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  1. @Valin Dermont Yet more sarcastic wit from our loveable Dermy. I just can't get enough of this. (( Main Engineering, Deck 14, USS Chin’toka )) Dermont: We 'ave a couple of days ta get things fixed. Tractor modifications are gonna take time anyways. We'll likely only get one more run at this thing... Peters: We have to stabilize the antimatter containment fields first… That was the whole point. Get out of dodge. Slow down and fix things. Then come back at it once the everything was fixed and the modifications complete. They could move much faster than the star, after all. oO Well, as far as we know, eh? Oo Ral: If we have to dump the containment vessel or the warp core we won’t have the power to do anything. Dermont glanced around the bay at the others, frowning. Dermont: More reason ta stop movin' fer now. Regroup and get repairs done. He put a hand on the console in front of him as another smaller shockwave rocked the ship. Just being near the thing was dangerous. The older engineer could name six different ways they could be destroyed simply by being in proximity of the star, without actually trying any of their (highly unlikely to work) plans. Peters: Uh-oh. :: turning to the trio of engineers closest to him. :: Valin, damage control. Wyatt, keep working on the containment fields. Jamie, make sure the SIF (Structural Integrity Field) doesn’t collapse. Any questions? Dermont: Understood, sah! Ral: Yes Chief. Dermont glanced over and saw Ral's hands flying over the console. LIkely he was trying to either re-route power or layer multiple containment fields over one another in an attempt to keep the fields in place. But both of those plans relied upon emitters. If the emitters to the containment field were damaged... oO Which is why there is redundancy 'ardware installed. Unlikely everything would be busted...right? Oo He couldn't let himself be wrapped up with what other engineers were already assigned to do. His job now was damage control. He knew full well Dark...eh, Kiax...would already have organized damage by highest priority and shifted crews there. However, he was ultimately in charge of those teams. So he headed to a side locker and grabbed a blank PADD and headed over to the situational display in the center of the engineering bay entrance. Not too long ago, that very console blew up and was obviously trying to kill him. Having failed that, Dermont didn't think it would try a second time any time soon. Peters: What happened? As Dermont approached he couldn't help but see the Bynar ensigns lying on the floor, already surrounded by a medical team and the Chief. He wanted to dart over, but one more person would just be in the way. He took a deep breath and set the PADD on the console and uploaded all of the current damage control status updates onto it. Linking it to the sit display, he would be able to hopefully work and help direct at the same time. He pushed the conversation happening just a couple of meters away to the back of his mind and tapped his commbadge. Dermont: =/\= Dermont ta McGregor. =/\= Dermont grabbed a toolkit from the locker just inside the bay. McGregor: =/\= ::A slight grunting sound.:: Aye...go ahead, sah. =/\= Dermont: =/\= Ya sound busy already, and not ta add ta yer plate, but yer DCT needs ta manually inspect plasma conduits fer the next thirty-six meters from yer location. Ya got a kink in the 'ose, lads, but I can't see where. 'ave fun. =/\= He tossed the PADD and his thermos inside the kit and pulled its straps over his shoulder. McGregor: =/\= Aye sir. Finkley wanted ta crawl some more, tubes today, dincha Finkley? =/\= The communication ended as Dermont headed for the access lift to take him up to deck thirteen and the battery compartments. There were issues Ral: Chief! ::grabbing Peters attention back:: The field is down to twenty seven percent. Another hit could take us below fifteen percent and a breach. The auxilliary fusion generators are online but the damage to the plasma network is making it difficult getting the power to the right places. The only way I can do this is to divert power from life support and bring additional field generators online. It’ll require your authorisation. oO What? No no no lad. We're not in an life threatenin' situation...yet. Slow it down, just a tad, eh?... Oo Peters: I’m not prepared to authorize taking life support offline, Wyatt. I can authorize some power from non-essential systems, but we’re not going to mess with life support unless we have to. Ral I understand Chief. I’ve already diverted as much as I can from non-essential systems. I’ll see what I can do from here but it may need a manual patch to feed more power to the field generators. Their voices faded a bit as Dermont stepped onto the catwalk wrapping the core on the deck above. He saw Crewman Novek monitoring a console and glancing up at the core, then down and back up at the console again. The movements were not inherently hectic or worrisome and there was no panic on the Vulcan's face, but something about it made a knot form in Dermont's stomach. Novek was nervous and that made Dermont nervous. Pushing that back down he made his way towards the station that monitored their battery compartment. It looked like about sixteen percent of them were suddenly