[Lt. Varaan - Spooks]

((Deep Space 6, Deck 73 - The Surak Arboretum, the day after the ball.))

::This was not the first time Varaan had done this, but it had been a while.::

::The Vulcan was dressed in civilian clothes, sitting reflectively in the Surak Arboretum on the station. He was sitting on a bench that was facing a topiary of what was supposed to be a large predatory Terran feline at the beginning of a pounce. Most likely it was supposed to represent a lioness or a tiger, but without the benefit of coloured hide on the green bush, it was difficult to tell. Vulcan didn't have any felines that large. It barely had felines at all.::

::The topiary was bathed in a soft white light from overhead, casting a large shadow on the deck-plated path and sodded ground that surrounded it. It was both disturbing, when one thought of the violent nature of the act that the herbivorous feline was supposed to be performing at the conclusion of its jump, and peaceful, if one simply stared at the bush. It had an aesthetic quality about it that most species would probably find positive. Varaan was not one for aesthetics, unless it also improved performance or efficiency. The structure of the large felines was both aesthetically pleasing and a very efficient design. The topiary..."looked nice."::

::Having spent the past 6 years in the Par'tha Expanse, flitting from world to world undercover on a Starfleet Intelligence mission, Varaan had seen a great many wild animals he had never seen before. Obviously. The Par'tha Expanse had been secluded away from the Federation behind the Jenatris Cloud until a dozen years ago. Millions of years of evolutionary processes on worlds very different from the ones he was familiar with...obviously creatures would develop differently. Some were near copies of species in the Federation, some looked like they could be distantly related. Many were unique. Aesthetically, some would be called beautiful, but most would have been termed "ugly." Varaan had only appreciated the evolutionary processes that allowed these species to survive and thrive in their respective environments.::

::There were other topiaries in the arboretum. Many of them Terran animals, presumably since the majority of gardeners on the station were from Earth. There were some species representatives from other planets, and many topiaries of non-animals. Varaan hadn't ever been to this arboretum before, and had done a tour by himself to see the place, named after the Vulcan "father of logic." Varaan did not have enough data on Surak's personality to know if the stoic Vulcan would have approved of putting his name on this haven of nature surrounded by millions of tonnes of metal, and then...nothing. But that was the way of the living, to honor the dead by naming things after the deceased. The deceased could not approve nor disagree.::

::This was certainly not his favourite topiary, but this is where he was.::

::This was where he had been for the better part of the day. Sitting on the bench, pondering nature as he visually absorbed his surroundings. The Darwin was not scheduled to depart the station on their next mission yet. Many of the crew had accepted the captain's offer to teach them a form of J'naii martial arts. Many forms of martial arts doubled as fighting techniques and as a form of meditation. At least, the Terran ones did. And the Humans had many different forms. Vulcan had a couple of its own forms of martial arts. None of them would double as a form of meditation. All of them had been developed in the pre-Surak days, when Vulcans embraced their emotions, and violence ruled their history. Vulcan martial arts were designed to either kill or incapacitate your opponent in as little time as possible, with the minimum amount of energy expended. Very violent, yet very efficient. Ironically, there was a certain logic to that.::

::So most of the crew was busy preparing for whatever was to await them. They had not been briefed yet on what that mission was, but there was speculation. There was always speculation. Varaan did not believe in speculating. If you speculated correctly, you may be more prepared than others, but if your speculation was incorrect, then you were further behind. Better not to take the chance. If you wanted to be more prepared, then one should simply ask. You would either be told, or not. Either way, you were no worse off than you were before. Varaan was as prepared as he could be. He had surveyed Engineering, met a couple of his new colleagues. There was a Laudean crewmember he hadn't met yet...another lieutenant. And the scuttlebutt was that the department would be receiving a new chief.::

::No one knew who the new chief would be, whether it was an existing Darwinian, or a transfer. Not that it mattered to Varaan. His job was his job, no matter who was in charge. Interpersonal relations would be where the work efficiency would suffer, if the new chief did not "like" him. But Varaan virtually never had problems working with others. His old friend Torin Jamar used to use the phrase "plays well with others," though Varaan never would characterized what he did as "playing." Engineering was a serious job. Lack of attention to detail could result in injury or death, in certain circumstances. Varaan never played. Except for kal'toh.::

::Until now he had been alone in the arboretum. Now a young humanoid female, probably human, with an infant in a hover-stroller, came strolling into view. She was wearing a floral print dress, and sensible shoes. The infant was wearing a pink onesie, and appeared to be mere months old. Humans equated pink with female, so the infant was most likely a girl. She was sleeping, a pacifier in her mouth. The dark haired woman was not in a hurry. Most people in an arboretum were not. The arboretum was a place where most people came to relax and enjoy the atmosphere, to relieve stress and forget their troubles. Not Varaan. The woman and infant continued to move through the area, but before they had left his vision another individual came into his view from another direction.::

::This gentleman, who also appeared human, strolled into the area studying the topiary, and referring to a PADD in his hands. He kept looking up at the topiary, then back down at the PADD. He was wearing a brown jacket with dark pants, and black shoes. At one point he was close enough to Varaan for the Vulcan to see the text of a tour guide program running on the PADD. The man was on a tour of the arboretum. Varaan knew of these PADDs, available to rent at the entrance of the arboretum for only a couple of credits. Varaan had not bothered to get one when he came in. He was not interested in learning of the arboretum at this time. Perhaps if he came back at a later date. The man continued on his tour, soon leaving the area for the next topiary.::

::Varaan reached up to his face and scratched an itch he had on his left temple. His internal clock was telling him that it was approaching dinner time. His stomach concurred. He had skipped lunch today. He had received a communication from an old friend, and had been busy doing him a favour. It had taken most of the afternoon, and Varaan was almost done. Dinner would be most welcome. Chief Marquette had mentioned a restaurant on the station here that he highly regarded. Varaan was willing to try it out. Varaan, as a Vulcan, was a strict vegetarian, and many entrees at restaurants included some form of meat. Having salads all the time was very...repetitive. Finding a restaurant that served new and interesting vegetarian cuisine was a welcome distraction.::

::The man with the PADD returned to the area and stood in front of the topiary for another moment, studying it. Then he turned and moved to the empty spot on the bench beside Varaan. Neither man looked at the other, and neither said anything. The man put the PADD down on the bench between them, and bent over to tie his shoe. Varaan looked down at the PADD, and read the single word on the screen. "Hyperion."::

::Varaan stood up and strolled out of the arboretum on his way to the restaurant. He did not look back. He did not need to, knowing that once he was out of sight, the man with the PADD would finish tying his shoe. When he sat up he would bring with him the metal case that Varaan had left under the bench, and would spend another couple of minutes wandering the arboretum before leaving by another exit.::

::And that was how a covert ops drop was done.::

---------------------------
Lt. Varaan
Engineering Officer
USS Darwin-A, NCC-99312-A
Serial: V237810V10

[Graduating Class of 239211.08]

Congratulations and welcome to the fleet! Its great to have you here!

[Graduating Class of 239211.03]

Congratulations and welcome to the fleet!

[Graduating Class of 239210.26]

Congratulations and welcome to the fleet!

[Graduating Class of 239210.12]

Congratulations and welcome to the fleet!

[Graduating Class of 239210.12]

Congratulations and welcome t the fleet!

