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  1. Please use this thread for any general discussion or questions about the Top Sims Contest. Do not post praise or criticism for submitted sims in this thread. Instead, post those praise or criticisms in the submitted sim's own thread.
  2. Welcome to Top Sims Contest of 2012! All announcements for the entire 2012 contest will be posted in this thread. The Top Sims contest allows members of our fleet to be recognized by their peers for superior writing ability. Unlike the Writing Challenges, this contest allows only sims that have been used in a current plot to be considered. SUBMISSION GUIDELINES You can submit ANY sim -- from your ship, or another ship. You can submit your own sims if you wish. All sims are welcome, including staff (Captain, First Officer, etc.) sims. The sim must be written with good spelling, good grammar, and be in the correct format. Poorly structured sims will be ineligible. When a sim is submitted, it must have been created within the current submission period, or the previously lapsed submission period. Put another way: do not sims which are any older than a month. Submitted sims may not have any open dialogue tags. (i.e.: [respond here]) All dialogue in the sim must be filled in. (Just find the responding author's sim and fill in the blanks.) Sims must not include any "canon" characters. (i.e.- no characters who have appeared onscreen.) Please find a balance between nominating too many, or too few sims. Don't submit every good sim -- instead, post every great sim! Also encourage your fellow crew-mates to submit at least a few sims a year. If you want your crew-mates to win more, you have to nominate the best sims, and encourage others to write higher quality sims! HOW TO SUBMIT A SIM Click the "Start New Topic" button. The format of the topic title should be as follows: For example: NOTES: Use the "Prefix" drop-down to select the round you're submitting for. Please do not clutter the topic title with an endless list of NPC or PNPC names or "JP" designations. Instead, simply include the primary character's rank and name. If it's a joint post, just include both rank and names -- no need to include the "JP" in there. COMMENTING Everyone is welcome to comment on submitted sims. If you're going to provide constructive criticism, you are required to employ the "Hamburger" criticism method: first, mention something you like; second, something you didn't like; third, something else you liked. If you just want to provide praise, no hamburger method required! Commenters who are rude, unfair, or overzealous in their commenting will be barred from future comments in the contest forum, and will have their actions brought to the attention of their CO. ABOUT THE VOTING After each round, we'll set up a vote on which of those sims deserves to go to the semi-finals. There are 3 semi-finals rounds. Semi-finals are judged by a group of staff. The top sim from each semi-final goes on to the final round to be voted-on by everyone. Please vote on sims, and encourage your crew to do the same. But remember: this is NOT a popularity contest. We welcome submissions of your crewmate's sims, but ALL sims should be rated based on their MERIT, and NOT the fact that someone is your crewmate. Any crews found "stuffing the ballots" or ratings, will be disqualified PERMANENTLY - yes, that means the whole crew! If there is a tie vote, those two sims will continue to the next round of voting for a run-off. For a vote to win the final round, at least 10% of its votes must come from a ship other than the one the sim was created on. CONTEST CALENDAR Each round has two parts: submission period and voting period. Each period of the round lasts two weeks. Round 1: Submissions: through 01-05 Voting: Tue 02-07 to Sun 02-19Round 2: Submissions: 01-06 to Sun 02-19 Voting: Mon 02-20 to Sun 03-04Round 3: Submissions: Mon 02-20 to Sun 03-04 Voting: Mon 03-05 to Sun 03-18Round 4: Submissions: Mon 03-05 to Sun 03-18 Voting: Mon 03-19 to Sun 04-01Round 5: Submissions: Mon 03-19 to Sun 04-01 Voting: Mon 04-02 to Sun 04-15Run-off Round 1 (Staff Judges Voting) Includes: Rounds 1-5 Voting: Mon 04-16 to Sun 04-29Round 6: Submissions: Mon 04-02 to Sun 04-15 Voting: Mon 04-16 to Sun 04-29Round 7: Submissions: Mon 04-16 to Sun 04-29 Voting: Mon 04-30 to Sun 05-13Round 8: Submissions: Mon 04-30 to Sun 05-13 Voting: Mon 05-14 to Sun 05-27Round 9: Submissions: Mon 05-14 to Sun 05-27 Voting: Mon 05-28 to Sun 06-10Round 10: Submissions: Mon 05-28 to Sun 06-10 Voting: Mon 06-11 to Sun 06-24Round 11: Submissions: Mon 06-11 to Sun 06-24 Voting: Mon 06-25 to Sun 07-08Round 12: Submissions: Mon 06-25 to Sun 07-08 Voting: Mon 07-09 to Sun 07-22Run-off Round 2 (Staff Judges Voting) Includes: Rounds 6-12 Voting: Mon 07-23 to Sun 08-05Round 13: Submissions: Mon 07-09 to Sun 07-22 Voting: Mon 07-23 to Sun 08-05Round 14: Submissions: Mon 07-23 to Sun 08-05 Voting: Mon 08-06 to Sun 08-19Round 15: Submissions: Mon 08-06 to Sun 08-19 Voting: Mon 08-20 to Sun 09-02Round 16: Submissions: Mon 08-20 to Sun 09-02 Voting: Mon 09-03 to Sun 09-16Round 17: Submissions: Mon 09-03 to Sun 09-16 Voting: Mon 09-17 to Sun 09-30Round 18: Submissions: Mon 09-17 to Sun 09-30 Voting: Mon 10-01 to Sun 10-14Round 19: Submissions: Mon 10-01 to Sun 10-14 Voting: Mon 10-15 to Sun 10-28Round 20: Submissions: Mon 10-15 to Sun 10-28 Voting: Mon 10-29 to Sun 11-11Run-off Round 3 (Staff Judges Voting) Includes: Rounds 13-20 Voting: Mon 11-12 to Sun 11-25FINAL ROUND (Membership Voting) Includes: Winners of Run-off Rounds 1-3 Voting: Mon 11-26 to Wed 12-26
  3. ((Transporter room 1, USS Mercury)) ::It had been a very long few weeks that Alexander would be glad to put behind him. The biggest lesson he had learned from his recent experience was that the Academy can't teach you everything you need to know to survive out on assignment. He was thankful that he now had the opportunity to learn from his mistakes and hopefully become a better man for them. He walked through the doors into Transporter room 1 and was greeted by a face he hadn't met yet. He could tell from her insignia though that she was a crewman. The young man decided to strike up a polite conversation.:: Richards: Afternoon Crewman. Well, at least i think it's afternoon. ::He smiled.:: I don't think we've been formally introduced. My name is Ensign Alexander Richards. I transferred here from the 118 Academy branch just before we departed on the latest mission. Might I ask your name? Leana: Crewman Sarah Leana sir. Richards: Well i am very pleased to make your acquaintance Crewman. Are you looking forward to Shore Leave? Leana: Yes sir. I hope to use the education facilities on board 118 to expand my knowledge on transporter systems and functions. Of course, I'll be glad for some downtime to be able to let my hair down. How about you sir? Richards: ::Smiling.:: I'm glad to hear it. I'm off to meet my wife and my child. This is probably the shortest amount of time I have been away from them. Yet it's been the hardest enforced separation. I intend to put in a request for larger quarters during Shore Leave so that my family may join me on board. Leana: I'm sure the captain will be happy to oblige sir. ::Whilst the crewman responded, Mister Richards strode across to the transporter pad.:: Richards: ::Smiling at the crewman.:: It was a pleasure speaking with you. Enjoy your shore leave. Leana: Same too you sir. ::Before Richards had a chance to utter another word, he felt the tingling sensation of the transporter and saw the blue and white light envelop him. Within mere moments he found himself on board what he considered the Federations 'Diamond in the Rough' in the Beta Quadrant.:: ((Starbase 118, Promenade, New Orleans section.)) ::The young man thanked the operator at the 118 end and walked through the door emerging on the Promenade. First time visitors were probably over whelmed by the sight of it however, Mister Richards had spent some time on the base both during his time at the Academy and after his resignation from the fleet. Of course he still felt inspired by what he saw. The promenade was bustling just as he remembered it. There would be plenty of time to check out some of his old haunts later. For now, he fixed his eyes on the nearest Turbo-lift and headed straight for it. It had been over a month since he last saw his wife and child and no man or thing was going to keep him away from them any longer.:: ::Mister Richards found himself only waiting a few minutes before the Turbo lift he had called arrived. Barring the lift getting stuck, Marissa would be in his arms in mere minutes and the ills of the universe would, at least for a time, melt away in her arms. He stepped inside the lift and spoke.:: Richards: Upper Habitat section, apartment block 147. ::The Turbo-lift whirred to life as it headed for the stated destination. Having been used to the rather short trips between decks on the Mercury, this trip seemed to take a lifetime. Of course in reality it was only a few minutes. However with the young man finally being so close to home and the comfort of his wife and son time just seemed to slow to a snail's pace.:: ((Starbase 118, upper Habitat Section, Apartment block 147.)) ::Mister Richards had a huge smile on his face as he stepped out into the corridor leading to his family's apartment. He acknowledged the Star Fleet security officer with a polite smile and a nod as he proceeded to walk down the hallway. He could feel his heart beat increasing with every step he took and his mind began to race. Moments later he was outside the door. He pressed the access panel and stated his entry code.:: Richards: Door code; Richards alpha gamma epsilon three two delta. ::The door slid open revealing the apartment. Marissa turned around and nearly dropped the bowl of cake batter she was mixing. Tears and a huge smile marked her face showing her elation at the safe return of her husband. As Alexander took one step into the room, little John Richards dropped his toy Galaxy Class star ship he had been playing with and ran across the floor like a Targ chasing it's prey. He wrapped his arms around his fathers right leg with tears of joy streaming from his face. Alex winced slightly as the contact agitated his recently healed burnt knee. He then lowered his arms and lifted his son in one motion giving the youngster a loving cuddle before kissing him on the forehead. Marissa, having put the cake batter down safely on the worktop, walked over and gave the two men in her life a hug. Tears still streaming from her eyes.:: Marissa: ::Drying her eyes.:: I had heard the Mercury had returned to dock. I wasn't expecting you for at least another two hours though. We missed you Alexander. John: ::Elated.:: Yes daddy. We missed you so much. Mummy said you had gone off to be big and brave and to protect the Federation like Federation Man. ::Alexander could not help but smile. He had never been a fan of comic books but he found his son's youthful, uncolored naievity somewhat charming. Even if it did paint him in a better light than he should have been painted. oO Who am I to ruin my son's imagination. Oo He set his son back on the floor and turned back to his wife.:: Richards: ::Playfully.:: Federation man? Marissa: I know neither of us like comics very much. But with you away on a mission I just thought what harm could it do. John: I bet you took on those Klingons like Federation man takes on his enemies daddy! ::Alex froze for a second. It disheartened him to hear his son speak of the Klingons as enemies. Yes he had just been through hell and high water because of a few Klingons and his own impetuousness but, that wasn't the point. Alexander always felt that his attitudes towards telepathic races was enough racial hatred for his entire family. He did not want his son growing up as a Racist. Moreover, Captain D'Ciq of the Marine Corps was an honorable colleague and had helped to ensure everyone made it off the surface after his mistake. He turned to John.:: Richards: Now John. Daddy may have had to go and fight Klingons on his last mission but, I don't want you growing up thinking they are all bad. The Klingon Empire at this moment in time are still our allies even if the relationship between our peoples is strained. One of the people i work with is a Klingon and she is very brave, very honorable and helped save some of daddy's ship mates. John: ::Quizzically.:: Really Daddy? Wow! Do you think I can meet her? Richards: Yes son and more than likely sooner rather than later. ::Marissa stared at her husband. She knew exactly what that inferred and she couldn't quite believe it. In the past he had always considered life on board a star ship too dangerous for a family. She had no idea what had changed his mind but she was happy he had.:: Marissa: Does that mean you will be requesting new quarters and permission for us to come with you when the Mercury next departs? Richards: Yes my darling wife. It does. I've missed you and John more than ever before on this previous mission. The thought of being away from the pair of you again for an extended period of time just breaks my heart. I plan on seeing the captain within the next few days to formally make the request. ::John's little eyes lit up like saucers at his fathers statement and Marissa began to cry. Neither could hold back their joy at being able to be with Alexander any longer. John picked up his Galaxy class toy and made a whooshing sound as he pretended to fly the ship to his father.:: John: So i get to fly in space on a ship like this daddy? Richards: ::Walking over to the replicator.:: Not quite like that one son. Computer, create a die cast model of the USS Mercury. 1:2500 scale. ::The replicator created the model in seconds. He handed the model to his son.:: This is the ship we will be flying through space on. John: ::Laughing.:: Don't be silly Daddy. We are to big to fit on this one. ::Both Marissa and Alexander burst out laughing at their son's comment. In all honesty it was comments like the one John had just said that made him regret never having taken his family on board the star ship he had served on before. It reminded him how important family was, especially in times of turmoil and upheaval. His family kept him grounded in reality, kept him sane. He could nor bare the thought of parting with them again. He walked into the living room and sat down on the sofa, putting his feet up. John jumped up and sat on his lap whilst Marissa returned to the kitchen. All his woes from the last mission just melted away in the moment. Home is always where the heart is and that would always be with his family.:: END Ensign Alexander Richards Tactical Officer USS Mercury & PNPC's Marissa and John Richards Civilians
  4. OOC Note: 'Hope' is the doctor's therapy dog...just to avoid confusion. =) ((USS Victory/ outside Sickbay)) ::Joseph Dubeau had stood outside sickbay, working out what he would say if he saw her. How could he face her; after the altercation, the way he hurt her on the bridge.:: ::After mustering up his courage and having the pain in his nose intensify, he put his chin up and marched into sickbay. Being prepared to see her with his chest out and his head held high in a way that showed no weakness. He found no one in sickbay, looking around to make sure before he let his body go back to normal.:: oO Huh, no one to be seen, even Johanna isn't here.Oo :;He was about to leave when he heard the familiar jingling of a collar. He turned to see Hope running towards him. Being so happy to see any association to Johanna, he forgot his dislike for dogs and knelt down to pick her up.:: :: Hope wringled and wagged her tail so hard, she almost lost her balance and her feet skittered on the slick floor.:: Hope: Oo Mr. Scary Shoes! I missed you! You leave a big hole in the pack when you're not here now. Oh, oh, you're picking me up! I love to be held; you're getting to like me! Maybe it wasn't an accident that you dropped that great piece of meat at the picnic. Oh, you're back; my mom is going to be so happy. I just have to kiss you. Just a little lick on the side of your face.Oo ::Sniffing:: Oo You smell like you are hurting; there was blood on your face not long ago. You should be curled up in a ball sleeping.Oo ::After receiving a few kisses from Hope he looked to see Johanna starring at him from inside her office.:: ::Johanna had heard the skitter of Hope's feet and the light jingle of her ID tag as she was obviously in a run somewhere. She did not normally run in the Sickbay, so stood up from her desk to see what had caused the well behaved dog to bolt from her office. She stopped abruptly when she saw Dubeau cuddling her little Maltese, who looked particularly small held in his arms. She quickly looked for another doctor who could help him before remembering that she had sent Dr. Baker and the others off duty for some well deserved rest. She'd given up trying to sleep herself since each time she closed her eyes, she would see Dubeau's eyes staring at her on the bridge. Now she found herself looking into the very eyes she'd been trying to avoid.:: ::After a long stare between them, Joseph, starring into her beautiful black eyes, finally spoke.:: Dubeau: You mentioned that I should get my nose fixed. MacLaren:: nodding and trying not to allow her emotions to show.:: Aye, it must be verra painful and the swelling must be affecting your ability to breathe. It should have been treated many hours ago. Oo He doesna want me to touch him, but there is no good doctor here now. Still, he's made it clear enough how he feels. Oo Eh'm sorry; Eh'm the only regular doctor here; Eh can call up an EMH. They are verra competent.Oo. Dubeau: ::Looking at the sadness in her eyes, he could see she wanted to avoid him. However, he hated EMH's, if it came to that he would simply leave.:: Well, if you're busy, I could leave, I just don't like those holodoctors. MacLaren: Of course, Eh can fix it. Eh was under the impression that ye didna want that. Eh might have done it hours ago. ::She pulled her eyes away from his and looked at Hope. The dog was looking up at Dubeau bright eyed with her tail hanging down waving like a fan. It was not like Hope to fail to sense that a person holding her was hostile to Johanna.:: Dubeau: Thank you Jo... ah, doctor. :: Not having any idea why she had been so angry before and why she did not want to treat him now; he wasn't sure using her given name was appropriate.:: ::Hope's eyes darted from her human to Mr. Scary Shoes. The pack was together but there were no happy smells coming from either one. Each smelled like a strange mixture of fear and pain. The dog looked around but could see no danger.:: Hope: Oo This is all confusing! What has happened to the pack? I don't understand. Mr. Scary Shoes is hurting; maybe that is it.Oo MacLaren:Oo Doctor! He canna even say my name. Am Eh such a freak that he canna even put my name on his lips?Oo We can work over there. Eh'll need to get some equipment. Eh hope that my dog isna bothering you. Dubeau: No, no she isn't. oO She's the only creature in this room who wants something to do with me.Oo ::Joseph sat down on the biobed and watched Johanna collect her supplies. He noticed that Hope was trying to cuddle into him more and more as the tension grew inside him.:: Hope: Oo You'll be alright; mom will fix you. What is wrong? I'd better give him a grin and a tail wag to make him feel better. Good therapy dogs do that. ::Her tail waves again.:: Oo He's not looking. His snout sure looks bad.Oo Dubeau: I'm sorry to bother you in this way, I know I'm the person you least want to see; but, I figured that I shouldn't leave my nose until tomorrow. oO Don't mention the pain, she doesn't care about that anyway. Be a marine Joseph.Oo ::MacLaren raised her eyes to his in shock that he'd say that when it was he who had rejected her. She lowered them to her instruments and spoke in a very low voice.:: MacLaren: You seem to be confusing your feelings with mine. Eh went to the bridge, and you preferred the pain of these wounds to the contamination of my touch. ::The shock of her answer jolted him out of his personae. He was shocked that she saw her behaviour in that light.:: ::She moved towards him with a tray of instruments.:: Dubeau: Look, doctor we both know how you see me and what we had, so let's get this done, ok? Hope:: giving a low whine:: Oo What is the matter? If they had normal hair like other dogs, it would be standing up on their necks!Oo MacLaren: Are ye telling me how to practice medicine now, Lt. Dubeau? Ye seem to think that ye ken my mind, now ye think ye ken my profession? This canna be rushed. It is going to be harder than it would have been hours ago. Eh'm nae some butcher; Eh dinna want ye to be hurt any more than ye are, so this will take a certain amount of time. Eh promise not to contaminate you with some disgusting hybrid condition. The things ye find so repulsive about me are nae catching! ::Joseph's anger grew to full, the fact that she was downplaying her behaviour by downplaying his character was childish in his view.:: ::Hope began to tremble in Joseph's arms:: Hope: Oo Biting!They'll be biting soon! Oh, do humans' bite?Oo Dubeau: ::raising voice:; You're not going to shift blame by implying I'm some kind of small minded, uncaring, idiot. You're the one who lost your temper and stormed out. Are you sure I'm the one with the problem, you seem to be more sensitive about your heritage then I am. ::Joseph watched her squirm and start to talk.:: Oh no, I'm not done yet, if you're so sensitive that you can't stand being questioned then it's your problem. :: At this point the emotions and pain took over and a tear began running down his cheek.:: I love you, but you need to look at your own insecurities; if I can't ask questions about our future, then that implies a future I don't want. ::Joseph became aware of poor Hope shaking in his arms.:: ::Hope began to pant and whine with fear:: Hope: Oo Shouting humans bad! Like growling! Bad smells! Fighting in the pack is so bad!Oo MacLaren: Dinna shout! Ye are scaring her! ::Johanna took the trembling dog and holding her. She looked back shocked by both the tears in Joseph's eyes and his words.They were completely at odds with his actions.:: MacLaren: Eh didna call you an idiot. Eh said Eh didna want to hurt you by rushing, Eh tried to help you on the bridge and ye turned your back on me as if the verra thought of my being near you was worse than what ye were suffering! You tell me not to be sensitive about my heritage after how ye reacted when Eh tried to explain! Eh was so in love with you, feeling so safe and excited by your touch that Eh was afraid the shields Eh use not to hear thoughts would fail, Instead of taking a risk of violating your privacy...because it so important to you, Eh told you of my past. You said we couldna be together! Just that simply, and ye've treated me like a leper ever since! ::Tears rolled down her cheeks now as the little dog in her arms whined again, her ears trembling like feathers in a wind.:: MacLaren: Eh didna lose my temper! Eh felt the anger in you roll over me so hot that it burned. Ye canna begin to know what it is like to be a betazoid who canna use her telepathy, who even must guard against empathy. It is like being a blind person in a room full of rubble trying to feel your way around without your most basic senses. When ye first said how you needed privacy, Eh've shielded every thing when Eh'm with you, but at the verra first word that Eh might fail in that, ye told me we couldna be together and all the shields in the world couldna prevent me from feeling your anger. Eh left because it was so painful to have the man Eh loved so much look at me that way, direct all that anger for something Eh canna help! ::She reached out hesitantly and touched the tears on his cheeks.:: MacLaren: Eh canna understand you at all. Ye tell me we have no future and break my heart; ye turn your back on me on the bridge, tell me ye dinna want to be here even to have your nose fixed and then shout about our future? What future? You act as if ye hate me! ::Joseph's tried his best to decipher the rant he just heard. His emotions were running at double speed along with pain from his nose. He stood up and moved in closer to the two that he cared for.:: Dubeau: T'ecoute pas, ma belle. (OOC translation 'You don't listen my lovely') I never said we couldn't be together, I asked if we could ever together. :: Joseph looked in to her eyes.:: What you mistook for anger was confusion and to be honest, sexual desires. The reason I didn't want treatment was because I wanted to see the mission to it's end, ::taking her by the shoulders:: to make sure those that I love made it home safely. MacLaren:: stunned and searching his face for the clues that she was so poor at reading when shielded.:: Those you love? Ye still love me? Ye didna say we couldna be together? Eh thought ye were horrified that Eh could know your thoughts and feelings! Dubeau: I don't have anything to hide from you, I love you; but, I need you to understand, I'm a marine, I have a strong sense of propriety; when I'm on duty that overrides my personal feelings. MacLaren::Putting her hand ever so gently on his cheek:: Ye endured this to see us home! Oh, Joseph, Eh thought ye couldna bear for me to touch you. Eh'm so sorry! Hope::Oo Smells are changing again! Humans are so confusing. Why can't they be simple like dogs?Oo ::Joseph took Johanna in his arms and moved in to kiss her. The anger and frustration now gone, all he felt was love for these two beings. When, he touched his nose to her however, he recoiled from the pain.:: Dubeau: Ummm... my nose is still broken. ::laughing:: MacLaren:: biting her lip to keep from laughing too.::Eh can fix that, ye poor thing. ::She gently touched her lips to his cheek tasting the salt of his tears. She had his permission now, and she lowered her shields closing her eyes as a warm river of engulfed her carrying her away with a powerful current of his emotions. She looked up at him with a smile.:: MacLaren: Eh've been told that Eh'm particularly good with a bone regenerator. With cartilage, the sensation of healing it can be verra, verra pleasant. Hope: oO Oh wow, wanting to mate smells!Oo 1st Lt. Joseph Dubeau Marine Pilot/SAR Team Lead Starbase 118/USS Victory & Lt.JG Johanna MacLaren CMO Starbase 118/USS Victory.
