D. K.

I have no picture of my avatar wearing what Jaxon would do. So I'll describe it instead. A collarless black suit jacket with fair colored shirt, no tie and a pair of matt black shoes. MFG

I think we should remember here that they were not just pods, but weapons of mass destruction that were refunctioned to act as cryo-pods. Thus the picture can be interpreted both ways. More if you let your mind wander a little. MFG

That could change Mr. Parker, S'Caan will be about soon no doubt. MFG

I would like to thank Ann and Ken for allowing me to use their PC's for this piece and also ask forgiveness for any horrible formatting that might crop up. The site refused to play nice while I struggled to post this. MFG

(A few days earlier) USS Thunder “Why didn’t Commander Johnson want you on the bridge?” “He was with me when I tested the Phoenix system. He has hated me ever since.” “But the system has saved thousands of lives in the past six years alone!” The older Mc Ghee looked briefly at the floor as he recalled the events. “I endangered six crewmates while testing the device. I betrayed my Captain and colleagues. In effect I sold a part of my soul for a single innovation.” “Is that why you don’t want to stop Icarus?” “Icarus is too dangerous, Joel. I can live with people not speaking to me because of the Phoenix incident. But I won’t sell the rest of my soul for an invention that will eventually destroy us.” “Do you think they will understand?” “A torpedo appearing out of nowhere? If they don’t understand the danger of such technology then we are lost.” The lift doors opened revealing the bridge of the Admiral’s flagship and while passing the dedication plaque the Vulcan hybrid felt a powerful emotional surge, having never understood why the Admiral chose this line of his requiem speech for those lost during the Klingon invasion of 2389 as the vessel’s motto. Maybe it was one of the reasons for her disposition towards him; betrayal and disappointment hurt more than mere blows. The bridge also held a few select and unknown dignitaries there to witness the event. Admiral Turner was amongst them, however Jaxon saw the first officer was already heading his way. “Commander Johnson.” Acknowledged Jaxon, “It is agreeable to see your career progressing so expediently.” The picture of an angry and inexperience security ensign standing between a commander and incapacitated fleet captain briefly returned to his mind. The event had been a pivotal point in both his own and Johnson’s lives; one man and his career had soared and the other… well in retrospect it was a matter of perspective. The Admiral now spotted the two Mc Ghee’s and approached, wearing a stoic look of indifference and professionalism at meeting her former Chief engineer again. It was nearly perfect. “Mr. Mc Ghee, Joel welcome aboard.” Openly Jaxon nodded calmly to the Admiral, though internally the lack of a warmer greeting didn’t pass him quiet as serenely. “Thank you Ma’am.” Spoke Joel, turning to the viewscreen where a few other vessels were to be seen, “Quite a select group.” “If this works Joel, you and your father will have made history. Signal the station that we are ready.” The young man smiled at her encouraging words while the crew followed the orders. Joel joined his father at the test cylinder set up in the center of the bridge, before he turned back to the Admiral and offered her a Padd. “Ma’am, do you want to initiate the transport?” The western woman smiled at Joel and reached out and tapped the key. The whine of a transporter sounded and the silver tube disappeared in a typical blue swirl. The main screen changed and displayed a research lab and a technician, now holding the test cylinder, his face radiating satisfaction. “Ladies and gentlemen.” Announced Commander Johnson, “You have just witnessed the first subspace transport of an object over a distance of more than half a lightyear. This is the advent of a new age of intergalactic transportation.” Polite applause erupted from the dignitaries on the bridge and Jaxon turned to look at the excited and enthusiastic people. He watched the mix of high ranking Starfleet officers and diplomats congratulating each other. The Welshman turned to Johnson and took the arm of the first officer. “And now for your side of the bargain; send the torpedo. Show them how useless shields will have become.” “That will no longer be necessary.” smiled the Commander, the officer waved to the main screen which had again changed. It now showed a large conference table where more people and most were in heated discussions. Engineers and technicians, Jaxon recognized a number of the faces. “You didn’t show them?” “Many experts have now witnessed your invention. You and son’s name will be recited with Cochrane and Archer. You know schools named after you and so on.” The younger man smiled as Jaxon’s eyes widened upon grasping the magnitude of the deception. It was irrelevant if he stopped, those that had now seen the invention were now aware of the possibility and would hunt for the solution. It was in the nature of an engineer; Icarus had gone public and a cry for this technology would rise. No more week long voyages, no more hauling giga-tons of equipment on massive freighters trudging one lightyear after another. Once the technology was explored and improved, hundreds of lightyears would no longer be a distance for any person to travel. Or any army and their weapons. Stardate: 240004.21 SS Black Raven For Jaxon the Thunder-A still looked as beautiful as the day his choices had forced him to leave her. In his opinion, the thin, darkened strips on her hull, deployment points for the 2nd generation of ablative armor, still marred her pearl white hull. A pang of regret flowed through him, caused by the events of the last 48 hours, but as always the emotion was countered, checked and sent to oblivion as unneeded trash. EVE, the vessel’s holographic avatar, appeared next to the stocky Welshman. “The Thunder is already in the system and is protecting the second station. What are you going to do? They’ll hardly fall