This Compile begins the current mission and includes Days 1, 2 and 3 ================================ ================================ Mission: Going Dutch Day 1 Stardate: 2408.12.03 ================================ ================================ (USS Boudicca, Personal Quarters - ACSO Ensign Ayslin Rel - 0330) It was late, or early depending on your point of view, and Ayslin probably should have been asleep, but no, she sat, in the near dark, face lit mostly by the screen of her terminal. She was in her civilian clothes, her hair falling loose and framing her face. She idly drummed her fingers as she waited for the Subspace relays to all connect and sync up. Finally after what seemed like an eternity of waiting, her terminal beeped and her father's face appeared on it. "Hey, Daddy," Ayslin said, a smile appearing on her fathers lined face. "Ace, we weren't expecting a call from you, not a live one at least. It's good to see you, you look worn out, are you ok?" her dad asked, concern for his youngest child apparent in his voice. "I'm fine dad, just tired, it isn't even four in the morning on in our corner of the galaxy, and I pulled a full shift yesterday." Ayslin said with a tired smile. "Don't worry day, I still remember how to do late nights and early mornings, Grad School wasn't that long ago." Her father still looked worried, but less so than before. "So where are you coming from, the signal isn't as strong as I'm used to seeing." "We're on the edge of explored space. We just finished a First Contact mission so I've been writing reports for the last week, and we're headed into an independent station called Laatstekans, means last chance in one of the old Earth languages." "My little girl the diplomat. I take it the first contact went ok?" "Oh yea, no major trouble," Ayslin said, leaving out the part where she advocated for complete disregard of the prime directive. "You should have seen them Dad, the Mithgiln, the people we met, they were amazing. They seemed to evolve from some kind of Insect mammal hybrid. They looked almost completely human except for the fact that they had wings, like a geb fly, but more colorful. And their ships, dad, their ships were alive. And not just organic, but Alive and sentient too. A whole separate, space faring species that has formed a lasting relationship with the Mithgiln. They were warp capable and everything. Dad it was amazing. Watch the news wires, they'll have more on it at some point, I'm sure." Ayslin said. Her voice gained more energy when she talked, and her eyes lost their look of fatigue for those few moments. "I'll keep an eye out. Sounds like you've got quite a few reports to write," her father said. He was a shuttle and ground vehicle mechanic by trade, but he'd learned a lot about the science life from Ayslin's mother the nurse, and Ayslin herself rambling on. "I do, but I'll be able to eat for free in any university town for the rest of my life on this mission alone," Ayslin said with a smile, leaning back in the chair. "How are my darling brothers?" Ayslin said with a grin. "Fine as always. Laric and Mallia are settling in nicely in Tallor city," Ayslin's father said referring to the younger of her two older and his wife who just moved into a new place. "You should give them a call, Mallia has asked about you a couple of times since you left, and again just the other day." Mallia had been one of her few friends through school. Laric was only a few years older than both of them and had of course known Mallia as they had all grown up, it was still something of a shock to come back from her first year at college to find her brother dating her best friend. Still she got over it quickly enough and was quite happy for her dear friend, and her brother. "Kellis is the same as always. He works to hard." "I wonder who he learned that trait from, Dad." Ayslin said with a mischievous grin. Her father just rolled his eyes. "I'll give Mallia a call in the next couple of days. We have some down time coming up. Is Mom home?" Ayslin asked. "I'm sorry sweet heart, Mikal broke his hand in a fall, you mom said he tried to come back after they fused the bones back together but his dexterity is shot, so he's on leave and you mom offered to pick up his shift tonight. I'm recording this so you're mom can see you, and I expect she'll send you a message later tonight when she gets home." Her father said with a smile. "Are you and mom up to anything interesting?" Ayslin asked curiously. "Actually we are, we're going on vacation in a month, we're going to Earth for three weeks." Her father said, looking quite happy. "We're going to visit London, San Francisco, Tokyo, Beijing, Sydney, Paris, and maybe take some day trips to some of the smaller cities too. We've never been to Earth and we figured if we don't do it now, by the time we do, we'll be too old to really enjoy it." "That's great, Dad. I hope you two have lots of fun. Take pictures for me, especially San Francisco, it's been a while since I've been there, and I need some new shots." Ayslin said, then let out a jaw cracking yawn. "I think it might be time for me to go, I either need to go back to sleep or down a pot of coffee or I may be ruined for the rest of the day." "Go back to bed, sweet heart. There's still plenty of time before any decent hour of the morning rolls around for you." her dad said with a knowing nod of his head. "It was really good to get to talk to you Ace, we all miss you here, but we're all really proud of you too." Her father said with a proud smile. "I miss you guys too. Tell mom I'm sorry I missed her," Ayslin said. She kissed her first two fingers and touched them to the video input, as close to a kiss goodbye as she could manage across the stars. "I love you dad." "I love you too, sweet heart. Bye." He said, and cut the video link after Ayslin waved. Ayslin sat in the chair for another few minutes, lost in memory, before standing up and running both hands through her long red hair. Making a final decission, she turned towards the bedroom, stripping off her closes and climbing back under the covers. (Reply None needed) (Posted by Patrick D.) ********** (USS Boudicca - McLaren Quarters - Bar Manager Arania - 0703) A solitary tear dribbled off her nose to splash on to the note she held in her hand, it was soon followed by several more as she began to sob harshly. She clutched the note to her chest in anguish as she slid to her knees and began to rock back and forth with her misery and pain. An inhuman sounding howl of distress issued from her mouth as she keened her grief to the universe........ Time passed...... She was unaware of how long she wept and wailed but gradually her tears grew less torrid and her keening slowly faded away to a heavy silence. Then she heard a soft, anxious bleating through the closed bedroom door, coming from the living area where Silky was waiting for her mistress to give her breakfast and wearily Arania stumbled to her feet and plodded towards the door. Silky needed her even if her husband did not. ~ Blessed Mother how could he? How could he just leave me without a word? ~ She wondered, looking at the crumpled, damp piece of paper she still clutched in her hand as she walked to the food replicator and mechanically ordered Silky's breakfast. Now the little goat was at her side, pressing her warm body against Arania as if trying to comfort her causing the young woman to reach for her pet and scratch her ears. "Is okay Silky, is okay, I won't leave you." She whispered. The words caught in her throat and tears once again prickling her eyes as she lowered the bowls of food and water to the floor for Silky before sinking to the floor beside the little animal, leaning back against the bulkhead and unwrinkled the slip of paper - once again reading it - again feeling the shocked disbelief she had felt earlier, before the words had sunk in as truth once she'd seen the cupboard and drawers devoid of Matthew's clothing. Staring at the scrawl of words on the paper with blurring eyes, there was no need for Arania to actually see the words that had torn through her heart like hot knives, they were already committed to her memory and they swirled through her mind ceaselessly as she wondered what she had done or not done to cause Matthew to abandon her. ========== oooOOOooo ========== Arania my dearest, I am sorry to leave you this way. Never doubt that I love you deeply, but I have felt less and less needed here both by the crew of the Boudicca and by you. You have become such a strong, independent woman you make me proud, and you are so at home here on this ship that knowing how much you love being here and working in QV, I just didn't have the heart to ask you to leave all this behind to come with me to a new posting. By the time you read this letter I will already be far away from the station. Forgive me my love. Matthew ============== Her hand closed over the paper, screwed it up into a small, tight ball and threw it as far away from her as it would go as if she was casting her love for Matthew aside. Slowly she rose from the deck and hurried to the bathroom to prepare for her day's work. Even if Matthew did not need her, she felt that the crew of the Boudicca did, she would stay and she would tuck the love she had for Matthew away into a deep recess in her heart together with the pain he'd dealt her, turn the key and lock it away. Only when she was alone in her quarters would she allow herself the indulgence of grieving. Ten minutes later Arania came out of the bathroom wrapped in her bathrobe, picked up the empty food and water bowls for recycling and went to her bedroom to dress for the day. Now she was ready to start her work day, but first she had to contact Captain Rivers. "Computer please to send message to Captain Rivers." [ Ready ] "Captain this is Arania. You may or may not know that Matthew is gone from us. I wish to remain here on Boudicca. Please to let me know if this is acceptable. Shortly I will be found in Qulaetha Vorenda. My thanks." (reply Rivers) (posted by Sal) ********* (Laatstekans Station - Boardwalk - Lieutenant (jg) Teesa Summers - 0717) To say there wasn't a strong official presence on the station was an understatement. Teesa had been assigned to the station as Starfleet's representative for seventeen years. In periods of strife and their wind downs after she was serving alone, other times she had aides and assistance. Sometimes it was a embassy awash in blue, sometimes they even had security. Their minimal needs could be taken care of by the station. It was only when someone in the sector threatened that Starfleet seemed to remember her and her staff and send in some protection. As she ambled along, smiling to some, waving to others, pointedly ignoring others. She had a friendly enough face on her tall frame, but she didn't encourage people to sit and talk. She didn't know how most sensitives dealt with thoughts, emotions and people in their brains day in and day out, but she liked this station for it's relative small population to size. The food court was a collection of small restaurants, built much like a cat's climbing tree. An open air lift took you to the levels if you didn't feel like a climb, but she preferred going up the winding staircases herself. She came to her favourite restaurant, a small cubby really, but it was run by a Vulcan couple who kept their thoughts under wrap and their emotions even more so. She bowed her head, tucking strands of ebony hair back behind her ears as she straightened. "Good Morning Silic," Teesa greeted the server, the couple's eldest son. They seemed unusually prolific for Vulcans with four children, but she couldn't say she'd spent much time studying the Federation founders. "It is morning, Lieutenant," he agreed. "Do you know what you wish?" "I'll have the special." She said. It didn't matter what the mix of ingredients was, it would be a mix of grains, greens and sauces. She'd yet to meet a combination she didn't appreciate. She sat down on a stool at the counter and curled her legs around the post. "If I may be so bold..?" the almost teen asked. She smiled and nodded her permission. "It is rumoured that you are leaving the station," Silic said, he took a glance around to double check his parents weren't about to trouble him for taking part in the station's favourite sport. No matter the race it seemed kids were kids as the humans were wont to say. "I am having forced leave." She said, irritation colouring her voice. "Forced?" He tilted his head to one side as he prepared the meal, "Is not the point of Starfleet's 'leave' to gain rest and relaxation? Is that not why you are stationed on the station?" "Exactly." She was amused that a twelve year old could understand what Starfleet bureaucracy seemed to miss, but then he was a Vulcan and he'd known her his whole life. There was a whole generation of PADD pushers she'd never met back on Earth. "It is illogical." Silic muttered with a hint of grump. Soon he'd begin the lifelong trials of the logical trying to comprehend the illogical. Teesa hid her smile behind her hand, and looked down on the boardwalk of the station, "Busy for so early in the day!" she said changing the subject as the boy handed her the bowl and chopsticks. "The USS Boudicca is due soon," he said, "Father is in the gardens preparing. He has distant kin on the Boudicca." Teesa felt a pang at the mention of kin. A remainder of a dying race, there were perhaps twelve or thirteen of her people still floating around the Federation, each sterile due to the last days of war. She'd grown up knowing she'd never have children, probably no mate. Why send your children from your world to grow up without their parents, trusting in the kindness of strangers and aliens to raise them? Rather than dwelling, she started to eat, using the chopsticks the Vulcans had grown fond of with long habit. "They seem to think Risa will relax and refresh me," Silic's surprised protest was a raised eyebrow, "Fascinating," he finally muttered before turning to clean his tools and containers. "No doubt," she echoed before losing herself in the sensations of the food and start of the day as the station seemed to uncurl around itself. (Reply none) (posted by Lorna) ******* (USS Boudicca - CO's Quarters - CO, Captain Susan Rivers - 0744) *SPLAT* "Look what she's done!" Loren shrieked, as a handful of gloopy cereal from Luisa's breakfast landed in the middle of her chest, sliding slowly down. "I was going to wear this onto the Starbase with Henny, now I'm going to have to find something else to wear! And I got this *specially*!" Shun looked at his sister. "It's only a dress." he said, with supreme male indifference to female attire. "Wear one of your five million other ones. OW!" "Don't hit your brother, Loren," Susan said, without looking up from the PADD she was reading. "And don't stick your tongue out at your sister, Shun." "But -" "It's rude." "But -" "*Very* rude." "But -" Susan looked up. "Any more Buts and you will be spending the morning tidying your room." "B........... " Shun subsided. He had other plans for the morning, and knew from experience that Auntie Susan didn't make idle threats. "Sorry," he mumbled. Susan returned her attention to her PADD, then put it down again as a beep from the console in the corner told her a message was waiting. "Loren, you can clear up the breakfast things and Shun, you can wash Luisa." "B......... OK." "Afterwards you can both make your beds," Susan added as she stood up and walked over to retrieve her message. [Captain this is Arania. You may or may not know that Matthew is gone from us. I wish to remain here on Boudicca. Please to let me know if this is acceptable. Shortly I will be found in Qulaetha Vorenda. My thanks.] Susan stared at the screen for a moment, nonplussed. What did Arania mean, Matthew was gone? Had there been an accident? No, she'd have heard about that. Gone from the ship then? She frowned. ~So much for shore leave this morning~ "I have to go out for a bit," she told the children. "Loren, will you take Luisa to the nursery when Shun has cleaned her up? Yes, after you've changed but preferably before midday!" "But- " Loren began, then saw Susan's expression and wisely finished, "OK," in a martyred tone that conveyed just how *UNFAIR* was life in general and Susan in particular. (Posted by Liz) ******** (USS Boudicca – CEO’s Office – CEO Lorimar – 0750) Bob had been putting in quite a few extra hours – he looked at them as a blessing, rather than a burden – between the conclusion of the ship’s previous operation and now. Now that they were docked at the Laatstekans station, some critical maintenance was scheduled. The things that had to wait until the Boudicca was docked; certain essential systems that were required to be in operation while underway could now be shut down without violating any operating rules. He had just now finished hashing out the essentials with Chief Greene, the Gamma shift senior NCO. He copied the data to Ensign Gesar and Chief Krolar, in order for them to be able to best schedule their own subordinates for maintenance duties versus leave time. The work needed to get done, but Bob wanted his people to make maximum possible use of what time they would have at the station for recreation. ~After all, a change is as good as a holiday!~ After sending the data out to the concerned parties through the ship’s data delivery system, he drained the last of his coffee and walked to the recycler to clean the empty mug. He debated getting a refill scratching the tip of his nose absently. He placed the clean mug back on his desk, and picked up a PADD with the ‘after action’ report and current department status. He tapped it lightly on his desktop. “Computer, locate Captain Rivers.” [Captain Rivers is located in Qulaetha Vorenda ] He tucked the PADD in his pocket and headed out, notifying the duty officer he would be in Q.V. if needed. (Reply Gesar iyw, Krolar iyw, Any) (posted by Russ) ********* (USS Boudicca - Qulaetha Vorenda - CO, Captain Susan Rivers - 0800) Susan looked around for Arania, but didn't immediately see her, so she ordered a coffee at the bar and sat at one of the tables, waiting to find out what was going on. (reply Arania, any) (Posted by Liz) ******** (USS Boudicca – QV – CEO Lorimar – 0802) Bob walked into the room and gave a quick scan of the room, locating the Captain at a table by herself. He stopped quickly at the bar and ordered a coffee. He took a small sip and savored the aroma, then made his way to the Captain’s table. He automatically came to attention, coffee mug in hand. “Good morning Captain. Might ah join ye, or would ye prefer not?” (Reply Rivers, Any) (Posted by Russ) ******** (USS Boudicca – QV – CO, Captain Susan Rivers - Day 1 - 0803) Whilst she was waiting for Arania, Bob Lorimar approached the table where Susan was sitting. He came to attention, coffee much in hand and said, “Good morning Captain. Might ah join ye, or would ye prefer not?” Susan smiled up at her CEO. "If Mei Ling were here, she'd throw you out for calling me Captain, Bob. You can join me on condition you call me Susan. I don't bite, so sit down, please. And if you don't mind, there's something I'd like to talk to you about." (reply Bob iyw) Susan played with her cup for a moment, then looked directly at Bob. "I had a rather starnge message from Arania this morning. She said that Matthew had left us - I thought at first she was using a euphemism and meant that he was dead - that there'd been some kind of fatal accident or his condition had taken a sudden turn for the worse but then it occurred to me that I'd have been informed if anything like that had happened. And that Arania can be very literal in what she says. She said she'd be here soon, so I thought I'd see what I can find out. I do know that there isn't a record of a transfer request or order, at least not that I've seen." She paused. "I don't want to put you on the spot if Matthew told you something in confidence, but do you know anything about this?" (reply Lorimar, Arania? any) (Posted by Liz) ******* (USS Boudicca – QV – CEO Lorimar – 0804) "If Mei Ling were here, she'd throw you out for calling me Captain, Bob. You can join me on condition you call me Susan. I don't bite, so sit down, please. And if you don't mind, there's something I'd like to talk to you about." He chuckled lightly at that. The thought of his friend Mei Ling – Arania’s predecessor as Bar Manager – brought a smile to his face. He nodded and pulled out a chair, taking the offered seat opposite the Captain. “How can ah help ye, Cap—Susan?” he could feel himself blushing slightly at the informality of the conversation. It was, after all, the first time he had ever addressed her by given name… and certainly the most informal exchange since he had met her. She seemed almost hesitant with her question… a state he had never known her to publicly exhibit. So unlike the normal command persona! It shocked him nearly as much as the substance of her question. He raised both eyebrows in surprise, his coffee mug suspended halfway between the table and his lips. If he didn’t have an engineer’s steady hands, he would have spilled it all over himself and the table, so great was his shock. “Left us? What the devil is that supposed tae mean?” He pondered her last question next. ~What could ah ken about it? Ah had no idea he was gone!~ He forced himself to address her as requested, and looked her square in the eye. “Susan… ah’ll be frank. Matthew and ah don’t… didn’t, rather… always see much of each other, at least when we werenae collaborating on projects. ATT was fully his focuse, so ah gathered… the last time ah spoke with him at any length was the day we did the antimatter transfer tae the runabout. Honestly ah was so caught up in the meeting that day in the observation lounge that ah dinnae miss him… forgie mah inattention. So no… ah’ve nae worldly idea where he is. Ye are the CO… how can he be ‘not wie us’ without ye knowing about it?” He suddenly remember his coffee mug and lowered it gently to the table, lest he did spill it. (Reply Rivers, Any) (Posted by Russ) ******* (USS Boudicca – Qulaetha Vorenda - Bar Manager Arania - 0806) Silky obediently walked beside her mistress as they entered QV. On the way she had stuck close, nudging Arania's hand now and then seeking her touch to calm her unease, she knew something was wrong and that her mistress was feeling sad. Arania opened the little gate of the small corral where the petting creatures were housed. Silky the goat was the only real flesh and blood animal there, the rest were holoimages although they felt like the real thing and acted like the real thing, with the exception of body excretions. Silky had been trained to let Arania know when she had to go so there was no problem there. The little goat walked in to the corral, looked back at Arania and gave a little bleat, and received a few well placed scratches to her ears before heading to her favorite place - a soft bed of fresh holographic straw where she settled down watching the comings and goings of the patrons. Arania sighed softly and turned away from the corral, pausing to look about the lounge. The place wasn't particularly busy, Alpha shift had begun and soon some of the Gamma shift would be coming in to get a bite to eat before going to bed or whatever else they did before their next shift started, it would be busy then and Arania was looking forward to it knowing that it would take her mind off Matthew. As she glanced around she saw the Captain and Bob Lorimar seated at a table, she wondered if Rivers had received her message yet or not, perhaps not, perhaps she had just come in to have a coffee with Bob and talk business. ~ Sure I am that she will let me know if she wishes to talk of it. ~ She reasoned as she walked towards the door leading in to the kitchen, ~ I will bring her fresh coffee and if she mentions it not, I will request a talk. ~ Thirty seconds later she returned to the main lounge with a steaming coffee pot in hand filled with freshly brewed real coffee and carried it over to the table where the captain and CEO were seated. In her other hand she carried an empty mug. Normally she would have wished them a good morning, but as it wasn't one, she just gave them a little bow. "You wish more coffee?" She asked. (reply Lorimar, Rivers, any) (Posted by Sal) ******** (USS Boudicca – QV – CO, Captain Susan Rivers – 0807) "... So no… ah’ve nae worldly idea where he is. Ye are the CO… how can he be ‘not wie us’ without ye knowing about it?” Bob's obvious shock at the news about Matthew came as no surprise to Susan. She had hoped that perhaps Matthew had confided in a fellow engineer, but realistically if he hadn't confided in Arania, which her note to Susan had suggested, it was unlikely he had confided in anyone else. Susan sighed. "I don't know, Bob. I'd have seen orders form BuPers transferring him, or I should have. He certainly didn't put a request in through me, but I suppose he could have requested the transfer without informing me. It's not the way things should be done, and BuPers should certainly have informed me of his request if he did so. The only other explanation would be that he's gone AWOL but I find that hard to fathom too. I thought he was settled here, with his wife and his friends." She shrugged. "I just don't know. I'm hoping that Arania can throw some light on it but -" She broke off as she caught sight of Arania approaching with a pot of steaming coffee that smelled freshly-brewed, Unusually the Iradonian did not wish them both at good morning, as was her custom, instead she gave a little bow which didn't disguise her obvious unhappiness. "You wish more coffee?" Arania asked. Susan swallowed the remainder of her coffee and nodded. "Yes please, Arania. But won't you sit down and join us? I got your message," she added gently, the other woman's distress paining her. "I was just asking Bob here if Matthew had talked to him about leaving. But this is the first he's heard about it too. Can you tell me what happened?" she asked, hating to put Arania on the spot like this but needing to know what was going on. (Reply Arania, Bob, any) (Posted by Liz) ******** (USS Boudicca – Qulaetha Vorenda - Bar Manager Arania – 0808) "You wish more coffee?" Arania asked, holding in her hand a freshly brewed carafe of the aromatic beverage, and a clean mug for herself in the other. Susan swallowed the remainder of her coffee and nodded, stating she would have one please and then asked Arania to sit down, telling her she had got her message. Arania fought back the urge to cry again, telling herself to be strong until she was alone in private and pulled out a chair to slide on to. She poured coffee for the captain and set the carafe on the built in hotplate on the table as Rivers told her that she had asked Bob if Matthew had talked to him about leaving. "....But this is the first he's heard about it too. Can you tell me what happened?" she asked. The Iradonian turned the hot plate on and reaching into a deep pocket, brought out the crumpled paper that she'd decided to pick up from where she'd thrown it, thinking she should bring it to show the captain. Slowly she unraveled it and smoothed it somewhat before handing it to Rivers. It was still badly creased but at least it was readable. "See this! He is not here anymore. He is gone and did not say where he goes too." When the captain took the proferred evidence Arania poured herself a mug of the coffee. Her hands were chilly for some reason and she found the heated mug warming. "Nothing has he said to me about leaving. This morning I wake and he is not beside me, only that note on his pillow. A fool I was, I though it some joking! Then the empty spaces in the drawers and closets I saw and knew it was true." (Reply Rivers, Bob, any) (Posted by Sal) ******** (USS Boudicca – Qulaetha Vorenda - CO Captain Susan Rivers – 0809) Susan took the crumpled note Arania handed her, and read it. As she did so, her lip curled in disgust. No one who truly loved another person would leave them like that. She wouldn't have thought it of Matt McLaren either. It just went to show how mistaken you could be in someone. There was one clue, though. A new posting. She passed the note to Bob. "Nothing has he said to me about leaving. This morning I wake and he is not beside me, only that note on his pillow. A fool I was, I though it some joking! Then the empty spaces in the drawers and closets I saw and knew it was true." Susan didn't know what to say to Arania, and wished like heck that Dorga or Jerome were here, either of them would be a lot better at this than she was. With slightly awkward sympathy, she reached out and gently squeezed one of Arania's hands, which felt icy cold. ~Shock~ she thought to herself. "I'll find out where he's gone," she said. "And if you want to go there too, I'll arrange it. But if you want to stay here - well, this is your home. And you have many friends here. No one is going to make you leave, Arania. Not unless you want to. Right, Bob?" (reply Bob) "But I'm not sure you should be here. You've had a bad shock. Why don't you come along to Sickbay with me and we'll get them to have a look at you?" (Reply Arania, Bob, any) (Posted by Liz) ******** (USS Boudicca – Qulaetha Vorenda - CEO Lorimar - 0810) After Arania had joined them (somewhat reluctantly, it seemed to Bob) the Captain handed him the note that she had been given by Arania. As he read it, Arania continued to elaborate. "Nothing has he said to me about leaving. This morning I wake and he is not beside me, only that note on his pillow. A fool I was, I though it some joking! Then the empty spaces in the drawers and closets I saw and knew it was true." Bob tried very hard not to let his own shock show, as he didn't wish to add to his friend's obvious distress. He read the note a second time, watching the Captain's evident discomfort as he did so. He was about to comment when Susan spoke again. "I'll find out where he's gone," she said. "And if you want to go there too, I'll arrange it. But if you want to stay here - well, this is your home. And you have many friends here. No one is going to make you leave, Arania. Not unless you want to. Right, Bob?" He replied in a measured, quiet tone, but one that he hoped left doubt at all as to his feelings in the matter. "Arania... ah couldnae hae said it better mahself. Ye are most definately among friends... family, really. Certainly ye are nae a fool, Arania... ye are one of the wisest folk ah have ever had the pleasure tae know. Surely ye know how much we care about ye?" He glanced at the Captain for emphasis. "Is that nae right... Susan?" (Reply Rivers and/or Arania iyw) "But I'm not sure you should be here. You've had a bad shock. Why don't you come along to Sickbay with me and we'll get them to have a look at you?" ~Never would ah publicly disagree wie ye Captain... not on a command matter anyway. But ye may not be entirely on track here...~ "Susan... perhaps Arania would prefer tae be here wie us, at least for a bit?" With a look he tried to convey his thoughts on the matter: sometimes better to be doing than thinking. "Ah mean... ye two would know best of course... but Arania, how dae ye feel? Would ye like tae talk things out a bit, or would ye prefer some rest? Susan is a very clever woman as ye know... she may have the best medicine for ye." ~And where in the blazes is Matt??~ (Reply Arania, Rivers, any) (Posted by Russ) ******** (USS Boudicca – Qulaetha Vorenda - Bar Manager Arania - 0811) After Arania explained what had happened that morning as best she could for it wasn't much to tell, the captain reached to hold one of her icy hands and told her she would find out where Matthew had gone and if Arania wanted, then she could go there too. Arania was uncertain as to whether or not she wanted to be with a man who would just abandon her the way Matthew had so she was relieved when Susan went on to tell her that she could stay on the Boudicca, as it was her home, that nobody would make her leave. She called on Bob to confirm. Arania's sad green eyes focussed on her husband's and her friend as he replied quietly. "Arania... ah couldnae hae said it better mahself. Ye are most definately among friends... family, really. Certainly ye are nae a fool, Arania... ye are one of the wisest folk ah have ever had the pleasure tae know. Surely ye know how much we care about ye?" He glanced at the Captain for emphasis. "Is that nae right... Susan?" Arania's eyes swiveled back to the captain. (Reply Rivers iyw) "But I'm not sure you should be here. You've had a bad shock. Why don't you come along to Sickbay with me and we'll get them to have a look at you?" Arania was about to shake her head and tell Susan that she wasn't injured and didn't need to be in Sickbay when Bob spoke up again in disagreement with the Captain, putting into words a little of how Arania felt. She wanted to keep busy to take her mind off her pain. "....Ye two would know best of course... but Arania, how dae ye feel? Would ye like tae talk things out a bit, or would ye prefer some rest? Susan is a very clever woman as ye know... she may have the best medicine for ye." This time Arania did shake her head. "No, is not Sickbay I need, is hard work and friends around me that will make my feelings better." She gave Susan's hand a squeeze and smiled softly at her, a bit of a wobbly smile that showed how she was reining in the pain that consumed her. She bit her lip and composed herself. "I will not go where I am not wanted. Here I will stay - with you and friends, and much thankful am I that you want me here." She slipped her hand from Susan's and drank down half the mug in one go feeling the coffee's warmth begin to warm her body. Reaching for the coffee pot, she refilled her mug. "As for where he has gone, I do not wish to know!" She stated with force giving another shake of her head. "Dead he is to me now!" Arania remembered when he'd almost died and then had been crippled for so long. How she had nursed him, loved him, helped him on the road to his recovery. Her lips thinned with a growing determination. ~ Better he had died then, than this. ~ She thought as she drank more of the warming coffee, feeling her resolve to move on strengthening and knowing she was more than strong enough to live without her husband, and had always had that strength. (Reply Lorimar, Rivers, any) (Posted by Sal) ******** (USS Boudicca – Qulaetha Vorenda - CO Captain Susan Rivers - 0812) "Susan... perhaps Arania would prefer tae be here wie us, at least for a bit? Ah mean... ye two would know best of course... but Arania, how dae ye feel? Would ye like tae talk things out a bit, or would ye prefer some rest? Susan is a very clever woman as ye know... she may have the best medicine for ye." Susan shot a glance at Bob for a moment, easily recognising something she lacked in herself, and nodded imperceptively to herself as Arania shook her head firmly and stated that she wanted to be busy, and with her friends around her. "I will not go where I am not wanted," she declared. "Here I will stay - with you and friends, and much thankful am I that you want me here." She took a long drink out of her mug and refilled it. "As for where he has gone, I do not wish to know! Dead he is to me now!" If Susan hadn't known better she'd have wondered about the contents of the coffee pot, but it smelled and tasted like plain coffee to her. It did, however, seem to be having an almost intoxicating effect on Arania. ~Or perhaps,~ she thought, ~it's the effect of feeling her friend's support. It's a good thing Bob's here, I'd have messed this up!~ "Very well then," she said aloud. "Unless you ask me, I won't tell you what I find out about where Matthew has gone. And you, Arania, are to come to me, or to Dorga, or to Bob here, if you need anything at all." She hesitated, wanting to go to her Ready Room and begin tracking down the errant Matthew, but at the same time not wanting to leave if Arania needed her. (Reply Arania, Bob, any) (Posted by Liz) ******** (USS Boudicca – Qulaetha Vorenda - CEO Lorimar - 0814) Bob was very encouraged by Arania's abrupt change in demeanor. Even if it was only a brave front, Dorga had taught him that problems needed to be fixed inside first, then the rest would soon follow. He smiled across the table at her as Susan continued speaking. "Very well then," she said. "Unless you ask me, I won't tell you what I find out about where Matthew has gone. And you, Arania, are to come to me, or to Dorga, or to Bob here, if you need anything at all." Again Bob noted... or thought he noted... a brief, very uncharacteristic hesitancy in the Captain's response. He filed that away under 'very odd' in his memory and looked across first at her, then Arania. He spoke with all the genuine warmth in his voice that was within him. "Arania... yer a dear, dear friend. As Susan says, we are here for ye, always. Merely speak what ye need lassie and we'll make it happen for ye aye?" (Reply Arania, Rivers, room for more) Bob had an amused twinkle in his eye now. "Anyone else hungry? All this talk at breakfast time has given me a braw appetite!" (Reply any) (Posted by Russ) ******** (USS Boudicca – Qulaetha Vorenda - Bar Manager Arania - 0815) "Very well then," Susan responded to Arania's decision to remain and her not wanting to know where Matthew had gone. "Unless you ask me, I won't tell you what I find out about where Matthew has gone. And you, Arania, are to come to me, or to Dorga, or to Bob here, if you need anything at all." The captain appeared to hesitate as if she was unsure what to do next. Bob looked first at her, then Arania and spoke, his sincerity apparent in the tone of his voice. "Arania... yer a dear, dear friend. As Susan says, we are here for ye, always. Merely speak what ye need lassie and we'll make it happen for ye aye?" (Reply Rivers, room for more) Bob had an amused twinkle in his eye now. "Anyone else hungry? All this talk at breakfast time has given me a braw appetite!" With a small shake of her head, Arania smiled, "I do not require food right now but am wondering...about the quarters. It is likely no, that I must move to a smaller habitat, for his quarters were for a senior officer's family and now it is just Silky and I, and we are not officers." (reply Rivers/Lorimar) The coffee pot was practically empty so Arania turned off the small hotplate beneath it and drained her mug then she stood up. "Now it is to work I must return for it is getting busy here and my help is needed." She gave each of them a short bow. "Thank you for being my friends, may the Goddess bless you. What are your wishes for breakfast?" (Reply Susan, Bob, any) (Posted by Sal) ******** (USS Boudicca – Qulaetha Vorenda - CO, Captain Susan Rivers - 0816) Bob's next words reaffirmed Susan's feelings as he assured Arania she was a dear friend and that she had only to ask and they would make whatever she wanted happen. "Of course we will," Susan agreed wholeheartedly. Making things happen she could do. Bob went on to lighten the mood a little by saying he was hungry, and Susan realised that she was too, despite having breakfasted with her family. But breakfast with a teenager, a pre-teen and a toddler were not always conducive to a good appetite, she found. Arania said that she wasn't hungry but had a concern about her quarters. Susan immediately reassured her. "You don't have to move unless you want to, Arania. We have plenty of room on the ship and whilst you may not be an officer you hold a very important position here. QV is one of the hubs of ship life, and it wouldn't be the same without you, so unless you don't want to stay there, the quarters are yours for as long as you want them. Bob will help you change anything you want to there, I'm sure. I hear that he even fixed up Shadow with a holographic tree to sleep in," she grinned at Bob. Not much escaped her notice. (reply Arania, Bob iyw, room for more if wanted) Arania finished her coffee and stood up. "Now it is to work I must return for it is getting busy here and my help is needed." She gave a little bow to both Susan and Bob. "Thank you for being my friends, may the Goddess bless you. What are your wishes for breakfast?" Susan thought for a moment. Something hot and filling and - she looked at Bob and suddenly made her mind up. "Porridge," she said. "Plain porridge, a little salt, no cream and no sugar, please. A glass of pomegranate juice and another mug of coffee too." (Reply Bob, Arania, any) (Posted by Liz) ******** (USS Boudicca – Qulaetha Vorenda - Bar Manager Arania - Day 1 - 0818) It was with mixed feelings that Arania heard Susan assuring her that she need not move from her quarters. Even though she was not an officer she still held a very important position as QV was one of the hubs of ship life and that it wouldn't be the same without her, but if Arania didn't want to stay there or she wanted to change anything, Bob would help. "......I hear that he even fixed up Shadow with a holographic tree to sleep in," Susan grinned at Bob and Arania smiled, genuinely amused. ~ A tree for sleeping in! What a lovely idea. ~ The thought cheered Arania up for some reason, possibly because she loved trees so much; she was certain that they had they had spirits of their own. (reply Bob iyw, room for more if wanted) Arania finished her coffee and stood up, excused herself, thanked them for caring and asked them what they wanted for their breakfasts. "Porridge," The captain replied after a little thought. "Plain porridge, a little salt, no cream and no sugar, please. A glass of pomegranate juice and another mug of coffee too." "As you wish." Arania said with another little bow, a little surprised that Rivers enjoyed her porridge in the same way that Arania did, though sometimes the Iradonian would add a hint of honey to it for a change. She looked at the CEO and waited for his order. (reply Lorimar) With another little bow to Bob, Arania spun around and hurried in to the kitchen to get their orders, although to anyone watching her, they'd think she was floating rather than walking. Several minutes later she was back out again with a big tray filled with their food and drinks, which she placed before them before putting another full, fresh carafe of hot coffee on the hotplate built in to the table. A press of a finger started it up to keep the coffee hot. "Please to enjoy the humble fare and thank you both again for all you do for me." She blew them kisses and then floated away once more. (Reply Bob, Susan, any) (Posted by Sal) ********** (USS Boudicca - QV - CEO Lorimar - 0819) "......I hear that he even fixed up Shadow with a holographic tree to sleep in," said the Captain with a smile. Bob responded with a smile of his own. "Tae gie credit where it's due Arania... the tree for Shadow was actually the Captain's idea... ah just did a wee spot of fabrication... all credit tae Susan here, ah'd never hae thought of it myself." (Reply Arania and/or Susan iyw) ~Porridge? Captain Goldilocks have we here? Next she will be telling us that this bed is too hard, this one too soft...