Compiled by Calvin Capps ======================================================================================================================== Mission: Piercing the Iron Curtain Mission Day: 7 Stardate: 2407.01.16 ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Security Quartermasters store - ATC/ASO Ensign Sam Moto - 10:20) (USS Paladin - Deck 12 - Security Officer, Ensign Natalie Conaty - 10:45) (USS Paladin - Security - TAC/SC Kerge - 10:51) (USS Paladin - FO Office - COUNS Lt(jg) Ayesha Kotal - 1109) (USS Paladin - FO Office - Lt Cmdr Capps - 1110) (USS Paladin - FO Office - COUNS Lt(jg) Ayesha Kotal - 1111) (USS Paladin - Deck 13, Sickbay - COUNS Lt(jg) Ayesha Kotal - 1120) (USS Paladin - Deck 13, Sickbay - ACMO Ensign(jg) Tar Loxari - 1120) (USS Paladin - Deck 13, Sickbay - COUNS Lt(jg) Ayesha Kotal - 1120) (USS Paladin, COPS Office - COPS Ensign (jg) Michael Ian O'Connor - 1300) (USS Paladin, Ten Forward - COPS Ensign (jg) Michael Ian O'Connor - 1325) (USS Paladin, Ten Forward - COPS Ensign (jg) Michael Ian O'Connor - 1855) (USS Paladin - Ten Forward - CSO/2O Lieutenant (jg) Joran Brownlee - 18:56) (USS Paladin, Ten Forward - COUNS Lt(jg) Ayesha Kotal - 1856) (USS Paladin, Ten Forward - COPS Ensign (jg) Michael Ian O'Connor - 1857) (USS Paladin, Ten Forward - COUNS Lt(jg) Ayesha Kotal - 1858) (USS Paladin, Ten Forward - COUNS Ensign(jg) Tar Loxari - 1858) (USS Paladin, Ten Forward - COPS Ensign (jg) Michael Ian O'Connor - 1859) (USS Paladin - Ten Forward - Lt Cmdr Capps - 1900) (USS Paladin, Ten Forward - COUNS lt(jg) Ayesha Kotal - 1900) (USS Paladin, Ten Forward - COPS Ensign (jg) Michael Ian O'Connor - 1900) (USS Paladin - Ten Forward - TAC/SC Kerge - 19:01) (USS Paladin, Ten Forward - ACSO Ensign JG K'Palla - 1901) (USS Paladin, Ten Forward - COUNS Lt(jg) Ayesha Kotal - 1901) (USS Paladin - Ten Forward - TAC/SC Kerge - 19:03) (USS Paladin - 10 Forward - ATC/ASO, Ensign Sam Moto AND Security Officer,Ensign Natalie Conaty, 1905) (USS Paladin - 10 Forward - ATC/ASO, Ensign Sam Moto, 1941) (USS Paladin - 10 Forward - Security Officer, Ensign Natalie Conaty, 1946) (USS Paladin, Holodeck 2 - ACEO LT (JG) Steven Matrix - 2040) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Security Quartermasters store - ATC/ASO Ensign Sam Moto - 10:20) Sam was impressed by the young ensigns initiative as she explained, about the two decks that were to be searched and her way of tackling the obvious problem of the size of the two decks. ~How the hell did she manage to not be promoted after all these years?~ Sam was shocked at the ensign?s ability to be undiscovered in her talents. ?Are they sure I need to be on this task of ours? You seem to have everything pretty much worked out and under control!?, Sam laughed, ?Maybe I should let you have ATC/ASO position and I?ll stick to being a Security officer!? (Reply: Nat, Brown IYW) What surprised Sam more was the ?greeting? she gave Ensign Brown as she walked in, ~it was not so alike from that of a Klingon officer~ Sam thought. He shook the ensigns hand and introduced himself, then set about organising his team, dividing the equipment between them, stowing the phaser Nat had presented him with carefully in the holster at his waste, and grabbing the tricorder, they made their way to deck 12, the first of the decks to be searched today. Nat broadly stepped out of the turbo lift in front of Sam, with Lee following close behind. She turned. "We are your team to command, Sir. What are your orders?? Sam smiled inwardly, ~and a little too outwardly~ he thought, at this. His first commanding role in Starfleet. It gave him some confidence that the Ensign he had come to know in the last few hours had just said that, and he spent no time sitting around. He was about to speak when a scuttle was heard behind some containers, to the right and behind Nat. Her and Brown quickly pulled out their phasers and circled the containers slowly, keeping themselves between the noise and Sam. He too pulled out his phaser, setting it to Stun. They leapt forward but found nothing. Sam suddenly became weary, ~Something?s not right here~ he suddenly felt, he did not know how but he felt it. Nat and Brown walked back towards him, stowing their phasers before reporting, "Must have just bin some dry mettle or something" She said as she turned to Moto. "Your orders, Sir?" She repeated. ?Ok, I?ll take the fore of the ship, Nat, you go Aft and set up your tricorder, Brown remain here and wait for us to return.? He paused to make sure he knew exactly what he was to say next. ?I want you to be careful in here, I know this place has been scanned for any unidentified presences, but I have a feeling we aren?t alone in here. Maintain constant contact, report anything, no matter how small you may think it is, keep an active life sign scan with your Tricorders, and phasers primed, just in case. Make sure they are low levels only though, one hit from your phaser on one of these Torpedoes could inginte the whole ship in an instant!? Sam was sure that this may sound a bit drastic, but he couldn?t shake this feeling that something, or some one was out there, and he wasn?t going to loosed anyone on his first day of duty! (Reply: Nat, Brown) Sam watched as Nat disappeared behind a container before making his way into the gloom of the storage deck, Tricorder in hand, moving cautiously, one step at a time. (posted by Nick) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Deck 12 - Security Officer, Ensign Natalie Conaty - 10:45) Nat did as she was told and headed to the section she was designated, she set her Tri-corder as she walked over to the section, it took her just under 5 minutes to get to her section, the Paladin was a BIG ship, and shouldn't be under estimated. She placed her tri-corder, in position and and began to open a COMM Link with Moto when she heard a deafening scream. It was Lee, she had heard that scream before.. ~Oh know whats he done...~ She tapped her COMM Link. "Conaty to Brown, Whams going on?" She said, she got no reply. ~O oh...