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(( Cargo Bay, USS Apollo )) ::What was this place he was in now? Max looked up and all around him at the worried and hurried humanoids stomping their massive feet in his direction. He sat on the floor, looking at the ceiling, the cargo bay doors, the machinery that was working tirelessly and the Officers in their uniforms taking a role call from the Nelson's manifest.:: ::Agent 505 wasn't entirely sure how he'd managed to stumble on board the Nelson, nor was he quite sure how he managed to find himself on board the Apollo either. A ship was a ship. The last place he remembered being was on Deep Space 17 was the two-legged specimen known as Brice but since the Engineer had a head filled with sawdust, Max wasn't surprised that he'd been forgotten about.:: Max: oO Abandoned?! Abandoned to this cruel fate to which I have found myself falling ever further! Brice, you cad! Oo ::He crooned some more until his head started to itch. He scratched it. Ah, sweet relief. He puffed up his chest. He was free from Deep Space 17. As free as the wind, baby. He could go where he pleased, do what he wanted, leave milk out on the counter without a lid in direct sunshine and no one was going to tell him he couldn't.:: :: From across the room, his heart skidded to a halt. There, sitting on the lap of a humanoid-something sat the most pristine looking feminine feline he had ever had the joy to set his eyes upon. She was smooth, her hair glossy and thick, and her eyes shining with green and yellow flecks. His heart melted. Slickly, he licked the side of his paw and flattened the top of his head. His ears twitched at the wet sensation and finally he was impressed with his own appearance. She was going to be a lucky feline this day, a very lucky feline. He was feeling good.:: :: Moving around the Cargo Bay decking, he dodged many a foot heading in his direction, saw just as many kneecaps and looked upwards to see some fashion disasters of the century. Some made him shudder; even he had good taste, it wasn't hard to have.:: Max: o0 Move out of my way… Tom on the loose here… 0o :: His vision was obscured as a humanoid walked across his path, catching him with the side of a very uncomfortable boot and knocking him sideways. Shaking off the momentary motion sickness, he looked up to find the feline was moving with her owner. He broke into a mild run. She must've spotted him because she dodged and darted behind a mass of storage containers.:: Max: o0 [...]! 0o :: Skidding to a halt outside one very large container, he sat there wondering how she could've spotted him so quickly. Was he getting rusty in his old age? The end of his black tail started swishing from side to side as he couldn't hide the frustration. Instead, he started whining.:: Max: o0 Oh cruel fate! What has transpired that would separate me from my true love? I long to feel your whiskers… 0o :: Of course, this didn't come across to the humans in Shakespeare prose. Almost as quickly, a pair of hands wrapped themselves around his midriff and his paws left the floor. He panicked, wide eyed, pupils dilated, looking into the face of a young male in a gold Security uniform.:: Max: o0 Unhand me, Villain! I have a lady who I must… 0o :: One of those hands started tickling him underneath his chin and his purr came tumbling out. He was shocked at himself and looked at the Officer with almost humanoid embarrassment.:: Max: o0 I do apologise; that's… that's never happened to me before. 0o :: The Security Officer just smiled at him and continued scratching under his chin.:: Security Officer: Come on, little fella. Let's see who you belong to. TBC PNPC Max the Cat Feline Extraordinaire USS Apollo… for now. Simmed by Lt.Cmdr Ethan Brice Assistant Chief Engineer USS Apollo

((SB118 - Brek's Quarters)) ::Brek stood in front of his replicator, wondering what to have for breakfast. He had hoped that by putting his uniform on, he would feel `normal' again, but his appetite remained elusive. :: oO I ate so much last night... maybe I should stick to diet food today. What about the white thing that's supposed to be good for the microorganisms in the gut, but that looks like fresh guano? How do Human call it? Oo ::He ordered yogurt from the replicator and was sniffing suspiciously at it when there was not only a beep at the door, but also an insistent knock. The day was beginning in earnest, it seemed:: Brek: Come in. ::Dakarai appeared, in disarray and looking altogether different this morning. The black man examined the living area, which made Brek feel self conscious. These days it was looking more and more like a stockroom, although he preferred to think of it as a refined cabinet of curiosities, crammed with rare treasures.:: Brek: ::Delaying the moment where he would have to sample the yogurt.:: You are growing a beard, ensign? Dakarai: ::Touching his chin.:: Oh that, yes. My girlfriend likes it this way. When did you come back last night? ::When it became obvious that Brek wasn't going to answer, he went on: :: It has nothing to do with being intrusive Lt, it's just that Alice escaped during the night. The Acamarian Ambassador says someone must have opened her vivarium, allowing the spider to roam free. She is a rare breed apparently, black and red in colour. There will be trouble if something happens to her. Brek: ::Taking a spoonful of his `medicine' so as to look blasé.:: This spider... is it a dangerous species? Dakarai: Mildly. But I have been assured that we have all the antivenom we could need, if she ever bites. She has been described as being er... docile. ::His eyes darting everywhere.:: I take it you have not seen anything with eight legs recently? Brek: Nope. Four legs is the most I have encountered. Are these Acamarians insane? From this day, I don't want to see anymore dangerous creatures in the Embassies. This is a diplomatic building, not a zoo! Dakarai: Alice is a pet, it's different. She is, quoting the Ambassador, `cherished'. Brek: Nonsense! Do you think that if VIPs have a Nelephant for a pet they would be allowed to travel with it?! Dakarai: An Elephant. Brek: That's what I said. Dakarai: ::Suddenly motionless.:: Oh Mon Dieu! She is is here, over there, on your glassware! I hate araignées... er .... spiders! Anytime I see one, I want to step on it! Brek: ::Walking towards his display of fifth century Vulcan glasswork.:: It's not difficult to push your panic button, is it, Dakarai? How can someone as tall as you are, be afraid of such a small critter? Dakarai: ::With a shriek.:: Small? It's as big as my hand! ::He opened his right mitt for comparison.:: Brek: ::Now but a few centimeters away from the bug.:: Don't shout, you are going to scare it. ::He took a large tray on the shelf behind it, and trapped the spider under it. Due to the intricacies of the glass work, Alice looked even bigger now, or as Brek was thinking, more succulent.:: Brek: You had better tell the Acamarian Ambassador to fetch his pet right way. Spiders are a delicacy on Ferenginar. I don't know how long I'll be able to resist a snack. ::Dakarai looked at him with alarm and rushed away, apparently convinced that his chief would eat something that had a name. Amused by this concept, Brek sat down in front of Alice and finished his unsavory breakfast.:: ---------------------------------- Lt Brek Chief Diplomatic Officer SB118/USS Victory With Ensign J.B. Dakarai, Diplomatic Aide

((Bridge - USS Nelson)) ::Satisfied that everyone was as alright as they could be, Sidney looked at her suit's readout to determine what the non-critical sound was trying to tell her. The helmet seal on her EVA suit had been weakened. It wasn't leaking oxygen, blessedly, but it was obviously non-secure. More chest tightness crept up on Sidney. More fear. She dismissed the alarm in her headgear.:: Frost: You girls alright? Pierce: ::trying to keep her voice level:: Knocked my suit up a bit. What about you? :: The last time Liam felt this badly knocked around was after the last Sambo lesson that Liz had given him. He took several moments to check that his suit was still intact, and not leaking oxygen. There were no signs of damage to the suit, or any of his extremities, and he was finally able to lift himself off the floor.:: Frost: Feels like I went a few rounds with Liz, but I think I'm alright. Make any progress? Pierce: Before the blackout I was going over the medical logs. There were some fairly recent partials. Lots of people were coming in with heavy burns – a lot of stations and equipment shorted out at the same time, like some sort of system-wide power surge. Add to that a lack of visible crewmembers and jettisoned escape pods, I'd say whatever totaled the ship made the Nelson's crew evacuate. :: It wasn't a lot to go on, but it was at least a place to start. He wasn't surprised that they were having trouble making connections between the various systems and databanks. The Nelson was in rough shape as it was when they had found it. If the theory that the Nelson had fallen victim to the energy being, then it stood to reason that dozens of systems may have been separated from the other systems. If they even worked at all.:: Pierce: I say we make our way down to the escape pods and see what's there. Without power the bridge and helm are just as useless as anything else around here. ::half-smile:: Might as well do some hands on detecting. Frost: I'd like to check out the Captain's ready room too. We recovered some partial logs. I'm hoping he left a few behind for us. I'd also like to see if there's anything to be found in sickbay as well. Pierce: There's still the matter of Johnson. ::What /were/ they going to do with their unconscious Ensign? He could be teleported back, but at the same time he represented another link to the Expanse's strange effect on people. Leaving a security officer with him seemed like a waste of personnel.:: Pierce: We can revive him, we can leave him here with Trell, or we can send him back to the Apollo. Frost: I don't know. I don't like leaving him there. But until he gets his marbles back, he's a liability. Trell will let us know when he comes around, and we'll go from there. :: Liam looked around the darkened bridge, but there was just a little more than nothing they could do in their current predicament.:: Frost: I want to go check out the Captain's ready room first. See what we can find. Pierce: You're the first officer. The ready room is more immediate anyway, we can get the entire bridge