[Ensign Logan. It's a little dimmer now]

(( Deep Space 6, Deck 21, Corridor ))

:: The procession away from the Function Room after the meeting had been cut short by the recall back to the Darwin was, as Kurt approved, progressing quickly and orderly. Some had 'Enjoyed' themselves more than others, none to any serious degree that would require any medical intervention. ::

Logan oO A few mild stimulants as available from any standard replicator should do the trick Oo

:: Heading back to the Darwin it was appropriate to let the Security Chief know incase anything needed to be put in place ::

Logan oO An early divert to a Transporter room or to a particular docking port could save any confusion and wasted time later on, especially considering the time pressure for launch Oo

:: Activating his Comm badge Kurt spoke up as the humanoid snake wound itself through the station ::

Logan: =/\= Ensign Logan to Lieutenant Noros =/\=

Noros: =/\= Tanna here. Hi, Kurt. =/\=

Logan oO Tanna.... Kurt... Really, I know we had dinner but .... Oo :: He did wonder if he had just woken her up :: oO She doesn't sound groggy Oo :: putting that to one side Kurt started on the reason he had contacted her :: =/\= The Staff meeting is over, everyone has been recalled to the Darwin for ship launch. I'm following the last of the crew now. Once aboard Ma'am there's some things is like to run by you if possible =/\=

Noros: =/\= I'm afraid that won't be possible, Kurt. You see, I'm leaving. In fact, I'm disembarking the ship as we speak. =/\=

Logan: =/\= Ma'am ?=/\= oO Why is she leaving .... and with us about to launch ... Oo :: It was the last thing Kurt expected to hear, even more than that wanted to hear. The two missions they had been involved with showed they could work well together, and while she did have the annoying habit of ignoring you and interrupting when she felt like it, the Lieutenant was a good officer. As he was trying to process this piece of sudden information a different thought jumped up and started waving frantically ::

Logan =/\= Ma'am ... Who's Security chief ?? Were also down a Tactical Officer Ma'am who do I goto =/\= :: He half knew the answer to his questions :: oO Follow the chain of command Oo

Noros: =/\= With Jellico on leave, I would imagine they would get a duty officer to cover the department, such as Cmdr Icavoc. Otherwise, you would probably have to take any concerns straight to the captain. =/\=

Logan: =/\= I understand Ma'am =/\= :: Talk about bad timing though we launching and the Security wing is missing some flight feathers.... :: oO We've had some new transfers aboard and move a couple of people around like Ensign...... Sherwood from Security to Tactical he's a good officer... But Oo

Noros: =/\= Oh, and one more thing, Kurt. I really enjoyed our meal together. Thank you for being a good colleague. I don't say goodbye, but how about, "see you later"? =/\=

Logan:: Kurt's response caught making him pause for a second, since the conversation started he'd been thinking purely at the logistic problem, who's to report to who tacking Tactical :: oO But it's not logistical is it, it's personnel ... Oo :: He had no thought or expectation that their dinner date was anything more than it was, two officers paying up a bet. But he wasn't just loosing a Department Chief .... he was loosing oO A friend ....Oo :: Commander Thomas's words about getting to know people came back to him :: oO That hasn't helped me in this case sir Oo =/\= Thank you for the meal Tanna, and for being a good colleague to me =/\= :: Adding a smile to his face to lighten what was the ending of the conversation :: =/\= It's always see you later =/\= :: But seriousness crept back in :: =/\= Don't be a stranger and if you need anything .. I'm sure you can find me =/\=

:: The signal terminated, leaving him still following the human snake but wondering if the lights had become just a little dimmer ::

Tbc

Ensign Kurt Logan - Security Officer
USS Darwin,NCC-99312-A
E239203KL0

[Commander Kael Thomas, "What a day"]

((Deep Space 6, Deck 21, Function Room A1))

::As the meal came out the table dominated by Kael’s family chatted quite enthusiastically. Kael found himself blushing, and remaining quiet for the most part which wasn’t all that different from his previous experiences with his parents at functions. His mother choosing to share every embarrassing event and moment of his life, even if he was only 6 months old had not changed. The Captain was very polite with his family and Kael appreciated that. They were anything but low maintenance and silent. Kael’s mother barely stopped talking the entire time which almost bordered on a rather lengthy monologue of her life. Apart from periodically indicating to her that it was time for someone else to talk, Kael did appreciate their company. It had been so long. ::

::Kael was itching to get some specific details from his family about what they had been up to and just how long they intended on being on the Station. He doubted it was for any great length of time but Kael could be hopeful. It seemed cruel to only stay for a moment. Kael’s odds of getting back to Earth to see them right now, were not all that likely.::

::Pushing away his plate, and listening to his mum talk, Kael didn’t see a man approach him from the right. Looking up he’d never seen the man before, but he was aware of a few transfers in. Given he was not wearing dress whites it narrowed it down significantly.::

Stennes: Commander Thomas.

Thomas: ::Nodding:: Hello! ::Turning to face the man better.

Stennes: I’m Didrik Stennes. Your new counselor.

::It was the man that Kael expected but he was so horrible with names that he didn’t want to try and show he was on top of it to only blunder it. Glad that he was thinking on the right track, he stood up to be at level with the man. Kael’s father always taught him that unless the person intends on sitting down with you then you should stand.::

Thomas: ::Extending his arm for a greeting.:: Welcome to the Darwin Mr Stennes.

Stennes: Thank you, commander. I’m glad to be coming aboard.

Thomas: Well, you’ve picked the right time. ::Pausing to fill his face with a grin.:: We don’t party like this all the time I assure you. ::Looking around the room to indicate his point.::

Stennes: A time and place for everything, certainly.

Thomas: Thanks for stopping by and don’t hesitate to mingle with the crew. They are a welcoming bunch.

::Kael didn’t want to fob the man off, but he knew he only had so much time with his family.::

Stennes: Of course, commander. I’ll let you get back to your family.

Thomas: No problem, nice to meet you.

::Nodding Kael sat back down at the table and noticed that the Captain had left while hew as conversing with the new Counsellor. Not to perturbed by the matter he took a glass of water. He’d barely raised it to his lips, before a familiar tone hit him.::

Anthony: ::Mockingly:: Nice to meet you.

Thomas: ::Closing his eyes as if to block it out, he slowly opened them.:: I’m so glad to see your maturity levels haven’t risen since the Academy.

::Leaning back in his chair Anthony had always been Captain cool. Where Kael was practical and methodical Anthony did what was quickest and easiest. Serving as an endless source of frustration for the Kael, responding only fueled Anthony’s behaviours. In another situation Kael would find the man irritating but right now he just welcomed the company.::

Anthony: Not at all. ::Putting his arm over the back of his chair towards Kael.:: So Commander. I honestly didn’t think you’d get that before you were 40.

::It was a strange comment from Anthony given he’d never thought that Kael would amount to much at all. Well, at least verbally. The sudden admittance of a change of attitude wasn’t expected by Kael but it was welcomed. Delivered as always in a classic light hearted manner as his brother was so skillful at.::

Jolaina: Well, I knew you’d get there honey. You’ve always worked very hard at it. ::Kael didn’t miss, nor did Anthony the sly glance over at his brother. His mum was someone who had always pushed them from an early age. They both got it, it’s just that they both responded to it entirely different.::

Thomas: Thanks mum. ::Pausing for a minute, Kael still had his dad’s condition on the back of his mind. He’d been quiet for the last part. Taking a deep breath in through his nose, he decided it was time to ask what he’d wanted to since he’d seen him.:: So Dad, you are a lot better since I last saw you.

Reynold: ::Turning his head, he nodded at the man, still smiling.:: Thanks. Apparently Starfleet Medical came through with something useful.

::It reflected what Kael thought might have happened. They had been working for years on something but for whatever reason Kael didn’t understand, they had not found a way to reverse or slow down the dementia's deleterious effects on his father. ::

Thomas: So, does that mean you’re back with us for good?

Jolaina: Let's just take it one step at a time Kael.

::Kael was a lousy read of most people. He got the basic stuff but all that subtle innuendo and body language flew right past him. But not with his family. His mother had this habit with her mouth that twitched when she wasn’t being truthful. He’d got to know that look a lot when his father first fell ill. His mother had kept the flame of hope alive for so long and had almost convinced herself that he was going to be better. But this time it was different. She wasn’t playing it up, she was playing it down. ::

Thomas: oO Have you been so broken mum you can’t be optimistic now? Oo

::Casting a glance over at Anthony he had disengaged from the conversation. His attention wandering somewhere else it was clear to Kael that there was something going on and he wasn’t included in it. Pushing his palms into his legs he thought about it all. Surely what they had given his dad must be long term. He was so clear so returned that it was how Kael expected him to be, how he should have been. He didn’t understand how his own mother couldn’t be happy about where he was at now. He needed more information, but it was clear with dad at the table he wasn’t going to get it.::

Thomas: ::Knowing that changing the topic was the only thing he could do, he did exactly that.:: So, Anthony, when are you getting married?