~ She tapped her COMM Badge again, "Conaty to Moto, Are you with Lee? Did you hear him scream? I think something's gone wrong..." She said. (Reply Moto) It sounded like Moto was running to the scene. Nat quickly decided to run also. "Ok, ill see you there in a minute." She began running, phaser out. Her second tri-corder taking in readings, as she went. As she turned the corner to where Lee was ment to be, she stopped dead on. It seemed Moto had got there first, he had his phaser raised. She blinked, ~How could? Impossible...~ She neared the situation with her phaser raised, she couldnt believe her eyes... (posted by Jono) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Security - TAC/SC Kerge - 10:51) =/\=Three Security teams to Deck 12, Immediately. Intruder alert=/\= The comms had been abrupt & sudden, an element of urgency in the voice of the officer that had sent it. Kerge however, imediately raised his head from what he had been doing to begin barking off orders in responce to it. Quickly he pointed to two of his officers standing nearby & ordered them to gather their teams & attend the alert. =/\=Ensign Natalie Conaty to Lieutenant Kerge, Sir you might want to get to Deck 12 immediately. Intruder Alert. I have Ensign Sam Moto with me, Sir.=/\= "On my way now Ensign", said Kerge as he himself headed out the door & ran off towards the turbolift with the others. "What is the nature of the intruder Ensign?", said Kerge, "What are we dealing with?", he added. (Reply Conaty) "We will be with you shortly", said Kerge as he ordered the turbolift to deck 12. (posted by Alan) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - FO Office - COUNS Lt(jg) Ayesha Kotal - 1109) =/\=Enter.=/\= The doors hissed open and Aya entered the FO's office. The man sitting at the desk looked at her and put down the PADD he was reading and quickly straightened his desk. "Counsellor Ayesha Kotal reporting as ordered, Sir," she said, coming to attention. Capps stood and walked around his desk. He raised his arm and opened his hand to shake her hand. "It is nice to meet you, and your presence is nice to have. This crew needs you right now. Please have a seat." Aya took the offered hand and shook it as she replied, "Thank you, Sir," before sitting down. The First Officer walked around his desk once again to sat back down in his chair. "I am not for sure what you have been briefed on, but I have been planning a memorial service for tonight." He handed a PADD over to Aya. "I was hoping I could get some feedback from you about the service, and see if there needs to be anything added." "May I take a moment to look through this?" Aya asked, activating the PADD and reading it. When she finished she looked up. "It looks like you have thought of almost everything, Sir. I don't know anyone here yet really, but if I may make one suggestion that I've found people seem to appreciate in memorials like this?" (reply Capps) "If you have a point where you ask for anyone who wants to say or do something to commemorate a friend or colleague in their own way, perhaps towards the end, then you are sure that everyone will feel included, whatever their customs. Some cultures find a neutral memorial to be not as... fitting a way of saying goodbye to the ones they lost. Whilst others would rather it was over as soon as possible. So if you have this opportunity at the end of the memorial, then anyone who wishes to may participate and those who do not will not feel they have to sit through something which has little meaning for them." (posted by Liz) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - FO Office - Lt Cmdr Capps - 1110) "It looks like you have thought of almost everything, Sir. I don't know anyone here yet really, but if I may make one suggestion that I've found people seem to appreciate in memorials like this?" "I am will be happy to hear it." Calvin said listening close to what she had to say. "If you have a point where you ask for anyone who wants to say or do something to commemorate a friend or colleague in their own way, perhaps towards the end, then you are sure that everyone will feel included, whatever their customs. Some cultures find a neutral memorial to be not as... fitting a way of saying goodbye to the ones they lost. Whilst others would rather it was over as soon as possible. So if you have this opportunity at the end of the memorial, then anyone who wishes to may participate and those who do not will not feel they have to sit through something which has little meaning for them." Ayesha suggested. Calvin did not even have to think about it. "It sounds like a wonderful idea Counselor. I will have that set up immediately. Unless you have any other suggestions I have nothing further for you except...Welcome aboard." (posted by Calvin) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - FO Office - COUNS Lt(jg) Ayesha Kotal - 1111) "It sounds like a wonderful idea Counselor, " Capps replied straight away. "I will have that set up immediately. Unless you have any other suggestions I have nothing further for you except...Welcome aboard." "Thank you, Sir," Aya said with a smile. "If you will excuse me, I should report in down at Medical now and introduce myself, then check out my office. I'll be at the memorial service later," she added. It was not the kind of thing she looked forward to but she felt that it was only right to honour those who had given their lives in the battle she had missed. (posted by Liz) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Deck 13, Sickbay - COUNS Lt(jg) Ayesha Kotal - 1120) Aya entered sickbay and looked around, wondering whether the CMO or ACMO were available. She approached a medical officer and said, "Excuse me. I'm the new Counsellor, Ayesha Kotal. Could you tell me if the CMO or the ACMO is available? I'd like to introduce myself." (posted by Liz) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Deck 13, Sickbay - ACMO Ensign(jg) Tar Loxari - 1120) Upon the arrival of the new