area done before checking anything else out. I hope Barnes and his team are having better luck than we are. ::The ready room was a scant few steps. Satisfied that she had everything, Pierce let Frost lead the way. The inside was a disaster - part of the desk had been scorched and a bookshelf toppled. Some of the person effects having toppled could easily have been the shockwave that had just knocked the two officers over; even so, every inch of space had some debris covering it.:: ::There were some unsettling marks along the floor. The doctor crouched down and eyed one. Reaching for her tricorder, she scanned the area and looked mildly concerned at the result.:: Pierce: That's blood. Who was the captain of the Nelson? :: Liam looked around the room, scanning in as much detail as the narrow beams of light from his helmet would allow him to. files and books scattered the floor, as well as the various trinkets that had been assembled by the Nelson's Captain. He imagined how the room must have looked when it was in better shape; stately and impressive. It had been, at one point, a testament to career full of accomplishment. Now it was, like the rest of the Nelson, a shell of it's former self. A glint of something caught Liam's eye. The majority of it was obscured by the overturned coffee table, but there was no mistaking what he had seen.:: :: A boot:: :: Liam moved closer crouching down close to investigate. The body lay on the floor, seemingly almost mummified, it's flesh dried and clinging tightly to the bone. He slowly scanned it, looking for an indication of identity. He found a clue as he got higher. Atop a red collar, the same colour as his own, sat for pips. Pips that had once been so highly polished they would have made a good signal mirror for a survival exercise. Liam pulled out his tricorder, scanning for the ID in the comm badge, which confirmed what he already suspected to be true.:: Frost: Captain David Evans. :: The body was in a strange state. It should have been almost perfectly preserved by the vacuum and the exposure to the cold. And yet his body looked more like the images of mummies that he had seen in museums. It looked dry, almost like worn leather, pulled taught in towards his skeleton. Sidney was slowly making her way over to him.:: ::Liam had walked over to the other side of the room and stopped. Curious, she carefully stepped over the remnants of a heavy paperback novel to take a look. Nothing so far had prepared her for what they were standing in front of. The entire body looked like it was covered with spider silk, strangely waxy and pale. Layer upon layer made the surface seem solid, but parts of the uniform still showed through. This was the captain.:: Pierce: This is the first indication we've seen of personnel actually being on-board. Everything else looked too clean, like they knew they were leaving. It could be the Captain's blood. I'll be able to say for certain in a few moments... Frost: So what happened to him? Pierce: I... have never seen anything like this. ::looking up:: There's barely anything left of him. He's missing blood, cerebro-spinal fluid; all his cells have ruptured. There's no fluid left in him at all. Think deep-space compression of a humanoid, but his skeletal structure is intact, as is what's left of his musculature. Something took all the water out of him and left this instead. :: Liam let a clight curse out under his breath, unsure if Sidney heard it or not, but not really caring if she did. He stood there for a moment simply staring at the body. He walked over to the desk, one of the only undamaged pieces of the furniture in the room. He found the desk terminal still operational, its battery backup still functioning. He pressed a few keys, bringing the device to life and casting a glow across the room. An icon flashed on the screen, indicating a waiting message. Liam took a deep breath before beginning the playback. The image of Captain Evans appeared on the screen, looking stern and haggard. He had the look of a man who had lost more sleep that most Cadets ever did, and carried the weight of the galaxy on his shoulders.:: ::At the sound of a loading vid, the doctor turned her head towards the monitor and saw what was undoubtedly Captain Evans. He looked tired. What could have been happening to him and his crew? Whatever it was had left him here in this mummified state, and had sent the crew running alone into the Expanse. The skin on her arms began to crawl. Her body was beginning to react to this whole scenario - they needed to find the answers.:: Evans: Captain's log, stardate... hell, does it matter? I've come to the most difficult decision that any commanding officer ever has to make. The Nelson is lost. The energy creature, whatever it is, has set its sights on us. We shut down the warp core, and it seems to have helped, but without the warp core, we can't get anywhere, and as soon as we fire it up again, it'll be all over us. I'm preparing to give the order to abandon ship. We've programmed a torpedo spread to get the creature's attention. That should give the escape pods enough time to get clear. Then we'll start the warp core up again to give them as much time as we can. The catch is that someone has to stay behind to run the startup sequence. I can't, in good conscience, order one of my officers to do it. So, in a bit of anachronism, the Captain is, in all likelyhood, going down with the ship. It's not a decision I take lightly, but the information we've gathered needs to make it out, or everything we've sacrificed will be for nothing. If anyone finds this, let it be known that the crew of the Nelson have served with distinction, valour and bravery, in keeping with the highest traditions of Starfleet. Commendations are hereby granted to all crew members. The following officers are hereby promoted in recognition of their bravery: Lieutenant Max Kincade, Lieutenant junior grade Jason Gondor, Lieutenant Kelly Shannon, Ensign Danny Maxwell, Lieutenant junior grade Brax, Ensign Toran G'dar and Lieutenant Kaitlyn Stafford. If Commander T'Pral is found alive, it is my recommendation that Starfleet command immediately consider him for captaincy. Finally, please, tell my wife Amelia that I love her, and that I'm sorry we never got to take that trip to Betazed. Captain David Evans. USS Nelson ::In the void after the message, Sidney slumped down beside what remained of the Captain, her heart low in her chest. The hint of red from the shoulders of his uniform was the only indication that what lay beneath was the man in that message. He had sacrificed a great deal and all for the safety of his crew. Somewhere members of the Nelson were still alive because of this Evans' bravery and here he was here at the edge of the galaxy, alone. She felt almost as if she would cry, but more than that, she felt angry. She connected a PADD to the system and downloaded the message. This would need to be sent back when this away mission was over, and it might finally give closure to his wife.:: :: The message finished, and for a long time, nothing was said. He simply stood there, staring at a screen that was now blank, save for the Starfleet Insignia. He let out a long breath as the magnitude of what had just happened sank in. Captain Evans had made the ultimate sacrifice to give his crew the chance to escape. He had no idea if they would succeed or not. But he had given them the best chance he could, regardless of the cost to himself. He wondered, if he were ever placed in that situation, if he would be able to do the same. He remembered the sacrifice made by Lieutenant Commander Guy Hunt almost a year ago, and Alice May before that. Sacrifice seemed to be a nearly constant factor when it came to a life in Starfleet. He'd known it when he joined, and he knew it now. And he quietly vowed that he would not let that sacrifice be forgotten.:: ::Opening her kit, Pierce brought out a microscalpel and gingerly touched it to the layer protecting the Captain's body. When nothing happened, she began slowly working away at the outside. Cutting away the film felt like the only thing keeping Sidney from flying into a rage. She set her jaw firmly and continued to work.:: Pierce: ::monotone:: We need to take him back with us. We need as much information as we can get on this decomposition process, and we're sending him home to his family. Frost: Agreed. I'll tag his comm badge. When we leave, we can beam him to the shuttle if we have to. :: He thought for a moment about what Captain Evans had given up, and what would be left behind now that he was gone. He wondered what he would leave behind if he had to do the same. The people who depended on him and the people he cared about. It was a somewhat sobering thought, which he swallowed down as best he could. He closed his eyes and let out a slow breath.:: Frost: Alright, let's head out. We've got more work to do. ::The Lieutenant stood up slowly, eyes on the only thing she had been able to do to help. Captain Evans was free now, but the idea of leaving the body here did was not something Sidney wanted to do. He had stayed here for the rest of his crew, and now it should be time for him to be honored and to rest. He would never get to take Amelia to Betazed, but he would be able to go home. Her mind wandered to the Apollo's mission. This same thing stood poised to happen to any one of her crew if they didn't find a way to defend themselves. If she was this upset about the death of a man she'd never met, how would losing Lanius affect her? The Captain? She looked at the Apollo's first officer. The image that formed in her mind was destructive, and yet she couldn't let it go. Her heart remained in the pit of her stomach.:: Pierce: Sounds good to me. LtCmdr Liam Frost First Officer USS Apollo & Lt(JG) Sidney Pierce Chief Medical Officer USS Apollo

