dahlia led the way across the promenade, nearly towing her new husband in her excitement to look at the chapel. The crowd seemed to part magically before them, making their trip through the throng easy and direct. They stopped just in front of the stone portal leading into the confines of the Chapel. She gave Thomas a sly smile, let go of his hand and stepped into the building. There was a short preformed corridor that led into the central chamber of the chapel. The room beyond was octagonal in shape, with two of the walls broken by entry corridors like the one that she and Tom had used to reach the main chamber. To her immediate left three of the walls were painted with large black squares, while their counterparts, directly opposite their position, were a stark pure white. The floor of the chamber was made of textured stone, each one covered by small parallel grooves that seemed to almost flow away from the center of the room. Four long polished black stone benches were positioned along a geometric square shape, efficiently dividing the chamber into two distinct spaces. The room was lit by recessed lights set atop the slightly dome-shaped ceiling. The black center of the room served to force the light downward into the chamber rather than allowing it to be wasted on the height of the ceiling. As Dahlia took all of this in, her smile grew more and more broad. The room was easily large enough to accommodate nearly a hundred persons, maybe twice that. The central-most area could be used for the ceremony itself while the the space beyond the benches could serve as seating and a natural barrier between the guests and the actual traditional ceremony. Standing in the center of the room, Dahlia turned to Tom and said, "It's perfect!" Although she had done so in a natural tone, the room seemed to grab the sound, amplify it and spread it evenly across the room. The acoustics of the chamber were amazing. The sound did more than impress Dahlia. It summoned the apparent caretaker of the facility. He was an older human, dressed in silvery-gray robes and carrying a carved walking stick which appeared to be made of either Cherry or Mahogany wood. Of which it was, Dahlia was uncertain. "Welcome to Rothal Chapel" the man greeted them. The light almost vaporous whisper of bells seemed to sound when he walked and Dahlia realized he had small bells woven to the trailing hem of his robes. "Is there some way I can be of service to you?" (reply Jackson) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Starbase 989 – The County Cork – ATT LCDR Lorimar – 1413) Bob was pleased that Trei and his new acquaintance, Rosenbauer, had accepted his offer of a drink. Lorimar himself wanted one – or at least he thought so – and he hated drinking alone. As conversation continued, he really didn’t have a chance to answer Rosenbauer’s question about the runabout. Somewhere in the sequence, as Bob sipped his whiskey, the young tactical officer joined them. He hadn’t been paying a great deal of attention to personnel changes, but he did recognize the face. She was, after all, unique among individuals. Her appearance alone ensured that she would always be noticed in a crowd. He looked up from his Scotch in surprise. Evidently *she* knew who *he* was, at least his surname at any rate. He was a bit put off by her manner of address, but he was certain he hid it well. Much more accustomed to being called by rank, title, or to his friends, simply ‘Bob’, he was surprised to be addressed in such a cavalier manner. They were in a very informal off duty situation to be sure, despite the fact that he was still in uniform. After a moment, he raised his tumbler in her direction and nodded politely, choosing to reply to the earlier questions first. “Happy tae see ye off the ship and relaxing, Mister Trei. Ah’ve nae seen ye take much leave of any kind… ah’m certain yer due some time off. Tis a nice change indeed tae be off the ship after so long a stretch, is it nae?” (Reply Trei) ~Listen to yersel! Three months ago ye would never hae talked of the ship that way! Never were ye tae leave… attached at the hip… and now listen. *Glad* tae be off the ship? What is wrong wie ye???~ After listening to Detron, he faced Rosenbauer and Signos’ direction. He raised his tumbler and took an appreciative dip from it. “As for yer question, Mister Rosenbauer… guilty as charged. That was a cruel bloody joke that McLaren and Captain Rivers turned on me. The name of that bloody ship was no choice of mine… they submitted the pedigree tae fleet engineering without my knowledge… it was done and carved in stone before the ship was even completed. As tae the work on it… Matt McLaren is far tae modest, she’s at least as much his child as mine, I’m sure of that much.” (Reply Rosenbauer, Signos, Trei, Any) (Posted by Russ) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Starbase 989, The County Cork, SO Ensign Mike Rosenbauer, Day 1- 1415) "Oh," Jessica said the question apparently caught her by surprise. "Earth, central Florida area. How about you? Where do you hail from? " "I'm from the Colony 32 Settlement on Alpha Onias III" Mike replied. "It's a frontier colony, on an otherwise fairly well-developed world." She shifted her seated position to face him. She was smiling and seemed to be friendly enough. She nodded softly before she spoke again, this time her voice a little softer than