::His eye rolling would have been visible from across the room.::

Anthony: You are honestly as bad as mum and dad. Susan and I will get married when we’d like to, not when you three think it’s time.

::Kael agreed with the man, but he never missed the opportunity to get a free jibe at his brother. He and Susan had been together for some time, and in all of the girlfriends that Anthony had had, Kael had connected with her the most. She was warm, polite and held a great deal of virtuous behaviours. All behaviors Kael wished she could learn to impart on his brother.::

::Captain Renos appeared back at the table and Kael knew what was coming before it was announced. ::

Renos: I hate to do this when everything has been going so well but it’s time to roll. I want everyone recalled to the Darwin immediately. The Triumphant is here so I’m about to deliver a brief before we get after that trail we’ve been monitoring.

::It wasn’t unexpected but it was unwelcome. Kael had known this was coming, but when he realised that he didn’t know his parents were coming. Knowing that their time would be cut short made it difficult for Kael to be positive.::

Thomas: No problem Captain. I’ll make sure we’re all aboard.

::Turning to his family he did not try to hide the disappointment on his face. He had hoped for at least tonight together with them. After such a revelation and changes it was shame to put everything back on the back burner again.::

Anthony: Well that's it then. ::Getting up, Anthony understood all to well that duty responsibility. He wasted no time in going in for a hug with Kael.:: Don’t leave it so long between visit’s this time brother will you?

Thomas: I promise. I’ll have to come over to your neck of the woods next time I suppose.

::They had a good relationship and one that Kael was positive would survive the space between them quite well. They both worked and they both knew that circumstances out of their control dictated their time and their location.::

Thomas: It’s been good to see you mum.

::Kael’s mum had been the rock in the family for years and it wasn’t hard to see those years had aged her immeasurably. Or perhaps Kael just hadn’t noticed before. ::

Jolaina: Please do try to keep in touch. I hope everything goes well for you wherever you're going.

Thomas: ::Warmly.:: You still worry too much mum.

::His dad was waiting behind his mum for his goodbyes. oO Don’t cry again dammit. Oo Saying goodbye to his dad was the hardest of all. There was something about his clarity of mind that was off and Kael just hoped that he would have more time with his father back. Putting aside his own feelings, Kael’s mother deserved to have him back. ::

Reynold: ::Going in for a hug.:: It’s been good seeing you son.

Thomas: ::Deep breathing.:: You too dad. ::Pushing apart, Kael stopped to look at him again. He didn’t want to lose the memory of what this moment looked like. .::

::Standing there looking at his family Kael felt guilty for his behaviours over the years. He had been selfish, neglectful and arrogant. His mother and father needed him and he simply put them in the too hard basket. To see them here today rocked Kael to the core. His values and thoughts about his family and his attachment to them were turned on their head. Where he once thought he would spend the rest of his life frustrated and angry at them, he now wished he hadn’t wasted that time.::

Thomas: I’ll come home as soon as I get a chance.

::He knew it was a vague promise and one he’d thrown around a few times before. But he actually wanted to now. Today had wiped clean that slate and Kael was happy to try and rewrite it.::

Jolaina: We know love. Go now, we’ll be fine. ::Wiping away her own tears.::

::Kael waved and turned. He had a job to do, and he couldn’t afford his family to weigh on him during it. Closing his eyes he thought of his work, and took his position on the stage.::

Thomas: Ladies and Gentlemen ::The noise was quite high, and no one had expected Kael or anyone to get back up on the stage area so he understood that it took a few more tries for their attention to be brought back.::

Thomas: I, as much as anyone here, would love to continue this night and share in good friends, and family. ::not daring to cast a look at his for fear of losing it again.:: But as of right now, we are all recalled back to the Darwin.

::Allowing a few moments for that to sink in, and wash away everyone’s party spirit.::

Thomas: We’ll be leaving the station as soon as we are all aboard. So please, finish what you are doing and head immediately to your stations. Thank you.

::Kael knew how he felt which was obviously heightened from the presence of his family, but he understood how cutting short a ceremony like this can be disappointing. They were great opportunities to meet new people and share stories and experiences with those you might not otherwise. ::

::Stepping down from the stage Kael immediately exited the function room. He would stop by his quarters and quickly change. While he could wear the dress whites he was not that pressed for time. Knowing he could organise what was needed on the fly also aided his decision. The bridge would be his last point of call.::

Thomas: oO What a day Oo

===============================================================

Commander Kael Thomas - First Officer, USS Darwin-A NCC-99312

Academy Statistician, Calendar Master, Training Officer

V238010KT0

================================================================

[Graduating Class of 239209.29]

Congratulations and welcome to the fleet!

[Graduating Class of 239209.29]

Congratulations and welcome to the fleet!

[JP: Lt Valdivia/LtCmdr Traenor, "Handing Over The Reins"]

((Chief Science Officer’s Office, Deck 2 - USS Darwin-A))

::Having already packed up the lion’s share of his personal effects and assorted tchotchkes, Maxwell Traenor was taking one last sweep of the office before he handed over the reins to John Valdivia. A close colleague and a good friend, Maxwell was more than pleased for John to be inheriting the role of CSO in his absence. Still, it was a bittersweet feeling to be vacating the office. Not because of the locale, per se, but more because of what it represented. The entirety of his adult life had been spent as a scientist. First as a civilian, then as an enlisted man, and now the pinnacle as the head of a Federation science ship’s science department.::

Traenor: oO I had always defined myself as a scientist first and foremost. This officer deal is a new phenomenon for me. Once I drop the scientist moniker, will I still be as satisfied? Will changing tack now, with a new priority as officer first and role second, still be as fulfilling? Oo

Valdivia: Hey, I see you are already leaving.

::Maxwell had heard the door open, but had been too caught up in reminiscent thoughts to turn around. Still, when John spoke up, he turned with a warm smile.::

Traenor: Oh, hey, John. Sorry about that, I was just wrapped up in my own little world. ::throwing his arms out wide:: So, what do you think of your new digs?

:: Not wanting to interrupt his friend’s work of recovering everything that was his, Valdivia sat on a chair, just chatting while the older scientist moved around. Still, he had the deference to sit on one of the visitor’s chairs. Until he physically left with everything, the two of them would treat the office as Maxwell’s. ::

Valdivia: Well, in general being Chief means a lot of paperwork and less time to work on your own personal projects. But on the other hand, the Darwin has amazing scientific facilities. Getting to chose what to do with them is a bit exciting, yes.

:: He turned around with the spinning chair to look at the now empty office and finally faced Traenor again. ::

Valdivia: oO First on the list of requisitions: two whiteboards for my office. Oo

Traenor: ::pointing at a small box left on the desk:: That’s the last of my stuff there. If I’ve forgotten anything, then it’ll just give me a good excuse to come down and visit.

Valdivia: Well, you are welcome to come down whenever you want. And I’ll get you a lab if you ever want to run your own experiments.

:: Valdivia tried to affect a noncommittal tone, but he had been in the same position, and knew it was harder than one would imagine. Leaving the science department it was not only a job change, it meant your objectives as an officer had just changed. Still, seeing how organized Traenor had managed to keep a normally messy science department, he knew he would be a great asset to Ops. He just wondered if Ops would be so great for Traenor. ::

Traenor: That would be nice. I don’t know how often I’ll be able to come down and putter around the labs, but it’s not something I totally want to give up in my life, either. ::with a sigh:: I know this is part and parcel of being in Starfleet, but changing roles is a big thing. I’m left wondering how different it’s going to be. Not to be called ‘scientist’ any longer...