offline. He wanted to see if there was an immediate, obvious problem. He ran a diagnostics and found that for one the new was good. A backfeed caused the monitoring stations to believe the batteries were drained and dead. Inaccurate readings causing the system to automatically shut down connectivity to said batteries and reroute the systems they used elsewhere. Which of course causes a slight drain to everything else. He shook his head and began the rather simple process of initializing the connections to the batteries. After a few moments he convinced the station that all of the batteries were working fine (which they actually seemed to be), and he headed back down to see how the "trying not to blow up" emergency was going. Peters: =/\= Engineering to bridge. How close are we to the neutron star? We need to back off a bit more before something else hits us. =/\= Isa: =/\= We’ve already backed off some, Commander. Do you think we’re still in danger? We need to be as close as possible to get the kind of readings we need. Not to mention our efforts to make contact with the life in the star. =/\= Peters: =/\= Affirmative, sir. If we start now, we’ll be able to get the tractor beam modifications done in a day or two. The damage to the plasma network will require some clever rerouting of power to enhance the tractor beam, if that's the plan we're going with.. =/\= Isa: =/\= Very well, Commander. Do what you need to do to make it work. The tractor beam is a high priority item. =/\= Dermont listened to the exchange tight-lipped. In other words, they were not going to stop the ship so they could complete repairs on the systems they needed to access while they were at a full stop and the core powered down. On top of that, they needed to fix those repairs and begin modifications to the tractor beam. While flying. Near the neutron star. oO Oh, but we've backed off. There's no danger ta be 'ad...safe as babes in baskets... Oo Peters: =/\= Copy, commander. Peters out. =/\= ::The chief turned to Dermont as he came down the lift. :: You heard the lady. I’ll watch the structural integrity field. Take Ral and go work on the tractor beam. There was an expression in the other man's face, but he couldn't tell what it was exactly. He simply nodded. Dermont: Yessir. Glancing around he didn't notice Ral anywhere. Not surprising. As he headed out of the bay towards the tractor room, he tapped his communicator. Dermont: =/\= Dermont ta Lieutenant Ral, meet me in Tractor Control. DCTs will 'ave ta worry about keepin' us together. We've got plans. =/\= Dermont slid into the turbo lift and frowned as the other man didn't respond. Dermont: Deck Sixteen. =/\= Dermont ta Ral. Respond please. =/\= As the moments ticked by and the turbolift opened, he began to worry. The young lieutenant was practically leaping at the opportunity to be involved in every single project happening on board. He'd likely try to repair a conduit with one hand while holding a PADD with the tractor modifications with the other. A few moments later he found himself nodding to the technician behind the monitoring station for the tractor beam controls. He Dermont: Wait until ya get a load of this. ::The engineer access the files regarding the modifications they were going to be working on.:: Tech: Sir...that's something else. But we have an integrity issue around the main tractor emitter. There's a field in place around it. I reported it a few moments ago. We can't use it...not how it is. Dermont: Ya love givin' bad news is that it? Bah. We'll get it sorted. He tapped his commbadge. Dermont: =/\= Dermont ta Commander Peters. 'Ave you seen Lieutenant Ral, sir? =/\= Peters: =/\= Ral is non-responsive. You two get started on the tractor beam modifications. I will catch up as soon as I can. Any questions? =/\= oO What in the bloody 'ell does that mean? Oo Dermont gripped tight the edge of the console and fought with every fiber of his being to not just have the computer give him Ral's location and rush immediately there. He knew there were lots more people on board the vessel and everyone had a task to do. Ral's care was not his responsibility. At least not at the moment. He would need to trust others to do their jobs. While he did his. MacNemar: =/\= Response =/\= Dermont: =/\= We've got a teeny integrity problem 'ere. I take it we'll not be stoppin' fer a proper repair job? =/\= Peters: =/\= Use whatever you have to for sealant, then get started. Soon as you can, folks. =/\= Dermont: =/\= Of course, sah. We're on it. Well, MacNemar, the list o' modifications star 'ere in the tractor room and include everythin' between 'ere and the phaser emitters. Shall I send ya the list, we each take a team and split the difference? =/\= MacNemar: =/\= Response =/\= oO Marvelous. Begin phase one o' plan Long Shot... Oo