the first time she had spoken. "You know if you have a question for me ask. I know my appearance shields my age, I caught your glace when I arrived. Sadly enough it's one I've seen far to many time in my life." Her statement seemed one of practiced, although pained revelation. It was almost as if she was used to being treated a certain way, by a certain type of people. And while he had admitted that he had been curious about her relative appearance, it didn't mean that he had to be an ass about it. "You're right of course." he said, blocking any outward curiosity about her youthful appearance with a slight bit of embarrassment. "I was curious..." he began but paused. He gave a quick look over his shoulder at the half-klingon who seemed to be involved in conversation with Lorimar. He then leaned forward into whispering distance and finished his statement at a whisper. "I was very curious where you got that dress. It's an unusual style and cut. I have a lady friend that would probably just love it." He explained. "I didn't want to say anything too loudly near the Klingon, wouldn't want him to think that all Ex-Rangers are sissies, more interested in fashion than talking about war and gore." He gave her a wink then and sat upright once again. (reply Signos) Lorimar, then as much as his conversation with Trei would allow him, raised his glass and proceeded to answer Mike's earlier query. "“As for yer question, Mister Rosenbauer… guilty as charged. That was a cruel bloody joke that McLaren and Captain Rivers turned on me. The name of that bloody ship was no choice of mine… they submitted the pedigree tae fleet engineering without my knowledge… it was done and carved in stone before the ship was even completed. As tae the work on it… Matt McLaren is far tae modest, she’s at least as much his child as mine, I’m sure of that much.” Mike nodded. "Sounds about like Matthew, though. He's always downplaying his role in things." (reply Lorimar, Trei, Signos, Any) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Starbase 989 - Promenade - ACMO Ensign Sam Lopez- Day 1 - 1441) "Excuse me sir." he called. Sam turned around to see a young man who looked like he was new to the starbase."How may help you?" "Sorry to bother you, but I was wondering if you might be able to help me out." He continued, "I mean i'm new to the starbase and all, Just got off the ship so to speak and I'll be waiting around here for a couple of weeks at least for my next transport and well..." Dyson took in a big deep breath before continuing, "I've been told that there is a great Irish pub around here somewhere, and was wondering if you might know where it is?" "Maybe i do,what the name of the establishment?"Sam said. "The County Cork" Dyson answered after reviewing his PADD. "yes,i know were that is.If you go straight ahead and then take a right it will be the second shop on the left"Sam said. Dyson nodded, "Thanks." He said and started to leave when he had an idea. He turned back to the helpful officer. "Uh, My name is Dyson by the way, Dyson Bird." "My name is Sam lopez."Sam said. "It's nice to meet you Sam." Dyson replied, "Listen I don't know anyone on this station and I hate eating or drinking alone, so I was wondering if you'd care to join me? First round will be on me. What do you say?" "I say that sounds like a great idea,lets go"Sam said as the pair started walking to the County Cork. --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Starbase 989 - Promenade - Dyson Bird, Day 1- 1444) Dyson had been lucky. Sam knew exactly where the County Cork was, and to make the situation even more pleasurable, had agreed to join him for a drink or some food. The made their way across the promenade, weaving in and out of the collective throng of beings and creatures, a good portion of which Dyson had never before seen. Sam's sense of Direction seemed solid enough since long after Dyson had lost an idea of which direction was up, the man in blue was still trudging along a relatively straight and steady course. The Pub was well-appointed, fitted with hardwoods and shining brass and filled with a number of beings that seemed content to be in jovial and energetic company. He paused just inside the doorway alongside Sam as the earlier man made a survey of the collected rabble that had assembled for a night of food and libations. A solid scream of joy rose from the far end of the establishment where a large crowd was gathered around some archaic looking display device. When Dyson turned his attentions back towards Lopez, the man had set course through the crowded bar headed for a knot of Starfleet Officers that seemed to be enjoying a drink. Sam waved him over and Dyson, despite his discomfort at winding his way through the mass of individuals, managed to catch up with his erstwhile companion. "Hey Sam!" One of the men shouted, waving at Lopez while wearing a big smile on his face. He was a gruff looking man, who was flanked by a Klingon in a Starfleet warrior and a young girl. A Lieutenant Commander, was chatting with them and they all appeared to be a part of the same little group. "Come and Join us!" The man shouted again. NRPG: This man is Rosenbauer in case it is not very clear. (reply Lopez) Still in tracking mode and a bit overwhelmed by the noise and bustle of the activity in the pub, Dyson followed along. "Who's your friend?" The friendly man asked