Valdivia: At the end of the day, not that many people call you ‘scientist’. For me the hardest part was dressing myself each morning and noticing my uniform was the wrong color. But you get used to it.

Traenor: ::with a chuckle:: Good point. I should have gotten myself a title, like you, ‘Doctor’. And as for uniform color? Already got that out of my system. Red looked good on me. But gold? That remains to be seen.

:: That was true, the last mission had already seen Traenor in red as acting First Officer. What was another change, anyway. ::

Traenor: Though these types of radical change must be second nature for you by now. I mean, you left Starfleet for the civilian world, then came back in at the bottom.

Valdivia: I had been involved in the Mainardi project since the beginning. I just had to be there. Some regulations forced me to leave Starfleet for that… but in the end, being stuck in a planet might get boring.

::It was hard for Maxwell to imagine John not on a starship, manning Astrometrics or the bridge with equal aplomb. The man had a solid presence about him, of familiarity and comfort, that exuded professionalism. It had been an utter pleasure to work closely with him, and had made his transition as a new Chief during the Darwin’s relaunch so much easier.::

Traenor: oO It’s not like you won’t be working with him anymore, or will never see him. Stop pining like you’re leaving the ship! Oo I agree. The opportunities out here on a ship such as the Darwin are just too good to pass up. Like studying the Prometheus rifts, right?

Valdivia: That in particular I wouldn’t have minded watching from a distance.

:: That wasn’t completely true. Now that all had ended well, Valdivia loved to have been able to see it first hand. But his first encounter crashed the Victory, and his second encounter phased him away. Surprisingly, this had been the least dangerous of them. ::

Traenor: Mind you, now that we’ve seen them twice, I can do without seeing them ever again. ::chuckle:: But still, a science ship is a great place to be a scientist. Enjoy it while it lasts, and all that sappy stuff.

::Clearing his throat, and annoyed at himself for being so sentimental over the change, it was time for them to start talking about the actual logistics of handing over the departmental reins. The older scientist palmed up the wall display, which had a rough schematic of the ship’s labs and were color coded. Labels on the side had various officer names. Honestly, trying to accommodate lab space requests was one of the hardest parts of the role, and placating eager scientists was akin to herding cats in simplicity.::

Valdivia: :: friendly stopping the cascade of instructions:: I have been Chief of Science before, remember? I’ll get over it. I want to know the specifics of the Darwin. Anything in particular I should do about the Sphere?

Traenor: ::smiling:: Of course, my friend. I’m being foolish. The Sphere requires a lot of coordination with Engineering, and coincidentally Ops, when in use. So many field generators! But otherwise, the sky’s the limit. We haven’t really tested it yet, but I’m sure when we do, it’ll do great!

Valdivia: Engineering and Ops. Got it. And any talents I should know about in the labs? I’m sure we have some brilliant minds, but any scientists in particular whose results I should keep track of?

Traenor: I’ve got all that noted down in the PADDs I’ve left for you, and logged in the computer. I’ll let you peruse those at your pleasure. Personality wise, there’s no discipline issues, but watch out for a couple. There’s Crewman Bri Tiralta, who has shown to be… antisocial. And Doctor Patelli, she can be a handful as well.

:: Although struggling against it, as they talked the older officer had been slowly walking towards the doors. The two of them knew the moment he crossed the doors would be definitive, Valdivia would be Chief of Science, and Traenor would be Chief of Operations. They already were, if you asked the computer, but in their minds that was the great moment. Their conversation died out, and before Traenor sadly stepped outside, Valdivia frantically looked for a new subject. ::

Valdivia: So, this stack of PADDs here. I’m assuming that’s the technical data I have to check, reports, etc.

Traenor: ::with a smirk:: Yes, and a few of the more interesting problems you’ll need to face. Have a read, when you’re sitting down.

:: Valdivia grabbed the PADDs and looked at them. ::

Valdivia: Sphere protocols, current running experiments, crew projects…

:: At this point something drew his attention to a particular project. He would have sworn he had seen the world ‘disco’ somewhere, although now he could only see an abstract talking about lighting up the Darwin sphere. ::

Valdivia: Wait, Doctor Patelli wanted to what?

:: Looking up, he could just see the doors closing behind Traenor, leaving him to his own new responsibilities. ::

END

Lieutenant John Valdivia - Science Officer - USS Darwin NCC-99312-A

Department of Veteran Affairs

D238701JV0

~and~

LtCmdr Maxwell Traenor - Chief HCO Officer, USS Darwin NCC-99312-A

Graphic Contest Taskforce =/\= Characters Guild Co-Facilitator

A239111MT0

[Ensign Cook - "Lyna, Turrisi and a Klingon."]

((USS Darwin Deck 8 Ensign Cooks quarter))

::With no one in the room but Graeme he instantly stripped out of his uniform. Looking in the mirror his arms and legs were covered in scratches. Making a mental note to have Dr Tarna check him over as well as the rest of the away team. Graeme's PADD bleeps. Checking out the message he opens it.::

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To: Crew Manifest, Uss Darwin
From: Lt. J.G. Lyldra

The marital group of Lyldra, Hars Vlin, and Brell, are happy to announce the birth of twins!

We wish to invite you to the Naming Ceremony which is to occur in Natural Selections aboard the USS Darwin at DS6 in three days time.
This is an important event for us and for our newborns and hope you will be able to attend.

The Naming Ceremony is our twins introduction to the world and is a celebration of family and new life. The event lasts all day though the naming itself will not occur until 18:00, There will be food, music and dancing, baby gifts are welcome but not required. We hope you will have the time to stop in and say hello, enjoy some Bolian cuisine and entertainment.

-Lyldra

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

::Placing down his PADD. This will be his first experience at seeing a naming ceremony.
Stepping into the shower.

Cook: Computer..Activate sonic shower.

::The computer chimes and the shower starts. The pleasure of a shower was sorely needed. Stepping from the shower and placing some comfortable bottoms climbing into his bunk. oO I wander what names they will pick? Graeme is a good name! Oo Chuckling to himself as his head hits the pillow oO I need to get them a gift. Oo smiling away one last thought pops into Graeme's head. oO I wonder how Lyna is? Oo::

((Graeme's dream))

::The jungle of Brut III was hot. Sweat poured down Graeme's brow and back. Looking around himself Graeme was standing alone in a clearing. But it wasn't a natural clearing, smoke and debris was strewn all over the place. With his Tricorder in one hand and a phaser in the other Graeme looked at his Tricorder something was moving. Fast. It seemed to be all around him. Lifting his phaser it was set to KILL. But Graeme never set the phaser. Why was it set to kill? A loud shriek surrounded him. Standing physically shaking with his phaser arm outstretched, he couldn't shake the nerves.::

::A burst of blackness shot out from around him and engulfed him. What was it? The shrieking got louder! It was like Graeme was trapped in the eye of a tornado. But the eye was slowly getting faster and engulfing him. With a scream Graeme drops his phaser and Tricorder. They hit the floor with a thud. Dropping to his knees with his head in his hands in agonising pain. Then it stopped. The pain was gone. The swirling shrieking darkness had gone. Where was he? What was he doing there?::

::Graeme slowly Lifted his head out of his hands and in front of him stood a Klingon. The hulking brute male stood there not moving. Not saying a word. The Klingon lifted his Bat'leth and with a blood curdling roar charged at Graeme.::

Cook: ::Screaming:: NOO!

::In a panic Graeme reached for the phaser. Still on his knees the Klingon swung at Graeme's head. His eyes shut tight and with a scream Graeme fired at the Klingon. Opening his eyes the Klingon was vaporised into a cloud of ash. Slowly getting onto on knee and then standing up. The sun hid behind the canopy. It was getting dark again but not from the setting sun.::

::It started again. The swirling, shrieking darkness consumed Graeme faster this time in almost an instant! As quick as the darkness came it was gone. Back on his knees with his head in his hands but this time there was no pain.::

::Slowly looking up Lyna Namid was on her knees slumped forward she had a huge thick shackle around her neck. Her wrists had smaller shackles which they were all attached by a thick heavy chain. Her flesh around them clearly indicated the shackles were on too tight. The cuts and blood was obvious that Lyna had tried to get out of them. The shackles looked too heavy for her. Lyna lifted her head her fair beautiful flesh was gone, her face was black and blue and covered in blood. Her lips were moving but no words were coming out.::

Cook: Lyna.......