  2. ((ooc: 101 and 000 are unconscious but I wanted to contribute something, so I wrote some internal flavor text!)) ((Sickbay Complex, Deck 10)) One hour. Sixty minutes. Three thousand and six hundred seconds. No matter how you sliced it, that was a long, long time for a pair of Bynars to be unable to connect to their mother computer on Bynaus. Machine or not, that computer was the giver of life of their people. It was the deep well from which they drew everything they had, from their language to the firing of neurons in their brains. The fact that Bynars could connect to it from across the galaxy was a miracle of engineering, truly— but it was technology born of necessity. No human could go without oxygen to breathe or food to eat, and no Bynar could go without the implant gifted to them at birth despite the double-edged blade. The incredible integration of their bodies and minds with technology was a marvel, a blessing, but it was also a curse that instilled them with a terrible weakness. As powerful as machines were, they were easy to overload. Too much energy would fry them. Environmental changes, magnetic waves, electrical surges— they were all terrible hazards. 101 and 000 had learned about their people’s encounter with the Enterprise as children studying Bynar history in school. A star had threatened to blow out the master computer on their planet, which meant they had to shut the entire thing down before the shockwave hit and turn it back on afterwards. A group of four Bynars had scrambled to back up as much data as possible onto the Enterprise’s computer. It was a security blanket, a failsafe, some last-ditch effort to preserve the knowledge of their race in case the computer never turned back on. For a while, while the computer was off and they waited for the shockwave to pass, every single member of their race had been close to death. They simply couldn’t survive without it. Neither 101 nor 000 knew how long it would take to die. They didn’t know how long their predecessors had had to cling to life while their brains shut down without the support needed. Perhaps they hadn’t voiced the urgency of such an emergency clearly enough to the crew. Did they have themselves to blame? 000 might think so— they blamed themself for most of the misfortunes of their life— but 101 was more likely to think that it wasn’t anybody’s fault. Sometimes things just happened. An hour was a long time to wait to die. It was a blessing, really, that they lacked the strength to reliably cling to consciousness— 101 went out like a light and stayed that way. 000, however, fought and struggled and clawed their way back up. They woke a few times, eyes fluttering open but unable to focus on anything. They'd get a good, full breath and feel a quickening of their pulse, and then slip away again. There was a strength there, a refusal to stay down that 000 rarely expressed. Even so, they weren’t doing well. Neither Bynar was doing well at all— despite a clean bill of physical health, it was as if their bodies were losing the will to go on. It was a terribly lonely way to go, floating through a disoriented haze instead of being awake and alert together. When they pulled through, they’d be alarmed to hear they’d survived for over an hour. For the time being, though, all they could do was wait to wake up. The clock ticked on. ————————— Ensigns One Zero One (101) and Zero Zero Zero (000) HCO Officers USS Chin'toka NCC-97187 C239907OZ1
  3. Did you see something memorable aboard the Chin'toka that you want to recognize? Drop it in this thread! Whether it's a mishap or just Toryn being Toryn, this is the place for it.
  4. Okay, I put this in the Chin'toka's quote forum, but as I kept reading this thing just kept getting funnier and funnier. Well done @Noa T'Nessa Levinson ((Corridor, Deck 10, USS Chin’toka)) Levinson: Out of the way! Move! Noa was doing her best not to outright shout as she was running in the corridors. She didn’t really have time to think of a plan on how to contain what she was chasing, with how quickly it moved. She was just monitoring an experiment of part of the science department’s latest attempts at creating a rubber-like material, ensuring it was much more elastic and durable than rubber. It definitely had its uses - such as absorbing shocks in lieu of inertial dampeners, but still being in the testing phase, the sample was held inside a level 9 forcefield and spherical in shape for easier measurements. What couldn’t be anticipated, however, was that Crewman Pics’s instruction to display the data on a nearby monitor would be interpreted by the computer as "disable the forcefield around the obviously active experiment". Long story short, what was quite possibly the bounciest bouncy ball in Federation history was now bouncing amok around deck 10. After notifying relevant personnel and realizing the ball was moving way too quickly for the transporter rooms to possibly get a lock on it, Noa started bolting after the ball as a few other members of her staff split off to see if they could corner it… or something. Soon enough, she managed to start closing the gap towards the bouncy ball, before noticing it was headed in what looked to her as right for Captain Delano’s head. Levinson: ::With the slightest hint of panic in her voice:: Captain, move aside! Now! Fortunately, the ball just barely missed him and kept bouncing uninterrupted along the corridor. Mei’konda: Response She took that opportunity to stop running and catch her breath. That was… genuinely tiring. She wasn’t used to this amount of exercise. Especially not in her uniform. Levinson: ::Visibly exhausted:: Are you alright, sir? Mei’konda: Response Noa eventually managed to catch her breath and speak more than a few words per breath, and spoke. Levinson: A really bouncy bouncy ball. A computer malfunction disabled its containing forcefield mid-experiment. Mei’konda: Response Levinson: I am aware it may be much, but can I ask for your help in… containing it, please? Mei’konda: Response -- Lieutenant Noa T'Nessa Levinson Chief Science Officer USS Chin'toka E239701NL0