Sam. (reply Sam) "Nice to meet you Dyson." he replied then, pushing his meaty fist out in greeting. Dyson shook it, making note of the hard muscle and callouses that told the new officer that this man was a hard worker. "Let me introduce everyone." the fellow began and started pointed out the members of his party as he named them. "That's commander Lorimar, of the Bouddica, Then we have Lieutenant Trei from the Same ship, Then beside me is the lovely and charming Jessica Signos, from Florida. I'm Mike Rosenbauer of the Rosenante." He then turned his attention to everyone else with him and indicated that he was referrinf to Sam. "And this fine gentleman is Doctor Sam Lopez, ACMO of the Rosenante., which I will admit is sorely under-represented at present." (reply Lopez, Signos, Lorimar, Trei, Any) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Starbase 989 - County Cork - ACMO Ensign Sam Lopez- Day 1 - 1445) Sam walked in to see a lot of activity in the pub.Sam could also see a couple of Starfleet officers at the bar.Sam went straight for the bar and motioned Dyson to follow. (Reply by Dyson,any) (posted by shawn) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Starbase 989 - The County Cork - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 14.50) Detron heard Rosenbauer call someone over to their place at the bar. He introduced Detron to this man along with Lorimar and Signos. Detron looked up at the man and gave him a short wave. From the look of his uniform, it was Medical blue probably a doctor on the Roseanate. His thought was confirmed as Doctor Sam Lopez. Detron made a mental note of his name as another member of the Rosenante crew he has just met. Detron turned back to hear the conversation. (Reply Rosenbauer, Lopez,) (Posted by Edward) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Starbase 989 - The County Cork – Combat Nurse – E’Mpak- Day 1 - 2008) E’Mpak strolled into the pub. She had heard about this place from some of the other crewman but this was the first time she had actually been there. She was in her Klingon battle armour which she wore when she was not working in sickbay. She walked up to the bar and a woman behind it looked up. “So this is the Irish pub.” E’Mpak looked around taking in the strange layout. “Yes this is the County Cork. What would you like to drink?” E’Mpak looked back at the bar lady. “I guess blood wine is out of the question?” The lady nodded. “I’m sorry but we have another drink that might take your fancy.” E’Mpak took a seat at the bar as the lady went off fetch her some drinks. She returned with a small glass with a golden brown liquid. “What is that?” The lady smiled as E’Mpak eyed her suspiciously. “Don’t tell me that you are afraid of two little drinks?” E’Mpak knew that she was being teased so smiled back. “I may be a Klingon warrior and not afraid of any thing but just because you humans drink it dose not mean that it is palatable.” She picked up the small glass and swirled around the golden brown liquid. ~It can only kill me once~ She emptied the glass in one go and felt it searing her throat as it slid down. She grinned as she savoured the taste and nodded at the lady. “That was good defiantly a warriors drink.” She placed the glass back into the bar. “Give me another of what ever that was and the bottle.” “It is called whiskey and be careful now this is strong stuff.” E’Mpak gave a small laugh. “Madam I am a Klingon and there are two things we Klingons do well one is fight the other is drinking. To quote a human expression. I can drink any one under the table.” (Reply any) (Posted by Robbie) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Starbase 989 - The County Cork - aFO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 1 - 2011) Josh had finished up all her paperwork for the present although given what was scheduled for first thing tomorrow morning she knew that she certainly couldn't make a night of it. That did not stop her however from exploring the Starbase for an hour or two and seeing if she could find any of her crew, or even any of the crew from the Rose. So, showered, changed into civilian clothes and with her hair for once free of it's ubiquitous plait and simply flowing down her back she began wandering around the station until she found what looked like a decent bar. Stepping through the door she immediately noticed a fair few people that she knew from both the Rose and the Boudicca, however one person sitting at the bar caught her attention and Josh stepped silently up behind her in time to hear her speak. “Madam I am a Klingon and there are two things we Klingons do well one is fight the other is drinking. To quote a human expression. I can drink any one under the table.” A smile split Josh's face and she took a deep breath before she started speaking. "Oh you think so do you? Well I have ten strips of gold pressed latinum that says you can't drink me under the table, at least not with that girls drink your drinking at present." (Reply E'Mpak) Josh slid into the bar stool beside E'Mpak and grinned at her. "Hiya, it's good to see you again, how have you been?" (Reply E'Mpak) Tipping the bottle of Irish Whiskey up and looking at the label she slid it across the bar back to the waitress. "Take this back and bring us a bottle of the decent stuff. Highland Park or Scapa preferably and two glasses." Once the waitress had complied