~ His smile broadened for reasons known only to himself when he answered the implied question about breakfast. "Just a toasted wheat bagel with some grape jelly, if ye please Arania... and ah'd love some mair of this lovely coffee please." Arania gave a little bow in thier direction and then scurried off toward the kitchen with an evident purpose. In her absence, Bob broached the obvious subject. "Susan... ah thought ah knew Matt fairly well. Ye served much longer with him than ah did... would ye hae any idea that he would be capable of such a thing? Is it possible that he had good reason for disappearing?" (Reply Susan, room for more iyw) Shortly, Arania returned with thier orders. "Please to enjoy the humble fare and thank you both again for all you do for me." Bob smiled at her again. "Ah suspect ah speak for both of us lassie... anything ye need, anytime, just ask alright?" (Reply Arania iyw) After Arania drifted away to other business, Bob suddenly recalled what he had originally sought out the Captain for. "Susan, ah hesistate tae mix business wie breakfast, but there were a couple of things ah had wanted tae discuss when ah first came in..." (Reply Susan iyw, Any) (Posted by Russ) ********* (USS Boudicca - QV - CO Captain Susan Rivers - 0820) Susan just smiled at Bob's comment, true she had mentioned the idea but he had made it happen. "Credit where credit's due, Bob. I just asked if it were possible. You made it happen for her." Once Arania had left to get Susan's porridge and Bob's bagel, the engineer asked Susan the question that must have been on his mind as much as it had on hers. "Susan... ah thought ah knew Matt fairly well. Ye served much longer with him than ah did... would ye hae any idea that he would be capable of such a thing? Is it possible that he had good reason for disappearing?" "It's possible, I suppose." She toyed with her empty mug for a moment. "Ever since we came back from that d*****d mission to rescue Eva - the last mission the ship, or rather the crew, was on before you came aboard - he never seemed quite the same person he was before we went there. Lately I wondered sometimes if it was really 'our' Matt that came back, but of course it had to be. It's not like we went to a mirror universe or anything and brought back the wrong one." She sighed. "I sometimes think the only good thing that came out of that was Arania, and I thought perhaps she would help him get over whatever affected him down there. But after his accident... well in some ways it was as if the Matt McLaren I knew had vanished completely. The Matt I knew when I first came back to active service would never have abandoned the woman he loved. Especially not when that woman had literally given up everything for him. But sometimes events do change people, I guess. The civil war and the final battle changed many lives, not all for the better. I suppose Matt was just one among many." (reply Bob iyw) They both stopped discussing Matt when they caught sight of Arania returning with their orders, and thanked them for being there for her. As usual Bob had the right words, and Susan was again impressed with his ability to say the right thing at the right time. After Arania had left them alone again, it became a working breakfast as Bob and Susan talked over the normal, day to day business he had originally sought her out to discuss. As they did so, Susan made a mental note that this was a good idea. Perhaps one she could introduce with her new FO and 2O once they were appointed. Maybe even rotate it with the department heads. Not to mention that breakfast without teenage angst, pre-teen insatiable questions and gooey cereal everywhere but *inside* the toddler who was supposed to be eating it could only be a plus. (reply Bob, any, none) (Posted by Liz) ********* (USS Boudicca - Qulaetha Vorenda - SPC Bar Manager Arania - Day 1 - 0821) Arania returned to Susan and Bob with their orders, wished them enjoyment of their breakfasts and thanked them again. Bob smiled at her again. "Ah suspect ah speak for both of us lassie... anything ye need, anytime, just ask alright?" "Remember, I will for sure." Arania replied, "with much thankfulness, and breakfast is no charge." She stated firmly before spotting a couple of new arrivals who'd sat down a couple of tables away. She went over to the newcomers and welcomed them to the lounge. (Reply Any) (Posted by Sal) ******************************************************************** (USS Boudicca - QV - CEO Lorimar - 0828) He wasn't so sure this had been a good idea after all. Granted, in the few minutes they had been eating and talking, The CO and CEO had ironed out a few (not especially thorny) issues that had needed clarification. He was about done with his bagel, and done with his coffee when he got to the last two items on his list. Frankly though... the sheer informality of discussing ships' business with the Captain -- who refused to be addressed as such while in this room -- was very uncomfortable at best. He was not one to stand much on rank and formality... but a Starfleet Captain deserved respect! "There are only two things left on mah 'to discuss' list, as of now." He paused and took the last bite of his bagel while he studied his PADD briefly with his free hand indexing data. "First, we still havenae carried out a separation, rendevous, and docking test -- a live one, as opposed to a simulated one -- but ah'm nae sure that would be practical at all while docked wie the station... tae say nothing of the safety regulations we would have tae violate to dae it." He chuckled quietly and continued. "Ah still recommend we carry that out whenever we can squeeze it intae the mission profile. Ah for one would feel a great deal better making certain that we can separate, and more importantly reconnect the ship." ~Not that ah consider making two ships of one an especially good idea, at least nae in general application. After all... the Boudicca wasnae originally designed with such a thing in mind~ (Reply Rivers, room for more iyw) "Right. The other thing is a test flight for the Runabout... the new one. Now... while we are on the subject," he tried his very best to hide his discomfort at what he was about to say, but failed fairly badly at it. "Matt insisted she was to be named... after... me. Ah must officially renew mah protest tae that. Call it anything else... please? And may we have yer blessin tae conduct a test flight while we are still docked?" (Reply Rivers, Any) (Posted by Russ) ******** (USS Boudicca - QV - CO Captain Susan Rivers - Day 1 - 0830) Having worked through quite a few things together, Bob came to the last two on his list. The first of those was that there had been no live test of the separation, rendezvous and docking procedures for the ship, and he recommended that be carried out as soon as possible. "...Ah for one would feel a great deal better making certain that we can separate, and more importantly reconnect the ship." Susan nodded. "Indeed so," she said. "I'll make it a priority to assign time for that, perhaps when we leave the station, or we could take the ship out for a trial before we receive new orders. Let me know how much time you think we will need for the initial trial, after that we can decide if we need to do it more than once. Unless you feel that it would be beneficial to run through it two or three times? Let me know and I'll assign the appropriate amount of time to it." "Right. The other thing is a test flight for the Runabout... the new one. Now... while we are on the subject," Bob suddenly looked extremely uncomfortable, "Matt insisted she was to be named... after... me. Ah must officially renew mah protest tae that. Call it anything else... please? And may we have yer blessin tae conduct a test flight while we are still docked?" Susan considered what Bob had said before answering. "The class of a ship, or a shuttle, is traditionally named after its inceptor, and from what I understand, Bob, that would be you. It's not a matter of choice for me, particularly, in the end it will be up to Starfleet Command. You can of course put forward your own suggestion which will be considered." She smiled. "Personally I think the Lorimar class would sound fine, but I understand your reservations. If you come up with another name I will put that forward for consideration when your design is submitted." (reply Bob iyw) "As for the test flight - most certainly you have my permission to do so. I leave it to you to arrange whatever crew you think necessary as well as the time and date, OK? This is your project, you have my blessing to do whatever needs to be done, especially since we're waiting for orders at the moment. Of course should we receive those orders then your test might have to be postponed but we're scheduled to be here for at least another five days so I don't think that's likely. In short, Bob, make your preparations and go for it, and I look forward to seeing the results." (Reply Bob iyw, any) (Posted by Liz) ********* (USS Boudicca – Personal Quarters – ACSO Deston - 0930) Carl finished tucking in his shirt and somewhat awkwardly did up the fly, button and belt of his pants. He moved around his quarters, exaggerating his movements somewhat as he tested the feel of the psuedo-denim. He'd worn bluejeans once, but the heavy, coarse material had been decidedly uncomfortable compared to the materials he was used to wearing. Still, he'd liked the look of the stuff, and had eventually managed to find a suitable replacement and have it made into a pair of pants that closely resembled the real thing, while being a lot more comfortable to wear. The primitive metal button and zipper would need more practice, however, and the clumsy belt was on the verge of breaking the whole deal... but he would cope. It felt good, he decided, and reached over his bunk and grabbed the Stetson, went to the 'fresher and carefully adjusted the felt chapeau as he watched in the mirror. He observed the results for a few seconds, then struck a pose. "So-unn, ay rekkun you had bes- yood best drop your ay-run, ah, dammit." He recovered from the rather awkward pose and grimaced at his reflection. ~You're going to need lessons if you want any hope of imitating that accent,~ he chided himself. It was ironic that he could speak with fair fluency in two nonhuman and two non-English tongues, but had enormous difficulty with speaking and understanding most variants of his native language. ~These are just relaxation clothes, not roleplaying gear. No need to put on an act.~ Still, he decided, the comm on his chest gave him an appearance quite reminiscent of a "sheriff", according to the visuals he'd studied. He doffed the hat and tucked it under his elbow as he left the 'fresher, crossed his cabin and exited into the corridor. He was scheduled to beam over to the Laatstekans station in a few minutes, and didn't want to cause any delays; transporter chiefs had a not-entirely-unwarranted reputation for harboring a lingering displeasure for those who crimped their schedules. (reply none) (posted by John O'Neill) ******** (USS Boudicca, Science Labs - ACSO Ensign Ayslin Rel and Chief Petty Officer Ashley Kester - 0930) Ayslin walked into the science labs to the blissful quiet of a near empty lab. With them docked at the station, most of the staff had down time coming, and only a few stayed on to manage experiments that were either time sensitive or couldn't be halted once started without losing all of the data. Ayslin got a few friendly nods from staff as she walked in, but everyone was more or less relaxed. She wandered through the various interconnected rooms and facilities making her morning rounds making what little small talk she could before moving on. She moved to one of the smaller labs and smiled as she saw one of her newest Chiefs, and was promptly greeted by a very large fluffy black dog who pushed her heavy frame against Ayslin's legs looking for attention. "Hey Quantum, what are you today?" Ayslin asked. "Today she would be a Newfoundland." Ashley said with a smile, patting Quantum's head as she circled back to her desk to lie back down, a huff of breath escaping as her large frame hit the floor. "You sure you didn't get a bit of bear in there on accident?" Ayslin asked with a grin. "Nope. We double checked," Ashley said with a smile. "Newfoundlands are ranked as one of the best dogs to have with children. They have one of the gentlest personalities and have a near perfect score for their interactions with children, having been docked points only for their size," Ashley said, reaching down and scratching Quantum's head affectionately. "They have a nearly instinctual drive to rescue and protect, and their history is rife with recorded incidents of them dragging stranded sailors to shore. There were even a few that were registered life guards. The Newfoundland is one of Quantum's major personality components, which is why I let her hang out in this breeds skin some times. She still just curls up at my feet most of the time anyway, makes a really good foot warmer, Ma'am," Ashley said with a grin. "Hey, it's your project, chief, I was just wondering," Ayslin said, brushing her hair back over her ears. "You are going to take some time on the station right?" "Yes, Ma'am. It's just nice to work in a quite lab once in a while. Getting some report writing done, and spending some time with Quantum. The Daystrom wants the final reports on her by the end of the month. We're basically done, just doing some final adaptability tests," Ashley said with a sad smile as she looked down at the prone hulk of fur. Ayslin looked at her subordinate for a few moments, then down at Quantum who was staring up at her with big dark eyes. ~I had a pet once,~ Ayslin thought. "Chief," Ayslin said after a slight hesitation, "I hate to hand everything over to Daystrom, we're going to want to do more refinement, nothings ever perfect. Keep copy of Quantum's programing on file, under your lock." Ayslin said. Ashley smiled and nearly cried, and she reached down and gave Quantum's ears a good scratch. "Thank you Ma'am, I'll make sure her program is well looked after." "You do that chief, and do try and take some kind of break. The last thing we need is another over worked member of the crew." Ayslin said. "I will, Ma'am," Ashley said. "Have a good day, Ma'am." "You too, Chief," Ayslin said before turning and walking out the door. She had a sudden urge to have some fun that wasn't related to science, and oh the fun you could have on a little outpost like this one. "Jeven, you're a bad bad influence on me," she muttered under he breath as she broke out in a wicked smile. (Reply None needed) (Posted by Patrick D.) ********* (Laatstekans Station – Boardwalk – ACSO Deston - 0945) It was, Deston finally decided as he stood, pausing in the doorway, something like being back in college, or at the Academy: a chaotic bustle of activity with an underlying order derived from the sense of purpose (or, rather purposes) and funneled by the arrangement of destinations. That, and the riotous congeries of body types that met the eye. There, a pentad of silvery creatures, like spidery centaurs in general form, but utterly unlike spiders, equines, or humanoids in every detail; they maintained a rigid formation as they gracefully stalked along the walkways, whistling to each other as their long, slender leg-stalks twinkled in the artificial lights. Just behind them, what had to be a Hroshii, lumbering along like a compact, eight-legged tank, and his Rargyllian translator, a medusoid of some stature, if his arm bands were any indication. A loud, strident voice drew his attention to a Tellarite, possibly a proprietor or employee of one of the storefronts, in heated conversation with a pair of hissing Gorn... there must have been several dozen races present, easily. At least a third of them Deston either didn't recognize at all, or knew only by sight. He'd have to try to get some data on the station population later on, though certainly many of the sentients he was seeing were only visitors like himself. There was a significant /harrumph/ from behind him, and Deston stepped forward into the Boardwalk area, tossing back a quick, "Sorry!" as he unblocked the door. He'd gotten a raised eyebrow or two from the port authorities; apparently, his garb was a tad unusual for Starfleet personnel. He'd been processed through without a hitch, though, but he'd woolgathered too long, and the junior looie yellowshirt behind him hadn't taken any longer to process than he had. Once on the concourse, Deston took his time ambling along. There was so much to see, and it was just a plain pleasure to be /not in the ship/. It didn't matter that he was in yet another self-contained structure; it was /not-ship/, and therefore a sufficient change. Furthermore, the air scrubbers on the station were apparently somewhat overtaxed, and the aroma of a multitude of sentients, with wildly varying biochemistries, went a long way to help make the break. Deston didn't hold his nose in disgust; he welcomed the change from the sterile environment common to all Federation vessels. Besides, it wasn't really that strong - just different. It was a lot like planetfall, really. (posted by John O'Neill) ******** (Laatstekans Station - Boardwalk – Sec.O Parrr'Z – 0959) ~This is absolutely marvelous!~ The Caitian drew in a deep sniff of air as he leaned against the railing and looked all around with wide eyed appreciation, as his olfactory senses savored the many and varied scents that his brain was processing and slotting into categories. He had been too several space stations on his journey among the stars but this one was entirely different to whatever he'd experienced. There were so many intriguing new species he had never ever seen or even heard of before on this small space station, and their scents were quite fascinating to the Caitian security officer as he tried to define which scent belonged to which species among the varied beings that walked, stalked, marched, floated and even slithered along. Naturally there were other scents the Caitian recognized and their ACSO Ensign Deston was one and very prominent as he walked past Parrr'Z who looked like any other Caitian as he was dressed only in a pair of three quarter length black pants. Parrr'Z watched the ACSO with a partial interest as he walked past and noted with particular interest a large Kzinti was prowling along behind Deston, having only met one of them several years before and determined that they had so many similar traits yet many other dissimilar ones, that they had to be 'cousins' rather like the Vulcans and Romulans. He remembered Sharrish with much fondness having discovered several anatomical differences between them when she had shared his sleeping pad a few times. A lot had been learned about her culture during the month they'd spent together and on impulse, Parrr'Z decided he would introduce himself to the Kzinti. Decision made he followed after the bigger being and was only about five meters away when the Kzinti abruptly stopped causing an obviously startled Edosian to move away quickly. He quickened his pace closing the distance between them swiftly and as he drew alongside the Kzinti he saw Ensign Deston sprawled on the deck. Parrr'Z stopped and stared. What was the ACSO doing lying on the deck? A glance at the lashing rat-like tail and then at the Kzinti's face immediately alarmed the Caitian for he knew what that 'smile' meant and he knew what an angry Kzinti was capable of, and the Kzinti was looking right at Deston. ~ Ut oh!! Trouble! ~ Without hesitation, Parrr'Z stepped between Deston and the Kzinti and slammed a fist into Deston's mid section and cuffed him hard on the head as he doubled over. It had to look effective so he didn't hold back much but better for him to chastize the Ensign than for the Kzinti to rip him apart. (reply Deston, any) "Fool!" He hissed at him, fangs exposed menacingly and whiskers bristling as his tail lashed back and forth. "Look where you're going in future or I'll rip out your throat." He spun around to face the Kzinti and spoke a few words in the other felinoid's language, apologizing profusely for his comrade's disrespect and promising that he would pay dearly for it when they returned to their ship. (reply Deston, Kzinti?) (posted by Sal) ******* (Laatstekans Station – ACSO Deston - Boardwalk – 1005) Eventually, Deston had grown a basic working map of the Boardwalk area in his memory, and he began thinking as he walked. It would be criminal for him not to purchase some mementos for the family back on Proxima; he should start looking at what shops there were for suitable items. Plus something for himself, of course. Memory labored a moment, then brought forth a thought: ~there were some interesting things in that shop we passed a minute ago!~ Deston stopped and executed an abrupt turn, and took a half step into an unyielding, furry mountain. His next clear memory was from a worm's-eye-view as he realized he was lying on the deck, perhaps three meters from where he'd just been standing. There was a smiling felinoid face looking at him from a disconcerting height, mounted atop a very large body of dark orange fur. Movement caught his eye; a pink, ratlike tail lashed back and forth behind the felinoid. A frightened squawk diverted his attention again, as he saw an obviously upset Edosian scuttle away from his vicinity. Deston looked back at the felinoid. There was something wrong with it; it didn't look at all like any Caitian he'd ever seen (and he'd seen a few). He scrambled to his feet, and then memory clicked again. This wasn't a Caitian; it was a Kzinti. And Kzin do not smile; they bare their teeth in readiness for combat. Oh, and they have enormous personal spaces, and take physical contact as a provocation. Memory, now exhausted from it's labors, offered nothing more. Thought seemed to have fled the scene: all Deston could think of was, ~where's my hat?~ (reply any) (posted by John O'Neill) ********* (Laatstekans Station - Boardwalk – ACSO Carlyle Deston – 1007) Before Carl could even begin to clear his head sufficiently to work out a solution to his predicament, there was a sudden blur of movement from his right as someone stepped in close to him, between him and the enraged Kzin. Then everything went red as something went terribly, terribly wrong in his abdomen. He didn't even feel the blow to his head; for a few moments, his world was a tight ball of pain just south of his diaphragm. The inability to draw a breath was just starting to sound it's own drumbeats of panic, which would certainly make things worse in a few seconds. Whoever had incapacitated him said something; Carl managed to divert just enough attention to understand, "...where you're going in future or I'll rip out your throat." ~'nother Kzin?~ he thought blearily. He was feeling that he was in very, very deep trouble. He straightened slightly, the effort of doing so making his head swim. The newcomer was hissing and spitting at the orange Kzin. The Kzin replied in accented Federation Standard. "It has been over eight eights of days since I have had fresh meat, and more eights since I last enjoyed a hunt. Keep your monkey on a close leash, or I shall satisfy both of my needs on his worthless carcass." The Kzin, now somewhat mollified, relaxed slightly; his ears unfolded (startlingly large) and his rictus faded. He peered closer at the still-doubled-over form of Deston. "Though I doubt I would get much satisfaction from such a scrawny specimen - there is hardly any meat on him." It was at this point that Deston managed to draw a shuddering breath. Then he lost his lunch all over Parrr'Z's feet. Well, technically, it was breakfast; Carl had enjoyed an excellent ham and cheese omelet in QV, with some incredible berry muffins the size of his thumbnail, freshly made by Arania. All gone to waste, now, excepting for the wonderful colors and textures that now graced the deck and the security officer's feet. The Kzin wrinkled his nose in disgust. "You have my sympathies. I would have no patience with such an ill-behaved pet." His expression and attention made it obvious he had dismissed both of the Starfleet officers from his awareness, and the Kzin stepped around them and stalked away. Deston, now able to mostly straighten up, said, "Wh- what th' hell jus' happen'?" He wiped the corner of his mouth with his sleeve. (reply Parrr'Z, any) (posted by John) ******** (Laatstekans Station - Boardwalk – Sec.O Parrr'Z– 1008) As Parrr'Z apologized profusely to the Kzinti for the human's disrespectful behavior, he saw the larger felanoid begin to relax as his rage subsided. He was much relieved as he really didn't want to have to fight the enraged Kzinti in order to protect Ensign Deston, but he would have if the need arose. "It has been over eight eights of days since I have had fresh meat, and more eights since I last enjoyed a hunt. Keep your monkey on a close leash, or I shall satisfy both of my needs on his worthless carcass." The Kzin replied with a hissing snarl as he assessed the doubled up Deston, who was still recovering from the blows that Parrr'Z had inflicted on him. "Though I doubt I would get much satisfaction from such a scrawny specimen - there is hardly any meat on him." He added just as the Ensign threw up the contents of his stomach, some of it splattering over Parrr'Z's feet. Parrr'Z's nose wrinkled in disgust, setting his whiskers bristling and drawing his lips back from his sharp canines as he leaped away reflexively so that very little actually soiled his feet. He hissed angrily at the downed Deston, whiskers and nostrils twitching as the foul smell reached his nose. ~Ughhh! You ungrateful wretch!~ The Kzinti also wrinkled his nose in disgust and expressed his sympathies over Parrr'Z's ill-behaved pet before he stepped around them and stalked away. Parrr'Z took one look at the offending multi-colored mess on the deck and on his feet, picked up Deston's fallen hat and proceeded to wipe the little bit of stomach contents from his fur with it, growling with annoyance as he did so. Deston now recovered enough to mostly straighten up, said, "Wh- what th' hell jus' happen'?" He wiped the corner of his mouth with his sleeve. "What jussst happened? What JUSSST HAPPENED??? I jussst saved yourrr misserable life, that'sss what happened....Do you have any idea what that Kzinti would have done to you? Have you seen minced meat?" The stetson flew from Parrr'Z's paw as he tossed it at the Ensign and landed squarely in Deston's face. "You arrre lucky to be alive! I don't apprrreciate being puked on and would happily slice and dice you myself." The large Caitian sighed long and loud now feeling a little sorry for the human and then thrust his paw out to Deston, grabbed his arm and hauled him up on to his feet. "You will be fine, I didn't hit you asss harrrd as I sh..could have." He stated as he brushed some dust of the human's clothing. (reply Deston, any) (posted by Sal) ******** (Laatstekans Station - Boardwalk – ACSO Carl Deston – 1010) Deston was still recovering; the nausea from the combined head trauma and blow to the abdomen had largely subsided after he'd vomited, though he was still hurting from having been knocked three meters through the air by a startled, hair-trigger Kzinti and the subsequent "tough love" administered by the Caitian immediately afterwards. Having his own hat (used by aforementioned Caitian as a cleaning device) tossed into his face sparked something that focused his attention. "You will be fine, I didn't hit you asss harrrd as I sh..could have." The Caitian began brushing some dust off of Carl's clothing. Deston stepped back a little bit, just out of Parrr'z's reach. "Thank you." His inflection indicated that he wasn't actually thanking Parrr'Z, but rather expressing some incredulity at the concept. He looked closer at Parrr'Z's face. "You're... I forget your name, but you're from the Boudicca, right?" Carl said, now speaking fairly fluent conversational Caitian. "Tactical, maybe? Right, Security." He winced a little as his sore torso continued to register various complaints with the management. "Well, I think I see how you thought you were helping, so I guess thanks for the thought, anyways, but your actions strike me as being ill-considered. For one thing, I was in no real danger from the Kzin. He wouldn't dare actually do anything, not here, not now, and certainly not to a human. I surprised him by bumping into him; if he'd wanted to kill me, he'd have done it immediately, not blustered about it. Him knocking me down showed remarkable restraint. Study up on the Kzin Wars, and you'll see what I mean. The Kzinti don't interfere with the Federation any more - at least, not where anything can be proven." Carl's face had gone a greenish-gray by this time. "For another thing, I think your tender administrations finished the job our angry friend started - I'm pretty sure I have some broken ribs now. If you'd really like to help me, you can help me get to an infirmary." He considered his still-swimming head and the sudden onset of diaphoresis that was dampening his shirt. "And maybe a mild concussion, too." (reply Parrr'Z, any) (posted by John O'Neill) ******** (Laatstekans Station - Boardwalk – SPC Sec.O Parrr'Z – 1010.5) "You will be fine, I didn't hit you asss harrrd as I sh..could have." The Caitian began brushing some dust off the Ensign's clothing. Deston stepped back a little bit, out of Parrr'z's reach causing Parrr'Z to snort with irritation. The science officer thanked him but the Caitian could tell that it wasn't a genuine feeling. ~ Why thank me if he doesn't mean it? What's wrong with honesty? ~ He peered closer at Parrr'Z's face and this time it was Parrr'Z who stepped back, feeling that his personal space was being invaded. "You're... I forget your name, but you're from the Boudicca, right?" Deston asked, to Parrr'Z's amazement in fairly fluent conversational Caitian. "Tactical, maybe? Right, Security." He winced a little. "Well, I think I see how you thought you were helping, so I guess thanks for the thought, anyways, but your actions strike me as being ill-considered. For one thing, I was in no real danger from the Kzin. He wouldn't dare actually do anything, not here, not now, and certainly not to a human. I surprised him by bumping into him; if he'd wanted to kill me, he'd have done it immediately, not blustered about it. Him knocking me down showed remarkable restraint. Study up on the Kzin Wars, and you'll see what I mean. The Kzinti don't interfere with the Federation any more - at least, not where anything can be proven." ~ Try to be nice and people just don't appreciate it, especially humans! He probably doesn't know anyones' name below the rank of Ensign. ~ He was not particularly interested or believing the Kzinti wouldn't have harmed the human, he remained listening out of courtesy. ~ Why wouldn't he harm a human? Are they so very special nobody would dare? ~ Parrr'Z rolled his eyes now thoroughly bored by the Ensign's lecture and was about to turn around and head back to the ship to clean up when the man continued on. Politely he refrained from sighing and listened as Deston started whining about being injured, stating he was sure he had some broken ribs and possibly a mild concussion "I did not hit you hard enough to break any ribs, Ensign, I suspect they are just badly bruised ~ you wimp! ~ Though it is possible you *are* mildly concussed. He stepped closer to the Ensign and tapped the commbadge on his western style shirt. "One to beam to sickbay!" He stated and stood back as the Ensign was engulfed in blue sparkles and transported back to the Boudicca, no longer willing to waste any more of his leave time on the man. "There's just no helping some people!" However, now that the ingrate was gone so was the distraction from the awful smell of vomit that was still rising up from himself despite having wiped most of it up with the human's stupid hat. Grumbling and growling in a most menacing manner and causing anyone he met to make a wide berth around him, the Caitian stalked back to the Boudicca to get cleaned up, vowing it would be a cold day in hell before he'd ever help another human out of dire straits while off-duty. (reply any) (posted by Sal) ******** (Laatstekans Station - Boardwalk – ACSO Ens. Carl Deston – 1011) The Caitian sounded rather less than pleasant as he said, "I did not hit you hard enough to break any ribs, Ensign, I suspect they are just badly bruised. Though it is possible you *are* mildly concussed." He stepped closer to Deston and tapped his commbadge. "One to beam to sickbay!" He stood back as Carl was enveloped in the shimmer of the transporter effect, vanishing from Carl's sight as Sickbay resolved around him. (reply none) (posted by John O'Neill) ******* (Boudicca - Sickbay - ACSO Ens. Carl Deston - 1011.5) Once fully materialized in Sickbay, Carl's vision began swimming and he became very nauseous again, with a very strong sensation of vertigo. He managed to croak out something, not terribly loud, then stumbled to his knees, desperately trying not to fall into the bottomless pit that he could feel opening around him. (reply any) (posted by John O'Neill) ******** (USS Boudicca - Sickbay - ACMO Ensign Jahlen - 1012) The other doctors were on leave and Jahlen wasn't particularly bothered about taking any leave, let the others have some fun. She received the call that one patient was being transported to Sickbay and was standing by for the materializing patient to appear. As he appeared to be about to feint, Jahlen quickly to beckoned an orderly over to help get the young man on the closest bio-bed. Jahlen recognized the Ensign as Carl Deston. She brought her trusty tricorder out of her pocket and began scanning him. ~ Mild concussion, a few contusions and severe bruising to his ribs but nothing broken, that's good! He looks like he was on the wrong end of some big fists! ~ She thought as she cut away his clothing to get a look at the damage, noting the size of the bruising. ~ Just one blow by the looks of things. ~ She manually felt his head and found a lump. ~ That explains the concussion. ~ Wasting no time she began using the dermal regenerator to alleviate the bruising and lessen the swelling behind his ear. "Got into a spot of bother did you?" She asked him as she treated him. (reply Deston, any) (posted by Sal) ******* (USS Boudicca - Sickbay - ACSO Ensign Carlyle Deston - 1013) Wrapped up in the highly unpleasant sensations of vertigo and nausea, Carl barely noticed as helping hands held and guided him to a bed. Lying down did alleviate the symptoms somewhat, and he soon began to recognize the familiar sounds of Starfleet medical equipment in use. Commensurately, he began to feel better, physically. He risked cracking an eye open, and saw his counterpart in the medical half of the Blue Contingent, Ensign Jahlen. "Got into a spot of bother did you?" Carl considered this for a moment, and tried to speak, only to discover the revolting flavor of vomitus still lingering in his mouth. He grimaced, working his mouth to clear the taste. "Accidentally ran into someone who doesn't like surprises," he finally managed. "Then I was helped by someone having their own bad day." He was starting to feel much better now, though his mental disorientation wasn't abating much, yet. (reply Jahlen, any) (posted by John O'Neill) ******* (USS Boudicca - Sickbay - ACMO Ensign Jahlen - 1014) "Got into a spot of bother did you?" Ensign Deston was silent for a moment, his mouth moving but nothing coming out of it, causing Jahlen to once more use her tricorder to see if it had missed anything the first time. Perhaps she had misread the concussion data and he was in fact worse off than she had believed, but the man grimaced and finally replied. "Accidentally ran into someone who doesn't like surprises," he finally managed. "Then I was helped by someone having their own bad day." "Really?" Jahlen tilted her head, looking at his face inquiringly. "Please clarify exactly what happened. You will appreciate that I have to know in order to complete my medical report; also it is helpful to know what weapon was used." (reply Deston) She listened as he told her what happened. The second tricorder scan just showed an improvement in his condition due to the treatment she'd started. She pocketed the tricorder and continued working with the dermal regenerator. ~ This space station sounds like a dangerous place if you're not careful. ~ (reply Deston, any) (posted by Sal) ******** (USS Boudicca - Sickbay - ACSO Ensign Carlyle Deston - 1014.5) "Really?" Jahlen tilted her head, looking at his face inquiringly. "Please clarify exactly what happened. You will appreciate that I have to know in order to complete my medical report; also it is helpful to know what weapon was used." Deston closed his eyes for a moment, composing his thoughts. "I managed to surprise a Kzin by suddenly walking into him; I assure you, it was a surprise to me as well. I had no idea he was there." He paused, then looked over at Dr. Jahlen. "Could I get a drink? I'm parched." And he was; his tongue was like a flap of felt and his lips had the crackly texture of a dried date, of a sudden. Plus, a drink would help wash the terrible taste from his mouth. (reply Jahlen) "Well, anyway, the Kzin managed to refrain from ripping my head off, and settled for slamming me backwards a few meters. One moment I was nose-deep in orange fur, the next I was on my back wondering how I got there. "About then, someone came by, and I guess they decided to fight fire with fire..." He'd been dithering a bit about exactly what he was going to say; this was a potentially sticky situation that could easily get blown way out of proportion in a number of ways. He decided to stick to the facts, which was generally the best course of action, and avoid much in the way of speculation and embellishments. As Dad Pin often said, everything would eventually come out in the wash. (reply Jahlen) (posted by John O'Neill) ******* (USS Boudicca - Sickbay - ACMO Ensign Jahlen - Day 1 - 1015) Ensign Deston closed his eyes for a moment after Jahlen asked him to clarify exactly what had happened for the medical records, as if he was trying to remember, and then told her that he'd surprised a Kzin by suddenly walking into him. He joked that he was surprised as well as he'd had no idea he was there. He looked at her and asked for a drink. With a nod, the doctor walked to the nearest replicator and ordered some fizzy water then gave it to him. He continued with his tale. "Well, anyway, the Kzin managed to refrain from ripping my head off, and settled for slamming me backwards a few meters. One moment I was nose-deep in orange fur, the next I was on my back wondering how I got there." ~ Oh my! ~ Jahlen had never met a Kzin but she'd heard tales about them that were quite hair-raising. "About then, someone came by, and I guess they decided to fight fire with fire..." She waited half a minute, expecting Deston to continue but when he didn't she prompted him. "So this someone did what exactly? Do I know who that is?" (reply Deston) (posted by Sal) ******* (USS Boudicca - Umbillic cord - SPC Sec.O Parrr'Z & Shadow to Sretelles - 1015) Shadow was heading off-ship. Denise had threatened something about her tail and a cheese grater if she didn't 'get the hell off the ship and away from work for two hours each day while docked.' The felenoid, who was very defensive of her very long tail, wasn't about to find out what a cheese grater was. So, that's about how it was that she was walking off the ship when her lover was walking on. Her ears flattened in surprise. "What HAPPENED?" Shadow splurted in surprise and shock. The normally immaculate Caitan security officer had a few splatters of .. well, from the smell of it, human stomach contents. "Frrom the sssmell I think yourrr nose tells you what happened." Parrr'Z growled at Shadow as he continued stalking past her on the gangway, practically shoving his way through the station bound crew members in his haste to rid himself of the stench. "A foolish human angered a Kizinti, I distracted him from tearing him apart by hitting the human who ungratefully vomited, spattering me with his putrid stomach contents." Shadow blinked twice, whiskers suddenly twitching suspiciously while she tried to not let her tail loop in a corkscrew of amusement. "Well, I do not think I am offering to groom you clean today." Parrr'Z stopped in mid-stalk and turned to look at Shadow or rather to glare at her, unappreciative that she would find his predicament amusing. His lips curled back in a warning snarl. "It isss NOT funny and I do not appreciate that you find it amusing!" He growled at her, his tail beginning to lash back and forth behind him. Shadow froze on the spot, eyes widened. She wished she had Loren's bravery for a moment and channeled as best as she could, "As you wish, elder." She said with a baring of neck. Really, if he wasn't twice her size and able to rip her ears off with a swipe, it'd have been even funnier. She concentrated really, really hard on the lashing tail to remind herself Parrr'z's sense of humour was vacationing. Parrr'Z stared at Shadow's bared neck, a sign of submissiveness on her part. It was so tempting to his carefully stashed primitive feline to just to sink his teeth into it, and shake her ferociously for her display of blatant disrespect just two breaths ago, but he couldn't hurt her, he cared for her too much to harm her in that way and now she was at least showing him the deference he was due. "I need a shower!" He growled, and turning away from her stalked up the gangway and into the ship, wondering as he went, why she hadn't at least told him she was going on the station for a while. ~ It's obvious isn't it you fool? She really has no genuine wish to be with you as much as you desire being with her. ~ The sudden realization was like a dagger in his heart. Shadow surprised herself with the growl that came from her throat. "Oh, go mount a tree." She grumbled at the disappearing Caitan and turned on her own heel and stalked off the ship. ~I'm an exile to my people, I never see my kits, I'll never be a real bard, I will one day drown in a sea of PADDs and I'm upset my boyfriend just dumped me. Spirits, I need to get my priorities right!~ Shadow wondered if the hollow pit feeling in one's heart was why the furless buried their faces in the vile smelling stuff called alcohol. (Reply none) (posted by Lorna & Sal) ******** (USS Boudicca - Sickbay - ACSO Ensign Carl Deston - Day 1 - 1016) Deston was thinking furiously - at least, as furiously as his current condition would allow. It was making him a little dizzy. The delay prompted Dr. Jahlen to ask, "So this someone did what exactly? Do I know who that is?" Deston sighed. "It was one of our security personnel - a Caitian, whose name I'm afraid I can't recollect at the moment - couldn't remember then, either." He took another sip of his water. "In what I believe was an attempt to fend off the Kzin by establishing a territorial priority, he stepped in between us and struck me in the abdomen. I think he also hit me in the head, but honestly I wasn't noticing much by then. After I threw up, the Kzin left, and my saviour chewed me out; I... lectured him a little - I'm a bit of a pedant and an orate, if you hadn't noticed - and he sent me over here. He seemed inordinately upset." He sipped at his water again, a longer pull, then said, "That last bit- that should probably be off the record. It's a purely subjective observation, and you may appreciate that I wasn't in any shape to be properly clinical about the experience." (reply Jahlen) (posted by John O'Neill) ******** (USS Boudicca - Sickbay - SPC a-CMO/Lt. Jahlen - Day 1 - 1017) Deston sighed in response to Jahlen's question about his assailant's identity and what precisely had happened. "It was one of our security personnel - a Caitian, whose name I'm afraid I can't recollect at the moment - couldn't remember then, either." He took another sip of his water. "In what I believe was an attempt to fend off the Kzin by establishing a territorial priority, he stepped in between us and struck me in the abdomen. I think he also hit me in the head, but honestly I wasn't noticing much by then. After I threw up, the Kzin left, and my saviour chewed me out; I... lectured him a little - I'm a bit of a pedant and an orate, if you hadn't noticed - and he sent me over here. He seemed inordinately upset." He sipped at his water again and then said, "That last bit- that should probably be off the record. It's a purely subjective observation, and you may appreciate that I wasn't in any shape to be properly clinical about the experience." Having completed her second tricorder assessment which confirmed the first one, Jahlen nodded and patted his hand. "Of course, I'd hardly expect you to remember every detail, but yes...your injuries certainly correspond with what you have told me, you have a nice egg just behind your ear." She gave it a little poke with her index finger. "Which is the source of your concussion, and no doubt applied in order to render you incommunicado so to speak. However it will be gone in no time." She nodded mostly to herself. "Caitians are well known for their strength, especially the males. Had he really intended to harm you I believe I would be putting the pieces together in the autopsy room. I am sure he was acting under the guise of punishing you so that the Kzin wouldn't. In which case I surely would be putting humpty dumpty back together right now." Jahlen grinned at him as the dermal regenerator worked its magic. "His name is Parrr'Z." She stated. (reply Deston) "The Caitian! His name is Parrr'Z and I'm afraid he may well end up court marshaled for his troubles. Attacking a superior officer is a serious offence." (reply Deston, any) (posted by Sal) ******** (USS Boudicca - Sickbay - ACSO Ensign Carl Deston - Day 1 - 1018) Dr. Jahlen confirmed the diagnosis with a prod to a sensitive spot just behind Deston's right ear, causing him to wince slightly as she made some further observations on the overall situation. At the conclusion of which, Deston was left with a somewhat preoccupying mental image. "Uh - what was that?" he asked, bringing his attention back to reality once again. "The Caitian! His name is Parrr'Z and I'm afraid he may well end up court marshaled for his troubles. Attacking a superior officer is a serious offence." Deston was quiet for several seconds, thinking things over. "That strikes me as being a rather suboptimal conclusion to this already unfortunate situation. Why do these things have to be so complicated? Why did this even have to happen?" He issued some histrionic noises to both vent some of his frustration at the situation, as well as lighten the mood a little; as the man said, you had to either laugh or cry, and crying didn't usually get things solved. "What Parrr'Z probably needs is some serious time with the Counselor, not a court-martial. He didn't seem to be, you know, /personally involved/ with me. On the other hand, he did start to say he didn't hit me as hard as he /should/ have... then caught himself and said /could have/... maybe he needs to be taken off duty soon, before something else goes wrong." He shifted position on the bio bed a little. "I don't know, Doctor; if it were me, I'd just want to talk to him a little, get him to see the Counselor, maybe bring in his department head if it seemed necessary. On the other hand, I'm not terribly good with the whole military justice thing; I like to quantify quanta and classify xenofauna, not follow the proceedings of the JAG, so maybe a court-martial is the right thing to do. Klono knows it isn't what I want to happen, though." (reply Jahlen) (posted by John O'Neill) ******** (USS Boudicca - Sickbay - SPC a-CMO/Lt. Jahlen - Day 1 - 1019) "The Caitian! His name is Parrr'Z and I'm afraid he may well end up court marshaled for his troubles. Attacking a superior officer is a serious offence." Deston was quiet for several seconds as if thinking things over. When he finally commented on what Jahlen had said, he sounded as if that hadn't occurred to him about the court marshal, and then he made some dramatic noises that gave Jahlen the impression he was trying to make light of the situation. He suggested that the Caitian could spend some time with the Counselor or be taken off duty before something else went wrong. Jahlen considered what he said and concluded that perhaps the Caitian hadn't done anything wrong as far as he was concerned, he probably thought he had done what was necessary under the circumstances. Deston adjusted his position on the bio bed a little. "I don't know, Doctor; if it were me, I'd just want to talk to him a little, get him to see the Counselor, maybe bring in his department head if it seemed necessary. On the other hand, I'm not terribly good with the whole military justice thing; I like to quantify quanta and classify xenofauna, not follow the proceedings of the JAG, so maybe a court-martial is the right thing to do. Klono knows it isn't what I want to happen, though." "I am sure Parrr'Z doesn't make a habit of hitting people, Mister Deston, in fact I would bet on him having thought his actions were for the best outcome so to speak, but I think I will message the counseling department with details of what happened and leave it to them whether they counsel him or not. As you don't wish it to be a court martial case I will certainly adhere to your wishes on that matter, as I said I think he did what he thought was suitable." (reply Deston iyw) It took Jahlen almost another thirty minutes to finish with the dermal regenerator. When she finished she told the young man to rest for an hour and then he could go if he was feeling alright. "But if you get any lightheadedness or headaches afterwards, you are to return immediately." (reply Deston) (posted by Sal) ********* (Laatstekans Station - Shadow to Sretelles - 1020) She'd stomped off the ship wishing she wore boots so she could make a really good stomp. She'd ignored the expressions and scents of crewmates as she went past. She'd then gotten onto station and had no idea what she wanted to do. She knew in a holo she was probably supposed to go work off her aggression by starting a fight in a bar or writing a scathing song or something. She didn't want to go near a foul smelling bar, she didn't like violence and she didn't really have anyone to sing to or anywhere to sing for that matter either. She turned and looked out the view windows to the Boudicca with a defeated sigh and then brow furrowed along with narrowed eyes as she peered at the ship left ear twitching several times in confused shock. (reply none) (posted by Lorna) ******** (USS Boudicca - Sickbay - ACSO Ens. Carl Deston - Day 1 - 1021) "I am sure Parrr'Z doesn't make a habit of hitting people, Mister Deston, in fact I would bet on him having thought his actions were for the best outcome so to speak, but I think I will message the counseling department with details of what happened and leave it to them whether they counsel him or not. As you don't wish it to be a court martial case I will certainly adhere to your wishes on that matter, as I said I think he did what he thought was suitable." "No doubt. It's just very unpleasant being the subject of necessity, whether actual or perceived." He chuckled a bit, despite the discomfort. "I imagine that his having to clean even a few drops of my vomitus from his fur might help make up for some of the unpleasantness. My revenge from beyond, so to speak." (reply Jahlen if so desired but not necessary) It took Jahlen almost another thirty minutes to finish with the dermal regenerator. When she finished she told Deston to rest for an hour and then he could go if he was feeling alright. "But if you get any lightheadedness or headaches afterwards, you are to return immediately." "Oh, absolutely, Doctor," he said, making himself a little more comfortable on the bed. An hour later, he was carefully swinging his feet over the side of the bio bed and sitting up. Any discomfort was almost unnoticable, and he continued the careful movement until he was standing on the floor unaided. "I feel... almost human. Thank you for everything." (reply Jahlen, iyw) (posted by John O'Neill) ****** (USS Boudicca – Outer Hull – CEO Lorimar – 1024) ~The view o’ that station is magnificent… so different fae the cookie-cutter Federation standard designs… ah like it!