  5. I'm not sure who to credit for these comedic computer responses, but based on the OOC, I suspect it was @Noa T'Nessa Levinson. But @Esa_Darkkdust did a great job too. Well done overall! ((OOC: I’d like to personally thank Noa for finding the most random responses to my queries so that I could scramble them.)) ((Computer Core Main Access, Deck 12, USS Chin’toka)) While not normally her area of responsibility as Operations Chief, she had been involved with several of the major updates to the computer system Starfleet periodically issued since the Chin’toka’s launch. Naturally, when the latest update had crossed her desk, mere hours after arriving back on board, she’d simply picked up the job of installing it and ensuring it ran correctly and continued on her merry way. This was her first mistake. In the small print, at the end of the update readme, were the words “Do not use in conjunction with Bio-Neural Gel Pack Revision 13.1”. These words fell by the wayside as Esa set about installing the update, which completed, seemingly successfully. Now, hours later, she was laying flat on her back, tools in hand, buried under looms of cabling from the inside of the main computer access panel as she attempted to correct her mistake. Kiax: Computer, status report. Computer: Contest of Fedevision Betazed. Song winner 2394 is the ::uncomfortably long pause:: The Esa punched the underside of the console. Kiax: Stupid machine! As expected, the computer was still broken. The update had scrambled the core’s AI speech recognition and vocalisation subroutines, causing it to simply reply with, effectively, unrelated gibberish. Despite attempting to uninstall the update and subsequently performing a system-wide rollback, the error had persisted – requiring a manual fix. Which, by every account, was incredibly frustrating. If it wasn’t fixed before the end of the Captain’s sanctioned shore leave period, they’d have to end up in drydock, and Esa was not about to be responsible for that level of delay. She wiped a blackened-with-dirt hand across her sweat covered brow, leaving a streak across her forehead, and set about recalibrating the circuits once more. As she poked and prodded, she kept talking to the computer, much like a brain surgeon would with a patient, to ensure that whatever she did didn’t cause any unintentional side effects. Kiax: Computer, count from one to three. Computer: high cheese, tomatoes, is of ingredients, oven. origin dough a usually and in temperature, round, wood-fired other a Pizza Italian then a consisting various baked topped wheat-based of a flat often base at is leavened with which of traditionally dish oO Good lord. It’s completely lost its marbles. Oo Esa sighed, and continued working. Minutes turned into hours, and before she knew it, it was almost time for a duty shift swap. This problem needed fixing, and it needed fixing now. Kiax: Computer, are you okay? Computer: Please question the restate... She paused, and quirked an eyebrow. Kiax: Computer, can you tell me where we are? Computer: Beta Par'tha, Quadrant Expanse Well, at least it was now understanding the questions… But the sentences were still scrambled. A couple more tweaks with the processing matrix and things, she supposed, should be back to normal. Kiax: Computer, is the comms system functioning correctly? Computer: thin made tin. also is Tin spelled tinfoil, of a foil, foil Or not. As the case may be. Assuming that was, in fact, an affirmation of the comms system being active, she tapped her combadge and hoped for the best. With nothing but the usual active line chirp, Esa sighed with relief and spoke. Kiax: Commander Kiax to Ensigns One Zero One and Zero Zero Zero? 101 & 000: Response Kiax: I’m down in the main computer core access and… Well, I’ve uhh… ::Beat:: I’ve broken it. We’ve not met, but I hear you’re quite competent with electronics and programming… Care to help me get the old girl back to fighting form? 101 & 000: Response Kiax: Acknowledged, Kiax out. Well, at least there was hope. In the mean time, however… A few more tweaks… Kiax: Computer, what is the current stardate? Computer: majority letter of the in the these are languages The not Q from English, English not English In followed are anglicised usually Hebrew, letter Chinese, by the is sound a some found other alphabet, or Inuktitut, but exceptions. Q do representing there with Arabic, use that U, Yeah… She should wait for the experts… Lieutenant Commander Esa Kiax Chief Operations Officer USS Chin’toka – NCC 97187 A239511ED0