(( Corridor near the Lounge )) ::His head throbbed quite painfully as he glanced down at the PaDD. Requests to repair showers were unusual, and Jack was certainly intrigued. He felt justified in checking this out himself. Alas, watching a PaDD more than where he was going was bound to lead to some complication. He almost slammed right into the woman, and just managed to avoid a collision with the unfamiliar face.:: Mancuso: Oops. My fault. I was on my way to fix a shower. Wasn’t exactly paying attention. Not everyday I get told the shower is too loud you know? ::Sorani was flustered after the events in the lounge and perhaps she wasn’t paying as much attention to her surroundings as she usually would because she nearly collided with an approaching engineer. She sucked in a breath quickly and tried to regain her composure rather than take her frustration out on him. As it happened he spoke first and it happened to be about the shower she reported, that was a curious coincidence.:: Sorani: Interesting. I think you will find that’s my shower. Mancuso: ::He blinked twice.:: Well...umm....then that is rather embarrassing. I’m Jack. Well the Chief Engineer. Oh you know what I mean. Right? Sorani: ::Straightening her uniform and pushing up her glasses for no apparent reason:: I’m Lt Cmdr Sorani, the new Chief Science Officer. ::Reaching out with her right hand to touch his left shoulder in the customary greeting.:: Mancuso: Pleasure to meet you. So...let’s talk about this shower problem then shall we? Sorani: As stated in my report, it is unbearably noisy. Mancuso: Oh. I see....kind of. Sorani: ::It took her a moment to realise he was not familiar with Al-Leyans:: Apologies. What I mean is... Al-Leyans such as myself can hear a greater range of sounds than most other humanoids, which is why I can hear the noise it emits. Mancuso: ::Rubbing his chin.:: Well....we could modify it to use water if you would rather. Up to you really. ::Sorani did not like the idea of having to use a water based shower. They were considered dangerous due to the risk of slipping and injuring yourself. She hated water showers a little less than the sonic shower in it’s current state but didn’t want either.:: Sorani: No. ::Not at all pleased.:: If that is all you can offer me then please, just uninstall it entirely. Mancuso: Oh not at all. I can offer more options than that. ::He tapped at the PaDD and handed it to her.:: As you can see there are other options. I can adjust the pulse output ratio...with you present of course, until we reach a bearable frequency. Or... ::Sorani wasn’t overly happy about the idea of being subjected to more of that noise, but if it led to a solution she supposed she could tolerate it. She expected it would give her the worst migraine imaginable though. She was curious about what the other possibilities might be.:: Sorani: Or? Mancuso: ::Gesturing at the PaDD.:: There is a variant of what some Sick Bays use. Sort of a sterilization and decontamination phase emitter. We simply adjust it for less decontamination and more personal hygene. Besides, I’ve been dying to play around with one of those. ::Sorani was skeptical and the idea of him playing around with equipment wasn’t too comforting either. What did he think he was doing playing with toys or something?:: Sorani: I’m not sure about that. Mancuso: Now....I do have one other, but I’m not exactly sure it’s what you might be looking for. I’m just unsure how it may sound to you...literally. Sorani: ::Looking puzzled:: What? Mancuso: Well, you work in science. I’m sure you’ve heard of these new sterilizing solutions. They evaporate immediately upon use. Mostly used for cleaning equipment, but I have to imagine there is an option in there that would be safe for a biological entity. It pulses the solution upon everything, so if your hearing is very sensitive....I’m just not sure about it. Sorani: That doesn’t fill me with confidence i’m afraid. :: Jack looked at her for a moment, contemplating just how difficult this was going to be, when it dawned on him. She was actually here to replace.....He winced at that thought.:: Mancuso: I’m sure we can work something out. Sorani: I’m sure we can. Sorry to cause a stir over such a small matter. ((Corridors- Turbolift )) :: Jack looked at her for a moment, contemplating just how difficult this was going to be, when it dawned on him. She was actually here to replace.....He winced at that thought.:: Mancuso: I’m sure we can work something out. Sorani: I’m sure we can. Sorry to cause a stir over such a small matter. Mancuso: Sorry. I don’t mean to sound aggravated. I just dislike not being able to find a solution. Well that and.... Sorani: And what? Mancuso: You’re replacing someone that I...::Now how exactly did he think he was going to explain that?:: we were friends. Sorani: ::Folding her arms and adopting more defencing body language:: I see. Mancuso: Just really set in that things are moving on. If that makes any sense? Sorani: ::Feeling awkward.:: I’m sorry for your loss. Mancuso: ::He shrugged.:: Not that there is anything wrong with you. I’m sure we’ll get along just fine and all. I guess I’m being kind of silly about it all. Sorani: Well no. Not really. She has departed the cycle but I am not here to replace anyone. I am merely adopting the same duty she once held. She will be reborn into the cycle eventually. Mancuso: ::He changed the subject quickly.:: So...the shower can be modified. We just have to find what works best for you. And believe me, I’m good at improvising solutions. Sorani: I think the simplest solution is usually the best one to try first. No point in making it harder and more complicated than it needs to be. Mancuso: Say...could you help me input the frequencies that bother you most into a tricorder? Then I could find a nice level to work with, and not have to drag you in to be a guinea pig every time. Sorani: I suggest a frequency beyond my range of hearing. We can run through the medical databases to make sure it is also out of range of the other humanoids. Mancuso: Well..like you said, ‘simplest solution’. Let me see if the shower you have can actually be put at a bearable range first. The Medical database. That’s pretty clever. Sorani: Logic and reasoning are like the xylem and phloem that sustains the branch. Mancuso: Well...I wish I’d thought of it. ::He laughed a little.:: Sorani: ::Smiling:: I find our branches are often complementary and require many similar traits. Mancuso: If you don’t mind me saying, you talk a bit like a Vulcan. Minus the heavy lack of emotion, mind you. Sorani: We have been compared to Vulcans before, but usually based on more aesthetic reasons. ::Indicating her ears which were pointed, but more softly than a Vulcans.:: Mancuso: Oh I like Vulcans ok. I just think it’s a little odd keeping emotions in check all the time. Sorani: We have no reason to repress our emotions, they are a natural part of life and existence. Mancuso: So...you actually do fun things then? Like...oh, drink, and play chess, and …::He grinned.:: Do you like old movies? Old Earth movies I mean? Sorani:Why would I watch Earth movies? We have our own culture. ::Smiling:: I am rather fond of molecular gastronomy, but I wasn’t able to bring any equipment for it. We do spontaneous things too like dancing... it’s an approved outlet for creative expression. ::Feeling a little calmer.:: Mancuso: Just curious. I like the old movies myself. Sounds like you won’t be as ….uptight, no offense intended there, as you first seemed. Sorani: Well I must admit you did catch me at a bad moment. I know it’s hard on the crew, my being here. It’s a little hard for me too. Mancuso: Oh? Anybody I know give you the unfriendly welcome? Sorani: Well I’ve had some very good welcomes... Lt Tan and one of my own, an Ensign Ben’thal. Others have been reserved, I wouldn’t say hostile but then one in particular was just... outrageous. Mancuso: Well just wait. Penny took it hard, but she seems really bubbly. I don’t really know her all that well actually. And Tan is a good enough fellow. So...who was the outrageous one? I just love good ship gossip. Sorani: I’m not sure I want to talk about it, but then I guess since everyone in the lounge just witnessed it... If you had been just 5 minutes quicker you would have too. Mancuso: Oh wow. In front of everybody eh? Sorani: Yes. An old acquaintance who should know better than anyone else aboard! ::Getting annoyed again.:: Mancuso: Hmmm...uptight...should know better...maybe it was our Intel guy. He rubs people kind of funny. Strange guy if you ask me. Or maybe it was Kagran. Marines are always kind of strange...and being a Klingon...well....::He chuckled.:: I don’t mean to laugh. It’s just I can certainly picture one of those two. They aren’t exactly big on social graces. Sorani: This was not the work of any Klingon. Don’t even mention the Klingons. ::Thinking for a minute.:: Say... can you delete holo programs off the system, like permanently? Mancuso: Holo programs? Sure. Depending on the source codes complexity it might be quick and easy or it may be a little challenge. But it’s pretty simple. I’ve hidden more than one holo program from my parents in my youth. Sorani: Well there is one. It’s got a pug-ugly ferengi in it. Rik I think. I’m not sure... Uhhh Rik Fabric or something like that. I don’t know what the actual program is called though - it could be anything. I guess that doesn’t really help much. Mancuso: So...you want the code altered? I can just remove him instead of changing the whole program if you prefer? Sorani: Let me say it like this. I never want to see that wretched creation again! Mancuso: Oh I can find out which program it is easy enough. ::He smiled and shook his head.:: Full deletion it is then. Sorani: Look at me, I am not even here for a day and already I am burdening you with chores! How bad of me... Mancuso: ::Laughing.:: Now that is a first. Someone who actually is sympathetic to the plight of the engineer. ::He glanced around.:: That makes you the first one. ::He waved a dismissive hand.:: But don’t fret about it. If you weren’t lining up work for me, somebody else would. Sorani: Well, I don’t know about that. Mancuso: Anyway...I’ll get this shower sorted out for you, and then I’ll handle your little holographic friend. Fair enough? Sorani: Of course! ::Tipping her head slightly and smiling:: Mancuso: And in return, you just ignore anything anybody says about me being a womanizing weirdo. Deal? Sorani: Uhhm, are you serious? Mancuso: Well...no not really. Ok...maybe the weirdo part. Sorani: Weirdo.... ? Mancuso: I’m sort of the village outcast. And that IS a truly long story that I’d rather not get into. Sorani: ::Scratching the back of her neck and wondering why he brought up the topic if he didn’t want to discuss it. Was it really a prompt for her to probe further? She decided to play it safe as usual and take it as face value.:: As you wish. Another time perhaps... Lt.(jg) Jack Mancuso Chief Engineer USS Avandar and Lt Cmdr Sorani Chief Science Officer USS Avandar Jason B. "It's only after we've lost everything that we're free to do anything."