~ Bob gave no further thought to it, aside, of course, from the appraising eye he used unconsciously, the engineer in his brain never resting. He was tempted to take a few steps to port – no, starboard for a better view. EVA operations were something of a personal favorite for him, and he very rarely got the chance to indulge his passion, making this an extra treat. Some might find the view confusing, disorienting, perhaps even nausea inducing, but not him. He cast a glance down (up) to where his magnetic boots were firmly planted on the hull plates of his beloved starship, past the maneuvering unit/tool carrier along the curve of the hull. Relative to the ship and station he was ‘upside down', the entire bulk of the Boudicca 'above' him, as he was standing on the very bottom of the secondary hull. As he gazed starboard and up toward the station, he saw the length of the docking arm and much of the station, the stars shining as a backdrop in the blackness beyond. With no atmosphere to diffuse the light, they shone as so many scattered jewels in the night. The starlight had minimal competition; unlike many (most) Federation stations, Laatstekans was not gaudily well lit. If he looked for a moment and let the visual filters in his helmet adjust, he could actually see starlight reflect off the surface of the station. It was simply a breathtaking view. A soft voice in his helmet brought his gaze back from the cosmos to the here and now. "Chief? Bob? Still with me?" He smiled behind his visor without realizing it. Partly from the view, partly because of feelings of which he was only dimly aware. The voice was that of Ensign Enright, who had accompanied him on the EVA repair. Not that the job was particularly difficult, but rather safety regulations required a minimum of 'two out' -- no solo excursions in the event of an emergency. He pulled his gaze back to her, and noted that several strands of blond hair had fallen free of her normally neat ponytail to frame her face in the wash of the suit lights. It gave an almost ethereal glow to her normally pale skin. He caught himself staring and cleared his throat quietly. "Sorry lassie... admirin' the view is all... mah apologies." She smiled inside her helmet and chided him gently. "I think you need to get out more Bob," she said as she gestured expansively around them. "Not talking about outside the hull, either." He chose to ignore the jibe and returned to work. They were replacing one of the ship's annular confinement beam emitters for the transporter system. The tremendous number of duty cycles used during the recent operation had served to move up the scheduled maintenance requirements considerably. Working inside a spacedock would have been easier, but the view would not have been as grand. Aside from that... the job needed doing. Enright had removed the 'transparent to the EM spectrum' shielding plate from the emitter assembly. Lorimar took it carefully from her and tethered it to the tool carrier so it didnt drift away like some sort of cosmic flotsam. The emitter itself (more accurately themselves, as it was an array package as opposed to a single unit) wasn't really designed to be field replaced, but together they managed to remove it without overtaxing the cooling units in thier suits. The reinstall of the replacement unit was time consuming, as each connection needed to be tested as it was installed. It reminded Bob of mowing the fields at home. Time consuming but not particularly mentally taxing. It was work by rote, so to speak... and left much time to think. Maybe too much time. He looked at the heads up display in his helmet, and made certain he was only transmitting on a private suit to suit channel before he spoke. "Lassie... dae ye still think of him often?" She froze in place, staring at the connection she was testing. She slowly brought her gaze up to face him and he could tell her face was slightly flushed, her eyes glistening just a bit. Her answer came without hesitation however. "Every moment of everyday. Why... why would you ask me that? I mean... it's not that I mind you asking but that is sort of an out of the blue question don't you think?" She blinked rapidly as though she had something in her eye then turned her attention quickly back to the repair work. "Ah broke mah hand a week or so ago ye know," he began softly. "Rumor has it that you made an unscheduled visit to sickbay... was that why?" "Aye, it was indeed." She made a small noise which didn't quite carry clearly over the comm channel as she made another connection. "Was that before or after breakfast?" ~Does she hae an odd tone in her voice? Or is that yer overactive imagination lad?~ "Before... and afore ye ask, one has nothing tae dae wie the other." "Uh huh." "Stacey, ah mean it," he began as he manipulated another connection on his side of the array. "Ah broke mah hand punching the bloody bulkhead in mah quarters if ye must know." "Chasing a certain Lieutenant? Or chasing a certain Lieutenant out?" she teased him lightly. "STACEY!" he thundered into the pickup, then instantly regretted it. "Sorry lassie... ah dinnae mean tae snap. One has nothing tae dae wie the other, honestly. 'Twas news from home that upset me enough tae make me punch the bulkhead." She stopped yet again and looked across at him, with a look of genuine concern evident in her face. "Want to tell me about it?" (Reply Any, None) (Posted by Russ) ******* (USS Boudicca - Ship Hull - Shadow to Sretelles & Holo-marine Jose Rameriz - 1035) Shadow loved EVA. She'd once dreamed of becoming an engineer so she could forever walk on the outside of the graceful giants that swam the stars. She loved the vacuum, the strength and beauty of space. The silence around her made her hear the songs in her heart and soul that much more clearly. She made her way to where she'd seen the very strange sight - there was a couple of deck chairs and a barbeque set up on the hull. "What are you doing?" she asked the holo-marine. "ManyHorses tossed me offs the ship, when Rivers tooks command backs, I came backs but Arania threatened me with fates worse than death!" He took a swig of holographic wine. "So's, I came back here and no one has even noticed I'm gone. I'm thinkin', whats the point of bein's around in no one even notices you missin'?" Shadow's eyes widened in the helmet as she listened to the holograms list of woes. "I see." And she did. Parrr'Z didn't want her around, Loren and Shun would outgrow her soon enough, and Starfleet would transfer her on soon enough anyway. People didn't stay at their camps. Well, unless they were the camp like Rameriz. Her tail felt restricted in the suit, designed for the tailless, but she still managed balance well enough. She sat down in the empty deck chair. "Wish I had advice for either of us." She said quietly. "I figures I'll sits here and drink until someone notices I'm gone. You's is welcome to do the same. Well, withouts the drinks." Shadow's tail looped a little at the end, "In space, no one can smell the scream." (reply any/none) (Posted by Lorna) ******** (USS Boudicca - QV - Lieutenant (jg) Denise Lebranski - 1103) Denise wasn't *quite* bouncing up and down as she was waiting for Cy to get off shift. He managed to keep the gossiping with his coworkers down to a minimum. "C'mon, there's shops to be snooped through and rear ends to admire!" she said firmly tucking Cy's hand through her arm and not quite dragging him off. ( Reply Tudor ) They were halfway down the corridor when her comm. badge pinged and she turned and took them to a different turbolift. "Yup, day seven and Mister Chief Engineer hasn't seen me since breakfast on day one. I think my mother has been letting her hair grow into her brain if she thinks this will work. Make him realize how much he misses you my aunt fanny." ( Reply Tudor ) (posted by Lorna) ******* (USS Boudicca - QV - SPC CIV Cy Tudor - 1103.5) "C'mon." Denise said, looking rather impatient, but then she had been waiting all of five minutes, and Cy had figured out that was a long time for her to stay patient. "There's shops to be snooped through and rear ends to admire!" she said firmly tucking Cy's hand through her arm and almost dragging him off. Cy waved bye to his co-workers and shrugged as much as to say, 'what can I do, she's just a pushy dame!' "I could use some new glad-rags and a change of scenery." Cy stated as they left QV and headed down the corridor, him having caught up with Denise so they were now walking side by side. They were halfway down the corridor when Denise's comm. badge pinged and she turned and took them to a different turbolift. "Yup, day seven and Mister Chief Engineer hasn't seen me since breakfast on day one. I think my mother has been letting her hair grow into her brain if she thinks this will work. Make him realize how much he misses you my aunt fanny." "Aren't you going to answer that?" Cy asked, pointing a finger at her commbadge. "And as for hunky Bob Lorimar, why don't you invite him out to dinner on the station, you *are* *the one and only Denise Lebranski*. The one I have come to love and respect aren't you? You know....the feisty, opinionated control freak?" (Reply Lebranski) (posted by Sal) ******** (USS Boudicca - Turbolift - Lieutenant (jg) Denise Lebranski - 1104) "Aren't you going to answer that?" Cy asked, pointing a finger at her commbadge. "And as for hunky Bob Lorimar, why don't you invite him out to dinner on the station, you *are* *the one and only Denise Lebranski*. The one I have come to love and respect aren't you? You know....the feisty, opinionated control freak?" "It's not a call, it's a proximity alert. Whenever our CEO gets close, I go a different dire - HEY! Control freak?" She put hands on hips and mock glared up at her friend, "I'll have you know that's *Princess* control freak to you!" (Reply Tudor :) "Well, that WOULD be the sensible thing.." She sighed and pulled her hair out of its overly fancy do to run her hands through it, "I had breakfast with him. Good home Cajun cooking. He hasn't said beep since." She rolled her eyes before Cy could point it out, "Okay, so I've been avoiding him, but he hasn't sent a message, nothing. Probably off hugging his warp core." (Reply Tudor) (posted by Lorna) ******** (USS Boudicca - Turbolift - SPC CIV Cy Tudor - 1104.5) "It's not a call, it's a proximity alert. Whenever our CEO gets close, I go a different dire - HEY! Control freak?" She put hands on hips and mock glared up at her friend, "I'll have you know that's *Princess* control freak to you!" Cy grinned saucily at her and gave her an exagerated 'camp' limp wrist flick. "Princess huh? Well I've got you beat Princess because I'm a Queen, so you had just better do what I tell you. If he won't do the wooing you have too and if you don't want to make him think you're pushing things and being to forward you could always make it a double date." Denise said that would be the sensible thing to do and sighing, ran her hands through her fancy hairdo, ruining it completely. Cy merely rolled his eyes with feigned disgust at the mess as she proceeded to tell him that she'd made him a good home Cajun breakfast but he hadn't said anything to her since. Before he could remind her that the man could hardly talk to her if she was purposefully avoiding him she rolled her eyes at him. "Okay, so I've been avoiding him, but he hasn't sent a message, nothing. Probably off hugging his warp core." Cy snorted derisively. "Oh for pity's sake woman!!! Give the poor guy a break why don't you? You know darn well that he is the Chief Engineer which means he's up to his back teeth in paperwork as well as everything else to do with engineering, if the mountain won't come to Mohamed then Mohamed must come to the mountain. Don't you think he may be wondering why you don't message him? Perhaps he's unsure exactly what your intentions are and doesn't know what to do, after all....don't forget he IS a man - you generally have to hit them between the eyes with a monkey wrench a few times before it finally sinks in." (Reply Lebranski) (posted by Sal) ******* (Laatstekans Station - Boardwalk - Lieutenant (jg) Denise Lebranski - 1117) "Oh wow," Denise said, craning her neck around, "Bob who?" she muttered to Cy with a light elbow in his ribs as she gestured towards a pair of Tyrinnian sword dancers. ( Reply Tudor ) "Okay, you're the boss. What's first? Ice Cream? Clothes? Picking you up a dinner date?" Denise batted her eyelashes at him outrageously at the last. ( Reply Tudor, any ) (Posted by Lorna) ******** (Laatstekans Station - Boardwalk - SPC CIV Cy Tudor - 1117.5) Strolling along on the Boardwalk arm in arm, Cy was really enjoying himself. "This has to be the wildest, most bohemian space station I have ever seen. I LOVE it!!" He stated, his voice warbling with excitement. "Oh wow," Denise said, craning her neck around, "Bob who?" she muttered to Cy with a light elbow in his ribs as she gestured towards a pair of Tyrinnian sword dancers. Eyes widening with wonder and delight at all the twirling, whirling tushies, Cy stood gawping, fully enjoying the dancing for several minutes. When the music stopped, Denise asked him what they'd do next.... Ice Cream, clothes or finding him a dinner date. She batted her eyelashes at him outrageously. "You're lucky I'm gay or I might think you're flirting with me, girlfriend!" Cy grinned and winked at her. "My choices are all three in that order. Let's find some triple chocolate fudge decadence for starters. I recall seeing an ice cream-come-coffee parlor is somewhere here." After wandering around for several minutes and stopping to ask a couple of passers-by for directions, they eventually found a place called 'FastFood Stop' that sold both, as well as other edibles such as sandwiches and pastries. It wasn't a very large establishment only sporting a half dozen booths big enough for 4-6 people and a counter with another 6 swivel stools. Cy led Denise over to sit at the counter where a rather delectable looking Bajoran male was wiping down the counter. The Bajoran came over right away and smiled them a welcome. "Do you have triple chocolate fudge decadence?" Cy asked hopefully. "Yes." The Bajoran stated. "Lovely!! I'll have three scoops with extra fudge sauce and extra chopped nuts with a cafe latte to drink." Cy ordered. The tall, handsome Bajoran looked at Denise and smiled, "and what will you have?" ( Reply Lebranski, any ) (Posted by Sal) ******* (Laatstekans Station - Boardwalk - Lieutenant (jg) Denise Lebranski - 1118) "You're lucky I'm gay or I might think you're flirting with me, girlfriend!" Cy grinned and winked at her. "My choices are all three in that order. Let's find some triple chocolate fudge decadence for starters. I recall seeing an ice cream-come-coffee parlor is somewhere here." "Oh, I am flirting with you. Five minutes in a turbolift and you'd say gay? Me? Noway. I met Denise!" She snapped her fingers, "Alas, don't know the emergency overrides for the station, you're safe today." (Reply Tudor ;) "Fine, find you a date of the male persuasion who doesn't snore or have dreadful taste in off-duty clothing. You are sooo picky." Denise followed him off into the crowds. (Reply Tudor :) A man who knew how to ask for directions, if that wasn't proof of Cy's preferences, nothing was. Really, if it wasn't for automatic navigational updates from HQ they'd be flying around in circles out there as the male CONN officers refused to ask for directions and the females couldn't sit down because the males wouldn't give up their seats. The tall, handsome Bajoran looked at Denise and smiled, "and what will you have?" "I'm more of a plain vanilla with nuts kind of girl," Denise said entirely too innocently. (Reply Our Handsome Server, Tudor) Once their server was out of earshot, Denise continued their interupted conversation from earlier, "All I'm saying is, normally if I find a hunky guy I want to go dancing with I do just that. But I've never dated within the limited population of a starship and somehow, Bob doesn't really strike me as a dancing kind of guy." (Reply Tudor) "Maybe I should have the holodeck whip up the winds of New Brunswick and take him kite flying. That's cutesy and romantic right?" She made a 'gah' face. (Reply Tudor, any) (Posted by Lorna) ******** (Laatstekans Station - Boardwalk - SPC CIV Cy Tudor - 1118.5) "Oh, I am flirting with you. Five minutes in a turbolift and you'd say gay? Me? Noway. I met Denise!" She snapped her fingers, "Alas, don't know the emergency overrides for the station, you're safe today." "Darling, dream on! I know I'm irresistible but you and all the other beings of the female persuasion are definitely NOT my type!" Cy knew she was joking of course, at least he hoped she was, sometimes it was hard to tell with Denise. "Fine, find you a date of the male persuasion who doesn't snore or have dreadful taste in off-duty clothing. You are sooo picky." With a toss of his long, raven black curls Cy snorted and moved on with Denise following him as he wend his way into the crowds. (reply Denise, any) (posted by Sal) ******* (Laatstekans Station - FastFood Stop - SPC CIV Cy Tudor - 1122) "I'm more of a plain vanilla with nuts kind of girl," Denise said entirely too innocently, causing Cy to laugh. "You? Vanilla? I'm amazed. But the nuts? Yes I can believe that." The Bajoran thanked them for their orders and left to get their icecreams. Once their server was out of earshot, Denise continued their conversation from earlier, "All I'm saying is, normally if I find a hunky guy I want to go dancing with I do just that. But I've never dated within the limited population of a starship and somehow, Bob doesn't really strike me as a dancing kind of guy." "He's Scottish of course he dances. Have you never heard of the The Highland Fling or the Sword Dance, every true Scotsman knows how to do those. Malcolm Canmore a Scottish King is credited with creating the sword dance. In 1058 he slew his opponent and placed his and his enemy’s sword on the ground in the form of a cross and danced in triumph, so it is said. Besides don't assume things about him, you don't know much about him and the way you're avoiding you never will." (Reply Lebranski iyw) "Maybe I should have the holodeck whip up the winds of New Brunswick and take him kite flying. That's cutesy and romantic right?" She made a 'gah' face. Cy gave a shrug, he had no idea where New Brunswick was but it sounded as good as any other place to fly a kite. "You never know he might enjoy kite flying if you made them together first, and especially if there was a nice picnic lunch involved somewhere along the line. Now that IS romantic." (Reply Lebranski, any) (Posted by Sal) ********* (Laatstekans Station - FastFood Stop - SPC CIV Cy Tudor - 1123) "He's Scottish of course he dances. Have you never heard of the The Highland Fling or the Sword Dance, every true Scotsman knows how to do those. Malcolm Canmore a Scottish King is credited with creating the sword dance. In 1058 he slew his opponent and placed his and his enemy's sword on the ground in the form of a cross and danced in triumph, so it is said. Besides don't assume things about him, you don't know much about him and the way you're avoiding you never will." Denise stared at Cy with an open mouth for a moment, "How the heck did you learn so much about Scotland?" (Reply Tudor) "And yeah, yeah, you're right. Stop avoiding the man who makes my heart do loops and makes me stomach turn upside down. I did think my Mom was loopy. Though, still better than my brother's suggestion of sexually assault him in a turbolift." (Reply Tudor) "Maybe I should have the holodeck whip up the winds of New Brunswick and take him kite flying. That's cutesy and romantic right?" She made a 'gah' face. Cy gave a shrug. "You never know he might enjoy kite flying if you made them together first, and especially if there was a nice picnic lunch involved somewhere along the line. Now that IS romantic." "Ugh. Romance." Denise muttered, making a face and then brightening when their server returned with massive cones. She gave a lick, and then watched Cy give a lick and then burst out laughing because she *knew* they were both thinking the same damn thing. (Reply Tudor, Any) (posted by Lorna) ******** (Laatstekans Station - FastFood Stop - SPC CIV Cy Tudor - 1124) Denise stared at Cy with an open mouth for a moment, "How the heck did you learn so much about Scotland?" "What can I say? I like reading up about stuff like; that it fills the time I'm off duty and the Gods knows it's not like I have boyfriends lining up outside my bedroom door now is it! Hmmph." (Reply Lebranski iyw) "And yeah, yeah, you're right. Stop avoiding the man who makes my heart do loops and makes me stomach turn upside down. I did think my Mom was loopy. Though, still better than my brother's suggestion of sexually assault him in a turbolift." Cy grinned at her, "your brother wouldn't happen to be gay by any chance would he?" He asked, his tone hopeful. "I love the way he thinks." (Reply Lebranski) "Maybe I should have the holodeck whip up the winds of New Brunswick and take him kite flying. That's cutesy and romantic right?" She grimaced in a most unattractive way. Cy gave a shrug, he had no idea where that was, but he suggested that perhaps Lorimar might enjoy kite flying if they made the kites together and had a nice romantic picnic lunch. "Ugh. Romance." Denise muttered, making a face and then brightening when their hunky server returned with two triple dolloped massive cones. Cy was practically drooling as he took his cone. He was really going to enjoy this, the replicated stuff was alright but was no comparison to the real McCoy. He watched as Denise licked her ice cream, grinned and gave his a long, slow, lingering lick seeing Denise watching him. Denise burst out laughing causing Cy to snort ice cream up his nose as he began to laugh along with her while holding a napkin to his nose and mouth. ~ No wonder I like her so much. ~ He thought as he continued to laugh until he was blue in the face and his side ached, ~ we think so much alike. ~ After a minute or so of hilarity that drew some curious looks from those at the tables and passers-by on the boardwalk, he caught his breath and settled down to enjoy his ice cream and the conversation with Denise. (Reply Lebranski, Any) (posted by Sal) ******** (USS Boudicca, Personal Quarters - ACSO Ensign Ayslin Rel - 1130) Ayslin looked in the mirror and after a last bit of nitpicking was finally happy with her hair, which she had left loose, and had let curl slightly. She'd already done her makeup and gotten dressed, choosing a tank top that showed off her spots and a long flowy skirt. She gave herself one last look in the mirror and, convinced she looked sufficiently unstarfleet, grabbed her bag which had her personal supply of latinum and headed out the door. (posted by Patrick) ******** (Star Base Laatstekans, Bar "Of Last Resort" - ACSO Ayslin Rel - 1205) Ayslin smiled sweetly at the bar tender as he handed her the beer she'd ordered. "You sure you're in the right bar, miss?" the large Andorian asked with a cocked eyebrow. "Oh I'm sure," Ayslin said with an innocent smile. "Thanks for the drink," she said as she slipped him a slightly larger than normal tip. Standing up she looked around the room. It was filled with exactly who she thought it would be filled with, miners, prospectors, and the other people who made their living on the borders of the Federation. Smiling she walked over to an open pool table and picked up a cue. She played around on her own for a few minutes, hitting the cue ball around the table, scratching at often as she hit another ball. "You want me to show you how to play, miss?" a large man asked coming up behind her. "Oh, I was just having some fun. I wouldn't want to take up you time." Ayslin said with a shrug and a half smile. "You don't worry about that, Miss," the man said with a look in his eye that suggested he thought Ayslin was an easy mark. (posted by Patrick) ******* (Laatstekans Station - Food Court - ACEO Ens.(Jg.) Anton Gesar - 1215) Anton had been walking around the station for a little while now, though not taking the time to take in the things around him. ~Not like there is much to look at,~ he thought as he looked up from the PADD he was reading while walking to get his bearings. He had spent a large part of the trip to Laatstekans Station repairing the Cargo Bay transporters. While he would have liked to take a break and find some leisurely activity on the station, Lorimar had scheduled some critical maintenance to be performed while the ship was docked. And though he had leave time scheduled, after the transporter fiasco Anton decided it was best to put in some extra hours and get back onto the chief's good side. Eventually hunger dictated that he take a break and presented an opportunity to get off the ship and try out some of the local cuisine. The food court wasn't much to look at. Bunch of little stands and cubbies selling just about every kind of food you can immagine. Anton walked down the line looking to see what they were serving at each one. Not much of a choice really, but he eventually settled on a place. It was run by a Pakled, which in itself was not very impressive but the food looked good. Anton sat down and attempted to order something, begining to dread choosing the place. Pakleds were not exactly known for their conversation skills. After a few attempts at pointing to what he wanted on the thankfully small menu he was somewhat confident he was going get it. Looking back at the PADD he set on the table when he sat down, Anton reflected upon his somewhat less than stellar start on the Boudicca. First he insulted the CEO by suggesting that his engineering skills would not be necessary. Then he insulted one of the crew with what she percieved as legal mumbo jumbo. Then, just when he thought he would redeem himself with a great idea, he blows up a transporter. ~Yep, this was definitely not the start I immagined. I wonder how long the food...~ Before he finished his thought the food tray was almost slammed in front of him. Perhaps the operator of this stand did not appreciate the lack of confidence he had in her ability to understand him. Yet as she walked away, Anton was not all that surprised to find that the food on the tray was not what he had ordered. He tasted the food and having not found it repuslive decided it would be easier to eat this then to try to explain that she got theorder wrong. Just then an attractive woman sat across from him. Anton tried not to be obvious or rude as he looked in her direction. At one point their eyes caught briefly as Anton quickly turned his attention to his PADD. It was not that he was not interested in an attractive woman, but being here with the ship, not exactly on leave, on a station with less than reputable sort hanging around it was a bad idea. And just as he decided that he would not look up at the woman, he heard the chair opposite of him being pulled out. It was not necessary to look up to know who had sat across from him. "Hello handsome." "Uh.. Hello." "New to station?" Anton could not place the accent. "Yes, new to station." "Would like guide? Show you around, good time." She smiled. ~Her kind always has a pretty smile,~ Anton thought. Taking a quick but not obvious look around he saw the look out. ~Same old story. She's the pretty tour guide, promises a good time. Wants to show you a special place on the station, knows a shortcut through a more private section. The look out lets the others know you're coming and bam, you're lucky if they leave your shoes on.~ The man's face turned pale as Anton waved to him and raised his water glass in his direction in a greeting toast manner. As soon as he recovered he was gone, the woman left just as quickly without a word. Anton returned to his meal, whatever it was. (Reply Any) (Posted by Oleg Kislyuk) ******** (Laatstekans Station - Food Court - Frances Urquhart - 1220) She had been watching the engineer from the Boudicca - not hard to place someone she'd never seen before, wearing a Starfleet uniform, when there was only one Starfleet ship currently docked at the station. She made her way over to a table near him, and flicked him an admiring glance as he looked in her direction. To her chagrin, he looked away as though on purpose. ~Well, if the mark doesn't come to you, sometimes you have to go to the mark,~ she thought, and getting up she suited the action to the thought and moved over to his table, pulling out the chair opposite and sitting down. "Hello handsome." The accent in which she spoke was not her own. "Uh.. Hello." "New to station?" "Yes, new to station." "Would like guide? Show you around, good time." Frances smiled her 500 kilowatt smile, but with a stifled sigh she saw it was wasted on the mark as he looked around the room before raising his water glass cheerfully to Paddick, who like the fool he was turned pale and then left hastily. Eyes flashing with annoyance at Paddick's stupidity, Frances rose and left. No point in trying to bluff things out, the engineer obviously thought he'd spotted a honey-trap. Once well away from the food court and in one of the station's more shadowy corridors, Frances caught up with Paddick. Grabbing him by the throat she slammed him against the wall. "Idiot! All you had to do was stand your ground and look as if you had no idea he'd spotted you. But no, you had to give the game away by turning pale and running like a Ferengi. Next time I will terminate your contract with extreme prejudice, do I make myself clear?" Paddick tried to speak but her grip on his throat was too tight. His face was turning purple. He managed a nod and the grasp on his throat loosened. Relief was momentary though as Frances caught him a stinging blow on the shoulder. "Don't just stand there you idiot, get back to the room and tell Padma that there's a change of plan. I need to make some arrangements and I'll be there later. And *try* not to get into any trouble on the way there!" (Reply none... yet) (Posted by Liz) ******* (Laatstekans Station - Boardwalk-ACMO Ensign(jg) Hawkeye Dolphine- 1300) After he heard the news that the crew was going to get some shore leave on the station, Hawkeye was looking forward to time on the station. Granted, he hadn't been on board long, but from the time he was in the academy till now he had not had any sort of R&R. This would be a good time for him to unwind. When the ship arrived at the outpost, Hawkeye took the oppurtunity to sleep in. Around 1200, he awoke and changed for the station. To the best of his knowledge, there were no uniform requirements. After a quick sonic shower, Hawkeye took liberty and changed into a pair of blue jeans and one of his old EMS Station T-Shirts. Once entering through the air lock he decided to walk around the station, just to see what was around him. He could see a bar to the right of his current location. Looked a lot like a ancient dive bar on earth, circa 1999. While it didn't look all that promising, he thought he would duck in and see what it had to offer. As he walked into the bar, he was met at the door by a bajorian female in a waitress uniform. "How many in your party? the waitress asked Hawkeye. "It will be just me maam" He replied. The waitress seemed suprised that Hawkeye was by himself, but shrugged her shoulders and escorted him to a table. She presented him with a PADD containing the menu and asked if he wanted something to drink while he looked over the menu. "What do you have in the way of tea?" He queried. "We have a variety of selections ranging from a cardassian black spice to a white berry blossom herbal from Risa" the waitress replied. "How about just a plain, unsweetened iced tea please?" He asked. The waitress took his order and walked away. Hawkeye reviewed the PADD and could see that there was a wide range of selections on the menu. He had several choices from serveral different cultures. The one that caught his eye however was a andorian egg platterm. Two of the biggest eggs hed ever seen served made to order, your choice of bacon or sausage, and toast snd potatos made to order. When the waitress returned, Hawkeye placed his order and watched to see if any of his other crewmates were going to walk in. He wasn't especting company mind you, just courious who else would find this place. (Reply any iyw) (Posted by Ben) ******** (Laatstekans station - station bar - ACMO Ensign(jg) Hawkeye Dolphine - 1310) After approx teb minutes, the waitress brought out Hawkeye's order to him. He thanked her and asked her for a refill on his drink. She asked him if he needed anything else and then went to refill his tea. Hawkeye began to enjoy his breakfast. After finishing his meal, he paid the tab and continued to explore the station. (posted by Ben) ******** (Laatstekans station - Outside Station Bar - Melody LaTouche - 1335) "Ge'off me strumpet," "Strumpet, you oaf!" Melody growled as the miner stepped away. "You couldn't have afforded me anyway, I came to you out of pity!" She stalked back over to her place, which involved a small circuit around these passageways, and did her best to take the frown off her face. Frowns rarely attracted the right 'crowd', after all. She closed her eyes in concentration, and whens she opened them again, she was all smiles. She looked down and smoothed the emerald green fabric of her suit, silky smooth and worth more then most of the miners here made in a month. ~I need another gig,~ she thought sourly, while being careful to keep the thought off her face. ~These outer-joints just arent worth it anymore.~ She smiled at one passing sailor from a Starfleet ship, but he didn't even pay her a second glance. She put a playful pout on her face, but it didn't seem to matter to him. He walked off to join someone else, leaving Melody mostly alone. She quirked her head and crossed her arms before her moderate chest, wondering if she'd forgotten her makeup for something this morning. ~Hmm, he probably likes tellarites. Lots of fur to hang onto, and all that.~ she told herself, with a hint of dark humor. She went back to searching, despairing of finding anyone decent on this afternoon, until a well polished lad walked out of the bar. He was young enough, he didn't look like he'd gone through five wars on his face, and he was wearing medical blue. ~Oh, a Doctor - I bet he's good with his hands, gentle and nimble...~ She grinned impishly, ~...and he hopefully has a bigger bank account then your average grunt. ~ She slid up to the man, and with practiced ease she picked up his arm and slid under it, rubbing herself against him in just such a way that she could seem either innocent- or very, very naughty. She gave him a large smile at the look on his face. "Why, hello there Sailor-man, what's your name?" (reply: Hawkeye) "Hmmm." she leaned in a bit and lightly fingered his combadge, before looking back up at his face. "Well, my name is Melody, sailor - and for the right... consideration, I'll let you play me like a bajoran guitar. Would you care to show a lady around a bit?" she smiled, letting her dimples show just ever so slightly as she walked her fingers up his chest in a playful manner. "... or are you afraid to be seen with little old me?" (reply: Hawkeye, Any) (posted by Trout) ******** (USS Boudicca - Sickbay - ACMO Ensign (jg) Hawkeye Dolphine - 1400) After exploring the station, Hawkeye returned to sickbay to catch up with back due dictations. He wasn't upset he spent his shore leave alone mind you, he realized it would take time for him to form any kind of friendship on board. So he went back to work. He had at least a dozen or so dictations to finish from the weeks prior and he debated whether or not to head to the holodeck for a football game or a horseback ride.Whatever he decided to do he had to finish dictations. He doubted he would run into anyone on board this week as the crew was enjoying some much needed downtime. (Reply Any iyw) (Posted by Ben) ******* (Star Base Laatstekans, Bar "Of Last Resort" - ACSO Ayslin Rel - 1420) "Eight Ball, three banks, corner pocket," Ayslin said with a grin, striking the ball and watching it do exactly as described. With a wink to her competitor, a stocky Bajoran, she swept the five strip wager into her bag. "You conned me, you all did," he yelled, his face turning red. "Oh quiet down, Jemmer, you conned yourself. Just because we didn't mention she'd beaten us all, doesn't mean it wasn't fair," Markus, her original opponent from two hours previous said. "Besides, it was good to see you lose for once." "Hey, there's no need to be upset, I'm not a bad winner. Ayslin said walking over to the bar. She pulled out all of what she'd won from Jemmer and handed them to the bar keep. "For the boys here," she said, indicating the five miners behind her, Jemmer still fuming. "that should be enough for the five of them to drink free for the rest of their leave as long as they don't drink themselves under the table. This," Ayslin said, pulling out another three strips, "should cover drink and food of everyone currently in here." Ayslin said with a smile. "And then some," the gruff looking barkeep said. "Then keep the rest as a tip," Ayslin said. the bar back shrugged, and swept the money into his hand and into a cash box before making a few quick notes of the miners, their name and how much credit they had. Ayslin just turned around and smiled and the five men who were now completely unsure of what to do. Jemmer looked winded now that he wasn't geared up for a fight. Markus was chuckling, and the rest quickly placed an order for beer. The Bartender clanged on a bell, and cupped his hands around his mouth. "Oy, you lot. Everyone's bill has just been paid by the Red head at the bar. Anyone who has a tab from another time...You still owe me, so pay up!" the bar tender yelled then went back to work. Ayslin got a couple of cat calls, and a round of applause from a few of the more sociable tables. Other than her pool skills, Ayslin learned one very important thing from Jeven, her second host, and that was when you're in the middle of no where, it's always better to make an investment in keeping the locals happy. No matter how many times Jeven sharked someone at pool, he always bought them a drink afterward, and he always made an effort to turn his winnings into a win for everyone. He always came out a head in the end, but everyone else just saw him spreading his winnings around, turning the wagers he made into a win for everyone. Even spending the eight strips of latinum, Ayslin still nearly tripled her initial personal supply of latinum. And now she could easily drink in the bar without hassle and if something did happen, the regulars, including the Bartender, were more likely to land on her side. Ayslin pulled up a barstool and sat down. "So, how 'bout something to eat, I hear someone just offered to buy the room lunch." Ayslin said, to which the Andorian just grunted and handed her a menu while Markus put his arm around Jemmer's shoulder and walked him off to a table to explain that sometimes people were just nice to each other and didn't let a thing like losing a bet make them bitter, something Markus had learned first hand when he'd been the first to get sharked by Ayslin. (Reply Any) (Posted by Patrick D.) ******* (Laatstekans Station - Of Last Resort - SPC Sec.O Parrr'Z & Shadow to Sretelles - 1625) Shadow had been talked off the roof of the ship by Loren who'd wanted to view the station. The girl had quickly gotten bored and gone back to the ship but Shadow was always interested in hearing the stories of other peoples and was currently discussing the songs of people with a Ferengi. "Songs?" the Ferengi repeated, fiddling with with a loop in one earlobe. "You must have songs of your people." Shadow said, with some confusion. "Not really." The miner finally said, "Though, I guess you could call the rains drums?" Shadow was starting to understand why the Ferengi were the way they were reputed to be; imagine, no music! She shrugged her harp case back onto her shoulder and excused herself from the Ferengi who seemed more interested in working his way through the green alcohol anyway. She sneezed into her shoulder and decided she'd had enough of the bar. Even with scent suppressants, the smell ofthe place was giving her a headache. Perhaps it was a lack of sense of smell that had her almost walk into Parrr'Z or perhaps it was she was just lost in her own thoughts about a race with no music. She stopped, frozen as even her heart refused to beat as she looked up at the tall and muscular security officer. She was sure she was giving him a nose full of lust, depression and fear all in one shot. Well, if the Caitans scented like her people did, she'd never actually asked him. "Parrr'Z" she said in her whisper voice. "Thisss iss not a good place forrr a lady to be!" Parrr'Z growled at Shadow very surprised to literally have run into her, or her into him. "It iss a barrr of bad rrepute wherrre felons, smugglerrrs and other noxious typesss hang out. What arrre you doing herre?" His whiskers twitched appreciatively at the alluring scent of lustful Feline filled his nostrils, but there was an unmistakable underlying scent of fear. Was she afraid of him or had somebody in the bar scared her? "What is the matter? Has somebody threatened you?" He asked, glaring around at the patrons in the bar ready to do battle, which was the main reason he had come, he was eager for a fight after his frustrating time with Deston and then the run in with Shadow earlier. He needed something to hit. "What?" Shadow asked as Parrr'Z seemed to become all furspikes and anger. "I am here to collect songs. I heard songs and came to listen." Really, what else would entice her into a bar full of stinky alcohol? Didn't he know her *at all*?! ~Oh that's it? She was lured into this cesspool den of iniquity just because she heard songs? No doubt bawdy songs at that! ~ "That iss irrelevant, you sshould have known betterrr than to come into thisss place, jusst one ssniff should have told you what kind of establissshment it iss!" Parr hissed at her. Shadow's tail lashed twice, "And I may not be a true warrior but I *can* take care of myself! I'm not a helpless kit!" Now Parrr'Z's tail was lashing back and forth as his anger increased and his whiskers bristled like porcupine quills, but as mad as he was he couldn't helpnoticing how beautiful she was even when she was angry, how her lovely eyes flashed like lightning and her fur fluffed up making her look plumper, and as angry as he was he would have loved to be alone with her at that moment. "It is apparent to *me* that you are missstaken! You cannot take care of yoursself otherrwisse why would you be here?" He grabbed her arm and hauled her out of the bar on to the Boardwalk. "Go home, Ssshadow!" He ordered, glaring down at her. "Orrr if you wisssh it, I will accompany you to further explorre thisss sstation." "You know, for a camp of people who keep insisting I'm an adult, you sure seem ready to treat me like a child!" She dug her feet claws into the carpet at the sides of the boardwalk, refusing to be dragged further. "Now let me go or I will remove something precious to you," her green eyes were narrow as she hissed up at him, "And it may even be your hand!" Parrr'Z lowered his face closer to Shadow's. "If you continue acting like a cub, I will treat you like one. Do not rrraise a paw to me or I will ssspank yourrr furrrry backssside and you won't sssit down forrr a week." He warned her, fully prepared to carry out his threat for she certainly needed her backside warmed to slap some sense into her. She was acting like a rebellious teenager. Shadow stood her ground for the first time in forever, "I may be a child and exile to my peoples, I may never get to see my children, I may never even be anything more than a glorified secretary, but I am NOT your property! Stop treating me as such!" Keening was building up in her throat, she was starting to understand why the furless had tears. She wasn't sure if her tears would be of broken heart or anger, but all she knew was she wanted away from Parrr'Z. "Oh, leave me alone!" she yelled and dashed away from her lover into the very shocked crowd they'd attracted as an audience. The Caitian stared after her retreating back as she disappeared into the Audience they'd attracted. He was in two minds whether to follow Shadow or just give up and try to enjoy his shore leave. He had wanted to hit something before she'd run into him, now he was itching to do some damage to work off the consuming anger she had roused in him. Discretion won over valor. With a roar of rage he turned and slammed his way back in to the bar he'd just dragged Shadow out of. (Replies any present) (Posted by Lorna & Sal) ********* (Laatstekans Station - Of Last Resort - Lt.