  6. I have always enjoyed reading sims by @Valin Dermont and I am so happy to have him back with us. This just shows that our favorite cranky engineer can also be reasonable, and can admit when he was wrong. I loved reading this sim as it just shows great depth of character to me. ((Mission Specialist’s Office, Security Complex, Deck 11, USS Chin’toka)) {{Time Index: Four Days After Arriving at Shemsh}} Dermont: Ye've every right ta give me a good dressin' down, ma'am. On duty and disrespectful. Prefer ta just take mah medicine fer it, ma'am… The two of them just stared at each other for a moment, before Dermont saw something of a...frown, perhaps...cross her features. It was clear whatever was going on in her mind, she had decided...something. Rosek-Skyfire: ::pauses:: Valin, I didn’t call you here to dress you down or give you any sort of medicine. There’s more to this situation than your attitude toward me in Engineering. I know that you dislike me and I have a strong suspicion as to why. ::grimaces:: There are days when I think of everything that happened between Toryn and I–and I don’t like myself very much either. oO Um, wut... Oo Whatever he had thought was going to come out of the Al-leyan's mouth, that certainly wasn't it. He had been dead certain she was about to bring the hammer for his actions in engineering. What exactly is this? Vulnerability? Bah! Rosek-Skyfire: I’m not going to give you a big sob story because firstly, I know we all have our crosses and mine is no heavier than anyone else’s and second, it’s no excuse. oO What exactly is happenin' 'ere? Oo The older engineer had entered the room ready to either take a lashing for as long as he could tolerate or failing that, giving as good as he got before being bounced out of the office on his arse. He had not been expecting the Lieutenant Commander to try and explain or be relatable. Dermont was not prepared for the wave of sympathy that suddenly threatened to wash over him. Dermont: Ma'am, as ya say, we've all got our burdens. But the lad...e's a deep down romantic. Seein' the best in all o' those 'e cares 'bout... oO Which still includes ya, I'd imagine. Even if it's no longer romantic... Oo Rosek-Skyfire: ::nods slowly:: I don’t know how much you know about Al-Leyan culture, but essentially, monogamy isn’t a thing for them. I didn’t expect it to bother me as much as it did. I tried to be okay with it–mostly because I really do care about Toryn and I knew that the rejection would hurt him. ::grimaces:: I was a coward, afraid to pull off the bandage, and ended up hurting him even worse by not just being honest. He couldn't help but frown. But not at Lael, at himself. It had happened. There she went and just made herself all relatable and mortal and prone to mistakes as the rest of us. The residuals of anger just washed out of him. Back then she was likely a mess over the whole thing and Dermont had only been on this side, seeing her as some kind of interloper, purposely toying with his friend. But damn the heart cannot help how the heart feels. Dermont: I cannot believe I'm sayin' it, but honestly...it's none o' my business, ma'am. Never was. I 'ave a tendency o' overreactin' when someone I care 'bout is threatened. And the past is in the past, eh? I 'ear both o' ya are very 'appy where you are. Ya don't need me draggin' ever'body back ta the dead 'orse so we can all keep on beatin' it. ::Deep breath.:: I'm sorry, ma'am. As long as ye've the best of intentions fer Toryn now, I'm past it. oO Never yer place ta be in it ta start with! Oo oO And I already admitted that, didn't I?! Growth! That's what that is! Oo Rosek-Skyfire: ::expression softens:: I do care about Toryn. Whether you believe me or not, I do. I wish more than anything that it could have worked, but it wasn’t fair to either of us. My only regret is that I didn’t realize that sooner. He leaned forward across the desk and gave her a half-smile. Dermont: We're all lost in our feelin's, eh? Sometimes we're all jumbled up inside. We lose sight o' reality and just stay lock in our little fantasies. Our wishful thinkin' and our "could be's." If I'm bein' 'onest, mine was locked in anger at you because I'd invented a perfect story-book endin' fer a pair o' friends o' mine. Rosek-Skyfire: response Dermont: ::grins.:: Turns out, they both 'ad their own plans as to what their futures would be like. Nobody even asked ole Dermont 'ow their life was supposed ta end up. And I o' course was too busy bein' resentful ta just enjoy the time I 'ad with 'em. Anyhow, I promise ya, ma'am, you need not worry 'bout me. At least not 'bout this. I read yer file: more accolades than you can fit on a book-shelf. A damn fine officer. And probably second or third best engineer on the ship! He paused a bit into his chuckle, giving her a glance and seeing if perhaps a joke was "too soon." Of course, seeing as so far this conversation was drastically different than anticipated, even if it was a little too soon, the fact it could be an option at all was blowing his mind. Dermont was certain he would need to go have a drink or ten to process today. Rosek-Skyfire: response ==================== Lieutenant Valin Dermont Engineering USS Chin'toka NCC-97187 A239410VD0