( Turbolift-Corridor- Personal Quarters)) Mancuso: And in return, you just ignore anything anybody says about me being a womanizing weirdo. Deal? Sorani: Uhhm, are you serious? Mancuso: Well...no not really. Ok...maybe the weirdo part. Sorani: Weirdo.... ? Mancuso: I’m sort of the village outcast. And that IS a truly long story that I’d rather not get into. Sorani: ::Scratching the back of her neck and wondering why he brought up the topic if he didn’t want to discuss it. Was it really a prompt for her to probe further? She decided to play it safe as usual and take it as face value.:: As you wish. Another time perhaps... Mancuso: Sure. Another time. With a lot of drinks. Then we can talk all about Eden and blowing stuff up. oOEden? Blowing stuff up!?Oo ::Sorani suddenly found herself VERY curious indeed. She wanted the full story, right now. She would definitely have to find out about this!:: Sorani: Sounds like something you need to see a counselor over... ::Raising an eyebrow.:: Mancuso: I don’t do counselors very well. I tend to vent to ...well friends. And I like to think that we can be friends. Sorani: Do you mean you and I... or the crew in general? Mancuso: Well, I meant you and I. Not as if I don’t want you to make friends among the crew, but I was thinking rather selfishly. ::He shrugged.:: See a counselor would analyze that very statement. Which is what I find disturbing about them. And with our old Counselor off to...wherever....that leaves Percy, and don’t even get me going about having to share my deepest thoughts with that guy. Sorani: I admire the honesty but what’s wrong with Percy? Where I come from if it is decided you need a counselor, then you go. There is no choice in the matter, it must be done. Only the truly ill would refuse anyway, which is just more reason that they must go... Mancuso: Oh it’s nothing like that. I just.....he cracks me up, ok? I laugh when I get around him. That makes seeing him as a professional counselor a bit tough.. Sorani: If that is how people feel then he must be inadequate. Get a replacement. Mancuso: I tried that. Hence how I know about erasing holo programs. Ever hear of Sigmund Freud? Total nut case. Not a very good psychiatrist. Thought everything centered around my relationship to my parents. Sorani: Sounds like he had an obsession himself. Not the kind of person I would trust for proper and balanced readjustment. Mancuso: Hey I did say I was creative at finding solutions. Sorani: Indeed you did! ::Sounding cheery and bright.:: Mancuso: You have any other ….talents I should know about? I had a raging hangover a little while ago, but it really is feeling better. You don’t subconsciously heal people or anything like that do you? Sorani: ::A little uncertainly:: Uhhm. No. Healing is not my branch. Mancuso: Ah well. Suppose a little time does wonders. Sorani: Perhaps. I couldn’t really say without... more data. Mancuso: ::Throwing an arm around her back and urging her along.:: So..lead on. Let’s fix this shower of yours. And we can keep getting acquainted while we’re at it. Sorani: ::Making her way to the turbolift:: Good. It will be a relief to get that sorted out, I just hope i’m not keeping you from more important matters... or a break. Mancuso: Nope. Chief Engineer. I picked this shower fix because I was curious about it. And I must say, it has proven well worth my time. Sorani: Ah, thanks I think. ::Wanting to change the topic:: So tell me more about yourself. Mancuso: But if the turbolift goes out, you can listen while I read an Ensign the riot act. :: He rubbed his head.:: Me? Well.....I’m just a simple guy really. Came straight from the country life to the Academy and then to the Avandar. I have a knack for fixing things, so it just seemed the right path. Although if you ask me, there are a hundred other engineers out there better than me. But, I manage ok. Sorani: It takes time to grow and develop your branch, and some bloom earlier than others. As long as you stay true to your branch, that’s all you have to do. Mancuso: My Dad hated the idea of me joining Starfleet. I even waited a year to go to the Academy. But, look at me now. Sorani: ::She did just that. She did take a good look at him. He looked just like a humanoid in an engineering uniform.:: Yes... Mancuso: What about you? Your parents support you being off in space? Sorani: I am following my branch so they support it. My mentor will keep in regular contact to check on my progress and help me with any difficulties that may arise. He will keep my blood parents and contacts informed. Mancuso: That’s nice. Call me crazy if you want, but I’m not so sure I’d have been as creative if my Father loved the idea. I think part of the fun was building things when I was younger just to drive him crazy. He’s a veterinarian. An animal doctor. I think he wanted me to try my hand at medicine too, but machines are...well, easier than people sometimes. ::Sorani wasn’t sure what to make of this. Was the parent trying to keep the child from realising his branch or did the child grow into a different branch through rebellion. She thought she would have to consult the Fallen Branch on this topic, failing that her mentor would know what was right. She knew his culture was not her culture, such a thing could not happen in her culture.:: Sorani: Go on... Mancuso: So....two missions later, and I got a nice promotion and the Captain made me Chief Engineer. Well.....one mission. One and a half? I’m not really sure how that counts actually. Sorani: Are you losing track of time? Mancuso: Well that brings us back to the Eden thing. ::He shook his head.:: That was a mess really. Sorani: Eden. ::Remembering he didn’t want to talk about it.:: Another time right? Mancuso: Well.....actually the easiest way to explain that. We, and by we I mean the entire crew....had a very vivid, very long dream. Only it didn’t feel like a dream. And we were on this planet Eden...in our dream...for like ten years. Sorani: Remarkable. Mancuso: And some of us did....some not so good things. Sorani: Such as? Mancuso: Oh...mutiny. Attempting to kill the Captain. Not me mind you. Well....not trying to kill the Captain at least. Sorani: I understand why you didn’t want to talk about it then. Mancuso: So...I spent all those years trying to prove something. And then we woke up, and you know what? It’s not any different. I feel like I still have something to prove. Sorani: I see why you would feel that way. Mancuso: And Evanna understood that. And now....well....I feel kind of lost. Sorani: So you shared a unique situation with her. Mancuso: And you weren’t there, so it’s easy to talk to you about it. If that makes any sense. Sorani: Perhaps because I didn’t experience it, wasn’t involved I am inpartial. I am not looking at it with a bias based on an experience on Eden? Mancuso: I’m not sure why I can’t just let it go. Seems kind of crazy doesn’t it? Sorani: No. You said you feel you have something to prove. I think once you achieve that somehow you will resolve your feelings. Mancuso: Yeah. Maybe. Sorani: ::Touching his shoulder at the base of his neck in a reassuring gesture:: Have faith. Give yourself small goals. Some things to do to start to redeem yourself and give it time. Mancuso: Well, you haven’t experienced the joy of our [...]ed off first officer yet. That woman scares me sometimes. I thought about talking to the Captain about it, but then T’Lea might get involved or, she would order me to see the Counselor. Or, if she thought I was unfit for duty....::He shook his head.:: It’s enough to make you paranoid. Sorani: If she thought you were unfit for duty you would not be standing there. Did you say you were promoted after Eden? Mancuso: Yes. Which is even crazier. I spent some time wondering if I even really deserved it. Sorani: In my culture I think you would need your attitude readjusted. They clearly have forgiven you. You must forgive yourself. Mancuso: ::He chuckled.:: In my culture an attitude adjustment is usually a good beating. Well, at least it used to be. Besides, I’m happy doing my work, and the ship stays running....mostly. So, it seems fair enough if I have my little mental ticks. Sorani: Just give yourself room to grow. Let a little of the first Rays in from time to time. Nourish your roots, cleanse your leaves. ::Nodding sagely.:: Mancuso: Whoa. That was a little deep. ::He shrugged.:: So now you know...way more about me. What about you? Sorani: ::Mimicking his shrug and stepping into the turbolift:: Roots run deep. ::She scratched her ear idly while considering his question:: Well there isn’t much to know about me other than what’s been said. I received a standardised upbringing, took a fall year in a forensics lab. I followed that branch for a few years before expanding a little. Mancuso: Boring. I meant about you. Not how you came to be here. You know? Like what do you like to do for fun? What’s your favorite color? That sort of thing. Sorani: ::Bristling a little at the insult.:: I believe I have already stated my hobbies. Mancuso: That was a little direct of me wasn’t it? Sorry. Seems my own people skills need a little work. Sorani: I am not used to interacting with your species. Mancuso: Oh humans? We aren’t so bad. Well...actually maybe we are, but you get used to us. Sorani: You state a fact and then change your mind. So what are you trying to tell me? Mancuso: I just embrace the fact that to other species we probably seem odd. Sorani: I would say different, not necessarily odd. Perhaps that’s overly picky of me. ::Turning a little pink.:: I like to be precise about things where possible. Mancuso: Wow...that would get difficult. We aren’t exactly a precise species. There is a lot of grey when you deal with humans. Most of the precise people I know saw things in terms of black and white. Sorani: I see a full range of colours, green, red, blue, yellow... not just Black, white or grey. My eyesight is a little hindered during the day, in brighter conditions. ::Trailing off:: Mancuso: Well, it’s an analogy. It means something else. You really are precise. And literal. Sorani: As I said, I am not used to dealing with your kind. I am not familiar with your phrases. We tend to say what we mean in simple terms. Mancuso: This....::He laughed and shook his head.:: is going to be more challenging than I thought. Sorani: What do you mean? Mancuso: Well, first humans use a lot of analogy. And metaphors. You should probably brace yourself for that. It takes getting used to. And to make it worse, the metaphors change based on where a human is from. ::He paused and smiled at her.:: I am going to have to teach you all about the weirdness of being human aren’t I? Sorani: That sounds as much fun as sleeping on a bed of poisoned chokeweed. I mean the part about human use of language. The part about spending time with you, well... ::Smiling:: it should be interesting. Mancuso: I think you have your own metaphors. Unless you really meant the part about sleeping on chokeweed. Sorani: I wouldn’t dream of sleeping on chokeweed. Well I guess I might but it would be classified as a nightmare. That plant is called chokeweed for a reason. Mancuso: Or not. ::He sighed.:: Well, then I guess I’d better educate you about metaphors that humans like, before someone tells you something is ‘easy as pie’. Sorani: ::Stepping out of the turbolift and getting her bearings.:: Easy as pie!? ::Confused:: What does that even mean? Is that some strange mathematical reference? Perhaps it is not too late to file some emergency transfer papers... ::Sighing heavily. This new assignment was intriguing and frustrating in equal measures.:: Mancuso: ::He chuckled.:: No, it just means something is very simple. We compare things, sometimes unusually, to get across a certain point. My Uncle was a master of it. For example he said I would enjoy ice cream as much as a fat tick likes a lazy dog. Sorani: ::Staring at him and then choosing to head towards her quarters:: Very strange habits your people have acquired. Mancuso: Yeah, I’ll admit it is kind of strange. See...I told you humans were weird. ::Sorani was feeling very awkward. She wondered if other species had this much trouble interacting with humans. She didn’t think she would ever get the hang of it. They could stand there and make jokes about her in front of her face and she would be oblivious. She reflected that this must be the product of an unstructured culture. It felt as though she did not belong here and she was increasingly wishing to go back to Azure Station.:: Sorani: Are there many humans on board? ::If she was lucky there would only be a handful to deal with. Then she could avoid unnecessary interaction with them.:: Mancuso: Lucky for you this ship has more Trill than anything. Well, I suppose there are quite a few humans, but it will get easier the more you are around me....them...er, I mean us.... Sorani: Uhhm, maybe. Time will tell. Mancuso: Sorry. I met a fellow who told me about one culture where a casual conversation led to one of his shipmates gaining a life partner. ::He shrugged.:: And you are the first of your species that I’ve ever met, so...I guess everyone adjusts. Sorani: The branch that doesn’t bend in the wind will break. I suppose you are right. Mancuso: I’m probably not the best choice for your first contact with a human. But I assure you, you will fit right in. Sorani: It will take time. Even the seedling needs time to take hold before it can really grow. Mancuso: Very well put. ::Sorani looked at all the numbers on the doors as she wandered down the corridor in search of her own. When she found it she paused, looking at the number, wanting to be sure she’d got the right one.:: Sorani: Well here we are I guess. ::Going to open the door.:: Mancuso: Well look at that. I have my own quarters only a short walk from here. Sorani: Really? Are all the senior staff up here then? We’ll be like... ::looking for the word:: neybores then? Mancuso: I’m not sure about all the senior staff. But you have the right word anyway. I know Eerie has quarters around here too. Tan as well. So..that’s probably right. I spend more time in Engineering than I do here anyway. Those chairs down there are pretty comfortable to sleep in. Sorani: If you say so but I do not plan on sleeping perched upon a lab stool. Mancuso: Yeah. I wouldn’t recommend that either. Sorani: ::Ushering him inside:: Come in then. Mancuso: So...do you have more things coming or is this it? ::He looked around the room.:: Sorani: This is it. I had to leave in a very big hurry to intercept USS Halo and those runabouts. Very hurried... ::Not wanting to mention the circumstances that had brought about the fast turnaround in staff.:: Mancuso: Well...that’s ok. Everyone has their own taste in decor. ::He looked around the corner.:: So this must be the offending shower then? ::Sorani frowned and scrunched up her nose. She’d never said this was by choice and it certainly was not a reflection upon her taste in anything. She chose to remain quiet rather than cause a stir.:: Sorani: Yes. ::Flatly. Approaching the restroom doorway and looking at the shower with distaste.:: Mancuso: ::He grabbed for the tricorder and held it up.:: Ok...I need to turn it on and measure the frequency. You going to be ok for a second while I do that? Sorani: Can’t I be somewhere else for this? The noise isn’t simply distasteful you know, it causes ear ache and migraine. Mancuso: Oh. Yes, yes. I can definitely spare you all of that then. Shall I give you a ring once I have it fixed up. And that metaphor means call you over the comm by the way. Sorani: Didn’t you need data from me before you can fix this? Mancuso: Well...I do need your authorization for your medical record. So I can compare frequencies. Sorani: I will grant you limited access. It will be sufficient however. I will fill in the required forms. Mancuso: That’s fine. I only need to know if your hearing is in the normal range for your species before I consult the database. Then I can get an idea of what range I need to get it in. Sorani: Understood. Once you have completed the repair I will require you to run a test in my presence to ensure it is working as planned, before I can sign off on it. Mancuso: Of course. Unless you want me back fixing or adjusting it every week. ::He smiled.:: I’m kidding. I wouldn’t think of letting you sign off any other way. ::Sorani realised she’d fallen into her old habit of telling people things they already knew again and turned a little pink.:: Sorani: Ah, that’s fortunate. Thank you. Mancuso: Well, it is my job. But..you’re quite welcome. Sorani: Very well. I’ll go attend to those forms then and see if I can make myself useful somewhere. ::She turned to leave, wanting to get away before he decided to turn the shower on before she was out of range to hear it.:: Mancuso: Ok. It was nice meeting you. Really. And, perhaps we can talk again. ::He shrugged.:: Anyway, I’ll find you once I’m done to test it out. Sorani: ::Pausing in the doorway:: Thank you. It’s been... interesting. I would like for us to talk again some time too. Good day to you. ::Jack watched her go. She was odd, but then so was he. And it wasn’t as if Jack was all that familiar with her species. Still, she seemed nice enough, and that was enough. He didn’t exactly warm up to people right away, but she hadn’t outright dismissed his offer of talking again. He turned back to the shower, snatching up the PaDD and pulling up the medical database. Their hearing really was sensitive.:: Mancuso: Well. Looks like it’s just me and you, you bad old loud shower you. (( A little while later )) ::He looked nervously at the shower and then back at her.:: Mancuso: So, the baffle I installed reads well below your range of hearing, but....the big test is to turn it on. Sorani: I know. I’ve been fretting about it a little. Would you mind switching it on? ::He turned the shower on, and turned to watch her, his hand kept right by the control.:: ::Sorani automatically winced and tensed up in anticipation of something, but when nothing came and she realised it was in fact quiet in the room she relaxed again.:: Mancuso: Well? Sorani: You’re not playing a joke on me are you? My mentor warned me about that and I’ve already been victim of one today... Mancuso: Nope. I got the frequency right out of the range that your information specified, and then baffled it. It should keep the noise even further muted, while allowing the shower to serve its purpose. It was really simple. Just find the right frequency and then soundproof it a little further. Sorani: ::Delighted:: Well done! ::She lunged at him to give him a big hug of appreciation and then remembered her mentor telling her that some species didn’t like those kind of gestures at all, that she probably shouldn’t use them. She peeled herself off him, patting his shoulder apologetically.:: Sorani: Sorry, that probably wasn’t very appropriate. Mancuso: No..that was quite ok. I’m just glad I was able to fix it. Sorani: I’m so glad I don’t have to suffer a water based showering system. That was a rather cunning solution. I can’t wait to try it out properly. ::Very pleased.:: Mancuso: And I’m glad you like it. ::He smiled rather embarrassed.:: I guess I should get moving so you can enjoy your..shower. ::Sorani had considered asking him to stay for a cup of coffee or something but decided against it. She didn’t want to press upon his time any further and she suspected he’d had a big enough dose of her for the time being anyway.:: Sorani: Alright then, thank you. Talk to you later. Mancuso: Definitely. Perhaps next time we can talk over coffee instead of a noisy shower though. ::He took up his tools, and turned to leave.:: Oh...and welcome to the Avandar. I hope you will be happy here. ::Sorani tipped her head forward in acknowledgement as he left her quarters.:: Lt.(jg) Jack Mancuso Chief Engineer USS Avandar and Lt Cmdr Sorani Chief Science Officer USS Avandar Jason B. "It's only after we've lost everything that we're free to do anything."