::Lyna looked away from Graeme.::

::Standing up picking up his phaser and Tricorder. Slowly moving to wards her. He stopped. A large black swirling object appeared next to Lyna, her eyes closed. The black object started to take a shape. It was a humanoid. It was Turrisi.::

::Standing over Lyna. Turrisi's mouth was moving but Graeme had no idea what he was saying.::

Cook: I know what you are!....... A Sicarian!

::Standing what looked like Turrisi was laughing. He lifted a hand and put it in his mouth. He pulled hard and revealed a tooth. Still laughing he kicked Lyna hard and with an agonising silent yelp, fell to the floor. Lyna tried to pick herself up but Turrisi placed a foot on her shoulder and pushed her back down. Raising his phaser at Turrisi.::

Cook: Step away from her ::Tears streamed from his eyes.::

::Anger coursed through his body. Graeme. Started to scream but no sound came out. Turrisi was laughing hard still pinning Lyna down. It looked like he pushed a button. In the clearing they were surrounded. Long transmitters were dotted around the clearing. They seemed to kick in with Turrisi still laughing. Graeme standing up felt like he was being pushed to the ground. His muscles burned with the strain. His phaser arm struggling to stay raised with a huge scream Graeme fired a shot and it hit a transmitter. The pressure that was forcing Graeme down ceased. Shaking with the after effects. Graeme stepped forward. Turrisi steps off of Lyna and walks towards Graeme. Looking at Lyna the black swirling storm swooped around Lyna. It engulfed her and she was gone. Walking towards Graeme, Turrisi still laughing stops and stretches out his arms lifting his head laughing. It looked as of he was away to embrace something. The black swirl came from nowhere and engulfed him. Still laughing he quickly looks at Graeme and throws something at Graeme. Diving into a front slide, getting covered in mud his arm was outstretched to catch what ever was thrown.::

::Standing up Graeme looks in his had it was the Sicarian's tooth. Confused a panic comes over Graeme's face. The black swirl appeared from nowhere and engulfed Graeme.::

((End dream.))

::Waking up covered in sweat. Looking around him he was in his bunk. It was a nightmare. Sitting up, wiping his brow. Graeme finds his feet and stands up. Moving to the mirror he notices something he has a rash next to some of the cuts. Was it a toxin in his system? From an exotic plant? Throwing on some clothes graeme rushes to sickbay.::

TBC

Ensign Cook - Medical Officer - USS Darwin NCC-99312-A
=/\=
D239206GC0

[Graduating Class of 239209.08]

Congratulations and welcome to the fleet!

[Graduating Class of 239209.01]

Congratulations and welcome to the fleet.

[Graduating Class of 239208.10]

Congratulations and welcome

[LtJG Iniko Mpeba, "A tough call"]

((OOC: I’m making a new word, “lom” to be the diminutive casual equivalent of “boy/girl” for a lomale. This takes place later on, the day after the card game.))

((Deep Space 6, Promenade))

::The public call center on Deep Space 6 was nearly empty. Iniko could walk right in and make a call, no waiting in line. Jhe could also have simply made the call from jheas room on the Darwin. But that would have given too much away. Jhe turned away, thinking to put it off again. Jhe had already walked away twice before, unable to face this meeting. But jhe was running out of shore leave, and jhe suspected that this might be the last time jhe would try. If jhe couldn't go through with it this time, jhe didn't think jhe ever would. Fine, then. Just do this one step at a time.::

::Jhe approached the desk and asked for a private booth to make a call. Yes, real time. Yes, out of the system. To Duronis II. That name still felt odd in jheas mouth. Like jhe was mimicking someone else's voice, trying to fit in. Then again, wasn't that what jhe was doing? Jhe still didn't feel like jhe really belonged here in the galaxy at large, so far from home. Jhe added a final request, that the call be untraceable. It might be paranoia, but jhe wasn't going to risk everything on this call going well. The attendant stood and ushered jhea into a small booth, closing the curtains behind her as she left.::

::Iniko turned around, examining the room for any giveaways and finding it reassuringly generic. There was a mirror to the right of the screen to allow patrons to check their appearance before connecting. Jhe frowned at the dull brown cloak jhe wore, but it would elicit no comment from jheas mother, and that was its entire purpose. Jhe pulled the hood up to cover jheas short hair. It didn't hide it entirely, but hopefully it would be enough to forestall comment. Jhe turned to the console and took a deep breath. The painful flutter of anxiety in jheas stomach only increased, but jhe couldn't delay this anymore. A button flashed green, indicating the call was ready to connect, and jhe reached out to press it before jhe could think of another reason to back out. Jheas heart froze and jhe stopped breathing. Jheas stomach tried to turn inside out. The few seconds of waiting for the call to be picked up took weeks.::

::Chioma's face appeared on the screen, older than the last time they'd spoken. Her eyes widened in shock and she simply stared at Iniko in frozen open-mouthed disbelief for a minute or two. Iniko plastered a hopeful smile on jheas face. Jheas blood thundered loudly in jheas ears until jhe was worried jhe wouldn't be able to hear her when she finally spoke.::

Iniko: Hi Mom.

::Chioma blinked rapidly and finally a brilliant smile spread across her face. Iniko felt jheaself tense even further, and jhe leaned back away from the screen. It was terrible that a smile made jhea feel even more apprehensive, but it only made jhea realize how much jhe still had to lose. Jhe wasn't ready for this. Jhe shouldn’t have decided to do this, jhe could have put it off a little longer, but now it was too late and there was no escaping and it was all happening too fast.::

Chioma: Iniko? Is it really you?

Iniko: It's me, Mom. How are you and Dad doing?

::It was a desperate attempt to try to avoid talking about jheaself, and jhe knew it had no hope of succeeding.::

Chioma: Oh we're fine, but we've been so worried about you! You never contacted us. It's been years since we've had any word from you! How could you make us worry like that?

::Chioma’s scolding made Iniko feel like a child again, and jhe winced. Jhe didn't have any excuse to give her, not any that she would want to hear at least. Jheas voice when jhe responded sounded whiny and defensive in jheas own ears.::

Iniko: Effiom made sure you knew I was okay. You didn't need to be worried.

Chioma: ::scoffing:: You told Effiom you were okay. That boy doesn't know anything about what a lom needs to be okay. You could have been-

Iniko: Mom! ::jhe interrupted, not wanting jheas brother to get dragged into this:: I really have been fine. Everything is fine. I'm really very happy right now. I just wanted to . . .

::Jhe trailed off, not really knowing why jhe had called. There had been some vague hope of maybe reconciling, maybe actually being able to talk again. Properly talk, like family, like they used to, without the bickering and haranguing. Without the constant looks of incomprehension.::

Chioma: Nonsense, child. How can you be happy without your family? Without the coven? Without fulfilling the purpose you were born to? Unless ::her eyes lit up, and her voice took on an eager lilt:: you've found a new coven, haven't you? It isn't the same, of course. Who knows what sort of strange ideas they have there. But as long as you're still serving your calling, I suppose it's okay.

Iniko: No, Mom, I . . . I couldn't keep doing that. I tried to tell you, I just couldn't do it. I . . . I've taken a job as an engineer on a starship.