for the same trick twice.” The engineer turned to look at her and gave his creation a brief, encouraging smile. “EVE this time you do not have to join me. Once other powers realize the potential of displacement technology… it is simply too dangerous.” The long haired beauty smiled knowingly, she had truly made progress in the last few years of her existence. “We both know I’ll will always follow you.” Her voice was quiet and she looked at the floor uncomfortably for a moment before continuing as she harked her sensors “The Thunder is hailing.” Jaxon nodded briefly at her response, though he didn’t show his relieve that she was staying with him. “Raise shields and prepare weapons.” There was a brief chirp as the avatar complied, “Put the Thunder through.” USS Thunder Commander Johnson looked up at the sensor officer awaiting his report. “It’s the Black Raven, just dropped from high warp.” The main screen changed cycling through zoom ranges as the sleek black ship of the former Starfleet officer was focused on. That Mc Ghee had somehow managed to create a cascade that destroyed one of the two prototype stations had taken everyone by surprise. The admiralty was less than pleased that 50% of eight year’s hard work had been lost because one of the researcher’s had gone amok. “Hail him..” Johnson’s tone was bitter. He had also just spent a grueling quarter-hour with Admiral Turner while she expressed her displeasure at tricking Mc Ghee during the presentation. The dark haired Welshman appeared and Johnson saw less youth in the Human-Vulcan features, “Mr. Mc Ghee, lower your shields and prepare to be boarded. You are under arrest for treason, destruction and theft of Federation and Starfleet property.” “I will not comply. I’m here to destroy Icarus. My arrest can be subsequently arranged.” “We are here to protect this facility and I doubt you will fire upon the Thunder.” “My only target is the data core and the transmitter array.” “The data cores have been secured and are aboard the Thunder. Your little rampage ends here.” “A real shame. Then you leave me without a satisfactory choice.” Said Jaxon and looked briefly at the floor, “EVE?” “Jaxon?” “Execute program Omega Icarus and cut the com link.” Even as the image of the Welshman faded and Johnson realized diplomacy had failed, he still noted the tone of sadness in the man’s voice. “He’s charging weapons!” “Battlestations!” he cried, “Call the Admiral to the bridge!” SS Black Raven The small dark vessel shot fore as EVE flew curves while twisting upwards swiftly as the Thunder’s phaser strips lit up again. The orange beams reached out for the speeding Raven and the smaller craft shook as the shields tried to absorb the attack. “Shields holding.” Reported EVE The Vulcan hybrid stood typing at his holographic display, occasionally swaying as the Raven spiraled, danced and shook around the heavier and slower Thunder. “Keep the shields up, the weapons hot and the com array online.” Commented Jaxon. “Torpedoes incoming.” “Evasives! Jaxon one alpha. More power to the engines! Get a lock on those torpedoes!” The Raven pulled sharply to port as the four blue sparkles shot across the distance separating the two adversaries. Her phaser’s still lancing out to retreating ship, the Thunder followed in hot pursuit while the Black Ravens own weapons finally joined the fray attempting to pick off the incomingquantum’s. On the command deck, Jaxon held on to his station as two torpedoes found their mark, the others falling to EVE’s targeting scanners. “Why the hell did I let Parker convince me to install three more tubes?!” growled the part-Vulcan as he compensated for the damage. “Progress?” “I can’t lock onto the data cores. They are constantly rotating the frequency. ” reported EVE Jaxon swore at the news. It meant that Starfleet was aware the datacore held the only set of plans for the Icarus project that they still had open access to and they were ready to protect them. The small craft rocked again as more phasers hit, launching another series of alarms and sirens. Jaxon got up growling in anger while he looked at his tactical display. EVE had got some distance between them and Jaxon saw a possibility and issued a litany of commands. “New course heading 234 mark 12. Prepare all torpedoes, target port shield generators. Detonate 1000 kilometers before impact. Retreat pattern Beta. Transporter commands to me. Execute. ” Pulling a high speed curve, the Raven swiftly turned on her follower and hit full impulse as she bore down on the Thunder. Moments beforehand a spread of six photons left their tubes and shot towards the white hulled vessel. As expected the opposing helmsman pulled his ship away from the source of danger, and moments later the Raven pulled up sharply in the other direction, her rear cannons opening fire and destroying her own missiles. Seeing the enemy shields briefly falter, Jaxon exploited the advantage and initiated the transport while the shield were reestablished. USS Thunder Jaxon felt the confinement beam release him and he briefly checked the equipment that had been transported in on his person before he left the observation room. The bridge of the Thunder was still in disarray as Jaxon ducked in though the rear door, seeing his own ship pulling away on the main screen. “Tractor beam.” Yelled Johnson as he helped the Admiral up. Seeing an unused station and ignoring everything else, Jaxon took a device from his belt and dived forward, slapping it onto a console before landing and crawling under the empty station. “INTRUDER ALERT!” bellowed a well-known voice. A stray phaser beam singed the wall behind him while Jaxon typed at the computer on his wrist. With the handy device supplying him with an uplink, he downloaded the program into the system and then threw his weapon over the console; as if he had ever stood a chance of storming the bridge. “I give up. You have won.” Said Jaxon standing up slowly with raised hands. Jaxon found himself swiftly surrounded by burly security officers, their phasers trained on him. The already tall men were then eclipsed