  7. Oh god. This sim was so well written. How dare you two make me feel things with my own brain! It seems like every shore leave there's a JP from these two and so far they've been full of joy and happiness and this sim took a turn for the shockingly emotional. I loved it, and you two are so talented. ----- (( Elizabeth’s Quarters, Deck 14, USS Chin’toka )) {{Time Index: Five Days After Leaving PTE-2891, Enroute to Shemsh}} ((OOC: I know these don't count towards my numbers, but this JP will be heavily referenced in my next sim with Cheesecake, so I'm sending for context)) Elizabeth sat curled up on the couch with a cup of Jesteral Tea clasped in her hands. She had been trying to read her book but her mind had been elsewhere, making the task difficult. While there were still parts of her life missing, none if it seemed as pressing as the issue she was having at the moment. Since Solat has stimulated her memory recall, pulling up the image of the woman she was to marry, Elizabeth had been feeling both guilty and conflicted about things. She could feel that she loved Lephi very much; she still had these sudden feelings for Kas that came along while her memory was gone. They were nothing compared to what she felt for Lephi, but they were still there. Then there is the whole telling Lephi what happened and that made her gut churn even more. She sighed and took a sip of her tea as she wished the kiss had never happened. (( Lephi's Quarters, USS Gorkon )) The nights were always the hardest, and then the days came and they were harder still. Lephi sighed and rolled over in bed. She'd been working so much she hadn't even had time to stop and think. Though she was settling into life on the Gorkon, it still tore at her heart to have her other half so far away from her. With one more flop, the engineer crawled back out of bed. Her plans for an early night were thwarted by a restless brain. She made her way over to the replicator and retrieved some Jestral tea. It was far from her favourite, but drinking it helped her to feel closer to Elizabeth in these trying times. Lephi plopped herself down at her desk and picked up a nearby PADD, hoping to dull her mind with the intricacies of starship repair. (( Elizabeth’s Quarters, Deck 14, USS Chin’toka )) Elizabeth sighed and pushed up from the couch wondering if a shower would help her relax enough to fall asleep. If it came down to it, maybe a sedative would do the trick. As she made her way through the bedroom, her eyes caught sight of Lephi's picture on her nightstand and sighed. What was she doing? She already talked with Kas and now it was Lephi's turn. It was time to make the call. She turned around and walked back into the living area. Her gut churning with every step. It wasn't going to be an easy call, but she wanted it to come from her and not someone else. The thought of the woman walking away stung like hell. She sat down at her desk and collected herself for a moment before standing back up, walking over to the replicator. Snow: A cup of Jesteral Tea, please. As the mug appeared before her, she took a sip as she made her way back over to the desk. Snow: Computer, open a transmission with Lieutenant Lephi, USS Gorkon. She took a seat as the computer processed the request. As it did Elizabeth sat the mug of tea down regretting the choice to have something in her stomach at this moment. (( Lephi's Quarters, USS Gorkon )) Computer: Incoming transmission from Lieutenant Elizabeth Snow, USS Chin’toka. Lephi’s heart soared. She couldn't remember the last time that she had spoken to Elizabeth, much less seen her face. Her sour attitude immediately began to change, and a toothy smile formed on her face as she spoke. Lephi: Put it through, put it through! Elizabeth smiled as Lephi appeared on the screen. Her heart soared seeing the woman and for a moment she had forgotten why she called. Snow: Hello, beautiful ::smiling:: It was a great feeling, looking back at the beautiful doctor on the screen. There were no words that did her smile justice. For a brief second, Lephi forgot to speak. Moments later, she gathered her thoughts and tried again. Lephi: Hello, Imzadi! You've somehow gotten more beautiful since I last saw you! Elizabeth smiled and then her heart twinged. The reason she called flashed across her mind as she stared at the beauty on the screen unaware of the news that was still to come. She didn’t want to tell Lephi, to break her heart, but she couldn’t leave this between them. It wasn’t right and Lephi deserved to know. Elizabeth took a deep breath and then looked at the woman on the screen again with tear filled eyes. Snow: Imzadi, I want you to know that I love you very much and what I’m about to say pains me very deeply to have to tell you. I’m so sorry to have to even say this, that it even happened, but.. ::brief pause:: On the recent mission, the other members of the away team and myself lost our memories. During this scary and confusing time the person I was shared a kiss and developed feelings for someone. ::pause:: I’m so sorry, Lephi. She stopped talking to give the woman time to process what had been said, the guilt even stronger than before. At first Lephi was concerned that her compliment had been the reason for Elizabeth’s tears, but as the doctor began opening up, Lephi was filled with confusion and dread. Shared a kiss? Lost her memories? A great sadness came over her as she considered the implications. Was she breaking up with her? Tears welled in the engineer's eyes, and she was silent for several long minutes. When she finally spoke again, it was through choked sobs. Lephi: That sounds like a terrible thing to go through, are you doing okay? The question she really wanted to ask was if Elizabeth had called to break off their engagement, but though she was eager to ask; she didn't want an answer. Not yet. Elizabeth’s wellbeing was just as important, and a welcome