Josh opened the bottle of Scapa that the waitress had left and turning to E'Mpak poured her out a drink. "Now this sweetie, is real whisky." (Reply E'Mpak) (Posted by Marilyn) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Starbase 989 - The County Cork – Combat Nurse – E’Mpak - Day 1 - 2014) "Oh you think so do you? Well I have ten strips of gold pressed latinum that says you can't drink me under the table, at least not with that girls drink your drinking at present." E’Mpak turned to look at the person who had accepted her challenge. She grinned as she recognised who it was. “Hallo Commander. It is good to see you.” Caskie slid into the bar stool beside her with a grin. "Hiya, it's good to see you again, how have you been?" E’Mpak shrugged and grinned. “Healing the wounded and fighting the good fight, keeping my self in as much trouble as only a Klingon can.” Caskie tipping the bottle of Irish Whiskey up and looking at the label she slid it across the bar back to the waitress. "Take this back and bring us a bottle of the decent stuff. Highland Park or Scapa preferably and two glasses." Once the waitress had complied Caskie opened the bottle of Scapa that the waitress had left and turning to E'Mpak poured her out a drink. "Now this sweetie, is real whisky." E’Mpak took the glass that she was handed and scrutinised it before looking back at Caskie. “Ten strips of gold pressed latinum you say!” (reply Caskie) She grinned. “Prepare to relieved from you latinum.” ~Or not. Either way this is going to be fun~ (Reply Caskie) She down her whisky glass in one go and grinned as she got the kick. She placed her glass next to the bottle. “Much better then the other one. I defiantly will want another.” She paused as Caskie filled her glass again. “So how are things on the Boudicca as you are not the first officer.” (Reply Caskie) (Reply Caskie, any) (Posted by Robbie) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Ready Room, CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 1- 2015) Ahmed had been sitting waiting for the Acting CO of Starbase 989 to finally arrive. He had been considering a lot of things as of late, with the situation on the station and the apparently breakdown of command under the former captain Taylor. For his part, Kraal had just as much been a part of the problem as the corrupt Captain. The chime sounded and Soma, ever mindful of the captain's privacy chimed the door of the ready room before announcing the arrival of their guest, =^=Lieutenant Kraal to see you sir.=^= Ahmed sighed, knowing that he couldn't avoid the inevitable any longer. He reached down and touched the control stud that actuated the door to the ready room allowing Kraal entrance. He smiled up at Soma. =^= Thank you Lieutenant Soma, please be kind enough to standby on the bridge for the moment.=^= (reply Soma) Once his own officer had left the room, Ahmed dropped any pretense of being pleased to have a visitor. "What was it you needed Lieutenant?" He asked, his voice filled with the practiced authority granted him through the experience gained by captaining a starship. (reply Kraal) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Ready Room, CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma- 2016) When the ready room doors opened Ben lead Lieutenant Kraal inside. He side stepped to allow Captain Salid full view of Kraal and vice versa, he wasn't sure if he would be remaining inside or not but if he were permitted to remain he wanted to be out of the way as much as possible. Salid flashed him a brief smile before speaking. "Thank you Lieutenant Soma, please be kind enough to standby on the bridge for the moment." Ben nodded before replying. "Aye Sir." Ben turned to leave but couldn't help but notice the change in Captain Salid's expression and body language, he didn't seem particularly thrill at speaking with Kraal. It was the first time Ben noticed Salid reacting this way towards anyone and was glad he wasn't on the receiving end of what was to come. He stepped outside and allowed the doors to his shut giving Salid and Kraal the privacy to converse. He made a tour of the bridge stations checking on the ships statis, idle things to help pass the time while he waited to be called to escort Kraal off the ship. (reply any) (posted by Milo Young) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Starbase 989 - The County Cork – aFO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 1 - 2017) “Hallo Commander. It is good to see you.” Caskie slid into the bar stool beside her with a grin. "Hiya, it's good to see you again, how have you been?" E’Mpak shrugged and grinned. “Healing the wounded and fighting the good fight, keeping my self in as much trouble as only a Klingon can.” Caskie tipping the bottle of Irish Whiskey up and looking at the label she slid it across the bar back to the waitress. "Take this back and bring us a bottle of the decent stuff. Highland Park or Scapa preferably and two glasses." Once the waitress had complied Caskie opened the bottle of Scapa that the waitress had left and turning to E'Mpak poured her out a drink. "Now this sweetie, is real whisky." E’Mpak took the glass that she was handed and scrutinised it before looking back at Caskie. “Ten strips of gold pressed latinum you say!” Josh smiled. "I do." E'Mpak grinned. “Prepare to relieved from you latinum.” ~Or not. Either way this