  5. (( USS Avandar )) IC: :: With the leave over and the crew settling on their tasks Marcus sat in his family quarters looking at the box in front of him. He thought that it was a good time as any other to call the Lieutenant and have that talk. :: Dickens: =/\= Dickens to tr'Khellian =/\= tr'Khellian: =/\=How may I be of assistance Lt Cmdr?=/\= Dickens: =/\=I’d like to have a talk with you when you have time for it. =/\= tr’Khellian: =/\= My shift ends in 2 hours.=/\= Dickens: =/\= Good for me, where do you want to meet? tr'Khellian: =/\=How about the Arbouretum by the roses near the gazebo.=/\= Dickens: =/\= Good, see you there. =/\= oOtr’Khellian: I wonder what shoe is about to drop?Oo :: Closing the link he allowed him to let out a breath easing some of the tension he’d been accumulating. The arboretum could be a good place to have this kind of talk as it tends to be unused by most of the crew during the alpha shift so he took the box and moved to the arboretum:: (Later) :: He was waiting for tr'Khellian on one of the benches they had installed there when he saw the Intel officer entering the place. His stance showed lot of confidence, but some of the hand moves told him that the man was somehow looking up to the conversation. Intel officers tend to have this behaviour, wishing to know things before the others, to be proud to know things in advance. Obviously, he didn’t know what awaits him :: oOtr’Khellian: 5 minutes early and he still beats me here.Oo tr’Khellian: Lt Cmdr.....welcome back! Dickens: tr'Khellian, glad to see you here. How’re you doing? You know, job and things like that? tr'Khellian: Honestly I am enjoying myself immensely. Aside from this memento, and 10 extra years of mileage on my brain from my jaunt to Eden.....all-in-all....good. Dickens: Let’s make a walk,... :: He stood and began walking with S’Lone to his side:: To speak honestly, I think this is the first time I step on the arboretum on this ship. tr'Khellian: I like to come here to unwind. The smell of the roses is relaxing and intoxicating all at once. Dickens: oO A sensitive comment... curious Oo Is this arm of yours giving you too much problem? tr'Khellian: I’m at 2% with my right...no feeling in the arm and shoulder...slight tingle in the hand..maybe the wrist. Problem...I won’t be at the range firing a sniper rifle anytime soon, if ever. Dickens: I know the feeling,... on your field of expertise you’re quite good and this situation must be a bit … bitter, to say the least. tr’Khellian: Bitter....maybe..No not maybe...yes absolutely...I was fraking retarded. Like some motard gunbunny. Dickens: :: He didn’t need his Betazoid sense to know he’s upset about what happened to him, however he could sense a bit of that even as S’Lone tried to mask it. :: I think I’m not familiar with that term... tr’Khellian: Motard...Marine slang for someone who is highly, yet stupidly motivated at all times. A Motard thinks themselves invulnerable. Dickens: I don’t see you as a person that thinks he’s invulnerable. However, as other Intel people I’ve found, you think you have control in most situations ‘cause you have a lot of data and knowledge about many things. But it seems that you’ve learned it before it’s too late. :: he looked around contemplating the different flowers and taking some good breath sensing the essence the flowers gave to that place. :: tr’Khellian: It was a lesson...::quietly:: that I am soft and... Dickens: Hah... :: he laughed lightly :: You and soft on the same phrase? Why that? tr’Khellian: I focused too hard to fight to incapacitate the Klingon Colonel...I almost died. Dickens: Yes, you’re so committed to do what you thought must be done, but you’re still young... :: he was interrupted by tr'Khellian. :: tr’Khellian: Young? I am 40 chrono, I have already had a 20 year career in the Marines before coming to Starfleet. It had nothing to do with age or experience.....I was just plain stupid. Dickens: Oh,... you think so? Well in some sense and from a non marine point of view, probably, you could also add, high handed, pushy and overconfident. tr'Khellian: Add arrogant and impulsive. ::with a slight smile:: Dickens: :: smiling back ::But I must confess you a thing... tr'Khellian: Pray tell... Dickens: I’ll be calm having you and T’Lea by my side in facing any enemy. You should have seen her... tr'Khellian: Oh I can imagine...we had a close quarters sparring match a while back... ((FLASHBACK)) ((Main Turbolift)) :: T'Lea glanced at his posture. He was tense. She noted the clenching of his fists and knew that she was getting to him. It gave her sick amount of pleasure, ruffling the Intel. Officer’s perfect feathers.:: T’Lea: You know, Rihannsu abhor half-breeds such as yourself. I’m surprised the Committee didn’t execute the Sector Commander sooner after bedding your mother. Tell me, was she his wife, or just another amton’wi-kha nvaihr? ::It took tr’Khellian less than a heartbeat to react. His body went completely still, then relaxed, followed by the almost flawless execution of a Krav Maga knifehand strike to T’Lea’s throat.:: :: T’Lea probably deserved that, but it didn’t make it hurt any less. Barely able to even gasp her shock that he’d actually struck a superior officer, T’Lea staggered back against the turbolift wall, rear firmly planet against the surface as she bent forward, wheezing for air and clasping at her throat.:: T’Lea: Faelirh-… :: Applying a lot of Vulcan discipline to control the pain in her throat, which quite frankly felt like she’d swallowed a two-by-four horizontally, T’Lea lifted her steely blue eyes to the man standing across from her. She wondered for a moment, what would Della say, and then bull rushed him into the opposite side of the lift, with her hand flat against his face to ensure that she violently bashed his head into the control panel, shattering the glass plating with the back of his skull.:: ::S’Lone touched his torn scalp and came away with a wash of reddish-green blood which was quickly turning brown as the air oxidized it. Instinct kicks in and he begins a flurry of attacks… right hand spear strike to the solar plexis, followed by a right elbow to the chin, then blocking a return strike from T’Lea to the gut with a left arm block then executing a hammer strike to the side of her left kneecap.: :: What *was* different about this quaint little scuffle was the raw strength he possessed. Sure he was a half-breed, but apparently he’d inherited his father’s physiology. It was kind of nice having someone challenge her own physical superiority for change, she thought while feeling his nose break against her elbow. Nice, indeed.:: ::S’Lone was impressed by the cunning tactics and flawless delivery used by T’Lea:: :Bnot too shbabby for a steet uuhrchin. ::Smiling while blood poured from his broken nose over his split lips and into his mouth. T’Lea: ::smirking:: Brown blood? I knew you were full of dren. ::Using the blood as lubrication S’Lone tears out of T’Lea’s headlock and counters by grabbing her head with both of his hands, leaps up a few feet in the air while simultaneously pulling her head down sharply to meet his rising knee hitting her in the mouth.:: :Booya. Payback is a biatch! :: Lip split wide open, T’Lea felt the warm blood drip from her mouth and soak the front of her uniform a dark shade of green. For the next little while the two Romulan hybrids went at each other like a couple of targs locked in a pit fight. Eventually their standing brawl hit the deck, where both exerted a huge amount of energy wrestling each other on the floor of the turbolift for the dominant position -- a position that would ultimately make the other submit, or pass out. Unfortunately, neither could gain the upper-hand.:: :: Bloodied, bruised, and probably broken in certain areas, T’Lea forcefully interjected her knee into the tender nether region of the Intelligence officer, which allowed her an escape hatch from his mounted position above her. And while he withered in pain, she crawled over to her corner of the turbolift, unable to enjoy the look of discomfort on his face because the three cracked ribs in her side felt like shattered glass.:: S’Lone: You st-eye-k like a steet fight-ha. Impessive ::Words bubbling from swollen cracked bleeding lips:: :: Sat slumped and breathing heavily against the wall, T’Lea held her ribs, wincing with each breath, until finally she spoke around the puffy battered lip she’d won.:: ::Unconsciously brushing his black collar S’Lone tries to force air into his lungs while flexing his broken left arm. T’Lea: Your grandfather… ::wincing as she shifted against the wall:: … you would do anything to get your revenge? S'Lone quickly answering without hesitation: :YES...:::a few seconds pass then quietly:: :no, not anything. ((((Present))))) Dickens: And you left in one piece? That should have been a must see situation. tr’Khellian: It was...cathartic. Dickens: oO Cathartic... Oo That’s what I mean being still young. You feel that you’re 40 or that you still can kick some twentiesh asses if needed? tr'Khellian: I have the milage on my body of 40 years but due to my Romulan blood my physical body is similar to a 25 year old. Romulans live about twice as long as Terrans. My betazoid half..well you understand that as well. But back to your questions. The answer is yes to both. Dickens: That’s why I’ve recovered this... :: taking out the box with the Purple heart :: tr'Khellian: That? That is a Combat Inefficiency Badge. Dickens: Well, I have one my self... and I don’t see myself as a combat unfit. In fact, you don’t know the half of me, ::Kelrod smiled at the back of his mind :: but I think that in your best shape, I could make you sweat for good. Why did you exactly throwed it? tr’Khellian: The first one, when Blackwood died I was ok with....I did all i could... This one is just a reminder I am a [...]-poor ex-Marine. Now a [...]-poor gimp wannabe. Dickens: Oh, that’s it... :: Blackwood memories came to Marcus when she was working with him. The pass of years, crew mates, ships didn’t make it easier when you lose someone that worked close to you. :: I see... Well, for being a [...]-poor gimp wannabe, you’ve made some impression in this crew senior staff. For example in Eden, you’ve fought bravely, saved our lifes one time and another, even helped us in getting food ::trying to draw a smirk ::. Out of Eden, you’ve always get what we needed or at least part of it. Don’t you like the life you’ve had on the Avandar so far? tr’Khellian: Life was simpler as a Master Gunnery Sergeant. Dickens: Yes,... and mine was simpler as an ensign assigned to a lab. But if we’re to live a simpler life, we’ll still be some kind of amoeba or bacteria. If you resign to improve yourself, your life will be easier, of course, but will it be worth living it? tr'Khellian: Living?...I am committed..::long pause:: ..to living. I have been considering stepping down. Dickens: oO Was he that depressed ? Oo If you step down, then what will be of all those years working hard. Will they be a waste of time and resources? Think of all the people that you could help to be better or even to just live that will be wasted if you quit. tr'Khellian: I am too quick to embrace violence. Too quick...::long pause:: ok..ok...you make sense. Dickens: Yes, I do... It’s quite easy to go through that path... you feel the urge, the need to go this way. It’s kind of intoxicating and everytime you use it it’s easier to do. So why to worry about other ways when that ends the issue? tr’Khellian: Roger that. Dickens: :: Kelrod’s experiences gave him a clear view of what S’Lone was feeling with that, so after hesitating a moment he put his hand on the man’s good shoulder:: I’ve felt the same way, I’ve dealt with it with my fencing and focusing on the people under my command, both in Science as FO of the whole ship and now as Engineer. Maybe what you need is time to think of what you want to do with your life and if you want to control that violence in you instead of letting it control you in tense situations. tr’Khellian: I received a request to take a brief leave of absence, a month tops. A buddy of mine wants to get my help running some NCOs through a modified SERE program. on Mars...I was hoping to at least provide my experiences..so I.... ::long pause:: so I... ::quietly:: don’t feel like a failure. Dickens: Maybe I will help you better if you translate what SERE is? Remember, I’m a scientist, not an acronym translator... :: smiling :: tr’Khellian: Oh sorry..it stands for Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape Dickens: Survival, Evasion, Resistance and... Escape. Sounds like fun... and how much time travelling there doing and returning? tr’Khellian: A month tops including transit time. But....I am torn...what do you think? Dickens: ::He stops and began thinking for a few seconds before giving the man an answer. Marcus felt it was one of those time when words can make the difference not just for this man, but for all the lifes that could be affected by him.:: Well, that depends. You could excuse yourself of that program,... I’m sure that buddy of yours will understand given your situation and will probably feel sorry for you. There could be other chances to help him... or maybe he’ll call the same person he calls due to your absence. Or you could still ask for that leave and if the captain accepts it, go there and teach them how to deal with adverse situations. You probably won’t be able to make rappel over a cliff, or mount a TR-116A rifle yourself, but you’re more than a mix of arms, legs and head to fight. Your own department regards on knowledge. You say you feel like a failure, but you just had a wound, a bad one, but hey :: raising his left hand he took the Purple heart with the right and CRUSHED the tiny box in his bionic hand :: You’re not the only one. Don’t you think that I hate every time I look at this :: Opening his hand and letting the remainings of the box drop to the ground :: When I have to take it off for maintenance? or when I have to do a delicate experiment or now repair and I fear that the hand fails somehow and I screw it up? Or to not feel right like I did when I caress my wife? tr'Khellian: You must hate it..the injury..the reminder..the folks responsible.... Dickens: No,... I don’t hate it, ‘cause I’ve chosen not to. For some time I’ve considered resigning and even Vojana accepted the idea. After all Starfleet has given us many problems, some of them making her resign from Starfleet. But I won’t,... ‘Cause that’s the way I’ve decided to live and if some day I resign and look for another way of life it’ll be ‘cause I decide it and not ‘cause I’m forced to it by some circumstances that are hard to endure. There’s an old saying... What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger. :: He looked at the man as he processed the words he’d just told the man. Somehow he wasn’t sure if he’d said them for S’Lone or for himself after seeing in the Intel officer a reflection of himself when his hand was crushed in a mission as FO. :: Dickens: Anyway, don’t pay too much attention to what I say, … do what you feel you need to be good with you but don’t do things just because you think it’ll spare you of suffering or pain. Things you don’t deal with when needed, only gain strength over time. tr'Khellian: Heavy words...true words.... Dickens: :: Handing the man the Purple heart :: This is yours, wherever it ends, your quarters or the replicator, it’s up to you. tr'Khellian: I will keep it...in fact as a reminder of our talk..I’ll keep it visible in my quarters so every morning when I get my espresso I will see it hanging next to my NCO sword. Dickens: If it helps you to know what and where you want to be, It’ll be a good thing. tr’Khellian: Thanks.. ::looking Dickens square in the eyes:: It helped me get my head on straight. Dickens: I know we’re not the best friends of the ship, we’ve just worked together a few times and for personal reasons I don’t like Intel officers. However I see something different in you and that conversation proved to me that you’re worth the try. :: They arrived in their walk to the entrance of the Arboretum and Marcus stopped turning to S’Lone:: Dickens: When you tell the captain, I’ll be sure she considers it. tr’Khellian: Thank you. And Sir....May I get your help in conditioning for my trip to Mars? I could use a living opponent? And you need a break from hypo spanners and self sealing stem bolts Dickens: Self sealin stem bolts.... I don’t think I’ll miss them. Count me in. :: The duo split and Marcus felt somehow well with himself. Maybe he’d done something that really counts on that ship since he boarded it. :: TBC: JP by Lt(jg) tr’Khellian Intel Officer USS Avandar and Lt. Cmdr. Marcus Dickens Chief Engineering USS AVANDAR NCC-80203
  6. ((Bilire IV)) ::Mnheia opened her eyes and then turned and coughed before closing them again. The pains she was suffering was beyond comprehension, but she no longer fought to keep it at bay as she eagerly awaited death.:: ::A heart condition in adolescence kept her from attaining the education level that her peers had attained. Falling drastically behind scholastically, left her at the mercy of the Romulan social security net that was set in place. One that was very porous as most Romulan finances went to the military. Mnheia was a cost to society. A lost cause to her people, a drain on the Romulan economy. One of those they were happy to rid themselves of.:: ::A heart transplant in her teenage years, left her with pains that she would never fully overcome. Both physical and emotional. Mnheia, now in her late thirties, never would see the day of happiness of being a true, productive member of society despite her work as a caregiver, assistant and general aid and confidant to many in the camp. And now, years after her transplant, complications had arisen once again. But this time there was no sterile operating room, no potential donors, not even a true hospital, and when Mnheia got sick, it became compounded by the wrath. A disease that was thus far incurable. And in her condition, the wrath was even more pronounced as it forced her heart to beat even stronger.:: ::As Mnheia lay dying, she recalled a few days earlier a visit from Kaol, the man she adored. When he came, she was full of life. Shared a meal with him and spoke for several hours of their future together. Even though it drained her of her energy, she actually felt a newfound energy around him. It was as if he could bring her back to life just by being present.:: ::But now he was sick as well and could no longer visit. Mnheia became terribly lonely as she heard the winds pick up outside her window. Her energy was fading fast and when she overheard the poor diagnosis of Kaol from the medical staff, Mnheia began to give up. And two days before the arrival of the strangers from the sky, Mnheia was buried near the caves on the far side of the compound surrounded, by those whose heart she had touched. Her battle with her own heart had mercifully come to an end.:: --- Mnheia Romulan Colonist NPC as simmed by: Lt. Commander Tracey Townson Chief of Operations USS Tiger-A
  7. ((Sickbay; USS Mercury)) ::With the mission now over, and the Mercury limping back to safety of Starbase118, Rick completed his daily tasks and made his way from engineering. A rotation of crew were taking in turns to keep the old girl running, since many of the engineers had been injured (or worse) during the recent explosions. However Rick had only one thing on his mind... Gypsy, and Junior. He feared he would lose his beloved angel during the last mission, and then Rick himself had needed emergency battlefield surgery to save himself this time. These two close brushes with the unthinkable made him all the more determined to get back to his fiancee, and cherish every second he spent with her. When he rounded the corner and approached the busy sickbay, he saw her, his blonde princess. His reason for breathing.:: Rawden: Angel? ::She heard the voice she had been wanting to hear for hours and it was exactly what Gypsy needed. The injuries...the deaths...it had all become too much. She had been on duty for almost 24 hours, only taking enough breaks to keep her baby safe and healthy.:: Hawker: Rick? ::He was standing behind her, perhaps even more exhausted than she was, but he was giving her that sexy smile which had caught her eye once upon a time and still made her heart flutter.:: Rawden: Come here.. ::Gypsy didn't walk to him. She ran straight into Rick's arms and it was all she could do to keep from jumping on him and wrapping her legs around his waist. He was alive and safe and he smelled like home. It was all she needed.:: ::Rick held her close as she pressed into him. Her smell, her touch, her warmth .It flooded his senses, battered so recently by battle, with the things that made his heart beat faster and his happiness returning. Nothing was more precious to him than his angel.:: Hawker: ::her voice was muffled as she spoke into the crook of his neck:: Are you off duty? Rawden: I am now sweetheart. ::He said, smiling warmly.:: Hawker: Take me back to our quarters. ::She tightened her arms around him.:: Now, please. ::Rick didn't feel he needed to ask why. He knew. He felt the same. He kissed the top of Gypsy's hair, once again breathing in her scent, and then released her and took her by the hand, leading her away from the trauma in sickbay and back to their quarters..:: ((Timewarp - Gypsy & Rick's Quarters; USS Mercury)) ::Much later, Gypsy found herself warm and safe, curled up in bed next to the love of her life.:: Hawker: ::breaking the comfortable silence:: Did you notice, Rick? Rawden: Notice, angel? ::his arm around her, holding her close as her head rested on his chest. He could feel her soft breath on his skin as she spoke.:: Hawker: I'm getting bigger. ::She kissed his shoulder and sat up, putting her rounded belly on display.:: See? ::Rick looked at his fiancee as she proudly showed her slightly swollen mid-drift. Her smooth soft skin was pulled slightly taut. He smiled at the thought of their unborn child, and how his angel was keeping Junior safe and warm.:: Rawden: I can babe. I can. ::He replied excitedly, putting a hand forward and gently touching her belly.:: Hawker: Do we want to know if it's a boy or a girl or do we want to be surprised? ::Rick looked her in the eyes. The eyes that made his heart melt.:: Rawden: You know? Hawker: Not yet. But at the next checkup I have with Dr. Velana, she'll probably be able to tell. I'm far enough along now. Rawden: I would be lying if I said I didn't want to know, but in my heart I just need to know our child is healthy. I will love them so much, I don't need to know. It will be a wonderful surprise. Hawker: ::poking his chest teasingly:: Make up your mind, baby. Rawden: Aww, ok angel. ::She gave him an expectant look.:: Rawden: No, let's keep it a surprise. ::He leaned forward, kissing his lady on her lips.:: Rawden: Love you. Hawker ::nuzzling her nose against his:: Love you, too. ::She fell back down to the bed and snuggled into the crook of his arm.:: Are you hungry? ::Rick smiled. Gypsy knew all his magic buttons.:: Rawden: Yes... ::winking:: Hawker: Are you suggesting something other than food, sir? Rawden: Well, I am looking at something more delicious than anything the chef can offer. Hawker: Hmm...that's a good answer. ::She kissed his chiseled jaw.:: But the baby wants ice cream. Rawden: Well... I can see baby takes after you then. Sure, I do feel a bit peckish. ::Gypsy rolled out of bed, grabbed his discarded undershirt and pulled it on. It was long enough to skim the tops of her thighs, leaving her legs bare as she crossed to the replicator.:: ::Rick watched as his beloved made her way across the room. She was more beautiful every day. He tingled as he reminded himself how lucky he was. He remembered the first day he met Gypsy, when she worked on Deep Space 17. His life had changed that day, and had got better and better ever since.:: ::She returned with a double ice cream sundae with extra whipped cream and two spoons.: Watching her approach, Rick tried hard not to lick his lips.:: ::Gypsy knelt on the bed next to him and scooped up a big bite. She made like she was going to feed it to him, but at the last second, she stuck the spoon in her own mouth.:: Rawden: Hey! Hawker: ::swallowing:: Sorry, sweetie. Whatever baby wants, baby gets. ::Rick grinned at her.:: Rawden: And I wouldn't have it any other way... ::Gypsy lowered the spoon back into the bowl, suddenly overcome by a flood of hormones that took her from blissful to distraught in a matter of seconds.:: Hawker: You were hurt...and I wasn't able to get to you. ::Her lower lip trembled.:: I'm so sorry, Rick. Rawden: Aww baby. You had your duty to do. I missed you so much, but I knew we'd be together again soon. And here we are. ::He stroked his hand along her leg.:: :: A fat tear rolled down Gypsy's cheek.:: Hawker: I don't know what I would do if I lost you. ::Rick moved his hand up to her cheek, and gently wiped away the tear. Then pulling himself up to a sitting position, causing the bed cover to slip off his toned upper torso, he moved his head towards Gypsy's.:: Rawden: Babe, you will never lose me. I am yours forever, and nothing - not even the biggest Klingon war fleet in the galaxy will ever take me from you. ::He moved in closer, and kissed her soft lips.:: Hawker: Sorry, I don't know what that was. ::She shook her head.:: Hormones. It's going to be a long five months from here on out, baby. Rawden: But I wouldn't miss it for the World. ::Gypsy smiled through her tears and took another bite of ice cream. She also fed him a bite and followed it up with a chocolate-flavored kiss.:: Rawden: Mmm... Hawker: More? Rawden: Absolutely!!! ::this time not attempting to resist licking his lips.:: ::Setting the bowl aside, Gypsy pushed him down to the pillows and crawled over his body to give him a kiss that quickly escalated.:: ::The ice cream was forgotten.:: To be continued.... Crewman Gypsy Hawker (PNPC) Medical: USS Mercury (Simmed by Lt. Cmdr Velana) & LtJG. Rick Rawden (PNPC) Engineer: USS Mercury (Simmed by Lt.Cmdr Eyas Wulfantine)
  8. ((Recovery Room, Sickbay, USS Victory)) :: David sat, not entirely comfortable in the sterile whites, that always made him look like a blasted wraith. But there were practical and extremely important reasons not to introduce any kind of contaminents. So instead, he did the only thing he could do, which was read the reports coming in from all over the station on a padd he liberated from one of the technicians in Sickbay. He made a decision that he was going to build another slimpadd again. There were some distinct advantages to that handy little device. :: :: In bed, Kalianna shifted, rolling her head straight. David lowered the padd and watched, feeling his own heart beating, and hoped she was waking up. :: ::For the first time, that she could remember, since she fell into that deep, dark sleep, Kali’s eyes fluttered open. Before she could look around, they immediately closed again. The light in the room was far too bright for her at that moment, so she settled for taking in her surroundings with her other senses until she had a better idea of where she was and what was going on. The last thing she could remember was David’s blue eyes, the steady sound of his voice, and an intense pain in her chest. The struggle suddenly came back to her and her mind involuntarily snapped to focusing on breathing. Somewhere, though distant, she could still hear the sound of his voice.:: ::The result was an immediate gasp, a moment of panic, which quickly subsided when she found herself able to breathe much easier than before. His voice faded into the distance and she struggled to hear it over the deep hum of the ship. Though there was a dull pain in her chest, made apparent by the sudden movement and gasp for air, it was far different than the suffocating feeling of before, allowing her mind to search for him. Where had he gone? He’d promised her he’d never let go...:: oO David... Oo ::David picked himself up and brought both himself and the chair next to the bed, breathing out a silent relief and a strange flutter to his heart. He didn’t want to alarm, or frighten her. He set the chair down and sat in it, watching as she came out from the anesthesia, carefully taking her hand into his and just letting her hand rest on his. Water grazed the corner of his eyes as gazed down at this extraordinary woman he had known only for a short time, but quickly settled into his mind and heart. :: ::Then, with her eyes still closed against the lights of the room, which weren’t as bright as they could have been but were still there nonetheless, she could feel the warmth of a body close by. So much still didn’t make sense in her mind, but she assumed that she was in sickbay now and that something needed her attention. The welfare of her ship and her crew came flooding into her mind, piling on top of her overwhelming need to know where David was, and she finally forced her eyes to open again. It took a moment, but as she got her bearings, she looked over and caught the same deep blue eyes she had last remembered before slipping into the darkness of a deathly sleep.:: ::A sudden feeling pulsed through her, one that she was quite certain she was imagining. Holding his gaze, she felt as if her heart beat faster, as if excited by his very presence. At first, the feeling surprised her; though she’d felt the fast beating of her heart long ago, such experiences had gone away when she’d given her heart to save Jaxx. There was no way her mind was interpreting things correctly. Ignoring it and blaming medication, or just her imagination putting more into seeing the eyes she somehow thought she’d never see again than was really there, she reached for him.:: Nicholotti: David... ::The last word that had been spoken before was the first to be said now as she forced her way out of the sleepiness that had been induced by death and perpetuated by medication. With far more control now than she remembered having before, she found his hand and gripped it, almost afraid if she let go he would be gone. Though her voice was dry and raspy, she still found herself able to project it far better than her fearful near silence of before.:: ::Breaking his stone-expression, David smiled, feeling some more wrinkles as he leaned over and gently kissed her forehead, conveying as much as he could into that kiss. That wouldn’t cause an unnecessary contamination. Planting a kiss where it belonged could. :: Cody: I’m here, Kalianna. Don’t you worry. ::Kali made no attempt to hide the flood of emotions that hit her then. Though she often found herself doing just that, she suddenly realized just how afraid she was. At first she tried to hide it all, but knowing she was safe near him, she let go of the fight. The remnants of the anesthesia prevented her from putting up the solid blocks that she normally held in place anyways, and so, thoughts of the loss of her crew, and of those she had been entrusted to protect hit her like a brick wall, but it was the thought of never seeing his face again that really pushed her over the edge. Her head swam and she gripped him tighter as she closed her eyes in an attempt to gain control.:: ::Her heart was definitely racing, but her mind was in so many other places that she couldn’t focus on it just then. All she could do was take a deep breath and try to regain control. It was after a moment of this, a moment filled with memories and visions of the moments before she fell into the darkness, that she finally was able to speak in a somewhat shaky voice.:: Nicholotti: I’m sorry... :: Sorry. David had to choke off a laugh. She was the last person who needed to feel sorry, and he returned her hand squeeze as he settled back into the chair. He wasn’t going to give ‘em a reason to toss him out of the room, but he leaned in enough so she didn’t have to strain herself and brushed a few strands of her hair out of the way, a faint trace of his crooked smile greeting her. :: Cody: ::softly, gently:: You don’t have anything to be sorry about. ::But she felt, in many ways, she did. The fact that she was here and not on the bridge following the crisis was a good place to start, but on a more personal level, she was only now coming to terms with the events that had transpired earlier. While she had slept through the aftermath, he’d had to deal with it, and for that, putting him through it, there was a distinct need for her to say it.:: Nicholotti: But I am. ::Pausing a moment, she pushed it away for a moment, wondering what had gone on after the blackness had taken her.:: Were you...alright? ::David found himself stroking her hair and gazing into her dark eyes as his heart soared. :: Cody: I’ll tell you another day. But don’t worry. It’s a good story. Meltdowns, melodrama and a good verbal smack in the noodle to wake my sense back up. ::A smile appeared on her face as she looked over at him. Again, her heart seemed to race, fluttering in the strangest way, which made her pause, but like before, she brushed it off. There had to be an explanation for it, and one that didn’t involve striking fear into anyone all over.:: Nicholotti: As long as you’re alright. ::He fell quiet a moment, letting her just rest and watched her. And then he winked at her, wondering. :: ::He watched her, and she simply looked back, unwilling to let her eyes close again. She’d been in dark places, and fought through rivers of blood to find her way back. Now she’d found something different, and she didn’t want to let go. Her mind wandered that path for a time, until she noticed that he winked at her and asked something she didn’t quite understand.:: Cody: So... how does it feel? ::Raising an eyebrow, she shook her head slightly.:: Nicholotti: How does what feel? ::If he meant how did she feel, she felt infinitely better than she remembered feeling before, though she still felt as if she’d been run over by a fleet of starships. Waking up to his presence there had somehow made her feel better though. Her medical experience was telling her it had something to do with endorphins or something, which was also why her heart fluttered, among things, but she was too focused on the abstract just then to realize where her head had taken her.:: ::And as he said it, something clicked.:: Cody: ::smile deepening:: The thump thump. ::Her eyes narrowed and she picked her head up off the head of the bed and looked at him. The medication was wearing off and her mind cleared more and more, so this time she was able to really look at him and listen to the sound of her heart.:: Nicholotti: It feels...off. ::For a mechanical heart, it was far off. Her feelings were surfacing, as they had since her eyes first opened and found him there, but as her senses cleared and she focused on him and the warmth he brought to her very being, she realized that the flutters and the quick beats of her heart were far from a delusion of medication. In some kind of wonder, and mild disbelief, she blinked a few times before putting it all into words.:: Nicholotti: It feels real. ::It was a statement, and not the question that her eyes now asked.:: ::David knew that really, it was Johanna that should be here to tell Kalianna what she had done. It was Dr. MacLaren’s work, and he had watched her work from behind the glass (admittedly, at first, because of the clash between them earlier. What he held back, and what he surmised during the procedure, was what Johanna MacLaren did and what he did were not too much different. He had it wrong. The problem wasn’t they didn’t know each other... and it took David watching what she did to realize it. They weren’t worlds apart. In some ways, they were mirror images. And truth be told, David privately admitted to himself that Johanna did magic he could never do. :: ::He created some kind of sentient holomatrix in the birth of Anya... but Johanna had the real gift, as far as he was concerned. She took an idea, the idea of being able to replicate organs through the patient’s DNA, and give something back. In his book, Doctor MacLaren was the medical officer of the year. :: Cody: You can thank Doctor MacLaren. She gave you your heart back. ::Her head fell back to the bed as she tried to wrap her head around it. The truth was a difficult thing to comprehend when you never thought that it could be true.:: Nicholotti: How...how did she do it? ::Modern medicine was amazing, but she never considered just how amazing until this very moment. She had long ago resigned herself to the fact that her heart would forever be a machine that beat constantly until it didn’t anymore. Little had she known, or realized rather, that something so simple as EM waves could push it to that point. It was something she should have thought about earlier, but didn’t, though now it seemed like fate had brought her to this point. Strange...:: :: The how. David thought about it for a minute, then shook his head. That was for Johanna to tell her. Her work, her moment, and her best hour. :: Cody: You’ll have to ask her. I was just here to watch something amazing... ::giving her hand a squeeze:: and not lose the woman that’s stealing my heart. ::For the first time since she woke, her eyes moved away from him, looking to the ceiling above her, but not really seeing anything beyond her thoughts. Her look of amazement turned to a smile and she finally looked back at him. Hints of the impish grin she often wore played in her features. The medication was wearing further and she was finally feeling less like a sluggish version of herself, and more like who she was before her heart decided to fail.:: Nicholotti: It’s been so long since I’ve felt this it’s all brand new again. ::Then she caught his eyes.:: And if my new heart says anything, I’d say you have quite the effect. ::The look in her eyes was playful despite the lingering dull pain in her chest. It was something that, for now, the endorphins racing through her bloodstream was keeping at bay.:: ::David glanced toward where the monitoring equipment kept a close eye on the room, par for the course. He completely understood, although it was a bit of a hindrance at the moment. oO Johanna, I’m sorry I ever doubted you. Oo With a smile, a nod, a wink, and a grin, David pulled out a small U-shaped device with a single button and aimed it up at the walls and ceiling before pressing it. :: ((USS Victory Computer Core)) ::The camera and monitoring surveillance within the Recovery Room squelched, then blacked out. :: ((Recovery Room, Sickbay - USS Victory)) ::And with that, and screwing protocol, David leaned down to take Kalianna’s head into one hand, gently caressing her hair as he locked eyes with her. He saw it in so many people in so many places time and again, but never really understood how the eyes could convey things that couldn’t be said, or some didn’t know how to say. :: Cody: Let’s see what your returned heart says about this. ::And without waiting for any more words, David promptly kissed her, the way it should be, letting his lips meet hers and losing himself to this precious moment they had together (or at least until the computer core recovered from the involuntary loss of recording). :: ::The feeling behind her racing heart, coupled with the kiss itself and how close he was to her brought her places where pain was a distant memory. It was a moment that she could have lived in forever, and would have chosen to live in forever with him if she could have. It was in that moment that she forgot about what had happened and realized just how deep this had gone.:: ::And it was in that moment she realized she couldn’t be without him.:: ::As the moment drew to a close, she gripped his hand and looked up at him. Something about it had made her open up. This was a place where she could just be her and not have to hide behind everything that conveyed the strong command image to the crew. Free from that, she could ask in what amounted to a somewhat small voice that seemed far from her commanding tone on the bridge.:: Nicholotti: Stay with me... ::David held Kalianna’s hand, staying close although he was reluctant to cause any more stimulation, not knowing if over-stimulating her would cause some kind of backlash. He did not want to inadvertently undo MacLaren’s work. He studied her a moment, searching her eyes as his mind considered the words. There were several meanings attached to what she just said, and he didn’t want to misread here (as he often did, and perhaps this was the primary reason why he failed in the relationship department). :: Cody: I think you’re going to need to spell it out for me here. ::smiling slightly:: And a head’s up, I was never very good at this stuff. ::Kali couldn’t help but smile now. He didn’t have to be good to do what he’d done. It’d been what she needed, and had been searching for. And now that she’d found it, she didn’t ever want to lose it.:: Nicholotti: Stay with me now, stay with me forever. ::She paused a moment, a somewhat serious and searching look coming over her.:: Don’t let go. ::It was funny how words came back, and actions came full circle. Somehow, she thought she knew that night that she’d fall, and here she was finally admitting it in her own way. It was, perhaps, a risky thing, opening up the vulnerable part of her, but there was something about him, and the blue eyes she found herself lost in, that made it all just the way it should be.:: ::Oddly, David flashed to the dance floor during her promotion to Captain, remembering the cadence and pacing of what was a slow waltz, and feeling the slow, warming burn that touched his heart thinking about how he dipped Kalianna in the middle of the floor, remembering her words that echoed here and now. Don’t let go... he nodded, and reflected a moment on the bizarreness of the brig incident, dwelling for a moment on B’Sara, and feeling a sudden panic. :: ::Did she come with them? Or had she remained behind at the Starbase? Several conflicting emotions ravaged him there, hoping it was the later, but suspecting it was the former. He knew B’Sara well enough that she was not unlike him in some aspects, and that trouble gravitated toward the pair of them. He darted his eyes away for a moment, considering factors. oO Don’t let go... Oo He had no plans to, but would she? :: ::In the moment of silence, she watched him, searching his eyes to see what he was thinking. Sure, they were big words, but words that couldn’t