distraction. Was she okay? No. No she wasn’t. She felt like she failed Lephi. She had accepted her heart with a promise not to break it and she went and did just that. Snow: No. You trusted me with your heart and I failed to protect it. The tears that had pooled in Lephi’s eyes broke free and trickled down her face. Elizabeth was always more concerned with everyone else around her than she was about herself. It was a blessing and a curse, and in this case, more of a curse. Lephi: Did you, as Elizabeth, mean to kiss him? You didn't fail anything my love, you went through something traumatic. It hurts, and we'll have to deal with that eventually, but my concern right now is you. Snow: No. If I'd known who I was and that I was engaged, I wouldn’t have. The reassurance brought some small comfort to the Ferengi. The fact that they were still talking, and she wasn't hanging off of this new person in front of her also helped ease her hurting heart. Lephi: Exactly! That's not who you are, Imzadi. Have your memories returned? Snow: The alien entity stimulated our memory paths to recover things quicker, but some things are still missing. It’s only been a few days. Concern etched on Lephi's face as she regarded the doctor carefully, as though suddenly a way to fix all of this would jump out at them. It pained her to think about Elizabeth alone and scared with no memories on an unknown planet. She cursed Starfleet for making her transfer, and she cursed herself for not making a more compelling case for the two of them to retire early on Betazed. Lephi: I'm sure it will all come in time. Are you taking some time off to deal with this all? Was the person you kissed a member of the crew? How has that been? She knew it was a lot of questions to ask Elizabeth at once, but despite her best efforts, concern overtook her and she couldn't stop her mouth from voicing them all. Elizabeth took a moment to process all the questions Lephi threw her way. She took a sip of her tea before responding. Snow: I’ve been on light duty for now trying to get back into the swing of things and yes. We talked about things. They know I’m engaged and want to work on things with you. Lephi breathed a sigh of relief, and it quieted her brain for at least a few moments. Whoever this mystery person was, they knew that Lephi existed. Although it troubled her that Elizabeth had dodged the question identifying the other person, she knew better than to push her fiancée too hard on that at the moment. Lephi: And how did they take that? She thought about the conversation with Kas yesterday. It seemed to go well, but even though he tried to hide it, she still got a feeling that it hadn’t gone as well as what the Commander showed. Snow: Seemingly pretty well. Lephi's mouth curved downwards into a frown, and her nose began to twitch. Her brain was working at warp speed. She wanted nothing more than to talk things out, soothe the pain they were both feeling but it felt very one sided to her. She was trying to stimulate the conversation, and it felt as though Elizabeth was applying a sedative from a hypospray to it, and shutting down conversation. Lephi: Who is it? What do you mean, seemingly pretty well? ::sadly:: You talked to them before you talked to me? The last question sounded more defensive than she had meant it to. She was hurt, and Elizabeth’s mannerisms were doing little to provide comfort to the engineer. Before she transferred, they were two of the closest people, and now apparently they went to relative strangers with issues before each other. Another sob caught in Lephi's throat, her now bloodshot eyes pleaded with Elizabeth. Elizabeth’s heart twinged. Had she gone about this the wrong way. She had never been in this position before. She was just trying to answer the questions she was asked and reassure the woman. She could navigate being a doctor with no memory of being one. She could probably have gone back full duty with no problem and navigated circles around Sickbay with limited memory, but she couldn’t navigate her own relationship correctly. Snow: I’ve only been back a few days. I wasn’t planning on talking to anyone about anything until I figured things out, but they showed up at my door. So we talked. The vague nature of Elizabeth's reply did nothing to nurture Lephi's tormented heart. If anything, it pained her more to see such conflict so plainly on the face of the woman she loved. She wondered what kind of a person would be so heartless as to know someone is in a happy relationship, and still pry at the cracks which had suddenly formed. Certainly it couldn't have been Commander Raga, or Serala. Those two had respect for them, and their relationship. This person clearly did not. She thought hard about it all. Lephi: Elizabeth… ::Averts gaze:: Who was it? Snow: Someone who was in the same position I was and new to the ship, so they had no idea of anything. The doctor’s coyness almost won Lephi over briefly, before the despair she felt resurfaced. It brought her minute joy that it wasn't any of the people she considered to be her friend. She wasn't sure she'd be able to get over that if it had been the case. Lephi: You're really not going to tell me? That's all I get, that it isn't one of our mutual friends? Snow: Yes. It shouldn’t matter who it is. It’s not going to change anything.