is going to be fun~ Josh grinned back at her. "We could always make it twenty if you feel lucky. Do you feel lucky?" E'Mpak downed her whisky glass in one go and grinned as she got the kick. She placed her glass next to the bottle. “Much better then the other one. I defiantly will want another.” She paused as Caskie filled her glass again. “So how are things on the Boudicca as you are now the first officer.” Josh paused to down her own whisky before refilling both glasses and answering E'Mpak. "I'm honestly not sure. I signed back on to the Fleet as a CMO and I get booted upstairs again and to be honest I'm not sure I fit in. Most everyone else knows each other and I get parachuted in as CMO. Now that's fine, I can handle that. Department heads get shuffled around regularly. But to be booted up to aFO again. It was hard enough on the Rose where everybody knew me already. Doing it on a ship where I am new isn't quite my idea of fun to be honest." Josh downed her glass and topped up both hers and E'Mpak's before she continued. "But enough maudling conversation. I'm here to enjoy myself so are we going for twenty strips of gold pressed latinum or are you chicken?" (Reply E'Mpak) "Oh by the way Kitty wanted me to send her regards if I ran into you again." (Reply E'Mpak) "She is in the middle up upgrading all her qualifications and lecturing at Starfeet Medical at present. (Reply E'Mpak) "To be honest you must have made an impression on her since the last lecture I sat in on was, and I quote, "The need for some nurses and medical technician to be trained as MedEvac personnel as standard using the Klingon model of Combat Nurses and why it should be used as a standard form in the fleet." (Reply E'Mpak room for lots more) (posted by Marilyn) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante Ready Room Lt Kraal a/CO SB 989 2028 ) Kraal entered the Captain's Ready Room Before him sat a man that exuded the air of authority. Kraal swallowed and said "Lt Kraal Sir". (reply Captain) Kraal senses this captain was not happy to see him but he assumed a [position of attention.eat the Captain offered and began to explain his reason for coming. "Sir I have read the reports and am glad to see SF is sending a team to investigate us" Kraal said awaiting a response from the Captain. (reply: Captain IYW) Kraal was very uncomfortable but wanted to get this done. "As you suspect Sir, I failed in my duty as FO of this Starbase. I would like to tender by resignation. I am not worthy to wear this uniform" e said almost in a whisper. (reply: Captain) (Posted by Bill) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Ready Room, CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 2- 2029) Soma had stepped out as requested and Ahmed could almost see the instant change in Lieutenant Kraal as he caught the undertone in the captain's voice. "Lieutenant Kraal, Sir." he stated half-heartedly. Ahmed for his part responded a bit sarcastically with, "Yes Lieutenant, I know who you are." He regarded the Andorian for a few moments as he stood there at the position of attention. Ahmed allowed his to stew for a few moments before telling the man to have a seat. "Sir, I have read the reports and am glad to see SF is sending a team to investigate us." he said nervously. Ahmed fixed both eyes firmly on the junior officer. "Are you now?" he said questioningly, "Then why exactly is it you wanted to see me?" "As you suspect, sir, I failed in my duty as FO of this Starbase. I would like to tender my resignation. I am not worthy to wear this uniform." The Andorian said, his voice dropping into a low whisper. "I would like nothing better than to see that happen, Lieutenant. I do not believe that you could have been any more correct when you stated that you were unworthy of the uniform. You are a disgrace to the service and to all the individuals who dedicate their lives to the ideals that the uniform and Starfleet as a whole represents." "As first Officer, it was your one solemn duty to uphold the laws and honor of the Federation. You were given a sacred trust which you chose to ignore. You can not possibly tell me that you had no clue that there was corruption among this stations senior staff. You only had to report it, and you couldn't even bring yourself to do that." Ahmed shook his head from side to side in disgust. "But I can not accept your resignation, no matter how much I'd like to. You are not an officer under my command, and as I am not a member of the admiralty it is beyond my purview to release you from your obligations, like the coward that you are." Ahmed's eyes flashed the junior officer a warning to remain silent. "If I were you lieutenant, I'd be putting my affairs in order. And I'd damned well better do my best to follow every regulation and rule to the absolute letter of the law between now and the time that the investigation team arrives. I suggest that you maintain discipline on this station, among your crew and that you bring your house into line." "If you fail to do so, a simple resignation of your commission is going to be the least of your problems. I will have no compunction with calling for a general court-martial on the charges of behavior unbecoming, dereliction of character, and failure to discharge your assigned duties." He leveled a solid glance at Kraal. "So do I need to repeat myself Lieutenant, or do we have an understanding?" (reply Kraal) "Then I suggest that you stop whining about your sacrificed Honor and go put things right. You are dismissed Lieutenant." Ahmed tapped his commbadge. "Salid to Soma. Mister Kraal and I are finished with our conversation. Please see to it he is escorted from my ship." (reply Kraal, Soma) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Bridge, CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma- 2035) Ben had been just finishing a quick diagnostic on the tactical system when Captain Salid's call came to him. =/\=Salid to Soma. Mister Kraal and I are finished with our conversation. Please see to it he is escorted from my ship.