be kept inside.:: Cody: ::after a moment:: There’s something you need to know. It’s kind of a packaged deal... although I’m not sure what’s going on at the moment. ::For the briefest moment, she was nervous, but never once thought of backing down.:: Nicholotti: What is it? ::David met her gaze, and he hoped that she understood. :: Cody: I don’t have any kids of my own. Life didn’t work that way, I guess. But several years ago, on a prior assignment, there was... a young girl, a young Betazoid girl who’s mother had been murdered following the Gorn Wars and the attack on DS17. And... along the way, she’s about the closest thing I’ve had to a daughter of my own. ::Kali listened to what he said and her mind immediately returned to a time long before she was ever in command. The sparkle of the sun glinting off of the snow that surrounded the child that had been Rowena was vividly burned in her mind. So many times since that day, and the day she had to leave her on Til’ahn, Kali had wondered what had become of her. So many times she kicked herself for not trying to give her a better life. He had done it though, what she hadn’t been able to.:: ::The nervousness faded instantly and she smiled.:: Nicholotti: What I said stands. ::The smile turned to a grin.:: When do I meet her? ::Kids. That was something she’d not thought about on purpose since Tressa and Jaxx left. Her godchildren had been the closest thing she supposed she’d ever have to kids, seeing as how she seemed, at the time, perpetually alone. It was in that moment that she realized how much she missed them, but it was something she quickly pushed away. Dwelling on it only made her mind spiral down, and now, in the warmth of this moment, and lost with him...she would worry about it later.:: ::That was the nature of time. If nothing else, she’d learned that moments come and go so quickly. She felt as if she’d been given another chance, and in that, she would waste no moments.:: ::He flashed her a wolfish smile, although the memory of her yelling what she did still haunted him. :: Cody: Apparently, she made it back to the starbase. Last time I saw B’Sara, she was an eager-eyed bright girl anxious to prove her way through the Academy when she left. :: his smile faded :: Although she can be a bit stubborn. A little [...]y... maybe. Nicholotti: ::Raising an eyebrow.:: Wonder where she got that.... ::The medication had completely worn away now and her mind was clear. Things were connecting the way she thought they should, and though it was a lot of news at one time, she didn’t view any of it as particularly a bad thing. On the contrary, while she had faded into darkness, it seemed like she had woken to the light.:: ::David snorted a laugh. :: Cody: Three guesses, and the first two don’t count. ::He needed to find out. If she was on ship... his own heart skipped a beat at the thought something might have happened to her. That was the [...]able thing about Starfleet, and why, David suddenly realized, he didn’t particularly like the fact the one person who was, in all but name, everything, was under his watch and he knew... despite what he had said in a prior life, he could not order to the frontlines. He took a long breath, suddenly wondering how the hell this was going to work. :: ::What do you do when you’re both a father and a superior officer? :: Nicholotti: If she’s anything like you, I know I’ll love her. ::And that was where she left it, her eyes gazing into his and hoping that he would stay. It had been a long time since she’d felt so strongly about anything, and this time she wasn’t going to hide it behind command, or the ship, or her crew. This time she would follow her heart that beat on it’s own rhythm for the first time in years.:: ::David snapped his train of thought and gazed down on her, taking her hand back to hold it. :: Cody: ::a small chuckle:: Even if I’m becoming an old man? ::Kali couldn’t help but laugh, and the sound of it seemed so far from the somber nature of what had her in her current state. Despite that, it felt downright good.:: Nicholotti: I think if you can handle me, I can deal with just about anything you throw at me. ::The playful grin returned and she watched him for a moment before he kissed her again. If she never had to live without that feeling, and the moments lost in his kisses, then life would be well worth everything it had been and would be.:: ::David loved her for it. He leaned down and kissed her again. Family... it seemed like a dream at one time, something that happened to everyone else. Never him. He couldn’t imagine a better life than this moment. A daughter... and maybe... just maybe... :: Cody: If she hasn’t caused trouble already. She came with Walker to the brig. One of my more stupid moments, I’ll admit. ::Kali shrugged somewhat dismissively. It was in the past, in what seemed like a whole other world. And while she suddenly remembered Anya, and the need to deal with that on top of the chaos they were in after Krax, something about having a new heart gave her a bit of a different outlook on things.:: Nicholotti: I expect trouble, and mistakes. ::Wandering thoughts drifted through her head, but one idea stood out.:: It’s what we do after that matters. Grow, learn. That stuff. We can do it together... ::Flashbangs, sentient clones, and probably many more things she didn’t quite know about or understand; they were all part of what made him different. Trouble? Perhaps. Double trouble if his daughter was anything like he was. But what was life without a little, or as it may have been, a lot of trouble?:: ::David stared at her and blinked, then suddenly laughed in spite of it all. Here he was trying to make sure that Kalianna was, well... getting better, although he didn’t feel like he accomplished that. But whatever happened, the outlook was worth it. He wished suddenly, so hard, that his parents were alive. He wished they could see what their son made of himself, that they could meet Kalianna and B’Sara. :: ::And suddenly he wanted to take both of them... both Kalianna and B’Sara, back home. For the first time since he left after turning eighteen, David wanted to go home, and introduce them to Deborra. He didn’t have a whole lot. Well... Deborra might beg to differ... but this wasn’t the time to tell Kalianna everything. He wondered what they would think about a trip to Mars. :: Cody: Together... ::And he held that thought, holding her hand (at least), although the hairs of his back stood up as a sweep of chills coursed his spine. Everything felt so good... so right. So why did he suddenly feel something was wrong... something he had forgotten... a pressure at the back of his mind that crept in where whispers happened and strange things like white cloaked figures and weird white shapes in the air existed? :: ::For the first time, David wondered if they were omens that he might be dying. :: ::The thoughts and emotions behind his eyes seemed to swirl and she wondered just what was going through his mind. It wasn’t until she saw something familiar there that she thought maybe it had something to do with those dreams he had told her about. For a moment, she thought of asking, but ultimately didn’t. Instead, she squeezed his hand and nodded definitively.:: Nicholotti: Together, whatever time may bring. ::Whatever was running around in his head, this was her word, her promise that it wouldn’t scare her away. This was something she’d put her mind to now, and as much as he was her safe place and somewhere she could be herself, she would fiercely fight whatever this was with whatever resources or abilities she needed to bring to bear. It was so much to say, but the words encompassed it all.:: Nicholotti: ::smiling slightly, reassuringly.:: Just don’t let go. ::Smiling back, and casting aside the strange feelings, David brought up her hand he was holding and kissed it. :: Cody: Never. Don’t let go, either. ::He tried to pass it off lightly, but he felt a seriousness behind the words. In life, David hated people worrying about him. It took time, but eventually he got the collar off. He fought the induced insomnia for the bulk of his Starfleet career, and finally won (although the how of that escaped him at the moment). Commanding the Independence... even the short term Intel assignments commading the Daedalus. The strange triquara he found at the wiped out last outpost of the Breen remanents... the strange world they found from the miners who left Wheeler. A lot of strange and wonderful, if not thought-provoking things. :: ::And... as it suddenly occured to him, that he would think in terms of career, when the reality was this had nothing to do with career events. This was events of the heart, and that was something most of the guys he knew (including himself), weren’t very good at, so they used the career events to cover. He shook his head. oO No... Oo Some changes were good changes. He looked down at Kalianna, still holding her hand, and finally heaved a sigh of relief. :: Cody: I feel a little overly protective when you start putting yourself in the line of fire, okay? And I don’t say that as your Ops Chief or SO... that’s me. ::with a grin:: So don’t make a practice of dying in my arms, okay? ::Being the one that generally found herself overly protective of others, it seemed strange to have things reversed. Being Captain made that worse; she’d never be able to be completely out of that line of fire unless she hid, and she wasn’t about to do that.:: Nicholotti: I don’t intend on making that my hobby ::She grinned momentarily.:: But you know I can’t stay in the shadows. ::And that was when the words spilled into the air between them.:: Cody: I didn’t say that. I’ve been there, as Walker has, where you stand now. We still have to be able to send our crew into battle, knowing some aren’t going to come back. I know that. Perhaps a little too well. And when you give those orders, yes, I will follow them. But that doesn’t mean I’m not going to hate it. It doesn’t mean I’m not going to worry. I can’t change the way I feel about you, Kalianna. Just remember someone who very much doesn’t intend to let go loves you, and wants to make sure you remember to get home safe. ::wry grin:: ::It was right there. She’d searched and found it. The words spoken sent her new, real heart into another flutter and the woman who was Kalianna let her own feelings shine in her eyes. Life, despite all of its drawbacks, valleys, and downright dark holes, seemed to have a way of coming out alright.:: ::She smiled. No. Better than alright. Much better.:: Nicholotti: I won’t forget. ::Then she narrowed her eyes slightly in a jestful manner.:: As long as you don’t forget either. ::Nothing, not even her own death, could bring her down from the clouds at that moment. There would be plenty to deal with tomorrow, and the next day, and the day after that, but it all seemed so much easier knowing she wasn’t alone...knowing she’d found what her heart had been searching for, and now she had the heart to go with it.:: Nicholotti: I’ll always do what I have to, to come home to you. To come home to what we build. I can’t possibly leave when you are so much a part of me. And I know I can’t stop you from worrying, and you know you can’t stop me from doing what I need to, but know I will fight with everything I am to come home. Always, because I will never let go either. ::David had a sudden thought then, which brought a short laugh, and shook his head. :: Cody: I think you’ve got the better quarters than I do, if you’re thinking about trying out a living situation... and a fish tank. :: still chuckling:: All I’ve got is a bunch of misplaced boxes of my belongings, the wine collection, and a distillery I might as well give to Silveira. Nicholotti: ::Raising a questioning eyebrow.:: It might be good I’m not in any official capacity at the moment. ::grinning.:: but I may be willing to forget certain things for a certain...aquarium. ::And just when she thought she’d heard it all, he went on.:: Cody: ::after a thoughtful moment:: I’d really hate to give up that portable distillery... but I guess I could build another one. ::Both eyebrows shot up this time and she laughed.:: Nicholotti: Or not. Besides, I have my own ways of getting what I want. You should know it comes with the position. ::At this David grinned back, eyes twinkling. :: Cody: Speaking of positions, you might want to know I told Walker to take command of the Victory. Well, since I had to carry you down to Sickbay. Transporters were offline. ::There was no possible way she could express how she felt about that, so taking a page from Jaxx, she found the humor in the situation and mocked a concerned expression.:: Nicholotti: Great. I pass out for a moment and my Second officer is ordering my First officer to command. ::She rolled her eyes and laughed as he turned things back towards this ‘living situation’ he’d brought up. In her mind, she welcomed it with open arms, and a happy spirit. It would mean always coming home to...family.:: Cody: Oh... you’ll get that tank. Don’t worry about that. As far as the distillery goes... you really don’t know, do you? Nicholotti: ::Shaking her head.:: Nope. Cody: ::deadpan:: You’ve never heard of Cody Distilleries, Isle of Skye? ::Again, she shook her head, thinking that perhaps she’d missed something along the way.:: Nicholotti: No, but I’m guessing I will be introduced at some point...soon. ::Like, when the doctor let her out of sickbay. Mentally she rolled her eyes at herself. Doctors made the worst patients. Doctors who were Captains were even worse. For a split second, she actually felt sorry for her CMO.:: ::Suddenly, David realized there was quite a few things Kalianna needed to know, if they were going to forge this together, losing his smile for a more serious frown, not sure how much he should tell her now, or wait until after she had been released. No... she needed to know. Hell... he went out to forge his own life, he forgot what it was he ran from... or really, didn’t run from, since there was a huge chunk of his prior life he kept out of Starfleet for a reason, although they did know. :: Cody: My father’s family. The Cody clan has been making Scotch for over two hundred years. My father’s sister and her husband run it now. Haven’t thought about them in years. ::She watched him, quiet for a moment, waiting to see if he would continue. Knowing there was more, she finally spoke, gently prodding for whatever it was he seemed hesitant to mention.:: Nicholotti: Interesting tradition, but not something I find as groundbreaking as your eyes tell me this is... ::He hesitated. He never told either Anassasi, or Walker... hell, he didn’t tell anyone how he tracked information down. He drew up a long breath. Hells bells... :: Cody: But what you do need to know is the civilian company my parents’ built. That’s how we ended up on Mars instead of staying on Earth. Are you familiar with trade securities? ::Though she wasn’t quite following yet, she was sure he’d put all the pieces together shortly. In the meantime, she searched her mind and all of the information she thought she’d not need, and that which just kind of was left to the side in the wake of the day to day chaos, eventually coming up with something.:: Nicholotti: Vaguely. Cody: They built what’s known as the JTSC... the Jennet Trade Securities Corporation. The Ferengi don’t like us very much. Primarily it’s trade securities, but Starfleet Intel knows it has an intelligence division. ::And where SFI was involved, things got to be less than crystal clear.:: Nicholotti: I’m sure they loved that. Cody: ::thinly veiled smile:: My mother, Barbara Jennet, decided to take legal action. I was too young to know at the time. It’s a very long story, and a boring one at that. Suffice to say, the Federation sided with her at the end, and the company continues to the day. We inherited a Turowen’dial from Betazoid, who’s more of a sister to me, who runs it. But she doesn’t own it... ::Another questioning look appeared on her face even though she was beginning to paint the picture in her mind.:: Nicholotti: So, who does? ::It was a lot to drop, but if she was serious about this, Kalianna deserved to know it all, and David didn’t want her finding out from SFI, even though in the end, they ended up helping. The mystery surrounding his parents’ death was solved long ago, with finding the JTSC-X03 and the prototype space-fold engine his father built back among the sandstorms of Mars, before the Breen stole it... and then something else stole it from the Breen remnants and wiped them out. :: Cody: ::making a face:: I never told anyone. My “sister” runs the company, but I inherited it. I just check in from time to time. ::Kali had the feeling she was probably missing the bigger implications of this, but from her relative position, regardless of if her mind had cleared or not, it was something she was willing to wait till later to look into. For now, she wanted to know why...:: Nicholotti: And why tell me all of this? Cody: ::conveying through his eyes:: Because if we do this, you need to know. I don’t believe in covering things, and I don’t lie... not to my crew, and definitely not to my family. ::There was such seriousness behind it; the very words and the way he said them sent ripples through her mind, which then translated to her body. It was strange, but welcome all the same.:: Nicholotti: I’m afraid my history isn’t quite as colorful, but I can promise the same to you. No covers, no lies. ::For a moment she searched her thoughts and tried to think of something worth covering. Besides the lack of presence that her father had in her life, there wasn’t much that could be said.:: Cody: ::after a moment:: Trust me. You don’t need a colorful history. The thrust of all of this is... ::taking her hand again:: … understanding that we all have qualities. White, black, and gray. What we decide is when we wake up in the morning and look over at the person beside us, and know, without a shred of doubt, this is the person we want to wake up with every day for all the days we have. :: sharing a smile :: And I never thought I would ever have this conversation. ::To be completely honest, neither did she. Yet, here they both were. For a moment, she considered everything that had lead to this moment, and everything that would follow. They had put everything on the table, and here they both still were. To not let go, or be let go, and to, against the universe itself if it came to it, stand fast and face it together. And though she knew they both knew, one more thing had to be said.:: Nicholotti: You know this isn’t going to always be easy... Cody: :: sharing understanding :: Who ever said relationships were easy? ::Kali looked up at him with knowing eyes. It was the difficulties in life that gave things character. It was only because she had struggled that she was able to find such joy. It was the darkness that gave light its most defining characteristics. And it was this moment, even in the wake of near tragedy, that turned everything around.:: ::A new wave of peace moved through her as she focused on him and the feeling of her heart in its flutters and jumps that told her that it wasn’t all just a dream. Somehow, death had brought her life in more than one way, and while she found herself excited about what the future might bring, for now she only wanted one thing; to get lost in his embrace once more. Careful not to move, lest she risk the incursion of medical personnel, she simply looked at him and beckoned with her eyes and the impish grin that had once again made its appearance.:: ::David didn’t need an interpretation for that beckoning, and leaned in to level a soft, but firm, kiss to encourage her to get well fast. Breaking the kiss, he kept their mouths near and made sure to keep his voice below decibel enough in case the voice recorders were back online. :: Cody: So... if I do carry you again, is that going to be across the threshold of the house? ::They were too close for him to really see the full effect that had on her face, and the flip-fluttering of her heart, but she quickly recovered and grinned slightly.:: Nicholotti: I guess that would depend on the question you ask before that. ::letting her grin fade, she got serious for a brief moment.:: And don’t you tease me. ::Indeed, recovering from near death wasn’t exactly the time to wave such things in front of her, though somewhere in her mind she could feel the seriousness of it as well. Still, there had been something Anya had said that plagued her mind...would he be chased away like the others, or would this time be different...?:: Cody: Likewise. ::smiling:: So... do you think they’ll let me crash in here tonight? Nicholotti: ::nodding slightly.:: Just tell them the Captain ordered it. Cody: The Doc’s already threatened to pull rank. I say if she tries, we’ll get you released into my care and we’ll hole up in one of our quarters and lock the door. ::Kali couldn’t help but laugh. It probably would never happen, but it was an interesting thought. Oh the trouble they could get into....:: Nicholotti: I think, if you’re good, she’ll let you stay. Besides, I need you here... Cody: ::kissing her:: Then let’s get someone to turn off the lights. ::eyeing the bed:: We’ll figure this out. ::Thankful he was there, and not scared that he would go, she finally let the fatigue start to catch up with her.:: Nicholotti: Yes, we will. Together. ::David assessed her a moment before glancing at the defunct cameras. What the hell... if anyone said anything, he was only trying to make sure she got a good night’s rest before resuming tomorrow. His hand somehow managed to slide from her hand, to her shoulder, and downwards as he said. :: Cody: Computer. Kill the lights. ::Blackout. :: -- LtCmdr David Cody Ops Chief / Second Officer StarBase 118 Ops / USS Victory & Captain Kalianna Nicholotti CO StarBase 118 Ops / USS Victory
  9. ((OOC: Just to warn everyone...this one gets romantical;) Nothing excessive or over the ratings code, but you have been notified.)) ((Junior officer's quarters, USS Mercury)) ::Velana wanted to turn around and flee the second she touched the chime on his door, but she grabbed onto the wall and held her ground. The fire raging through her body needed to be extinguished in order for her to live and Isaac Bale was the only man on the ship who she could even imagine approaching to help her with such a...delicate problem.:: ::Isaac sat cross legged on the floor of his quarters with the back of his hands resting on his knees and his palms facing upwards. The shower had done wonders to relieve the aches in his muscles, and he was finally able to meditate. Each deep inhalation brought him that much closer to centering his thoughts. Each exhale took with it another sliver of the anger built up in him from the recent mission. When his door chimed, he ignored it at first with only a very slight annoyance at the interruption. In through the nose, out through the mouth.:: ::A bead of perspiration tickled her neck as it slid down to the collar of her uniform. Her jaw clenched. Why wasn't he answering? The computer had said he was in his quarters. Were there still glitches in the system--little, annoying reminders of their recent troubles?:: ::Isaac took several more deep relaxing breaths before slowly, calmly opening his eyes.:: ::She could have screamed. It had only been a matter of seconds, but she was ready to tear her hair out. The wait was killing her. Finally...finally!!...he answered.:: Bale: Enter. ::Velana didn't want to imagine what kind of picture she presented when the door slid open and she rushed inside. She knew her hair had to look wild; she hadn't taken a brush to it since they'd returned from the planet. There was still blood on her uniform that belonged to both Alexander Matthews and Kael Thomas. Her face, no doubt, was flushed bronze all over and her skin was damp with sweat. She must have looked feral. Maybe even wanton. Certainly nothing like the woman he was used to.:: ::The door opened, and Isaac was flooded with alarm as Velana hurried through it. She was a mess. Her uniform showed blood all over it, though thank the gods it wasn't green! Her cheeks were flushed, and he could see her skin glistening with sweat. To top it all off, when she said his name her tone was almost pleading.:: Velana: Isaac... ::Suddenly, Velana had no idea what to say. How had she approached Cade seven years earlier? She couldn't remember what she had said to him, how she had told him what she needed...what she wanted. But Cade and Isaac were two very different men. What had worked with Cade might not work with Isaac.:: ::Isaac's body uncoiled like a viper, and he was already two paces forward by the time he fully regained his feet.:: Bale: What happened? Are you alright? ::It was a foolish question, and he wished he could take it back as soon as it left his lips. Of course she wasn't alright. It would take a blind man not to see that.:: Velana: ::shaking her head:: I'm not. ::She bit her lip.:: I need help. Bale: What's wrong? ::He took several steps towards her as he watched her face. Her eyes darted around as if she were desperately trying to find a way to put her thoughts into words.:: ::As he moved closer, his scent grew stronger. She drew in a ragged breath, savoring the smell of soap and clean skin and the warm blood that flowed just beneath it. Her whole body throbbed. Full of longing, her eyes darted from his lips to his throat to his shoulders and back up to meet his black-in-black gaze.:: Velana: You're a smart man. ::Without blinking to break their stare, she closed the distance between them, pressing her chest to his and speaking her next words with their lips almost touching.:: I think you already know what I want. ::whispering:: Don't you want the same thing? ::Isaac's eyes flew wide as Velana pressed against him. She tilted her head back slightly, and moved so close that he could feel her breath on his lips as she whispered. Everything about her was inviting him in, but this was definitely not the Velana that he had come to know.:: Bale: I... ::shaking his head slightly in disbelief:: ::He was at a complete loss for words, and he had never been more grateful for anything in his life than he was at that moment for his recent chance to meditate and regain full use of his telepathy. He sent his mind into hers, searching for something... anything... that he could make sense of. Even her mind was inviting him in. As he was trying to sort through her thoughts, her mind was teasing him... seducing him... with gentle waves of passion and desire. He had opened the door, but her mind was the one tickling his with seeking tendrils of emotion. His eyes fluttered as she, knowingly or not, touched something in his mind that sent a kind of pleasure through him which had nothing to do with the physical body. He had never felt anything like it.:: ::She felt him seeking access to her thoughts. Even if she'd been in a state of mind to keep him out, Velana would have let him in. Anything to keep from having to say the humiliating words out loud.:: Velana: See? ::Her mouth brushed across his.:: I need you, Isaac. ::Her voice, and the sensation of her lips brushing across his, brought him back to his senses. Against every instinct that he was feeling, every fiber of his being, he pulled his mind back from hers. Were they even his instincts that he'd been feeling? As he had broken their telepathic link, however, he had managed to come away with two words taken from her thoughts.:: Bale: ::through ragged breaths:: Pon farr... ::Now he understood. While he had never witnessed a Vulcan going through pon farr before, part of his training with SFI had included the mating rituals of many of the humanoid species of the Alpha Quadrant... including Vulcans. Seduction could be a very useful tool in the world of espionage. In any case, Isaac knew that Velana had only three choices... mate, kill, or die. She wouldn't likely kill anyone to save her own life, especially after being forced to take two lives on Vador III, and he would not allow her to die. She meant too much to him for that. So she was left with one choice.:: ::Nodding desperately, Velana put her hands on his chest, but there was a layer of fabric between her palms and his skin. She quickly moved them up to touch his clean-shaven cheeks. It wasn't enough contact. Every part of her body ached to feel more of his.:: Bale: ::shaking his head as he moved back to arms length:: This is insane! Is there no other way to get through this? ::Panic sliced through her, followed by the cold stab that came with rejection. Was Isaac refusing to help? Did that mean he didn't want her? Her heart pounded faster and each breath she took felt short and tight. If not Isaac...then who?:: Velana: There isn't. Not for me. ::Even though it hurt to separate herself from the heat of his body, she took a step back.:: But if you don't want to help me... there's someone else who will. ::That thought had him back on his heels. If he went through with this, he felt like he would be taking advantage of her condition. The thought of her going to someone else, though...:: Bale: No! ::He blinked several times in surprise at the urgency and desperation in that simple one word answer. His eyes darted across her face, across the room, at the ceiling... searching for some solution that neither of them had thought of yet. When his eyes reached hers again, she refused to let them go. He didn't back away when she moved forward to press into his chest once more.:: Velana: So... you do want me... ::Isaac could feel his pulse racing, his heart trying to pound its way through his ribcage. Everything about her was enticing... her eyes, her scent, the way she swayed ever so gently as a reminder of how close they were... all of it.:: Bale: ::lowering his voice:: You know that I do. ::She closed her eyes, partially in relief and partially because she could feel the emotion behind his admission. It wasn't love, but she didn't need love right then. Desire, raw and powerful, would be enough to see her through the plak tow.:: Velana: Please, Isaac. ::She pawed at his collar, wanting nothing more than to rip his uniform away with her bare hands.:: Please... ::He wouldn't let her die, and she wouldn't kill. There was no other choice. He didn't want there to be.:: Bale: Are you sure? ::The look of wanting on her face and the tiny nod she gave were all he needed. Isaac sent his mind out to hers again, even as he leaned forward into a kiss that started slow, but quickly intensified. He felt her mind inviting him in as her lips parted to do the same. He didn't even try to resist this time. All of his walls came crumbling down. He felt everything she felt, knew everything she knew. He took all of her passion and desire into himself, where it was magnified and sent back to her. She, in turn, did the same. On it went like that, back and forth. As their physical passion intensified, so too did their mental connection. Eventually Isaac could no longer tell the two apart. Nor could he tell his own mind from hers, so fully were they blending. Each one knew what brought pleasure to the other, and they shared in the experience of that pleasure. They were far beyond rational thought or self control. This was the definition of ecstasy.:: ::Velana was so lost to the fever raging inside her that later, when it subsided, she could barely remember the individual moments. Those small, but so important firsts were lost to her, as they had been with Cade. It was only when they came together for a second time that she was able to take note of everything. The feel of his hair between her fingers, the movement of his muscles, the taste of his mouth. As he knew what she wanted, she knew what he wanted...and neither one of them asked for permission or even hesitated before acting on each unspoken desire.:: ::He left her wanting for nothing. Although the fire was still there, and she would need him again to put it out completely, it was contained enough to let her fall asleep draped across his chest, mindless of the scratches and bruises that she had inflicted on his already-scarred body.:: ::Isaac lay on his back with one arm wrapped around Velana as she slept on his chest. He lifted his head slightly, just enough to look down across his body and see the various bruises already forming. Vulcans were strong, and in Velana's altered state she had been many times stronger than him. With both of their inhibitions gone, she had been somewhat less than gentle, but that didn't matter. He had been so caught in the moment, so taken, that he had hardly registered any of the pain as it happened. He had felt nothing but the pleasure. Besides, they were only bruises. He would be starving in the morning, but his body would heal quickly. He hesitated to move at all to find out what else may be injured. As he looked down to her, Velana shifted in her sleep, and the motion brought with it a sharp pain in his ribs. At least one of them was fractured, possibly broken. That would take more time to heal than the bruises, but again... that didn't matter. The only thing that he could think about at this moment was the fact that, for the first time in more than twenty years, he knew peace. For this all too brief moment in time, he forgot about the pain and death that had so filled his life. He could feel the exhaustion coming to claim him, but he fought it off as long as he could manage. Because what he was feeling right then was sweeter than any dream he could remember.:: TBC... Lt. Commander Velana Chief Medical Officer USS Mercury NCC-99812 & Lt. Isaac Bale Starfleet Intelligence USS Mercury NCC-99812
  10. ((Eyas’ Quarters; USS Mercury)) ::Mister Richards paused before he rang the chime on the Lieutenants door. He was tired but very grateful for the blunt, honest advice he had received from Walker and Rahman. This still wasn't going to be easy. He had heard the news on the grape vine that the lieutenant had been demoted and he knew he was directly responsible for that. Eyas hadn't been the one to start the firefight but, as the CO of the away team, and the tactical/security department, the buck stopped with him for any transgressions on the mission. Due to his arrogance it was rare that the young man of 29 years felt guilt or remorse for his actions or words. This was one of those times. He adjusted his collar and wiped the beads of sweat from his forehead before pressing the door chime. It was time to bite the bullet and come face to face with one of the many consequences of his actions. Although this would be difficult, starting with Eyas Wulfantine was logical. Commanders Velana and Matthews followed by newly promoted Lieutenant Bale. Issac would be the hardest to approach because he knew he would have to set aside his anger at the way the then Lieutenant Junior Grade had treated him. . He took a deep breath and pressed the door chime.:: Wulfantine: Enter… ::The tall ensign entered and stood at attention waiting to be told to stand at ease. At six feet, two inches tall, Mister Richards wasn't exactly a small fellow but, the blond Pythro male dwarfed him. Normally he would have found this intimidating but, given the situation, he felt he would have to take whatever his department head said on the chin. He knew Eyas to be an honorable man full of integrity. His dedication was second to none and this demotion would have hit the man hard. Much like for him how leaving Star Fleet all those months ago during the hologate affair had cut him up inside. Beads of sweat continued to form and drip from Mister Richards brow as he waited for Eyas Wulfantine's next move. His reaction to Alex's presence would tell the young man how to approach the situation without causing any drama.:: Wulfantine: Alex, thank you for visiting. Please sit. ::Mister Richards took the seat and gave the Lieutenant a smile. He was trying to hide his inner emotions regarding the mammoth task that lay ahead of him. His posture however, was a dead give away that the ensign was very uncomfortable.:: Richards: Forgive my unannounced visit sir but I have something I need to get off of my chest. (Beat.) I feel it unfair that I have as of yet received no punishment for my actions on Valdor III and that you have paid a great price for them. As someone who has been through both the Academy and it's fast track program for returning personnel I still have the rules and regulations fresh in my mind. My decision to break the chain of command and fire first was in direct violation of those rules and regulations and endangered the entire mission. (Beat.) A lot of us received injuries, some of us were even forced to take actions that they may live to regret. I created an uncontrolled mess and placed both the team and the hostages in mortal peril. (Beat.) For all of this, I can only apologize. I wish there was more I could say or do but I can't undo what has been done. ::Mister Richards slumped further into the chair. The more he thought or spoke about it, the more the consequences of his actions sank in. In this case, he had caused a distinguished member of staff’s service record to be marked permanently with a punishment that he felt was severe. Of course, even in his arrogance he would never dare to challenge the Captain’s decision. There was a reason after all as to why Aron Kells was the captain of the Mercury.:: Wulfantine: Alex, I appreciate your thoughts and accept your apology. But as you know, the chain of command works both ways. I was heading that away team, and I am responsible for all under my command. You acted in the stress of the moment as you saw best. If I had had my finger on the pulse of the situation better, than maybe I could have not led us into the encounter in the first place. ::Pause:: When you get to command away teams in the near future, as I am sure you will, you’ll understand why I must accept what the Captain has rightly imposed upon me. Richards: Doesn't mean I can live with the fact I'm getting off without even a slap on the wrist for my actions. Others on the ship have suffered greatly for my actions and I'm still here, in my uniform as if I had committed no transgression. Do you think the Captain will ever have faith in your abilities again? Wulfantine: I am sure I will be able to redeem some merit in the Captain’s eyes, one day, but in the short term I intend to enjoy my shore-leave as much as possible. ::The young man still needed to discuss a few things regarding the away team debacle, and they really couldn't wait. However he appreciated the Pythron's attempt to shift the discussion to small talk. Sitting with a slightly better posture in his seat, he spoke again.:: Richards: Did I do the right thing sir? (Beat.) Wulfantine: You acted as you thought was best given the situation. That’s the least we can ask. ::He could understand the tall blond man’s frustration that he was not ready to move the conversation on just yet. However, this was important.:: Richards: What I mean sir is (beat) I am well aware that one can never use the ends justify the means as an excuse. However, I was one hundred percent sure that we were as good as dead. It was something about the look in the Klingon’s eyes and his tone of voice as he issued the threat to vaporize us. You pick up a lot about peoples demeanor when you work as a barman just based on their facial expressions, posture and tone of voice. Wulfantine: Reading someone’s intentions is vital. In truth, I dare say the Klingon had lethal intentions, but I guess we shall never know. ::Mister Richards looked the Pythron male directly in his eyes before he spoke the next part. This was a difficult question to ask of the freshly demoted man.:: Richards: Hypothetically speaking (beat) do you think we would have made it off the planet alive had I not fired and knowing now, just how many were waiting for us in the hangar? Wulfantine: That is something I cannot answer, however, the fact of the matter is we DID all make it off the surface, and are here to talk about it. In situations like this, survival can be classed as a success. ::He was happy with Eyas' response. It was almost what he had expected. The ends could never be used to justify the means but, knowing that things may have been much worse helped the Ensign feel more at ease with his actions.:: Richards: I think I might need to run a few target practice programs on the holodeck. Although we made it through, my aim wasn't as true as it should have been. Wulfantine: Sounds like a good idea. Do you have any plans for our time on Starbase118? Richards: A nice romantic candle lit dinner with Marissa. She has already booked a baby sitter. I've not been away from her long this time, but it may as well have felt like years. One thing I learned in my time as a civilian is that counselors can work wonders if you let them in. I still have nightmares over what happened on the Independence last summer but they no longer distract me from my life, or my work. How about you sir? Do you have any plans? ::Eyas sighed, and looked out of the porthole.:: Wulfantine: Nothing cement. Maybe a dinner as well, maybe with someone. It depends how they feel dealing with an officer in disgrace. Richards: You are more than welcome to have a few beers with me at my old haunt sir. I wonder if the Tellarite still works there. His debating skills are second to none, though his arrogance makes me look like a saint! Be wary of his insults though, they can cut deep. The trick is if they insult you, to throw one right back. Then again, you more than likely know that. Wulfantine: ::Chuckling:: Indeed, and thank you. I’d like that. A drink to the Independence and the Mercury it shall be, and absent friends. Richards: Aye sir. Oh and sir, thank you for your time. ::Mister Richards stood and smiled at his old friend. There were many more things he wished to discuss with Eyas but for now they could wait. He walked to the doot feeling slightly better in himself and with more confidence in his stride.:: END Lt. Eyas Wulfantine Chief Tactical Officer: USS Mercury & Ensign Alex Richards Tactical Officer: USS Mercury __._,_.___
  11. Voting closes Sunday, November 11th, 2012 at 23:59 PM. This round of voting only qualifies one sim to move on to the next round of judging. REMEMBER: This is NOT a popularity contest. Vote based on MERIT, not the fact that someone is your crewmate. Any crews found “stuffing the ballots” or ratings, will be disqualified PERMANENTLY. Yes, that means the whole crew!