as Parker stepped up to join his former brother. Honorable brown eyes conveyed a mix of fury, disappointment and sadness. “Firing on a fleet ship.” He growled, “What have you become?” “We don’t always get to choose, Colonel.” The Welshman’s voice was quiet and subdued. “Don’t hide behind words Mr. Mc Ghee.” came a sharp voice. Two blue eyes with their yellow corona fixed on Admiral Turner as she joined the group surrounding the intruder. Jaxon noted that Toni also had a phaser aimed at him even though he had surrendered and six other weapons were still following his every move; never shy to get her hands dirty. “G’day Ma’am.” The flag officer looked at her former Chief a moment before holstering her weapon and giving an exasperated sigh. “Colonel if he moves.” Then the flag officer turned away to her tactical officer. “Understood Ma’am.” growled the giant Marine, “Was there any reason for you betraying us again?” “Affirmative.” Confirmed Jaxon. His wrist computer chirped and the hybrid looked up at Parker “ You know Hannibal, sometimes you lose and sometimes the others win.” “What’s that supposed to mean?” “It means that you shouldn’t have let old friendship from dragging me from this station.” The inconspicuous device he had attached to the screen lit up and began to flash and force field appeared separating the Marine and security detail from the ex-engineer, “EVE shut them out of the system.” While commotion broke out amongst the bridge officers, phaser fire harmlessly struck the wall of energy as Jaxon turned to the console and his fingers began to work. Hannibal tried his weapon twice more before angrily striking opaque field that protected the renegade engineer. “I’d be careful Hannibal, a ruptured EPS conduit on the bridge could injure or kill us all.” Said the hybrid without looking, his voice was calm and the incessantly entered commands created a concerto of beeps and chirps as his hands danced over the keys. Various stations on the bridge began to shut down creating more cries as the officers tried to coordinate their efforts against the onslaught Jaxon and EVE unleashed on the systems. After every station and light source had died away, Jaxon still worked on, his face illuminated only by his station, set in concentration as he added the needed command lines. “Mr. Mc Ghee step away from that station, that is an order.” Admiral Turner’s voice reverberating in fury. “I apologize for the ruse Admiral but I cannot comply.” His hands continued bringing up screens and entering commands, “Speaking of lies, Admiral have you heard of subspace shield mechanics?” There was a moment’s pause. “What is he talking about Commander.” Another pause followed, before the Admiral spoke again, her voice now able to cut glass. “Commander I expect an answer.” “Standard shields cannot be projected into the subspace plain, they become unstable.” Admitted Johnson. “You’re saying that this technology …” she fell silent. “Yes Admiral, it can teleport through any known shield from 100 million kilometers distance.” Confirmed Jaxon, he paused briefly and looked through the darkness to where he thought the Admiral stood, “Imagine the Klingons or Jem’hadar able of dropping troops or bombs without even entering the system.” He looked at Hannibal and then briefly at the floor, “I won’t take responsibility for that. It will lead to war and the blood will be on my hands.” “If this is true then we can no doubt find a solution.” “That’s not the point Admiral. We shield ourselves, the enemy bypasses them. We counter that, they find something else. The technology is too dangerous it has to be destroyed.” The Welshman appeared to be finished with his work as he stopped his typing and turned to face the bridge staff. Some were still trying to bypass the force field, others had stopped and had accepted there was little they could currently do. With a few last keystrokes the lighting on the bridge came back on and a timer appeared on the stations. “What happens now Jaxon.” Asked Admiral Turner after eyeing the diminishing numbers. “A computer virus is blocking the system, once the timer hits zero Admiral you and your staff will have full control over the Thunder again. Until then you can only read the data on your screens. Of course that will be too late to save the Icarus transmission array. I am sorry that I used my knowledge of her systems to exploit them.” “The destruction of the array won’t stop Starfleet exploring the economic possibilities of the technology.” “Commander Johnson, you are confusing military with economical possibilities. The data core has been transported to the Raven and EVE is currently erasing it. My son cannot reproduce it, explain it to a high ranking bunch of officials, yes, but not reproduce it. The Icarus project now only exists in my head and that is also my cue.” “You know Icarus will follow you wherever you go.” Growled Johnson. “Only what exists can be hunted Mr. Johnson.” came the even reply, “EVE, transport.” The Welshman vanished in a swirl of light. A moment later the force field, now devoid of the control device, collapsed with an electrical crackle. Those closest dived for the station the renegade engineer had employed against them, in the hope that it still functioned. A moment later the main screen lit up and the angle showed Jaxon apparently busy working a few consoles. “Admiral, please look after and guide EVE.” The whine of the transporter rang out and a crate materialized on the bridge. “Ma’am he’s headed directly for the station.” Reported the helmsman, “Shields and weapons are offline. The tractor beam is still out. Ma’am …I can’t stop him. ” “Jaxon don’t.” called Admiral Turner. “He won’t.” breathed Johnson as he realized. “He will.” Confirmed Parker, “You said yourself Icarus will follow him.” “… oh and Ma’am, please tell Joel. ‘I had to buy back a piece of my soul.’ It was an honor. Mc Ghee o…. ” The transmission ended as the screen went blank before a blinding light lanced over the assembled officers. Lt Cmdr. Jaxon Mc Ghee Chief Engineering OfficerUSS Thunder NCC 70605Embassy Duronis II