::Jhe hadn’t meant to make that last admission, but the words came out in a rush. Chioma stared blankly at jhea for a moment, then her face turned blotchy red and she stared at Iniko in disbelief. When she spoke her voice was a whisper.::

Chioma: An engineer . . . what? You’ve turned your back on the coven? You’ve gone so far astray? Did someone . . . ::her words dissolved abruptly into hiccuping sobs::

::Iniko sighed and looked away, fighting down jheas guilt. Jhe was happy with Starfleet, and never would have been happy back there. There was just no way jhe could give in, no matter how it made jheas mother feel. Chioma had always believed that the outside influences from the rest of the galaxy would be the downfall of their civilization, and Iniko had gone and joined their ranks. Jhe knew it would be hard, but watching jheas mother cry, knowing it was jheas fault, was intense. Jhe should have just lied and made her happy. Kept quiet, just let her keep thinking whatever she wanted. It was too late for that now. Jhe squirmed uncomfortably, trying to think of something to make it better.::

Iniko: Look, I know you never understood, but you always knew this was what I wanted to do, right?

Chioma: ::sniffing:: What did I do wrong? Did I not spend enough time with you, telling you about our traditions? Was it that school I sent you to? I knew I should have taught you at home. So many alien influences.

Iniko: Why does this mean you did something wrong? I’m happy. I’m doing what I’ve always wanted to do. It’s a well respected career. Why does this have to be a bad thing?

::Iniko stared at her pleadingly, begging her to listen. To just try to understand. But she just shook her head angrily.::

Chioma: That’s ridiculous. This is no decent career for a lom, child. How could you turn your back on your people like this? It’s obscene! There’s no future for you in a place like that. I didn’t raise you to act like this. Gallivanting off into space, deserting your duty. This is ridiculous. You will come back home right now and leave this selfish nonsense behind. It isn’t just about you, you know. You have an essential part to play for your people.

::Iniko sat back, stunned. Jhe had known she would react badly, but jhe had hoped for some attempt at understanding. Expected that at least she would hear jhea out before declaring that jhe was wrong. Instead, she was simply shutting jhea out, refusing to believe jhe had anything useful to say. In that case, there was no more reason to continue the discussion. This call had been a failure, and a mistake to begin with. Jhe blinked back tears and set jheas shoulders, determined not to cry until this was over. Jheas words when jhe spoke were harsher than jhe meant, rough with unshed tears and anger.::

Iniko: Mother, I’m not coming home. I’m not a child anymore, and I have made my decision.

Chioma: Listen to me-

Iniko: NO! I could never have been what you wanted. I understand that now, why can't you? I’m just sorry I spent so long trying. Don’t try to find me. Just . . . just let me go if you can’t accept me. Goodbye.

::Jhe flicked off the transmission before Chioma could respond, and sat back, staring blankly at the black screen. There were no tears. Jhe was too shocked for that. Shocked at jheaself more than anything. Had jhe really just said all of that? Jhe had just shut down all possibility for communication between them. A shudder ran through jhea as jhe realized the finality of it all. It wasn’t too late, though. Jhe flicked a finger in an abortive gesture towards the call button. Jhe could reconnect the call, apologize . . . and then what? Go home? Submit to the coven again? Make some more babies, that jhe would never see? Fall in love, just to be rejected over and over again? No, what jhe had said to jheas mother was absolutely true. Jhe could not live that life. Jhe never should have tried.::

::Iniko stood and left the call center in a daze, shrugging out of the heavy cloak. Jhe stuffed it into a recycler on the way back to the Darwin. No need for it anymore. Jhe had expected to feel rejected and bereft if this call didn’t go well. Jhe hadn’t expected to feel lighter. The finality of the separation took away a weight of uncertainty that jhe had been shouldering for far too long. There was nothing at all pulling jhea back now. Jhe truly was free.::

::The removal of that weight had not been without cost, though. For all the years that jhe had lived without jheas mother’s input, jhe had always assumed that one day they would make up and she would understand. It was more a loss of hope than anything else that jhe was mourning right now. And it was mourning, jhe realized. Jhe noticed the tears streaming down jheas cheeks, and wondered how long jhe had been crying without noticing. Jhe ducked into a turbolift and held it. The sobbing, once jhe let go, shook jhea with surprising force, leaving jhea desperate for breath. Jhe felt lost and alone. Jheas emotions were a riot of guilt and anger and abandonment.::

oO Why couldn’t she try to understand? Why did I have to confront her and force her to make a choice when I knew she wasn’t ready? How could she be so stubborn?Oo

::Jhe slowly stopped shaking with sobs, exhausted rather than consoled. Jhe slid to the floor and hugged jheas knees close to jheas chest. Someone would want the turbolift soon, jhe couldn’t stay here long. Jhe scrubbed at jheas eyes, hoping to make jheas emotional state less obvious. Just need to get back to jheas room, then jhe could be alone for a while. Jhe hadn’t yet moved quarters, but Manius was staying on station to take care of the Captain, so jhe would have space. Jhe blew out a long breath and stood up. Jhe just needed to keep moving. Just keep taking one step after another, and soon the pain would be less raw. The guilt jhe wasn’t so sure about. Jhe couldn’t help but think that if jhe could have just kept quiet maybe they could have reconciled. It was wrong, jhe knew it, but it kept coming back, pounding away at jheas fragile composure. Maybe being alone now wasn’t the best idea. Jhe needed to find someone to talk to.::


Lieutenant JG Mpeba - Engineering Officer, USS Darwin NCC-99312-A
D239205IM0

[Graduating Class of 239208.01]

Congratulations and welcome to the fleet.

[Graduating Class of 239207.27]

Congratulations! It's great to have you all here and I hope you all have many happy adventures.

[Graduating Class of 239207.20]

Congratulations!

[Tor'kath, "Enough Of This"]

((Interrogation Room, Unknown Warship - Orbit Around Zakdorn))

::Finally getting the resolution to his burning questions, Tor'kath was relieved to know that the endeavor had been successfully completed. The pilot Mar Valek had managed to secure the objective, and having finally broken the Starfleet captain Renos, he was certain that the warship's true intent at Zakdorn was still secure. He was ready to return Renos to nir own ship and disappear into the ethers, but his henchman had accidentally administered a mortal blow to the captive. Tor'kath had already risked the anonymity of his ship and the organization it belonged to by interjecting against the Darwin; if its captain was killed by his hands then all hopes of remaining incognito would be lost as Starfleet hunted them through known space. Tor'kath was close to panic.::

Tor'kath: Quit your simpering excuses, and go fetch a medical officer! He's breathing, but barely! ::standing and shaking a quivering fist at the henchman:: I swear, if you've killed him and brought the wrath of Starfleet against us, I'll shove that painstik down your throat!

::Sullenly, the henchman fled from the room, leaving Tor'kath to stand there and wonder why the fates continued to conspire against him. As if bidden by his sour thoughts, a slight shuddering shook the deckplates of the warship.::

Zixo: =/\= Tor'kath to the bridge. Immediately. =/\=

Tor'kath: oO Why me? Why now? This was so close to being resolved!! Oo

::Casting one last desperate glance over the prone form of the J'naii captive, Tor'kath sprinted from the room enroute to the bridge, to see what else the fates had in store for him.::

((Bridge, Unknown Warship - Orbit Around Zakdorn))

Tor'kath: Report!

::Entering the bridge, Tor'kath witnessed the USS Darwin displayed prominently on the viewscreen. Its orbit appeared perilously close to Zakdorn, and if he wasn't mistaken the hull was starting to glow as it encountered the thin exosphere around the planet.::

Tassa: The Darwin is going down. The dumb fools drifted too close to the planet, and they'll probably burn up in the atmosphere. Good riddance.

Zixo: Warp drive is online, and we're ready to leave. The Darwin is hailing us, though.

::The warship's commanding officer was highly conflicted. On one hand, Tor'kath would like nothing more than to beam Renos back to the Darwin and high-tail it out of the system, leaving the Federation starship to its fate. However, he also knew that if the Darwin was destroyed, then Starfleet would never rest until they tracked him down.::

Tor'kath: What is the Darwin's status?

Zixo: Shields down, venting plasma, ship-wide system failures. It's in rough shape, Tor'kath.

Tassa: So what? They stuck their nose where it didn't belong, and now they're paying the price for their sanctimonious actions. Let's just leave and be done with it.