  12. ((Deck 7 -- Holodeck 3)) ::Atimen kept his head down, eyes focused on his PADD. He was trying to find just the right set of catastrophes to prepare for, and had just settled on the one that caused him to wind up in sickbay during the last war: a hostile incursion. The door slid open and Atimen simply walked in, the ring of metal against stone causing him to look up. There was someone standing in a kimono, a bright ribbon of blood on the snow by them.:: Mannin: Wha... ::Her knees gave out and she fell to the ground in a heap, ending up on her side in the snow, still conscious but obviously in shock. The deep wound quickly turned the brown of her kimono black and her breath came in quickening gasps. As she fell, time seemed to freeze.:: Atimen: Oh god. ::He dropped his tablet and ran to her side.:: Mannin: It was all so... ::Her voice trailed off for a moment, her eyes blinking with just an edge of tears.:: Mannin: …so clear. ::Atimen was many things, but a doctor was not one of them. Machines were easy to fix. People though... they were fragile, and he was never good with that. The wound was too deep, and he needed to get her to sickbay fast.:: Atimen: =/\= Atimen to Sickbay, medical emergency in holodeck 3. =/\= Sickbay: =/\= Transporters are offline. We can get a team up there shortly, what is the emergency? =/\= ::He remembered... he took the transporters down for repairs. Who would need them during warp? He looked down at the Lieutenant, and the spread of blood onto the ground.:: Atimen: =/\= Lieutenant Mannin was injured in a holodeck accident. She has a deep cut on her hip and is bleeding, but still conscious. =/\= Sickbay: =/\= We’ll have a team there in five minutes. Apply pressure and keep calm. =/\= ::Chloe listened to the man’s voice in a detached way, knowing from the heat and wetness spreading down her side that the sword had cut deeply into her hip. If it had been the inside of her leg instead, she’d likely have been dead already, bleeding out from the femoral artery. The things that spring unbidden into your mind are odd at times like this. The commander looked really worried though, so she tried to comfort him. One blood-soaked hand moved from her wound to his arm, leaving a smear on his sleeve.:: Mannin: It wasn’t your... it was... ::She paused and took a deep breath, trying to focus her spiraling thoughts for a moment. Why did she seem to be so out of breath all of sudden?:: Mannin: I wasn’t concentrating. Blades make horrible... ::She took another ragged breath. Atimen applied more force against the wound, blood seeping between his fingers.:: Mannin: ...dance partners. ::He knew, regardless of what she said, that it was his fault. Just like her near assimilation, he was in the wrong place at the wrong time and a simple mistake caused horrible consequences. He forced the guilt down with all his might.:: Atimen: Just hold on, sickbay will be here soon. ::He bunched up more cloth and continued to press.:: And then we’ll find you a safer dance partner. Hell, I volunteer. ::She took another breath and nodded.:: Mannin: You know... that kinda hurts now. Atimen: I’m sorry, I can’t let you lose anymore blood... ::The pain came flooding again, in all of a sudden, making her back arch as she clenched her teeth.:: Atimen: Hey, hey. Focus on me. ::He wanted her mind away from the pain.:: What were you doing up here? ::The pain itself was bringing a sense of clarity to the woman’s thoughts.:: Mannin: Trying to... to think. ::She was having a harder time catching her breath and tried to push up to a sitting position.:: Atimen: Don’t move, stay still! ::He gently pushed her back down.:: So you were trying to think with a sword? Mannin: No... I was trying... ::She struggled against him, but his weight and position won out and she gave up. It hurt too much to push against him more.:: Mannin: …trying to clear my mind. Atimen: With... a sword? And the safeties off? ::She shook her head.:: Mannin: Safeties don’t... don’t work with real items... the sword’s mine. ::He nodded, glancing at the elegant weapon glittering like an icicle in the simulated moonlight.:: Atimen: So how does it work? ::For some reason the only thing that the security officer could think that he was asking was how the sword worked, but that didn’t seem right, so her face got this really puzzled look on it.:: Mannin: The sword? Atimen: No, no... I mean how do you clear your mind with a sword? Mannin: Oh... ::She closed her eyes, trying to think about something she had done without thinking for years. The pounding of her heartbeat in her head wasn’t helping her concentrate, either, so she answered his question with a question.:: Mannin: How do you breathe? ::It was a logical enough way to answer it. It wasn’t something she really could explain... she just did. He gave a slight vulcan-like eyebrow raise.:: Atimen: With my lungs. ::He smiled, glancing quickly toward where the arch used to be..:: ::She coughed, sending a new shiver of pain down her leg.:: Mannin: Right... but *how* do you do it? Atimen: Automatically... Until I think about it. ::He paused.:: Then each breath needs force. Mannin: It becomes... harder to do when you... when you think about it. The blade for me... it’s like breathing. But not... ugh. ::She closed her eyes again. This wasn’t working. She felt like she was drifting in a warm water bath, melting into the water. Her voice took almost a dreamy tone.:: Mannin: ...but not like that... I have to... have to... Atimen: Hey, focus! Look at me! :: He waited for her eyes to open again. :: Will you teach me? ::For some reason that stuck the young woman as hilarious.:: Mannin: Really? Considering... I just sliced myself open and am bleeding... bleeding all over you... think that’s such a good idea? ::He chuckled lightly, but her laugh turned into a groan from the pain.:: Atimen: Well, I guess you’re right. ::The medical team appeared through the doors at that very moment.:: Medic: Out of the way, Commander. ::The medics pushed their way in and started working on the security officer, focusing on stopping the blood loss and getting her stable enough for the move back up to Sickbay. As they asked her questions, she looked over at Atimen and smiled weakly. He returned it, keeping his distance as the medics did their job.:: ::As the medics began moving to leave, Atimen remembered the sword. Still lying discarded on the soft snow, he reached down to grab it. A strong, sleek, and elegant blade, its beauty was undeniable. Yet as he looked toward Mannin, he could see its power just as clearly. He sheathed it in a nearby scabbard, left on the steps of the quiet temple, and followed the medics out to sickbay.:: -- Lt. Cmdr Atimen Chief Engineer USS Tiger and Lt. (jg) Chloe Mannin Security USS Tiger
  13. ((USS Mercury - Sickbay)) ::Isaac stood in the doorway to Sickbay watching Velana work. He shouldn't be wasting time... he still had to brief D'ciq and her Marines... but Velana hadn't noticed him yet, and he couldn't help just standing there taking in the sight of her. He knew better than anyone else alive what was waiting for them on Vathor 3. He knew he may never get the chance to see Velana again. Perhaps it was better that his actions with the Cardassians had pushed them apart. It might be easier for Velana when the day finally came that he didn't return from a mission. He stood watching her for a few long moments before she lifted her head and froze, her back still towards the door. Isaac could have disappeared... could have been gone before she turned around... but for some reason, he still stood there staring.:: ::The tiny hairs on the back of Velana's neck stood at full attention. She was being watched; every instinct told her so. She glanced around, but it wasn't until she turned towards the main entrance that she found what she was looking for.:: ::Isaac Bale stood in the doorway, his intense eyes fixed on her. Her back straightened; the last time he'd seen her she'd been at her most vulnerable. She'd judged him, perhaps too harshly, and he'd walked away angry. But now he was back...and maybe she was being given a second chance.:: Velana: Lieutenant. ::She approached him cautiously, unsure of what to say.:: I hope we haven't kept you waiting. Bale: Not long. ::he lied:: I just came to brief you. We'll be arriving at the Vathor system within a few hours, and once there I will be joining Captain D'ciq and her Marines on a rescue mission to retrieve our missing crew. Velana: ::frowning:: That's...admirable, but it sounds dangerous. Bale: I have to go. I've been there before, and I'm the only one who can lead D'ciq through the tunnels. ::pausing:: And if we plan on retrieving our Captain and crew, we have only two choices... kill or be killed. They're going to need my particular skills set. ::She glanced away, drawing in a deep, but silent breath. When she looked back at him, his expression had gone cold. Velana folded her arms over her tender stomach like a shield.:: ::Isaac noticed her look away and take a steadying breath. He was a trained operative. He knew how to read people, and he didn't need telepathy to know that she was being defensive. She felt vulnerable. In spite of everything... in spite of the fact that they were completely wrong for each other, Isaac wanted to wrap his arms around the woman in front of him to make her feel safe. And in spite of himself, he knew that he couldn't. By the time Velana looked back up to him, Isaac had wiped all traces of emotion from his face. When Velana wrapped her arms around her abdomen, she confirmed that he'd been correct in his reading.:: Velana: What are you trying to say to me? Bale: We don't know how many enemies we might be facing when we get there. The planet itself will try to kill us, let alone the Klingons we find there. I wanted to let you know to prepare for wounded. Velana: We'll be prepared. We were already prepared to help the colonists. ::A moment passed.:: Is that the only reason you came here? ::There it was... a direct question that left him little choice. Was she trying to figure out how he felt, or did she already know and she was only trying to get him to admit it? Had she been more awake than he'd realized when he carried her in his arms to Sickbay? Could she hear him growling away anyone who came near as he'd watched over her in her semi-conscious state. Isaac was hard pressed to hold his neutral expression, but there were too many questions that he couldn't address right now. They had missing crew members to rescue, and he needed his head in the game. Isaac defensively deflected her question with one of his own.:: Bale: What other reason would there be? Velana: I don't know. I thought perhaps you might be... ::She shook her head.:: I'm sorry. That would be presumptuous, if not inappropriate. Bale: ::lowering his voice:: Go on... Velana: To think that you might have wanted to see me. ::Smiling briefly before rushing on to hide the bronze flush in her cheeks.:: Thank you for stopping by, Lieutenant. Good luck on your mission and please...come back safe and... ::Isaac's expression softened as she spoke. She blushed at the thought of him coming to see her. She felt... more. She was worried about him, and it was more than a professional concern for a crew member under her care. She cared about him, even after her realization that his was a life full of death. The emotions he felt radiating from her as she continued were powerful. She wanted him to come back and...:: ::She stopped when he cut her off.:: Bale: Velana... ::He took a step forward, well within her personal space. She froze, but didn't flinch. She didn't back away as he reached up toward her face. He stopped his hand just millimeters from her soft skin, and held that pose for a few very long heartbeats before pulling his hand back down to his side.:: ::She wanted to know what his hand felt like against her cheek, but he drew back, leaving her wanting. Velana could only hope that he wasn't aware of it, that her face or eyes didn't betray her longing for that contact.:: Bale: I will come back... ::Velana nodded tightly.::. ::Isaac turned and walked out of Sickbay without finishing the rest of his statement. "For her." He would come back for her. He had a very powerful motivation now for coming back from this mission, and woe to any who stood in his way.:: Velana: ::letting out her breath after he was gone:: I'm going to hold you to that, Isaac. TBC... Lt. Commander Velana Chief Medical Officer USS Mercury & Lt.(j.g.) Isaac Bale Starfleet Intelligence USS Mercury NCC-99812
  14. Roo

    Winners List

    This is a summary post where I'll keep a running list of winners in each round. Round 1 Winners: Ensign Velana -- Always on My Mind Lt. Diego Herrera Lt. Ashley Yael -- To Ask of You (Part 1) Round 2 WInner: Lt. Alleran Tan -- Don't Eat the Blue Ones (Part 2) Round 3 Winner: Lt. Eliaan Deron -- An Unorthodox Family Round 4 Winner: Lt. Cmdr. Danny Wilde Lt.JG Luna Walker -- The Caper of the Century Round 5 Winner: Ensign Didrick Stennes -- Cameo Round 6 Winner: Commander Kalianna Nicholotti -- The Bane of History, Repeating Round 7 Winner: Lt Cmdr Darius Clack & Fleet Captain Sidney Riley -- LtJG Katherine Sharkey and Laeni: Children are like a pack of wolves Round 8 Winner: Major Whale & LtJG Weston -- Major Whale & LtJG Weston - Staying Sharp Round 9 Winner: Lt. Saveron -- Dr. Saveron: Not in my Sickbay Round 10 Winner: The Crew, USS Avandar & Lt Elya Tali & Lt. Cmdr. Alexander James Matthews & Lt. Commander Arden Cain -- The Avandar Crew (And Guests) - Playing for Keeps Round 11 Winners: Lt. Jade Shryker & Lt. Cmdr. Alexander Matthews -- For The Love Of Jade LtCmdr Liam Frost & Lt.(JG). Sidney Pierce -- The Good Left Undone Round 12 Winner: Lieutenant Eliaan Deron -- For in that sleep of death, what dreams may... Round 13 Winner: Lt Commander Ben Walker -- Moving On Round 14 Winner: LTJG Lanius -- The Truth Hurts Round 15 Winner: LtCmdr David Cody -- In This Moment, Right Now, Right Here Round 16 Winner: Capt Nicholotti -- Comes the Devourer Round 17 Winner: Cmdr. Karynn Brice & Lt. Cmdr. Ethan Brice -- Wish you were here Round 18 Winner: Lt(JG) Colt Daniels -- Lost in the Woods Round 19 Winner: Lt(JG) Issac Bale, Zolrak(LtCmdr Wulfantine), & Baren Dreth(Lt. Viktor Lanius) -- End Game Round 20 Winner: LtCmdr. Velana & Lt(JG) Isaac Bale -- Motivations
  15. Voting closes Sunday, October 28th, 2012 at 23:59 PM. This round of voting only qualifies one sim to move on to the next round of judging. REMEMBER: This is NOT a popularity contest. Vote based on MERIT, not the fact that someone is your crewmate. Any crews found “stuffing the ballots” or ratings, will be disqualified PERMANENTLY. Yes, that means the whole crew!
  16. ((Pierce's Quarters, USS Apollo)) ::The updates to her medical log were sporadic, incomplete. Pierce worked diligently trying to detail her headaches by duration and intensity. She wrote out the descriptions of her empathic 'visions' longhand on paper before dictating each one. The most intense one had been during the mission briefing, but the more the counselor thought about it, the more she remembered. Little flickers of colour or sound, easily dismissed as fatigue. Something was certainly happening here. She hadn't dosed in around half a day. Minimal headaches.:: oOStill possible those visions are hallucinations. Can't rule that out.Oo ::She still hadn't been in for her cranial scan, but that could wait. Detailing this process was more important, especially if something was going right. Or wrong. She leaned back and shouted towards the replicator for a cup of pumpkin curry soup. Eyes narrowed at the screen for any typos or inconsistencies, she slid her chair back and unzipped her jacket, finally desiring to change the shirt underneath. Stopping at her wardrobe she changed the slightly damp grey shirt for a sleeveless teal one, hanging her jacket in the closet. She wasn't quite off duty, there was still another hour or so, but if she received a call it wouldn't take a moment to slip her uniform back on.:: ::Sidney let out a long, pleased sigh as she put the first spoonful of soup into her mouth. The portion size was small, but it was sometimes hard to convince her stomach to eat food after a tiring day. That required working out the knots first. Within minutes, though, she had devoured her soup and made a second cup, this time with bread and butter. She almost felt like a real person again. Almost, not quite.:: ((Flashback – 2381 – Betazed)) Isla Reed: No. That's not happening. ::Sidney looked down at the table. Her parents were together for dinner for the first time in several years; unsurprisingly arguing over something. Something Sidney herself had said, of all things. She felt a ball of guilt begin to form in her stomach.:: Lionel Pierce: If it's what she wants, I'd like to see it happen. Isla: Starfleet, Lionel? Really? That bunch of stuffed shirts? Lionel: … the same people that, nine times out of ten, are funding your salary in some way? Or do you think that the work you do is funded entirely by the faceless corporations you work for? :: Isla's eyes narrowed. Sidney balled her hands up, hoping the argument was almost at an end.:: Isla: Does it make you feel good to belittle my job? Lionel: ::stammering:: T-that... that's not even what I... ::He brought up one hand, covering his eyes:: We're getting off-topic. If Josie wants to go into Starfleet, see the world, I say we let her. ::He lowered his voice, maybe thinking that because he was far away, Sidney couldn't hear him. He was wrong.:: Lionel: This is one of the only times she's ever asked for anything. Isla: ::hushed:: Except for a change of school after staying here with you. Lionel: It's just as hard to raise a child on exploratory missions and deep-earth surveys as it is on a planet whose primary race is empaths. She stuck it out. ::He looked at Sidney:: She was very brave about it. :: Her mother looked at her. The terraformer's blue-gray gaze cut through the wall of silence Sidney had put around herself and forced her to stare back.:: Isla: What do you want to do? ::That had been such an easy thing before. Sidney knew she wanted to help people and would go to Starfleet to do it. Different races, all working together to bring the Federation closer to harmony. Now that her mother was looking at her, that seemed stupid.:: Sidney: Help people. ::She paused, and Lionel nodded for her to continue. He could always tell when she had an unfinished thought.:: Sidney: I don't know how, yet. Maybe as an engineer, or an architect. Or a science officer. ::looking between her parents:: You're both scientists. That means I'm genetically predisposed to have a good logic center, right? ::Her mother laughed softly.:: Isla: You've been spending too much time with your Dad at work. Lionel: She's like this all the time. Soaks up medical transcripts like a sponge. Tests better than a lot of Terrans can on active and passive observation, too. ::chuckle:: I'm making her sound like a patient. ::Both of the adults laughed. Sidney thought back to a time where all of their dinners had been together, to a time where there had been endless video calls from her mother when she was away for work. She thought about sitting on her mother's lap as her parents explained why they weren't going to be in the same house anymore. Being asked to choose.:: Isla: The test score requirements are high. ::The young girl's heart jumped. There was a chance, she needed to act quickly.:: Sidney: I'm already almost a year and a half accelerated. I'm the youngest in all of my classes. ::Isla looked at Lionel, who shrugged.:: Lionel: I could have told you, but I didn't think the point five of a year mattered. She's not two years ahead of the curve. ::Her mother finally nodded her ascent, and Sidney's face brightened like a sunrise. Her father passed over the menu and asked what she'd like as a celebratory desert. Pie and ice cream. It was always pie and ice cream.:: ((End Flashback)) ::Two cups of soup and bread away, Sidney found herself going back to the replicator one last time. She ordered a slice of apple pie and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. As it formed, her mouth was already turning up at the sight of it. She had done her job today. She had earned this.:: Lieutenant Sidney Pierce Counselor USS Apollo
  17. Voting closes Sunday, October 14th, 2012 at 23:59 PM. This round of voting only qualifies one sim to move on to the next round of judging. REMEMBER: This is NOT a popularity contest. Vote based on MERIT, not the fact that someone is your crewmate. Any crews found “stuffing the ballots” or ratings, will be disqualified PERMANENTLY. Yes, that means the whole crew!