Very nice. Reminds me of my character after a long day. MFG

Welcome to SB118 guys, Congratulations and enjoy yourselves. Maybe we'll see each other soon and have fun! That's what it's all about. MFG

I've been reading this thread on and off since it was created. I basically agree with the benefit of the doubt theory. We're an open community and I personally would have no enjoyment in winning something if I knew that it wasn't a just decision. Not only that, I can't really warm up to the idea that our members would be happy with ill-gained praise or victories; its just not the spirit of things round here. However, a thought came to me; what if the crews of the ships were bound into the process before a sim was even entered? Maybe by choosing which sim(s) is/are to be entered for a particular round? Further more, what if those more experienced writers of a ship also provided non obligatory 'counsel' concerning the quality of proposed entry? Without intending to disencourage anyone wanting to enter, but constructive criticism is hardly negative. Not only does this help to continually improve the skills of freshman and experienced writers alike, but counters stagnation and assists a gradual improvement of our skills. Personally I know I can sim in the format and style required by SB118, but I also know I could do better. I can only become better through practice and in- and external scrutiny. In all I think binding crews into the process would help them become aware that an entry had been made and increase the general interest of the contest as a whole. Not only securing an increase in PR, it also lowers the burden of the judges, because 'weaker' entries never even made it. Agreed somewhat ruthless, but it is the 'Top Sim' and not the 'I, the author, think its not too badly written' contest. Comments? MFG