::The helmsman's dismissive attitude grated on Tor'kath. She wasn't looking at the full picture. If everything went south and their identity was determined by Starfleet, and the full force of the military arm of the Federation rained down on their organization, she could claim innocence through compliance of orders. Tor'kath would have no such protection from the wrath of his superiors.::

Zixo: Their commanding officer is hailing again, Tor'kath.

Tor'kath: ::indecisive, conflicted:: Patch it through, audio only.

Thomas: =/\= Captain, we have sustained a catastrophic problem with out power grid and we are drifting into the atmosphere. Our Chief Engineer is incapacitated…….and….we need help. Blasted, hate this more than you can imagine, but, please help. I’m not sure we’ll get power online soon enough to pull up from the atmosphere. =/\=

::Tor'kath was torn. He could hear the stress in the man's voice, and he could see the ventral hull of the Darwin continuing to glow brighter on the viewscreen. But, what could he do? What was the right choice? He cursed the fact that it had come to this. He had signed up to pick up a shuttle in neutral space, and whisk it away undetected. It was never supposed to get this involved and complicated. Now, he had a Starfleet captain in his possession, dying or already dead by his hands, and a Starfleet ship he had attacked that was about to be destroyed. And all of this was most likely recorded by the Zakdorns.::

Thomas: =/\= Captain, please. Do you really want a Starfleet vessel to go down with your name written all over the evidence. Don’t do this, please. We don’t have anything that you want…..but you do us. Please help us and return our Captain and we’ll be on our way. Captain, we don’t have much time. =/\=

::Putting voice to his own thoughts, the Darwin's interim commanding officer confirmed the worst case scenario. Should the Darwin perish, all blame would be placed on Tor'kath. He couldn't allow that to happen. With an exasperated sigh, he paced the deck in indecisive contemplation for a full minute before finally issuing a barked order.::

Tor'kath: Bring us back into orbit of Zakdorn. Lock a tractor on the Darwin and pull it to a safe orbit. Then, beam their captain back to them. Once that's done, we're warping the heck out of here.

Tassa: What?! That's the stupidest -

Tor'kath: ::exploding:: Shut up and do what I say! The sooner this is done, the sooner we leave!

::Sullenly, the helmsman brought the warship back into place around Zakdorn, and the tactical officer prepared a tractor beam. During the moments it took to do this, Tor'kath watched with growing concern as the Darwin's hull continued to ablate in the heat and friction of the atmosphere. The bulbous dome of the ship;s forward section appeared to take the brunt of the damage, as the ship sunk lower and lower into the atmosphere. He started to become nervous that he had waffled for too long, and that his efforts would become too little, too late.::

Zixo: We're in position, preparing tractor beam... Wait, Tor'kath, I'm detecting a surge of power from the Darwin!

::In total disbelief, Tor'kath felt himself frozen in place as he watched the Darwin break its descent and maneuver into an advantageous position. Having turned their backs to the Darwin in order to maximize their tractoring efforts, they now found themselves at a tactical disadvantage to the Starfleet vessel as it opened fire on them.::

Zixo: Dammit! We're in range of the Zakdorn satellites again! They're firing... brace for impact!

::The warship shuddered violently as it was plastered from all sides by incoming fire. Finding his seat, Tor'kath swore loudly as he came to the realization that the Darwin had stolen a move from his own playbook and used it against him.::

Tor'kath: Return fire! Full shields! Get us out of here! ::jabbing a finger at the ship on the viewscreen:: Hurt them in the process!

Zixo: They have no shields on their sphere section, concentrating fire there!

::Their own phasers and torpedoes rained down on the top of the Darwin's forward structure, resulting in heavy explosions. The warship's tactical officer, fully aware that Starfleet design places a ship's bridge on their uppermost deck, tried to permanently disable the Darwin by destroying its command center. Based on the damage dealt, the starship should have been dead in the water if the breached and smoking top deck was any indication, but it continued coming strong.::

Zixo: We're losing shields, Tor'kath! We need to get away from the Zakdorn defenses!

Tor'kath: Enough of this! Prepare to leave, maximum warp -

Henchman: =/\= Chech'tluth to Tor'kath! I arrived back to the interrogation room with a medic, just in time to see the prisoner being transported off the ship! We've lost him! =/\=

::This was their ruse all along? To attack them just long enough to get their captain back? Tor'kath laughed at the irony of it all, considering that he was just about to send their captain back anyways.::

Tassa: The enemy is engaging warp, they're getting away!

Tor'kath: Good riddance. To both Renos and the Darwin. Plot a course back to safe space, maximum warp.

::Aimed in the opposite direction that the Darwin had departed in, the warship jumped to warp, escaping the barrage of the Zakdorn defenses and the terrible set of circumstances that they should have never encountered in the first place. Though the battle was done, Tor'kath's trials were only just beginning. He would have to answer for all that had transpired to his superiors, and it would not be a cordial meeting.::

Tor'kath: Transmit the following message to the Darwin, audio only. =/\= It never had to be this way. You forced my hand from the beginning, and the status of your captain and your ship are on your own shoulders. If I never see your accursed ship again, it'll be too soon. =/\=

Zixo: Transmission sent, though I cannot confirm whether they've received it or not.

::Slumped in the captain's chair, Tor'kath barely acknowledged the statement. He was drained, and wanted nothing more than to hide away from the universe. He had the objective in hand, but at what cost? He had engaged Starfleet, and they would not forget that, and neither would his superiors. This was a hollow victory.::

Tor'kath: ::mumbling:: I don't care. Just take us home.

END

MSPNPC Tor'kath aka Raikenoff - Commanding Officer, Unknown Warship

~as simmed by~

LtCmdr Maxwell Traenor - Chief Science Officer, USS Darwin NCC-99312-A

Graphic Contest Taskforce =/\= Publicity Team

A239111MT0

[Guinan: The Series]

Paramount needs to up its game so bad. Star Trek already has such a strong fan base and this would likely go up if they produced quality shows that captured the imaginations of people unfamiliar with it.

[Graduating Class of 239207.13]

Congratulations and welcome to the fleet!

[Mar Valek, "The Way Home"]

((Jefferies Tube, Deck 8))

::Shallowly breathing the recycled air inside her masked helmet, Mar took stock of her situation. She was in a Jefferies tube. Her biosigns were masked. She had no idea how to get out of this situation. She had no idea how she'd gotten into in the first place.::

::Uaed was charming when she met him. He'd seduced his way into her life, despite her better judgment and all her careful plans. He'd become more important to her than she'd meant to allow. When he told her about the organization he worked for, she'd failed to listen to her instincts to get out. When he asked her to be part of it, to go on some missions where her skills as a pilot were needed, she hadn't had a choice. She had to do what was necessary to protect the most important person in her life. She had to do what Uaed asked of her.::

::Some piloting skills. She'd been caught.::

::Lying still in the Jefferies tube, Mar reviewed her options. Her shuttle was one, if she could reclaim it. Or the planet's surface, if she could find a way down there. The third option was rescue by the warship she'd intended to meet up with. If they didn't receive her rendezvous beacon, maybe they would swing by and rescue her.::

::The way the organization she worked for ran things, she wouldn't be surprised if they counted her a loss and moved on.::

::The Darwin rumbled, shaking with weapons fire, rocking her roughly in her tunneled cocoon.::

::So they had swung by to rescue her.::

::Mar knew better than to deactivate her biosign masker to let the warship find her. It was likely the Darwin would find her first. The same would be true if she communicated with her ship over comms. It would lead the Darwin crew immediately to her location.::

::Was there some other way to contact the warship? To let them know her whereabouts so they could get a lock on her and get her out of this? Surely they would try to recover her ship, assuming it contained evidence that could be used against them by Starfleet. Used to uncover the illegal operations of an organization that had so far managed to stay hidden in the shadows.::

::If the Federation learned of the organization based on Mar's ship, or the capture of Mar herself, then she would be the one who blew the cover on an organization that had protected its identity and operated without detection for years. She would be the cause of the organization's discovery, and potentially its downfall. All she'd wanted was a paycheck. To work a few jobs for them, take the money, and get back home. Back to Uaed.::