((Starbase 118/Outside MacLaren's door) ::Joseph stood outside Johanna's door wondering if he should just go to medical and get fixed up there. He knew she was a sensitive person and he didn't want her see him bruised and bleeding.:: oO She'll see the report anyways, she's a doctor here. She might be upset you didn't come to see her.Oo ::Joseph took stock of what damage he took during the altercation. He had a cut cheek, a bruised forearm and severely swollen, possibly broken hand. He felt a mixture of pain and excitement. He couldn't help but want more, which was a part of him that always scared him; he always tried to keep those feelings buried. Joseph went between wanting to hit the chime button on the door panel and turning about and marching himself to medical. He finally realized that it was less medical attention he wanted and more her attention.:: oO But she'll freak if she sees me this way...what do I do?... I want to see her again... I need to see her again.Oo :: Joseph tried desperately to fight against the urges moving his finger towards her door panel.:: oO Oh Johanna I need to see you again. Oo :: He pushed the door chime and waited.:: oO What's taking so long?Oo ::Johanna hung up the clothing she'd worn to the party and stood in just her underwear trying to decide whether to shower this evening or in the morning. She'd just turned on the water when Hope barked and ran toward the sitting room. She turned off the water and listened. ::He pushed the door chime again and waited. He began to wonder if she was waiting behind the door for him to leave. :: MacLaren: Hope, hush! Oo Who could that be?...Only Lt. James and Joseph ken Eh'm here...He's come back! Maybe he'll ask me to go somewhere with him tomorrow. Laird, Eh'm not dressed!oO ::She quickly reached for a silk robe and knotted the belt around her waist pulling the top closed to some level of decency and ran to the door.:: ::Joseph was about to push a third time, but at that instant the door sprung open and there she was, in a house coat that clung to the curves of her body. She had such a shocked look on her face he began to wonder if he had made the right decision.:: ::In that instant her elation at seeing him transformed to clinical concern; her doctor's eyes took in all the injuries. The cut on his cheek was bleeding freely making streaks down to his collar. A contusion was already forming around the wound promising to leave an angry bruise.Oo Possible fracture to the cheek, check for neck injury or head wound. Did he fall when he was hit? Arm is being cradled, possible break?oO :: Joseph! Oh my Laird! What happened to ye? Let me help you! Come in! ::Joseph was surprised at the change in her eyes; they had gone from the warm caring eyes he knew from earlier that evening to the analytical doctor eyes that seemed to view him as just another patient.:: :: She put a surprisingly strong arm around him and guided him into the room before he could even reply.:: Sit down here; put your feet up, and let me get a towel. ::She disappeared, and the next thing Joseph heard was the sound of water running. The little dog put a tentative paw on his leg as if to give some comfort.:: oO I knew this was a bad idea, I've gone a from kind man to a trauma ward patient, and now the dog feels sorry for Mister Scary Shoes, great.Oo ::MacLaren was back with a wet cloth and a small black bag hanging from a strap on her shoulder. It pulled her dressing gown open a little, but she pulled it quickly back in place as she knelt by his side.:: Eh'll try not to hurt you. ::Joseph seriously doubted that she could do anything to hurt him; he was concerned with the image now in front of the beautiful flower in front of him.:: :: Gently she put the towel that had been soaked in cold water against the throbbing cheek wound.:: Tell me what happened. Dubeau: Well... ummm... I was involved in an altercation; a Nausicaan tried to rob me. :: As he spoke, she held the towel against his cheek with one hand and deftly opened her case with the other. She pulled out a small flash light and directed the beam to his eyes and then away a couple of times. She put it down and ran her fingers around his head searching the back for some swelling that might indicate he'd fallen during the fight and taken a blow to the head.:: A Nausecan? Was he apprehended? Did ye call security? Did no one help you? Dubeau: I don't know if they got him, it all happened very quickly, I did advise security. MacLaren: Your poor hand! Let me see it. :: She took out a tricorder and her brows furrowed as she looked at the readings as she held it over the hand and the arm.:: Your hand is broken in two places. It must hurt like the Devil. ::Looking down at her, Joseph was heart broken to see the look of concern in her beautiful eyes; all Joseph wanted to do was hold her close, that would make the little bit of pain go away.:: Dubeau: Don't worry about me Johanna, it doesn't hurt that much. MacLaren knew the pain must be severe. She could not help but admire his courage. She wanted to say that, but she feared he would mask other wounds:: Marines never admit to pain. Let me make it better. We'll need to go to Sick Bay to set this properly. ::She reached for a protoplaser to mend the cheek wound. This was a small, basic unit for an emergency kit, so it would take longer. She administered a hypospray of painkiller first and then turned back to his hand. Hands were delicate. She held it and carefully felt the bones. In those moments, she could feel the whirlwind of his emotions.:: ::Joseph felt total excitement at the feel of her hand, thinking of the excitement from the fight and the excitement being near her again rushed through his body. Then all of a sudden she stared at his eyes as if in shock.:: ::Her eyes locked on his, the long lashes no longer shading their color in this direct gaze. Then she looked down at the hand she was holding and then back at his eyes. She could feel the excitement running through him as if it were an electrical current:: You are excited! You enjoyed this fight...ye might have been killed! ::The look of fear in her eyes cut him straight to the core.:: Dubeau: I'm sorry Johanna...it's a natural reaction...my training takes over. I am a soldier. ::His heart dropped at the moment he saw her concern for him go away; she took her hand away and began going through her med kit.:: oO She can't even bare to look at me. Why would a wonderful being like that want to be with a trained killer?Oo MacLaren:Oo He's a soldier, brave and steeled to danger. He'll always be taking risks that could endanger him. He probably never even thought to call for help against a Nausican! Eh should be detached; Eh'm his doctor now, and he needs care, not my emotions.oO :: Johanna got up quickly without saying a word, she grabbed her black bag and fixed her house coat and started out of the room.:: Oo Eh have to take him to Sick Bay. If there is much more swelling, it will be impossible to set that hand properly. Eh willna let his hand be ruined. He has such beautiful hands.oO Dubeau: Whe...where...? oO She can't even stand to be in the same room as me now, nice one man.Oo ::Joseph got up feeling an urge to follow, but he knew she wouldn't feel comfortable with him intruding. Just then Hope came to Joseph's feet and put her paws on Joseph's shoe, he looked down to find the dog starring up at him.:: Oo Mr. Scary Shoes is hurt; mom is worried. Good dog will help; keep him calm while help comes. That's my job. Not so scary; just shoes, nice human. Pick me up, pet me, feel better...he can't understand me!oO She tried to put more weight on his shoe, but Joseph only looked away. ::In the bedroom, Johanna quickly retrieved her uniform from the closet. Oo Act like a doctor, Johanna. Ye have too many feelings for him; ye've just met. Think of what they'd say about this kind of thing on Vulcan, even StarFleet Medical. Ye shouldna treat people when there is an emotional involvement. How did this marine get into your heart and mind this way in a few hours anyway! He doesna need a dance partner now; he needs a doctor. He came here for medical help. Ye canna get involved with him; ye canna get involved with anyone.oO ::A little while later Johanna came out dressed in uniform, Joseph watched as she moved frantically about her apartment.:: ::MacLaren's mind and body were working together now with the swift disciplined process she'd learned in trauma situations. There had been a Borg attack on the colony where she'd interned. There was no time for feelings then, only triage and immediate aid. Moving rapidly, she gathered a fresh towel and folded it as a cushion for his hand and another for ice, her tricorder to have the record of its readings on his wounds, the record of the medicine she'd given him, the protoplaser that had his cheek looking better, and finally a shoe that had somehow gotten under a chair, no doubt with Hope's help.:: MacLaren: How are ye feeling? Has the pain lessened? I can call for an internal beam-out. Oo I canna bear for you to be in any more pain.oO Dubeau: oO I don't go anywhere; I need to explain those sensations you felt.Oo Just wait a second. MacLaren: Replicator. Make ice. I'll wrap some of that in a towel for your hand, then we'll go. ::He tried desperately to get her from running around getting things together for their trip to sickbay.:: MacLaren: Joseph, we need to get you to Sick Bay to treat that hand before it swells anymore. Hope, you stay. I'll be back soon. ::Using her doctor's voice, she tapped her combadge:: Dr. MacLaren requesting Internal beam out to Sick Bay from Deck 1202 Apartment 234D Block 84. Prepare for orthopaedic scan and treatment. EMH: Confirmed. In a flash the tingling sensation of a transporter beam grabbed the two of them. As they materialized, an EMH approached and greeted them. ::Lietuenant Dubeau has been injured. Eh will need to scan his hand. Eh want a cranial analysis as weel. Oo Eh'll not have him suffer some bleed in the brain because Eh failed to check properly for injury. A blow to the head by a Nausican can do a good deal of damage. He's looking pale. Oh! ... a poison scan.oO ::Avoiding Dubeau's eyes to prevent their distraction:: MacLaren: Eh'm also