Congratulations guy 'n gals. Welcome to the fleet. MFG

Welcome to all our newcomers. Enjoy! MFG

Welcome to SB118. Hope you enjoy yourselves here. MFG

Earth 2012 ** Today ** Derik Wells flicked the pan tossing the ingredients in the air. He chopped a few veggies, wiped his hands on his apron and turned his head to the kitchen door. “Alli!” he called “Go wash your hands, honey. Dinner’s nearly done” Fetching plates, Derik waited for a reply from his daughter. Receiving none he pulled the pan off the flames and went to look for her. Entering the living room, he saw her sitting amongst old photo albums. “Alli! No!” he called Derik rushed around the sofa while his daughter jumped up at his sudden arrival. “Allison Grace Wells .” he scolded “Why did you get these out?” “I found ‘em while I was looking for my drawing book.” Derik took up the nearest album feeling the pain return as he looked at the grinning youth. He felt a tugging on his apron and looked down at the little blond haired angel. “What’s wrong daddy?” ** The Past; Day 432 ** Cole opened his eyes, saw the familiar walls and stopped wondering where he was. ‘The Gwyneth Davis Memorial then’ he thought. “Dad?” “Hey there big guy!” came a familiar voice. Cole turned his head and saw Doctor Harry Ellis walking up to his bed. The dark haired young man had a good natured grin on his face. He checked briefly on the teenagers reactions and then looked at the equipment monitoring the 16 year old. “Good to see you back Cole. Your dad’s on his way...should be here soon.” “What happened? I was about to tackle Taylor Evans and now I’m in the clinic....” The young Doctor looked at his young patient as the flow of speech wound down. “The drugs have stopped working haven’t they.” “Yeah.” Came the soft reply, “Your body has grown use to the dosage; it can’t be increased anymore. We’ll try a new therapy. The Professor is also on his way, we’ll talk when your dad gets here. Right now mate ... well you know the drill. ” Even as the Doctor spoke three nurses arrived pushing trolleys. Cole sat quietly on his bed letting the Doctors revelation sink in while the nurses got to work. He understood what losing the medication meant, but couldn’t grasp why he felt so calm. It felt as though he was reacting the wrong way; he should have been screaming with rage but there was nothing there that he felt remotely angry about. His father arrived some half hour later. Derik opened the door and rushed to his son’s bed. The mid thirties man took the teenager and hugged him tightly. “Cole... I came as fast as I could.” his fathers voice was hung with relief. They parted and he sat down on the bedside “So, what did the Doctor say?” Cole looked at him silently and Derik read the face he seen every day since his birth. He felt his own expression fall as realization dawned. “Oh Cole...” “The Neurozin isn’t working any more. Dad ....” ** The Past; Day 398 ** “I don’t care dad. I WANT TO GO HOME!” cried Cole “Lad, they can look after you here.” “I don’t like the clinic; I want things back to normal.” “I’ll talk to Professor Hein and see what we can do.” ** The Past; Day 357 ** Even though he had been against bringing Cole home, Derik had to admit his son was right in wanting to be at home. The house had felt so empty during the four weeks Cole had been in the clinic. He heard the juvenile voices upstairs and then the thumping on the stairs as the teenagers came down. The group of 5 teens trouped through the kitchen and Cole took up his coat while his friends left. Turning to his father the well built youth spoke up. “Dad, we’re going down the field to make a few passes, okay?” “Sure lad,” he placed a hand on his son’s shoulder as he passed, “Cole?” “Yeah dad?” “Just ... just be careful.” Cole looked at his father and grinned. To Derik’s surprise Cole hugged him quickly. “I will, I promise.” grinned the teen. ** The Past; Day 295 ** Derik sighed as he pressed an ice cube filled towel on Cole’s bleeding jaw. He looked at his son’s torn clothing and the other cuts and scratches and shook his head. “Cole, what the hell were you thinking of?” he cried in exasperation “Taylor Evans needed 14 stiches!” “He started it!” “That’s no excuse to ....” Cole growled angrily and made to get up only to be held back by his father, who also tried to calm down himself. “Lad, talk to me. Tell me what happened.” While the angry teenager calmed down a little, he fetched another load of ice and made another cooling towel. Passing it to Cole, he continued. “So what happened?” “We argued. I fumbled a pass, so I says we all make mistakes and then he said.... he said....” Derik quickly swallowed the desire to explode on hearing that Cole was still playing rugby. “What did he say?” he asked softly “He said ‘yeah look at the mistake your dad made’....” Derik listened to his son’s words and felt a mix of rage and sorrow