(jg) Denise Lebranski & SPC Cy Tudor - 1628) Denise winced for the Caitian security officer that looked like he was trying to decide between ripping bulkheads with his bare paws and .. well, actually, that was about it. They'd been making jokes about the shops on the station saying how they just *had* to get a new pair of mining coveralls, the ones they owned were just *so* last season when they'd come across Shadow and her boyfriends having a, well, cat fight, at the top of their lungs. Denise was pretty sure since no fur or blood was shed security wasn't going to be dragged into it. "My possessive sort, isn't he?" Denise commented dryly as he finally stalked off into the bar he'd apparently fished Shadow out of. "You think?" Cy responded, feeling sorry for poor Parrr'Z who obviously had Shadow's safety on the top of his priority list. "More like she's an ungrateful little snitty cat! I wish I had someone who cared about me enough to try to make me see sense if I was going somewhere hazardous or doing something that could be to my health, I'd be all over him like a rash with appreciation, certainly *not* running off in a big huff like a spoiled brat." "I dunno," Denise said, tilting head to one side as she considered Cy's words. "Maybe he just needs to see Shadow using a spear, she can be pretty fearsome. But yeah, did seem the poor guy had everything trying to rub his fur backwards all in one go." Cy chewed on his bottom lip and he thought about the two felinoids. He had seen them often enough in QV together and overheard them talking about the times they'd been hunting together in the holodeck; naturally he had concluded that they were a courting couple. "I sure hope this hasn't finished their relationship." He stated and looked at his friend. "You know, I have just felt that they were made for each other whenever I've seen them together." "C'mon, would you really want a guy who ordered you around and didn't trust your judgment? Heck, I can't imagine you'd like one who didn't share important details of their life either.. Maybe we should sit up on a mountain somewhere and sell dating advice in exchange for cookies." Denise was looking up and down the boardwalk for something fun to do next. Surely these people had to have some fun beyond playing pool and drinking. "I see your point. Hey! Why don't we check out this bar and see for ourselves why the big cat fight." "Ooooh, can I order something pinky and frothy to make the bartender look at me square eyed?" Denise was in her usual off-duty garb of jeans and a t-shirt, but the comm. badge tacked to the shirt did rather give away her identity. With a shrug Cy headed for the bar door and held it open for Denise. "You can order whatever your little heart desires my dear, though that sounds rather like a Shirley Temple. Very girlie!" He strutted in behind Denise and blinked to adjust his eyes to the much dimmer lighting and almost turned around and left, when he saw several pairs and even one set of three glowing eyes looking right at them. It gave him the creeps and sent goosebumps all over his body. He shivered and whispered, "P'raps this isn't such a good idea after all, I feel like prey." "I'm definitely thinking having a set of knives on the end of my hands would be a good idea," Denise whispered back and made their way to a booth with easy access to the exit. She flomped into the bench seat and tried to look like she owned the place. New Orleans had all sorts of bad bars, but she could honestly say she usually avoided them. But a brief fling with danger in her 'I'm immortal' teen years had taught her act like you own the place and you'll most likely be okay. She was about to pass this information on to Cy when the very tarty waitress showed up. "Rum." Denise said. She wasn't planning on drinking it, she was planning on staying just long enough to not look like she was running away. She raised her eyebrow to Cy. "I'll have the same dearie with a lemon twist!" Cy told the brassy female, giving her his best and brightest fake smile. Watching the waitress slump off, Denise smiled, "Want me to manufacture a scene to get us out of here?" "Are you crazy?" Cy hissed at her and then slapped his cheek theatrically, "what *am* I saying? That's a dumb question. I know you're nuttier than a fruit cake, but why? Why would you make a scene? We just have to drink our rum and leave, causing a scene might bring trouble we don't want." Denise was making him even more nervous, he just wanted to get out of there now he'd seen why Parrr'Z was so concerned about Shadow's safety. The object of his thoughts wasn't to far away, skulking in a corner where the shadows were deeper. Now that Cy's eyes had grown accustomed to the dim light he could see the Caitian who was drinking from the biggest tankard Cy had ever seen and licking the froth off his whiskers with a long tongue. "I'm Cajun, that's old English for 'crazy'" Denise confirmed, following Cy's glance. "And you're right, you're right. No scenes; be a good little girl, drink my rum, don't start any fights, don't ruffle any fur.." she trailed off, "Should we go rescue a certain Caitian from himself?" (reply none yet) (posted by Denise & Sal) ******** (Laatstekans Station - Of Last Resort - ACEO Ens(Jg.) Anton Gesar - 1720) Anton looked around the bar for a moment and at the various patrons walking around. He was fortunate to find a table in a quiet dark corner of the restaurant. It was light enough to see out but dark enough that someone would have to join him at the table to see who was sitting there. He never truly understood why he always looked for such places. Perhaps he just liked his privacy. Perhaps it was the time he spent on the streets before Boris Gesar adopted him. In the end Anton always ended up feeling that it was something much darker then that. Dismissing the thought he took a sip of his cognac. Remy Martin Vintage 2388 to be precise. He had purchased 5 cases from someone who had no idea what he had in his posession. The four cases left from his celebration of finishing the academy were neatly hidden away in his quarters. He wasn't worried, it's not like he brought Romulan Ale on board. Being an engineer also has it rewards. The somewhat above average humador he installed in the bedroom closet of his personal quarters was holding his rather large collection of cigars. He had to admit it, he was a cognac and cigar snob and there was no way he was going to drink and smoke replicated garbage. Anton took a drag of his cigar and ejoyed the smoke as it coated the inside of his mouth. Savoring the flavor he blew the smoke out, the little cloud concealing him even more. He saw her enter through the smoke. He blew some air through the cloud to clear it and make sure it was her. It was. ~Still looks good,~ he thought. Anton looked around to see if he could spot her cohort. Perhaps they saw him entering the bar and were going to try a new approach. But he was no where to be seen and she did not appear to notice him at all. ~Perhaps on her own she would be willing to give a tour without any injury and major financial loss. Nah, I have a feeling she will turn out to be more trouble than she is worth.~ Pushing himself further back into his seat Anton continued to observe. It looked like the girl was looking for someone. The bartender pointed her to a table in the bar that was obscured from Anton's view. To move would expose him and if the girl was here to meet with the rest of her gang, they might not be so excited running into someone who knew what they were doing on the station. Anton took another drag of his cigar and a sip of his cognac, ~All in due time.~ (Reply any) (Posted by Oleg Kislyuk) ********* (Laatstekans Station - Of Last Resort - Frances Urquhart - 1730) Of Last Resort was a good place to meet someone, especially if you didn't particularly want to be noticed. And Frances, after the debacle earlier, did not want to be noticed. Well, not any more than she was normally. But in the Last Resort people went out of their way not to notice you, something which Frances had found useful more than once. She glanced around as she walked in, looking for the person she had come to meet. As usual the place was dimly lit and filled with a variety of strong-smelling smoke from different kinds of combustible drugs. None of which were strictly illegal, as such, but none of which Frances would have touched with the serviceable tip of a Klingon pain-stick. Addiction was for others not for her. She wrinkled her nose a little and made her way through the fug which was being regularly removed by the station's air-conditioning and as regularly replaced by the efforts of the patrons. Reaching the bar, she bought a drink and asked if her business associate had arrived yet. The barkeep directed her to a table in the bar area that was placed discretely behind the curve of the bar itself, and as such obscured from most of the room. Frances made her way over, and sat down. "Were you seen?" her associate asked. Frances shrugged. "Doesn't matter," she said. "No one bothers much here about what anyone else is doing. And besides, the more you try to hide away the more suspicious you look. Did you get it?" Her associate nodded. "It'll cost you. 200 bars of latinum." "One hundred and thirty," "One seventy-five, and I'm cutting my own throat." "One hundred and fifty, and if you insist I can help you with the throat-cutting." Her associate looked at Frances, whose expression suggested she wasn't joking. "Done." Frances placed a locked box on the table and waited. After a moment her associate took a PADD out of a pocket and slid it across the table to her. She glanced through the contents, then slid the box across, together with a key. Her associate opened the box and looked inside, counting the contents rapidly. "How did you know? There's exactly 150 bars in here!" Frances smiled then. "I knew what I was going to pay." The smile disappeared. "And if this doesn't work as promised, I will be taking a refund." "It'll work, no worries there." "Oh I'm not worried," Frances said. "I don't need to be. It's not my neck on the line if it doesn't work. It's yours." She stood up. "Don't spend it all," she added. "Just in case." Then she walked out of the bar, leaving her associate to raise his glass to his lips with a hand that shook slightly. (Reply any, none) (Posted by Liz) ********** (Laatstekans Station - Outer Docking Ring - Shadow to Sretelles - 1730) Shadow was sitting against the transparent aluminum watching a tug pull in a freighter loaded with ore. She wasn't quite sure why there was miners when the Federation replicators could turn any matter into any other matter. Was the ore used for energy to power the replicators? Was it easier to change some materials into others? Everything had a cost, what was the cost of magic? Shadow fiddled with the dagger she'd had stashed on the strap of her harp case. She supposed she should be grateful Parrr'Z still cared enough to try and protect her, but why wouldn't he think she could protect herself? They'd hunted together, she'd shown him the wilds of Siaovo. Or did he think that because it was a holodeck she'd dialed the danger up thinking it couldn't actually hurt her? She'd challenged and passed the mandatory PT and security training in basic, maybe he'd only seen that she hadn't taken them. Maybe he truly thought her weak. Maybe he was only with her because he felt sorry for her or he wanted someone to take care of. She sighed and shoved the dagger back in its sheath. She wasn't about to go beat someone else up to try and rid her heart of its pain. Instead she pulled her harp from it's case and tested the strings before leaning her cheek against the varnished wood; eyes closed, to sing in Siaovan. [NRPG : Thank you for the song Moby!] [RPG:] I was cold and wet Like no-one else It came in now, a professional Oh, it's over Oh, it's over Oh, it's over now Well I, fall in a sleep and I let go Make me a being without a soul Somebody live my life I've got to know what dead men know Someone to love Someone to love Someone to love Someone to love I was on my knees In front of him When I feel like going down I know it's everywhere Oh, it's over Oh, it's over Oh, it's over now You make me another hell I can't live but I'm no-one else Somebody live my life I've got to know what dead men know Someone to love Someone to love Someone to love Someone to love Like I said before It's over again And no-one left but me and And no-one lifted me no Someone to love Someone to love Someone to love Someone to love Someone to love Someone to love Someone to love Someone to love She let her fingers drop from the strings, eyes closed, and wondered why life had to hurt so much. (Reply any) (Posted by Lorna) ********* (Laatstekans Station - Of Last Resort - Ens(Jg.) Anton Gesar - 1740) Deciding that it was better to ignore the woman than reveal himself trying to see who she is here to meet, Anton was sitting back and enjoying his drink and smoke. ~Probably planning how to hit the next mark,~ he decided. There was a part of him that felt it was perhaps his duty to report these activities and so Anton concluded that filing a report later, when he arrived back on the ship would be sufficient. Having resolved his moral dilemmas he went back to relaxing. It was some time later that his peripheral vision caught the woman leaving the bar. If one was to question Anton later what it was that drove him to get out of his seat, stuff his flask into the inside pocket of his jacket and follow the woman, the answer would be, 'No idea.' Yet here he was. Following the woman. The fact that it was likely she would recognize him if she saw him made following her difficult. He had to keep a larger distance between them. This was remedied somewhat by the fact that he was dressed in civilian clothing and not his uniform. Anton followed her for quite sometime. The woman doublebacked a few times, went up one level only to go down two levels in another area, went one way but somehow ended up heading in the opposite direction of the station. Anton kept his distance, though it did cause him to loose her once or twice. But he got lucky and caught enough sight of her to be able to find her again both times. Finaly the woman arrived at a door. Anton watched from a corner covered by shadow as the woman stopped. She looked behind her, then left and then right. Satisfied she was alone she pressed the call button, the door opened and she went inside. (Reply from Any) (Posted by Oleg Kislyuk) ********* (Laatstekans Station - Lower Deck Quarters - Ens(Jg.) Anton Gesar - 1755) Anton looked around, much the same way the woman did. Perhaps a bit paranoid, but when secretly following someone you can't help feel that maybe someone is following you too. Though the woman took great care in confusing her route Anton knew exactly where he was. Something he learned when he was young. Anyone can learn a ship or station layout from the deck plans, but to trully know where everything is one must experience it. That's why Anton was up several hours before his shift and walked the entire station noting best possible exit routes. Perhaps this was another leftover from his time living in the streets. ~What am I doing here?!~ it finaly donned on him. Anton felt kind of stupid realizing all of a sudden that he had no idea why he followed the woman. Still some force inside his head, some voice that he did not recognize yet knew was familiar told him to stay. (Reply from Any) (Posted by Oleg Kislyuk) ******** (USS Boudicca - Personal Quarters - Civ. Aleksander Stolev - Day 1 - 1922) Sasha took a deep breath as he looked around his now-empty quarters. His personal belongings were all packed neatly in a couple of crates in the corner, and the quartermaster would be coming shortly to transfer them to the Invincible's cargo hold. The captain of the Invincible was very accommodating -- no doubt Susan had called in a favor or two to get him a berth aboard. As his eyes rested on various features of the room, Sasha recalled various events that had transpired there. He glanced into the nursery, remembering the day he and Eva had brought the twins home there. He saw the subtle discoloration of the carpet near the dining table, where Evan had knocked a cup of particularly brightly-colored Andorian fraja nectar onto the floor. And he looked over at the space between the dresser and the bed, where Eva had told him that she had to leave the ship to face judgement before her Betazed order. Little did he know at that time that it would be the last time he would be together with her on board the Boudicca. Sliding the small backpack containing his most critical personal belongings onto his shoulder, Sasha took one final glance around before turning and leaving what were no longer his quarters. He had one more stop to make before leaving the ship for good. (reply none) (posted by Liz & Aaron) ********* (USS Boudicca - CO's Personal Quarters - CO Captain Susan Rivers and Civ Aleksander Stolev - Day 1 - 1929) Taking a moment to straighten his collar, Sasha then pushed the door chime at the door to Susan's quarters. "Come in," Susan said, and as Sasha walked in she smiled at him a little sadly. "Making your goodbyes?" she asked. Sasha nodded slowly. "Yep. My things are all packed up and ready to be beamed over to the Invincible. She ships out tomorrow morning." Loren, seeing who had come in, dug Shun sharply in the ribs. The two of them stood up and went over to Sasha. "I'm sorry you're leaving us, Sir, " Loren said, holding out her hand. "I hope you have a safe journey, and that you'll come back again to visit us sometime." Sasha regarded the youngster with a small smile before taking her hand and giving it an earnest shake. "Thank you, Loren. I do plan to stay in touch. I don't think your mother would appreciate it very much if I didn't." Shun, not to be outdone, held his hand out too. "I hope you'll like it on the Hades. Did you know it's a Prometheus class and can split into three sections and that's just got to be so amazing, do you think it'll split when you're on it? I wonder how they-" A none-too-subtle poke from his sister stopped him. "Have a safe journey, Commander," he finished. "Auntie Susan is going to miss you too." "Come on Shun, you have to help me with that science assignment," Loren interrupted, knowing Sasha had come to say his goodbyes to Susan and not to them. "What sci- " Shun began then stopped as his sister glared at him. "Oh, right. Science assignment. Yeah. I hope we'll see you again, Commander." Slightly reluctantly, because there was a lot he still wanted to ask about the Prometheus class, he followed Loren into the dining area where she was working on her homework. Sasha watched the kids as they left the room, then turned back to Susan. He wasn't quite sure what to say to her that hadn't already been said -- he hadn't planned that far ahead, only that he ought to say goodbye before he left. "So, I plan to check out the station a little before I find my quarters aboard the Invincible. Find something to bring to Eva and the kids. Have you been over there yet?" Susan nodded. "I went over for an hour this afternoon. It's nothing like Geneva of course, but there are one or two interesting traders there." She couldn't help smiling as she picked up a long, thin, package and handed it to him. "I saw this, and thought it would make a good going-away present." "Oh, you shouldn't have," replied Sasha as he took the package from her. Carefully he opened the packaging, and then gasped when he saw what was within. His hands trembled as he carefully slid the ancient sword out of its scabbard, pausing to appreciate the artistry of the gilded handle and decorative hand shield. "My god," he murmured as he admired the craftsmanship of the perfectly weighted blade, its razor-sharp edge, and his reflection in the gleaming polished steel. "This is an ancient Russian diplomat's sword. It must be nearly 500 years old. It's incredible!" He slid the sword back into its scabbard and looked back up at Susan, struggling to think of what to say. He took a step towards her and wrapped his arms around her in an affectionate hug. "Thank you so much," he eventually said. "...for everything." Susan hugged him back tightly, her eyes tearing a bit. "Thank *you*," she said a little huskily. "You're a good friend, Sasha, and I'll miss you more than I can say. We've been through a lot together and it's hard to imagine the ship without you." She released him and stepped back, blinking her eyes. "Eva's a very lucky woman," she added with a smile. "Not many men would give up their career for their family." Sasha chuckled mirthlessly. "Well, you know what they say, you never know how much you'll miss something until it's gone." He smiled sadly at her. "I'll miss you too. But I will stay in touch, of course. And I still have plenty of moles here and there, so if you get into trouble, I'll hear about it," he added with a mischievous grin. "*If*?" Susan asked with a wry smile. "When was the last mission you remember going smoothly? I think if the time ever comes that one does, I shall really start to worry. Or possibly consider retiring myself," she added dryly. "That would be rather dull, wouldn't it?" Sasha asked with a smile of his own. "You take care, Susan. I really will be checking up on you. And you'll have to let me know how Mr. Trei's Rite of Ascension goes. I'm sorry I won't be here to see it." "I will," Susan promised. "I'm looking forward to it. I've heard of it of course, and read up a little but seeing it for real will be an experience. I'll keep in touch, I promise. And if ever - well, you know what I mean. There's always a berth for you here, any time you want. Not that I expect you to take it up but it's here, anyway. And anything I can do for you, any time, you only have to ask." She hugged him again. "Take care, Sasha. And be happy." "I will," Sasha replied. "You too," he said as he returned her hug before turning for the door. Once in the corridor, he turned back and gave her a small smile and a brief wave before the door shut between them. (reply none) (posted by Liz & Aaron) ******** (USS Invincible - Guest Quarters - Civ Aleksander Stolev - Day 1 - 2148) Sasha relaxed in a chair near the viewport, his bag on the sofa, a few small gifts for the children and one for Eva on the coffee table. He sipped a cup of tea as he gazed out the viewport at the Boudicca -- it was a sight that he had rarely had a chance to enjoy when he had been serving aboard her. He leaned over to the sofa, opened his bag, and pulled out his bottle of vodka, eyeing it speculatively before standing up slowly. He carried the bottle over to the dresser, placed it on top, and configured the force field around it. It was the first time that he could remember, of all the times he had set up that particular configuration, that he hadn't felt tempted to have a drink... not even just a little sip. Nodding with satisfaction, he stripped off his clothes, laid them on the back of the chair, and crawled into the bed. Within a few minutes he was sound asleep, his dreams filled with the happy sounds of children playing and the warm feeling of his wife in his arms once again. (reply none) (posted by Aaron) ================================ ================================ Mission: Going Dutch Day 2 Stardate: 2408.12.04 ================================ ================================ (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - CEO Lorimar - 0904.5) He was still trying to puzzle out Lebranski's bizzarre reply. 'My Mother made me do it'? Well... not her exact words but it sounded very much like the old 'Devil made me do it' that he had heard so often as a boy. Good manners required a reply... and he had to admit, his curiousity was certainly picqued. He sent a short message back: "Surely ye aren't going to expect me to understand that??? Join me for a drink later? Or dinner? I can't wait to hear this story!!" He smiled slightly as he hit the send button on his PADD (Reply Lebranski) Bob roundly applauded Dorga's promotion and assignment; it truly was well deserved... and he could think of no one better equipped to step into the so recently vacated shoes of Sasha Stolev. He would still be missed, to be sure... but Bob's mind was completely at ease with such a fine replacement. Just as the applause died down, a new officer entered and reported to the Captain. Lorimar noted his arrival, and listened to the Captain's brief exchange with him. ~Not an engineer... so ah cannae worry about him bein' late for the meeting...~ His attention turned fully back to the Captain. "As I was about to say, Commander 'cha Nooras's promotion to FO leaves a vacancy for 2O. I've thought a lot about who would be an adequate replacement for her, but in the end the choice was obvious, at least to me. So Lieutenant Lorimar, I would be very happy if you will accept the position of Second Officer of the Boudicca." ~'Adequate replacement'?? Are you off your bloody rocker woman??~ Had he time to think of it, he was sure he would have refused... but good manners and duty instantly kicked in. He rose to his feet and faced the Captain. "Captain, ah'm honored by yer consideration, thank ye." His look screamed 'Woman, are you out of your mind??? I'm an engineer, not an administrator!' He smiled thinly and took his seat once more. He was certain the Captain would speak with him privately about this at her convenience... (Reply Any) (Posted by Russ) ********* (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - ACSO Ensign/Lieutenant (jg) Ayslin Rel - Day 2 - 0905) Ayslin watched as the Captain promoted Dorga, then Bob, and gave Commander ManyHorses the job of chief Counselor. She smiled for her friends as more promotions were handed out, applauded their rewards for jobs most definitely well done. The the Captain turned in her direction and her spots went cold. ~~She's not thinking what I think she's thinking, is she?~~ Ayslin thought to herself as she stood up and walked across the room to the Captain. "Ensign Rel, it gives me great pleasure to promote you to Lieutenant(jg) and in recognition of your work in the Science Department, to ask you to take on the position of acting CSO. I realise that for a scientist there isn't much pleasure to be had in the routine work of head of department, which is why I am making you acting head. If after a period of time you decide the position is not for you, then we will find a replacement." Susan pinned a blank pip on Ayslin's collar, next to the single gold one. ~~Yep, she was thinking it.~~ Ayslin thought while she smiled a well practiced smile that fooled many a professor and adviser in University. "Thank you Captain, I'll do my best," Ayslin said for lack of a better speech. Sitting back down she watched the rest of the promotions, wondering just how she'd managed to get promoted and handed the department when a week ago she was advocating the complete disregard of the prime directive. ~Command officers are crazy, it's the only logical explanation.~~ Ayslin thought as the meeting carried on until they were dismissed. (Reply Any) (Posted by Patrick D.) ********* (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - Lieutenant Denise Lebranski - 0907) "Surely ye aren't going to expect me to understand that??? Join me for a drink later? Or dinner? I can't wait to hear this story!!" Denise wasn't sure what to make of that. He wanted to hear in-depth how she was scared of rejection? Maybe that part skirted under his radar, Bob did tend to have a habit of not noticing the most blatant of things. She suddenly had a mental picture of her answering the door naked and him commenting that the chime's audio output was squirreled. "Drinks sounds fine. If you don't mind paint fumes, you're welcome to stop by my quarters at the end of your shift.." she stopped typing to focus on what was going on around them and then grinned, "..lets change that to the end of your day, sounds like it just got a lot busier." (Reply Lorimar) She pretty much let the rest of the meeting flow around her. With a plethora of Lieutenants now onboard, she wondered if her plan to get demoted back to a nice simple job of Yeoman. They never got stuck in the hotseat.. well, okay, except that once and that was a freak accident and.. She sighed. Nope, looked like she was stuck with Gamma shift chair watching while the ship was docked. (Replies any) (Posted by Lorna) **** (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - CEO Lorimar - 0908) "Drinks sounds fine. If you don't mind paint fumes, you're welcome to stop by my quarters at the end of your shift... lets change that to the end of your day, sounds like it just got a lot busier." After he sat down he read the reply from Denise... then re-read her original message. ~Rejection? What the Devil is she talking about??~ He caught her smiling at him, and he returned it warmly. All the while he was trying to figure out what she meant. ~Rejection? As in 'Romantic rejection'? Relationship rejection? Breakfast rejection? There are so verra many things she could be referring to... and as a guid engineer ah cannae assume anything at all!~ Oh well. He typed a brief reply indicating he should be done about 1730 or so... and he would stop by if that was alright. He was, he admitted, far more excited about seeing her than he would have expected. She was very good company, indeed. He turned his attention (mostly) back to the business at hand. (Reply Lebranski, Any) (Posted by Russ) ************ (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - ACSO Ensign Carlyle Deston - Day 2 - 0913) As expected, the Captain started the meeting promptly at the ordained hour; Deston had finished compiling and saving his work by then in anticipation. His slight concerns about the reason for the meeting were rather alleviated when it almost instantly became clear that promotions were at least a significant part of it. The promotion Lieutenant Commander Dorga to Number One wasn't exactly unexpected; it had been pretty high in probability in the ship-wide scuttlebutt. Still, it was good to see it confirmed, and Deston happily joined in the praise. There was a slight interruption as a new crewman made an appearance, then the promotions continued, with a slight surprise as Bob Lorimar was elevated to Second Officer. ~Well deserved!~ And a second surprise, as their temporary Mission CO was installed as the permanent Chief Counsellor. ~Good for him; I think he'll fit in well.~ Doctor Jahlen's promotion in rank was one of the non-surprises, as it was certainly well-deserved, but the assignation of the CMO's spot was a pleasant surprise. Then Ayslin Rel was called up for another well-deserved promotion in both rank and position. ~Klono knows she's worked hard enough since she came aboard!~ By now pretty much expecting it, it wasn't much of a shock when the Captain called him up next. Though he wondered exactly what he'd done to deserve promotion, aside from reducing the tide of bureaucratic documentation that his division was managing to generate daily. And a good chunk of that reduction was thanks to Rel. "Ensign Deston, you too have performed well and I have great pleasure in promoting you to Lieutenant(jg). Congratulations, Carl," said Captain Rivers as she added a blank pip to his collar. "Thank you, sir!" he replied. /Not unexpected/ did not preclude /proud/; Deston was currently wearing a very poor poker face as he beamed at the Captain. "Please don't feel you were overlooked for the position of acting CSO," Captain Rivers said, "but in view of your request for an extended leave of absense to attend a family function, the choice of Lieutenant Rel made more sense." ~Ah! Sounds like the leave request was granted!~ "Not at all, Captain; it was a perfect choice. Thank you, again." With a salute, he returned to his seat, as the Captain called up the new engineer, Gesar. ~Finally! A chance to get out from under all that bureaucracy! Be nice to get my hands back on some lab equipment again.~ Dr. Dolphine was the last promotion; the Captain allowed a few moments for everyone to congratulate each other. Deston turned to Rel. "I'm very happy for you, /Lieutenant/!" he said, stressing the rank in honor of her promotion. "You absolutely deserved this, no question about it!" (reply Rel, if so desired) "Pardon me a moment - I need to talk to Bob." He quickly worked his way over to Lorimar and caught his attention. "Congratulations, si - Bob! You'll do the ship proud, I'm sure." (reply Lorimar, if so desired) Once the congratulations were over, the Captain spoke again. "I do have one more piece of news for you all. Some of you know this already, but for others it will come as a surprise, maybe even a shock. Lt Commander McLaren has left the ship late last night. It seems he requested a transfer to another vessel. What I'm about to say goes no further than this room, otherwise you will answer to me, I hope that is understood. His wife, Arania, who as you all know runs QV, was unaware of his decision, as indeed was I. She has decided to remain here, and I hope that you will all show her your friendship and support as she is of course deeply shocked and upset by his abrupt and unforseen departure. Arania has been a good friend to all of us since her arrival here, and it is only right that we should return the favour now that she needs our help. That will be all. Dismissed. Ensign Candle, will you remain behind please?" It was news to Deston. While he hadn't really seen much of the McLarens... well, /ever/, there had been a nodding acquaintance and friendly professional interaction; furthermore, Carl had very fond memories of the wedding back on Earth, and had been as saddened as anyone when McLaren had suffered his accident. He probably wasn't as shocked as some of the officers at the table obviously were, but he was rather confused, and his heart went out to Arania. (reply any) (posted by John O'Neill) ************ (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - ACEO Ens(Sg.) Anton Gesar - 0914) Anton was reviewing an inventory report on his PADD when the captain began. "Pleased to see that all her senior staff were punctual..." The captain started the meeting. It seemed that some people were getting promoted. It gave Anton a good feeling even if he wasn't the one being promoted. It's good for the morale of the ship and lets people know that hard work can get you ahead. First Lt. Commander Dorga'cha Nooras was promoted to FO. Being new Anton did not have an opinion one way or the other. The meeting was interrupted by the arrival of a new crew member. “Cade….. Ensign Candle reporting for duty, Sir” he said. "Welcome aboard, Ensign," the captain said with a nod. "You're a little earlier than expected, but welcome nonetheless. Please take a seat, I'll speak with you more after the meeting." "As I was about to say, Commander 'cha Nooras's promotion to FO leaves a vacancy for 2O. I've thought a lot about who would be an adequate replacement for her, but in the end the choice was obvious, at least to me. So Lieutenant Lorimar, I would be very happy if you will accept the position of Second Officer of the Boudicca." Anton hoped no one saw his head pop up. ~Hmm... the chief getting promoted to 2O. I wonder if he'll accept.~ "Dorga's promotion also leaves another vacancy, that of Chief Counsellor. I'm delighted to announce that Commander Jerome ManyHorses has requested to remain on the Boudicca, and I can think of no one better suited to take on that role. I hope you'll accept?" she said. The promotions continued. Doctor Jahlen was promoted to Lieutenant(Jg.) and to the CMO post. Ensign Rel was also promoted to Lieutenant(Jg.) and the CSO post. Ensign Deston was promoted to Lieutenant(Jg.). It was uplifting to see the anergy in the room climb as all the promotions were being handed out. ""Ensign Gesar, please step forward." Anton exhaled a sigh. He was excited, but this was only the first step of many. He approached the captain who smiled. "Ensign Gesar, you have settled in here well, and in recognition of that, I am happy to promote you to the rank of Ensign (sg)." So saying, she removed the blank pip from his collar and replaced it with a single gold one. "Congratulations, Ensign." "Thank you captain," was all he said with a polite nod as he turned to head back to where he was sitting "And last but not least, Dr Dolphine, please step forward. You too have made a valuable contribution to the medical department, and I'm happy to promote you to Ensign(sg) in recognition of that." Susan replaced his blank pip with a gold one. "I think you have a good career in front of you, and I hope that you will learn a lot from Dr Jahlen whilst she is your head of department. Your Starfleet career is a new one, but I think you have the makings of a good officer and an even better doctor." Once the promotions were over the captain announced that Lt.Commander McLaren had transfered to another vessel. After the announcement all but the new Ensign were dismissed. (Reply None) (Posted by Oleg Kislyuk) ********** (USS Boudicca- Observation Lounge- ACMO Ensign (JG) Hawkeye Dolphine- 0915) "And last but not least, Dr Dolphine, please step forward. You too have made a valuable contribution to the medical department, and I'm happy to promote you to Ensign(sg) in recognition of that." Susan replaced his blank pip with a gold one. "I think you have a good career in front of you, and I hope that you will learn a lot from Dr Jahlen whilst she is your head of department. Your Starfleet career is a new one, but I think you have the makings of a good officer and an even better doctor." "Thank you captain" replied Dolphine, though a bit in shock. The last thing he had expected was a promotion in rank. As he sat back down he listened to the rest of what Capt. Rivers had to say. "I do have one more piece of news for you all. Some of you know this already, but for others it will come as a surprise, maybe even a shock. Lt Commander McLaren has left the ship late last night. It seems he requested a transfer to another vessel. What I'm about to say goes no further than this room, otherwise you will answer to me, I hope that is understood. His wife, Arania, who as you all know runs QV, was unaware of his decision, as indeed was I. She has decided to remain here, and I hope that you will all show her your friendship and support as she is of course deeply shocked and upset by his abrupt and unforseen departure. Arania has been a good friend to all of us since her arrival here, and it is only right that we should return the favour now that she needs our help. That will be all. Dismissed. Ensign Candle, will you remain behind please?" In short Hawkeye was suprised of the decision. While he had not met the LtCdr. he had heard other crew members talk about him. In all, Hawkeye was amazed that he up and left like this without warning or going through the Capt and proper channels. (Reply any iyw, none needed) (Posted by Ben) ******** (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - CO, Captain Susan Rivers - Day 2 - 0930) Once the room had emptied of everyone except the new officer, Susan beckoned him over. "I really don't want to have to shout across the room at you," she said. "Sit down, Ensign. Tell me a little about yourself." (reply Basil, room for more) "Now I understand that you have been assigned here as Assistant Chief Science Officer, but if I remember rightly from reading your academy record, you also have medical training?" (reply Basil) Susan sat back and regarded him for a moment before continuing, "We could really do with another doctor in Sickbay. As you probably gathered, Dr Jahlen's first love is research, and whilst she has agreed to take on the postion of acting CMO, I would like to afford her the opportunity of doing some research at least. So with that in mind, I would like to ask you to take up the position of ACMO instead. I will talk to Lieutenant Rel, and perhaps it will be possible for you to assist in the Science Department as well - to hold, as it were, a dual post. So what do you say, Ensign? Are you up for the challenge?" (reply Basil, any) (Posted by Liz) ********* (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge – Ensign Candle - Day 2 – 0933) "Welcome aboard, Ensign," Susan said with a nod. "You're a little earlier than expected, but welcome nonetheless. Please take a seat, I'll speak with you more after the meeting." “Thank you, Sir” Basil nodded and found a seat at the end of the table. Basil listened to the unfamiliar names and the promotions, relieved that the meeting wasn’t a mission briefing but in some way a little disappointed. The Captain carried on explaining personal matters of a crew member. That will be all. Dismissed. Ensign Candle, will you remain behind please?" The room emptied and he was alone with the Captain, she beckoned to him. "I really don't want to have to shout across the room at you," she said. "Sit down, Ensign. Tell me a little about yourself." Basil came over and sat nearer mulling over where to start, “Well, Captain, I’ve spent most of my life in space on a variety of ships, non Federation that is. Freighters, trade vessels and even a few tugs. Arguably my Academy training was one of the longest times I’ve spent on a planet’s surface.” “I joined Starfleet, I suppose, later than most. I must admit, when I graduated I wasn’t sure where I wanted to be, I came up with numerous options that could have applied to me. It would seem the Admiral would think it best for me to be here. I hope I don’t disappoint.” "Now I understand that you have been assigned here as Assistant Chief Science Officer, but if I remember rightly from reading your academy record, you also have medical training?" “Yes the Academy realised my time on the other ships had given me a broader range in skills so built on what I already knew. I had been on a Freighter where I .. was the medical officer, why?” The Captain sat back and regarded him for a moment before continuing, "We could really do with another doctor in Sickbay. As you probably gathered, Dr Jahlen's first love is research, and whilst she has agreed to take on the position of acting CMO, I would like to afford her the opportunity of doing some research at least. So with that in mind, I would like to ask you to take up the position of ACMO instead. I will talk to Lieutenant Rel, and perhaps it will be possible for you to assist in the Science Department as well - to hold, as it were, a dual post. So what do you say, Ensign? Are you up for the challenge?" Basil thought about that, he was disappointed as he had been looking forward to it throughout his journey here. Rationally it made sense, he had multi tasked before, you had to on the trading vessels, costs were important so a multi-skilled crew member can aid with the profit margin. ~Anyway she hasn’t said no – just that my time will be split~ “Yes I am, I will do my best on both fronts” “Captain, if I may, can I ask a question?” Thinking she might take it as he was querying what she just said he elaborated, “Not about the assignments, well it is … but more with the Boudicca’s assignment.” He was flustering, he paused “Sorry, Captain, it's this Station, why are we here? (reply Rivers, any) (Posted by Warren Simkins) ******** (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge – CO Captain Susan Rivers - Day 2 – 0935) “Well, Captain, I’ve spent most of my life in space on a variety of ships, non Federation that is. Freighters, trade vessels and even a few tugs. Arguably my Academy training was one of the longest times I’ve spent on a planet’s surface.” Susan nodded. It wasn't unusual for someone bred in space to end up choosing a career that kept them there. It happened with 'Starfleet brats' all the time, and there were more than a few who'd grown up on freighters who either spent their lives there or joined Starfleet. “I joined Starfleet, I suppose, later than most. I must admit, when I graduated I wasn’t sure where I wanted to be, I came up with numerous options that could have applied to me. It would seem the Admiral would think it best for me to be here. I hope I don’t disappoint.” Susan gave a small smile. "I hope not too, Ensign. And I hope that you will not be disappointed with your berth on the Boudicca either." She then went on to question Candle about his medical training before asking if he would consider taking up the position of ACMO, whilst still helping out in the Science department. A flicker of what might have been disappointment crossed the ensign's face for an instant, but it was gone almost as soon as it appeared, and he agreed to do his best on both fronts. “Captain, if I may, can I ask a question? Not about the assignments, well it is … but more with the Boudicca’s assignment." He paused. "Sorry, Captain, its this Station, why are we here? Susan raised an eyebrow. "We're here because we've been ordered to this sector, Mr Candle. We brought supplies to the station, and we're awaiting orders. Frankly, your guess is as good as mine. But since we're here, and awaiting orders, it makes sense to allow the crew shore leave. Is there a particular reason you asked