Counsellor, Dr. Loxari immediately tapped on his comm badge. "Cancel that last order, transporter room." ~Well now, it's moments like this that make being a doctor all worth it~ Tar thought to himself, trying to suppress a wry grin and offered his hand. "I'm the ACMO here. Dr. Tar Lanien Loxari, and you would be?" (posted by Rhone) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Deck 13, Sickbay - COUNS Lt(jg) Ayesha Kotal - 1120) "Cancel that last order, transporter room." Aya looked around at the words and saw a tall, red-haired human... no, he had the black pupils of a Betazoid. ~Maybe he's mixed race, like me~ she thought to herself. He grinned a little wryly and offered his hand. "I'm the ACMO here. Dr. Tar Lanien Loxari, and you would be?" "I'm the new Counsellor, Ayesha Kotal," Aya replied with a friendly smile of her own, shaking his hand. "I thought I should come and introduce myself to you and the CMO, and also arrange for a boarding medical examination? I can come back later, if you're busy," she added hastily, recalling his cancellation of the transporter orders. She got a good feeling from this Dr Loxari, and hoped they would work well together. (posted by Liz) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin, COPS Office - COPS Ensign (jg) Michael Ian O'Connor - 1300) Michael had adjourned to his office to continue going through PADDs of reports, requests and manifest lists. Chief of Operations was hard, being one on a Meredeth Class ship that just so happened to be the flag ship of a 20 ship task force, in the midst of a civil war...well lets just say it added to the work load. As it was he still had some of his staff helping Engineering with their repairs. The industrial replicator was in full swing, replicating parts for other ships, as well as restocking the Paladin. The smaller fabrication shops were also working at a good clip. One of his assistants was currently sitting opposite him, as Michael went through the PADDs. "Ok, add the Engineering requests to the list, Medical should be up next so lets see about getting their stuff done and out of the way," Michael said as he approved the amended priority list. "As soon as you hear from Sickbay that they are done with cargo bay 3, I want it stripped down and all of the equipment gone over with a fine tooth comb, I want to make sure that nothing in there took too much of a beating." "Aye sir. Next up is the manifest from Starbase 234. As we have been able we have been moving through the cargo bays. They were definitely gearing up for war sir." Michael picked up the PADD and looked it over. "All right, All offensive and defensive equipment, forward to Commander Rulestaad, I'll let her decided who to send it too, in case she wants to keep some toys for herself. Draw up a list of excess medical supplies, anything that is above and beyond what a starbase needs to operate, and forward the list on to Fleet Medical. Send a list of any excess engineering supplies or parts to Commander Sarouk, see if he wants or needs anything, have him get back to me, and anything extra after that I'll forward on to the remaining ships in the task force. Also send a full list of what we found, as well as what was taken by the taskforce to Fleet Supply, just so we keep them in the loop," Michael said as he came to the bottom of the list, there in his favorite spot in the alphabet was two cases of something he found rather amusing, stored in the corner of the cargo bay, and marked for captain's eyes only were some very old whiskey. "Wait, scratch item number B234-D-75 and 74," Michael said and received a grin from his assistant for it. "Have 75 delivered to the USS Patton, only to be opened by General Roberts, courtesy of the USS Paladin. Have 74 delieverd to Captain's mess, I'll take care of informing her, myself," Michael said. "We're all set for now, send me any additional reports. Michael watched his assistant leave, already giving instructions for new jobs to be added to work orders. Michael turned in his chair and looked at his computer terminal. "Computer, begin recording Message," Michael said and the computer chirped in acknowledgement. == Captain Straton, In our cataloging the contents of the cargo bays of Starbase 234, it seems we have come across two cases of Jameson's Whiskey, from 2360 no less. As I could not guarantee it's safety during it's stay at the starbase or to Fleet Supply, I have delivered the two cases to two separate locations to ensure at least one of them is able to fullfill it's purpose. The first case was placed in General Roberts care, as her Marines displayed their skill and devotion to duty, this past week. The other case has been placed in the Captain's Mess, under your care, on our ship, as our cargo bays are currently being rearranged. I simply wished to ensure that this precious commodity was allowed to perform it's duty. Signed, Ensign Michael O'Connor == "Computer send message to Captain Straton." Michael said then leaned back in his chair for a moment before he stood up and headed out the door of his office. (posted by Patrick) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin, Ten Forward - COPS Ensign (jg) Michael Ian O'Connor - 1325) Michael walked into The Forward, and saw that it was being made over for the memorial service. A couple of his petty officers were still setting up the chairs, working around those officers who had decided on a late lunch, like Michael. Grabbing one of the still unmoved tables he took a seat, looking around to see if he noticed anyone he knew. (posted by Patrick) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin, Ten Forward - COPS Ensign (jg) Michael Ian O'Connor - 1855) Michael walked into Ten Forward a couple of minutes before the service was supposed to start. Looking around he felt extremely new, his dress uniform adorned with a single hollow pip, and no extra ribbons or awards. He didn't let that phase him and he walked in to the room. The mood was relaxed, not happy, but not sad either, Michael understood