=/\= "On my way Sir." He responded as he crossed the bridge. The ready room doors opened and he stepped inside the threshold, Captain Salid appeared to be more then a little annoyed and Kraal looked as if he had just received the worse dressing down ever. Moving to stand beside Kraal he nodded to Salid and turned to the stations FO. "Lieutenant if you will follow me." Ben said as he gestured towards the door. (reply Kraal, Salid iyw) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Transporter Room 1, CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma, 2040) Ben stood in front of the transporter platform as Kraal took his place for transport, they hadn't exchanged much in the way of conversation on the way from the bridge. Kraal seemed more then a little preoccupied by what had transpire in the ready room, he didn't know what happened but he was almost glad that he had the fortune to miss out on that particular conversation. "Are you ready Lieutenant?" Ben asked. After recieving comfirmation he turned to the transporter cheif and said "Energise." He watched as Kraal dematerialised and waited for confirmation of his arrival before turning to leave the transporter room. (reply Kraal, Salid iyw) (posted by Milo Young) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante Docked SB 989 Rothal Chapel 2O/COPS LT Tom and Dahlia Jackson Day 1 2100) Tom and Dahlia Jackson were marvelling at the simple yet elegant facility. The acoustics were extraordinary. The space was sufficient to accommodate a large ceremony. To was not sure how many were coming. Tom and Dahlia were startled as the operator of the chapel. Blushing some Tom said "Hello. we are interested in booking the chapel fir our wedding".uy) Tom and Dahlia listened. The man immediately put the pair at ease. He said he was named Lawrence. "As to the date?" Lawrence asked. Tom thought and knew they still had some items to fix before having the ceremony performed. "Lets say in a week? Is that ok with you Dahlia?" Tom asked (reply: Dahlia, Lawrence) Tom was pleased - the price was fairly reasonable and included a nice reception. (reply: Lawrence, Dahlia) (posted b: Bill ) ======================================================= (USS Boudicca – Ready Room – CO Captain Durand – 0745) Durand had been up and moving for over two hours already. Never much of a shore leave person, aside from the very pleasant diversion to the Rosenante the previous day, he had spent the majority of his time aboard Boudicca. Not only did this allow a majority of his senior officer corps to exercise and enjoy their liberty privileges, it afforded him time to actually get ahead on some of the administrative duties that he alone must do. Commander Caskie and the various department heads were doing a splendid job in holding up their various portions of the administrative workload. The fact remained, however, that certain duties fell to the Commanding Officer of a Starfleet vessel, no matter his or her actual rank. Durand, for his part, habitually eschewed the Yeoman to which he was entitled. He had done so (against his Captain’s wishes and advice) during his stint as First Officer of the Reprisal as well. His thoughts returned to those days, and all that they had meant, for both good and ill. ~Are we just the sum of our parts? Or are we something more?~ As he waited for Caskie and Trei to arrive, he pondered that… and many other things more pertinent as well. (Reply Caskie, Trei, Any) (Posted by Russ) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 07.55) Detron entered the Ready Room and took a seat. He nodded to Captain Durand that he was ready and made some notes in his PADD. He waited for Caskie to arrive. (Reply Durand) (Posted by Edward) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (SB 989, Promenade, RJs, NPC Rupert, 0825) "Yes, Braak, it's confirmed from the people at The County Cork, that they're going to join your bar, and RJs, in sponsoring the party this year." Rupert looked at his partner, Jack, and rolled his eyes. Each year, three of the businesses on the base promenade sponsored the traditional New Year's Eve party, and it was their turn, along with the Irish pub. There was plenty of latinum and Federation credits to be made, but money had to be put into the party first. Spending money to make money was a sound principle, but Braak, in typical Ferengi fashion, was trying to do whatever he could to avoid the initial spending. To avoid a public argument, Rupert was using an ear piece so only he could hear what Braak was saying. Rupert looked at Jack again and made the motion of putting an imaginary phaser to his head and firing it. "Braak, dates and times on Starfleet installations are standardized to Earth. Tonight