  18. ((Conference Room 1, USS Tiger-A)) ::The Fleet Captain left the conference room before everyone had cleared out of the room. She headed to her ready room to drop off the PADD she was carrying. She looked over at the cat bed by the door and it was of course empty. She hadn't seen Andy since before they had been caught in the temporal displacement wave. Shaking her head she exited the room, walked across the bridge like she was in a daze and entered the turbolift. When the doors closed she leaned heavily against the wall, her face holding a reflective and melancholy expression.:: ::It hadn't been that long since the Vaadwaur had invaded the Ithassa Region. That war had been brutal and not just in a physical sense. Memories of the last war came flooding back as she closed her eyes against the harsh light of the turbolift.:: ((Flashback 238709.18)) ::The Terran/Deltan nodded. Time to play poker and if she lost that hand, then it was time to play chicken.:: Riley: =/\=This is Captain Sidney Riley of the USS Independence to the Vaadwaur on Deep Space 17. You currently have us in a tractor beam. You will release us from that beam.=/\= ::She paused.:: Marari: =/\= You, who are without mercy, now plead for it? I thought you were made of sterner stuff. =/\= :: He emitted a hoarse, throaty laugh. :: Marari: =/\= Oh how the tables have turned, Captain! Suddenly, it is *you* who is left to beg for the lives of others with *nothing* to give in return. Tsk tsk tsk... and to think, my birthday isn't until *next* month. Please, amuse me-why-ever should I release you? =/\= Riley: =/\=Because if you don't you have a problem. Our current trajectory takes us into an essential part of the station. When we hit you will lose at a minimum 66 percent of the station, and that's without our armed photon torpedoes which will explode on impact.=/\= Marari: =/\= Hah... you're bluffing. You're a spineless, despicable, selfish coward who gloats with the upper hand and, apparently, resorts to pathetic bluffs with a losing one. I suggest you try begging next, Captain.=/\= Riley: =/\=I suggest you release us now. You have sixty seconds before we help your tractor beam out.=/\= Marari: =/\= You are bluffing, mammal! Pathetic waste of flesh and air! I will enjoy watching you die, Captain- I don't care if it kills me! I don't care if it destroys this whole STATION! I will END you, Sidney Riley! When I am done, you will BEG for a death you never receive! BEG! BEG LIKE A SIMPERING- ::Sidney motioned for Townson to cut the line.:: .... Riley: I'll take Ops...::Sidney motioned for the Ensign who was seated to stand. She moved as quickly as she could and took the seat. She cried out in pain as her hip protested. She bit down on her lip again, a small drop of blood issuing from the wound, and looked over at Townson.:: You can do this Lieutenant. I have complete faith in you flying this ship. Kobylarz: Well we could over load the capacitors on the remaining phasor bank it might add a little to the effect. ::The Captain looked down at the console and began shutting down all the non-essential systems that hadn't been cut yet, there weren't many. She cut everything she knew she safely could and then pulling life support down to minimal, she looked over at Townson. Her bright green eyes were wide, confident, but somewhat hesitant. Was she asking too much of the crew? She felt her stomach twist.:: Riley: oO Not now...no second guesses...Oo Ten, nine, eight..... ::Sidney closed her eyes, only opening them when she felt the ship move in a strange way. She looked over at Townson, her eyes wide.:: Riley: We're lose! Move us back from the station, out of tractor range!....Someone either took the beam down or the Vaadwaur shut it off... ..... ::Sidney smiled a small, sad, tired smile.:: Riley: I told you everything would be okay. ((Flashback 238709.18....Moments Later.....)) :: Smiling widely, he stepped over and saluted. Sidney was in no condition to salute back. She looked up at the Lieutenant and pushed herself up as best she could on the console...:: Riley: oO I have to be strong...Oo ::Her bright green eyes held a far away look as the leader of the CAG gave his report. :: Tan: CAG reporting, sir. We lost Red Three but the crew egressed successfully. Five victories by my count, but there might be more. Th- ... :: he stopped. :: Captain, you're bleeding. Are you okay? ::Sidney let out the breath she'd been holding as she tried to deal with the pain. She blinked and her gaze fell on the rest of the bridge crew before she looked back at him. Everything seemed to be moving in slow motion.:: Riley: I am fine Lieutenant. ::Sidney stayed seated at the Ops console, but pushed herself up further in the chair to a more upright position. Her side screamed, and she bit down on her lip again to keep from crying out.:: :: Tan gave a firm nod.:: Tan: A'right, well... permission to accompany you to sickbay, sir? Riley: There are still things that need to be done here. ::The Terran/Deltan gripped the console. Remaining seated she didn't want to admit she couldn't stand. She looked over at Lieutenant Townson.:: Riley: Lieutenant, I believe I should get to sickbay. ::She took in a sharp breath.:: You have the bridge. ((End Flashback)) ::The looming news of war and going back to Bilire IV dregged up all manner of unpleasant and unforgiving memories. Several soft tears strolled down the Terran/Deltan's cheeks.:: ((Surgical Suite 2, Main Sickbay, USS Independence-A, 238709.20)) ::Light:: ::It threatened to break through her consciousness, disrupting the hidden darkness. Enveloped by soft comforting, clean, antiseptic smells the light was inviting, welcoming. The Terran/Deltan opened her eyes and instantly closed them against the offending onslaught of light. She moaned a little as she tried to move, but the lower half of her body didn't want to respond to the commands issued from her brain. Slowly she opened her eyes and took a deep breath of the clean, calming smells.:: ::She knew instantly where she was, sickbay had been her home for years, but she wasn't sure exactly how she'd gotten there. The entire ordeal was a fuzzy mess. She shook her head lightly from side to side trying to gain some perspective.:: Faryul: Doc, she's coming around. Zhou: Thank you, Nishal. If you could give us some privacy? Faryul: Do you want me to talk to the command staff... ::raises an eyebrow:: or whomever else? ::The Bajoran was obviously hinting at a specific someone else, but the Trill/human let it go.:: Zhou: No, that's all right. I'll inform them myself of her condition when I'm done here. ::Faryul exited the suite, leaving Zhou and Riley. The doctor walked closer to the bed and sat down next to his patient:: Riley: oO Sedated...anesthetized. Oo ::She took in a deep breath and saw a welcoming, smiling face.:: Zhou: Captain. Riley: Doctor. ::Her voice was weak, much weaker than she'd expected, but she returned his smile.:: Zhou: Do you know where you are? ::The Captain smiled brightly. It was a standard question and she laughed lightly.:: Riley: Sickbay. Zhou: That's right. You were brought into sickbay several hours ago. Do you remember anything else? ::She could remember flashes, pieces, like a puzzle. One piece was Counselor Avandar, asking if she was okay. Another Alleran Tan, standing with his flight suit in the turbolift his arms around her holding her up. Lieutenant Townson at the helm; she looked nervous. The voice of the one called Marari. The biggest piece however, was the memory of the pain, the pain running up and down her side. It had been almost as intense as the pain she'd felt at the hands of Parrin's torture, and that was saying a lot.:: ::She ran her hand down her side. She couldn't feel anything now.:: Riley: I don't remember everything. The Vaadwaur surrendered...I was on the bridge, the Counselor and... oO The man in the flight suit....Oo After that everything is fuzzy. ::Zhou nodded as the captain recounted the events. While such questions seemed almost akin to small talk, they were actually used to check a patient's mental status, and fortunately, it appeared the captain hadn't suffered any severe neurological damage.:: Zhou: That's all right. You were brought to sickbay by the counselor and one of the pilots. ::Zhou let out another smile.:: Despite your best efforts to sacrifice your health for that of your crew, you were taken to this surgical suite and sedated for an immediate operation. You were hurt pretty badly. Riley: How bad? ::Sidney's expression took on a serious tone.:: Zhou: You suffered severe trauma, including ruptured blood vessels and several pelvic fractures. Your life-threatening injuries from the vascular damage have been stabilized, and we performed a synthetic bone graft to repair the fractures. Riley: ::She paused.:: I can't move my lower left side. ((End Flashback)) ::Sidney opened her eyes and looked up at the offending light. For several moments she wished she could turn it off and stand in the darkness....:: ((Flashback, 238710.03)) ::Clack lowered his head as if considering her comments deeply. All the time, his eyes flashed from yellow to red as he stared directly at Sidney.:: Clack: I was thinking earlier, ::rising to his feet:: I am glad that the Independence is old and big. A home cannot be made habitable in a day, and after all, how days go to make up a lifetime. The walls of my home are broken and the shadows are many. The wind breathes cold through its broken and decayed encirclement. ::He reached down and lit a cigar shielding the flame with his left hand. As he did, the light from the flame cast disturbing shadows across his face as if another one lay hidden just underneath the surface. One that was too disturbing to consider.:: Clack: So I ask you why am I here? ::Sidney watched as the smoke from Clack's cigar rose into the air. It danced with a life of its own around the outline of his face. Blinking, she thought about his question. Her first thought was if he was there, he was obviously there to see her. But then why would he have asked her such a question? She felt herself bristle slightly under the man's gaze.:: Riley: I don't know Darius, why are you here? Clack: ::smiling:: Answer a question with a question.. ::She tried to sit up and failed miserably. She collapsed against the pillows again, a deep frown crossing her face, suddenly she felt very tired.:: Riley: I can't think right now...what are you talking about? Clack: I could hear you from deep within the lower levels of engineering.::break:: The blood nearly froze in my veins for the words that I heard. I don't believe you are really all that well. Riley: I can't! ::Her voice was raising.:: I can't! Don't you know? It's over Darius. Over! Zhou told me I'd never walk again! ::She looked at the Klingon her green eyes flashing. She was breathing heavily and quickly.:: Clack: Over? What do you mean over? ::looking confused:: Riley: You have no idea what I've been through! ::The light from the room seemed to dim briefly around his body for a few seconds.:: Clack: What you have been through? ::He rose to feet and stood directly over her.:: Clack: What you have been through? ::he repeated:: Are we to feel sorry about the poor circumstances that we now find ourselves? ::The Terran/Deltan frowned.:: Riley: I am not feeling sorry for myself. I am...::Pause.::...facing facts. Clack: I image that no one could have possessed a happier childhood than yourself. Come now, ::his voice dropped an octave:: didn't you have to fight for your position here? Or did it come natural to you? ::The Terran/Deltan took in a sharp breath, her eyes flashed.:: Riley: Happier childhood? ::She glared at the man.:: You shouldn't talk about things you know nothing about! ::She felt the anger beginning to grow in the pit of her stomach. Shannon had essentially told her the same thing. How dare he assume things about her! She lost everything in her childhood, including her father and her sister. Everything had been taken from her.:: I've fought for everything I have ever had...I have always taken what I wanted. ::She gripped the sides of the bed. Happier childhood...:: oO Yeah that's why I ran away twice...Oo Clack: Are you going to lie there like a coward or are you going to meet your challenge head on. Riley: I am not a coward! ::She felt herself trembling as she tried to slow the tears running down her cheeks. His comment cut straight to her heart.:: This is different... Clack: Perhaps I should finish the job for you. ::With one hand, Darius raised Sidney up from her lying position. He held her suspended against the wall high off the floor.:: ::The motion was so swift she found herself looking down at Darius Clack from where he held her against the wall before she knew what happened. Bright green eyes met his directly. Her eyes held no fear, there was a hint of anger andsomething else, something that was always hidden just beneath the surface when she looked at the Klingon man. Taking a deep breath, she glared at him.:: Clack: What will the others say such as Admiral Mar? ::break:: Captain Sidney Riley was found after coming in second place against the only adversary that she couldn't find the courage to meet head on? Riley: You put me down Darius Clack! ::She cleared her throat as the tears stopped falling from her eyes. Her gaze was intense.:: And Mar is not an Admiral.... ::The comment seemed to confuse Darius. He absorbed it like a boxer would a right hook.:: Clack: I can smell the fear in you. Your eyes and your words conflict. Riley: I am not afraid! How dare you insult my honor! Clack: Honor? What is honor? ::break:: Honor without action is meaningless. ::She tried to wiggle out of Darius' grip, but he was much stronger physically than she was. After a moment, she let her body go limp.:: Riley: I've never settled for second place! Not by choice! ::Her eyes went wide and she paused, her voice was angry and passionate.:: You *$&%^*#&^$#, you put me down Commander! Clack: You always have a choice. Riley: Who are you to dictate to me?! If you wanted to finish the job you would have done so already! You don't play games. Darius Clack, am I to believe you have changed? ::She looked down into Darius' eyes.:: Clack: Changed? Changed from what? Riley: And just who are you to question my personal life? Haven't you ever looked into the vast expanse of nothingness and wanted someone, something to share it with? ::She looked towards the far wall with her eyes.:: Perhaps...::She paused and then looked directly at him, her expression one of seriousness.:: I am living a lie. Clack: When you look into the vast expanse of nothingness, don't you realize that it stares back at you? ::break:: You can't see the forest for the trees. ::Slowly a small knowing smile crossed her face.:: Riley: There is only one I've ever stood in second place for. ::Pause.:: At least I'll be in good company living that lie. Clack: Lies are like a vortex of perpetual wishes bundled up awaiting to destroy everything around it if you allow it. Riley: Now, you put me down Darius Clack, that's not a request! Clack: As you wish. ::Darius gently lowered Sidney down into her previous position.:: Clack: It seems that you search too hard for things. ::She blinked as he set her down and looked up at him with a somewhat confused expression.:: Riley: What do you mean? Clack: You search too hard to satisfy your personal intimacy. ::he turned to leave:: You can try too hard, you know. Riley: I do try ::Her green eyes sparkled as she looked at him but held a melancholy sense of apprehension.:: but still there are some lines which are difficult to cross. Clack: Remember when the Reapers invaded the Tiger? ::Sidney paused for a moment. That seemed like so long ago...so many things had happened since then.:: Riley: Yes. Clack: I don't know what happened to that Captain Sidney Riley, I hope she returns to us one day. ::Slowly he turned around to face her. Gently, he leaned down and kissed Sidney.:: ::A sense of almost surprise and confusion came over her all at once. Darius had never kissed her like that before. She closed her eyes. She felt like she could melt, like she was floating all at the same time. When she opened her eyes, they were full of fire and sparkled in the darkness with a sense of life.:: Clack: Everything is up to you now. ::break:: You are an intelligent woman. You will make the right decision. ((End Flashback)) ::Sidney took a deep breath. Darius was right, she couldn't do this...she had a choice. Things had been bad last time, but this time...this time she was stronger. Her hands balled into fists at her side. The doors to the lift swished open without ceremony. Sidney stepped out onto the deck. Her mind drifting further as she walked.:: ((Flashback, Twilight's Edge, 238803.28, Ehlanii/Brice Wedding)) :: Sidney turned towards the Vaadwaur woman seated at the table. :: Riley: Hello, you must be Yin. :: Yin inclined her head slightly towards the woman. The woman's demeanor reminded her somewhat of herself when she was in duty mode. The inclining of the head sort of like a nod. :: Yin: I am called Yin, yes. I have been told you are the Captain of the Independence? Riley: Yes, I am Sidney Riley. :: Yin nodded again, her arms by her sides. The woman looked so stiff. It reminded Sidney of duty and decorum. She took a small breath and offered an encouraging smile, so far things were going okay...just okay...not bad, not good...just...yeah.:: Yin: You were known to me even before....After the events of what you would call "Operation Bright Star" the Vaadwaur have taken to calling you "Al'alashi", or in your own language, "The Stormbringer". Your losses then were light, as was my understanding, a testament to the courage and skill of your crew. They bought themselves and their Captain great honour. ::For a moment Sidney's face held a surprised expression. Al'alashi, the Stormbringer... Storms, they had been a consistent element of her dreams since Operation Bright Star...thunder, lightening, wind, tornadoes...elements of wonder and strength but if not respected destruction. The Terran/Deltan looked down at the table for a moment, when she looked back up her face held a serious expression, equal to Yin's in it's steel and determination. The way the woman spoke to her surprised the Fleet Captain, there had been losses on both sides, and still this woman seemed to regard her with a certain amount of respect even though, their ideals and convictions had not been the same. Sidney nodded lightly.:: Riley: I am honored by your words Yin, as is my crew. ((End Flashback)) ::"The Stormbringer".....Sidney knew she had a reputation in battle. A formidable one... Hopefully this would not descend into a full scale war, especially not against the Klingons. They were an honorable race, a full proud culture. They were strong allies....:: ::Her brisk pace stopped as she rounded the corner towards her quarters. She turned abruptly and headed towards engineering at a leisurly pace. There was someone she wanted to visit.:: TBC.... Fleet Captain Sidney Riley Commanding Officer USS Tiger-A
  19. ((USS Mercury - Deck 3, Corridor)) ::Isaac stood outside the VIP quarters shortly after making the last of his preparations. The game of cat and mouse was over. He was going to end this here and now. He took a deep breath to center himself, then closed his eyes and opened his mind, searching for his prey. It didn't take him long to find them inside the VIP quarters, along with several menials. Zolrak and Dreth stood off to one side of the room, probably whispering beyond earshot of the other Cardassians present. He could feel their excitement, their eagerness. They were waiting for the call to beam down to the planet so they could make their move. Isaac opened his eyes and growled. They would never get the chance.:: Bale: Computer, execute program Bale Delta Seven, phase one. ::Isaac removed a small device from one of his combat suit's pouches as he counted down the twenty seconds until the VIP Quarters would open before him. The device was programmed to emit a series of bright flashes and tremendously loud bangs, effectively overloading the sensory input of most humanoids. Even as he readied the device, the Mercury's environmental control systems were rapidly dropping the temperature inside the VIP Quarters to just above the freezing point. Cardassians didn't like the cold, and could not easily cope with the drastic change in temperature. The rapid climate change combined with the device in his hand would disorient everyone inside the room, and give Isaac a good 15 to 20 seconds of distinct advantage. He intended to make them count.:: ((USS Mercury - VIP Quarters)) Zolrak: What? What’s happening. The cold? Dreth: Bale... :: His eyes lowered and a sneer crossed his wretched mouth :: ::The doors opened and Isaac tossed his distraction into the room. He ducked to the side of the door and drew the compressed air gun from his hip as he waited for the flashing lights and the thunderous report to pass. As soon as it did, he was on the move. He spun into the room, bringing the gun up in front of him as he did, and quickly sorted through hostiles. Zolrak and Dreth were right where he expected them to be, though both were now reeling from sensory overload. With practiced marksmanship Isaac fired one shot into the neck of each of them, planting a small metallic dart deep enough into their flesh to require a minor surgical procedure to remove.:: Bale: Computer, execute phase two! Zolrak: Argh! You! ::Dreth rolled to one side and felt his neck. The man had shot him with something, although he wasn't quite sure what it was. He picked up the phaser rifle to his right and pointed it at the pathetic Betazoid.:: ::Recognizing Isaac's command, the door leading out to the corridor closed and sealed behind him. He would not allow these men to escape. They were dead already, they just didn't know it yet. As soon as the door sealed, a dampening field sprang into existence to fill the room. It wouldn't last long, a few minutes at most, but that was all Bale needed. The room went dark, save for the light of the stars streaking past the large view ports, and one of the Cardassian menials cried out as he recovered from the shock only to discover that the disruptor he now held had been rendered useless. Isaac charged straight at him and leaped into the air. A heavy boot connecting squarely with his nose sent that man to the floor and ended his confusion.:: Zolrak: Star Fleet…. Scum! Ooof! Dreth: Smart boy... But a boy nontheless... ::The hooded Cardassian revolutionary had seen his fair share of battles, had beaten countless lifeforms in combat, and wasn't about to quit now. He lunged at the man throwing whatever punch, elbow, knee and kick he could muster. He was having trouble finding an opening. He made a grab for his close range blade, throwing it at Bale, to which he ducked quickly sending the blade instead into the eye of one of the other Cardassians.:: ::Isaac moved like lightning. Every move... every spin, duck, dive and tumble left him perfectly in balance and continuing his momentum. With the three remaining menials in close proximity and still slightly stunned, Isaac rained blow after blow against them until all three were unconscious next to the man who had drawn the disruptor. Only Zolrak and Dreth remained. Isaac stalked toward them slowly, allowing them to regain their senses. He wanted them to see it. He wanted them to know. His eyes... his heart... held nothing but hatred. These two men were the embodiment of everything their people had done to him. They had taken everything from him. He didn't even know if Velana still lived. They had taken that, as well. These two men may not have been there all those years ago, but after what had happened to Velana, he was holding them responsible for all of it. He took that blame and draped it across their shoulders like a mantle.:: Zolrak: You… you will be punished for this! Dreth: The time for words has passed... You... Boy... You won't survive this day. Bale: I don't care. Zolrak: We will… make an… example of you… Dreth: ::He made sure to smile grimly at the man.:: An example... just as I did your girlfriend... ::A small laugh could be heard:: ::Isaac almost paused in his advance at Dreth's comment. Almost. Was that what Velana had become to him? It didn't matter now. Dreth was trying to play a psychological game. He had no idea who he was facing. Whatever Velana meant to him, Isaac had decided to kill these Cardassians. Nothing would stop him now.:: Bale: ::slower this time:: I don't care. Zolrak: But? Dreth: ENOUGH! ::he rasped to Zolrak:: Bale: ::drawing a combat blade into each hand:: I don't care. ::Isaac rushed forward at the two Cardassians. To their credit, they moved in concert. Zolrak went to the left and Dreth to the right, forcing Bale to divide his attention. He swung a blade at Zolrak's face, forcing the Cardassian to lean back and put himself off balance. Rather than taking advantage of that, Isaac had to spin around in the other direction to duck under a heavy two-handed punch from Dreth. Again he was forced to reverse direction, and he kicked one foot out to the side and behind him into the gut of the fast approaching Zolrak. He took several hits as the exchange continued, but his balance was enough to roll with the blows and prevent any serious damage. Still, he needed to end this quickly.:: ::Zolrak knew he was fighting for his life. Somehow this Betazoid had uncovered their crime, and was not going to allow them to escape. The cold and the stinging on his neck were not helping Zolrak in his actions, but he gritted his teeth and continued his life or death struggle.:: ::Dreth wasn't as dumb as he looked. He moved to the side of the advancing Betazoid and drew his secret weapon. The hypospray was primed and ready for injection. This would be the last time the young man would fight.:: ::Isaac turned his attention to Zolrak as the man grabbed a heavy sculpture off the shelf on the wall next to him. He stepped forward, shifting his weight onto his left leg and raising that sculpture high above his head. Just as Isaac was about to side step the hammer blow that was coming his way, he caught the slightest flicker of Zolrak's eyes over his shoulder. Time seemed to slow down as Isaac sent his mind forcefully into Zolrak's. He saw through Zolrak's eyes, for one brief moment, Dreth coming in behind him with one arm outstretched... and a hypospray in his hand.:: Bale: oO Now. Oo ::In one smooth motion Isaac spun around toward Dreth, flipping the knives in his hands as he did so, so that the blades extended down opposite his thumbs. Stepping inside the reach of Dreth's extended arm, Isaac brought the edge of his first blade smoothly and powerfully up across the wrist of that same arm. The razor sharp weapon neatly severed blood vessels and tendons alike, sending the hypospray flying harmlessly away. Isaac dropped down low and reversed direction as he continued his spin. He extended his arm and drove his second blade deep into the back of Zolrak's leading leg, forcing the man to drop the sculpture or go to the ground with it. His leg would no longer support the added weight. Before either of the Cardassians could react to their sudden injuries, Isaac rolled out to the side away from them both. He came to his feet a few meters away and stood at ease facing them. Dreth was grasping his torn wrist with his opposite hand to keep his life's blood from escaping, and Zolrak could no longer stand without the support of a wall.:: ::A stream of Cardassian expletives shot from Zolrak’s foamed mouth.:: Zolrak: ****** you **** Betazoid. Dreth: AAARRGGHH!!! ::Dreth collapsed to the floor looking at the dangling meat that used to be his hand. He couldn't help but notice the black marks along the incisions. He suddenly felt ill. Violently ill. He immediately puked a stream of clotted blood to the floor.:: Bale: ::calmly, coldly:: Computer, execute phase three. ::Lights filled the room once more as the dampening field disappeared, and the two Cardassians looked at Isaac with curious expressions. Isaac turned and stabbed his blades into the table next to him, displaying the slow rivulets of Cardassian blood sliding down each of them. Very slowly... very deliberately... Isaac removed the two empty sheaths that had held those blades from his belt. He held the sheaths forward, drawing the eyes of both men, and tipped them over to let the greasy black liquid ooze out onto the floor.:: Bale: You remember the Arboretum. Zolrak: Noooooo! oO It can’t be?Oo ****** you. Bale: ::ignoring the curses:: Computer, execute program Bale Delta Seven, final phase. ::It took only a moment for the Mercury's transporter system to lock onto the transponders planted in the Cardassians' necks by tiny metal darts just minutes before. As the two men disappeared in that familiar blue glow, Isaac hoped they would keep their senses long enough to feel every second of the pain. ((Planet’s Surface)) ::Dreth and Zolrak emerged alone and gasping on a rocky landscape, the air punctuated by explosions and rumbles. Zolrak gazed up, his vision beginning to blur. A horde of giant Klingons charged towards him, rifles aimed at him. He slumped to one knee.:: ::When Dreth's vision returned, his training from the Cardassian military had sprang forth once again. He tucked and rolled, getting back up to his feet. He turned one last time to see a group of Klingons surrounding Zolrak, his face crumbling from the affects of the poison they had been injected with. Dreth looked at his own stub seeing it begin to turn black. He remembered the small vial in his pouch pocket...:: Zolrak: F..Friend! ::looking and reaching towards Dreth:: Klingon: Karadat Nunaak! ::The Klingon group was closing in as Zorlak was helpless. He couldn't even run if he wanted to with the wound on his leg slowly spreading. The Klingons growled and snarled in their crude language. Dreth just watched from a small crater.:: Zolrak: Help? Klingon: Grishnak Vorndak! Zolrak: I… don’t understand. ::Zolrak's wound was growing. Black pustules were forming on his exposed skin, and he was slowly losing consciousness. The latter was in fact a blessing, as the pain of his festering body was excruciating.:: ::Dreth took the ampule of antidote from his pocket and ingested it. The course would run slower through his intestines, but at least he would survive. He would need to find sufficient places to hide, and eventually a ride off of this blasted rock. As for Zolrak, he served his purpose...:: Zolrak: Dreth.. go! I failed. ::Dreth said nothing, only glared at the man melting before him.:: ::With Dreth making his way, the Klingons surrounded Zolrak’s crumpled form, watching in fascination as this Cardassian slowly melted in front of their very eyes. They didn’t have to wait long before the spectacle was over and they could continue their charge for glory!:: ::Baren Dreth ran as fast as he could; to where, he didn't know. He was beginning to feel better by now, but a contempt filled his still-cold heart. He stood upon a cliff-like embankment staring upon the battle that raged below. He'd never lost an incursion to anyone... And soon enough, he would have his revenge...:: To Be Continued… Lt.(j.g.) Isaac Bale Starfleet Intelligence USS Mercury NCC-99812 & Zolrak Aide to Councilor Prianna as simmed by Lt. Commander Eyas Wulfantine Chief Tactical Officer USS Mercury NCC-99812 & Baren Dreth as simmed by Lieutenant Viktor Lanius Acting First Officer USS Apollo NCC-71669