that to some extent. He could say he knew anyone who had died in the mission, he had only made it on board a week earlier, and had been extremely busy the entire time dealing with the prep for the battle, the battle itself and then recovery. Still he was here to show his respect for those that had passed, and his support for those who had lost friends and loved ones. He waded through the large crowed, searching for someone he knew just so he could actually stand with a friend through the service. Before he could finish his searching, he stumbled into someone, quite literally. He quickly caught his balance, and put his hand on the officer's arm to steady her, before noticing who it was he had nearly run over. "Aya, I'm sorry," Michael said, truly apologetic, his cheeks blushing slightly with embarrassment as he took his hand off her arm. "I should have been watching where I was going." (posted by Patrick) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Ten Forward - CSO/2O Lieutenant (jg) Joran Brownlee - 18:56) Joran walked into Ten Forward with Christian and Rana, all three in their dress uniforms, and began to look around at the other people in the room. Christian noticed one woman over in the corner in her dress uniform, who seemed more moved than the others in the room. He went over to her, and said, "I've never seen you around here before. Are you new?" "Yes, I just transferred from the Starbase." "Ah, another defector, eh?" "Yes, you could say that. After all, I was an admiral before and supported LoDona." "Ah, so you're joined?" "Yes, I'm Olesia Belden." "Belden?" Christian was impressed. "As in Fleet Admiral Belden?" "Yes, he was my last host." "I am honored. May I get you a drink," he said, smiling. Olesia smiled. "Yes, I'd like that." Christian brought her over to the bar, where Joran and Rana were standing. "Joran, Rana," he said, "I'd like you to meet Olesia Belden." Joran shook her hand. "Yes, we've met. She is serving in my department. Olesia, I'd like you to meet my fianc?e, Rana Apar." Olesia shook Rana's hand. "Good to meet you." Once Joran and Christian had passed the drinks all around, they heard a glass clanging from the center of the room, and all four turned to see Cmdr. Capps raising his glass, and saying, "A toast. This... is to our fallen. Our brave men and women officers... that gave their lives so we may live on for freedom.... So we may continue our mission... to get rid of tyranny..... To save worlds from evil..... We thank them... we adore them.... and we respect them.... To our fallen....Thank you." All four raised their glasses, and repeated "To our fallen." Joran then went up to join Capps, and said to him, "If there is no objection, sir, I wish to add to this service, an ancient Earth dirge, with your permission." (posted by Spencer) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin, Ten Forward - COUNS Lt(jg) Ayesha Kotal - 1856) Aya looked around Ten Forward, looking for one of the few people she knew well enough to stand with. Michael, Sam, Dr Loxari... she didn't count the COP or FO. She tugged surreptitiously at the collar of her dress uniform. Whilst she knew it was preciesly the same size as her regular uniform, somehow this one always felt less comfortable. At least there was a calm feeling about the room. Aya had been to one or two memorials where the feelings of grief and anger were so overwhelming that she had actually found it hard to remain there, but this felt better. She wondered if it had something to do with the type of vessel. ~Or maybe it's the feeling they get from the Captain and the FO~ she thought. She knew how much difference the command team could make to the 'feeling' the crew had. Suddenly someone stumbled into her and she was almost sent flying, but saved by a steadying hand on her arm. She looked around to see Michael, blushing with embarrassment as he took her hand off her arm. "Aya, I'm sorry,"he said, truly apologetic, "I should have been watching where I was going." Aya smiled. "That's OK, Michael. I was so busy looking for another familiar face in here, amongst all these unfamiliar ones, that I wasn't really paying attention either. So let's just say that from my poitn of view I'm glad we bumped into one another. Would you mind if I stood with you for the memorial?" she asked a little shyly. "I'd feel better with someone I know, rather than next to strangers at a time like this, but if you have friends you'd rather be with, of course I understand." (posted by Liz) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin, Ten Forward - COPS Ensign (jg) Michael Ian O'Connor - 1857) "Aya, I'm sorry,"he said, truly apologetic, "I should have been watching where I was going." Aya smiled. "That's OK, Michael. I was so busy looking for another familiar face in here, amongst all these unfamiliar ones, that I wasn't really paying attention either. So let's just say that from my point of view I'm glad we bumped into one another. Would you mind if I stood with you for the memorial?" she asked a little shyly. "I'd feel better with someone I know, rather than next to strangers at a time like this, but if you have friends you'd rather be with, of course I understand." "And what...You aren't a friend?" Michael asked with a smile on his face. "Course you can stand with me, hell, it might hurt my ego if a beautiful woman and someone I count as a friend, didn't want to stand next to me..." Michael said before switching to a conspiratorial whisper, still grinning a friendly grin, "Might start to think I smell or something." Standing back up straight, he smiled a warm smile at her. "Can I get you anything to drink," Michael asked. (posted by Patrick) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin, Ten Forward - COUNS Lt(jg) Ayesha Kotal - 1858) "And what...You aren't a friend?" Michael asked with a smile on his face. "Course you can stand with me, hell, it might hurt my ego if a beautiful woman and someone I count as a friend, didn't want to stand next to me..." Michael