going to do a toxicity scan. Medieval Terran archers used to urinate on their arrows in hopes of causing sickness in those they wounded. Nausicans have been known to treat the studs on their clothing with poisons. oO She's avoiding eye contact. Great, you ruined something wonderful between you and her, man just great... she's so beautiful.Oo Dubeau: Jo...ummm...doctor I don't think that's necesary, I... MacLaren: I'm being thorough. ::She took his hand gently forcing down the sensations that touching him and caring for him caused. Oo Eh want to ken exactly what he is thinking and feeling. It is all Eh can do to keep from looking into his mind although it is the worst ethical violation, the verra reason people fear telepaths.oO ::As they moved to the biobed, she busied herself with the readings. She took his hand and looking only at it, said:: These bones will heal weel. Eh will mend them now, but dinna do anything too stressful with the hand for a few days. No Vulcan Martial Arts until they've been checked again. Oo No brain injury. Arm is only bruised. No injury to the cheek bone. Vulcan Martian Arts! He kens how to protect himself; he's a skilled soldier, a brave man, a man who deserves better than someone who may never be able to touch him without violating the privacy of his mind.oO Dubeau: ::Joseph looked at her longingly,:: Doctor...::a weight pushed his heart into the depths of his core. He wanted to say so much, but knew she didn't want to hear it. She turned from a caring, loving being to a sterile, unemotional...doctor. He decided to be professional knowing that he would have to work with her sometime, but it would break his heart every time he would see her or be close to her.:: :: In moments, the protoplaser and dermal regenerator had done their work. There was no further reason to hold his hand or touch his cheek. She allowed herself to look up and managed a very professional tone,:: There now, ye should be feeling much better. Eh'll ask ye to rest tonight. If ye have any discomfort, call ....there is someone on call all night.Oo Someone Eh should have notified and called on instead of treating him myself when Eh canna seem to keep my emotions under control when Eh touch him.oO Dubeau: ::Joseph gave a heavy, shacking sigh. He chocked the words out.:: Thank you. ::Looking at those beautiful eyes he realized that his newest and probably first love was now gone.:: MacLaren felt the shields in her mind weakening. She could not, would not betray him in this way. It was clear that he was more than kind; he was attracted to her as she was to him, but he deserved someone who was not what her father had called disabled, what a Vulcan had once called a telepathic mutant. During her studies and internship, she had isolated herself, denied herself most human companionship. She had proven she could block out the thousands of minds that surrounded her, but now within a few hours of her first real posting, Lt. Joseph Dubeau was wreaking havoc with her defenses. She wanted nothing more than to let him put his arms around her and hold her, but she was terrified of losing the hard won silence in her mind, of the deluge of thousands of minds rushing in like a mad cacophony that would not stop.:: MacLaren: Eh must go. Good night, Jos...Good night Lt. Dubeau. ::She tried to make a stately, professional exit, but she was almost at a run by the time she'd reached the exit. As soon as the doors closed behind her, she did run as fast as she could from the marine who had so successfully and swiftly stormed the beaches of her heart, the one who deserved so much better a person than she. EMH: Is there anything more Lt? Dubeau: ::Analyzing and burning the last moment he saw Johanna in his memory delayed his answering.:: Nothing. ::At that Joseph got up and returned to his quarters, feeling as though his heart had been torn out.:: oO Goodbye Johanna.Oo Ensign Johanna MacLaren Doctor & 2nd Lt. Joseph Dubeau Marine pilot Starbase 118/USS Victory

((Matthews’ Quarters-Deck Four-USS Mercury)) ::Alexander walked out of his bathroom just after taking a shower he was a little nervous about meeting Jade Shryker from the Drake. Askade had met her while she was the counselor on the Independence. He walked over to the closet, taking out his dress white uniform, he looked over to the shelf, and pulled out the other black box, that held his medal for bravery. He took it out of the box and pinned it in the correct place on his jacket. He laid the jacket on the bed , the pants and sat down to look at his pictures of the crews that he has served with. He used the towel to dry off, then stood up to put on his undergarments and the uniform pants. He pulled on the uniform shirt, and sat down to put on his boots. He thought about the last time he put on this uniform, he and Arden attended the service for Lt. Evanna Blackwood.:: ::He looked over to the picture of the Avander crew and smiled at her image. He closed his eyes with the image of her in his mind, and let her go, as he opened them again and grabbed the jacket. He walked over to the mirror, put on the jacket and made sure that everything was in the correct place. He stood there looking at himself making sure that he was ready to meet this woman that he had heard about. He turned and walked to the door, heading to the ship’s arboretum for some flowers.:: ((Holodeck Two-Deck Four-USS Mercury)) ::Askade stood outside of the holodeck with Audie by her side waiting for Alexander to appear. It had been over a year since she had seen Jade, she sent the message that she wanted her to meet Alexander the day before. She has been worried about him ever since they left the Avandar. He has really done nothing but work constantly. Hardly any time off at all, she really does wonder if he has the traits of a Klingon at times. She looked over to see as he walked towards her, she could see that he was very nervous with the flowers in his hand. She smiled, knowing that he would walk through fire to save a life. When it came to women, he was shy.:: D’ciq: ::Raising an eyebrow.:: Well now don’t you look like the officer I met a few months ago. Very nice indeed. ::Watching him fuss with the collar of his uniform.:: Stop fussing you look fine. Jade is a very beautiful woman. She’s tough and lot’s of fun to be with. ::Looking at him intensely.:: You my dear friend need someone fun in your life. Here look at this picture of her. ::Handing him the PADD.:: Matthews: ::Tugging at his collar.:: Thank you, I’m nervous Askade. ::He looked down to the PADD, his eyes opened wide as he looked upon the beauty of Jade. The eyes and the face of a very beautiful woman. The long flowing hair, the features of a goddess before him. He looked back up to Askade, and saw the smile on her face.:: This is Jade? D’ciq: ::Laughing.:: Yes, that is my friend Jade. What do you think? ::Raising her eyebrow.:: ::Alexander stood there speechless, there were no words to describe the beauty that his eyes held before him.:: Matthews: ::stuttering.:: She is beautiful Askade. ::Feeling anxious to meet this woman.:: When can I meet her ? ::Thinking to himself that was a dumb question, just then the holodeck computer announced the connection to the Drake was completed.:: Computer: =/\=Program and virtual connection complete. You may enter when ready.=/\= ::The doors opened to reveal a small but lush garden on Earth near the coast of North Carolina looking out to the ocean, with a cool breeze coming in from east. Looked to see the sun on the horizon still above it, but just about to set. The sky was turning to the familiar dusk colors of purple and burnt orange. In the center of the garden, there is a table with chairs. They are made of wicker, with a small cooking table over to the left. He and Askade walk into the holodeck, looking around to make sure that everything is perfect.:: ::All of a sudden there was the sound of the holodeck doors opening again. They both turned and looked at the woman that walked into the garden. Her silhouette glided across the garden towards them, Alexander just stood there as he looked upon the beauty of the lovely woman named Jade Elizabeth Shryker.:: (Holodeck – USS Drake) ::Jade was nervous to meet this man, but her friend Askade from the Independence had said real nice things about him. Jade had made a real effort to look her best - and walk without limping. The wounds she’d just received in the explosion on the Drake were tightly bound. The Doc had done a great job of patching her up. She hoped it wasn’t going to put Alex off and he would like what he saw. Wearing a short, figure-hugging black dress, with short sleeves, and black strappy heels, she walked towards him, her hair bouncing as she walked. She smiled at him. He was real cute. Tall, tanned with deep dark eyes. She spotted a long pony tail. A stallion for her.:: ::Alexander looked at her in awe as she approached him. the way she moved as if she floated on the air. He could see that she was walking with a slight limp, but still the image of her was stunning. He gazed upon her as if he was looking at an angel that came from the heavens to be by his side, he was more than happy at the sight of her in the dress she was wearing. He looked back as Askade just smiled and waved to Jade as she left the holodeck with Audie by her side. He focused upon the lady from the Drake.:: Shryker: Hey there. You must be Alex. :: she cringed as the words came out of her mouth. Who else would it be but Alex?:: Alexander: ::Smiling at her.:: Yes, Lt. Cmdr. Alexander James Matthews. It is my honor to meet you. ::Taking her hand into his and kissing it softly on the back of it, her skin was soft as satin with the gentle touch of his lips. He then presented her the flowers. :: Umm... these are for you.::Giving her the bouquet of red roses from the arboretum.:: Shryker: Thanx! They’re lovely. And thanx for inviting me and all. ::She smiled at Alex, and also D’ciq.:: Matthews: The pleasure is mine to meet such a beautiful woman, and lady. Would you like to have a seat? ::Holding his arm out to her.:: Shryker: Swell. ::She looked at the table set for two, and the sea beyond the garden. Maybe he take her for a walk along the beach after they’d eaten?:: ::Alexander