  20. ((Security Office-Deck Thirteen-USS Mercury)) ::Alexander, Jade and Prianna are in the security office when Lt. Bale walked in behind them and announced that he had a plan to deal with the people that were behind the poisoning of Velana and the possible attempt on Councilor Prianna.:: Bale: I have a plan in motion to neutralize the threat to Councilor Prianna. I'll let you know when it's finished. For now I would recommend keeping her here, and putting a few guards at the door. ::Alexander watched as Bale was about to leave. He felt the urge himself, for revenge, his friend was hurt. Then he thought to himself would Jade condone such and action ? If it were her lying there he would not even say a word, there would be no stopping him, as an officer Alexander had to say something.:: A.Matthews: Lt. Bale, now is not the time for personal vendettas. ::Alexander watched as Bale turned towards him with the coldness that he has felt when he is ready to do battle. He knew in his mind and soul what Bale was ready to do. He reached inside himself and found that he would be willing to do the same if Jade were lying in sickbay.:: Bale: With all due respect, Commander, I'm not taking orders on this one. ::Alexander watched him leave, knowing that if he was in the same position he would do the same.:: ((OOC: Music for the mood of Alexander. ))((Holodeck One-Deck Four-USS Mercury)) ::Alexander kissed Jade on the on the cheek, nodded to Prianna and left the security office knowing that his duty was completed there and there was no need for him to be there. Since he was going down on the planet with the marines as the first part of the deployment, he thought it best to get in some practice in a combat situation. The last time he was in holodeck combat was with Eyas and his friend Eerie from the Avandar the night before his wedding, he smiled at the ending of the combat session. This time the simulation was to keep his skills sharpened and get him ready for battle. He walked into the black and yellow room with only one thing on his mind, combat tactics.:: ::He walked over to the computer console on the bulkhead on the left of the door, there he started to program the planet where his military career began, Camis IV. He felt anxious and nervous about going back there, even if it is a hologram, it still held memories for him. He tapped the console for the landscape and sky of the planet where he lost his friends and command as a marine officer. He looked back as the room changed to the sand dunes, with patches of grass with a warm breeze blowing from the east. The sky above was the familiar red with clouds of gray above. Off in the distance with the small gusts of wind that came towards him, he could smell smoke and burnt flesh from the outpost. His mind drifted back as he closed his eyes to remind himself that this is the holodeck and not the real thing. In his mind he heard the voices of his lost friends. The screams and sounds of battle could be heard from where he stood. He opened his eyes checked his belt for his equipment, taking the type three phaser rifle from his shoulder and walked towards the east and the dangers that faced him.:: ((Federation Outpost-Camis IV)) ::Alexander crouched down to the prone position on the sand dune on the outskirts of the town and watched as the smoke filled the air and the fire engulfed the buildings. He remembered the orders and commands he gave that day during the battle and the search for the survivors. He crawled down to the next sand dune and waited, there were sounds of a Nausicann raider patrol. He felt himself become overwhelmed by the feelings of rage and anger, he closed his eyes to shutdown the emotions, this was not the time to be clouded with anger and the old feelings of hate that swelled within him not so long ago. This was a time to use his skills of stealth and surprise to his advantage. The raiders were larger and stronger than he, but with the art of combat tactics that he was taught, he could overcome the odds, if he kept his wits about him. He waited as the last of the the raiders walked past, he left the rifle in the sand and silently pulled his dagger from its sheath. Crouching down as he approached the raider from behind, with swift motions he jumped on the back of the raider that lagged behind the others, covering the mouth of the raider he stabbed him in the back and then in the neck killing the raider instantly. The raider fell to the sand with silence, the Alexander dragged the body behind the dune. He knew that the others would soon know that one of them is missing, Alexander looked over and grabbed his rifle and tightened the sling so there would be no sound as he moved from place to place.:: ::He climbed on to the sand dune as he heard the voices of the other raiders noticed one of them was missing. He watched and waited for the to appear from around the dune as he looked through the site of the rifle, he moved the setting from stun to kill. Here in this place and time there would be no prisoners, this was combat and there was no emotion, no feeling, just to complete the objective and win. He aimed the weapon at the first raider that came into sight, the clear headshot was there, but the wind kicked up and sand went into his eyes for only a second, but that was enough for him to miss the shot. He cleared the sand from his eyes and heard the footsteps coming towards him, but from behind. Alexander rolled on to his back and fired the rifle into the chest of the raider with a full nadion burst. The raider vaporized in front of him.:: ::Alexander knew that his position was compromised and it was not safe to stay here, he looked and scrambled to his feet looking to the left and right for a new place to attack. Moving from dune to dune as the raiders fired upon him. He remembered the intense feelings of anger, rage and fear during the battle, he was younger and on his first command assignment. He continued to run duck and hide from the raiders firing the rifle as he moved. He killed two but there were three more hunting him. He looked and thought to himself that there would be more cover in the ruins of the outpost. Ducking from the weapons fire of the raiders he swiftly made his way towards the burning and smoldering buildings for cover.:: ::Alexander made his way in to the outpost and hide among the building ruins where there was a fire to masks his thermal signature, to give him a chance to rest and think for at least a few seconds. He thought about the day of the battle again, running his actions around in his head, thinking that was there something that he could done differently to change the outcome of that day, but then his thoughts were interrupted by the voices and sounds of the raiders coming towards his position. Crouching down to take advantage of the cover he found he made sure that he could not be found so easily. He watched as one of them passed by just close enough for him to make the silent blitz attack with the dagger, but as he placed the rifle down to move there was a sound behind him, he tried to move but it was to late and one of the raiders grabbed him, and lifted him off his feet. Alexander struggled as he was thrown across the room. He fell upon the floor and debris feeling a sharp pain in his back as the raider drew closer towards him.:: ::Alexander pushed himself up to his feet as the raider tried to grab him again, but this time there was a blade in the hand of the raider, Alexander pulled the dagger from the sheath into his hand he watched the movement of the enemy, scanning the body language for the attack. They both circled and made gestures of movement towards each other, but then the raider made the move, Alexander sidestepped as the raider slammed into the wall and fell back on to the a metal post that impaled him. Alexander walked over to cover the mouth of the enemy and snapped the neck to silence it quickly. Still feeling the pain in his back Alexander reached behind him to find a shard of metal there. He closed his eyes to focus and pulled it out swiftly. He grunted as the pain eventually faded, but there were still two raiders left and he needed to find them first.:: ::Alexander took off his tunic and placed his comm badge on his belt, then tied the tunic around his wound. There was a trickle of his blood flowing, but it was a steady flow and he had to end this simulation fast. He bent down to pick up the rifle, scanned the outside of the building in search of the raiders. He looked around the area with caution as he stepped out to make a dash for the next building, but there was the discharge of a weapon the just missed him as he hid behind the wall again. The shot came so fast the he did not see the direction. He cursed himself for not being able to see if faster. He stood up slowly to take a look around the area again, then he saw a flash from the building on his left flank. He pulled the rifle up to his shoulder,taking aim in the direction of the flash.:: ::He could only guess where the the raiders were hiding, the best way is to fire with a full burst into the wall and try to draw them into the open. He closed his eyes and thought about one weapons evaluation that he conducted on the Aurora, his own. He was able to overcome the last enemy, by overloading his rifle and using it as a type of grenade. This time he thought of something different. He aimed carefully at the wall supports the held what was left of the building. He waited for the flash again to confirm that there was a raider still inside. His eyes widened as the flash appeared, he fired with the full nadion bursts as the walls and roof came tumbling down above the one raider the was in the building. Just then the other screamed as he looked up from behind the other building firing his weapon at Alexander, then he looked and opened fire and vaporized him.:: ::Alexander stood up breathing heavily after the rush of conflict started to leave his body, he walked out placed his rifle on his shoulder and walked towards the the exit, he still wondered how he was wounded, and the blood still flowed from his back. He called for the computer to end the simulation and checked the safeties to find that the level of the simulation was higher then usual. He felt a bit more relived, but then moved on out of the holodeck to sickbay and get his wound checked. He looked back as he felt a bit better about his engagement on the planet of Camis IV and the outcome, but still the healing is an on going process.:: TBC -- Lt.Cmdr. Alexander J. Matthews Chief Of Operations USS Mercury NCC-99812
  21. ((Sickbay early morning)) ::Dr. MacLaren had been surprised and relieved when Commander Walker had come to her for help. She had suspected that he was still haunted by the Shadow experience but had not anticipated that it was quite this bad. His recall of emotion was crippled and he'd admitted to having hallucinations of a taunting Shadow. He was experiencing it even as they spoke. She had suggested that there could be actual brain damage or that he might be having a defensive reaction to painful memories themselves. He had accepted those possibilities with an openness that spoke of his desire to be well although she felt that he'd seemed more frightened of the last.:: Walker: How would you prove out either hypothesis doctor? MacLaren: Eh can do a neural scan for actual tissue damage to eliminate the second possibility. We'll be able to see if there is damage to your brain. If there is none, then we are faced with a fear response to memories themselves which ye may have repressed. Eh can help you with that. If the memories are simply deeply buried, we could likely find them together. Walker: Seems reasonable, how quickly could we arrange it? MacLaren: Eh can do the neural scan right now. It would only take a view moments. Eh have a tri-corder here. Walker: And the results? If it turns out to not be a physical element? MacLaren: If it is negative, and you agreed, Eh could help you find the memories ye fear. :: Walker gave a small involuntary shudder as she said that. His nearly hidden reaction was also an indicator to her that his fear of the memories was the more likely answer. She had seen the kind of dreadful memories that had been twisted like a cruel torture by the Shadow attacking Dr. Deron. What had the commander's Shadow dredged up?:: Walker: And how would you do that? MacLaren: Eh'm a telepath, Commander. Eh dinna enter people's minds without their permission, but with it, Eh can find something you may have suppressed simply because Eh dinna have the same fear of them that a patient might. Walker: There is, logically, a third potential that we should consider. Shadow Walker: Beyond the obvious that you are simply a loony? Walker: Or perhaps four potentials. One is, regrettably that I am actually losing it. However, since that was something brought to me by the shadow... I don't believe it to be true. MacLaren:nodding:: Aye, Eh tend to agree with you. Yet, you are giving some credence to what this hallucination is telling you. ::She did not want to call it the Shadow since giving it that name would reinforce its reality in his mind.:: Walker: The concern for me Doctor, what if it is a remnant. A piece of the Shadow creatures that we drove off, somehow locked into my mind. Shadow Walker: Ooo good one Benny. Hey, if you are right.. I might make a new friend! I bet the doc would love to share your problems! Well not literally, I bet she's got a ton of her own. And with a telepath... hey I could spread everywhere! Yeah.. let's DO this thing! MacLaren: Try not to listen to whatever the hallucination is saying. Think of it as either a manifestation of either tissue damage or as a projected fear. Dinna give it authority in your mind. :: Not realizing that he'd reacted visibly, he nodded soberly. :: Walker: Doctor, in fairness, under that hypothesis that it was a remnant, your exploration of my mind could spread the infection. But first, let's see if there is any physical damage. MacLaren::shaking her head more to shake away the irrational fear his words had produced than to correct him.:: Nae, that willna happen. Let's do the scan and then Eh will tell you our options. :: She found her next words the very same she had said so often during the Shadow crisis.:: They will be our options, ye are nae alone in this now. Together we'll find the answer. ::She set the tricorder for a neural brain scan, then she carefully and slowly used it to circle Walker's head. She suspected that the Shadow hallucination was speaking to him and warning him off. She had gently placed her hand on his shoulder as she completed the scan finding his muscles as taut as a bow string.:: MacLaren: There is some small scar tissue, but it is not in a place that would cause hallucinations. It could cause some memory impairment, but Eh dinna think such significant impairment as ye are experiencing. It can be removed surgically if necessary. Hallucinations result from damage in other parts of the brain, ye see. Walker: So the mental attack formed physical issues. That's unexpected, but the hallucinations wouldn't be part of that..and so aren't physical. So what is our next step then? Other than the surgery? MacLaren: Eh dinna ken if ye knew this, but Eh trained for many years on Vulcan. Eh learned the mind meld technique. Telepaths of various species can do so. In that, both our minds would be equally open to each other. Since ye fear that the Shadow could spread this affect on your mind, Eh suggest this. First, Eh can enter your mind in a regular Betazoid way which would allow me to see into your thoughts and memories. If Eh find the memories or the cause of their blockage, Eh would break off the contact. Then Eh could tell you what Eh'd found. That would tell ye what was there and what ye may fear. It wouldna be the same as really having them and the blockage would remain. Then if ye wish to face the fear, Eh could then use the mind meld technique. Since the memories would be in my mind, Eh'd be returning them to you. Walker: So, you'd be scanning my memories, downloading a copy hopefully without the virus, then reloading my mind from a saved file? That seems as reasonable as any other path forward I suppose. Though I'm honeslty more concerned with the Shadow "infecting" you with the same virus. Shadow Walker: And you should be... as soon as she get's in... she's going to be in for more than she bargained for I'll tell ya. ::MacLaren knew that if Walker's memories were still there and not destroyed by the Shadows, they would be terrifying; she would experience them not as sharply as he did, but it would not be easy for her. She was a doctor and her duty was not to her own comfort but to help her patient. It had taken a good deal for this officer to come to her; she could not let him down.:: MacLaren: Just relax as much as ye can. Ye are nae going to feel anything We'll just be sitting here together. You can close your eyes if it is easier. :: Even the idea of being relaxed, open, vulnerable, tightened his chest. This wasn't what he did. He fought. He was the person that watched out for others, not that needed to be watched over. Only the concern that doing nothing would make things worse forced him to stay. So instead, he grappled with his own urges, trying to bring down the barriers he'd always put up. To allow the Doctor unharmed through the battlefield of his mind. :: Walker: Alright, but... be careful. I've been trained to resist... so not sure how that's going to affect things. ::MacLaren gave him a reassuring smile and then lowered opened herself to his mind. The room faded and darkened into a barren plain that looked as if it had sustained a brutal bombing. What appeared to be the smoldering remains of piles of rags were corpses from which she stepped back in horror. A gleeful laugh made her spin around to see a undulating dark from. A vicious smile like a smirking Cheshire Cat split the darkness of its face. She wanted to run, to escape, but she recognized it as a defensive feature of Walker's mind. She turned from the figure and continued to try to find his memories in this minefield of his mental barriers. The terrain suddenly shifted and she found herself climbing a steep precipice until it shook and hurtled her down. An increasing sense of dread dragged at her like heavy shackles. Shadowy figures flew around her squawking like ravening vultures. Oo They are not real; they canna hurt me; they are not real, ignore them Oo:: ::The shrieking of the vultures increased until she dropped to her knees and put her hands over her ears. She batted it away and it dove at her until raising her fist, she struck it and it flew away revealing a door. Entering, she was in the sickbay and the shadow assumed the shape of a vulture feeding on the the body of Commander Walker. She walked to it carefully and saw it feeding. The Trauma Ward faded and the walls seemed like the giant screens of old Earth's cinemas showing scenes from the commander's life. Some were scenes of his childhood, his youth and what appeared to be his courtship with his wife, the birth of his child, the terrors of battles fought.:: ::They played out like a movie reel in his mind, but instead of full images, the pictures were blurred, lacking color. In some cases, they flickered and jumped as if frames of the film had been cut and spliced back together.:: :: The vulture looked up at her as she gazed at the man's life. Shifting to a more human looking body, still somewhat covered in shadow, he gestured to the images before them. :: Shadow Walker: Welcome to the mind of Ben Walker. Not much to see, but hey, you get what you pay for... am I right? :: As he spoke the last, he slurped up a bit of entrails that had been in the vulture's mouth. :: MacLaren: Ye are a defense mechanism, nothing more. :: The darkened figure wagged his finger at the woman as if she was a naughty child. :: Shadow Walker: Ah ah ah... no insulting the help. After all, I'm just a poor fragment of this man's consciousness. Similar to the little girl behind you. :: He pointed to an obviously distraught young girl, who strongly resembled the doctor. :: ::The child startled Johanna, less because it was there, but more because it would be unlike Walker to be cruel to another person. Realizing that, she knew that it was a defense mechanism, but it would not hurt her. It was mostly bravado.: Shadow Walker: You said it yourself Doc, you open yourself to understand Benny, and it's a two way street. Besides, :: his outfit changed to the blue of a Starfleet medical officer, and his demeanor became that of a mocking doctor:: I'm only here to help. ::MacLaren realized how deeply afraid Walker must be of facing his emotions to have such strongly imbedded defenses. Still, she felt from their first meeting that he was a good man who cared for other people despite a cool facade. She would not be put off by this “shadow.:: MacLaren: Good then. We're both here for the same reason. Eh'm not scared of you. :: The voice came out far weaker than he wanted, laced with the pain of the wound, but gained strength as he spoke:: Walker: Get... away... from her. Shadow Walker: Hey Benny, you look pretty bad. Maybe you should lie back down... MacLaren: Nae, Commander, dinna lie down, fight him. He'll hurt me if ye don't. Eh need you to help me. ::She had not entered through a mind meld. There was little that Walker knew beyond what was in her service record files. She had long come to terms with that. She had been fighting her own willingness to withdraw since reporting to this base. Now, experiencing Walker's memories, seeing images of his troubled childhood, she understood why he was so guarded, why he would flee from the pain of emotions. Having his mind, his most intimate mental privacy violated by the shadows was a brutal assault, he'd not want to face. He was a private man whose most tender emotions had been used as feeding material by creatures who cared nothing for the pain they caused. The humiliation of that would be a searing wound in itself.:: :: The shadow creature laughed harshly. :: Shadow Walker: Why would I do that doc? You are no more a threat to me, than you are a help to Benny. Ya know why? Because you don't understand! :: Tired beyond the ability to explain, and in agony over the wounds inflicted to him by the shadow, he still forced himself onto his elbows. His words came out between exhales of pain:: Walker: I won't... let him... Just... just go. :: Exhausted from even that effort, he slid from his elbows back onto his back. Before his head could hit the hard metal, the Shadow creature tripped, putting his hand between as a cushion, even as it then pulled it free. :: MacLaren looked at the memories, some torn and ragged, others intact. There was a lot of pain here, a lot of humiliation in his childhood. Oo So like my time on Vulcan. We were both treated like freaks. His records must read a bit like mine: Excellent student, but emotionally guarded, does not socialize well with others, may have difficulty forming camaraderie with a crew. Eh came here determined to be different. Can he break out of this too?oO:: MacLaren: Commander, your memories are here, a few have some damage, but not many. The memory of your promotion is here and untouched. You can have the emotions back, but ye'll have to fight for them. If you think your reply, Eh'll hear you. :: The creature started laughing at her words, in inverse proportion to the seriousness of her statement. :: Shadow Walker: Wha.. wait. You... :: laugh:: you want Benny.. to.. :: At this point he doubled over the table, pulling a moan of pain from Ben:: to fight for himself?!? MacLaren: If ye dinna fight this, you will end up losing more than the emotional memories. Ye could shut down all your emotions. They'll follow like dominoes falling. It could ruin your marriage, your love for your bairn. :: The shadow looked over at her with shock on his face, his laughter stolen from him :: Shadow Walker: Wait, you are serious? :: He shook his head:: You really have no clue do you... :: Weakly Ben pushed the shadow away :: Walker: Go.. go away. Just leave... :: The shadow looked at the man, then at the doctor, then back. The humor he'd always shown robbed from his face and replaced with fury:: Shadow Walker: Really? That's your answer Benjamin? :: He turned back to the doctor before continuing:: You want him to recover his memories? Let's do that shall we? ::MacLaren was torn. The hostility and defensiveness of the Shadow was daunting, but it was Walker's defense mechanism. He was trying to protect himself, but somewhere deeper, Walker must know that he could not continue to exist as he was. He'd reached out for help, something that must have been terribly difficult. She understood that he'd done it to stay on duty, which was clearly his primary motivator. She was not a counselor, but she did know that emotions could not be shut down selectively like defective systems in a computer. Suppression of one lead to suppression of them all in a cascading affect. The lost emotions of his memory, would soon be a total loss of Walker's emotions. An automaton could not be a first officer, and she wondered if he could live at all if he became incapable of doing his duty. She weighed the danger of talking to this Shadow or simply retreating and talking to a conscious Walker. This was dangerous, but she was certain that Walker would not seek further help if they stopped now.:: MacLaren:: to the Shadow:: Eh ken how agonizing this will be, but he is experiencing a gradual pain now that will eventually destroy him. Ye are angry and see me as an enemy, but he understands that he canna go on as he is. ::Reaching into itself, the shadow pulled a glittering jewel, covered in filth::Without waiting for a response, it shoved the jewel into the man's open chest. As soon as it touched him, Ben screamed. A scream that turned quickly to uncontrolled sobbing:: MacLaren: rushed over to the prostrate Walker and knelt by him, taking his hand:: What was that? Shadow Walker: That? That was the memory he had AFTER the shadow attacked. When he realized that it wasn't the sound of his family that brought him back, but his duty to Starfleet. HE CAME BACK BECAUSE HE WAS ORDERED TO! Not love, not friends. Duty. So what does that make him when he's not on duty? :: Snarling, the creature continued, pulling another tarnished gem from it's body:: Oh this is fun, let's do more. How about this one Benjamin. Here's where you realized that you failed your crew when you left her. Where's the Ronin now Benjamin? Where's Cara? Where's the family you SWORE to protect? MacLaren: Stop it! He canna face them all at once! He is feeling guilt, but he's wrong to do so. He's seeing all these decisions in a prism of self-condemnation. He did the right things, made the right choices, the only choices he could. :: Black tears were streaming down the creatures face as it rounded on her:: Shadow Walker: Then why is he here?!? If he did right to leave then, for his wife and child. Then what right did he have to leave?!? :: On the table, Ben was curled into a fetal ball. The Shadow looked from him back to the doctor with disgust.:: Shadow Walker: Ben Walker is a fraud and a coward. He hides behind words like duty and responsibility. But at the end, he fails everyone. Just like he knew he would. But the kllhe (Romulan: worm), doesn't fail until it hurts someone else to do so. End of the day "Doc" I'm not the problem here. He is. And that's why he won't fight back. That's why he will let each domino fall. Because that's what he deserves, and at the end of the day.. he knows it. ::MacLaren stared into the eyes of the Shadow, of Ben's real image of himself seeing the contempt and self-loathing along with a bitter anger. She did something she would do with a hysterical patient; she slapped him hard, stunning him.:: MacLaren: He...You...will NOT let the dominoes fall. Ye an officer but one who is also a fine man. You have not let everyone down. Ye are feeling guilty that ye answered your captain, but not your wife. What d'ye think gave ye the strength to answer Captain Nicholotti? D'ye think it was the first time ye were told not to die. Ye were deid! Clinically deid! Ye were not almost deid; ye were gone...until your wife's voice spoke to you over and over. She didna order you, or call your name because ye were hearing letters that she hadna known would ever be used as they were. Ye were likely too weak to respond but you did respond after hours of hearing your wife. Ye answered your duty, but because ye'd drawn on something that ye find hard to believe ye are truly capable of: loving someone and being loved by them. Aye, ye did your duty; that is no crime. D'ye think your wife didna ken she was marrying a Starfleet officer? D'ye think that ye'd have been able to reply without her voice? You came back because of her no matter that ye replied to the captain. You literally came back from the deid because of your wife's voice, not the captain's. That is a club ye are using to beat yourself for no reason. MacLaren: Ye think ye were wrong to leave her behind? Would she be safer here? Now? Ye denied yourself for their safety. It is an agonizing decision, but one that men have had to make since time immemorial when they were willing to do their duty so that millions could live in peace. No man deserves so much pain for that. MacLaren: D'ye ken how many Starfleet children learn of their parent's death from some teacher, or officer who barely knows them because they're out in a combat area instead of someplace safe, surrounded by family members to ease their pain? Some officers have no choice about it; some are too selfish or too weak to do without their wives and children to duty their duty without the comfort of them, but you did make that choice, and you made the right one. <Revised> MacLaren: There is one more lie that ye are telling yourself, Commander. Ye said that ye didna come back for friends either. There is one thing the military has known for centuries: people dinna die for their country, their ideals or their just cause; they are willing to die for their buddies, their friends, and there is no greater love than that. There is no greater love than to lay down your life for your friends. When you came back to duty, to face the Shadows again, ye were doing it to save your friends, because that is what duty really is! ::The slap had caught the Shadow Walker by complete surprise. The words more so. Why was she fighting for him? Benny hadn't done anything for this woman and she was putting herself at risk. Though he had to admit to himself he didn't know how much of a risk it was for a telepath.:: Shadow Walker: Why? Why are you doing this? What makes him worth the effort, the risk? ::The question was meant to come out dripping with contempt. Instead, in this place, literally in his own mind, it came out with the momentary innocence of a child. What made him worth fighting for? :: MacLaren: Because in all of eternity there never was and never will be another Ben Walker. Ye are a unique creation of God and your soul is priceless....because ye are a good and honorable man who has done your duty no matter how painful it was to you...because Eh want ye to be able to grow old with your wife and see your bairns grow up, and because Eh am a doctor and life is sacred to me. :: The words shook his world, knocking the doctor off her feet momentarily. The Shadow, unaffected, looking at her suspiciously. :: Shadow Walker: I don't believe you. :: He laughed harshly:: I CAN'T believe you. MacLaren:: gently:: And that is your problem; ye canna accept that ye are worth caring for, worth being loved, but ye are a marrit man and a father, a respected officer, so more people than I disagree with you. :: The shadow made a sweeping bow, his outfit having shifted to a medieval courtier's, the mockery in his voice matching the look in his eyes. :: Shadow Walker: Ah, but that's the point M'lady Doctor. :: He pointed to Ben on the table:: He does. Not fully, or even without suspicion that you are simply doing your job as a doctor in saying so. :: His smile showed razor teeth:: And we know what a .. ahem.. Female Dog.. duty can be. But, for now, I'll cede the battlefield to you. MacLaren: Duty is not an obscenity; it is a opportunity to be our best selves. Don't forget, we choose our duties. Eh have chosen to preserve life, you have chosen to defend peace and freedom, which is never free. It comes at a cost, but it is not something to be ashamed of. You have a right to enjoy the life you and officers like you safeguard for the rest of us. Shadow Walker: Ah ah ah... you and I both know that I can kill him. And I'm not sure that wouldn't be kinder. Besides Herr Doktor. While you are obviously certain you know who and what I am... :: He pointed to the child behind her:: Ben hasn't read your file to know what you looked like as a child. :: With that last statement, the Shadow slipped away, leaving the doctor alone with her patient:: ::MacLaren narrowed her eyes and started to shout at the Shadow wherever it was, but then realizing her error, she looked down at Walker.:: MacLaren: Nice try, Commander, but my records wouldna have pictures of me as a bairn anyway. It's not hard to figure what Eh looked like at that age. That child is a skinnier, flatter chested version of what Eh look like now. I'm not going to be scared away. We've learned a lot, but it's not going to be a quick fix. We've seen the enemy...and it is you. Still, that's an important thing to learn because being a stubborn, duty oriented son of a gun can work both ways. Giving up isna really in your nature, and it is not in mine. Oo outcasts who've made it this far, dinna give up. Oo Are ye feeling any better? Walker: It hurts. But not like I'm bleeding out as much. :: He gave a small smile:: Hopefully we are done for now? Because I would kill for a big breakfast... MacLaren: smiling despite sudden fatigue:: That's always a good sign. Eh can get you one. (Fin) Commander Ben Walker FO & Lt. jg Johanna MacLaren CMO SB118/USS Victory