said before switching to a conspiratorial whisper, still grinning a friendly grin, "Might start to think I smell or something." Standing back up straight, he smiled a warm smile at her. "Can I get you anything to drink," Michael asked. Aya blushed slightly at Michael's compliment and smiled back at him warmly. "That would be nice," she said. "Do you think they have any Guava juice? If not, some iced water will do." (posted by Liz) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin, Ten Forward - COUNS Ensign(jg) Tar Loxari - 1858) Aya blushed slightly at Michael's compliment and smiled back at him warmly. "That would be nice," she said. "Do you think they have any Guava juice? If not, some iced water will do." Not ten seconds later, Tar waltzed up with a glass of guava juice in one hand, and a stein of classic Irish beer in the other, synthol based of course. "Here you are, milady" Tar bowed and looked at Michael. "Anything I can get for you?" (posted by Rhone) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin, Ten Forward - COPS Ensign (jg) Michael Ian O'Connor - 1859) "And what...You aren't a friend?" Michael asked with a smile on his face. "Course you can stand with me, hell, it might hurt my ego if a beautiful woman and someone I count as a friend, didn't want to stand next to me..." Michael said before switching to a conspiratorial whisper, still grinning a friendly grin, "Might start to think I smell or something." Standing back up straight, he smiled a warm smile at her. "Can I get you anything to drink," Michael asked. Aya blushed slightly at Michael's compliment and smiled back at him warmly. "That would be nice," she said. "Do you think they have any Guava juice? If not, some iced water will do." "Well, on a ship this size, they probably do, let me go and check." Michael said, with a smile and a wink then headed to the bar. (Reply Aya) Michael quickly grabbed a bar tender and asked for some Guava juice. It took a few moments, but finally the bartender passed him a glass of the juice Aya requested and a glass of iced tea for himself. He wandered back over to where he had left Aya to find her still there. "Well here is your juice, it looks like you aren't the only person who likes it on the ship," Michael said as he passed the glass to Aya. "Can't say I have ever tried guava juice, we don't get a lot of that in Ireland." Michael said as he stood next Aya. (posted by Patrick) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Ten Forward - Lt Cmdr Capps - 1900) Calvin walked in Ten Forward with his dress uniform on. On his dress uniform he wore his two gold pips and one hollow pip. On his chest he bared three decorative medals. It was nicely pressed, and didn't look half bad on him. He walked even further into the room and saw all the people that had already gathered to pay their respects for the fallen. It was nice to Calvin to see so many people there. As he went by people, officers waved and said hello. The First Officer replied with a normal greeting to each one of them. The bar was filled with trays of small finger food, and in the middle their were plenty of drinks to go around. There were a few waiters, and waitresses carrying trays in the middle of the room as well. To Lt Cmdr Capps the feeling of the room was comfortable. Not too much sadness, but not alot of happiness either. He could over hear people telling stories; sad ones and funny ones. He picked up a glass and walked up to a point in the room that seemed to be a center point. He walked up one of the stairs so that everyone could see him a little better. "A toast." He said raising his glass high into the air. "This... is to our fallen. Our brave men and women officers... that gave their lives so we may live on for freedom.... So we may continue our mission... to get rid of tyranny..... To save worlds from evil..... We thank them...we adore them.... and we respect them.... To our fallen....Thank you." (posted by Calvin) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin, Ten Forward - COUNS lt(jg) Ayesha Kotal - 1900) "Well, on a ship this size, they probably do, let me go and check." Michael said, with a smile and a wink then headed to the bar. Aya watched Michael as he disappeared in search of the drinks and then looked around, wondering if Sam or Dr Loxarian were there. There were a lot of people though and she couldn't spot either of them. "Well here is your juice, it looks like you aren't the only person who likes it on the ship," Michael said as he passed the glass to Aya. "Can't say I have ever tried guava juice, we don't get a lot of that in Ireland." Michael said as he stood next Aya. "I had a friend in the Academy whose family came from the Caribbean," Aya replied. "She introduced me to it and I kind of got addicted. Would you like a taste?" she added politely, offering him her glass. Just then, Commander Capps entered and, nodding to those that he knew on the way through the room, picked up a glass and walked to more or less the central point. He walked up one of the stairs so that everyone could see him. "A toast." He said raising his glass high into the air. "This... is to our fallen. Our brave men and women officers... that gave their lives so we may live on for freedom.... So we may continue our mission... to get rid of tyranny..... To save worlds from evil..... We thank them...we adore them.... and we respect them.... To our fallen....Thank you." "To our fallen," echoed Aya quietly. She could feel the solemnity that fell over the whole room as everyone drank the toast. "batlh Daqawlu'tah", said a tall Klingon Lieutenant as he placed his glass back onto the table beside him with a thud. She frowned slightly, trying to remember what that meant, then smiled as she thought she had it. Something about honour. It seemed appropriate. "Who's that?" she whispered to Michael. (posted by Liz) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin, Ten Forward - COPS Ensign (jg) Michael Ian O'Connor - 1900) Aya had just explained to him where she