::Her chest was heaving now, growing tight with panic. She tried to breathe, but she felt claustrophobic in the mask, in the tunnel. Why was she here? How had any of this happened to her? If what McNeil and Bui had said on the shuttle was true, she had aided in a terrorist operation. All she'd known in advance was that she was to take a team in undercover, and wait to extract them after their operation. She hadn't asked questions. She'd only thought about the money. She needed that money more than she needed to keep her nose clean. Now, she wondered if that hadn't been a big mistake. Whatever damage McNeil and Bui had caused on the surface of Zakdorn, Mar was complicit. If she was caught, she would never get home. She would never get her money. She would never get back to Uaed.::

::None of this was what she'd intended. None of this was what Uaed had told her it would be.::

::With mind over matter, she forced her body to calm itself. She forced her mind to the details at hand. Darwin was a science ship, she'd learned. It was outmatched by the warship in offensive capabilities two to one. But the Horizon class ship could defend itself. And surely, despite the power drains and the lack of security forcefields, Darwin retained its internal sensors, and would have her in an instant if she slipped up.::

::McNeil, her only ally, disturbing as that thought may be, was probably in the brig by now. Let her be the one to blow the organization's cover. Mar regretted not shooting to kill. But she'd never killed anyone. She thought of the explosion on the surface of Zakdorn. Maybe she had killed after all.::

::She shook off that thinking. There was one point in her favor – Darwin was suffering damage. They had more to worry about than just her. Otherwise, their security teams would have had her in a second. Okay, maybe two.::

::Mar decided that now, while the Darwin was engaged in combat, she had her best chance at moving about undetected. She rolled to a crawling position, then moved along the tube until she found a likely hatch. Passing up a few that looked like they might set off all the bells and whistles, Mar emerged in glass-surrounded control room overlooking a cargo bay. A ladder and one unguarded hatch led to the cargo bay below. She'd practically struck latinum.::

::Mar descended the ladder. There had to be something here she could use. The ship shook as she went down, and she slipped on a rung, almost falling. She regained her grip and her footing, and made her way down.::

::Through the hatch, she found the cargo bay empty. Until a security detail decided to check or recheck this room, she was alone. How quickly could she find something useful? With the large orange visors of her helmet, she scanned the room for weapons signatures, a handy but limited add-on she'd acquired for her tech. There. She crossed the room and opened a crate.::

::While the ship ran red with alerts, fighting an enemy outside, looking for her, the enemy within, Mar decided she had to take a cue from her horrible, evil teammates. To save herself, to get back home in one piece, Mar had to blow a few things up.::

::She took a few charges with her, crossing back to the hatch and the ladder. She stopped before exiting and set the first charge to explode in the cargo bay. It was as good a place to start as any.::

::Back through the hatch, up the ladder, through the glass-paneled control room and back into the Jefferies tube. Mar closed the tube hatch behind her and waited. A little thrill went through her as her mask watched the thermal readings through the wall. They exploded.::

::She held onto the charges that remained. Her life line. Her way out. Taking off at a fast crawl, she headed for the next stop on her way home.::


MSPNPC Mar Valek
Pilot

simmed by

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Lieutenant Commander Rendal Rennyn
HCO Officer
USS Darwin NCC-99312-A
============================================

[Tor'kath, "Play Lame"]

((Unknown Warship - Orbit Around Zakdorn))

Tor'kath: What do you mean, the torpedoes missed again?!

::This ship was outfitted with the best military technology that money could buy, and yet the small Federation starship was dodging their ordinance with relative ease.::

Zixo: ::exasperated:: That ship is flailing through space in a way that the targeting computers can't compensate for!

::Tor'kath begrudgingly agreed, but it didn't stop him from throwing a disparaging glare at the Tactical station. The moves of the Darwin seemed so random and unpredictable that he was secretly impressed. He had underestimated the odd vessel, and it was making a fool out of them.::

Tor'kath: Double the fire rate. I want those shields down, and I want our operatives off that ship. Tassa, match their movements to give Zixo a better fire angle.

Tassa: Are you cracked? I can't fly that!

::Tor'kath fought the urge to draw his disruptor and shoot her. Discipline was going to be an issue, he saw, and he intended to speak with his superiors about instituting a more rigid command structure on new vessels such as this, but for now he'd have to make do with boring holes with his eyes into the back of her head from his vantage point in the center of the bridge. The bridge shuddered slightly as two torpedoes from their prey detonated against their shields.::

Tor'kath:: They're hitting us. We're not hitting them. Change that, or else heads will roll.

Zixo: Aye.

Tassa: Whatever.

::The ship's commander watched as flurry after flurry of torpedoes flew at their target, continuing to miss, until finally fate smiled on them. Two direct hits on the flanking shields caused a flickering, then their phaser shots were striking the Federation ship's hull directly.::

Zixo: Yes!

::Tor'kath didn't need to look back to know that Zixo was pumping a fist; it was his signature victory move. A faint smile crept onto the commander's face.::

Tor'kath: Send the subspace signal to the operatives, to tell them to prepare for a signal lock. Lock onto the shuttle as well, just in case the operatives stowed the objective aboard it. Zixo, prepare to drop shields for transport.

Zixo: Wait! Tor'kath, the planetary defense system is online!

::Tor'kath nearly screamed in frustration. The presence of the famed Zakdorn defense network was well-known, but it had never been demonstrated. He had bet on the fact that it would take a fair bit of time to be brought online, aided by the unlikely threat that a single ship posed to the planet. Apparently his assumption had been wrong.::

Zixo: We can withstand damage from the Federation ship for long enough to complete transport, but the power signature of the defense batteries are off the scale. If they hit us without shields, we're done.

::Things were spiraling out of control. If the Federation discovered what they were doing, why they were here, then the endeavor would be fatally compromised. Every second that the Darwin had the operatives on board was ever more likely that the mission would fail. Now, not only did Tor'kath have to retrieve the operatives, but he had to ensure that their nemesis in orbit did not have knowledge that they shouldn't. He seriously considered destroying the Darwin outright. Mission failure would cost him dearly, but not as much as if the mission was compromised.::

Tor'kath: Give me options!

::There was a pause on the bridge, and Tor'kath thought that he would have to repeat his demand. Or, failing that, pull out his disruptor and shoot people until the rest realized the benefit of speaking up more quickly. If only it were that easy, he thought about the half-joking desire.::

Tassa: Play lame, draw the Starfleet ship away from orbit. If we gain enough distance from Zakdorn, it'll mitigate the threat from the planetary defenses.

Tor'kath: oO Nice! I knew there was a reason I didn't shoot you! Oo Go on...

Tassa: If we take some hits from the defense network, then modulate the shields as if they're weakened, and make a run for it, they might take the bait and follow. Maybe vent some plasma to make it realistic, blow out a cargo bay or two...

Tor'kath: ::looking questioningly to Zixo:: Thoughts?

Zixo: ::giving a non-committal shrug:: Worth a try. Why not?

Tor'kath: Okay then, give it a go. Keep taking pot shots at the Darwin, but nothing too damaging. We want to give the Zakdorns a reason to keep attacking us, but not disable the Darwin enough that they can't or won't want to follow. As soon as we've taken a few good hits from the planetary batteries, implement the plan to appear damaged and limp away from orbit. And cross your fingers that this works.

::If it didn't, then Tor'kath would have to revisit the earlier consideration. Take no chances and destroy the Darwin. Even if he didn't need to destroy their ship, he had nagging worries about what they might have found out...::

TBC

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Tor'kath (aka Raikenoff) - Commanding Officer

Unknown Vessel

~as simmed by~

LtCmdr Maxwell Traenor - Chief Science Officer

USS Darwin NCC-99312-A

Graphic Contest Taskforce / Publicity Team

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[Graduating Class of 239206.16]

Congratulations and welcome to the fleet!