  22. ((Sickbay, USS Mercury)) Del Vedova: Right, Commander, walk this way. ::Roshanara followed the doctor over to the empty area of the medical bay Velana had gestured to earlier. The engineer had been focusing on the man's strange gait, and she was caught off guard by his next statement once she had propped herself onto the biobed.:: Del Vedova: All right, Lieutenant Commander. Spill. Rahman: Excuse me, doctor? Del Vedova: I'm not going to waste your time with a lengthy work-up. My 'corder says you're fine, and if they didn't find anything major at MS253, I'm not going to find it here. ::This was certainly not what she was expecting. Most doctors she had known couldn't help themselves to their curiosity. The look of surprise must have been plainly evident as the man continued.:: Del Vedova: Breathe in. Okay, now breathe out. Great. You're fine. Now, tell me how, exactly, this happened. ::He gestured toward her left arm, still covered by the sleeve of her uniform jacket. She looked down at it herself, turning her hand slightly and extending her fingers. Two mechanical ones had replaced her fourth and fifth digits. Cosmetically, they were an exact match to her skin tone and even had such fine details as the tiny wrinkles that ran across the knuckles and the warm, blended colors of the nail beds. Yet, with their lack of scarring that covered the rest of her hand, the "perfect match" was anything but.:: Rahman: Sounds like you already know what happened. ::The man wasn't going to let her get away with that.:: Del Vedova: That it happened, yes, I know this -- but your records are mysteriously nonspecific as to why it happened. Tell me. ::Why it happened? Because working in Starfleet was a dangerous profession? Because it was insane to put hundreds of people in a tin can going faster than light and not expect something could go wrong at any moment? Because a commander's first duty is to the ship?:: ::Because she had made a choice.:: Rahman: It was an accident. What else is there to know? Del Vedova: It's the holistic approach, Lieutenant Commander: I can't do anything about your arm, of course, but in knowing what part you played in the accident that led to its trauma, I'll know more about you. If you were the daredevil who caused it, for example. ::She chuckled at the suggestion.:: Rahman: No, it wasn't anything like that... ::It had been about desperation, not recklessness.:: Del Vedova: But of course. It's yours to speak about if you wish. But should you wish to tell me, I'll be glad to hear the full story. ::She looked at him skeptically.:: Del Vedova: The highlights, then. ::She sighed as the sound of alarm klaxons came back to her.:: Rahman: We were working on some refinements to the Tempest's intermix chamber. It was supposed to be a simple test run... ((FLASHBACK: Six Years Earlier)) ::The Tempest shook violently as the engineering crew scurried about main engineering. Standing near a diagnostic monitor near the ship's massive warp core, Lieutenant JG Rahman called out to her department chief from the monitoring platform.:: Rahman: Core temperature is continuing to rise, commander! Plasma coolant pressure exceeding 240% of optimal. ::Lieutenant Commander Montanez shouted back from his console behind the window of the chief engineer's office, partially obstructed by the smoke.:: Montanez: Just keep feeding the angry [...]! ::He turned to two other engineers and barked additional orders when a call from Captain Coracin came through.:: Coracin: Mr. Montanez, we're reading up here that the core is in danger of overheating... Montanez: Aye, captain. I'm working on it... ::The captain did not sound convinced.:: Coracin: Prepare to eject the core. If you can't get a hold of the situation within the next few minutes, dump it. ::As the chief engineer tried to reassure the captain, Roshanara continued redirecting more coolant to the system. She had to manually override the computer by dropping the containment forcefield around the core. Next, she went around to the individual plasma coolant tanks and locked their injectors into a full-flow, unrestricted feed.:: ::It was a losing game; however, as each additional increase in coolant was quickly outpaced by another rise in core temperature. Eventually, all of the plasma coolant tanks were actively feeding the core, and there was still no sign of temperatures leveling off.:: ::She turned to Petty Officer Reez standing on the other side of the core.:: Rahman: We have to eject the core! It's too late! ::The Denobulan shook his head, still trying to establish a stable intermix ratio from his own console.:: Reez: We can't eject now, ma'am. With the injectors locked into place and actively feeding the core, you'd rip apart the entire coolant system. This whole area would be flooded. Rahman: There's nothing else we can do! We have to go! ::It seemed Commander Montanez had come to a similar conclusion as she heard a new alarm klaxon sound. She looked over her shoulder to see the heavy isolation door coming down. By now, Montanez was barely visible in his office as smoke filled the room. Over the noise and computer's countdown to a warp core breach, his voice piped through Roshanara's combadge.:: Montanez: =/\= Rahman, Reez, it's a lost cause. Get out of there before the whole compartment gets flooded with coolant! =/\= ::The two engineers exchanged a resigned look of understanding and headed towards the ladder to get off the warp core platform. Reez gestured for Roshanara to go first, and she quickly started climbing down. However, as the petty officer stood above waiting his turn, one of the plasma tanks cracked from the pressure, spraying a fine mist of coolant across the man's face, blinding him. He cried out in agony as he fell to the platform grating.:: Rahman: Reez! ::She climbed back up to get to his aid. The man moaned as she tore some of her left sleeve to bandage his wounds. She heard the distinct sound of the isolation door slamming shut and then Montanez's voice.:: Montanez: =/\= Lieutenant, what are you doing?! =/\= Rahman: =/\= It's Reez, sir. He's been hurt. We have to transport him to sickbay. =/\= Montanez: =/\= You know full well with the radiation levels around the core, there's no way they're going to get a transporter lock on him. =/\= ::Roshanara frowned as she continued to watch Reez groan in pain as his eyes bled. She did know. And yet, she couldn't have just left him there to die.:: Montanez: =/\= ...or you. =/\= ::She looked up and towards the commander through the window.:: Rahman: =/\= Sir? =/\= Montanez: =/\= ...I'm sorry, lieutenant. There's no more time. =/\= ::With a solemn look, she saw the chief engineer activate the core ejection sequence. Roshanara heard the sound of the explosive bolts detonating around the EPS conduits. She gasped as she realized what was about to happen: she was going to die as well.:: ::The sound of Reez wincing as he called out brought her attention back down to him. She held his hand in hers.:: Reez: I'm so sorry... you should have just left... ::He coughed, and some blood trickled down the side of his mouth.:: ...when you had the chance. ::She hushed him quickly.:: Rahman: Now's not the time for sorries. Reez: You should try to find cover. Rahman: If I wasn't going to leave you a minute ago, I'm not going to leave you now. ::She squeezed his hand to comfort him. He was right though. If only they had something to shield themselves.:: ::And then, an idea hit her. It was crazy, but at that moment, crazy seemed infinitely better than dead.:: Rahman: Come on, get up! ::She hoisted the man to his feet, with his arm around her shoulder.:: Reez: ...where are we going? Rahman: Down. ::Before the man could ask, the external hatch for the warp core opened several decks below and the warp core began its rapid descent out of the ship. The plasma coolant injectors snapped off, and the distinct hiss of coolant leaking into the air pierced their ears. Once the warp core cleared past their faces, Roshanara grabbed Reez tightly.:: Rahman: Jump! Reez: Jump? Rahman: Yes! ::She didn't wait for him to respond as she took the both of them and dived after the core. She could see the core ahead of them falling out into space. For a brief second it looked like they were going to follow it into the void, but instead, they landed hard on the forcefield over the open hatch. From the sound of crunching bones, Roshanara was sure they had both sustained their share of fractures.:: ::Rolling over, she saw the decks above filling with the sickly green cloud of plasma coolant that was now descending towards them.:: Rahman: Computer, reactivate core containment field! ::Around the two engineers, the transparent cylindrical shield reformed before the green cloud could engulf them. However, some of the plasma coolant had been trapped as well inside the forcefield and continued to expand down towards them. She raised her left arm to protect herself and rolled back over Reez, trying to cover him. As the plasma coolant reached her and began liquefying the flesh on her arm and hand, she cried out briefly in pain before blacking out.:: ((END FLASHBACK)) ::She kept the details to a minimum as the doctor took his notes. In the aftermath, both Reez and Roshanara required lengthy rehabilitation at Medical Starbase 253. The Denobulan's eyes had been destroyed, but he was eventually outfitted with ocular implants. Meanwhile, Roshanara's Kriosian physiology proved not as responsive to standard dermal regeneration treatment, leaving her with a souvenir set of scars on the left side of her face that run across her cheekbone, but it was her left arm that fared the worse.:: ::It had been so badly damaged from exposure to the plasma coolant that the medical team initially feared they would need to replace it with a prosthetic. They were ultimately able to salvage the limb and restore function through the use of myoelectric implants to supplement destroyed nerve and muscle tissue. Her fourth and fifth fingers on her left hand were amputated and replaced with mechanical substitutes.:: ::She didn't mention how Commander Montanez was later given a commendation for saving the lives of over 300 people aboard the Tempest, how he had apparently visited Reez and her every day while they were unconscious but recovering in sickbay, and how he didn't say much to her when she was finally awake.:: ::She wasn't under any gag order, but the full report had been quietly filed away in a records office somewhere. It was fortunate no one had gotten killed, or else it would have been another nightmare for Starfleet with the press after the recent incident aboard the Auckland.:: ::Still, she preferred to keep the most vivid parts to herself, and the entry of new visitors to sickbay that would bear witness to her impending physical exam caused her consternation.:: Rahman: Excuse me, doctor, I don't believe I caught your name earlier. Del Vedova: Nic del Vedova. Del, if you want. Rahman: ::nods:: Well, Andorian pilots or not, I would be more comfortable continuing the rest of this examination somewhere with a bit more privacy. Del Vedova: That won't be necessary. ::She suddenly felt betrayed for having trusted him. She should have known better than to let her guard down around someone wearing medical blue. Her voice was firm.:: Rahman: Doctor Del Vedova, I must insist- ::He quickly interjected.:: Del Vedova: Because you're done. Unless your fingers fall off, Lieutenant Commander, in which case you should come back and see me. But I'm relatively willing to bet that they won't. ::Yet again, he had managed to surprise her, and though she usually thought herself good at reading people, she was decidedly unsure of what to make of this doctor. Was he amused? Sympathetic? Bored?:: ::She looked at him warily, as if to decipher his true intentions, but then grabbed onto his hand as he helped her off the biobed. He gestured towards the door silently, and she turned to leave likewise without saying anything. However, she then heard him call out to her.:: Del Vedova: Good to meet you. Let me know if you have any more troubles with what's-his-name. Rahman: Thank you, doctor. I'll keep that in mind. ::She made her way to her new quarters aboard the Mercury, deep within the lower decks of the ship that put her close to main engineering. Her things had been dropped off earlier by the ever thoughtful Lieutenant Chaun--which meant also that he knew where she lived now, she supposed. Ah well. Another challenge for another day.:: ::She took off her uniform jacket and tunic, hanging them in the closet. She slid the door shut, revealing her reflection in the mirror. With her upper limbs now exposed, she glanced down at what was left of her arm. The flesh was scarred from her finger tips to her shoulder, and the arm was noticeably thinner than her right, looking as if it had been gnawed away. She took a moment to look over herself, as she had done so on StarBase 118. Had it really only been a day? She was exhausted.:: ::As she went back to unpacking her things, she thought of one other thing she didn't mention to Dr. Del Vedova: the last time she had talked to Commander Montanez.:: ((FLASHBACK: Medical Starbase 253, one month after the accident, 2383)) ::Roshanara heard her name being called and slowly opened her eyes. It was her former chief engineer, holding an assortment of flowers, and Doctor Mol.:: Mol: I'll just be outside if you need me. Montanez: Thank you, doctor. ::After the elderly Zakdorn left, Montanez put the flowers down on a nearby desk.:: Montanez: They're from the department. Rahman: If you could relay my appreciation... Montanez: Of course. ::There was a moment of silence before the commander spoke up again.:: Montanez: So the doctor tells me you're making good progress. Rahman: He's cautiously optimistic. Montanez: There's no rush. If and when you're ready, we could use you back at your post. ::He smiled. She didn't.:: Rahman: I've been told rehabilitation might take several years or more. I haven't decided yet what I'm going to do. Montanez: Well like I said, no rush... ::There was another moment of silence before the man finally sighed.:: Montanez: Look, I don't expect you to understand. Not now anyway, and maybe not ever. And if you want to hate me for it, that's fine. ::She quickly replied.:: Rahman: I don't hate you, sir. Montanez: ::nods:: I just hope you never have to make *that* call yourself one day. ::He glanced towards the window for a second and then back at her.:: Montanez: All right, I'll let you get some rest. We're all rooting for you. ::He turned around and headed towards the door. She called out to him.:: Rahman: Commander. ::The man paused for a moment and looked over his shoulder.:: Rahman: I did make *a* call that day, sir. ::He stood still for a moment before turning back towards the door.:: Montanez: Good night, lieutenant. ::He walked off as Roshanara looked over at the flowers once more before closing her eyes again.:: --- Lt.Cmdr. Roshanara Rahman Chief Engineer USS Mercury
  23. (( Quarters Laxyn )) :: After a long day not only on Sick Bay but also in the Cargo bay and not to forget the Holodeck and the class of Drill Sergeant Barnes, even if it only was a theoretical one for now, Jalana did not want anything more than a nice relaxed evening. And she was hoping that she would get exactly that. After leaving work and bringing herself into her quarters she dragged her body into the shower and simply leaned against the wall when the water ran down her skin and hair. This was so refreshing and another time she was thankful that she did not have to share these quarters, the second bedroom was still empty. Now that she was CMO she could possibly get single person quarters but she did neither have the time to take care of that nor the need, since she lived alone anyway. :: :: Closing her eyes she enjoyed the shower, turned the water cool and then warm and back, giving her circulation a little pick me up and her muscles a slight massage. She was kind of happy that they did not have any practical training today, but she thought that she might need that if she would want to be able to defend herself and others. She dreaded that she might have to remember all this at some point she knew it was needed. Especially with the Captain unconscious and not able to defend himself in her sick bay. But now she wanted to push away all of this and after finishing her shower she went into the bedroom and checked on her wardrobe, not quite sure yet what to choose. :: Laxyn: Computer, play a random selection of Tchaikovsky, 5% volume. :: A smile wandered over her face as the music played she had heard for the first time after Viktor had mentioned that name at their first meeting. Every now and then she listened to it to relax and feeling how she got a little nervous, relaxing was what she needed. She had not expected that he would ask her, but she did not mind that he did. Not at all. But it had been a while. :: Laxyn: You calm down now, take a few deep breaths. You will have a nice evening getting to know Vik. :: She whispered to herself while going through some of her outfits and while she still was a bit nervous it was better now. It took her maybe a dozen or more attempts of holding on dresses, outfits, pants, shirt, sweaters and whatever she could find. Even a traditional robe from Trill was tested until she finally found something she liked. After choosing a dress she placed it on the bed before drying her hair, now that she had more time than in the morning and then got ready. :: :: After just a few minutes she looked at herself in the mirror, her green eyes slowly gliding down over her spots to the knee long dark green subtle patterned sleeveless dress paired with black flats. She had wondered what kind of shoes to wear but since she did not know what he wanted to do, she rather went with practical but pretty instead of heels. Her fingers loosened up her curly hair so it fell nicely over her shoulders and she gave herself a smile, just the moment the chime of the door went off :: Laxyn: ::She took a deep breath and mumbled to herself:: There we go, have some fun. :: She winked at the mirror Trill and took the black scarf made of a semi transparent fabric to fit the shoes and wrapped it around her shoulders when she headed to the door, pressing the mechanism to open it :: ((Same Time, Vik’s Quarters)) :: He had just arrived back to his quarters after quite the day of covert affairs. Many questions had arisen after his chat with Rovor, but at least now he had a strong idea of where to start looking, and they just might have had their first real piece of evidence since the beginning. But finding out where and whom they had received the chemicals to make such a poison would be the biggest portion of the battle. It could have possibly led to something much more. He decided to let it all run away for the time being, as he was about to have a night out with the Doc. :: Lanius: Computer, Play music, Lanius Alpha one. :: The sweet sound of chamber music filled the air, and oddly enough, he seemed content with the melancholic tones of gregorian chant. It just seemed fitting for his mind set. He figured the mood would melt away after a shower. He stripped away his uniform and recycled it. Stepping into the shower he could feel the tense sensations of the day wash away, and a new feeling of rejuvenation took over. He was never used to long showers, stepping out onto the marbled floor. He made sure to shave; he actually hadn’t in a few days and was starting to show quite the five o’clock shadow. He shaved away the hair and brushed the hair on his head. :: :: Deciding what to wear was going to be the biggest challenge of the day. He was never really good at wearing anything other than black. It was just in his nature, and his job. He decided to ditch the priest routine and go with something a bit more... light. :: Lanius: Computer, replicate outfit, brown wingtip shoes, trousers, khaki, light blue long sleeve dress shirt. :: The computer chirped and completed the request. He dressed quickly and took a look at himself in the mirror. He had the top button buttoned, and he looked ridiculous without a tie. There was no way he was going to an informal date with a tie, so he unbuttoned the top two buttons. oO That’s a bit better... I hate blue. Oo Even though it wasn’t much at all, the overabundance of color was killing him. Nonetheless, he was satisfied with his decision and proceeded to the door. All in all he was confident that this evening would turn out well. :: ((Timeskip, Laxyn’s Quarters, USS Apollo)) :: He stood outside the door and reached up to the back of his neck rubbing it. He drew in a breath, paused, and then rang the bell. :: :: When the doors slid to the side he looked into the smiling face of Jalana, her green eyes meeting his right away. She could estimate the height of his eyes by now, at least when they were both standing up right. :: Laxyn: ::stepping aside:: Good evening Vik. Please come in, unless you want to leave right away. Lanius: I think we have some time :: He smiled to her and stepped inside to hear the more than familiar sound floating through the quarters :: Is that? Tchaikovsky? :: Jalana had almost forgotten, that the music was running and her cheeks took this slightly pink hue when he spoke :: Laxyn: Oh yes it is.. After you mentioned him that one day I’ve got curious. It is quite pleasant music I listen to every now and then. oO More like almost every day Oo ::Her quarters were not very personal yet. Most of the time she was in Sick Bay anyway but it was also that she did not have much personal stuff. On the couch was a warm cuddly blanket that had similarities to a quilt made of many different colored and patterned pieces of fabric. A few pictures she had stood around, from colleagues on Trill or her roommate in the academy. One Picture showed two older Trills and a younger boy with a much younger looking Jalana. Her red hair shone like fire in the sunlight of the environment and her smile was wide and toothy, same as the one of the older woman, she looked a lot like her apart from the red hair, that he found in the short hair of the older man. :: Lanius: Family, Jalana? :: He had picked up a picture of a couple. It sat on the credenza on its own :: Laxyn: Mhm? :: Turning to face Vik:: Oh, yes. Those are my parents, Caline and Vivan, and my little brother Prax. He studies architecture and spends his time with flying around in the galaxy finding the most interesting buildings for inspiration. ::She smiled and brushed her fingertips over the cheek of the boy :: Lanius: I always wanted a sibling... An only child I was. :: he smirked :: Was your father joined? Laxyn: ::shaking her head:: No, my father always wished because a symbiont would help him with the diplomacy, all the experience and such you know. But he never got through the tests. And my mother is happy with what she has. Prax wants to travel too much and says he has no time for that :: She laughed slightly:: Lanius: Perhaps you should have administered the tests... being a Doctor and all :: he nudged her elbow with his gently :: Laxyn: I did, and I passed, but have not heard from them for a while. I am still in the program but you know bureaucracy. One day maybe, if I can get through to the end. They are quite picky. Lanius: Soon enough I would think. You’ve managed to run the medical wing just fine by yourself. Perhaps you should give yourself more credit, yeah? :: He turned towards her :: No time for work though. Shall we head out? Laxyn: Good idea, I am ready. Computer end music. :: She smiled, relieved to be able to get out of this slightly embarrassing moment with some dignity. Silence fell over her quarters and she stepped outside, her eyes wandering along Viktor, taking in the unusual attire, at least from what he usually wore when she saw him. :: Laxyn: You are looking quite dashing today. :: She noticed that she had said that aloud and not just thought it and again there it was the pink on her cheeks :: :: He sort of gave her a look of surprise. It wasn’t that he didn’t welcome the comment, he just didn’t expect it. :: Lanius: I couldn’t help but notice the same about you. Laxyn: ::The blush on her cheeks just darkened at his words and brushed a little over her dress:: That old thing.. Lanius: Oh don’t be brash. I must say, I’ve thought that since I first met you. Call me crazy, but those eyes... :: he chuckled :: Listen to me... :: There was something about her that made talking with her extremely easy. There really wasn’t any work involved, which he found comforting. The moved down the hall towards the nearest turbolift :: :: Surprised by that confession she looked over to him for another moment, she certainly had not expected that. She had never thought that her eyes were anything special but had also noticed every now and then now people looked at her, as if they had looked for something in them.. Deciding that it would be a good idea to look forward again before she might run into a wall she turned her head:: Laxyn: Now that we are on the way, will you share with me where we go, or is that classified? Lanius: Not at all. Intelligence is at liberty to share information from time to time. I set us up with some dinner first in the Complex. As for the rest of the evening, that secret lies with me... :: The doors to the turbolift opened and they stepped inside. :: Lanius: Deck twelve... :: There was a short silence :: Laxyn: What makes you think that I won’t run away screaming at your secret activity? Lanius: Well I’d like to think not madame. I’m not typically in the business of disappointing. :: He stood next to her in the turbolift and he could feel a sort of electricity. It had been quite some time since he’d d been on a date of any kind. Of course the last time he did, it didn’t quite go as expected. This time, he made sure that he took time to plan ahead, and plan something that was “user friendly”. In fact, there would be no guns, no stealth, no action of that kind. Just a night out.:: ::She looked up to him, watching his profile for a moment, his strong jaw and she noticed finally that he had shaved, which made her smile. She went on to the eyes and she still could not decide which color they were up to the cleft in the middle of his forehead displaying his heritage. He was a quite good looking man, a bit ragged but in a good way. And she wondered how often she did this before that he seemed to feel so sure of everything. Of course she could not look into his head but he seemed to be so calm. It swirled in her head for a few moments before she heard herself ask it out loud. :: Laxyn: Have you been on many dates before, Vik? Lanius: :: He found himself unprepared for the question, but it was innocent enough. :: No. No I haven’t. Relationships have always been more a challenge to me than anything. I think most everyone has better luck in that respect than I. What about you? Laxyn: ::The Trill gave him a smile, glad that he did not take offence in her question but rather managed that she did not feel just as nervous as before knowing they both were at the same level. She then shook her head.:: Maybe three or .. four times in the last uhm.. I think since I started my medical training. There have been too much work and studies to focus on to even think much of dating. At least the exams stopped that frees up some time. ::She chuckled:: Lanius: I think that puts us in the same boat then. Victims of our careers... :: he laughed at the sentiment :: ((Complex 39, USS Apollo)) :: The turbolift came to a halt and the doors opened. They stepped out and began to walk towards the Complex. Vik had made arrangements with the new hostess earlier in the evening for a nice relaxed dinner. The menu would be a surprise to the both of them. They entered the Complex and were greeted by the Napean Hostess. :: Verak: Ah! Lieutenants!. :: She held out a hand to the both of them :: I have your table ready over by the window. Will that be suitable? Lanius: :: Looking to Jalana :: I think so, yes? Laxyn: :: She had been watching the hostess for a moment, the interesting and extraordinary eyes and her forehead, her mind automatically sorting her into the category of her species - she really needed to turn that off at least for tonight - and now looked over to the window table and smiled with a nod.:: A lovely choice. Lanius: Wonderful. Shall we? :: He cruxed his arm in her direction :: ::Giving Vik another smile she stepped over to her chair to sit down, a bit surprised when he did not sit down on his but instead followed her to pull the chair for her and pushed it slowly back in direction of the table when she sat. Her surprise was surely on her face when she followed him with his eyes walking to his place. :: Laxyn: Thank you. That is certainly a part of upbringing that not many seem to be used to anymore. Lanius: Not a fan? :: He took his seat across from the young woman :: I hope it doesn’t bother you. Laxyn: ::chuckling slightly:: Not at all, complaints sound different. I .. enjoy it, thanks. ::Looking around and back to Vik she leaned a bit closer:: Will you tell me what we will be eating? I noticed that she did not ask. So i assume you ordered already. Lanius: Actually, I told Tao to surprise us. Laxyn: ::smirking:: It is good to know. That you still can be surprised, I mean. :: He had sensed at that moment that there was much for them to discover about one another. All they really had to go off of was work experience, and to her, nothing got by him. :: Lanius: I rather like surprises. At least in this setting. Gathering intel on well... everything... makes for a rather mundane existence don’t you think? ::She crossed her legs under the table, placing her elbows on the edge of the table she crossed her fingers placing them under her chin to lean it on them, while she watched the man on the other side with a smile.:: Laxyn: Indeed.I know we are not working but there is one question that was bugging me since the meeting this morning. Lanius: And what might that be? :: he leaned forward a bit, his hands on the table in front of him :: Laxyn: The Dark Room... what is that? Lanius: Let’s just say it’s my office. With classified information comes heavy security. The room allows me to do that. bio-signature detection, voice activated security consoles, the Primary User adjunct system. The walls open to reveal whatever information I could possibly need at anytime, activated by one of six consoles throughout the room. All designed to keep secrets, well, secret. I’ll have to show you sometime. :: Jalana listened attentively, not having heard anything about Intel Offices before, since she did not have anything to do with that part of Starfleet. It was interesting to hear that there was a fully equipped room that Vik had been able to adjust to whatever his needs were and where nobody else could disturb him, unless he allowed it. A strand of her hair decided to misbehave and fell over her shoulder into her face, so she gently tucked it behind her ear again. :: Laxyn: Quite impressive and I would like that. Too bad that the CMO always has to be available while being in the office or I would ask for such security in my room as well. ::she smirked:: Lanius: You mean I’m not the only one who wishes to enjoy your company? :: Jalana laughed slightly and spotted the host approaching with - what she assumed - their meals. Curiously she craned her neck trying to see what was on the plates, as if she would not see that anyway in a moment and leaned back to take her elbows off the table and her hands into her lap, smiling gently at the Napean woman :: Tao: Here we are then. An Earth delicacy... Lobster with a butter cream sauce, a salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, and leeks, and a portion of lamb shank. :: Vik couldn’t remember the last time he’d had such foods. The lobster alone was one of his favorites. How the woman knew was beyond him, but the wonderment quickly vanished when the aroma hit his nostrils. :: Lanius: How did you... Tao: Know what you two enjoyed? I have my secrets too Lieutenant... :: With a sly grin, the mysterious hostess walked away. :: Laxyn: ::Looking after the woman she raised her brows slightly before looking back to Vik:: One could think that she has her own little espionage business, knowing that. Lanius: Your guess is as good as mine. Are you okay with this? The food i mean? Laxyn: ::Chuckling slightly she nodded:: Yes I am. I always had enjoyed lobster and lamb at the banquets my father attended to. :: She leaned a bit closer adding with a low voice :: You should worry less, I will let you know if I don’t like something, Vik. :: She was sure it was easier said than done, at least if she was any reference to that, because she would worry too, wanting to make sure that it all went well. She was not quite sure if the same would go for Vik but he could not be that different, she thought. :: Lanius: Fair enough. Geesh... where to begin? :: The Trill smiled across the table and lowered her eyes down to the lobster and the tools they had gotten with it. The composition of color was beautiful and she hesitated a moment before she had to take it apart. But then she took the Lobster into one hand and with twisting movements she detached the claws from it, placing them aside before she twisted and bent the lobster where the body was connected to the tail and broke it into two pieces pulling them apart. Removing the shell from the body she laid it on the plate that had been added for discarded pieces and smiled to herself, glad she had not forgotten how to do this or it might have been a disaster. When she removed the legs by twisting them off the body she raised them to her mouth one by one and sucked at the little ends to get the juice and meat out of them. She looked over to Vik and smiled :: Laxyn: I always loved this part, already as a child. Don’t ask me why, maybe it’s the funny noises. Lanius: :: Cleaning some of the juice from his shirt. :: This is why I wear dark clothing! You know, peeling lobster is an art that not many have mastered... :: Jalana chuckled and added the empty leg shells on the discard table and went on to take the parts of the lobster apart, adding the meat of them, if not sucking them out, on the plate in front of her, to be ready for her to savour it. Cleaning her fingers in the added water bowl she raised her green hues up to Vik again :: Laxyn: Tell me something about yourself, Vik. Lanius: Well what would you like to know? Laxyn: ::Smiling she took her fork and some of the salad :: Whatever you care to share with me, something I cannot find in the file maybe. ::With that she began to eat slowly, closing her eyes for a moment, when her taste buds welcomed the taste and freshness of the definitely self cooked meal. No replicator was able to imitate it this way, she was sure, even though it could do wonders, something gave her the impression it was not replicated. :: :: Vik thought carefully before he made his next move. he was never ever good at games like this; the Q and A session. For some reason, perhaps it was his training, they always seemed to turn into an interrogation; No feeling behind his answers. He would just spit them out. He decided to change things up a bit. :: Lanius: Sometimes the best parts of someone simply aren’t describable. With words anyway. Laxyn: Mhm... :: she eyed him after this answer and tilted her head slightly, lowering the fork again. Of course she would have liked to hear a bit more but she did not poke him to spit it out :: Do you mean that I won’t get anything out of you by asking? :: He could understand her initial disappointment, and normally he would have backtracked making himself sound foolish. He stuck to his convictions. :: Lanius: No no no, that’s not what I meant at all. I mean, I can sit here and tell you that I like the color purple, that I hate water that isn’t clear, and that I prefer my whiskey with a cube of ice, but... wouldn’t the conversation stop there? Laxyn: ::She watched him another moment before the corner of her mouth twitched into a smile.:: Purple, hm? I guess you are right, I never was a fan of the ‘Tell me something’ game either, no idea why I asked. ::She gave him an apologetic smile:: Lanius: :: Laughing :: Well then perhaps we should move onto space weather, aye? :: he took a bite of his lamb :: Laxyn: Ah yes, always a safe subject ::She chuckled:: Don’t you think it is astonishing that we did not have one day of rainfall this months? Lanius: Thank god you have a sense of humor Jalana. I’ve learned from the past that perhaps with all the vast technology we have these days, I could stand to not place my foot in my mouth for once. Laxyn: ::smiling:: Sounds ideal, the one time I had to pull it out of my mouth was for my file picture, I can hardly remember how it was. Best chance to repeat it now. Lanius: Well, then I guess you’ll just have to savor your dinner :: he softened his voice :: and wait for the next portion of our evening... trust me. :: He smiled warmly :: Laxyn: ::She raised her brows with an amused smile:: Famous last words... If I get missing.. ::she raised her fork to point at him:: ... there are witnesses who have seen me with you. :: The two of them continued into the dinner talking mostly about her. He was more than curious about her, and for the first time in a long time he cared to invest more than a few fleeting moments into getting to know someone; he was doing it not because he had to, but because he wanted to. It wasn’t long before the two of them, some laughs and serious faces later, had finished their meals. :: Lanius: Now... for my promise. If you’re still up for it? Laxyn: Am I? How could I not, you made me very curious. Lanius: Perfect! :: He helped her from her seat, and after giving Tao a waive goodbye, they made their way from C39. The pace to the holodeck was a brisk one, and Vik couldn’t remember the last time he was as excited as he was at that moment in time. In a few moments, he would be sharing with her some of the things that he held dearest. They arrived at the holodeck soon enough :: ((Holodeck, USS Apollo)) Lanius: Now, what I’m about to show you, could quite possibly be the innermost workings of myself. I thought about this all day, about what I would tell you. I figured I’d just show you instead. :: Standing next to Viktor she looked up to him in suspense, she tried hard to contain herself not to grab his hand and pull him inside. But instead she was surprised that he would show her something this profound and nodded slowly :: Lanius: :: He smiled :: Computer, run program ‘Lanius home’. :: the computer terminal chirped in acknowledgement, and after a few short moments, the doors to the room opened revealing a bright sunlight. As their eyes adjusted, a field of wheat could be seen, blowing in the breeze, brown and wispy just before harvest time. As the distorted light from the sun faded a bit more, a small home could be seen in the background, a dog running about the property. The air was crisp and cool, and there were few clouds above. The door vanished behind them as they stepped forward. Beyond the house, with the sunlight now fading to