rise from his heart in an attempt to take over his mind. Most friends knew that Cole’s condition was the result of a genetic defect passed on solely through the male genome. “I see.” Two words. Emotionless. “.... so I punched him and then we were both fighting and I was so angry and ....” Cole words dwindled away and the teen looked silently to the floor. “It’s okay to be angry Cole. What Taylor said was way out of order.” Cole didn’t answer but pressed the cooling towel to his jaw. ** Day 239 ** Derik went upstairs and knocked on Cole’s door. Entering after hearing the call from inside he found his son looking out of the window. The house had a good view of the town and its many parks. Two cases stood near the door, the crutches the hospital had given them lay forlornly in the corner where Cole had thrown them a week ago. “We have to be goin’ lad.” “What was it like when Mam went?” The question hit Derik like a brick in a dark alley. A few moments passed before he could answer. “Hard.... unbelievably hard.” Cole didn’t turn but continued looking out. “How did you get through it all?” There was another pause before his father answered. “She was gone, Cole. But you were there. There’s always a tomorrow, a today and a yesterday.” “But how are you going to get through this?” Derik looked briefly to the floor and then crossed the floor and joined Cole at the window and placing a hand on his son’s shoulder and squeezing gently. “With you of course.” “What if it doesn’t work dad?” “Cole...” The teen turned and made his way to the cases; it was evident that walking was becoming a problem, but it didn’t stop the teen from taking up both cases. At the door Cole turned back. “Do you think I’ll ever look out of that window again?” “Of course.” Came the reply “By the way, you should tell Terry Jones she should buy some curtains for her window.” ** Day 174 ** “Can you call the nurse?” said Cole “Of course lad,” said Derik pressing the button. Getting up he added diplomatically, “If you don’t mind, I’ll go and get myself a coffee.” Cole lay in his bed waiting until the nurse finally arrived. The situation was quickly clear and the woman silently left the room, returning with fresh linen. The nurse helped him out of the bed and sat him in a nearby chair. “I’m sorry Janice.” “What for? Its not your fault Cole.” The teen sat watching her change the sodden sheets, angry at not being able to help. He no longer felt as ashamed as he had done the first time. The job was soon done and as she helped the young man back into bed Cole spoke up again. “How do you do this everyday, Janice, looking after sick people. After sick kids?” “Its rewarding in a way Cole.” Pillows were fluffed and replaced. “You always wanted to do this?” The nurse stopped her work and looked at the lad. His condition had worsened in the last few months and the once well built teen was visibly dwindling. After effects of the therapy. “I had thought of stopping once. Then a girl said something to me and it all made sense.” “What did she say?” His voice was weak. “Rest up a little Cole you had a hard day. I’ll tell you tomorrow.” ** The Present ** “Daddy? Hey Daddy, whats’up.” Alison tugged at her fathers Apron. Derik looked from the album down to his blond haired angel. “Daddy’s just thinking about yesterday, honey.” This was given due consideration. Then Alli looked up in innocent confusion. “What’s special about yesterday? We went to the park and then to Auntie Port.” Derik looked at the pictures of smiling lad and then gently closed the album. Deep down he didn’t want to forget, but sometimes he wished he could. Placing the photo-book on the desk, he hunkered down to his daughter. “Alli,” He said, smiling at her innocent face, “Yesterday is important because we can go there whenever we want to.” Young eyes widened as she listened to her fathers words. “Really?” she breathed “Of course.” He said, adding in the privacy of his thoughts, ‘Sometimes without us even wanting too.’ ** Day 126 ** Derik Wells was snoring gently as Cole awoke. The lad lifted a heavy hand and nudged his father. “Dad? Wake up.” Derik came to in a series of snorts and grunts. He looked at Cole’s gaunt face and smiled. “Hey,” he spoke weakly; due to the therapy loud noises hurt Cole’s ears. “I’ll see about breakfast, okay?” “I’m not hungry.” Derik nodded and returned to his son’s side, sitting on the bed. He felt his forehead and smiled in relief. “You’re temperature is normal again.” What was normal these days was debatable. “Dad?” Cole spoke weakly, “Back then on the field, Taylor Evans, when I said I was angry I...” “Yeah. It was okay Cole.” “No, I mean ...” There was a pause, but Derik was getting use to them. Then Cole struggled up on his arms “I wasn’t just angry at what he said. I was angry at ...” “I know Cole. I saw it in your eyes that night.” “You knew?” As Derik saw the