the question?" (Reply Basil, any) (Posted by Liz) ********* (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge – ACMO/ACSO Ensign Candle - Day 2 – 0937) ".... Is there a particular reason you asked the question?" "Let me answer that with a question, why is this station here? If this was built by Starfleet then the answer could be simpler that beyond these walls is frontier space, where new life, strange civilisations and places where the Federation has never been before. But Starfleet was not involved with this station so again why here? Trade? Maybe but that assumes a profit is to be had but we are as far from any major trade route that I am aware of. A new trade route is poissble but for that there must be something out there to encourage such entrepeners to invest in such a location. Also from what I can see of the station so far it doesn't strike me as if it has a roaring trade. I am not saying there is anything sinsiter here Captain, just a lot of blanks to be filled. It's just the place strikes me as anomalous. (Reply Captain Rivers) (Posted by Warren Simkins) ********* (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge – CO Captain Susan Rivers - Day 2 – 0939) Susan nodded. "It is indeed anomalous if you look at it like that, Ensign. There is, however, an independently-run dilithium mining facility two days away, and as I understand it, Laastekans was built as a kind of resupply base for that facility. The miners also come here for their R&R and businesses have sprung up to accommodate them. Starfleet has a presence here for several reasons, among which is that it *is* the frontier. But as you so rightly say this is not a Starfleet facility so our presence has to be, for want of a better word, muted. I didn't ask for us to be assigned here but here we are and here we stay until ordered elsewhere. It wouldn't surprise me over-much if Starfleet wished to protect its interests in the dilithium - prevent anyone else from taking it over. It is not our facility and we are not taking it over but by the same token we need the dilithium we buy from them as much as anyone else who also buys from them. It is my assessment that is why Starfleet has sent us here, although I will admit that I have not received specific orders regarding that." She gave Candle a piercing look. "You display a considerable amount of curiosity, Ensign, not to mention a more in-depth knowledge of Laatstekans and the surrounding area that I would expect in someone straight out of the Academy. Care to tell me why that is?" (Reply Basil, any) (Posted by Liz) ********** (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge – ACMO/ACSO Ensign Candle - Day 2 – 0941) Basil listened to the Captain, explaining about the independent dilithium mine. ~Independent I doubt that~ but her piercing look shook Candle back from his thoughts. "You display a considerable amount of curiosity, Ensign, not to mention a more in-depth knowledge of Laatstekans and the surrounding area that I would expect in someone straight out of the Academy. Care to tell me why that is?" "I already have Captain, my time on the trade vessels took me across space and a few interesting places, stations were one of them. I do not know this station, i'm just comparing to ones I am aware of and, I am not sure what Science Officers ... and Medical officers you have had Captain but I would have hoped that curiosity was one of their traits. As I said there are ...... gaps, which I am sure are rationally explained, it just that it intrigues me. I am sure it is nothing but straightforward like you suggest Captain but I find it helps to be prepared against worse cases" (Reply Captain Rivers, any) (Posted by Warren Simkins) ********* (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge – CO, Captain Susan Rivers - Day 2 – 0942) "I already have Captain, my time on the trade vessels took me across space and a few interesting places, stations were one of them. I do not know this station, I'm just comparing to ones I am aware of and, I am not sure what Science Officers ... and Medical officers you have had Captain but I would have hoped that curiosity was one of their traits. As I said there are ...... gaps, which I am sure are rationally explained, it just that it intrigues me. I am sure it is nothing but straightforward like you suggest Captain but I find it helps to be prepared against worse cases" Susan smiled a little wryly. It seemed to her sometimes that she had spent most of her career preparing for worst cases. "You'll get no argument from me there, Ensign. And I would go so far as to say that curiosity is a good trait in any Starfleet officer, I was merely curious if you had any specific knowledge that I did not. But until I get further orders, your guess is as good as mine as to the purpose of our being here. If there's nothing else, I suggest you get settled in your quarters and meet your new co-workers, in whatever order you wish. If you have not yet been given your quarters, the computer should have the assignment by now." She rose and held out her hand. "Welcome aboard, Ensign Candle. I hope you will find your time with us interesting. I am sure that you will be a good addition to the crew, and I thank you for being so flexible about your department." (Reply Basil iyw, any) (Posted by Liz) ********** (USS Boudicca – Gymnasium / Rec Room 1 - Crewman Shadow to Sretalles & Holo-marine Jose Rameriz - 1023) Shadow summoned the holo-marine back inside the ship with a quick word to the computer. He showed up and looked around. “Whats new pussies cat?” he asked warily. “You are supposed to train me, yes? You are supposed to keep me in shape to be an adequate bodyguard to the Captain, yes?” She said, stalking around Rameriz. “Uh, sures.” He said, eyeing her, not sure where she was going with the line of questioning. “And you have not trained me in weeks, yes?” Shadow said stopping in front of him and pivoting to face him. “Er, rights..” Rameriz wondered if he could be forced to scrub induction coils by the lowest ranking member of the ship. The fact she’d summoned him said she outranked him. That wasn’t exactly what he’d call a good sign. “So, I think we train now.” Shadow said pulling her dagger from the belt she wore diagonally from waist to hip. As he twisted out of the way of her knife it was about then Rameriz decided he was glad he was run by a computer that had to slow down his thought processes to keep up with the flesh and blood members of the crew. He wasn’t quite sure his human self would have been able to get out of the slash Shadow seemingly pulled from nowhere. He grabbed his own knife out of his boot and was happy to see the marine standard issue was half an inch longer than her’s was due to its long curve. His had jagged teeth on the back and serrations on the front near the hilt, it was a weapon made for killing while her’s seemed to be more of a utility tool for skinning animals. Rameriz also learned several things about Sioavan fighting styles in the first few moments of their knife fight. The first was that if she bristled, he couldn’t track what her muscles were doing under that black fur. He had to look for macro movements before he was yanking himself out of the way and attempting a counter attack. The second thing he learnt was that unlike the Caitains on ship, the tail was a very formidable weapon. If he weren’t a hologram, he’d have been blinded by a tail poke, as it was she yanked him off balance half a dozen times. Her tail was easily as strong as that of a teenage human’s arm and gripped and grappled as effectively as her other four limbs. Add into it she was as lithe and quick as a dancer, had four sets of built in knives, some nasty teeth in a big mouth, and was obviously trying to prove something, he was in trouble for the first few minutes. Finally he got off the defensive and grabbed her tail and yanked it hard to pull her off balance. She stumbled to the side with an ear splitting yeowl and swiped down with her knife now in what should be her off hand. Since she didn’t seem to be pulling any punches, he kicked her in the knee and sent her crashing to the mats and took the knife in the fore-arm. Well, he would have if he wasn’t hard light. Fortunately he realized in time to soften the beam so he didn’t break her knife on his arm. Ignoring their audience, Rameriz crouched down beside Shadow, “So, what’s was that’s all abouts, eh?” Shadow licked her knee and tried to feel if he displaced her knee cap. “I *can* take care of myself!” she declared. “Well, sures. You’s is no marine, but you’s do okay. You fights good, you’s is not so good at tactical, but I’d haves you at my backs in any fistfight.” Rameriz bounced on the balls of his feet a couple of times. “And..?” he promoted when it seemed Shadow was perfectly happy to sprawl there grooming her offended leg. “Parrr’Z thinks I can’t take care of myself!” She finally complained with more than a slight amount of teenage whine. “So (censored) him then.” Rameriz said matter of factly. “You’s knows you can. You’s is the important one.” “But..” Shadow trailed off, eyes narrowing as she stared through Rameriz, pausing in mid-lick. Rameriz waited with a patience most wouldn’t credit him with having. Only those who had seen him in action would recognize it. “I’m being too hard on him.” Shadow finally said. “Yes?” He encouraged. She sighed. “Relationships suck.” She muttered and rolled to her feet, testing her knee. “I guess I owe him an apology.” “Guesses you do,” Rameriz agreed. Shadow sighed and limped off, giving her shoulder a ‘I don’t see any of you’ lick when she realized she’d drawn a crowd for the second time in two days. “Well, that’s was funs! Wonders whats I gets to do for an encore!” Rameriz said to no one in particular before porting himself elsewhere. (Reply any) (Posted by Lorna) ******** (USS Boudicca - Science Labs - aCSO Lieutenant (jg) Ayslin Rel - Day 2 - 1030) Ayslin walked into the science labs and was met by everyone in the room snapping to attention at the same time. She glared around the room at the sparsely assembled staff. "Very funny, tracking my comm badge? How'd you know about the promotion?" She asked the nearest Petty Officer as the rest chuckled and went back to work. "Ops came by to change the name plate on your door, very efficient," the young Bolian said. "The do seem to be. Ok, back to work, or whatever it was you were doing." Ayslin said walking into her officer and securing the door behind her. She pulled the elastic out of her hair, shaking it out, then unbuttoned the neck of her uniform before collapsing into her desk chair. "I'm never going to get to do research again, am I?" Ayslin asked herself looking at the ceiling. It was at this moment her door chime rang, which she promptly ignored. Apparently undeterred, her unannounced visitor tried again several times. "Computer, are any of the science facilities on fire?" [Negative] "Has there been some kind of hazardous spill or leak in the lab?" [Negative] "Good," Ayslin said then promptly ignored the person again. It took another minutes of intermittent chimes to finally open her door. "Oh fine, if you aren't going to go away you might as well be comfortable," Ayslin said in a uncharacteristic good mood. Walking though the door was a young Betazoid woman, her brown hair cut to just about her chin and the end flipping outward, in what Ayslin assumed was stylish . She smiled a wide and friendly smile that included her dark eyes that gave away her heritage. It was very hard to stay angry at anyone that young and happy, although Ayslin tried her best, but couldn't make it stick. It wasn't the girls fault she was being piled with more work, and Ayslin should know better than anyone that the more senior one got, the less actual research one did. "All right, I'll bite, who might you be?" Ayslin asked with a sigh. The woman's uniform was blue and not new, but it was freshly pressed. Her nails were immaculate as was the rest of her appearance. "Petty Officer Tanna Slain, reporting for duty, I was assigned as your new Yeoman," the woman said seriously, although she still looked happy. "I've been assigned a yeoman?" Ayslin asked, slightly amazed. "I've only had the job for an hour an a half." "The Yeoman corps is quite good, Ma'am," She said, in her not unpleasant soprano voice. "Apparently so," Ayslin said, over the worst of her bad mood. Leaning forward she gave the woman another look. "Oh sit down, Tanna, I'm not actually that grumpy." Ayslin said gesturing to the chair. "All right, I'll start with the first question, do you have a science back ground?" "No, Ma'am, purely administrative. I've been a yeoman for other science officers, but don't have any official training beyond my duties as yeoman." Tanna said, although she didn't look liked that was a problem. "How old are you," Ayslin asked, suddenly getting the impression that Tanna was very young. "Twenty, Ma'am. I've been with the Fleet for two years." Tanna said. "Twenty?" Ayslin asked more rhetorically than anything. She wasn't that much older, at 27, but still she found twenty a tad young. "Ma'am, I'm not here to assist you in your research, I'm here to handle all of the administrative issues that I can, I'm here to make your life easier. I've worked for two years at Jupiter Station as a yeoman there, but my Parents are also scientists. I'm know I'm not the smartest person in the department. My aim is horrible, I hate engineering, and I'm just not that smart enough to do go for science. But what I am is good at my job. My multi tasking skills are in the top 2 percentile and I've spent my life learning about people. I'm here to run interference for you, to handle the paper work that really doesn't need your attention but someone with stars on their collar still says needs to be done. I have a near perfect memory for rules and regulations and an uncanny knack for finding the loopholes, a skill I picked up as a teenager, not in training. I've got two forms here that, if you sign, will get you a bigger office and a bigger furnishings stipend. And if you agree to keep me on, I'll tell you the one thing that will make you love this job." Tanna said with a slight evil grin that made Ayslin realize somewhere in the back of her mind that Jeven really would have liked her. "Ok, what?" Ayslin said, already impressed enough to keep her. Tanna leaned forward conspiratorially and whispered. "As department head, your name goes on every paper the department puts out as Senior Author, you're CV will be packed inside the year." Ayslin grinned a grin to match Tanna's and shot her hand out across the desk. "When can you start?" (Reply Any/None) (Posted by Patrick D.) ********* (USS Boudicca – Parrr'Z's Quarters - Crewman Shadow to Sretalles & SPC Sec.O Parrr'Z – Day 2 - 1039) Shadow limped through the corridors to Parrr'Z's quarters and pressed the chime. She waited patiently while trying to ignore the throbbing of her knee. Why did all the lessons the marine passed along tend to be painful? Parrr'Z had been pacing back and forth in his small quarters like a caged lion waiting for dinner. He was going over what had happened between Shadow and him; trying to make head and tail of the situation and attempting to see her side of things. How would he feel if he was the smaller female and some big lummox tried to protect him err her, if she thought it wasn't necessary? ~I guess I also would also not be happy, but I think I would realize that it was being done out of caring. True, but what about what she said...that everyone tells her to act like an adult and then treats her like a child? I do *not* treat her like a child! I treat her as I would treat any female I care for. If I love them then I want to protect them from har......~ The door chime sounded, interrupting his line of thought. Parrr'Z hissed with annoyance. ~ Who would that be? ~ He prowled over to the door and pressed the opening key and looked down at the person he'd been trying to understand, he silently appraised her, wondering if she was back to continue their fight. His whiskers twitched apprehensively. Was she here to cause more trouble? "I came to apologize," Shadow said quietly, looking up at him through black eyelashes, "I'm sorry I expected you to know me when I didn't let you know me. I'm sorry I got angry at you for caring, and I'm really sorry I chose to dump five kilos of emotional trash on you in public and left you to clean up the mess." The sight of those beautiful luminescent green eyes ringed by black eyelashes looking up at him with no hint of flashing animosity, wasn't what Parrr'Z had expected and he was somewhat taken aback by it, and pleased too. This meant they could remain friends, whether or not they'd remain lovers would be up to Shadow. Reaching down he hugged her gently and licked her furry cheek before straightening again, his pleasure reverberating through his chest in waves of rumbling purrs. "I also apologize for assuming that I had any right to act like I did, I am sorry if you thought I was treating you like a child." He stepped aside. "Won't you come in and we can talk, perhaps if we are honest with each other we may learn more of each other." She'd tensed when he'd started to envelope her, it was sometimes hard to remember hugs weren't attacks. She made her best attempt at the purr noise that Parrr'Z seemed to like so much. She was pretty sure Caitans had started making it to make humans happy and now she was doing it to make him happy. There were worse noises to make and worse ways to make someone happy, she supposed. Parrr'Z insisted his quarters were small, but they were bigger than her own. She'd just been happy not to have a roommate, she could have to sleep standing up and she'd have been happy. Instead she had two trees, a hammock, and jungle sounds. Maybe Parrr'Z needed a tree? She limped past him into his quarters and settled on the two seat couch he had against one wall, curling on one hip, tail tip absently rubbing against her foot. Parrr'Z could hardly miss the fact that Shadow was limping and wondered what had happened to her, had she been hurt on the station after they'd parted? "What happened to you? Why arrre you limping?" He asked, genuinely concerned for her as he sat beside her and took one of her paws gently in his to stroke it tenderly, his frustration and bad humor evaporating with the touch. "Oh. I was sparring with the marine. It was a fair trade, I think. I eye Poked him at least three times and would have landed my knife through his forearm if he were not made of light." Shadow wondered if she was about to get carried to sickbay. She really hoped not, her heart hurt more than her knee and she'd much rather take care of that first. "To bad whateverrr he hit you with wassn't made of light too, I mean fairr iss fairr! Nothing you did to him would have hurrt him one bit, the leasst he could have done was pull his punchess or kicksss. I ssurrre hope it'ss nothing sserriouss." He took a closer look at her knee and his whiskers twitched with suppressed anger, if he could get his paws on that miserable marine....... "It'sss quite sswollen, why don't you go to sssickbay and have it looked at?" "He is the teacher, sometimes you have to bruise to teach." She said, defending Rameriz who in reality didn't actually hurt her often. In fact, she was pretty sure that was the first time she'd earned a stupidity smack from him; she'd earned a lot more of them when she was home and learning to defend herself from the jungle. "I'm more interested in healing heart than knee." She said honestly, curling around so she could sit in Parrr'Z lap, head against his chest. She liked listening to the rumbles, growls and purrs as they reverberated around his chest. "Did I mention I'm sorry for being selfish and stupid?" she asked quietly. The rumbling purrs deepened with delight as Parrr'Z's strong arms cradled his lady love close to his heart. He daintily stroked the top of her head with his tongue. Everything was right with his world again; a world he'd feared had been shattered irreparably by their fight on the station. ~ Those two humans in the bar were right! ~ He smiled and the rumblings grew louder. "Did I mention I love you?" He whispered, so softly against the top of her head that she probably didn't hear him, but it felt right to finally say it to her. (reply none) (posted by Lorna & Sal) ********* (USS Boudicca – Medical – ACMO/ACSO, Ensign Candle - Day 2 – 1122) Basil entered the ship's Medical facility. He located the Doctor he had seen earlier during the promotions meeting "Doctor Jahlen?” he inquired “Ensign Candle, sir, I’ve been assigned to Medical as your ACMO. Is there anything I need to know? Is there anything I can help with now or do you want me to start another time?” (Reply Dr Jahlen, Any) (Posted by Warren Simkins) ******** (USS Boudicca – Medical – a-CMO Lt. Jahlen - Day 2 – 1123) Sickbay was as quiet as a tomb; consequently Jahlen had let all but herself and a couple of nurses take time off. She knew that those who were scheduled for the next two shifts, would come back feeling refreshed and ready to take over. She was thinking that perhaps she would venture off the ship and explore the small space station later when the doors slid open and an officer in blue walked in. "Doctor Jahlen?” he inquired. 'You are correct, Ensign." Jahlen stated, recognizing the young man as the one who'd arrived late to the meeting. “Ensign Candle, sir, I’ve been assigned to Medical as your ACMO. Is there anything I need to know? Is there anything I can help with now or do you want me to start another time?” She smiled at him pleasantly, he seemed a likable young fellow, and shook her head negatively. "No, you needn't start right away, there's really nothing requiring immediate attention as you can see there are no patients, and I am sure you are tired from your long journey to get here to the back of beyond. Why don't you just take today to relax, explore the station or just rest and tomorrow you can start Beta shift. By then you'll probably be itching to get to work." (Reply Candle, Any) (Posted by Sal) ******** (USS Boudicca – Medical – ACMO Ensign Candle- Day 2 – 1124) "No, you needn't start right away, there's really nothing requiring immediate attention as you can see there are no patients, and I am sure you are tired from your long journey to get here to the back of beyond. Why don't you just take today to relax, explore the station or just rest and tomorrow you can start Beta shift. By then you'll probably be itching to get to work." "Thank you Dr, I will." Basil was about to go when he thought, "I was thinking of going to the Station at some point anyway. Is there anything the sickbay needs? .... or would you like to join me? (Reply Dr, Any) (Posted by Warren Simkins) *********** (USS Boudicca – Medical – a-CMO Lt. Jahlen - Day 2 – 1125) Jahlen told the new ACMO that his help wasn't needed for the time being and he could return the next day to commence Beta shift. "Thank you Dr, I will." Ensign Candle turned away as if to go and then paused. "I was thinking of going to the Station at some point anyway. Is there anything the sickbay needs? .... or would you like to join me? Somewhat surprised by the cordial invitation, Jahlen blinked as she considered his offer. There was nothing she could think of for supplies and she told him that. "However, I was considering going later on, when my shift ends." ~ But do I want to go alone? Do I want to go with you? ~ She thought about Tollian, now gone from the Boudicca and many light years away. If this was a start to another friendship, did she really want it? She made up her mind. "If you care to wait till then, I'll be happy to accompany you." She smiled warmly at him, "I have just the one name?" Jahlen informed him, the statement also a question. (Reply Candle, Any) (posted by Sal) ************* (USS Boudicca- Sickbay - ACMO Ensign(sg) Hawkeye Dolphine - 1129) After the meeting in the observation lounge had concluded, Hawkeye returned to his quarters for a quick breakfast before returning to sickbay for his shift. He was in for a long day as he was going to cover both remaining shifts in sickbay.~Wont be the first time you've done a double, wont be the last~ Hawkeye thought to himself. He caught a quick sonic shower, donned a fresh uniform and headed for sickbay. As he walked in he noticed the newest officer to the Boudicca in sickbay. He and Jahlen were talking when he walked in. Hawkeye paused and waited for their conversation to conclude before walking over to Jahlen. When he saw they were finished he walked over and introduced himself to the new Ensign. "Ensign Candle, I'm Hawkeye, one of the ACMO's on board. Welcome aboard the Boudicca. Where do they have you posted?" (Reply Candle) After finishing with the young Ensign, Hawkeye turned to Jahlen and extended his arm." Congratulations Dr. I couldn't ask to work for a better CMO. I'm happy for you Lt" Hawkeye said with a smile on his face. When he had been introduced to Jahlen she told him to call her Jahlen, not by rank. He added the comment at the end to show a bit of humor in a show of friendship." (Reply Jahlen) "Are you planning any time off ship Jahlen? If so I would avoid the bar on board like the plague. The food there should be labeled as a health hazard. I Haven't had anything that bad since my replicator in the academy thought that egss were best if served as a dry powder." (Reply Jahlen) Hawkeye turned to the computer terminal in front of him after Jahlen had left and began to review his personal messages. Nothing major in the works for him really. Just routine letters from home and from an invitation to a wedding, not much else. :He began his weekly med checks and took report from the offgoing shift. (Reply any) (Posted by Ben) ************* (Laatstekans - Docking Arm - Ens. Davris Maxon - Day 2 - 1130) Mrs. U'uskl deboarded the transport ship in a hurry so as not to lose sight of her prey. He strode ahead of her at about 100 paces, across a space wedged with a mass of travelers all heading on to Laatstekans. She narrowed her shrewd eyes, fixing on the young man, determined not to lose him. Though he had said he was refusing her offer for the last time, all polite and mannerful as she had come to expect of him, she would not believe he could really mean it. Mrs. U'uskl was not one to say die. There was always another angle, and that was the end, as far as she was concerned. The young man's Starfleet uniform was distinct, of course, setting him apart in this area of space. He was powerfully built, like a good useful worker should be, and stood tall above most of the crowd, except the Nausicaan whose head kept bobbing through her line of sight. She focused on the color of her young man's hair, a brown just tinted with red, as if touched by the sun, though his skin was pale like that of one who has been traveling for months through space. He had in fact, she knew, done just that, leaving 2408.08.28 from Alpha Centauri on a brief assignment, then trading off several ships, both Federation and non, on his way to Laatstekans, before ending up a week ago in the berth next to hers on the transport. That's when she'd discovered him. The transport ship was named The Bon Bon, which turned out to have been the Tellarite captain's nickname for his late wife. Mrs. U'uskl herself had never cared for Tellarites, having once run afoul of a pair of them in her youth, but this captain was a pleasant enough sort of person, and she had passed rather a nice hour pumping him for information on his Starfleet passenger. Ensign Maxon was a science officer, trained by the Daystrom Institute, then later, of course, by Starfleet. He spoke at least seven languages - useful indeed! He was Trill, but unjoined, nearly 30 years old, unmarried and likely unattached. He had grown up in a farming family - now there was a skillset! Oh, how useful he would be to her, out here on the fringe of society. And yet he wouldn't budge! Of course she'd put her own self in the young officer's path during their week-long voyage, to learn what sort of a person he was. He seemed a sweet boy, quite decent and respectful, and beyond his blunt usefulness was a type of person she rarely hoped to find, out here where so many were rough and ungenteel. He was handsome enough for her purposes, with broad, friendly features and such kind green eyes. Oh, if only she could have one last chance, she would change his mind, and that was the end, as far as she was concerned. She made her way through the crowd just as quick she could, with an "Excuse me," a "Beg pardon," or a "Move it, sister," tossed in as needed. He would reach the end of the docking arm too soon, she thought, and she would have lost him for good as he melted into the crowd, then boarded his Starfleet ship, out of her grasp. With a last shove that sent a very short alien flying, she was in range to catch him. A few hurried steps closed the gap, then she laid her hand on his arm. He halted, made a sound like a sigh, and turned to face her. Mrs. U'uskl beamed. "Max, you naughty boy. You never said goodbye to me!" "Ma'am." His normally genial tone was curt, his features drawn in with annoyance. "I'm afraid ou-- "What is this ma'am? There's no ceremony here, not between two friends such as us. Why, my dear, dear Max, don't say you've forgotten what a friend I am to you! Why just as I left the ship I said to the captain, 'I have made a dear friend on your ship,' and he knew, he knew I meant you, Max. Oh, we are such friends. Tsk! Dear boy! You are in a hurry, I know, but you can spare a last moment for your dear friend." During this speech he had done his best to pull away from her. "Mrs. U'uskl, I have a ship to board." "Here now!" she exclaimed. "It takes time to board a ship, especially a Starfleet ship. All the processing and whatnot. Perhaps I will keep you company while you wait!" "That won't be a good idea, ma'am. I really wish you'd allow me to say goodbye and be on my way." Mrs. U'uskl snorted. "Goodbye?! Oh, Max. So young, so hurried! There is time! Now, why don't we have a seat over here, drink a nice cup of--" "Mrs. U'uskl. For the last time, you can't recruit me for your settlement." He had said it again. Oh, if only he had listened to her. "What?" she said, registering shock, though she knew quite well he wouldn't be impressed. "Have you not understood my offer? There is food and housing and pay, and the further benefit I detailed for you." "I will not join your colony," he repeated, quite firmly. "I will not give up Starfleet to farm your planetoid. Furthermore, I am not going to marry your daughters as a further benefit, not either one of them, and certainly not both. Now please don't ask me again." "But--" "Mrs. U'uskl, I understand your need to recruit citizens for your colony, and I appreciate you, uh, considering me. But I have already politely ended this conversation a dozen times, and as a person who has been pestered in close quarters for a week -- I'm just about out of politeness. Now please, ma'am. Goodbye, and good luck with your settlement." "Good luck with my--? Why, young man, how dare y--?" Mrs. U'uskl stammered as he walked away. She thrust her fist in the air at him. "You low-life ingrate!" she yelled after him. "My daughters are the loveliest girls in this sector, bar none!" Ensign Maxon stopped in his tracks and turned back to her, his last bit of politeness worn away. "Yeah, well, I don't like girls!" he called, barely restraining his own fist from making a rude gesture similar to her own, then turned on his heel and headed in the other direction. Mrs. U'uskl watched him leave, the man she'd hoped would work so well for her colony. "Well!" she said, and that was the end, as far as she was concerned. (reply none) (Posted by Brian) ********* (USS Boudicca – Medical – ACSO/ACMO Basil Candle - Day 2 – 1133) "However, I was considering going later on, when my shift ends." "If you care to wait till then, I'll be happy to accompany you." She smiled warmly at him, "I have just the one name?" "It's Basil, Sir, " Before Basil could continue another crew member strode up to them. Basil also recognised this person from the meeting earlier. "Ensign Candle, I'm Hawkeye, one of the ACMO's on board. Welcome aboard the Boudicca. Where do they have you posted?" "Here, sir, mainly but helping out in Science as well." Seeing that the newcomer wanted to speak to the Doctor, Basil said, "I'll meet you later, Dr, after your shift, thank you for coming with me to the station." Then Candle left the two to discuss their own matters. (Reply Dr Jahlen, Hawkeye, Any) (Posted by Warren Simkins) ******** (USS Boudicca- Sickbay- a-CMO Lt. Jahlen - Day 2 -1134) "It's Basil, Sir," the new ACMO gave his first name to her Jahlen thought she rather liked that name, she certainly liked the herb. She wondered which had come first, the plant or the name. Before Basil could continue Doctor Dolphine strode over to them and introduced himself to Basil and welcomed him aboard. He asked where Basil was posted and from what was replied Jahlen understood that Basil Candle was going to be working both in Science and in Medical. That was something she'd never heard of before but it made sense for she was a scientist in her own right with all the research she was doing. "I'll meet you later, Dr, after your shift, thank you for coming with me to the station." Basil addressed Jahlen who gave him a friendly nod and smile then turned to Hawkeye who gave the impression he wished to talk to her. Doctor Dolphine extended his right arm and she shook hands with him as he congratulated her on her promotions and then advised her not to eat at the Bar as the food wasn't good. "Thank you Hawkeye, your support is appreciated as is your advice, I'll be sure to avoid eating there. One thing I do enjoy is good food. Now if you will excuse me there's a project in my research lab that is calling my name." She grinned at him and turned away towards the labs. Now that Hawkeye was here she could immerse herself in her first love without feeling guilty about leaving Sickbay unattended by a doctor. As she began where she'd left off, after consulting her progress report, she found that she was smiling and realized that she was quite pleased to be going to the station in the company of Basil Candle, it would be nice to have a companion along. Being alone was all very well and nothing new to Jahlen, but it was also nice to have someone to share certain experiences with too. (Reply none) (Posted by Sal) ********* (USS Boudicca- Sickbay- a-CMO Lt. Jahlen - Day 2 -1134) "It's Basil, Sir," the new ACMO gave his first name to her Jahlen thought she rather liked that name, she certainly liked the herb. She wondered which had come first, the plant or the name. Before Basil could continue Doctor Dolphine strode over to them and introduced himself to Basil and welcomed him aboard. He asked where Basil was posted and from what was replied Jahlen understood that Basil Candle was going to be working both in Science and in Medical. That was something she'd never heard of before but it made sense for she was a scientist in her own right with all the research she was doing. "I'll meet you later, Dr, after your shift, thank you for coming with me to the station." Basil addressed Jahlen who gave him a friendly nod and smile then turned to Hawkeye who gave the impression he wished to talk to her. Doctor Dolphine extended his right arm and she shook hands with him as he congratulated her on her promotions and then advised her not to eat at the Bar as the food wasn't good. "Thank you Hawkeye, your support is appreciated as is your advice, I'll be sure to avoid eating there. One thing I do enjoy is good food. Now if you will excuse me there's a project in my research lab that is calling my name." She grinned at him and turned away towards the labs. Now that Hawkeye was here she could immerse herself in her first love without feeling guilty about leaving Sickbay unattended by a doctor. As she began where she'd left off, after consulting her progress report, she found that she was smiling and realized that she was quite pleased to be going to the station in the company of Basil Candle, it would be nice to have a companion along. Being alone was all very well and nothing new to Jahlen, but it was also nice to have someone to share certain experiences with too. (Reply none) (Posted by Sal) *********** (USS Boudicca - Science Labs - Ensign Candle - Day 2 - 1202) Finding the science labs Basil walked in. He spotted a brown haired betazed woman leaving the CSO's main room "Is Ayslin Rel in?" "Yes but .." said the girl but Basil interrupted her, "Won't take long." He quickly walked into the science officer's room before she could say anything else. "Apologies, sir, Ensign Basil Candle how do you do, i just wanted to report. The captain has me mainly assisting in the medical bay but I will also help here when it is needed. Is there anything pressing that i should be aware of, if not I will go" (Reply Rel) (Posted by Warren Simkins) ********* (USS Boudicca - Science Labs - aCSO Lieutenant (jg) Ayslin Rel - Day 2 - 1204) Ayslin had just dismissed her new yeoman when an Ensign walked in without so much as a knock. He quickly walked into the science officer's room before she could say anything else. Tanna mouthed an apology and waited outside the door way, in case she needed something "Apologies, sir, Ensign Basil Candle how do you do, i just wanted to report. The captain has me mainly assisting in the medical bay but I will also help here when it is needed. Is there anything pressing that i should be aware of, if not I will go" Ayslin looked at him for a moment. He wasn't much taller than she was and his hair was a similar color, but he looked like he needed a good meal more than anything at the moment. Ayslin stood up from her desk and walked past the man reaching around the door jam and tapping the door chime, the sound rang in the office. "Yep it works," she said with a shrug before she walked back around and sat down again. She looked up and smiled at the ensign. "So, Ensign Candle...Candle...," she said before finding the right PADD. "Ah yes, I did get notice you were coming, but the Captain wants you in Medical, as you said." Ayslin said repeating what the Ensign had said as she read his file. "All right, we're still on light duty and you're not under my direct command so I really don't have anything for you. If you need to set up experiments let me know and I'll find a lab space for you. Once you're settled in with Medical I wouldn't mind finding out just how much time you'll be spending with Science." (Reply Candle) "Sounds good, If you don't have any questions for me, you're free to go about whatever duties Lieutenant Jahlen assigned to you." Ayslin said. "Oh and Ensign Candle, next time at least ring the chime on your way in," Ayslin said with a friendly smile. (Reply Candle) (Posted by Patrick D.) ********* (USS Boudicca - Science Labs - ACMO/ACSO Ensign Candle - Day 2 - 1206) After the officer's little show she address Candle "So, Ensign Candle...Candle...," she scrabbled around for a padd. ~Looks like she needs a yeoman~ he thought "Ah yes, I did get notice you were coming, but the Captain wants you in Medical, as you said. All right, we're still on light duty and you're not under my direct command so I really don't have anything for you. If you need to set up experiments let me know and I'll find a lab space for you. Once you're settled in with Medical I wouldn't mind finding out just how much time you'll be spending with Science." "I guess that depends on what Starfleet has in store for us. Saying that I do not want to shirk any responsibilities to you so I will do my best to be here as often as I can" "Sounds good, If you don't have any questions for me, you're free to go about whatever duties Lieutenant Jahlen assigned to you." Ayslin said. "Oh and Ensign Candle, next time at least ring the chime on your way in," Ayslin said with a friendly smile. Basil nodded his head, "Certainly sir I will next time" he smiled too, his scar over his eye darkening slighly With that he left the aCSO to her office. (Reply Rel, Any, None) (Posted by Warren Simkins) ********** (Starfleet Academy - Counselling Wing - Professor Mistytail of Eiros - Day 2 - 1320) Mistytail tapped on her desk with her claws for a few moments between classes. Her furthest flung adoptee was metaphorically tugging on her tail. She sighed and contacted the academy communications centre, "Can you put me through to the Executive Officer of the Boudicca please?" she asked the fresh faced young Bolian. "Yes Ma'am!" He said with cheerful enthusiasm. Her screen blanked to the Federation of Planets symbol and some sort of strange stringed music that was probably supposed to be either soothing or entertaining. Mistytail couldn't much say she found it either. He came back, "The Executive Officer of the Boudicca seems to be unavailable, Boudicca Ops is asking what it pertains to so she can direct your call." "The Captain's Yeoman, Shadow to Sretalles." Mistytail started, gathering thoughts to explain what when the Bolian blinked off again. Oh well, whoever she got would probably be able to direct her to the person best to talk to. (posted by Lorna) ********* (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - CO - Captain Susan Rivers & Professor Mistytail of Eiros - Day 2 - 1323) Susan had finished reading through the reports on her desk which had seemed to appear miraculously whilst she'd been at lunch and was contemplating relieving the duty officer on the Bridge for a spell when her console chimed to indicate an incoming message. Rather to her surprise she saw a felinoid officer, Eaouisan by the looks, who seemed even more startled to see her. Mistytail didn't quite jump to her feet when she saw the pips on screen, "Captain!" she said startled and hastily gave a proper salute. Susan scowled, but before she could object the officer spoke to her. "I'm sorry to bother you Captain, Lieutenant Mistytail of Eiros, currently teaching at Starfleet Academy. I was the counsellor who conned your Yeoman into enlisting. I was looking for someone to discuss the future of said Yeoman with." "Shadow?" Susan asked, all annoyance forgotten. "What about her? She hasn't asked for a transfer has she?" She hoped not, Shadow was not only an extremely efficient yeoman but Susan was fond of the young Siaovan. She was almost a part of the family. Mistytail smiled, keeping fangs behind lips, "Your young bard is ready for adulthood and wants to become a diplomat, but she also doesn't want to leave your ship. I'm wondering what alternative arrangements could be made." Susan steepled her fingers. "Well," she began slowly, "We have a protocol officer aboard, and my Chief Counsellor is naturally trained in First Contact situations. My FO, too, is a former counsellor. It might be possible to arrange for some on-board training for her. In fact, I'm sure it would be. Everyone likes Shadow, and I'm sure that they will be glad to help. I can also make sure that where possible she is a part of any away teams that we send out, safety considerations being taken into account of course. I can reduce her duty hours as yeoman to allow her time for study when required..." She paused and looked at Mistytail. "You know more about Shadow than it seems I do," she said. "I understand she failed the Walk on her own planet, more than once. Is this an alternate way for her to become an adult?" Mistytail's tail twitched a couple of times back and forth as if flicking thoughts into place, "I think.. to explain.." She tapped claws on desk, "Ah. Lerris Ball, I think is the dodgeball-esque game on Bajoran. Imagine if you hear your entire life that you have to win a tournament to become an adult and you fail your first, looking like a bad player. Then you fail your second, looking like bad luck and a worse player. You manage to find a third team that will include you, but when that fails too, do you think any team would take you? Their adulthood depends on you as well after all. To us, it is silly, you're an adult when you have the mind and heart of an adult, but to them.." She held out paws and gave a very human shrug. Susan nodded. "To them, the Walk is the only way." "I do not know if our bent tree will ever straighten for the sun, but for her to Walk.. She would require at least three other people who have not done the ritual, who are able to survive wilderness conditions and defend themselves from all sorts of nasty beasts with spears and daggers." She shuddered her fur spiky, "I survived it, I was a pampered officer who had only barely passed her survival training. You, as a Bajoran, probably have more skills in the jungles and woods than I for all that we love our cousins. Personally, if I ever had to do it again, I would find five or six of the biggest marines I know and have them drag me through by my tail." Susan smiled wryly at the thought, then her face became serious again. "But if Shadow wanted to Walk again, could she choose her companions? Would they have to be Siaovans? Or could they be from her Boudicca family? And would it have to be done on Siaova or could it be done say in a holodeck?" “Normally it is a group of friends of similar ages from the same camp, but there is no hard or fast rule on how they come together. Race isn’t important only that they are mature enough to attempt a walk. As far as where, I do believe it would have to be Siaova, as that is where the elders are.” The Captain obviously cared deeply for her people if she was asking so many questions on behalf of Shadow’s well being! No wonder her adopted kit didn’t want to stray from the ship. Susan nodded slowly. Siaova was a long way from where they were. "But if the Boudicca were to find herself in that area, there would be no bar to Shadow Walking with companions from the ship?" There was no question of that happening right now, of course. They were in this area of space for a while at least, but it was something she could keep in mind should an opportunity present itself. "So if the Walk is out of the question for now, how can I best help Shadow? On-board training with the counsellors and the protocol officer? And allow her more time off-duty? She seems to get along with my ward, Loren." “And a swift kick in the tail,” Mistytail muttered, “Sorry Captain, but I’m sure you know how it is with