its intended light, a sunset, water could be seen just under the cliff side in which the house sat. :: :: To Jalana this looked like an illustration in one of the books she had browsed through as child, showing the most beautiful places on Trill in postcard format, whatever postcards were. Her eyes wandered slowly over the wheat, the landscape, wandering over to the sunshine brushing the house in the back. It took her a long moment to find her speech again, even if only whispering. :: Laxyn: This is... stunning. Lanius: My home... welcome to the Kildare coastline. :: He stood for a moment looking about the sky with an immense smile across his face :: Laxyn: ::Averting her eyes from the scene in front of her up to Viktor she was drawn in by the wide smile and it was very contagious, so she could not hold back one of her own:: You .. live here? ::Even with the smile the surprise was rather obvious in her voice :: Lanius: Oh yes... Lived here my whole life. Learned a lot here. :: He turned to her suddenly extending his hand to hers :: Come on! :: Jalana looked down onto his hand for a moment, just a small gesture and most likely not meaning anything deeply but it still gave her a warm and fuzzy feeling. The smile on her face did not get a break when she slipped her hand into his and grinned up to him, hoping that he had the same thought than her, remembering how she as a kid, would run right through this and right now she felt just like that. :: :: The two of them hand in hand began to run towards the house. He couldn’t help but think back to the days of running through those same fields after working them most of the day. The same feeling came back to him just then, the urgency of getting into the warmth of that house, to the embrace of his mother. The arrived through the wheat to the porch, and while helping her up to the door, helped her inside. :: :: The two of them began to wander about the house. The place was simple, all hand-carved wood with furniture to boot. The place smelled like fresh oak and bread, just the way he remembered it. In the living room, over the mantle, pictures of his family could be seen in force. As he moved passed them, he spotted the massive bay window that overlooked the ocean outside. :: :: She still caught some of her breath after they entered the house, but she tried to do it not too loud. It was not very pleasant to listen to a steam machine just because her training had been a while. Shame on the doctor for not listening to her own sermons. She strolled through the room, taking a look at the furniture, the ambiance in the room and imagined Viktor here as a child, though she could hardly imagine him not being an adult. Of course she saw the big window and stopped in her steps for a moment, speechless at the sight that presented itself. Stepping over she let her eyes roam outside over the waves :: Laxyn: Oh my... what a view. Lanius: :: turning to meet her :: Indeed. I couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve stood here. Stood here thinking about, well, everything. Thinking about where i’ve been, where I’ll go. About who I’ve become and who I once was. But in the end it all comes back to this place. Most everything does. Laxyn: ::Looking up to him she watched his profile as he spoke:: It does? How so? Lanius: I’ve made some of my most pivotal realizations in life here. I read my acceptance to Starfleet here. I experienced turmoil here. My mother used to sit right over there :: he pointed to the chair in the corner by the massive grandfather clock standing straight to the ceiling :: and tell me how I needed to listen to God and keep my morals clean. My father spent most of his time in the study writing up business plans that would never make it past the door. He taught me tenacity of mind. To have your mind be revered by others. Laxyn: :: Her gaze followed his to the chair and the clock, a smile slowly wandering onto her lips as she could almost imagine how it must have been, even though she had never seen his mother. Before she even thought about it she heard herself asking.:: If parents know what deep impact they have on their children? Lanius: That’s a good question. Even now, when i need some guidance, I come here. :: He thought about the questions that may or may not come next and how he would answer them. Whatever the course would be, he knew what his mother would say. “That’s the golden rule boy-o, be true to thyself.” he knew how he felt about this situation, how he had felt the day he was first presented with it. He had a wondrous and perpetual interest in the woman that stood next to him, and once again found himself seeking his mother’s advice. :: :: Jalana stood in silence for the moment, looking up to his profile. She did not have to be a telepath to know that his mind was occupied, be it memories or other thoughts she did not want to interrupt. There was a connection to this place she could understand and feel without having been here for long. The silence did not feel uncomfortable, not like these times when one felt the need to say something. But then he broke the silence and she followed him with her eyes. :: Lanius: :: he sat on the window sill near her. :: Jalana, since the day I met you, I’ve felt that I would be a foolish man to not know you. I went on out on a limb inviting you out this evening, but I also felt that you might just accept my invitation. Laxyn: ::A gentle smile showed on her face. :: And you were right. ::Her voice was rather quiet, so she would not disturb his train of thought too much. :: Lanius: I thought it fitting that once again, I’ve made another realization in this house Ms. Laxyn, my point is that I... oO Oh, just get it out! Oo ...feel a real connection with you. :: He cleared his throat :: I like you... :: He felt like a schoolboy at that very moment. The embarrassment couldn’t be hidden by even the most talented of Operators. But what would the harm be? He could deny himself the opportunity to speak his mind, or he could speak it and be denied or accepted. he just kept repeating his mother’s advice in his head over and over again. There seemed to be a silence that lasted forever in his mind, but was soon broken by the sound of Jalana’s voice :: :: The Trill looked at him astonished, blinking once then another time. Did she just really hear what she thought she heard? No games, no hiding, no 'guess what', that surprised her even more than the actual revelation. Plain straightforward honesty, how.. refreshing. Then it settled in what he had said, slowly sinking into her consciousness. He liked her. She did not even try to hide that these words made her feel very good, the surprise slowly changing into a smile.:: Laxyn: Really? ::She mentally facepalmed herself for such a stupid question and laughed in slight embarrassment:: I mean... I like you too Viktor. :: The words seemed to fly right passed him. he was doing what he thought was best, but he had honestly been prepared to hear a rejection theory. Things were inherently different this time around. He’d played the cards differently from the beginning, and for the first time had something smooth and easy going for him. He let her reply come to fruition in his brain. All at once, there were almost fireworks. :: Lanius: :: he sat forward suddenly :: You’re kidding?! I mean, you’re not though right? It’s okay if you are... :: She gave him a frantic look :: Laxyn: ::laughing she shook her head and stepped a bit closer :: What have I told you earlier about the worry? Lanius: Right right, the worrying thing from earlier... This is fantastic! :: he took her hand in his :: I thought for sure you’d be looking for the exit... Laxyn: ::She welcomed his hand, already out in the field she had thought it felt good to hold it, now it felt even better and she squeezed it.:: I have agreed to a date and so far, as much I can say, it went really good. There is no reason to think I'd run. Lanius: :: It was a legitimate statement. He really had no basis to conclude right off the bat that she would say the contrary to what she did. :: I don’t know... I’ve just never really been any good at this sort of thing I suppose. Laxyn: ::She looked at him, tilting her head slightly:: I think you are doing rather well. Lanius: Oh really.. Laxyn: ::chuckling:: I mean it. What I knew from dates was.. hiding what was going on in people's minds, trying to impress each other by being someone they were not and even if it all went well, they had those stupid rules about waiting for three days before getting back into contact and if the woman did it first it meant she was clingy, if the man did it first it meant.. I don't know what. Those, I cannot call them differently, games can be rather tiresome and you managed to throw them all aboard making yourself and what you think known and I have the pleasure to just be myself. ::she smirked at him:: I wouldn't call that 'not any good', Vik. Lanius: Well now, when you put it that way... I have to say :: he ran two fingers along her jawline :: I couldn’t agree with you more. :: He counted his blessings thus far, and felt that he had done right thus far. He began to lean in closer to her, the whole time his eyes focused on her beautiful green ones. :: :: Sitting on the sill he was about the same height as her, maybe a little higher, which made it easy to look into his eyes, trying to figure out the colors she could see in them. She always had seen the black, which was pretty obvious but also sprinkles of something else. Now that she had a good excuse to not take her eyes from his she noticed that it was blue. Not too obvious, but it made those eyes fascinating. Still feeling his fingers at her jaw, she noticed that those eyes became bigger, no.. actually they came closer.:: :: Jalana's eyes dropped downwards to his lips before snapping back up to look at him, without even realizing that she did it. But her heart seemed to notice just as well and began to beat a bit faster. :: Laxyn: I hope you don't insist on waiting until the third date. ::She whispered merely, not waiting for his answer before she bent a little closer, crossing the gap between them to gently brush her lips over his. :: :: He could feel his lips moving near hers, the heat of her breathing warming them moving his hand to the side of her face. All the feelings he’d had had culminated at this very moment into something he’d never expected, but hoped would happen. With all the emotions that he felt at that very moment in time, he realized that another chapter in the life of Vik Lanius was coming to a close. The time of the lone wanderer who kept mostly to himself would no longer continue to take up pages in his book. He was free to be himself once more. It was this ship, these people, and more recently the vivacious woman that stood before him that allowed him to wander back to the place inside himself he cherished the most... Home. :: Lanius: :: He pulled away from her lips slowly and looked back to her eyes. He spoke softly. :: You must be crazy to think I’d waste your time... :: She still felt the tingle on her lips when he pulled away and enjoyed the feeling for another moment before opening her eyes again to smile :: Laxyn: If that is wasting my time I hope you'll do that more often. Lanius: If that’s an invitation, I surely intend to... :: He smiled and pulled her close once again for a kiss :: :: She smiled widely and met his lips with hers once more, her hand slipped into his unoccupied one and locked their fingers, weaving them together. She closed her eyes enjoying the feeling of the little fireworks inside, [...]ling on her skin, before their lips parted again :: Laxyn: ::whispering:: It sure is, Mister Lanius. It sure is. :: The two of them moved out onto the porch of that little home and took a seat on the bench that sat outside. She moved in close and rested her head against his shoulder in the crook of his arm. he took her hand with his and twiddled her fingers within his. Nothing but a giant smile crossed his face. The Sun was beginning to set now, and Vik couldn’t imagine being anywhere else, with anyone else:: :: Jalana sighed contently, but inaudible, the peace and quiet of the sunset and company was calming and she felt... content. For the first time in a long time she was happy to just sit and enjoy. The warmth of Vik's body and arm made her aware that she had not felt like this with anyone before, making it easy to know that this evening had been perfect, just as the surprising but welcome outcome. With a smile on her lips she kept her eyes on the declining sun, forgetting everything else, even that this was only a holoprogram. There were only Viktor and her, the here and now.:: :: The morning would surely bring business, but until then, they were quite content where they were. :: TBC Lieutenant Viktor Lanius Acting First Officer USS Apollo, NCC-71669 & Lieutenant JG Jalana Laxyn Chief Medical Officer USS Apollo
  24. ((Colt's delerious mind)) ::As the darkness took Colt again and Kali's face faded from his vision, he was completely disoriented. He felt as though he was floating in open space, without any point of reference. He was so very tired and it would be so easy to just close his eyes and sleep but something inside told him he couldn't do that, he had to stay awake. Suddenly he was propelled back into the sickbay as if by vacuum pressure.:: ((Sickbay - USS Victory)) ::Colt's eyes shot open, blinking rapidly, trying to focus against the bright, sterile lighting of the sickbay. His body felt like it might explode from the pain. He couldn't keep this up. If something didn't change soon, his eyes would close and he wouldn't be able to open them again. It was already taking every ounce of strength and willpower to keep himself in the fight and he HAD to fight. He couldn't leaver her like this. Not again.:: ::A familiar calm Scottish lilt fell over him that he knew to be Dr.MacLaren's. That told him two things, one that his life was in the best possible hands, and two that he must be in pretty rough shape for them to have brought the CMO at such a late hour. Her words had the reassuring quality that good doctors seemed to develop.:: MacLaren: Mr. Daniels. It's Dr. MacLaren; Eh ken ye are in a good deal of pain and ye must be frightened about now. Ye are nae to worry. Ye are going to be just fine. So relax, close your eyes and we'll have ye asleep in a moment. When ye wake up, and ye will, ye're going to be out of pain and on the way to recovery. :: He coughed as he tried to speak for the first time in... he wasn't sure how much time had passed.:: Daniels: Thanks Doc, I'll remain cautiously ::He inhaled sharply at a wave of pain that threatened to make his lights go out again.:: optimistic. ::Whatever method of anesthesia the Doc had used kicked in quickly at that point, this time his lack of consciousness manifested itself in a completely different way.:: ((Colt's delerious mind)) ::Colt was standing in a forest at night with no obvious land marks. Before him a path lead off into the night, it had been recently traveled by a single pair of boots. He walked aimlessly down the path, all the while looking for some sign of where he was or why he was there. After covering a considerable distance he saw the flickering light of a camp fire at the end of the trail. As he got closer he saw a lone figure sitting near the fire, smoking a cigar. Even at this distance, he recognized Ryan Daniels immediately. This could have been any number of camping trips they'd taken together, they had all eventually ended up here, with the two men sitting near the fire, as the oldest shared the wisdom and advice that would lay the framework for the man that he'd become. Colt took his place at the fire without saying a word.:: R.Daniels: Hell of a mess you've got your self in. ::The older Daniels took a puff of the cigar and shook the flask in his hand, getting a feel for how much liquid remained before offering it to his son. Colt knew that it almost certainly contained some kind of whiskey and reluctantly accepted the flask. As he had grown up his relationship with his father had changed, it was more like a friendship than a father-son dynamic now, though he still solicited the advice of the older man when he needed it.:: C.Daniels: Dad, you aren't even dead yet. ::He took a swig from the flask, confirming his suspicions.:: Why are you appearing in my deathbed visions? ::The elder Daniels laughed at this, taking the cigar out his mouth momentarily.:: R.Daniels: Who were you expecting? Grandma? She'd have a heart attack and die a second time if she knew the kind of trouble you're in. :: Colt just smiled and nodded as his father continued.:: R.Daniels: So, this woman that you're so keen on dyin' for, Is she worth the price you're payin'? ::It wasn't a criticism, but a genuine question, delivered in the matter-of-fact way that Ryan James Daniels did everything. Colt didn't even have to think about the response, whatever pain he'd felt, whatever pain he would feel, wouldn't come close to the damage that would've been done by her death. To him and the thousands of people on the Starbase.:: C.Daniels: She's more than worth it. 180,000 people depend on her to keep them safe. ::He danced around the subject of his own feelings. Not wanting to expose that bit of unfinished business, but it was no use. His father knew him better than that.:: R.Daniels: That's not what I mean and you know it. ::He reached out for the flask and Colt passed it back, sitting in silence as he took another swig.:: Does she know that you love her? ::Colt stared into the campfire as his father's words sunk in.:: C.Daniels: I don't know, Dad. ::The older man's glare forced the truth out him, as it had so many times before.:: I mean no, I've never actually told her that. ::Ryan Daniels stood, tossing his cigar to the ground and stomping it out into the dirt, and slipping the flask into his pocket.:: R.Daniels: Well, you'd better go make [...] sure she knows it. ::As he turned to walk away, the woods seemed to dissolve around him and the entire world faded to black once again.:: NO TAGS -- ======//////======> Lt.JG Colt Daniels Tactical Officer SB118/USS Victory
  25. (( Physical Sciences Lab, Deck 29 -- USS Mercury )) :: One of the major advantages of the Cave -- the 3D projector sensor apparatus in the Mercury’s physics lab -- was its ability to directly connect to a user’s body, eliminating the few nanoseconds the computers took to relay information from system to system and then route it to the particular console and alarm. Therefore, when the unknown ship entered the sphere in which the Mercury’s short-range sensors were actively pinging, Aron was the first, by several thousandths of a second, to see it. In that time, his brain was well on its way to processing the known profile of the ship in question: Defiant-class, though he couldn’t make out the name or the registry until he zoomed in on it. NCC-75692, USS Triumphant. Hmm. Well, it didn’t mean anything to him, but the Mercury definitely meant something to the owner of the Triumphant, as it was making right for them. Perhaps it had been assigned as an additional escort, now that Jaxx was incapacitated? He shook his head; there was no way to know, outside of asking. He sent a quick message up to the bridge, instructing his officers not to busy themselves with it; he’d taken a break, so he would handle this strange circumstance. Still plugged into the Cave, he ordered the computer to open a channel, and the viewspace appeared directly in front of him, holoprojected by the Cave. In it was someone he had not expected to see. :: Kells: Captain Reynolds. What the hell are you doing here? ::Time had carved a few more lines into her freckled face, and her hazel eyes had hardened, but there had been few other changes. Still painfully thin, she stared at him with a piercing gaze, eyebrows raised, her head tilted forward as if to ask “did you really just talk to me like that?”. If that *was* what she was thinking, it wasn’t vocalised.:: Reynolds: Surely you can guess. Half of Starfleet has been sucked into the recent Klingon shenanigans. ::Even after all her years in space, her voice still carried the tell-tale lilt of someone born in the Martian colonies.:: Kells: As are we. But we’re on our way to a Romulan colony on the other side of the sector. Where are you heading? ::She smiled, the expression holding little real humour, and made no attempt to reply.:: Kells: Fair enough. Intelligence business? Reynolds: It does seem to be what I’m best at. Kells: I’ve been learning to embrace it. My intel officer -- maybe you know him, Isaac Bale? -- has become something of another appendage for me. I don’t know how I’d deal without him. Reynolds: I’ve read his file. ::She shook her head.:: Commander, as pleasant as this is, I don’t really have the time to spend on idle small talk. Kells: No, that’s not why you’re here. (beat) Why are you here? Reynolds: I need to pay a visit to your ship. Kells: Of course. Just you, or a team--? Reynolds: Just me. Kells: Directly here? All right. I assume you’re going to tell me why when you arrive? Reynolds: That’s the plan. I’ll see you shortly. :: The channel snapped off, and his holo-view returned to that of the sphere of space around the Mercury, now not only occupied by the larger Apollo but by the smaller Triumphant as well. It was the work of a thought and a moment to engage the transporter beam and sync in with the Triumphant, but in the second before he could, he received an urgent bleep from the bridge. He opened the message at once, before he transported Reynolds, and was glad for it. :: Kells: (muttering) What’s going on? :: A shuttlecraft was on its way from Starbase 118, and its registered occupant was a single human female: Captain Kalianna Nicholotti. The day of the former COs, Aron thought: But why was Kali coming in via shuttle when he’d just spoken with her? Unless her destination wasn’t the Mercury? She might be going to see Jaxx aboard the Apollo-- But, no. The flight plan specifically stated that her destination was the Mercury, and that she would be arriving within the next thirty seconds. Speaking of “next,” the Triumphant was signaling him again: Why hadn’t he beamed Captain Reynolds over? He put the confusion from his mind for a moment, and engaged the transporter. The room was a full-sized laboratory, unoccupied except for Aron in the Cave; he stepped away from it as the transport cycle completed, as he was less than thrilled to greet his first CO while strapped into the ghoulish-looking device. A moment later, there she stood: Captain Quinn Reynolds, no longer in command burgundy but in intelligence black, still as short and intimidating as ever. :: Kells: Captain. ::She didn’t say anything for a moment, her face impassive as her eyes travelled over the connections between man and machine. Her eyes lingered far longer on the technology than the person plugged into it. When she finally deigned to speak, her voice was as dry as the Vulcan desert.:: Reynolds: Very fetching. Kells: I assume you know about my, uhm, accident? ::Her eyebrows twitched upward and a worn, fleeting smile pulled at her lips.:: Reynolds: I’m not sure ‘accident’ is the right word. Kells: Well, I guess I got used to calling it what other people did. And it was certainly accidental. One day, maybe I’ll figure it out-- But that’s not why you’re here. (beat) Is it? Reynolds: No. Extract yourself from that device, would you? :: Before he could reply, there was a chime at the door, and, too late, he realized that he had locked it when he’d entered the Cave. He realized, too, that Kali’s shuttle would have arrived and she wouldn’t have found him waiting -- not that, apparently, she had taken it upon herself to wait. :: Kells: Computer, unlock door. (calling) Come in. :: To see the two of them together was to engage a Venn diagram made tangible. He respected the hell out of both of them, but where Quinn Reynolds entertained a neutral look that verged on the dour (if you were unkind), Kali Nicholotti was beaming at him. :: Kells: Captains, I have to admit, I’m a little confused. Why are we meeting in the Mercury’s physics lab? (beat) I’m sorry I wasn’t there to meet you, Kali. ::Kali waved her hand to dismiss the concern, still smiling.:: Nicholotti: Don’t worry about it. I’m not. ::She moved closer and leaned on a nearby console, somewhat of a knowing smirk on her face. Reynolds shifted her position to stand opposite her, on the other side of him, as though Nicholotti’s cheerfulness was somehow an anathema.:: Nicholotti: Besides, this is completely off topic anyways. With everything that’s going on out there... ::A momentary look of seriousness passed like a ghost across her face before the smile returned.:: We thought it important enough to do this now, rather than later. Kells: Well, then … if it’s not the current crisis … then, what? ::It would have been nicer to have had something bigger. While she wholly agreed with Jaxx on allowing promotions to be close knit and one on one, there was something about the milestone that Aron had attained that simply called for more. But what she knew about the situation out there was that things were dire. The ship and her friends were heading into more danger than she could stand to think about, and if he was walking into that, he deserved to do it knowing he’d reached that level and met that goal.:: Nicholotti: I know I would have loved to have had more time with you, but when they called for you to go, to command the Mercury...::She sighed and recalled the orders.:: I knew they were getting the best man for the job. Kells: You’re kind, Kali. In this case.... :: It was unfortunate that they had both boarded while he was trying to hide -- no, gather his thoughts. Yes, gather his thoughts for the difficult times ahead. Their appearance had, then, and against odds, helped him achieve that goal: Because he was suddenly in the midst of his -- peers? As strange as that sounded, yes. :: Nicholotti: Now you’re walking into one of the most volatile situations possible. And you’re doing it because they need you to. ::She gestured as if to mean ‘they’, as in ‘out there’, somewhere. Finally, she shook her head, sending her raven black hair flying before leveling her gaze at him and holding it there.:: Nicholotti: No one in the fleet is more deserving of this Aron. You’ve met, and exceeded the expectations that anyone could have set forth for you, and you’ve shown everyone that you were made to lead. This crew couldn’t ask for a better captain. Starfleet couldn’t ask for a better captain. ::Her voice trailed off as she thought once more about the hornet’s nest he was about to walk into, and she decided, ultimately, that now may be the only time she had to say everything she wanted to say.:: Nicholotti: I couldn’t ask for a better friend. ::Perhaps the outward pouring of emotion had reached some kind of breaking point for the aloof intelligence officer, or perhaps she really was short on time. Either way, Reynolds stepped forward, her hand dipping into her pocket.:: Reynolds: I’m sure you’ve realised by now that this isn’t a social call. ::She held out her palm in front of him, a solitary gold pip shining against her pale skin. She let that sink in for a moment, before continuing.:: Reynolds: I should recite the attention to orders, but that belongs in a full ceremony. So I’ll just say this: It’s my pleasure to appoint you a captain in Starfleet, to rank as such from this day forward. ::A smile tugged the corners of her mouth upward, and for the first time, the expression reached her eyes. Even the dryness in her tone couldn’t quite disguise her pride in him and his achievements.:: Reynolds: And may whatever gods you believe in have mercy on your soul. Congratulations, Aron. ::She passed the pip in her hand to Nicholotti, for the other captain to conduct the actual pinning, and then moved aside. Nicholotti, for her part, couldn’t help but smile as she reached out and attached the fourth pip of his new set. Before she stepped back, she hugged him, then moved back a few feet.:: Kells: You guys are crazy. The brass, too. Starfleet in its entirety. I don’t understand-- :: His voice broke, if slightly, and he cut himself off. Several deep breaths. He nodded. :: Kells: But thank you. Nicholotti: Our time is short. ::Her voice got quieter.:: But I wanted you to have that. Just... ::Looking away, she hid the fear, the concern, and the worry until she was able to compose herself once more. Then, she continued.:: Nicholotti: Just come back, Aron. Kells: Me? Not come back? :: He smiled the confident smile with which he’d first beamed onto her bridge. Architect knew where it had come from, as he hadn’t felt it a moment before. :: Kells: I really am indestructible. Reynolds: Before I go. ::She reached into her pocket and offered him a cobalt-blue isolinear chip.:: You may find this useful. Your destination has more than a few skeletons in its closet. :: Aron met her eye, then glanced over at Kali. He wasn’t afraid of the knowledge that the chip contained, just as he hadn’t been afraid of Brokar’s; he was only hesitant about the intervening moments in which he would have the information but not know it yet. :: Kells: It’s encrypted, hm? Any clues as to what’s on it? Reynolds: Ask me no questions and I’ll tell you no lies. Lieutenant Bale should be able to decrypt it for you. Kells: Yes, he does have a talent for that. ::She hesitated for a moment, lips parting as though to say something more. Then she shook her head, changing her mind.:: Reynolds: Watch your back out there, Captain. :: He hesitated, then, but only for a moment: he recognized the end of the thought when it came. There was more that he wanted to say, but he wasn’t sure what it would sound like, and so he, too, said nothing. :: Kells: And you. We’ll see each other again. Soon. :: He stepped back; there would be no embrace there, not as with Kali. A moment later, she had vanished in the transporter sparkle, and Aron was left alone with Kali. He couldn’t quite meet her eye. :: ::And just like that, it was all over. A strange bout of silence descended over the room as she looked at him, a new Captain, ever aware that he didn’t seem to be able to quite return the gesture. It had to be overwhelming though, just as her own ceremony had been not all that long ago. Finally, in the dimly lit silence, he spoke.:: Kells: You came over here? Just for this? Nicholotti: ::Nodding.:: Yes. ::Sometimes, more words weren’t always needed.:: Kells: You have your own concerns. This was trivial. I mean.... ::Both eyebrows shot up at that, though she shouldn’t have been surprised. Their minds were all on the crisis. Which was why a simple reminder of why they were fighting, and why they were out here doing what they did was so vitally important.:: Nicholotti: This was far from trivial. On the contrary, it was more important now, in the middle of this mess, than ever. Kells: (quietly) Do you know what I was doing here? Why I wasn’t on the bridge? ::Remembering so many days where she wanted, and attempted, to fade into the background, she could wager an educated guess. Her thoughts drifted to a voice that echoed from earlier in the day and she repeated Cody’s words in an almost incorporeal manner.:: Nicholotti: The masks of command...::Having looked away for a moment, she returned her gaze to him.:: From my experience, there’s always at least one shadow in the closet. ::Her eyes said the rest, offering him a moment to just put it out on the table and say what needed to be said. With the slightest bit of questioning in her look, she let him collect his thoughts and say it.:: Kells: I was hiding. I’ve tried to hide from that truth, too, but (beat) I was. Hiding. I know what you’re going to say: A career of pluses isn’t negated by one moment of minus. I agree. It’s of no statistical significance. But (beat) … another but. I wish I felt more confident. That’s all. ::A bit of a nostalgic smile washed over her then. It felt like she had just had this conversation not long ago, though she had been in his shoes. Perhaps the universe was working towards the ever elusive goal of balance once more and bringing them all full circle.:: Nicholotti: Just be who you are, Aron Kells. When the dust settles, that’s what will matter. Your officers respect you, and I know they have a great leader. Just try to avoid getting into too much trouble out there. Kells: I know. And I will. Like I told Reynolds, I will see her again. And you. (beat) Do you want me to walk you back to the ‘bay? ::Holding up and waving her hand dismissively again, she shook her head.:: Nicholotti: I can find my way. Besides, you have somewhere more important to be. ::Her gaze leveled at him now and she tried to impart the confidence he would need to jump start the process of creating his own with one simple look. Perhaps it wouldn’t work, but knowing that someone had no doubts in your abilities, well, that had always helped her. And for a brief moment, she wished that Jaxx could have been there, but it was fleeting and her attention was quickly back on Aron.:: Kells: No, I suppose you’re right. To the bridge I’ll go, then. ::sigh:: They’ll probably want to have a party. ::To that, she grinned.:: Nicholotti: What are you talking about? *I* want a party. ::Then she got quiet and nodded.:: It’s as much for them as it is for you. You are the epitome of what they will strive to be, a face to their collectiveness. You and I, we are the manifestation of what they do every day, of dreams, and hopes, and so much more. Yes. They’ll want a party. ::Turning the tide back towards something less serious, she smiled again.:: Kells: Well, I’m not going to be dancing with any Pahkwa-thanh, anyway. Nicholotti: ::Shaking her head.:: No, though I have to admit, that looked rather humorous. At least you didn’t get in the way of the tail, yes? Kells: Not for lack of trying, anyway. ::With one final look over him, she extended her hand to shake his, now as a fellow Captain.:: Nicholotti: Welcome to the future. Just remember, I’m always a subspace call away. Kells: I know. (beat) I do know. And I’ll use that. Believe me. ::Winking at him, she gestured towards the door.:: Nicholotti: I’ll see you, Aron. I know you’ll make it back. And in the meantime, I’ll be plotting for that party. ::And with that, she disappeared on the other side of the doors. Pointing herself towards the shuttlebay, she forced her feet to move, though she kept her mind, for the moment, back in that room with her friend. For all the confidence she showed, there were still some very deep set fears that plagued her thoughts. But that too was just another one of the masks of command.:: Captain Quinn Reynolds CLASSIFIED & Captain Kalianna Nicholotti Commanding Officer Starbase 118 Operations & Captain Aron Kells Commanding Officer USS Mercury __._,_.___
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