managed to pick up a taste for guava juice and asked him if he wanted a sip. He was about to say yes, when the XO walked in and headed for the center of the room, getting everyone's attention. The XO gave a short speech, and a toast, followed by Lt. Kerge saying something in Klingon. "Who's that?" she whispered to Michael. "Lt. Kerge, our Chief of Security and Tactical, good at his job, and thoroughly Klingon," Michael whispered back, being a bridge officer had it's perks, he actually got to meet most of the senior officers, or at least learn their names simply by being on the bridge most of the day. "Yea, I imagine it is going to take a few days, or one major staff meeting, to get everyone's names attached to faces." (posted by Patrick) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Ten Forward - TAC/SC Kerge - 19:01) For a Klingon warrior such as Kerge, it was always with honour that the dead were celebrated when they had fallen in battle. There were many in the room now that shed tears freely at the loss of those they cared for, it was a human thing that the Security chief had come to respect, regardless of his own society`s views. That aside however, Kerge had been undecided as to what he should actually wear to the memorial to honour them, tact favoured his starfleet uniform but his instincts suggested the uniform of a Klingon warrior to respect those they were honouring. After all, Klingons had fought alongside them in their battle to take starbase 234. Would it not be prudent to be honouring them also? In the end he had compromised, he wore his starfleet uniform but had chosen to wear also the upper body armament of a Klingon warrior along with a Mek'leth attached to a traditional six button belt to commemorate the memories of Klingons that had died in battle, past & present. It seemed appropriate...... Upon noting the First Officer allighting the stairs, glass in hand however, Kerge imediately reached to the table beside him to pick up his own glass, filled as it was with the remainder of the blood wine that the last security chief had left behind in his drawer. It seemed that this was as appropriate an occasion to drink it & one worthy of his indulgence. "A toast.", said the FO raising his glass high into the air. "This... is to our fallen. Our brave men and women officers... that gave their lives so we may live on for freedom.... So we may continue our mission... to get rid of tyranny..... To save worlds from evil..... We thank them...we adore them.... and we respect them.... To our fallen....Thank you.", said the Lieutenant commander. Kerge listened to the First Officer`s words & then in unison with everyone else, he uppended his glass to drink the wine before speaking out his own tribute in his own tongue. "batlh Daqawlu'tah", said Kerge as he placed the glass back onto the table beside him with a thud. (posted by Alan) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin, Ten Forward - ACSO Ensign JG K'Palla - 1901) K'Palla dressed in her Klingon battle armor, which was appropriate for honoring the fallen, and stood in the back of the room. Although she normally would made her presence known, at least to Oak-honor, but when it came to paying respects, she preferred a more subdued profile. She took a pint of Guiness and held onto it, waiting for the appointed time to drink. Just then, Commander Capps entered and, nodding to those that he knew on the way through the room, picked up a glass and walked to more or less the central point. He walked up one of the stairs so that everyone could see him. "A toast." He said raising his glass high into the air. "This... is to our fallen. Our brave men and women officers... that gave their lives so we may live on for freedom.... So we may continue our mission... to get rid of tyranny..... To save worlds from evil..... We thank them...we adore them.... and we respect them.... To our fallen....Thank you." "batlh Daqawlu'tah", said Lieutenant Kerge, as he placed his glass back onto the table beside him with a thud. K'Palla smiled as she added her own words. "ta'mey Dun, bommey Dun!" she said, then downed her drink in one pull, then slammed the glass onto the nearby table. She wanted to howl for the dead, but that time had passed. Their souls had already reached Sto-vo-kor. With a smile, she got another drink and was about to approach Oak-honor but saw that he was "preoccupied", and so stood by herself. (posted by John) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin, Ten Forward - COUNS Lt(jg) Ayesha Kotal - 1901) "Lt. Kerge, our Chief of Security and Tactical, good at his job, and thoroughly Klingon," Michael whispered back. "Yea, I imagine it is going to take a few days, or one major staff meeting, to get everyone's names attached to faces." Aya smiled. "Yes, it would be nice to have a big staff meeting soon. Otherwise I can see it will take a long time for me to get to know who's who. Although some COs do like to have the Counsellor on the Bridge from time to time. Do you know if Captain Straton is one of those? Or has the situation not arisen since you've been on board?" she added, remembering he had not long been there either. (posted by Liz) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Ten Forward - TAC/SC Kerge - 19:03) "ta'mey Dun, bommey Dun!", cried the Klingon Ensign as she too slammed her glass onto the table after the security chiefs words. Kerge simply turned his head towards her, caught her attention & then nodded his agreeance. He hoped the souls of all of those they had lost would indeed be singing songs of greatness in the halls of Sto-Vo-Kor & discussing their past battles amongst one another. As of their non Klingon comrades, he hoped that they too would be in the place where they would want to be after such a battle as the one they had just fought. Kerge closed his eyes briefly & drew a deep breath as he clenched his fists tightly whilst thinking of his own battles. He had achieved much honour along the path of his life thus far & he hoped that