is New Year's Eve. There's going to be a huge party all over the promenade. You already knew that, and you knew it was your turn this year to be one of the sponsors. If you don't put up your fair share, you're not going to be included in the profits." Rupert winced and pulled out his ear piece. Braak was shouting now. "That's the last I'm saying about it," said Rupert. "No investment, no cut. Good-bye, Braak." Rupert closed the channel. "What did the worm say this time?" said Jack. "The same thing he always says," said Rupert. "If he doesn't hold up his end, I swear, I'm done doing business with him." "Speaking of business," said Jack, glancing around and lowering his voice. "Is everything set for tonight? With all the drinking that will going on at the celebration, we won't get a better chance." "I just need to talk to Finn from the jewelry kiosk, and we'll be set." "Excellent. I've been waiting for this for three months. Maybe this will finally bring me enough cash to...." Jack's voice trailed off, and there was an awkward silence between the partners. Jack shrugged his shoulders. "You always knew this day was coming." Rupert sighed. "Let's see how things go first before we get ahead of ourselves." Jack nodded. Okay, Rupe." There was a short pause. "I've got bookkeeping to finish. I'm heading to my office." Rupert nodded and he watched his friend go into the back area. He wanted what was best for Jack, but he couldn't just let him walk away. Not now, when they were on the verge of being made. He'd simply need to find a way to keep his friend here. No matter the cost. (reply none) (posted by Bob) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante Docked SB 989 Braak Owner Braak's Bar Day 2 1845) Braak sighed and took another swig of his Grape Crush soda pop. Normally he was careful to not indulge in his favorite personal vices. But the Year's Eve they stood to make him a fair amount of latinum. He smiled at memory of giving the of whining to the owner RJ's about kicking in his share of the expense pot. His moogie would love her son. Moogie was always backed him and was reasonablel in her fees! His bar was being decorated and he made sure he had plenty of booze stocked, Braack also had a mixture of the current popular music queued up and a fairly decent live band as well. Again, he smiled thought how he had swung that deal - he learned that the band's business permit was expired - Braack bribed the base authorities to renew it for them. Braack motioned to a lower level employee - instructing the servile toady to "Contact base Security and arrange security". Braack remembered the last time that his establishment hosted a portion of the party - SF personnel and some Orions had gotten into a major brawl. The ferengi was excited - his sharpened teeth glistened in the lighting. This was going to be very profitable. (reply: none) (posted by Bill) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Geneva Station-Medical Ward-CTAC-LT Chance Raschen-2340) The last thing Lieutenant Chance Raschen remembered was serving as the Chief Tactical Officer on the bridge of the Federation starship USS Rosenante as multiple Irlixian vessels continued their coordinated attack. During one of the enemy's torpedo volleys, there was an explosion inside his tactical console causing electrical arcs and shrapnel to fly in all directions; much of which hit Chance, throwing him to the deck. After using the last of his strength and sheer force of will to stand back up, the darkness closed in on him. Unconscious, Raschen dropped to the deck like a sack of potatoes. When the darkness began to lift, he found himself naked, in front of a large fireplace, on an animal skin rug in a familiar looking room. Locked in a passionate kiss, he began to fondle and stroke every possible curve and feature he could of the nimble form of the woman he was with. When he broke the kiss and looked at her face; Chance couldn't help but to smile. Her name was T'Lela, and they were making love in the study of her father's estate on Romulus. Raschen closed his eyes as they kissed again, and felt a rush of excitement when she didn't suddenly vanish from his arms. He wasn't prepared for what he saw when he opened his eyes after she pulled away from him. Chance realized that it was a few years later on Federation Starbase 156 in a holo-suite, and it was the day he married T'Lela. They were both wearing dress uniforms; T'Lela was a Centurion in the Romulan Armada and Chance was a Captain in the Irregular Federation Forces (the militia). The both had a tear in their eye when they closed them and kissed again. Now it was the morning after their wedding night. T'Lela had to report to the Romulan Warbird that she was assigned to, and Chance had to get underway as well aboard the privateer vessel he owned and commanded. Chance didn't want to kiss the love of his life again because he was afraid of where he would find himself next. But that didn't stop him from passionately returning her kiss when she said her good-byes. Suddenly, it was several months later. Chance was sitting on the deck of his ship as T'Lela lay in his lap, holding her tightly as she bled profusely from her abdomen, her green blood pooled around him as she died. Her murderer had already been caught and chained in the passageway to the bridge. Lovingly laying her down on the deck, madness took him