teenagers of any stripe.” Susan looked at Mistytail for a moment, then said carefully, "Yes Counsellor, I will be sure to keep my teenager in order." If she admitted that she her suspicions that Shadow had enlisted below the requisite age had just been confirmed, then Shadow would have to leave. But then of course different species matured at different ages. Mistytail had clearly sponsored Shadow into Starfleet and must therefore have had her reasons. Right or wrong, Susan wasn't about to judge, and she certainly wasn't about to abandon Shadow to a life of aimless wandering, or the kind of life she suspected Shadow would endure on Siaovo as a permanent 'child'. "I will also ensure that Shadow gets all the help - and training - she needs," she added. “Thank you, Captain. It’s nice to see command officers who care about their crew as individuals and always gives me hope that Starfleet will never de-evolve into a faceless mass.” Mistytail said with genuine sincerity. "There's more of us around than you might think," Susan replied, smiting warmly at the counsellor. "You can rest assured Shadow will be looked after as if she were my own kit. Thank you for talking to me about her. She seems to have a knack of making friends. I'll keep you updated on what's happening." After the Eaouisan had left, Susan sat back in her chair, hands laced together, index fingers steepled against her lips, deep in thought. After a while, she roused herself and tapped her commbadge. "Rivers to Lebranski and ManyHorses. Please report to my Ready Room as soon as you can." (Reply Denise, Jerome, Any) (Posted by Lorna and Liz) ********* (USS Boudicca - CCOUNS Office - CCOUNS/CDR Jerome ManyHorses - Day 2 - 1332) Jerome had come to the Counseling Department immediately upon leaving the meeting. He was feeling very content about his circumstances. As FO on the USS Saratoga he had never really felt comfortable in that role just as he hadn't felt comfortable as M-CO. Now that he was back in counseling he knew why he'd felt that way. *This* was where he truly belonged and he was happier than he had been for several years. Naturally when given the field promotion to first officer he knew it was necessary and had accepted his fate. It wasn't that he was a bad FO, he had done an exemplary job simply because he could read people so well, he knew almost exactly what was going on in their heads, but it didn't feel right. He had introduced himself to the yeoman in the outer office and explained why he was there and then had gone to the Chief Counselor's Office and sat down in what had been Dorga's chair. It fit him almost like a glove as she was a tall person too, but with just a little adjustment to the height of the chair, it was perfect. With a sigh of satisfaction he had begun reading the personnels' files. Engrossed in what he was doing time had passed quickly. =/\= Rivers to Lebranski and ManyHorses. Please report to my Ready Room as soon as you can. =/\= ManyHorses tapped his commbadge, "ManyHorses here, I'm on my way Captain." Taking care to lock the personal files with his own password, Jerome then left the Office and headed to the Ready Room. ~ Sounds important! ~ (reply none) (posted by Sal) ********* (USS Boudicca - Admin Office - Lieutenant (jg) Denise Lebranski - 1332.25) =/\= Rivers to Lebranski and ManyHorses. Please report to my Ready Room as soon as you can. =/\= "On my way Captain," Denise replied. She was pretty sure her voice sounded sufficiently different than ManyHorses' to not require identification. She shut down the terminal where she was cataloguing the latest round of goodies she'd negotiated from the station. She supposed it was really someone else's job, but darn it, she was good at it and no one else seemed to think of it first. (reply none) (posted by Lorna) ******** (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - CCOUNS/Cdr. Jerome ManyHorses - Day 2 - 1338) The doors parted as he approached them and Jerome strode into the Ready Room with a big smile on his face, always glad to see Susan, his heart beat increasing as he looked at her. "It sounds important, what can I do for you?" He asked, sensing that Susan was concerned about something and wondering what had caused it. (reply Rivers) He sat down, stretching his long legs out for a second or two before sitting up straight in the chair, hands resting on the arms. (Reply Rivers, Lebranski, Any) (Posted by Sal) ************ (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - Lieutenant (jg) Denise Lebranski - 1340) Denise came in to pass the Captain and new Chief Counsellor their beverages of choice, non-replicated. "Bob's got a team working on tweaking the replicators to taste non-replicated to non-Earth standard, but until then, have some real." She'd tuned out the explanations after 'finally base-line comparison availability' and just started nodding and smiling. She knew replicated didn't taste replicated to the human palate, but there was just something decadent in the real stuff. Besides, she liked knowing the crawdads on her plate had once crawled, call it a good dose of barbarian genes. She took her own seat, folding one leg so the foot rested under her thigh in a half tailor's position. Probably a good thing she didn't encounter environmental conditions such as mud in her job, she didn't even notice it was how she typically sat. (Replies ManyHorses, Rivers,etc) (Posted by Lorna) ********* (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - CCOUNS/CDR Jerome ManyHorses - Day 2 - 1341) The feisty Protocol Officer arrived not long after Jerome had and handed the captain and him some cups of coffee. Real coffee wasn't of as significant an importance in Jerome's life as it seemed to be in quite a few members of the crew and there were other drinks he preferred, such as a nice cold, sudsy beer, but he appreciated the kind thought behind the young woman's action and took it, giving her a smile and his thanks and when he tasted it he gave a soft sound of appreciation. It was a very good brew. "Bob's got a team working on tweaking the replicators to taste non-replicated to non-Earth standard, but until then, have some real." She explained. "It is indeed, very good." Jerome stated, taking another appreciative sip. She took a seat, assuming a sitting position that the Commander knew was not good for the back. He wondered if she had any back pain, if so he was certain her sitting posture had a great deal to do with it. Still that was none of his business and until she complained of back pain within his hearing range, he would refrain from comment, although he also felt it was a little nonchalant and therefore somewhat unprofessional, but again...that was also none of his business. His countenance remained pleasant and inscrutable. ~ No, many praises to Manito for the blessing! Your business is counseling once again. ~ He began to think about where he'd take Susan for a meal on the station if and when they managed to get there and determined to talk to her about it once this meeting was completed. (Replies Rivers, Lebranski) (Posted by Sal) ************ (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - CO Captain Susan Rivers - Day 2 - 1342) Jerome and Denise had both arrived promptly, Denise bearing coffee - *real* coffee, Susan was delighted to hear. Jerome had arrived first, asking what he could do for Susan, and she had explained she was waiting for Denise to arrive, and would tell them both together. Soon afterwards Denise came in with the coffee, and Susan smiled. ~You can take the girl out of the Yeoman's office but you can't take the Yeoman out of the girl~ she thought to herself as she thanked Denise for the coffee. She noticed with hidden amusement that whilst Jerome sat straight in his chair, his posture straight but not rigid, and Denise sat with one foot tucked under the thigh of her other leg. Somehow that seemed to sum up the two of them. "Thank you both for coming so promptly," she said. "I need to talk to you both about Shadow." Briefly she explained the call she had had from the counsellor on Earth without going into details about Shadow having joined Starfleet under-age but explaining a little about the Eaouians' customs when it came to adulthood, and then got the point. "I would like you both to give Shadow a chance to learn about your jobs. Whether formally or informally I leave the three of you to sort out between yourselves. I will make sure that her schedule allows time for this, we have been assigned some new yeomen who will be coming aboard today and this should take some of the pressure off her. I hope that this will enable Shadow to gain more confidence and develop her skills." (reply Jerome, Denise) "I'll talk to Shadow and tell her what we've arranged and that she will have rostered time for her studies with the two of you." (reply Jerome, Denise, iyw) "There is one more thing. Denise, I know that you've been helping out Commander Stolev in lieu of or having other yeoman aboard, and I appreciate that a lot. However, since we are getting some additional help there, I feel that Commander cha'Nooras could use a full-time yeoman, so I would like you to help out Lieutenant Lorimar instead. Your experience will be invaluable to him, as he is new to the position of Second Officer, and of course he has his department to run as well. I could place one of the new yeomen there, but I really would appreciate it if you would agree to take on the job." (Reply Denise, Jerome, any) (posted by Liz) ********* USS Bouidcca - Ready Room - Protocol Officer Denise Lebranski - Day 2 - 1343) "I would like you both to give Shadow a chance to learn about your jobs. Whether formally or informally I leave the three of you to sort out between yourselves. I will make sure that her schedule allows time for this, we have been assigned some new yeomen who will be coming aboard today and this should take some of the pressure off her. I hope that this will enable Shadow to gain more confidence and develop her skills." Denise looked over at the new Chief Counsellor then back to the Captain, "I'd say she's about ready for more responsibility considering the argument she had with her boyfriend on the station yesterday." (Reply Rivers, ManyHorses, rfm) "The thought occurs to me.. Chief Lorehart is due for retirement isn't he? Why not train her for Chief of Boat? Lots of interpersonal and admin skills needed in that, though if she gets the job, you'd have to bump her to Warrant.. But all that can be done via holodeck training." She suddenly grinned, "Though, I suppose Captain Sash found how to make officers without academy stays." (Reply Rivers, ManyHorses, rfm) "I'll talk to Shadow and tell her what we've arranged and that she will have rostered time for her studies with the two of you." (reply Jerome, iyw) "There is one more thing. Denise, I know that you've been helping out Commander Stolev in lieu of or having other yeoman aboard, and I appreciate that a lot. However, since we are getting some additional help there, I feel that Commander cha'Nooras could use a full-time yeoman, so I would like you to help out Lieutenant Lorimar instead. Your experience will be invaluable to him, as he is new to the position of Second Officer, and of course he has his department to run as well. I could place one of the new yeomen there, but I really would appreciate it if you would agree to take on the job." "So you're saying I get the easy going engineer who will believe whatever I tell him instead of the very knowledgeable, competent and strong counsellor who could turn me into a pretzel? Gosh Captain, I don't know if I can handle that assignment." Though, doing the paperwork for the man she wanted to get out of uniform may prove interesting in more than one way. (Replies Rivers, Manyhorses) (Written by Lorna) ********* (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - CO Captain Susan Rivers - Day 2 - 1343.5) Denise looked over at Jerome then back to Susan. "I'd say she's about ready for more responsibility considering the argument she had with her boyfriend on the station yesterday." "Parr'Z?" Susan asked. (reply Denise, Jerome, rfm) To Susan's astonishment, Denise then suggested that Shadow should be trained to replace Chief Lorehart as Chief of Boat. Susan looked surprised. "Chief of the Boat? That is a position given to the most senior enlisted person on the ship. That wouldn't be Shadow, not for a long time yet, Denise. I have no objection to her receiving training but there are many Warrant Officers and Master Chiefs aboard who not only have seniority over Shadow but also far more experience, which is what I'd be looking for. Training is well and good but it doesn't beat years of hands-on experience. No, we'll take it one step at a time. Stick with the two of you training her in counselling and protocol for now." (reply Jerome, Denise iyw) "I'll talk to Shadow and tell her what we've arranged and that she will have rostered time for her studies with the two of you." (reply Jerome, iyw) Having concluded the talk about Shadow, Susan then told Denise that she wanted her to act as yeoman for Bob Lorimar. "So you're saying I get the easy going engineer who will believe whatever I tell him instead of the very knowledgeable, competent and strong counsellor who could turn me into a pretzel? Gosh Captain, I don't know if I can handle that assignment." Susan smiled. "Don't underestimate Lieutenant Lorimar, Denise. However I do think your experience will be useful to him. But if I hear that you've been taking advantage of his unfamiliarity with the admin side of things..." She left the sentence unfinished, reckoning that Denise was smart enough to work it out for herself. Captain Sash might have been a pushover; Captain Rivers was not. (Reply Jerome, Denise, any) (Posted by Liz) ********** (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - CCOUNS/CDR Jerome ManyHorses - Day 2 - 1344) Jerome was a man of few words. Some might have taken him as being taciturn, but the smile that flickered over his lips most of the time and the gleam in his dark eyes showed that he was definitely not. He simply believed in speaking when he had something worth saying, and so he listened to Susan's proposal concerning her Yeoman Shadow, and to Denise as they discussed the young felinoid. He had heard about the fight between Shadow and the Caitian security officer the day before, he had also heard that they'd reconciled soon after, there wasn't much that went on concerning the crew, that didn't reach the Counselors' ears, but he had to wonder what that fight had to do with Shadow being ready for more responsibility, according to Denise. "Parrr'Z?" Susan asked. Jerome gave a nod of affirmation. (reply Denise, rfm) He listened with interest to the Protocol Officer's suggestion for Shadow to be trained to replace Chief Lorehart as Chief of Boat and was amused, though he didn't show it, that Susan actually looked surprised. She was pretty good at hiding her feelings normally. "Chief of the Boat? That is a position given to the most senior enlisted person on the ship. That wouldn't be Shadow, not for a long time yet, Denise. I have no objection to her receiving training but there are many Warrant Officers and Master Chiefs aboard who not only have seniority over Shadow but also far more experience, which is what I'd be looking for. Training is well and good but it doesn't beat years of hands-on experience. No, we'll take it one step at a time. Stick with the two of you training her in counselling and protocol for now." Now was the time for Jerome to speak as he had a question. "Captain, would you kindly clarify the kind of training you wish Shadow to undergo in counseling? Did you have in mind that she would become a counselor eventually, or is she just to learn how a counseling department is run and what is involved?" (reply Susan, Denise iyw) "I'll talk to Shadow and tell her what we've arranged and that she will have rostered time for her studies with the two of you." White teeth glinted stark against the red tanned skin as Jerome smiled at Susan. "I will have a roster prepared by tomorrow noon, Captain, if that is acceptable?" (reply Susan) Having concluded the talk about Shadow, Susan then told Denise that she wanted her to act as yeoman for Bob Lorimar. "So you're saying I get the easy going engineer who will believe whatever I tell him instead of the very knowledgeable, competent and strong counsellor who could turn me into a pretzel? Gosh Captain, I don't know if I can handle that assignment." Susan smiled. "Don't underestimate Lieutenant Lorimar, Denise. However I do think your experience will be useful to him. But if I hear that you've been taking advantage of his unfamiliarity with the admin side of things..." ~ Oh? What has our fair Lieutenant been up to, I wonder. ~ Jerome hoped she wouldn't take advantage of Lorimar in any way. ~ Well, perhaps in one way if what I am thinking is correct. The way her skin pinked a little and her eyes flared slightly at the mention of his name, I'm guessing she's more than a little attracted to him. ~ His dark eyes traveled over the captain with appreciation. ~ My she looks good in uniform, I wonder if she looks better in civvies. It's just as well I have dark skin. ~ He thought, suppressing a bigger smile as he felt his heart quickening. (Reply Rivers, Denise, any) (Posted by Sal) *********** (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - Lieutenant (jg) Denise Lebranski - 1345) Denise looked over at Jerome then back to Susan. "I'd say she's about ready for more responsibility considering the argument she had with her boyfriend on the station yesterday." "Parr'Z?" Susan asked. Jerome gave a nod of affirmation. "It was mostly centered on how if everyone tells her she's an adult, why is she still treated like a child." Denise said. She shrugged, "I can only say how *I* treat her and when we're both in the office, she's the superior Yeoman." (Reply Rivers, ManyHorses) Denise then suggested that Shadow should be trained to replace Chief Lorehart as Chief of Boat and the Captain slapped it down. "No, we'll take it one step at a time. Stick with the two of you training her in counselling and protocol for now." "True, would be a bit of a jump to go from lowest ranking member of the ship to the highest after only three years in Starfleet," Denise said, "Not sure what got into my head." She did know what had gotten into her head, but she wasn't going to have the conversation with a witness around. She'd tilt that windmill another day, but the initial pass had been made. (Reply ManyHorses, Rivers) The Chief Counsellor spoke up. "Captain, would you kindly clarify the kind of training you wish Shadow to undergo in counseling? Did you have in mind that she would become a counselor eventually, or is she just to learn how a counseling department is run and what is involved?" (Reply Rivers) "I'll talk to Shadow and tell her what we've arranged and that she will have rostered time for her studies with the two of you." White teeth glinted stark against the red tanned skin as Jerome smiled at Susan. "I will have a roster prepared by tomorrow noon, Captain, if that is acceptable?" "I'll just corner her in Admin like I usual do, unless you want something formal on your desk?" Denise asked. (Reply ManyHorses, Rivers) Susan smiled. "Don't underestimate Lieutenant Lorimar, Denise. However I do think your experience will be useful to him. But if I hear that you've been taking advantage of his unfamiliarity with the admin side of things..." ~What crawled up her butt and died?~ Denise wondered, had they suddenly gone back to square one from friendly allies? ~Didn't get that memo, I guess.~ She just raised an eyebrow, "I never do my job at any less than the best of my ability, Captain." She ignored the chief counsellor undressing his captain with his eyes. Did he not know how his eyes wandered up, down and up again? Gah, gave her the willies. Have some subtly. (Reply ManyHorses, Rivers, any) (Posted by Lorna) ******** (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - CO, Captain Susan Rivers - Day 2 - 1347) . Denise explained a little about Shadow's spat with Parr'Z. Susan nodded, she wasn't aware that anyone on the ship treated Shadow as anything less than an adult. Certainly when she was playing with Shun and Loren she joined in with them on the same level but Susan considered that to be partly due to her age. She'd never found Shadow to be anything less than an excellent yeoman in her duties, that much was certain. She wasn't so certain about Denise's response to her refuting the suggestion of making Shadow Chief of the Boat. Something in the Protocol Officer's eyes hinted that perhaps she wasn't going to let the matter lie, but Susan wasn't concerned. Appointments like that lay in her purview, not anyone else's. Not even BuPers or an Admiral could overrule her. Jerome asked Susan to clarify the kind of training she wanted Shadow to undertake in counselling. "I would say let her learn what's involved first, then if she's interested she can do the full training. It's hard to decide if you want to do something or not before you know what's involved," she explained. "The same with the protocol training, I think, Denise, unless you have something more specific in mind?" (Reply Jerome, Denise iyw) Jerome said he would have a roster put together and Denise added that she would just corner Shadow in Admin. Susan nodded, and then moved on to discuss Denise working as Bob's yeoman now that Stolev had left. Denise's comment about finding it better to work for someone who didn't know what was going on was better than working for Dorga, who did, elicited a reply from Susan indicating that Denise was not to take advantage of Bob. "I never do my job at any less than the best of my ability, Captain," Denise said, raising an eyebrow. "Good. Then we're all on the same page," Susan replied, wondering if Denise had meant her comment facetiously or not. Mentally she shrugged. As long as the job was done properly and nothing was slid by Bob that he wasn't fully aware of, that was all she was concerned about. "If there's nothing else that either of you want to ask or bring to my attention, then we can conclude this meeting," Susan added. (Reply Jerome, Denise, any) (Posted by Liz) ************ (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - SPC CCOUNS/CDR Jerome ManyHorses - Day 2 - 1348) Jerome said he would have a roster put together for Shadow and Denise added that she would just corner the young felinoid in Admin. Susan nodded, and then moved on to discuss Denise working as Bob Lorimar's yeoman now that Stolev had left. Denise's comment about finding it better to work for someone who didn't know what was going on was better than working for Dorga, who did. Jerome thought that was a bit over the top and just a shade disrespectful; true the FO was a extremely capable young woman and might possibly appear a little intimidating to some people, but he didn't think her efficiency warranted that facetious comment on Denise's part, but the captain replied appropriately showing that she expected her to not take advantage of the 2O/CEO, and ManyHorses' face remained non-committal. "I never do my job at any less than the best of my ability, Captain," Denise said, raising an eyebrow. ~ Looks and sounds like she didn't appreciate that too much. ~ Jerome thought, noting her facial expression and body language, the corners of his lips twitching ever so slightly. "Good. Then we're all on the same page," Susan replied and then told them the meeting was concluded unless either of them had anything to ask or bring to her attention. (reply Lebranski iyw) Jerome waited for the protocol officer to leave and then he relaxed visibly. "I was wondering, captain, umm Susan! We briefly discussed going to the station together, yesterday I believe it was," it seemed such a long time ago, he'd been so busy catching up with his new job, "...and, well, I thought we might actually make an actual time for us to do it. I'd like to buy you dinner as well, if that is okay?" (Reply Rivers, Denise, any) (Posted by Sal) ********* (USS Boudicca - Admin - Lieutenant (jg) Denise Lebranski & Crewman Shadow to Sretalles - 1350) "I HATE BEING AN OFFICER!" Denise snarled, slumping into her chair across the room from Shadow. Shadow had been dreaming about strong muscular furry arms and whiskers that tickled when he rubbed his cheek against her's. "Mrr?" she managed, looking up to focus on her coworker. "There's some sort of secret code that says 'we are in professional mode' or 'we are in casual mode' or whatever! A casual meeting could be a BS session or an on duty Serious Conversation and there's no freaking way to tell the difference. One day I'm allowed to joke with the captain, the next I'm not. It's easy as enlisted.. there's the line, never cross it." Shadow nodded along with the complaints. "Easy, you are child, they are adult." Denise blinked, "Well, not that extreme. Can you imagine anyone telling Loreheart he's a child?" Shadow's tail looped, "No. So, officers are elders?" "Yeah, I guess." Denise still wasn't quite clear on how Shadow's people worked. "I am going to hunt Captain Sash down and paint him green and release him naked in Dublin on St Paddy's day." She growled. "This is a threat?" Shadow asked, looking as confused as she felt. "Oh yes. A deadly one. He'll have no credit to buy beer with." Denise let out a frustrated sigh. "Want a pair of Lieutenant's pips? Hated every time they're put on, so hardly tarnished with use of orders or protocol." Shadow's eyes widened, "NO!" She said with surprising force, "I do not want to be responsible for the lives of anyone! I can barely manage my own life!" Denise tilted her head to one side to study the felenoid, "Yeah, me neither." Time to change the subject, You going to Trei's thing tonight?" Shadow shook her head human style, "No. I was not invited. I would be interested to view, but I understand it is for friends and family." "Yeah, I was included in the invites, but somehow I don't think he'd want me there as 'she who questioned his honour'. Still working on how to clarify THAT one." Shadow's tail looped again, "Good luck. Maybe you could sacrifice your officership to his honour?" "OH.. I wish.." Denise considered thumping her head against the desk. "So, other than watching me stew in the pot of Sash's making, what are your plans?" "Plans?" Shadow asked. "Yeah. Today, tomorrow, three years from now? What do you want?" Denise asked. "Today I shall finish the cataloguing of new personnel, tonight I shall make a den with Parrr'Z and shut out the world, tomorrow I shall see what brings .. and three years from now, I hope to be a musician who is famous for her songs that bring peace to people; who travels world to world and helps smooth fur and sheath claws." She tilted her head to one side thoughtfully, "Think Parrr'Z would leave Starfleet to be my bodyguard?" "Pffft. You can do that from within Starfleet. Just join the diplomats. Easy as pie." Shadow's eyes narrowed, her fur raising, "Arrrre they not officerss?" she hissed. "Heck no. Some are civilians, some are senior enlisted, some are officers. Diplomats work outside the rank system." Denise put on an exaggerated thoughtful look, "Hey, maybe that's what I could do.. tho I think my diplomacy style is more 'shut the hell up,' and 'fire all weapons!'" Shadow's fur relaxed and her tail looped once again, "I do not think 'scorched earth' policy is a sustainable policy for peace." "Pretty boring in the long run too," Denise agreed. She grinned, "Should talk to our new chief counsellor about it all, bet he knows all about how the diplomat thing works." Shadow nodded, "I will, thank you Denise." Denise grinned and gave a half bow, "That's what I'm here for." "Nooo, you are here to accidently misfile your next duty performance review and bunk yourself down a few ranks." "Ooo.. I do so like the way you think.." Denise replied, wishing it could all be that easy. (Reply any) (Posted by Lorna) ********** (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - CO, Captain Susan Rivers - Day 2 - 1354) Jerome lingered behind after Denise had left, and looked visibly more relaxed as the door shut behind her. "I was wondering, captain, umm Susan!" he started, "We briefly discussed going to the station together, yesterday I believe it was,...and, well, I thought we might actually make an actual time for us to do it. I'd like to buy you dinner as well, if that is okay?" Susan smiled. "I'd love that," she said. "Not tonight - Lieutenant Trei is undergoing the Rite of Ascension and I have been invited to attend. I believe there will be a celebration afterwards in QV too - how about tomorrow afternoon? We could take a look around the station and finish up with a meal in the early evening, if that would suit you?" (reply Jerome) "That sounds fine," Susan agreed. "I'll arrange for childcare to send a babysitter for the children. Thank you, Jerome. I'll look forward to it!" (Reply Jerome, Denise iyw at the begining, any) (Posted by Liz) ********** (USS Boudicca - Holodeck 1 - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 1400) Detron walked into the holodeck to have a practice run for the Rite of Ascension. Detron stepped up to the platform and started the run through. "It is a good day to die." Detron will say that in Klingon at the ritual. Detron took one step on the platform with one warrior on each side. "I am a warrior." Detron was then jabbed with unactivated pain sticks. Detron made reactions to the pain he would receive. He paused to recover then took another step. "I am Strong. I am brave." Again Detron made the motions of pain. Again he recovered. "My spirit will rise." The pain sticks jabbed at Detron harder than before. Detron took the expected pain and recovered. Detron took another step. "My spirit is strong." Detron took the hard jabs of pain and went down to his knees as if burdened by great pain. He recovered. Detron took another step to where he would be greeted and congratulated. "Thank you." Detron was satisfied with the run through. ~ It will be a good day to die and my spirit to rise.~ (Reply Any) (Posted by Edward) ******** (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - Ens. Davris Maxon - Day 2 - 1428) Ensign Davris Maxon took a very deep breath. In the moment before he stepped up to the door of Captain Rivers' Ready Room, he considered the chain of events which had brought him there. In the broader sense of being on a journey, it had been a long road from his home on Trill to this far-flung corner of the quadrant. Of course, in the more specific sense, he was just glad to be done with the last two months on transport ships like The Bon Bon. It was just more than 10 years since he'd first left the farm in Arnmere, determined to make his own opportunities for traveling off-world. What he wanted was to go to Alpha Centauri and enroll at Daystrom, traveling to alien worlds, learning about their histories and cultures. What he could afford was Daystrom's Trill branch, on the opposite hemisphere from the village of Arnmere, which seemed far enough away at the time. That had led to projects and internships when school was out, and he'd gone to Ladon, to Iotia, and spent four months in an invisible station on an Emerging Culture planet called Enzuf. He went on to work in the field for the Archaeological Division. It was a good couple years then, traveling the stars like he'd wanted, working as a professional archaeologist. He missed his parents, his sister Enith and her little daughter, but his life was good. He felt successful. And then he fell in love. Loran was a Starfleet officer whose ship was sent to a planet Dav's team was studying. Their romance seemed destined to be brief, one of those romance-of-the-weeks Starfleet officers were famous for. But when Loran's ship left, it didn't stop them. They were together two years, sometimes at a ludicrously long distance, before Loran was killed in the line of duty. And that was it for Dav, the end of his civilian life. He applied to the Academy. His exact reasons for joining had to do with more than just Loran, though that was the largest part. But Dav had yet to regret his decision, not for one moment. He loved Starfleet life. He'd studied everything about the sciences he could at the Academy, determined to make himself a useful officer. He'd pursued his love of languages with extra training in communications. He was ready to serve. His first months as an ensign were spent bouncing around minor assignments, as auxiliary personnel, or auxiliary to the auxiliary. But then his orders had come in, his first real ship assignment. He'd been on a ship called the Sherman for less than a week when they put him off at a starbase to be picked up by a medical supplier, the first of many ships to carry him toward Laatstekans on the Federation's fringe. His week on The Bon Bon with Mrs. U'uskl had only been the worst of it by a close margin. He chuckled to think of her, though he hoped she and her family would be okay after everything. With all said and done on his journey to the Boudicca, he stood there at last, prepared to report to Captain Rivers. He'd done his best to find out about his new captain, but the information available to him on civilian transports was limited, and he could only get so much downloaded to his padd in unsecure locations. What to expect, he wasn't entirely certain. He stepped to her door and the chime rang. (reply Rivers) Maxon stepped inside and stood at attention. "Ensign Maxon reporting to duty." (reply Rivers) (Posted by Brian) *********** (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - Captain Susan Rivers - Day 2 - 1430) The chime rang and the door opened to admit a tall Trill with reddish-brown hair. The teal of his uniform and the single, blank pip on is collar proclaimed him to be her new ACSO even before he came to attention and said, "Ensign Maxon reporting to duty." Susan smiled and indicated the chair on the other side of her desk. "Welcome aboard, Ensign. Sit down, won't you?" (reply Davris) "I see from your file that we share an interest in archaeology," Susan said. "Though for me it's something I haven't really pursued in a long time. Too long, really. But I still read the journals when I have time. Which isn't as often as I'd like these days," she added ruefully. "So tell me a bit about yourself. The kind of thing that isn't in your record." (reply Davris) (posted by Liz) ********** (USS Boudicca - ACSO Davris Maxon - Day 2 - 1431) "Sit down, won't you?" When a captain made such an offer, it was more of an order, Dav felt, though her manner was very welcoming. He folded his long frame into the chair across from Captain Rivers. "Thank you, ma'am." "I see from your file that we share an interest in archaeology," Susan said. "Though for me it's something I haven't really pursued in a long time. Too long, really. But I still read the journals when I have time. Which isn't as often as I'd like these days," she added ruefully. "So tell me a bit about yourself. The kind of thing that isn't in your record." He wondered what to tell her. There were a few interesting facts. He was once the drummer in a band on Trill, and they'd almost recorded an album. He was 25 years old before he ever set foot in a holodeck. He'd tried Blood Pie, and liked it. "Well, yes ma'am. My friends call me Dav, but at the Academy and since receiving my commission, I've been called Max by a few commanding officers, mostly Terran, interestingly." He did not add that he had at first thought it was related to a form of the Terran word 'maximum,' and felt a little odd about the association, until he researched it and discovered Max was also a common diminutive of the Terran name Maximilian, and thus an easy familiarization for his Terran commanders. Either way, it brightened his day that he was distinguished with a nickname, when many of his peers were simply called 'Cadet.' "I like to be out of doors, which may seem contrary to a life in space, but I do like to travel. I'm learning Ferengi in my free time, and it'll be my 8th fluent language." He grasped for something more interesting, then smiled. "And I dated the inventor of the bandless headband for two weeks, way back in school." (Reply Rivers) "As for archaeology, I understand you hold a degree, and that you have some family connections, er, that is-- Well, ma'am, I know your aunt's work some, and I wonder if you might tell me a little about her one day?" (Reply Rivers) (Posted by Brian) ********* (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - Captain Susan Rivers - Day 2 - 1433) "...And I dated the inventor of the bandless headband for two weeks, way back in school," Davris smiled as he said that. Susan smiled in response. "As for archaeology," he continued, "I understand you hold a degree, and that you have some family connections, er, that is-- Well, ma'am, I know your aunt's work some, and I wonder if you might tell me a little about her one day?" "You have done your homework!" Susan said, a little surprised but pleased. "I'd be happy to talk about her with you sometime too. I spent a large part of my childhood with her one way or another, and I'd be happy to talk about some of the digs she took me on too. Next time I send a message to her I'll let her know that I now have an officer who knows her work, She'll be pleased. But for now I think you should get settled in to your quarters, and then the rest of the day is yours. You can look up your department if you like, your department head is Lieutenant Ayslin Rel but if she's not around I'm sure someone else there will be glad to help you. Otherwise you can take some shore leave if you wish. If you're not sure where your quarters are, or where the science bay is, you can request information from any of the terminals and displays in the corridors. Do you have any questions for me?" (reply Davris) Susan stood up and held out her hand. "I'm pleased to have you with us, Ensign. I hope you will enjoy your time on the Boudicca." (Reply Davris, any) (Posted by Liz) ******** (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - ACSO Ensign Davris Maxon - Day 2 - 1435) "Do you have any questions for me?" the captain asked. There was nothing Dav could ask that seemed worth taking up more of her time. "No, ma'am, not just now. Thank you." He smiled warmly, feeling good about this posting. "I'm pleased to have you with us, Ensign. I hope you will enjoy your time on the Boudicca." Dav stood and shook the hand she offered. He was sure he liked Captain Rivers already. (posted by Brian) ********** (USS Boudicca - Quarters - ACSO Ensign Davris Maxon - Day 2 - 1515) His quarters were amazing. Dav arrived empty handed, but for his tiny travel duffel slung over one shoulder, everything else requisitioned from supplies when he boarded on. He hadn't had much with him on the Sherman when his orders came in to rendevouz with Boudicca, and the logistics of shipping any personal effects all the way out to this sector were prohibitive. So he traveled light. But here in these quarters was everything he needed: adjustable bed with temp.-gradating sheets, formattable ergonomic seating area, fully programmable replicator, table with floral arrangement, a little desk to work at, and that certain sense of style that had made Starfleet's interior decorator famous throughout the galaxy. ~Oh, Starfleet. You're the best!~ Never would Daystrom have put him up in anything this comfortably appointed. Their dorms were a crime, their dig housing a disaster, and once he had started working full-time for the Arc. Division, they never set him up in any room half this decent, no matter where in the quadrant they sent him. Not even the 12 century empresses of Iskar VII had had rooms like this. Starfleet really knew how to take care of its own. Dav walked around, surveying the space, dropped his bag on the bed, ran a hand on the wall by the window. It even had a decent view. "Wonder how many stars I'll see from here," he said aloud, thinking of his sister Enith back home in Arnmere, and all the nights they'd spent gazing up at the sky. The door chimed and he answered. A crewman stood in the hall outside, who he thought looked like his mom's friend Awlis, only in a Terran version. He'd seen her earlier, when he was boarding and requested supplies. "Ensign," she said. "I have your pull from Requisitions." With a "Thank you!" he helped her guide the small grav cart into the room and unloaded the crates as she checked them off her list. "Basic clothes and linens. That'll get you started." "I didn't get to pack much," he offered. "Eleven picture frames. Why eleven?" "I haven't met a twelfth person whose picture I want in my quarters?" "...and one bound copy of the Ferengi Rules of Acquisition, in the original language translation." She handed him the book with a quizzical look. "I replicated this myself. I have to know... why do you need it?" "I'm learning the language, so I'm going to translate it by hand. I like having the physical book," he explained, then chuckled. "Kind of lame, I know." She smiled. "As you say, sir. Thumb?" She held out her padd and he printed it with his thumb. "We've certainly had stranger requests," she said, gathering her cart. "Is this really all you needed?" He surveyed the small pile of uniform pieces, towels and empty picture frames. "I'm all set." "Ensign," she said with a swift nod. She took the grav cart back out the door, but paused long enough to throw him a "Welcome aboard" before the door slid shut. Dav smiled and placed the book on his desk. Now he had a few things to put in drawers, something to upload his photos into from iso. chip, and a little linguistic work for his off hours. Now all that was needed was to get to work. He wondered if Lt. Rel would be available, if he reported to the science labs just then. It wouldn't hurt to go find out, and anyway he could see where he'd be working. (Reply Rel, any) (Posted by Brian) ******* (USS Boudicca- Holodeck 2- ACMO Ensign (sg) Hawkeye Dolphine- 1500) After Hawkeye got of his double this morning, he went home and caught a few hours shut eye. Nothing exciting happening in sickbay, his reports were finished by 0600 hours. He took advantage of the crew's shore leave to get in a little training and to just relax. Hawkeye woke around 1500 hours. He made himself something to eat, and proceeded to the holodeck. He had received the latest surgical updates from StarFleet Medical, as well as a case review that one of his friends back on Earth wanted him to review. It wasn't uncommon for Hawkeye to be consulted while off planet by some of his civilian counterparts. Most of them he went to medical school with and had become good friends with. If one of them got hung up on a difficult differental or final diagnosis, they would call Hawkeye for advice or help. The case he was about to review involved a 21 year old male complaining of a severe headache for the past few weeks. Has taken cortical stiumlatord and po medications without relief. Full body scan performed at SFMed showed no abnormal findings. Lab reports were included in the message from Earth. Hawkeye entered the holodeck and began the program. Over the next few hours, hawkeye spent reviewing the procedures preformed and pt complaints. He had found the solution and possible diagnosis wheb he was called to aickbay by the on duty nurse. "On my way" responded Hawkeye. (Reply none) (Posted by Ben) *********** (USS Boudicca- Sickbay- ACMO Ensign (sg) Hawkeye Dolphine- 1520) It took Hawkeye approx. 20 mins. to get to sickbay from the holodeck. On the way he wondered why he was called and not Lt Jahlen, after all she was the acting chief medical officer on board. As he came accross the corner to the turbolift, his mind started to wander. He wanted to get this diagnosis back to his collegues on Earth and have that surgery start ASAP. The turbolift doors opened in front of him and he entered the lift. "Sickbay" Hawkeye ordered to the computer. a few mins later and Hawkeye was on deck headed towards sickbay. He continued to type into his PADD as he walked through the corridors. He looked up occasionally looking to make sure he was not running into anyone or passing sickbay entrance. He walked into sickbay and looked for the duty nurse. "Whats the problem?" he asked the duty nurse. She proceeded to inform him that they had received a comminucation from Starfleet Medical addressed to him. When asked why the message was not forwarded to his padd or crew quarters, he was informed that they attempted but the priority of the message would not allow it to be forwarded anywhere. He walked into the office and accessed the computer. The computer requested an access code in order to view the message. ~Oh this is good!~Hawkeye thought to himself. ~My luck their revoking my medical license~ "Computer, Authorization code Dolphine tango Charlie 174179 Papa." "Authorization code recognized" the computer responded. With that the computer began to relay the message. It was from an old friend who was a higher up in starfleet medical. They had gone to medical school together, He was already in Starfleet but took a leave of absence to go to Med School. The message detailed a new surgical procedure for patients experiencing transporter phobia and sickness. Also for patients requiring emergency cardiac abd trauma procedures. 