when it was his turn to die, he would do so with the blood of his enemy`s running down the entire length of his blade. The thought filled him with pride, but this was not a time for such thoughts, this was a time for others. Kerge opened his eyes & looked about once again. Then he sat quietly at a nearby table whilst others continued to talk amongst themselves. (posted by Alan) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - 10 Forward - ATC/ASO, Ensign Sam Moto AND Security Officer,Ensign Natalie Conaty, 1905) Nat looked around, she noticed Sam walking rather smartly towards ten forward. After this afternoons adventure she wasn't quite sure what to think of him. Although he did look rather dashing. "Hey Sam." She said as he got closer... As Sam neared the final corridor that lead only to 10 forward, a huge hall due to the Paladin's size, he saw Nat walking towards him from the other direction, they had only parted a few hours ago after the afternoons events, but Sam felt glad too see her again. She was walking briskly towards him. She seemed to break a smile as she saw him, ~but maybe that was just wishful thinking~ Sam thought. He could not help but notice how beautiful she looked, the long, flowing white dress made her look elegant and graceful, although her Comm Badge was still pinned to her breast. They could have been anywhere n the universe at the moment, not a Starship going to a memorial ceremony, but perhaps a ball, or to dinner, Then Sam snapped back into reality. Her rose red mouth spoke with a fluidity and grace. "Hi!" Sam replied. They stood at the entrance to the corridor facing each other, not speaking or moving. Sam felt that he was being pulled towards her. ~I'm probably gonna regret this!~ he thought, "Nat, I was wondering, well only if you want to, but would you, I'm mean its ok if you don't." He was fumbling his words and the situation was getting increasingly awkward, "Would you like to come with me to the ceremony?" ~there I've done it! Ruined another friendship! Well done Sam, you've known her a couple of hours and just because you feel a lot for her, especially after this afternoon, doesn't mean she feels anything for you, you idiot!~ Nat looked at him, ~I'm sure that was our agreement anyway..... he must be one of these people who has to check every now and then.~ Pretending she had forgot she smiled gently and said. "Of course!" She opened her arm, as if she wanted him to link with them. ~Now that's stupid~ she thought.... "I know we've only know each other for . . ." Sam Began but then he realised what she had said. "You will?" He could not help but look like an excited 7 year old, he was glowing inside! He noticed her open her arm and he gently took it, linking with her. He smiled at her and she smiled back, together they began to walk down the corridor to 10 Forward. As they walked down the corridor she said to him. "Sam, I'm sorry if i get a bit emotional inside. It's just i knew several people who died for this cause." She said quietly, not expecting an answer as they entered Ten Forward. She nodded respectively to people mourning, also some of the officers seemed to be having quite a good time. ~Different cultures... different views~ She thought too herself. She lead Sam over to the bar and ordered a drink before turning to Sam, "Would you like something?" "I thought I was supposed to ask you that question!" Sam chuckled. "I'll have a Vodka Martini, Straight, if thats ok?" He looked at her with a smile on his face, and she smiled back. Nat nodded, she motioned for the Bartender to get them these drinks. Once they got them she motioned for them to sit down at one of the tables. "So, what do you think of the Paladin so far?" She asked. ~Mmmm, have I really thought about the Paladin since I got here?~ Sam mused. "Well it's huge! And I have know idea how I'll find my way around, although your map did help me get here!" he beamed, "but this is some ship, some ship indeed, not just because of the ship, but its crew is what makes it." "Well its a good ship.... once you know your way around. That gets some getting used too. But it seems you made it here ok.." She said almost laughing. She became very aware of the environment around her. They were at a memorial service, this was not proper manners for that such environment. If she wanted a date with him, maybe that should wait until some other time. Sam began to feel more like they were on a date than at a memorial, and he thought he saw this feeling in Nat too, and she quickly stood up. She quickly said "I'll be right back, if you dont mind!" She smiled at him and quickly walked away to look at the plaque, it had so many names on it. She looked for one she was searching for. ~Ahhhh there you are...~ "Pas'ort...." She whispered under her breath, and then suddenly she burst into tears. She tryed to hide it from Sam who seemed to have began to come over, to see what she was doing. She couldnt do it, tears streaming down her face silently she turned to face him... Sam had watched Nat moved to the plaque commemorating those who were lost in the battle. He saw her scan the names until she found the one she seemed to be looking for. He could see a tear fall down her soft cheek and he walked over. She turned to him tears streaming down her face, he held her and she held him back. Looking over her shoulder at the plaque he saw who the person she had known and was now so distraught over, their picture and biography scrolling on the screen. Nat continued to cry in Sam's arms and he tried to comfort her as best he could, but waited for her to speak, giving her time to let it out. She smiled at Sam, as he let her go. "Im sorry, if got your shoulder all.... wet." She said as she looked at it slightly worryingly. ~oooppss..