stood tall over her, but he felt strong and confident around her. As he walked with her to the table, he looked into her eyes as she turned towards him. He found himself getting lost in them, he had to make sure that he was not dreaming as he pulled the chair out for her as she sat down. He pulled out a bottle of wine from the small decanter on the table into her glass. He lit the candles that were there and he looked into her eyes as the flame flickered in them. He poured himself a glass, and sat down in the chair across from he.:: Matthews:I hope that it is warm enough for you. Shryker: Sure. So__ ::nervously:: what did Askade say about me? Matthews: ::Looking directly into her eyes.:: She told me that you are strong, tough and beautiful. She was right on everything. Askade has never steered me wrong. You are so very beautiful. Shryker: :: I__ I am _ flattered. ::She gazed at this man. He was handsome. Very handsome. Her heart fluttered slightly.:: Matthews: ::Smiling.:: As you can tell, I’m nervous, but a good nervous. I’m actually starting to feel very comfortable around you already. Shryker: Me too ::smiling.:: Matthews: Not sure if Askade told you, but I was a marine, then transferred to security and tactical. She told me that you are in security also. ::Jade nodded, and sighed softly. Yes she had been in security her whole career. She had the mental and physical scars to prove it. Five times now she had cheated death at her last gasp. This Alexander seemed very special, but all it would take was one more accident or attack, and she may not be so lucky.:: Shryker: Yes, was Chief on my last ship. Matthews: But enough talk about careers, what would you like to know about me? Shryker: Oh, lots! Where do you come from, your folks, why did you join Star Fleet? Any crazy adventures. Everything! ::He stood up to start making dinner for her. He listened to her voice that calmed him as it made him feel at peace. The last few months all he has done was work and not had the time to enjoy his time off, if and when he took some time. As the sun started to set and the moon started to rise he could see the moonlight start to shine upon her face. He just started to smile at her as he finished cooking. Jade noticed this, her eyes sparkling. She loved his smile.:: Shryker: You happy that the food is ready? ::indicating his smiling face.:: Matthews: ::Taking the food off the fire, and serving it on the plate in front of her.:: I’m smiling at you. Shryker: Oooh! Matthews: ::Looking into her beautiful green eyes.:: Because you are very easy to talk to and open up too. Jade, I have not felt this comfortable in a long time. Thank you. Shryker: Thank you? What have I done? You organized all this. Matthews: For just being you. ::Serving himself his food, then sitting down to face her. Jade’s heart was pumping now. No one had ever talked to her like that, EVER EVER. :: Shryker: Oh Alex. ::She beamed with happiness.:: So, come on, tell me all about yourself. ::Jade took a sip of her drink.:: Matthews: I was born in the midwest. My parents live in Ohio. There is a valley where my house is located surrounded by mountains. It has been in my family for generations. My family has served in Starfleet, since it started. My parents are still alive and together. My family has this habit of naming us after military leaders. Myself I was named after Alexander The Great, the Macedonian King. I’m the only child, but I do have cousins and some nieces and nephews. Your turn. ::He started to eat his salad, looking directly into her eyes as the flame flickered in them.:: Shryker: Well, I was born in space. My folks were couriers oO pirates Oo and we travelled all over the galaxy. My father left us when I was very young. ::Jade bit her lip.::, but my Mom kept on working as a trade carrier. My kid brother Ryan and I helped out, even flying the shuttle at times oOand giving covering fire too Oo. Matthews: What happened to your mother? ::Noticing the pain in her eyes.:: Shryker: Mom’s gone. ::Jade held her Mother’s locket, that was around her neck. It was her only prized possession.:: Ryan’s now with family friends, he’s just a kid. Matthews: ::He watched her as she touched the locket around her neck.:: Have you seen him recently ? Shryker: No I don’t see him much. Last time was two years ago. I think he’s forgotten about me. Matthews: No, I don’t think so, he could not have forgotten you. Why would you think that ? Shryker: Maybe he thinks I should have tried harder to find Mom. But I was only 17. What could I do? Matthews: You did just what a sister should have done, be where she was needed, what happened to your mother anyway ? ::Looking at her with concern.:: Shryker: She went missing on a mission. I had to care for Ryan on my own after that. Had to do all things just to survive. ::Jade’s eyes moistened. But she quickly changed the subject.:: So, tell me about the Mercury. ::taking a mouthful of food, then keeping her head lowered, looked up at him with just her eyes.:: Matthews: ::Looking to her eyes as she talked about her mother, then seeing the tears he went along with the change in subject.:: The Mercury is a science vessel, the Oracle class. We are in the Mentar Corridor, deep space exploration. The last mission we were on we encountered the Borg. ::Taking a bite of his food.:: The Mercury is a fine ship, great captain. I work with Eyas Wulfantine he is the Chief Tactical Officer. Commander Kells is the commanding officer, Arden Cain is the first officer. Isaac Green is Chief of Security. Shryker: I remember Eyas, but the others are new to me. Matthews: Oh yes, he was on the Indy with you and Askade. He transferred from the Tiger. ::Looking at her glass.:: Would you like some more wine Jade? Shryker: Yes thanks. ::She smiled warmly at him.:: Matthews: ::Standing up as he carried the bottle over and filled her glass.:: Your welcome. After dinner would you like to take a walk on the beach ? ::Looking into her green eyes that reminded him of a jade dragon that he had seen in a museum. The soft subtle beauty of her face enchanted him.:: Shryker: The beach? I’d so love that. Not been on a beach for years. Matthews: ::Putting the bottle back in the decanter, then walking over behind her chair, helping her out of it.:: If I may have the pleasure of walking by your side ? ::Smiling.:: Shryker: The pleasure will be all mine. ::Alexander made sure that he was on the side where her noticed her limping and gave her support as they walked towards the beach into the moonlight as it reflected off the water. He held out his arm for her to hold on too as they walked into the sand.:: Shryker: Hey Alex, let me take my shoes off. Heels and sand don’t mix. ::He held on to her as she took off her shoes, she squeezed his hand tight as she held on. He sat her down to take them off making it easy for her. He felt that he should treat her as woman should be treated, with honor and respect. He helped her up, held her hand in his as they walked down to the shore line as he carried her shoes.:: Shryker: Thanx. :: He looked upon her as the moonlight shined in her hair, the gentle breeze blowing through it was they walked along the edge of the shoreline. The tide was coming in towards them, Alexander stopped and took off his boots and rolled up his uniform pants legs, took her hand in his again and walked farther along the beach in the moonlight. He stopped and turned towards her and looked into her eyes.:: Matthews: ::Touching her face gently.:: Jade, I don’t normally do this, but I feel that it’s right and I have to be honest. ::Jade’s heart fluttered. She looked up into his eyes.:: Shryker: Yes Alex? Matthews: ::Looking away for a second, then looking back into her eyes.:: When I was in the marines... there was a battle in a small system on the planet of Camis IV. I was in command of a recon unit that was to defend a Federation outpost. ::Closing his eyes and opening them again.:: We were told that the forces were of low strength and it was just a minor skirmish. When we got there most of the buildings were destroyed, most of the personnel was dead or dying. We fought our way to a hill outside of the town, and found that there were reinforcements advancing, Nausicaan raiders. ::Breathing heavily.:: During the attack my men were killed, I was hit by a phaser, and cut on my arm by a knife. I had no choice but to call in an air strike on my own position, a Broken Arrow. I was the only one that survived. ::Jade felt his pain.:: Shryker: Oh Alex, that must have been so bad. But__ I am glad you did survive. ::She smiled.:: Matthews: I was in the hospital for sometime, I have survivor's guilt. A form of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. ::Touching her face again with gentleness.:: Shryker: You must never feel guilty about that. Life must be cherished. Don’t ever forget that. ::Jade moved her head towards him.:: ::Alexander held her close and took her into his arms. He held her gently as he moved closer to her lips and kissed her softly. The smell of her perfume became stronger and even more intoxicating. The touch of her soft lips felt like satin as he continued to kiss her with a building passion. He had never given himself like this to anyone, but it felt more than right to open himself to her. He stroked her hair with gentleness as he felt himself open his passion to her deeply.:: Shryker: Alex__ ::Jade ran her fingers across his back, and pulled him closer into her. She breathed in his scent and held him tight, never breaking their kiss.:: ::Alexander felt his heart beat faster as he kissed her, he felt her pull him closer to her. It was just a holodeck program, but it was so real that he could only be enveloped in the moment. He knew that he had to be with her again.:: ::Jade knew this was in fact just a holodeck sprite, but it felt so real. She wanted it to be real. To be with this man who she had just met, but felt she had known all her life. She pulled her head back briefly, just to look into his eyes again.:: Matthews: Jade... ::Looking at her with the eyes of passion.:: May I see you again ? Shryker: Soon__ tbc Lt Jade Shryker Security - Drake & Lt. Cmdr. Alexander James Matthews Chief Of Operations USS Mercury NCC-99812