4tarfleet command is requesting you, Hawkeye, to develop a protocol and subsequent training protocols fpr civilan medical schools as well as the lecture at the next medical conference. I apologize for the runaround I made you go through to receive this message, Hawk , but this information is time sensitive. *according to my boss, this is scheduled for reveal next month. We would also like you and your crew to post a paper on your last mission and how you were able to create the compound for distribution to the Mithglin. Offically we do not have knowledge of you or any of the Boudicca crew bending the limits of the prime directive. But a friend of mine recently ran into a contingent from the Mithglin at HQ who, thankfully told only him of your crew's effort and exchange of technology. To protecr you and the Boudicca crew, we want a paper on the effects of an areolizEd anti viral in higher atmospheres. This will allow us to create a con ed series for our field medics back home and aboard various starcraft. - Trapper- Hawkeye thought for a few minutes about what he was going to do. This sounded like a good oppurtunity to design a lecture and meet other physicians from acrros the federation. He thought, however he should broach this subject with the senior staff and all those involved in the project. "Computer send a message to Capt Rivers, CCOUNS ManyHorses and CEO Lorimar advising that when they are able to I would like to see them in sickbay. Add Recipients Fickett and Jahlen to the list." [Message Sent] (Reply Rivers, Fickett, Jahlen, ManyHorses, Lorimar) (Posted by Ben) *********** (USS Boudicca, aCSO's Office - aCSO Lieutenant (jg) Ayslin Rel - 1535) Ayslin sat at her desk, significantly depleted of PADDs since her Yeoman had come in and removed most. While she was technically on duty she left her long red hair down, feeling less than completely formal on what would have been a full day off had she not been promoted. She was surprised at just how much work there was to do in taking over as Chief of Sciences, even if it was Acting, especially as she had been assistant chief when there had been none to begin with, but the paperwork simply increased, maybe that was why she was assigned a yeoman so fast. She looked up when the door whooshed open and Tanna walked in. "Ma'am, there's an Ensign Davris Maxon here to report in. Do you want to take him now or have him report in later?" Tanna asked with a raised eyebrow. Ayslin thought for a quick second before responding, "Send him in," Ayslin said, "Might as well get to know the new staff now while I'm in the office." Tanna just nodded and waved in the Ensign with a friendly smile. "Welcome aboard, Sir," Tanna said to Davris before stepping back outside to her desk and letting the door close. (Reply Maxon) Davris towered over her by at least a foot, he was big and didn't look anything like a typical scientist. She smiled calmly up at the new Ensign, "Welcome aboard Ensign Davris," She said gesturing towards the chair opposite her desk and she retook her seat. "It's good to have you aboard," Ayslin said, looking down at her PADD as it beeped, the ensign's file appearing on it, sent from Tanna's desk, no doubt. "Have you settled in all right?" (Reply Maxon) (Posted by Patrick D.) ********* (USS Boudicca, aCSO's Office - ACSO Ensign Davris Maxon - 1536) With only a brief glimpse of the nearest labs for the time being, Maxon went directly to Lt. Rel's office, and found a yeoman seated at a desk outside. He wasn't sure from her features alone, but at first guessed she might be Terran, until she looked up at him with those deep, dark eyes. Betazoid, he was almost certain of it. "Hi there," he said, handing her a padd with his reporting orders. "I'm Ensign Maxon, Davris Maxon, I've just come aboard. I know it's leave, but is Lt. Rel available by any chance? I'd like to report in to her." The Betazoid yeoman gave him a quick smile and rose from her chair. "I'll see," she said, and went into the office. Dav could just hear her from outside. "Ma'am, there's an Ensign Davris Maxon here to report in. Do you want to take him now or have him report in later?" The lieutenant replied after a quick moment, but it was muffled and Dav couldn't make it out. He hoped he wasn't coming in at a bad time. He'd been in this situation several times in the past months since his graduation, reporting in to a senior officer, someone he would work with and for. But those had been temporary assignments, and he'd known that going in. This was different, this was long term, and a nervousness crept in that he hadn't felt in a few years. One time he'd felt that way stuck in his mind, when he'd been on his first off-planet dig in school, working at Ladon with Netrebkov, one of Daystrom's foremost field researchers. He'd been terrified that Netrebkov wouldn't like him, would reject him, send him home, end his career before it began. Dav forced himself to laugh at the thought. Surely this wasn't so dire as all that. Oh, but what if Rel didn't like him after all? The yeoman turned back to him, waving him into the office with a smile. "Welcome aboard, Sir," she said, and Dav returned her welcome with a friendly smile of his own. But then he was suddenly alone in the office with Lt. Ayslin Rel, and for a second it startled him, and he hoped it didn't show. She sized him up for a moment, but then gave him a pleasant smile. "Welcome aboard Ensign Davris," she said. He took the chair she offered him, sitting slowly, feeling cautious. He had known she was Trill like him, but hadn't expected to find that they were about the same age. He had to wonder if they had ever run into each other before. No, it couldn't be - he would remember her for that beautiful long, red hair. "It's good to have you aboard," Ayslin said, "Have you settled in all right?" "Yes, ma'am. I've met Captain Rivers, got my quarters squared away, and saw a little of the science labs. I had a long trip here, so I'm glad to be aboard." (reply Rel) "I saw a little of the station on my way in. Interesting place we're docked!" (Reply Rel) (Posted by Brian) ******** (USS Boudicca, aCSO's Office - aCSO Lieutenant (jg) Ayslin Rel - 1538) "Yes, ma'am. I've met Captain Rivers, got my quarters squared away, and saw a little of the science labs. I had a long trip here, so I'm glad to be aboard." "Good," Ayslin said. "I'm sure the Captain will keep us busy. Outside of that, we're pretty much left alone to do our research so long as we don't blow up the ship," Ayslin said. "We currently on shore leave, I'm only here because they promoted me today and my yeoman informs me that I need to fill out a large number of forms and documents. So unless you want to dive into your research, your time is your own, outside of a few supervisory half watches, depending on how long we're here. Have you had a chance to look around the station at all?" "I saw a little of the station on my way in. Interesting place we're docked!" "I'm fairly sure interesting doesn't half cover it. Security if ready to have a collective nervous breakdown. This is a private station, Starfleet has a few officers here, but no significant presence. It's all traders, and miners and the like, and from what I've heard not many of them are nice. I wouldn't expect a gourmet meal, and if you buy anything count your fingers after. Still, there are ways to have some fun on a station like this," Ayslin said with a grin, remembering the day of pool she'd played the day before. (Reply Maxon) "Well, you're file says you're social scientist with a background in emerging cultures and linguistics, are you going to need a lot of lab space for your experiments?"Ayslin asked with a friendly smile. "Also are you going to need regular holodeck time for recreations? If so we can get you a permanent slot in one of the hololabs." (Reply Maxon) "If you have questions please ask, we're going to be working together quite a lot, there is no need for this introduction to be all one way." Ayslin said, brushing a strand of loose hair back over her ears. (Reply Maxon) (Posted by Patrick D.) ********* (USS Boudicca, aCSO's Office - ACSO Ensign Davris Maxon - 1539) Dav was surprised to learn that Rel had only just been promoted. It made him somehow less nervous to know that like him, she was also starting a new assignment. Though she and her staff obviously had far more mission experience than he did, with a whopping total of zero missions. Rel finished describing the station. "Still, there are ways to have some fun on a station like this," she said, and he noticed her grin when she said it. ~She's got a little mischief in her,~ he thought. ~I like it!~ "Now normally," Maxon said, "I'd be the type to cut loose on the station when given the chance. But I just got here, and to be honest I'd rather see the ship and get started on a little work," he admitted. "Well, you're file says you're social scientist with a background in emerging cultures and linguistics, are you going to need a lot of lab space for your experiments? Also are you going to need regular holodeck time for recreations? If so we can get you a permanent slot in one of the hololabs." "I'm going to need desk space and a lot of padds, I think. But outside of mission-specific work, I don't know yet what specific major projects I'll be working on. I did do some emerging cultures observation with Daystrom, and thought I might go into it from the Starfleet side of things, but I prefered to try for an exploration assignment first." He spread his hands in a shrugging gesture. "I guess we'll be able to schedule more thoroughly once we see what comes up." "If you have questions please ask, we're going to be working together quite a lot, there is no need for this introduction to be all one way." Ayslin said, brushing a strand of loose hair back over her ears. Dav paused. He wanted to ask her if she was joined, in fact he'd been dying to all this time. Rel seemed like a symbiont name, but it was hard to know these days. He thought he could tell, something in her eyes, that kind of knowing look that joined Trills had. But it was a little rude. "What sort of projects are already happening in the department? Are you working on anything?" (Reply Rel) "Well, I'd love to know a little about you, ma'am," Maxon asked tactfully. "Are you from the homeworld?" (Reply Rel) (Posted by Brian) ******** (USS Boudicca, aCSO's Office - aCSO Lieutenant (jg) Ayslin Rel - 1540) "If you have questions please ask, we're going to be working together quite a lot, there is no need for this introduction to be all one way." Ayslin said, brushing a strand of loose hair back over her ears. "What sort of projects are already happening in the department? Are you working on anything?" "As time allows. My research tends to the line between theoretical and practice. Before the last mission distracted me, I was beginning to look into the interaction of warp fields on local dark matter. I figure is there are enough passing ships, the dark matter would start to flow like a current. If there's a strong current, say along the trade routes between Vulcan and Earth, a ship should be able to catch a ride on that current and at least make a high impulse speed using a static warp shell. At least that's the theory, I still need to get either the Vulcan Science Academy, or Daystrom to collect some data, and then I need to run a very large number of experiments and tests to even prove the current happens, let alone it's a useful phenomenon." Ayslin said drumming her fingers on the desk in a semi complex patter as she went over her research. "Other interesting research... We have one of the best virtual neuronal modeling groups in the Fleet, rivaling even Jupiter Stations EMH group. Other than that we have the typical work that nearly every ship's science department has." Ayslin said leaning back in her chair and idly brushing her hair out of her face. "Well, I'd love to know a little about you, ma'am," Maxon asked tactfully. "Are you from the homeworld?" "Yep, born and raised in Ferasa, on Pulon," Ayslin said. She'd grown up in one of the smaller towns on the smallest continent of Trill. "My mom is a nurse in the local hospital, and my dad is a mechanic. I've got two older brothers that are still back on Trill and settling down," Ayslin said. "I did my education at the Trill Science Ministry. I was joined about two years ago now, and have since developed a love of the piano, and play a mean game of pool." Ayslin said, adding the last part to save Davris from having to dig, even if it wouldn't really be that hard. Short names like her's tended to belong to symbiont, but it was also a subject that was hard to broach. "Quite honestly, I'm not all that interesting," Ayslin said slightly embarrassed, "I'm really trying to work on the piano, my previous host was a classical violinist, but I think I prefer something more lyrical and popular, something I can sing to." Ayslin said with a small smile. (Reply Maxon) "As far as the ship goes, I'd make sure you stop by our Lounge affectionately nicknamed QV, which is shortened from a phrase I honestly can't remember or pronounce. The proprietor is an excellent cook and does a lot of her work by hand, not the replicator. Good place for music too. We've got a good number of holodecks too, so you shouldn't have to wait long. If you want to get to work, Tanna should have assigned you a work space by now, but you're schedule is your own while we're on R&R," Ayslin said with a friendly smile. "Work as much or as little as you want." "Anything else I can answer for you?" Ayslin asked. (Reply Maxon) (Posted by Patrick D.) ******** (USS Boudicca, aCSO's Office - ACSO Ensign Davris Maxon - 1542) Dav had learned that Lt. Rel was a small town kid (like him), a brilliant physicist (unlike him), and joined (again unlike him or anyone in his family, his hometown, or the immediate vicinity). When she said she wasn't that interesting, he bit his tongue. He thought she was fascinating. "I'm really trying to work on the piano, my previous host was a classical violinist, but I think I prefer something more lyrical and popular, something I can sing to." Ayslin said with a small smile. "Well I used to drum in a band, when I lived in Llanfarr for a year." Llanfarr was a center of arts and culture, a major city on Trill. Dav's hometown of Arnmere was nearby, but not major in any way. "We used to have some ballads in our repertoire. Maybe we could jam some time." If he were the type of species to have three legs, Dav would have kicked himself. Had he really just offered to "jam" with a senior officer? He was relieved that Rel didn't seem to mind and continued. "As far as the ship goes, I'd make sure you stop by our Lounge affectionately nicknamed QV, which is shortened from a phrase I honestly can't remember or pronounce. The proprietor is an excellent cook and does a lot of her work by hand, not the replicator. Good place for music too. We've got a good number of holodecks too, so you shouldn't have to wait long. If you want to get to work, Tanna should have assigned you a work space by now, but you're schedule is your own while we're on R&R," Ayslin said with a friendly smile. "Work as much or as little as you want." "Well, I'll at least settle in and get started a little." "Anything else I can answer for you?" Dav thought. He was glad to have met Rel, and had a good feeling that they would get along just fine. But he didn't want to take any more of her time, and he said so. "You're supposed to be on leave anyway, and I'm sure you need it more than me. Thanks for meeting with me, Lieutenant," he said, standing to go. "I look forward to working in your department." (Reply Rel if you want) (Posted by Brian) ******** (USS Boudicca – Deck 11, Jeffries tube Six Alpha – CEO Lorimar – 1547) It seemed that Ensign Enright was his constant working companion of late. Somehow anytime he had a repair job to perform or work to supervise, Stacey was there in either the forefront or background, always helping… always there. Had he given it any thought Bob might find it odd, might think to check the duty rosters to fathom the why and wherefore of it. He had no such thoughts however, being involved in his new ancillary duties as 2O, or his primary job as CEO. He was wearing his ‘engineers’ hat at the moment (not literally of course, but figuratively). He, Enright, and crewman Hrolfsonn were all working in a maintenance junction, testing and recalibrating a relay node for the ODN system. It was only a backup to the more sophisticated primary bio-neural network, but these secondaries served the critical function of carrying command and control data between the battle bridge and the primary computer core. Precise and efficient operation might make all the difference in combat or other emergency. Thus, the three engineers focused all their skill and collective attention on the work. [Message for CEO from Boudicca COMM system.] The chirp and synthetic voice from his commbadge caused Lorimar to stop what he was doing and cast a glance to his left at Enright. Needlessly, he tapped his commbadge with a free hand. “Go with the message, please.” [Request from Doctor Dolphine that you report to Sickbay at your convenience.] “Hmm. Any reason given, computer?” [Negative.] Puzzled, he looked first at Enright, then Hrolfsonn. He shrugged his shoulders and quipped, “Maybe mah Rigelian Casaba fever is contagious?” He grinned wryly, then with the assurance from Enright that she and Hrolfsonn could finish up here, Lorimar headed along the tube to port, making for the closest exit. (reply any) (posted by Russ) ******* (USS Boudicca - Sick Bay- ACMO/ACSO Ensign Candle - Day 2 - 1547) Basil has spent time settling in and exploring the ship a little before getting himself ready to meet the Doctor. Even though he wore his uniform he still grabbed a dark almost black jacket he had unpacked earlier. He put it on as he left his quarters, the door sliding shut behind him. He walked through the ship, hands thrust in the jacket's pockets, arriving at sick bay where the doctor was already ready and waiting for him. "Right, Doctor, where would you like to start? Fancy getting a drink first?" (Reply Dr Jahlen, Any) (Posted by Warren Simkins) *********** (USS Boudicca - Sick Bay- SPC a-CMO/Lt. Jahlen - Day 2 - 1548) ~ Seems he has impeccable timing.~ Jahlen thought as she was taking off the jacket she wore in the laboratories and saw Ensign Candle walk in to Sickbay, through the open door of the labs. She walked out, closing the door behind her and keyed in her code to lock it before walking over to meet Basil. "Right, Doctor, where would you like to start? Fancy getting a drink first?" "We're off duty, Basil. You may call me Jahlen - forget the doctor or lieutenant titles. As for a drink, I think that's a good start before getting a meal, I'm famished, I missed lunch. So I recommend we find a restaurant or a bar that serves decent food first." (reply Basil, iyw) They walked out of sickbay with Jahlen bidding her farewells to the staff present. (reply Candle) (posted by Sal) ********* (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - CO Captain Susan Rivers - Day 2 - 1550) Having read Dolphine's message, Susan frowned, wondering what could have happened to necessitate the doctor calling half the senior staff to Sickbay. She thought it odd that he had not requested Dorga's presence too, since he had asked the 2O along. She tapped her commbadge. "Rivers to Dolphine. What is so urgent, Doctor?" (Reply Davris, Hawkeye, any) (Posted by Liz) ********* (USS Boudicca – Sickbay – CEO Lorimar – 1556) Curious, Bob entered sickbay and smiled at the first person he saw. “Afternoon,” he began pleasantly. “Ah understand Doctor Dolphine wishes tae see me?” (Reply Dolphine, Any) (Posted by Russ) ******* (Laatstekans Station - Boardwalk – SPC a-CMO/Lt. Jahlen - Day 2 - 1556) It was a fairlybusy station, or they'd picked a busy time to disembark, but then Jahlen knew it was getting close to a main meal time for almost everyone. They began walking along in silence for a while and then Basil asked her how long she'd served on the Boudicca. Jahlen stopped, a few passers-by jostling them as Jahlen took a few seconds to look around while she thought about how long, taking in everything she could see as she did so. This station was indeed very small in comparison to other space stations she'd been on, but at least she wouldn't get lost on this one. She hadn't realized just how small it was, not having had the luxury of portholes to look out of, when they were approaching the station. An actual date was something that she couldn't remember, it felt like she'd worked on the ship for many years, so much had happened since she'd first stepped aboard, but in reality it hadn't been that long. "About two years now, I reckon. I can't remember the exact date, I'm the typical absent-minded professor." She informed Basil, giving an apologetic shrug and then continued walking, looking around eagerly as she did so. (Reply Candle, room for more iyw) She was amazed at the variety of different species she could see, some she had never seen or heard of before. There were a few different insectoid species she noted, perhaps they were extremely useful in the mining facilities, after all a lot of insects could travel well under ground, some were eight-legged, others just had four or six, and the sounds they made as they communicated with each other were ..... "Fascinating don't you think?" She asked Basil, giving him a pleased smile, "I do believe I am going to really enjoy myself." (reply Candle) They continued on for a while in companionable silence until Basil spoke again. "Dr, how would you like to see more of the culture of the station?" He asked. "Most definitely." She replied as he headed towards a door in a bulkhead that she assumed would lead them to another level of the station. ~ He seems to know where he's going. ~ She thought as she followed him up some metallic stairs. "Where are we going exactly?" She inquired, "somewhere with food I hope." She added as her stomach began to protest at being left unfulfilled. (Reply Candle, Any) (Posted by Sal) ********* (USS Boudicca - Laatstekan Station- ACMO/ACSO Ensign Candle - Day 2 - 1555) Basil and Dr. Jahlen were making their way through Laatstekan Station. The corridors were all that busy, but there were a few individuals making their way around the corridors of the station. Like most stations it had a sterile feel, no real smell and the sounds were echoes of walking feet or muttered conversations over the hum of the stations workings. They had walked from the ship in silence so Basil decided to break it. "Hope you don't mind me asking but how long have you served on the Boudicca?" (Reply Dr, room for more iyw) As they made their way Basil spotted a Ferengi. The Ferengi was being a little more furtive than usual but nothing too suspicious. The Ferengi made his way to a door leading to some metallic stairs scattered around the station allowing access to the station's levels. The Ferengi took a quick look round and entered through through door. Basil put what he saw aside and carried on when, a few moments later maybe a minute or two, he also spotted Kaldor Hexe, captain of the Dark Maiden that brought him here pass him by without any acknowlegement. Basil walked a few paces and turned to see Kaldor enter directly where the Ferengi had gone, to the stairs. He mused over this and reminded himself of one of the rules of Re-Acquisition, an unofficial guide to Ferengi an their dealings. 'To find the money, follow a Ferengi' "Dr, how would you like to see more of the culture of the station?" Basil asked (Reply Dr Jahlen) (Posted by Warren Simkins) ********* (Laatstekans Station - Under the Boardwalk – ACMO/ACSO Ensign Candle - Day 2 - 1611) "Most definitely." She replied as he headed towards a door in a bulkhead that she assumed would lead them to another level of the station. "Where are we going exactly?" She inquired, "somewhere with food I hope." Basil hoped so too but said nothing and tried to give a reassuring smile, flaring his scar over his eye. The stairs led up briefly, across a metallic walkway and then down the swirling flight of stairs. Basil had lost sight of the Ferengi and Dark Maiden's captain. Instead his other senses began to sing, mingling spicy smells wafted up from the depts of the stairs followed by a deep murmer, almost hidden by the humm of the station but soon became an echoing cacophony. Basil smiled he knew there was something missing from the station and he and the doctor had found it. They had reached the bottom of the stairs where a long sooty grey corridor led towards the curvature of the station's ring. Here in the bowels under the station's shops are be storage rooms, large ones. The sounds emanated from the open double breasted steel doorway. "Doctor," Basil forgot in his excitement to address her by name, "I believe you wish for food is granted." He led her to the opening and with a dramitic swish, "Welcome to a Rat Market!" Inside the large cargo room was the broadest spectrum of human and alien life walking amidst wooden, bamboo, and multicoloured cloth structures where bartering, cooking, arguing, talking and all matter of trading was getting underway. Candle could see a question in the doctor's face, "This station encourages a transitory nature. Ships would come in, drop off folk and then return. Most folk won't be able to afford a permenant structure so ... chances are the owners realised this so converted a couple of cargo bays. Then they would . unofficially encourage people to come here , for a modest fee. Its not a constant feature and if there trouble these would be the first to run ... like rats" He shrugged at that, "Where there is life there is always a market, trade will find a way." (Reply Dr Jahlen, Any) (Posted by Warren Simkins) ********* (Laatstekans Station - Under the Boardwalk – a-CMO/Lt. Jahlen - Day 2 - 1614) "Where are we going exactly?" Jahlen inquired, "somewhere with food I hope." Basil said nothing and gave her a reassuring smile, as they continued up the stairs and across a metallic walkway and then down another flight of stairs. On the air, Jahlen began to smell some tantalizing, mouthwatering aromas that set her stomach growling with hunger. It had been a long time between meals, and as they descended there came to her ears, a murmuring sound that gradually grew louder as the continued down and finally hit the deck, until it was recognizable as the sound of many voices. They headed towards the sounds and smells along a corridor and around a curve of the station's ring to where the voices issued from an open double breasted steel doorway. "Doctor," Basil said rather formally, "I believe you wish for food is granted." He led her to the opening and Jahlen peered around Basil in the doorway, to see many small, colorful stalls, some with cloth canopies over them with items for sale hanging from them and spread out on the flat tops, others just hand drawn carts with wares on them. The strong, spicy scent she'd smelled on the way down was now much more pronounced and smelled absolutely delicious. "Welcome to a Rat Market!" He proclaimed. ~ A Rat Market? ~ Jahlen's face fell. She had heard of places like this where poorer beings would barter for food, the food being plump, meaty rats -- grilled, roasted, ke-babed. Did Basil expect her to actually eat a rat? Her stomach still growled hungrily, even at the thought of eating a rodent, and she had to admit if that's what was cooking, it sure smelled mighty fine. ~ Well, I'll try anything once! ~ She looked at him wondering whether she should ask and as if he'd read her mind he spoke. "This station encourages a transitory nature. Ships would come in, drop off folk and then return. Most folk won't be able to afford a permanent structure so ... chances are the owners realised this so converted a couple of cargo bays. Then they would . unofficially encourage people to come here , for a modest fee. Its not a constant feature and if there trouble these would be the first to run ... like rats" Jahlen's face mirrored her thoughts. ~Ohhhhh I seeee! What a relief! ~ He shrugged at that, "Where there is life there is always a market, trade will find a way." They began to walk around the stalls looking at what was for sale or trade. There were all kinds of items, a lot that she never knew what they were. ~ So they call this a Rat Market, how quaint! I am glad they don't sell rats as edibles. ~ Jahlen mused as she walked alongside Basil, their elbows jostling other elbows and not-elbows of passersby. It was quite crowded there and therefore obviously popular and very noisy. "So you said you were hungry so want to try some food first?" "I thank you, and my stomach thanks you!" Jahlen proclaimed, sniffing the air with enthusiastic appreciation. There was a food vendor close by so she walked over and pointed at what took her fancy, not knowing or understanding what the signs said, but she could see it looked like meat and smelled like meat, and the vendor was grilling several pieces over some hot coals. He nodded to her and put the slab of meat into a bun then pointed at several containers that held a variety of vegetables and pickles. She picked the ones she wanted and he added those to the bun then wrapped it in a large paper napkin before exchanging food for payment. (reply Candle, iyw) With much contentment and suitable noises of appreciation, Jahlen enjoyed her meal, standing beside the food cart. When she was done and had disposed of the soiled napkin, Basil asked if she wanted to mooch around the stalls. She gave him a bright smile and nodded. "I'd like that. We might as well, seeing as we're here. It certainly looks like there's a huge variety of wares available." Basil had decided to get a skewer of meat from another food cart where a woman and child were trying to sell their wares. Their cooking brazier was squeezed between small stalls selling hand carved animals and a ferengi selling holo-vids. The young girl had approached Basil while Jahlen was eating her meal, and pleaded with him to go and look at the food. She had taken his hand and led him over to their tiny stall, where a woman was slowly turning small patches of meat on a brazier's grill. Jahlen followed them. "Buy our meat sir?" asked the woman who didn't look very healthy to Jahlen. She watched the two aliens with interest. They looked cery poor to her, and in more need of the meat to eat, that they were trying to sell. "Buy our meat sir?" the woman repeated, the young girl adding a please and a wide smile. Basil sighed and bought the meat giving a little extra for the little girl, claiming he wouldn't have found the food otherwise. The woman smiled weakly and mumbled thanks, but it was apparent to Jahlen from where she stood a few feet away that Basil was distracted for a minute. He looked over at her. "Doctor, I just saw something I want to have a look at." They infiltrated the crowd that shuffled along between the closest two rows of vendors. Basil chomped on his meat stick and stared off ahead of them looking as if he was looking for something or someone. Everyone was interested in what was for sale and there were a lot of people in a small space so the going was not hasty. She had time to have a good look at what was displayed, and then she saw it....A stall completely dedicated to the selling of musical instruments of all kinds, from many different cultures. "Why don't you go and look at what you wanted too, while I stop here for a bit." She suggested, "we can meet at the door say in ten minutes?" (reply Basil) Without hesitation she made her way to the music stall and began picking up different instruments to get a closer look at them. There were drums of different sizes, some were ceramic with skin type surfaces, others had two heads, while still others had no skins, just holes for the hands, paddles or appendages to beat against. She picked out one of the latter that was marvelously decorated with an intricate scraffito design, placed it aside and looked at a strange wind instrument that had six elongated bowl shaped sound vessels and as many mouth pieces. She was fascinated and wondering how it was played when the stall owner suddenly reached beneath his cart and lifted a small creature up on to a stool at his side. The creature actually had six appendages with three digits extending from each appendage and Jahlen watched with interest as the vendor handed the creature the instrument that was almost as big as it was. To her amazement it began to play, moving it's quite large mouth from one to another mouthpiece or sometimes covering several at once. The sound that it made was unlike anything Jahlen had ever heard, it was haunting and breathy, deep and earthy, it made her think of the wind in the trees and grassy fields, scudding clouds moving through a blue sky. Seagulls and sea, the waves against the rocks. She felt as if she never wanted the music to end and when it did, she almost felt like crying. "Oh that was beautiful!" She exclaimed and applauded the performance enthusiastically. "Do you have a sample of the music for this instrument?" The humanoid vendor nodded, patted the creature on the head and put it down off the stool, then handed her a chip. "This is audio and video, Ma'am." He stated. "Perfect! I would also like one of those instrument." She told him, "and this drum also." Picking up the skin-less drum she handed it to him and then picked out one of the strange ceramic instruments, handing that to him also. She thought it would be nice gift for Arania, perhaps it would take her mind off Matthew for a while if she tried to learn how to play it. ~ That should be quite a challenge as she doesn't have six arms and eighteen fingers. ~ "Please have them delivered to Doctor Jahlen's quarters aboard the USS Boudicca." She stated. By now the ten minutes were up so she headed back to the double doors they'd entered to meet up with Basil. (Reply Candle, Any) (Posted by Sal) ********** (Laatstekans Station - Rat Market– ACMO/ACSO Ensign Candle - Day 2 - 1617) They walked amidst the heady bustling crowd. The market was busy, the assembled races tightly packed between the stalls, trays and hand-carts. The air was heady, combined smells of unknown cooked food and the pushy sweaty aliens straining to find bargains. Basil could make out languages, some Federation, the clicking of the insect race Basil and the Doctor saw earlier but a lot unknown or perhaps, he considered, the voices became just one. "So you said you were hungry so want to try some food first?" (Reply Jahlen, any) "Well the market is at our disposal fancy a mooch around the stalls?" (Reply Jahlen, any) Basil had decided to buy a skewer of meat from a woman and her young daughter. Their soot-covered blanket containing the small cooking brazier was squeezed between small stalls selling hand carved animals and a ferengi selling holo-vids of dubious nature. It was the young girl that did it, she came over big eyes pleading to at least come and look at the food. She had led him by hand, hers engulfed in his where her mother, was slowly turning small patches of meat on the brazier's grill. "Buy our meat sir?" asked the woman. He had thought they were human but close up, he saw the four nostrils that flared, due to the cooking smoke. There were other indications, a variety of small but subtle facial and arm bone extrusions, small lumps here and there. Their clothing were not rags but Basil figured they didn't change all that often. The woman sat amidst her clothing like a pale doll. Basil took all this in but was more interested in the woman's eyes. There was pain and loss hidden behind the need, she looked malnourised more so than his body looked but that wasn't what he focussed on. There were streaks of black, lines emanating from the central pupil, indications of disease and a potential killer. "Buy our meat sir?" said the woman again, the young girl added a please and a wide smile. Basil realised he was staring and said, "Sure I will take a stick" Joy flashed in both of their eyes and the young girl squeezed his hand.. He smiled at the girl and saw small black lines in her eyes too. Basil sighed heavily. He knew he could have taken them both to the ship and could get them treated but that would be interfering which the directive said no. He knew that doing so would set a precedent and once word got out, and it would, there would be queues of people asking for help. He sighed again and bought the meat giving a little extra. The woman fumbled for change but Basil stopped her, "Some for the meat, the extra for your little helper, wouldn't have found you otherwise" The woman smiled weakly, mumbling thanks but Basil was suddenly distracted. Emerging from the cloth backdrop, that obviously led to a small area behind the stall, he saw a Ferengi, one he had spotted earlier. This Ferengi spoke to the Ferengi holo-vid seller the walked into the crowd, again looking furtively about. Not long after that he saw the Captain of the Dark Maiden, Kaldor Hexe, come from behind a stall opposite the Ferengi's and follow. Quickly Basil squeezed the hand of the little girl once more, let go and gave them both a smile. He looked for the doctor and saw here nearby, "Doctor, I just saw something I want to have a look at" Not a lie but ambiguous enough (Reply Jahlen, Any) Then he turned, chomping on the meat stick, and pushed through the crowd looking for Kaldor and the Ferengi (Reply Jahlen, Any) (Posted by Warren Simkins) ********* (USS Boudicca - Officer's Quarters - CEO Lorimar - 1726) As usual, Lorimar's time estimate was pretty accurate. He had managed to finish out his shift, do the balance of the departmental paperwork, and start to get moving with the additional adminstrative duties that devolved upon the ships' 2O. ~Ah'm still quite surprised at the Captain... and for another time ah question her judgement. Evidently she is seein' something ah cannae... or she is just a bad judge of character. To be truthful though... ah dinnae suppose ye get tae be a starfleet captain with bad judgement. Not usually at any rate...~ He had made time to get back to his quarters, shower, and change into 'civvies' before heading to Denise's quarters. His idea of the casual/formal off duty engineer's ensemble included a nicely tailored but comfortable pair of khaki pants, topped with a royal blue golf shirt and a worn but neat looking pair of brown loafers. Never one to hold on style or formality, he was going for comfort and relaxation more than anything else. Well... he wanted to look presentable as well, of course. He caught himself whistling a happy little tune as he pulled up in front of her quarters. He pressed the door chime and waited with a smile. (Reply Lebranski, Any) (Posted by Russ) ******** (USS Boudicca - Officer's Quarters - Lieutenant Denise Lebranski - 1730) Denise hadn't actually expected Bob to show up. The way things had been going the last couple of days it had seemed the only person who'd show up for a date was her best girlfriend who happened to be a gay male. So, she'd gone back to Petty Officer Kowalski's challenge of painting the true nature of each of the senior staff. She'd started with the security chief, because it was going to be fun mixing how he saw himself and how she saw him. She was finished the foreground of the Klingon-Betazoid standing between the Captain and a borg drone with Bat'leth drawn when her door chime sounded. "Come on in," she called. She didn't have much trouble painting people, but computers and displays were another matter. Which was why she hadn't started with her favourite engineer. (Reply/Enter Lorimar) Denise smiled over her shoulder to Bob and grabbed her painting rag to wipe her current brush off on before dunking it in the cleaning solution. Oh, sure, the replicator could remove everything in a flash, but somehow that didn't feel as artsy. She turned from the corner she had her artistry set up in and looked out at her hologram of the view of the French Quarter on the other side of the Mississippi that covered the exterior wall. "Little bit more exciting than looking out at a space station," she said with a gesture before crossing the room. "Have a seat." she offered. (Reply Lorimar) "So what can I do for you?" She asked all air and innocence. (Reply Lorimar) (Posted by Lorna) ********** (USS Boudicca - Officer's Quarters - CEO Lorimar - 1731) Hearing Denise's reply of "Come on in" Bob entered the Protocol Officer's quarters. He smiled at her as she glanced over her shoulder from her... painting, it seemed. He had noted some of her materials the last time he had been here, but he was pleasantly surprised to see her painting nonetheless. He gave her work a brief glance, but he was far more interested in the woman herself. She seemed to be cleaning up; he hoped he wasn't interrupting. She glanced at a hologram that covered one wall of her quarters. It reminded Bob of a holo-postcard he had seen once before. He guessed that it must be home for her, or at least something that reminded her of home. "Little bit more exciting than looking out a space station," she said with a gesture before crossing the room. "Have a seat." she offered. "Thank ye kindly," he said taking the offered seat in a nearby chair. He faced both her and the hologram... it certainly made an interesting backdrop. "New Orleans?" he guessed, hoping not to be completely off base. (Reply Lebranski) "Ah... tis lovely indeed. Ah've only seen it as a hologram... perhaps ye'd show me the real place next time we get home?" (Reply Lebranski) "Well.. it is lovely indeed. Ah hope ah can visit at some point." "So what can I do for you?" It was his turn to be puzzled by her response. He colored slightly, hoping he wasn't going somewhere that he wasn't wanted. "Err... dinner? Drinks? Dinner and drinks? If memory serves we had made arrangements during the meeting this morning? Well... you made arrangements; ah made an arse of mahself, actually. Unless ye hae other plans that is?" ~Plus ah need tae pick her brain about what she said this morning...~ (Reply Lebranski) (Posted by Russ) ********* (USS Boudicca - Officer's Quarters - Lieutenant (jg) Denise Lebranski - 1733) "Thank ye kindly," he said taking the offered seat in a nearby chair. He faced both her and the hologram... it certainly made an interesting backdrop. "New Orleans?" he guessed, hoping not to be completely off base. "The French Quarter," she said with a grin. "Taken out my bedroom window." She tilted her head to one side as she studied it a moment, "Slight editing to clear up the haze." "Ah... tis lovely indeed. Ah've only seen it as a hologram... perhaps ye'd show me the real place next time we get home?" "Oh Lord," Denise said, sounding extra-Cajun at the thought of her mother and Bob meeting. "Well.. it is lovely indeed. Ah hope ah can visit at some point." "Oh, absolutely. I'm just thinking of the danger of letting my family near an engineer." Sort of. Mostly. Kinda. "So what can I do for you?" "Err... dinner? Drinks? Dinner and drinks? If memory serves we had made arrangements during the meeting this morning? Well... you made arrangements; ah made an arse of mahself, actually. Unless ye hae other plans that is?" She wasn't quite sure if she should feel gleeful she'd knocked him off course again or a little frustrated at the going around in circles. Please can I visit your parents and then dinner and drinks, unless you've ditched me for someone else. Why couldn't the man just speak plainly? Well, in for a dime, in for a dollar, she just couldn't play this anymore. "Bob," she said, getting off the couch to kneel by the chair, looking up at him. "My avoiding you was to stop thinking of love advice from my family. One set consisting of grab you in a turbolift, another saying go to heart through stomach and another saying be myself. Well, myself is a girl who juggled fifteen boys at a go because she didn't find anyone she wanted to spend any serious time with until I met you. NOW I find myself completely lost as to what to say or do when I'm around you and I just find myself making an ass of myself at all turns." She looked down, promising herself she was NOT going to cry. "I ask you if you're attracted and you run screaming so I distance myself while I try to figure out what I want, and then you complain about that too!" She was staring at the hands in her lap, "So you'll excuse me if I sound like a slightly bonky, slightly frustrated bioque when I ask, what do you want??" (Reply Lorimar) (Posted by Lorna) *********** (USS Boudicca – Officer’s Quarters – CEO Lorimar – 1735) To say he was shocked, surprised… taken aback… understatements, all of them. He should, he supposed have been prepared for almost anything Denise had to say, but the fact of the matter was, he had no idea (at least not consciously) of where her thoughts and feelings were going. The old saying among engineers that is was easier to understand subspace field theory than to see into the heart of a woman seemed to be proving itself true. He gave no thought to what he was about to say, as it was not in his nature to rehearse a personal conversation… especially one this personal. He reached down from the chair and touched her cheek lightly with his fingertips, hoping to get her to look up so he could make eye contact with her while he spoke. (Reply Denise iyw) “Lassie, ah’m sorry if ah’ve hurt ye… it was nae mah intention at all. Ah cannae help what ah am… and that’s just a shy old fashioned gentleman. If ah seem hesitant please dinnae take that as disinterest, nothing could be further from the truth. The truth, the whole truth, is that ah’ve recently had a wee spot of difficulty wie a woman who ah thought cared for me, but it seems she was bein’… less than sincere, let’s say.” He paused a second and looked at Denise, a smile starting inside him and working its way out until he couldn’t help but let it show. “Ah’ve been so buried in mah work – on purpose ah admit – that ah havenae had time tae think about much but work. When ah think of you, ah smile, inside and out… which is a verra good thing.” He reached out very gently and placed his hand atop hers, giving her fingers a gentle squeeze. “As far as ah’m concerned, ye never need tae worry about what you say or do when yer in mah company… yer just fine as ye are… in fact ah wouldnae have ye any other way. As far as what ah want… dinner and drinks as we discussed sound just fine – if ye feel up for it that is – that part is up tae you. Ah’m nae a complex man, nor dae ah wish tae make things complicated. Let’s just enjoy the company, shall we?” ~And we’ll see where things go, as they go!