ashamed tears he was already rising and leant over Cole, holding him. “It’s okay lad. Everything is okay.” He stood a few minutes holding and comforting his son and waiting for the sobbing to stop. “But you know, I could still be annoyed with you.” said Derik, seeing the querying look he continued, “After all you only gave him 14 stitches.” A weak smile appeared on his son’s face and the day was saved. A good day. There were so few of them now. ** Day 108 ** It was night and Derik lay on the lounger next to Cole’s bed trying to get some sleep. The door opened quietly and one of the hospital nurses came in. Derik kept his closed and remained still as he didn’t feel like talking. There was movement around the room as the nurse went to work. “Hi Janice.” Said Cole quietly “Hey there.” The nurse came up to the railing. “How y’ doing?” There was a pause as Cole struggled to look at his sleeping father. “Is dad asleep?” “Yup” said the nurse “Janice... don't tell dad...” Cole whispered, “... I think I’m gonna lose the match.” ** Today ** The meal now served, Alison sat picking at the hated veggies. Derik read his newspaper in silence while nearby the radio ran quietly, some female singer howling out the latest song of love deprival. “Daddy you said we can go to yesterday all the time.” The words came slowly and thoughtfully and there was a rustle as the newspaper was lowered. “Sure honey” “Then I wanna to Disneyland again. Right now.” “It doesn’t work like that honey.” “Why not?” “Can you remember when Mickey hugged you?” “Yeah. It was great!” “You see by remembering you can always go to yesterday.” There was a pause as Allison considered this. “Daddy! You’re there as well ... and Mummy!” ** Day 66 ** The window was open and spring air came into the room. Outside a mild shower had become a downpour that now pattered on the window sill. Cole lay in his bed while the gently spraying water fell on his face. The door opened and Janice and Derik rushed in. “I’m sorry Cole, I forgot the window was open!” said Janice hurrying into the bathroom. “Oh hell.” Cried his father as he made for the window where further rain pattered in. “Its okay dad.” Derik closed the window and turned to his son's gaunt figure who continued weakly. “It ... it was the first time ...I ... I felt the rain in months, it was good.” His father sighed and made for his bed and wiped away the rain. He smiled briefly. “Okay lad, I’m off to see professor Hein. I’ll be right back.” His father made for the door and Janice came up to the bed and smiled at the teen. “Let’s get you dried then.” Cole called up on his dwindling strength and painfully dragged himself up until he was sitting. “You never did tell me why you still do this job.” Janice remained silent gently continuing to dry his face and arms. “I get it now.” persisted Cole “Do you now?” The 17 year old smiled weakly at the mid forty woman and then continued, his voice feeble and breathless as he called on his reserves of strength “Shall I tell you?” “Tell me what, love?” “You’re still doing this job because of the thankfulness.” He breathed, “Thanks Janice.... for everything. All the times you came when I called. For staying calm when I get annoyed and angry. For being there when I'm scared, just for ... for everything. ” It was rare that Cole spoke so long these days and Janice listened to his words, feeling her own grief rise. In this job you could never became totally detached; it was impossible. She reached out and hugged him, while gently lowering him back to the sheets. In the corridor near the half open door Derik fought with his emotions, finally deciding to leave his forgotten mobile on his son’s bedside cabinet. ** Today ** Having put Alli to bed for her afternoon nap, Derik cleaned up and then returned to the living room. He opened the drawer and pulled out the album. He went through the pictures, went back to yesterday. Time must have past because he heard quiet steps and looked up from the photo album to see a sleepy angel coming to him, dragging her comfort blanket. “Sleep well honey?” “Uh-uh.” “Bad dream?” “Uh-huh.” Putting one child aside carefully, Derik opened his arms and took up his daughter, cuddling her while gently rocking to and fro. “Daddy?” “Hmm?” “Who is that boy?” Derik looked briefly at the open album and then carried on rocking her while he answered. “That’s Cole, your older brother.” “Older? How much older? Where is he?” “He’s 24. He’s somewhere else now.” “Oh, that’s old, He’s a grown up.” “Yeah, honey. A grown up.” The tired child didn’t hear the change in her father’s voice. “Can I see him?” “No love. Cole is somewhere else.” “Where?” “I don’t know. Cole has gone somewhere none of us have ever gone before.” There was a pause as Alli fell asleep. Derik looked at nothing, cuddling his sleeping daughter while swaying back and forth. She didn’t see his tears.