~ She wiped her face clean. (Reply Moto) "She was my best friend for many years. She died in the battle, it was the way she would have wanted to go though, so i dont dispute that." She looked up at the bored again, she shook her head and headed back to the table, leading Sam by the hand. She sat down and put her head to the table and then lifted it "I'm sorry Sam, i shouldn't burden you with my problems. I'll just have to move on with life, maybe find a new 'best' friend. As it was." She said smiling more than usual. She looked around the room, the place was now beginning to fill up. It would become more interesting as the night went on she sensed... (posgted by Jono and Nick) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - 10 Forward - ATC/ASO, Ensign Sam Moto, 1941) As Sam gently let go of Nat, after what seemed like an age, ~but a rather good age~ Sam thought, She looked up at him a smiled warmly, wiping away her tears, "Im sorry, if got your shoulder all.... wet." Was the first words she said, which made them both let off a breath of laughter, and made them both smile more. She seemed worried by it so Sam reassured her, ?Don?t worry about it, it?ll give laundry something to do at any rate.? Smiling at each other he waited for her to continue. After looking again at the board where the image of Nat?s companion still bore, she turned to Sam again, "She was my best friend for many years. She died in the battle, it was the way she would have wanted to go though, so I don?t dispute that.? Breathing a deep sign Sam felt her hand slowly slip into his, closing gently around his. She lead him back to the table, looking straight ahead, and keeping Sam close, but not looking at him. As the Sat, opposite each other, still holding each others hand, She buried her head in the table, before looking back up at Sam. "I'm sorry Sam, I shouldn't burden you with my problems. I'll just have to move on with life, maybe find a new 'best' friend. As it was." Sam felt shocked and upset at this, he had not expected this from Nat, even though they had know each other for only a few hours he thought she could see that he was there for her. ?It?s ok, I?m here to listen, take your time, and don?t forget your friend, or try to replace her, she was important to you, and you should make sure she is still important to you, she should not have died, in any way, but she has, but it doesn?t mean we let go of those we love.? Sam was beginning to feel emotions he had kept hidded for many years, but he quickly suppressed them, ~it has been too long, yet still, I remember those most important to me in my past,~ Sam could not bring this up now, it was Nat?s time. Nat didn?t say anything, but she smiled, her face, tear stained, began to light up, and this made Sam feel so much warmth inside, and they both sat for a while, smiling and still holding onto each others hand, for a long time looking each others eyes, before there surroundings brought them back into the room with everyone else. Sam looked around the room, looking at the nameless faces around him. Some nodded or said high to Nat, and one or two to Sam in politeness, but Sam still had no I dead who anyone was in this crew, that is until he saw Aya standing with a man across the room. Sam squeezed Nat?s hand gently, she looked at him. ?theres someone I?d like you to meet, a good friend of mine who travelled with me to the Paladin.? (Reply: Nat iyw) Standing up, the two of them began to cross the room, weaving between the crowds of people, never letting go of each others hand. (posted by Nick) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - 10 Forward - Security Officer, Ensign Natalie Conaty, 1946) Nat hadn't realised how much of a big bomb Nat had planted onto Sam, she had told him allot of things she never told anybody. ~Why?~ She asked herself, It must have been something to do with the fact that it was an over emotional time for her. "It's ok, I'm here to listen, take your time, and don't forget your friend, or try to replace her, she was important to you, and you should make sure she is still important to you, she should not have died, in any way, but she has, but it doesn't mean we let go of those we love." Sam said to her softly. Nat nodded, and smiled. She wasnt sure what to say, This man was much more deeper than she had expected. She had been expecting some hollow approach of blowing her off, it was always a good test to start crying on a 'first date' kind of situation. It made sure your 'date/friend' didnt mind being there for you in times of need. She smiled and her face sprang into abit more of a lively mood. She watched as Sam looked around the room obviously looking for something else to speak about to take their minds of the loved ones they had lost. Sam squeezed her hand gently, it was the first time she realised she was actually holding his hand. They must have just slipped together in the hug and never let go. She smiled and looked up at him, "Theres someone I'd like you to meet, a good friend of mine who travelled with me to the Paladin." ~Oh.~ "Oh, ok. If you want." She said sounding abit deflated, she was hoping to find out abit more about Sam in someway. He was abit secretive, and didnt let allot out about himself, he seemed quite precautious about his past. She followed him with her hand tightly in his, she seemed quite comfortable with him. Even though she had only met him literally hours ago, ~What's happening to me?~ Sam stopped infront of the new counsellor he had come on board with, ~Another woman?~ Nat thought, she wondered how close they were. ~Well, I'll find out...~ (posted by Jono) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin, Holodeck 2 - ACEO LT (JG) Steven Matrix - 2040) Matrix smiled as he watched the two officers, "Well gentlemen I'll leave you to your game. I was just wondering what was causing the increase in power consumption on the Paladin. Glad to see its going to good use. Enjoy, I'm off to engineering to see if I can keep the bulb light for you guys." Matrix called for the arch and left the holodeck and to engineering. (posted by Steve) ======================================================================================================================== END OF COMPILE I hope you enjoyed!