~ (Reply Denise) (Posted by Russ) ********* (USS Boudicca - Officer's Quarters - Lieutenant (jg) Denise Lebranski - 1738) Denise rolled to her feet with a smile, "Happy to know where I stand." She said honestly. Having not released Bob's hand she also tugged him to his feet. "And I'm thinking you also have a date with a Klingon this evening, so I better take what time I can get in the busy Lorimar schedule," she teased leading towards what passed as her kitchenette. (Reply Lorimar) "Mmm.. I was invited along with all senior crew, but having insulted his house I somehow don't think he'd want me there. He accepted my formal apology in Klingon style with a threat to me, my family and everyone who ever met me." She shrugged, "I figure the best way to keep ship's peace is just to stay out of his way." (Reply Lorimar) She opened the cupboards under the serving counter to pull out a coffee grinder, beans and a coffee maker. "What can I get for you?" she asked. (Reply Lorimar) (Posted by Lorna) ******** (USS Boudicca – CEO’s Quarters – CEO Lorimar – 1850) After parting company with Denise, Bob rushed back to his quarters to change. He was neither a Klingon, nor a warrior, but he was familiar with some of their customs. The best he could do, he figured, was to honor Detron by observing and participating as both a friend and fellow officer. He pulled his dress uniform from storage, and placed it in the recycler for the ‘refresh’ cycle. That served to make the creases perfect, and get the ‘hanging in storage’ smell out of it, supplanting that with a freshly laundered feel. He dressed carefully, making sure his two solid rank pips and meager splotch of color from his decorations were fixed just so. A final look in the mirror, and he was off for the holodeck. (posted by Russ) ******** (USS Boudicca - Holodeck 1 - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 1850) Detron entered the holodeck in full Klingon warrior dress and looked over the gauntlet set up. Satisfied with the arrangement, he told the computer activate pain sticks. The computer responded, "Pain sticks activated." Detron told the computer activate safety parameters. The computer responded, "Safety parameters activated." Detron stood at the edge of the platform waiting for everyone to arrive. (Reply all) (Posted by Edward) ******** (USS Boudicca - Holodeck 1 - CO, Captain Susan Rivers - 1852) Having been invited along by Dorga, Susan was interested to see first-hand a ritual she had only read about, and felt privileged to be invited. Despite some attempts at emotional blackmail from Shun on the grounds that Parami and Rivers were going to be present, she had opted to leave the children in her quarters with a childminder. She wasn't sure that it was a good thing for them to watch. She herself though would not have missed it for worlds. As she entered the holodeck she saw Detron waiting at the edge of a platform, in full Klingon warrior dress. Unsure whether she was supposed to speak to him or not, she contented herself with approaching him, leaving it up to him to speak if he wished. She was more than a little hazy as to the exact protocol for the occasion, and wished she had thought to ask Denise in advance. (Reply Detron, any) (Posted by Liz) *********** (USS Boudicca - Holodeck 1 - FO/CDR. Dorga 'cha Nooras & family, SPC Bar Manager Arania - 1854) Dorga had dressed for the occasion in her own Klingon Armor, a gift from her mother and something she'd cherished for several years already and took extremely good care of it. It resided in her room on a special frame when she wasn't wearing it. She often wore it in the holodecks where she practiced with her Klingon weapons. Her twins, Rivers and Parami were at her sides as she walked in to the holodeck and she had no problem with them being there for, if it was their choice, they would also be going through the ritual at some point in their young lives, just as she had done. Parami was carrying a cloth wrapped item carefully in both hands as if it would break if he moved to fast. Their surroundings brought back memories of her own rituals. At the age of 14, while spending several months with her mother's parents as she did most every summer, she had undergone her First Rite of Ascension where she had declared her intention to become a warrior by lighting a Kor'tova Candle which is symbolic of the fire in a warrior's heart. Then her fighting skills, stamina and knowledge of Kahless' teachings were rigorously tested. Ten years later Dorga had undergone what Detron was about to undergo - The Second Rite of Ascension. It was a difficult trial but well worth the pain and exhaustion she had felt and he would be feeling. It had been spiritually uplifting and although extremely tired afterwards, she had been buoyed up by a strong feeling of euphoria. Seeing that Susan was there already with Detron, Dorga smiled a greeting and walked right over to them with her children following in her wake. Hearing the door open behind her she turned to see Arania coming in. Arania stopped at the threshold and peeked in tentatively, still not sure that she wanted to be there, but her friend Detron had invited her and she felt honored by the invitation, so here she was. It looked gloomy in the room but she soon spotted Susan, Dorga and Dorga's adorable twins right away, standing with Detron, so she glided over to them and gave them all a collective, graceful bow. (Reply Detron, any) (Posted by Sal) ********** (USS Boudicca - Holodeck 1 - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 1856) Detron saw Dorga arrive with her kids. He was pleased to see Rivers though she will most likely not watch much of the ritual. Parini held something wrapped in cloth that Detron was looking forward to seeing after the ritual. Araina came as she said she would come. Detron suspected that she would not watch much of the ritual either. That was OK for Detron as long as they congratulated him after the ritual. He saw Captain Rivers come and walked up to him reluctantly. Detron nodded and pointed to the end platform for her to stand. Detron nodded to Dorga and the kids and smiled when they gave him a warm hug. Detron then pointed to the end platform for them to stand. Detron waited for the others to arrive before starting the ritual. Detron felt the pride of being Klingon swell inside him as he was about to endure great pain. (Reply All) (Posted by Edward) **************** (USS Boudicca – Holodeck 1 – CEO Lorimar – 1857) Bob entered the holodeck and paused to look around. An amazing recreation of the Klingon ritual chamber lay before him. When the exit behind him disappeared, the illusion was complete. He was impressed with Trei’s recreation, as he was fairly certain that no such program was in the databanks and the TAC/SC must have spent considerable time tweaking the software. He repressed a smile and kept silent, merely nodding at the other assembled officers. Next, he moved to the rack of pain sticks and turned to face Trei, holding the pain stick forth in silent salute to his friend and fellow officer. Taking his place in an empty spot on the platform, he stood ready for the ceremony and placed his pain stick in a parade rest position. (Reply Any) (Posted by Russ) ********* (USS Boudicca - Holodeck 1 - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 1902) Detron turned to face the platform. He faced the gauntlet of warriors and said, "OH' OH' a QaQ jaj Daq Heigh"" Detron brought his fist to his chest in a common warrior greeting before battle. Detron stepped on the platform. He looked left then right at the two warriors poised to jab him with pain sticks. Detron said, "jih 'OH a warrior." Immediately the two warriors jabbed him with pain sticks. Detron fought off the pain and stood strong in his place on the platform. Detron recovered for a moment then took another step. Detron spoke his next set, "jih OH HOS. jih OH Brave." Detron felt the pain shock him to a tingled wave of electric pain. The recovery took longer this time. Detron breathed twice and allowed himself to calm down before continuing the ritual. Detron took another step. He said the next phrase. "wlj qa' will Hu' " Detron winced at the great pain delivered to him but didn't drop to his knees. He preparred for this too well but started to feel drained from the punishment. Detron took a series of breaths to focus for the last encounter. Detron took another step. He spoke the last phrase of the painful sequence. "wlj qa' OH HOS." Detron dropped to his knees with tremendous pain. Detron crawled to the end of the platform and stayed there until he could stand up again. ~I feel great but beat up. You have no idea.~ (Reply All) (Posted by Edward) ********* (USS Boudicca - Holodeck 1 - FO/CDR. Dorga 'cha Nooras & family - Day 2-1903) Everyone who intended to attend Detron's trial of pain had already arrived at the holodeck. They lined up to watch as Detron turned to face the seven Klingon warriors and the Second Officer. "OH' OH' a QaQ jaj Daq Heigh." The Universal Translator interpreted what he said so the non-Klingon speaking attendees could understand. Detron brought his fist to his chest in a common, a warrior greeting before battle and stepped towards the waiting warriors. He looked left then right at the two warriors poised to jab him with pain sticks. Detron said, "jih 'OH a warrior." Again the UT translated. Immediately the two warriors thrust the pain sticks into him and Dorga felt Rivers cringe against her thigh as Detron fought off the pain and stood strong. She placed a reassuring hand on River's shoulder to bolster her daughter as Detron took another step. "jih OH HOS. jih OH Brave." Detron intoned to the next two who were waiting, ready to jab at him. Dorga knew from her own experience that the second shock was far worse than the first, she was not sure why, perhaps because the body had been weakened by the first shock and therefore felt the second more. It certainly was apparent that Detron was feeling the greater pain. ~ You think that's bad wait till the last one, my friend. ~ Parami glanced up at Dorga whose face was stoic and impassive, she felt his glance and looked down at him to see his blue eyes wide, but not with horror, more with surprise as if this was worse than he'd expected. She gave him a curt one nod and jutted her chin towards Detron's ordeal as she placed her other hand on his shoulder. He nodded back at her, his face deadly serious and turned back to watch while Rivers, Dorga noted, had shut her eyes completely. As Parami watched the half Klingon male struggling to regain his strength so he could step forward to the next assault, the young boy couldn't help but think about how few years there were before he would have his first Rite of Ascension; should he so choose to do so. Tomorrow would be Rivers and his eighth birthdays, that only left another four or five years before he was of age to decide he'd be a warrior and show his intentions of becoming one by lighting a Kor'tova candle, and take the tests for his fighting skills, stamina and knowledge of Kahless' teachings. ~ I should ask mother to start training me. ~ He thought as he watched Uncle Detron take another step forward. Detron spoke the next phrase. "wlj qa' will Hu' " He winced as the pain sticks stabbed at him again, his knees buckled a little but he didn't drop, causing Dorga to smile. She was feeling quite proud of him. Rivers peeked at Parami and seeing her brother standing straight and watching the ritual, gave a little snort. ~ If he can watch, then so can I. ~ The little girl thought and straightening her back she let go of Dorga's thigh and turned to watch as Uncle Detron stepped forward yet again. "wlj qa' OH HOS." The last two warriors thrust their pain sticks at him and this time Detron dropped to his knees. He crawled to the end of the platform and stayed there. The twins made as if to rush to his aid but Dorga's fingers dug into their shoulders, warning them to stand still and wait. When he finally struggled to his feet, breathing heavily, she released her children. Rivers ran to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. "Are you alright, Uncle?" She asked, her eyes filled with concern for him. Parami really wanted to run with his sister, but he was the bearer of the gift and filled with a sense of importance and duty he suitably restrained himself. Instead he waited for Dorga and walked alongside her as she strode towards Detron to congratulate him. "Today you are a warrior, my friend." She stated in Klingon and grasping his forearm, shook it in a warrior's fashion. Dorga looked down at Parami and smiling, gave him a nod. The young lad held out the wrapped parcel. "Honored Friend. Please accept this humble gift to commemorate this great day in your life and the path you have chosen." Dorga told Detron, indicating the proferred gift with a wave of her hand. (reply Detron, any) As Detron unwrapped the present a finely wrought meqleH was revealed. The blade was beautifully engraved with a depiction of Kahless and his brother Morath as they fought each other at the edge of the sea. (reply Detron, any) (posted by Sal) *********** (USS Boudicca – Holodeck 1 – CEO Lorimar – 1904) Bob waited for the ritual to begin, and it was not long in coming. As he watched and waited for his turn to arrive, he remembered the one time he had witnessed it previously. One of his instructors at the Academy had been Klingon, and that is where Lorimar had gotten his first taste of the warrior culture. Not to mention his exposure to Klingon Opera, which he still enjoyed as one of his few guilty pleasures. It was this interest, in fact, that had caused him to study what bits he knew of the language and culture. Still and all, he was glad to have the universal translator backing him up; his Klingonaase was pretty rusty with disuse. He winced inwardly whenever the holo-warriors jabbed their painsticks at his friend. He knew what the ritual involved, and what it represented, but still he had trouble wrapping his mind around the concept of pain for pain’s sake. Soon, his turn came. Detron had proceeded most bravely through the gauntlet, until only Bob and the last holo-warrior remained to pass. On cue, he raised the painstick and jabbed his friend with it as the ritual required. It took every bit of self control that he possessed not to flinch. He hated the idea of hurting his friend and shipmate. However, to do anything other than what was called for in the ritual would be to dishonor Trei. Lorimar wanted nothing more than to honor his friend, so he held the painstick in place for the required count. Trei finally buckled to his knees, but Bob could clearly see the strength of his resolve. He was at once proud of his friend and honored to be part of this. He was so relieved that it was over however he nearly wiped his brow, but decorum would hardly permit it. Instead, he kept his place until the formalities were complete. After the warriors broke ranks, he returned his painstick to the weapon rack and made his way over to Trei. Bob held back for a few moments, as Trei was mingling with Commander ‘cha Nooras and her family. Lest he intrude, he waited while they presented Detron a gift to commemorate his deed. ~Idiot… why did ye nae get him something? Because yer head has been places it shouldnae be lately hasn’t it? Fool! Well… ye can certainly make it up tae him… and ah know just the way!~ At length he stepped to the group and gave his best rendition of the warrior’s salute to Trei. He cleared his throat and then spoke in his best, but still accented, Klingon. “yIn DayajmeH 'oy' yISIQ.” [To understand life, endure pain,] echoed the computer from the universal translator. (Reply Trei iyw, Any) He bowed his head slightly to his friend. “Detron, my heart swells wie pride for you… I am honored to call you friend and shipmate. Thank ye for inviting me on such a grand day lad!” (Reply Any) (Posted by Russ) ********* (USS Boudicca - Holodeck 1 - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 1905) Detron saw that Rivers decided to watch after all and it pleased him. Detron saw Dorga restrain the twins until he could walk to them. Dorga told him now you are a warrior friend in Klingon. Rivers ran to grasp his waist voicing her concern with his health and well being. Detron patted Rivers on the shoulder and said, "I am fine now." Detron faced Parimi for he had a gift to give him. Detron unwrapped the gift to reveal a dagger with the faces of Kahless and his brother depicting the battle on the sea. Detron proudly accepted the gift and intended to place it prominently in his office. Detron looked at Parimi's surprise at the intensity og the ritual. He suspected that Parimi would be ready to take the path of the warrior but Rivers may not be willing to do the same. Detron faced those in attendance and said, "tlho SOH." Detron walked over to Ariana and asked her to hold the celebration in QV. (Reply Ariana, All) (Posted by Edward) ********* (USS Boudicca - Holodeck 1 - FO/CDR Dorga 'cha Nooras, family & SPC Bar Manager Arania - 1905.5) "I am fine now." Detron told Rivers, giving her a pat on the shoulder and she beamed up at him, glad that he hadn't been hurt too badly after all. Rivers released her hold and drew back. She thought perhaps it wasn't as bad as it had appeared to be; perhaps Uncle Detron had been play-acting to make it seem worse. If so that was fine with her, there was nothing wrong with pretending or acting, Parami and she often pretended they were all kinds of heros and animals all the time when they played together. It was fun! ~ Maybe Uncle Detron just wanted to have some fun. ~ She smiled brightly at the thought. He then turned to Parami who held out the gift he'd been holding and Dorga congratulated him on his achievement. Detron accepted the gift and opened it, he appeared pleased with the bladed weapon - used for close hand to hand combat, and then he faced those who had attended. and said, "tlho SOH." He then walked over to Ariana and asked her to hold the celebration in QV. Arania was a little surprised by his request as normally she'd be given at least a couple of hours to prepare but told him she would be glad, pulled him down for a quick peck on the cheek kiss and with a wave and smile to the others, she hurried out to start the preparations. ~ I suppose it is for me to have known he would ask! ~ She grumbled at herself as she left the holodeck, but at least she had her commbadge and she quickly made use of it to tell her staff to start getting some buffet foods ready. Bob stepped up and offered an excellent rendition of a warrior's salute to Detron, speaking in Klingonese that sounded less harsh with the hint of Scottish accent. “yIn DayajmeH 'oy' yISIQ.” [To understand life, endure pain,] echoed the computer from the universal translator. (Reply Trei iyw, Any) Lorimar told Detron he was proud of him and honored to call him friend and shipmate. He thanked him for inviting him. Finally Susan approached the TAC/SC, and grasped his forearm in the warrior's salute just as Dorga and Bob had done. " SoH ta' quv Daq SoH'egh 'ej Daq Hoch Daq vam Duj" [You do honour to yourself and to all on this ship] echoed the translator. Susan also thanked him for inviting her, stating it was an honor and privilege and she had rarely been more proud of any of her officers than she presently was of him. Dorga smiled and gave her one curt nod to indicate she also was proud of Detron. Parami, now bored with all the congratulations and talk about honor and pride from the adults gathered about Detron, stepped away to leave them to it and found himself drawn to where the painsticks had been neatly stowed on their rack. He ambled over to them, casting glances back at the group of adults while they talked, and reached for one to pluck it from its companions. He looked it over. It looked harmless enough. He glanced back at Trei. ~ He looks fine! It couldn't have been that bad! ~ Now Parami was pretty certain that his Uncle had been pretending it hurt more than it actually did. He switched the painstick on as he walked back to the group of adults. His sister was staring at him with her mouth open and began shaking her head, her mouth opening and shutting like a fishes but nothing would come out. He thought about poking Rivers with it, but decided it would be more fun if he poked one of the adults. The though made him smile, he'd soon find out if these things really worked. Suddenly he thrust it forward and pressed it against Lieutenant Lorimar's back side. (reply Lorimar) Then all hell broke loose! (reply ALL) (Posted by Sal) ******** (USS Boudicca - Holodeck 1 - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 1907) Detron thanked everyone who attended the ritual and was duly honored to have them there. Detron saw Parimi pick up a pain stick and turn it on. He saw Parimi walk with the stick intent on trusting it at his sister not knowing that it would be very painful indeed. Parimi decided to jab Lorimar with the stick. Detron ran over to prevent Parimi from thrusting the stick into Lorimar's backside but was too late. Detron gave Parimi a stern look of repremand and told him, "Put the stick down now. The pain is quite real indeed." Detron jumped in between Parimi and Lorimar. ~Oh you don't know the pain son. You need to learn of it soon.~ (Reply Parimi, Lorimar, Dorga) (Posted by Edward) *********** (USS Boudicca – Holodeck 1 – CO, Captain Susan Rivers – 1916) Susan had watched the entire ritual with interest, wincing inwardly with every strike of the painsticks onto Detron's body. She kept her face impassive throughout, however, knowing that only so could she honour Detron. She was greatly impressed with his powers of endurance and courage as he made his way bravely through the gauntlet, but she was glad that Shun and Loren were not here to see it. Their culture was a very different one and whilst she respected Dorga's decision for her own children to be present, especially since they were part Klingon, Susan felt she had made the right decision for Shun and Loren. Her knowledge of Klingon enabled her to more or less follow proceedings even without the services of the universal translator, and she mentally rehearsed what she would say to Detron at the end as she waited for first Dorga and her family, and then Bob, to speak to him. Finally Susan approached the TAC/SC, and grasped his forearm in the warrior's salute as Dorga and Bob had done. " SoH ta' quv Daq SoH'egh 'ej Daq Hoch Daq vam Duj" she said, hoping she had the pronunciation correct, and that what she had said was suitable. The kind of Klingon you picked up in bars probably wasn't the best groundwork for a ceremony like this. [You do honour to yourself and to all on this ship] echoed the translator. "It was an honour and a privilege to be present today, Detron, and I thank you for inviting me," she added. "I have rarely been more proud of any of my officers than I am of you right now." (reply Detron, any) (Posted by Liz) =============================== =============================== Mission: Going Dutch Day 3 Stardate: 2408.12.05 =============================== =============================== (USS Boudicca – Shuttlecraft Bay - ACSO Lt. (jg) Carlyle Deston - Day 3 - 0720) Deston did a quick mental check: valise, with a few gifts, minor toiletries and some changes of clothes, check; personal PADD with things to read and do, check. Should be plenty for the day-and-a-half trip to the rendezvous with the /Hutchison/, which would get him back to Proxima in about three more days after that - with a couple days' leeway before the incorporation ceremony. "All set, sir?" asked the on-duty hangar chief, who was no doubt looking forward to the end of his shift. "I believe so, chief. She's all set for automatic return?" "Yes, sir. Just don't fiddle with the autopilot. Have a good trip, now." "Thanks; I'll be back in a couple of weeks. Take care!" Deston boarded the shuttlecraft, secured his minimal belongings, and settled into the pilot's seat. He concentrated on the takeoff procedures, as it had been a while since he'd taken the refresher course; once clear of the Boudicca's hangar and the local traffic zone around Laatstekans, however, it was all automatic, and Deston retired to the rear of the shuttle. It was clear flying until the rendezvous with the /Hutchison/, and he had little to do outside of his personal pursuits. A little while later, he suddenly raised his head from the PADD. ~Dammit! I forgot the hat!~ He looked wistfully toward the rear of the shuttle, and sighed. Then he resumed reading, a slight frown slowly fading from his face. (reply none) (posted by John O'Neill) ************ (USS Boudicca, QV - aCSO Lieutenant (jg) Ayslin Rel and Yeoman Slain - 0830) Ayslin sat in the corner of QV munching on her breakfast and sipping her coffee as she looked over journal articles that she was reviewing for the Proceedings of the Federation Academy Of Sciences and a few other journals dealing with astrophysics. They had been hounding her to get them in, and in fairness to the editors she had put it off long enough. Sipping her coffee she scribbled notes to the author of the paper indicating that she thought a couple of questions needed to be answered better in the discussion section and they needed to do a better job explaining their reasoning behind using a polarized sub space emmitter, instead of a non-polarized one. Sending the reviewed paper off to the editor, she muttered to her self, "One down..." "Five to go," a voice said. Ayslin looked up to see her Yeoman standing there with a plate of what she assumed was breakfast, not that she would bet her reputation on it. "Mind if I join you Ma'am?" "Go right ahead, and you don't have to call me Ma'am in here, Ayslin is fine most of the time really," Ayslin said. Tanna sat down and quickly brushed her bangs back over her ears. He hair was different this morning, it was slightly deeper shade of brown this morning and was straight, she had also apparently decided that she needed a bit of color and had added a few streaks of blue to it as well. It still looked good on her, but Ayslin was starting to think that most things looked good on Tanna. Tanna must have known Ayslin was looking at her and smiled a little. "You think it looks ok?" she asked, running her hands over it to smooth out the non existent loose strands of dark hair. "You wear it well, the blue is nice, not to bright, but adds a touch of color," Ayslin said then stopped. "Wait, why am I talking hair with my yeoman?" Tanna smiled a friendly smile that bore that spoke volumes, beginning with something along the lines of 'oh my poor poor geeky friend, we need to talk.' "Because sometimes it's good to talk about something other than paperwork, or science, or saving the universe, or the political ramifications of the prime directive. Sometimes it's nice to simply talk about hair, and shoes, or going shopping or getting together with some friends and causing some mischief and mayhem, then I'll ask you if my hair looks ok. I'm here to make your life easier and that includes making sure you don't burn out inside the week trying to act like the most responsible person on the ship. Even the captain has a little fun once in a while." Tanna said, everything in a friendly tone, a kind smile on her face the whole time. "How old are you really, you and your file both say twenty, I'm not willing to agree to anything less than fifty." Ayslin said with a mock suspicious look, knowing full well the full blooded Betazoid knew she wasn't. "Listen, you want me to be completely honest?" Tanna asked to which Ayslin simply nodded. "I'm one of the first groups out of boot after the war, I've been here a month and the one thing I realize more than anything else is that everyone here is damaged. Most of the crewman, the people I'm supposed to make friends with have been through hell, I can see it in there eyes, I can feel it pressing down on me. This ship was cobbled together from the people that the new Star Fleet Command really don't want hanging around the major powers. I'm missing that experience that everyone else has, the trauma that has bound everyone together. You, you're a work-aholic, I'm able to piece together enough to know that you're still new to you're joining and still trying to find your new footing. I know that you spent some times in a very seedy bar on the station hustling the locals at pool and then smooth talked you're way out of a fight. Yet the records I get, that all yeoman get about their boss, doesn't mention that you have a tricksters bone in your body. What it does say is that you're likely to submerse yourself in your work, that you're quiet, but friendly. So in my professional opinion, I think you could use a friend, to keep you from burning out, and as I need one too, I think I'll apply for the job." Tanna said, her voice low to keep from carrying, but serious with just the touch of loneliness. "See, now I'm leaning towards sixty," Ayslin said with a chuckle, which made Tanna laugh as well. "I've worked so hard my entire life, I've only had a handful of friends. And you'd be amazed at what they drill into you at the Academy about making friends with the enlisted." Ayslin said with smile for Tanna. "And since when does the Science department listen to everything Star Fleet Command do?" Tanna asked. "I'm fairly certain that don't like their officers sharking freighter crews and miners at pool either. Didn't stop you, did it?" Tanna asked raising a dark, well sculpted eyebrow. Ayslin looked at her for a moment, remembering what it was to have good friends around. "So, what made you go with blue?" She asked sipping the dregs of her coffee. "Eh, felt like doing something new, and red was too bright. I wanted something that would blend in at least a little." Tanna said taking a sip of her juice. "You do something new a lot, don't you?" Ayslin asked with a grin. Tanna just shrugged a noncommittal shrug. "Are you going to be in the lab today?" Tanna asked, looking up from her breakfast through her long lashes. "Well after that little speech of yours I think I'd better take the whole day off. I was thinking I might take my new found rank and power and get a nice big block of time on the holodeck and just find something relaxing to do." Ayslin said already thinking. Tanna tapped a few buttons on her PADD, and then looked up. "Done, you're all set for Holodeck 5, starting at 1030 hours, I've got you a pretty good block of time so stay until someone kicks you out." Tanna said with a wide friendly smile. "You are good," Ayslin said returning the smile. "What are friends, and yeomen, for?" Tanna asked before quickly digging back into her breakfast. (Reply Any/None) (Posted by Patrick D.) ********* (USS Boudicca - Chief's Lounge - Master Chief Laurence Krolar, Civilain Olivia Krolar and Chief Petty Officer Ashley Kester - 1025) Laurence walked in to the Chief's private lounge, Olivia's hand in his and looked around the room scanning for Ashley. "Now remember, you have to keep your voice down in here and you have to stay with me," Laurence said, looking down at his daughter, who nodded to him then looked around the room. The Goat Locker was one of the few benefits of the job. It was an old tradition, that was kept alive the the sheer stubbornness of the people who had occupied the jobs over the years. No one dared to take the Goat Locker away, the Chief's would revolt. It's size and functions differed from ship to ship. On some smaller ships it was nothing more than a room with some comfortable chairs and a replicator, on a Station like Geneva it was a compound unto itself, with a dining area, sleeping quarters, a large lounge, rec room and meeting rooms for more administrative functions. In all but the most dire of situations the Goat Locker was an inviolate area of the ship, even a Fleet Admiral would ask permission before entering. It was a chief's haven from the daily grind, and it was a big to do when a petty officer was promoted to Chief and allowed in for the first time. The Boudicca's Goat Locker was modest, but big enough, there was a small dedicated dining area and a lounge where one could sit and relax, as well as a single meeting room for when the Chiefs as a group needed to discuss anything official. Olivia tugged on her father's hand and whispered, "There she is daddy, over there in the corner." Laurence spotted her and the pair headed over to her table. Ashley spotted them about half way to the table and beamed. Laurence and Ashley had spent a lot of time together since the past week and a half. They had clicked almost immediately and Laurence felt like it might go somewhere. Ashley was great with Olivia, and Olivia loved spending time with Ashley. Laurence knew it was only a week, but it felt right. Laurence lifted Olivia up and placed her in the chair next to Ashley, and he took a seat next to Olivia. "Hey Kiddo," Ashley said with a big grin as she tousled Olivia's brown hair. "What brings you two down here?" "Today is Olivia's birthday. She's having a couple of her friends from school over for a sleep over tonight. I wanted some help chaperoning these five hellions, and Olivia suggested I ask you, and frankly I thought that was a wonderful idea," Laurence said with a nod. "Yea, can you come too, I know you're not a kid, but it's my birthday and dad said I could ask who I wanted." Olivia said quickly. "I'd love to come and help out. Thank you for asking me," Ashley said with a sweet smile for Olivia, leaning over and giving her a hug. "Great," Laurence said, breathing a sigh of relief, as much as he loved his daughter, trying to keep track of five six year olds and keep them out of trouble was a daunting task to perform alone. "The Olivia's friends are coming over at 1800 hours for dinner then movies and cake and play time. If you could be over a little before that, I'd thank you forever." "I'll be there with bells on," Ashley said with a smile. (Posted by Patrick D.) ******** (USS Boudicca, Holodeck 5 - aCSO Lieutenant (jg) Ayslin Rel and Yeoman Tanna Slain - 1200) Tanna walked in through the holodeck doors, noting that they were secured against everyone but her and a few other names, mostly senior staff. The holodeck had been set up as a spacious house, and with a look out the window she confirmed she was in the mountains somewhere, probably Trill, if Ayslin was looking to relax. The house was what one might consider modern, it had polished hard wood floors and mellow colored walls. It could easily be some kind of ski lodge or chalet, as she did note the snow on the ground outside. She could hear a piano being played in another room, music that was nice, if a little more introspective than she had hoped Ayslin would be listening to. Tanna had changed out of her uniform and into more casual attire, replacing the starch of her duty wear for a form fitting tank top and a long flowy skirt with sandals that showed off her pale red painted toes. She followed the music to it's source and came to a room with a lit fireplace, large video screen, comfortable couches and rugs. The wood theme was continued here in the walls and floors. The room felt warm and comfortable, and most of all it felt safe and secluded. In one corner of the room stood a large black grand piano. Ayslin sat behind it playing the song that Tanna had hear when she entered. Ayslin didn't look like she even noticed Tanna's arrival, she was completely focused on the keys of the piano, her eyes locked on her fingers, her wavy red hair fallen around her down turned face. Tanna debated whether she should just turn around and walk out, but she needed a quick signature from the Lieutenant. She bit her lip and decided to just leave the PADD on the end table by the couch and tip toe back out. She leaned over to put the PADD down, but was interrupted by Ayslin. "What do you have for me?" She asked, her voice quiet and slow, but a faint smile was on her face when Tanna turned around to look. "Just a PADD, a quick signature," Tanna said quickly, he cheeks blushing with slightly in embarrassment. "I didn't mean to disturb you Ma'am." "Ayslin, Tanna, you can call me Ayslin. I'm not wearing a uniform and neither are you. Just leave the PADD there, I'll get to it later," Ayslin said with a smile. "And don't worry, you aren't bothering me. You're name was on the list, if I didn't want you to get in here, it wouldn't have been on the list." "Sorry, Ayslin," Tanna said. "I didn't know you played the piano, it sounds lovely." Tanna walked over to the piano to stand next Ayslin who started playing another song, this one a little more firmly in a major key. "I didn't really, I was more of a singer in school but never very serious. But my last host was a musician, and after I was joined, it was one of the habits I picked up. I don't actually remember what the song is, it's more popular than what Renia preferred but she must have learned it at some point. Despite popular belief, I don't get all of my previous hosts memories. This isn't even the complete song, I'm filling in as I go." Ayslin said, hitting a wrong note as she shifted keys. "I'll never be as good as Renia was, but it's still relaxing to play and create." "Well the music is beautiful, and better than I could do in a hundred years," Tanna said, leaning her hip against the side of the piano. "Well to be fair Renia was just over 100 when she died and had been playing most of life," Ayslin said with a chuckle. She modulated the key again and shifted into something low key and relaxing. "Do you know why I was joined with Rel? Why I was chosen specifically?" Ayslin asked still watching her hands. "No, that they don't give us that type of information, just what we can do to keep our Officers from getting too over worked," Tanna said crossing her slender arms across her chest. "They picked me because they wanted a more analytical host this time around. I'm the fourth host, and so far Rel has been hosted by an artist, a philosopher, and a musician...and now me. Apparently Jellen was their biggest worry, he's where I learned to con at pool." Ayslin said, resolving the final chord, and letting the music fade away into the still air, leaving the fire as the only sound. "I'm still trying to figure out who I am really, it will get easier. I think I picked up my previous hosts hobbies as I had so few of my own to balance them out, I really did work too much." Ayslin said, running her fingers through her hair to get it out of her face. "I'm sure you'll figure it out soon enough," Tanna said with a sympathetic smile, reaching out and touching Ayslin on her shoulder. Ayslin looked up at Tanna and smiled. "Thanks. I think that's enough thinking like that for the day," Ayslin said the look on her face changing slight. "I don't know what your plans are Tanna, but you're welcome to stay if you want. There's enough food for lunch for two and the skiing is quite good." "I don't really know how to ski," Tanna said shyly, brushing her bangs off her face. "Seriously? Betazed has some of the best slopes I've ever skied. And it's my hobby, not one of my previous hosts, so I'm positive I know how to do it right." Ayslin said with a wide grin. She closed the cover over the keys and stood up. "So, lunch and the slopes? Skiing is so much more fun with friends than by oneself." "Um if you say so," Tanna said with a wary look in her eyes. "I'm going to end up embarassing myself, aren't I?" She asked, humor in her dark eyes if not her face. "Probably, but I promise not to tell anyone. Now come on, food first, then skiing. You'll have fun, I promise." Ayslin said, happy for having the company for once. (reply none) (posted by Sal) ********** (USS Boudicca, Holodeck 5 - aCSO Lieutenant (jg) Ayslin Rel and Yeoman Tanna Slain - 1410) Ayslin dashed through the door just as a snowball hit her in the back. It had been a running snowball fight from the skiing area, and Ayslin was on the loosing end of it most of the way. She'd managed to get in a few hits, but Tanna had gotten in more. "I thought you said you had a horrible aim, I could have sworn I remember you saying that," Ayslin said as Tanna came in the door behind her, brushing the snow from Ayslin's back. "I did, but then Star fleet didn't let me do my target practice with snowballs," Tanna said pulling off her hat and gloves and tossing them on a chair by the door, before stripping off her slightly damp coat and hanging it on a hook. The whole snowball fight had started after Tanna had managed a quite impressive fall, finishing by landing quite squarely on her butt. Ayslin didn't stop laughing until the snowball had smacked her in the shoulder. She had taken off at a dead run, which was quite hard in the snow while laughing, but had managed to lob a few ill packed snowballs at her pursuer, but Tanna was more graceful than Ayslin and managed to dodge most of them. "Next time don't laugh and you won't have to feel my snowy wrath." Tanna said planting her fists on her hips and giving Ayslin an obviously mock scowl before giggling and walking into the kitchen. "How long do we have in here today?" Ayslin asked following her after she hung her own coat, and kicked off her boots, walking barefoot into the kitchen. "Quite a while, Ensign T'Lor is scheduled after you." Tanna said digging through the refrigerator and expertly assembling a rather large sandwich. "Ensign T'Lor hates the holodeck, finds it pointless," Ayslin said confused. "So I doubt he'd mind if we took his slot. Probably doesn't even know I booked a spot for him," Tanna said innocently, looking at Ayslin out of the corner of her and gave her a wink and a wicked smile. "That is completely against regulations, and you know it." Ayslin said. This time it was her turn to plant her fists on her hips. "Oh stop, there were too options, either I do it this way, or I report that you're overworked to the counseling department. Either way you get the time, this way you don't have to go for followups with a shrink." She said waggling her thin dark eyebrows at Ayslin as she brushed by her on her way to the living room. Ayslin just shook her head and had the computer replicate her a mug of hot chocolate with whipped cream and a plate of cookies. She always did prefer sweets after a workout, but then she also preferred sweets most of the time too. She quickly went to one of the bedrooms and changed out of her snow gear and into a pair of comfortable pants and sweater. When she walked into the large living room she found Tanna curled up on the couch, her feet bare, reading a book. She also changed back into the clothes she had been wearing. The fireplace was lit and crackling, even if it was real it was real enough. While it was only a little after 1400 hours, the sun was just setting in the program. She knew she had programmed it, but it was still surprisingly beautiful. Ayslin took a seat in a large comfortable chair, and propped her feet up on the coffee table, setting her food and drink on the side table between the couch and the chair she was sitting in. "Thanks for spending the day with me, Tanna, I'm not sure it would have been a good idea for me to spend the whole day alone." Tanna didn't look up from her book, but her arm snaked out and swiped a cookie from Ayslin's plate. "Keep paying me in cookies and you'll have a friend for life," Tanna said trying to keep a straight face but failing and giggling. Ayslin joined in, Tanna's laugh infectious, it felt good to laugh. (Reply none/any) (Posted by Patrick D.) ********* (USS Boudicca, QV - aCSO Lieutenant (jg) Ayslin Rel - 1800) Ayslin walked into QV and quickly found a table by the windows. Tanna and she had left the ski lodge behind, Tanna had plans for the evening, and Ayslin figured she should move around some or she was likely to fall asleep on the holodeck. Still wearing her comfortable civilian clothes she looked around the room to see her colleagues in similar outfits, all enjoying their time off. She waited quietly for a waiter to come by to take her order, also wondering if any of the senior staff might wander in too. (Reply ANY) (Posted by Patrick D.) ******** (USS Boudicca, Krolar Family Quarters - Master Chief Laurence Krolar and Chief Ashley Kester - 2230) All the girls had finally gone to bed and Laurence collapsed onto the couch next to Ashley. "Thanks for the help, as much as I have learned to be both mom and dad since Abby died, sometimes it's nice to have some help," Laurence said before yawning and scrubbing his face with his hands. Ashley just smiled. "There's no need to thank me, Olivia's an angel, and I can't say I minded the excuse to spend time with you and her, even if I ended up playing costume designer more than chaperone," Ashley said laying her hand on Laurence's arm. Laurence looked over at Ashley. There was no doubt she was beautiful, beautiful eyes, beautiful hair, beautiful smile, hell, even her nose was beautiful. She was funny, and smart, and kind, and Laurence enjoyed their time together. Laurence was tired, and for the first time in a very long while Laurence stopped thinking. Laurence leaned forward and kissed Ashley. The kiss seemed to last a life time, to kiss someone like that after those years of mourning, it was so easy to loose himself in the moment. Her lips and skin were soft and he could smell a hint of perfume. Her hair felt so smooth when his hand brushed her cheek, and he wished he could have lived in that moment forever, no grief, just happiness. However his brain, eager to ruin the moment finally woke back up and started reading him chapter and verse of every policy that while not explicitly forbidding it, strongly discouraged Enlisted crew members from getting involved, physically or romantically, and as Laurence was on the verge of doing both, he got a double helping. "I'm sorry," Laurence said, breaking off. "I shouldn't have done that, it was completely inappropriate." Ashley, to her credit, wore a sympathetic smile. She reached out and brushed his cheek nearly making him shiver. "Did you hear me complain, or try and stop you?" She asked, her voice a near whisper. "No, But..." Laurence trailed off. "If you want to pretend this never happened, we will, but we both wanted that kiss, and quite frankly, I very much liked it." Ashley said softly. Laurence gave in and stopped thinking. They kissed and it was wonderful. The spent quite a while after that second, and eventual third, kiss talking and then a comfortable silence with Ashley's head resting against Laurence's shoulder, his arm wrapped around her. Eventually Ashley fell asleep there in his arms on his couch. He spent some time relishing in that feeling of comfort and trust before he gently picked up the sleeping Ashley. He moved as carefully as he could and laid her down on his bed, covering her in the sheet and turning off the light. She barely stirred before she fell back into a deeper sleep. Laurence smiled and grabbed a spare pillow and blanket from the closet and headed back out to the couch. (Reply None) (Posted by Patrick D.) ********************************************************** END OF TRANSMISSION **********************************************************