over. Taking the first thing he laid his hands on that had any heft to it, and in a rage Raschen stormed toward the chained Orion, and with the piece of pipe he had picked up, beat wife's murderer to death with it. Exhausted, Chance fell to his knees and looked up at the face of the only witness to his wrath, a Klingon Colonel named Kree-Ton. Whom, as he looked at the human privateer covered in the blood of his Romulan wife and her Orion murderer, said "Revenge is a dish best served cold, but this day you had your vengeance hotter than the fires of Hell." and then walked down the passageway. Once Chance was sure he was alone, he closed his eyes and wept; not just for his beloved wife, but for what he had done in anger. Chance found himself kneeling next to the casket that contained the remains of his beloved T'Lela, when he opened his eyes. In the front yard of her father's estate telling the tale of what had happened to T'Lela while attempting to rescue her, and others from a Cardassian POW complex. How she had been killed and what Chance had done to her killer. S'Adishiv looked down at the human that had married his daughter saying "I know you were never interested in the power or wealth that my T'Lela would have inherited from me. I never approved of you as her choice for a husband, but I have seen how much you loved her. And for avenging her in my place, I thank you for...my son." Chance bowed his head and closed his eyes, not sure of where or when he will be when he opened them back up. Will he be in the arms of a lover; will he still be a privateer captain, giving commands attacking a military transport deep in enemy territory; a lieutenant in Starfleet, serving as chief tactical officer, or chief of operations; on his family's ranch on Earth; some disreputable saloon; a courtroom; or in a jail cell somewhere? Would he be a student at Hardy-Knox University or Starfleet Academy? Would he be in a meeting of some kind to conspire the destruction of the 52nd Fleet, or perhaps part of a different rebellion of some kind planning the overthrow of the Federation? Would he be onboard the USS Dennison preparing to lead a mutiny and steal her from the 52nd or would he have already captured her command crew for the Doenitz Loyalists. Would he be negotiating his defection to the 52nd or would he be fighting in one of the battles he took part in during the Federation-Cardassian War, the Federation Civil War, or any number of skirmishes. Would he be a teenager, traveling with his Bounty Hunter grandfather, learning to navigate and pilot a starship on his grandfather's ship, the SS BOUNTY? Would he be Raschen, or Temerarious; hunting pirates or being one; saving lives or taking lives? There was only one way to find out. Chance once again opened his eyes. He was standing in a little Old-West style country chapel, like the one in the holo-suite program where he and T'Lela had gotten married, looking at the Cross at the alter. When he heard a familiar voice call his name, Chance turned around. Standing at the back of the little church, silhouetted in a bright light was the nimble form of his beloved T'Lela. She methodically walked up to Chance and lovingly placed a hand on his cheek and gently kissed him on the lips before speaking. "Your love for me has been a cornerstone in my life, just as my love for you had been a cornerstone in yours. We swore to love, honor, and cherish each other till death do us part. But we have parted my love. When I died, so did a part of you. In your wrath, when you killed my murderer, you stopped being the man I fell in love with and gave yourself to your privateer alter-ego, Temerarious. It has been years since that day and yet you still haven't managed to move on. Not only because you mourn me, but yourself as well. You have saved so many others since then, and willing to surrender your own life in the process every time. You wish for death to come for you and yet you fight so hard to save others from his grasp. I am pleased that you keep me in your heart and remember me, but you must learn to live again. "You have prayed saying that you are lost, wishing to find salvation and have asked forgiveness for all the evil you have done. Your mother and my father, in their different faiths, have both prayed for your happiness in this life. You have asked for the strength to change your ways and yet you quickly fall into the ways that allowed you to make a name for yourself, Temerarious. "My love, it has been observed that you have worked hard to lay Temerarious aside, but that persona is and will always be a part of who you are. Perhaps your salvation goes hand in hand with your happiness. In time you may once again gain salvation, but happiness is within your grasp if you seek out the Dragon. Love her as you loved me. Be a cornerstone in her life and allow her to be one in yours. As you lost me in this reality, she lost you to Temerarious in another reality. Remember, in one reality or another, I will always remain in your heart my love." And then darkness once again fell on Chance as he began to weep. With tears rolling down the side of his face, Raschen muttered only one word "T'Lela" as he finally started to wake. (reply none) (posted by Charlie) --------------------------------------------------------------------- End Compile ---------------------------------------------------------------------