Wishing all our new additions a warm welcome. You'll all have fun here. MFG

A warm welcome to you all. Have fun, that what this is all about. MFG

Woohoo! Welcome to the fleet. You're all sure to have fun here! MFG

Oh Dear!! Another Startrek Game in the works. The next attempt to get cash from the Fan community? As a long time fan of Startrek I use to purchase the games regularly. After the 'Legacy' disappointment a few years ago I lost faith in there ever being a game that would be 'good'. It seems that every game recently is just a 'point and press the trigger'. It has nothing to do with the spirit of Startrek. There is little or no exploration, or science problems to be solved, first contacts and so on. The only hassle in these games is where do I get the next torps/ammo, health/armor from. I fondly remember my Birth Of The Federation Days, the game was simple compared to today's standards, but think of the fun we could have if it gave a remake of that fantastic classic. I really loved playing the Roms and getting everyone to fight each other only to march in myself and then set up my galactic Empire! Unfortunately my copy of the game died quietly a few years ago (old age and massive overuse.) MFG

Congratulations to all of you! Welcome to our community! MFG

Welcome to the Fleet Guys 'n Gals Hope you have a blast. MFG

HI Zinna, Welcome to our community, I hope you have a lot of fun here with us all.

Welcome to the fleet! Hope you have a lot of fun here! MFG

Welcome to you all. Still fondly remember my first simming experiences even if it only half a year back. Please be careful, simming can become quite addictive :-) MFG

Hi both, and welcome to the fleet! Maybe our ships will meet in the upcoming blockbuster this summer! MFG