  8. Had a lot of fun writing this and wanted to show off the absolute crazy that are Chin'tokans. Also, I'm pretty sure Akira class don't actually have blue alert lights. Clearly, we don't care. Props to @Mei'konda @cadfael peters @Esa_Darkkdust @Jaelyne Isa for enabling the insane idea for such a cinematically awesome scene. Remember, the flight protocols in the handbook are just guidelines!
  9. Ok, this one was just so funny to me that it completely changed my day from dull and dreary to something a bit more happy and bright. I love the enthusiasm and spunk and the sooo not technical "goo." === (( Turbolift, USS Chin’toka, en route to Bridge )) Tapping one of the boots that barely allowed her to crest one hundred and fifty-ish centimeters or five feet tall, Jamie MacNemar brushed a wisp of platinum blonde hair back from her eyes as she gazed down at the PADD she held in her right hand, going over the specs for the probe modifications that had been sent to them from the Bridge. Though she’d spent most of her time working with Greyson on relatively easy maintenance projects, the two of them had been deep in the guts of the Chin’toka during its repairs following their transit through the Jenatris Cloud, and she’d grown to appreciate the man’s breadth of knowledge and efficiency during that time. Even if she’d prefer to avoid the Bridge and keep to the lower decks, this seemed like an interesting project. And an important one. MacNemar: So. Real basic triangulation thing the Cap wants us doin’. Looks like the main problem we oughtta work is durability, right? All those charged particles flyin’ around on there, they could fry the probes’ circuits real quick if we don’t find a good way to shield them. And it’s not like we can just pull a shield generator from a shuttle. The probe could never power it. Greyson: Response MacNemar: Hm… I’ll think on it, yeah, Eltee. (( Bridge, USS Chin’toka )) As the door slid open, Jamie followed the assistant Chief Engineer somewhat timidly onto the Bridge, PADD clutched under one arm. Mei’konda: Welcome to the Bridge, Lieutenants. Please taake your stations. Greyson: Response MacNemar: Got it, sir. This oughtta be no problem. She might’ve overcompensated, and ended up sounding SUPER ENTHUSIASTIC instead of moderately, like she’d been going for. It didn’t change the fact that she really did want to solve this problem, but she would have preferred making a good impression while she did it, instead of… whatever she had done instead. She was reminded of that when the Caitian commanding officer of the Chin’toka spoke to her directly. Mei’konda: Just keep in miind that some of your missing crewmates are dependiing on your work, Lieutenant. No maatter how easy it may be. Slowing in her steps allowed Greyson to reach the engineering station first, and gave her a chance to respond to the Captain. The last thing she wanted to do was let anyone down. MacNemar: Yes sir. Sorry sir. Greyson: Response Minutes later, Alentonis spoke, and the Captain perked up his ears. Jamie eased herself down into a seat next to Greyson at the station, and adjusted her chair upward as high as she could get it. Thank goodness for chairs designed for multiple species; she had a relatively easy time in adjusting chairs to her size and proportions on Starfleet vessels, and almost nowhere else. Exhaling a slow breath, she set her PADD down and began to tap fingers across her control panel, bringing up specifications on the probes’ internal circuitry. Alentonis: The probes are ready for launching, except for the modifications Mr. Peters suggested, sir. Bridge: Response Peters: Sorry about that, professor. Here you go. :: He tapped a few buttons on his console and transmitted the information to the former ops officer.. :: Gradually, the small relative velocity indicator that the Captain had called up on the viewscreen dropped down to zero. Peters had finished moving the Chin’toka to its deployment location. Peters: Permission to help Dr. Alentonis with the modifications to the probes? Mei’konda: Go ahead, Commander. Engineers, Lieutenant Levinson, you’ll be on deck for analysis as soon as they’re in posiition. I waant to be able to inform Commander Isa’s team of our findiings as soon as possible. Peters / Greyson / Levinson / Callahan: Responses Jamie leaned in a little closer toward Greyson as she gazed at the materials that made up the probe’s innards. MacNemar: Okay, uh, so you know how I mentioned before that we need the protection that shields provide in these things, but we can’t fit shields to ‘em, right? I think I’ve got a thought. Fill ‘em up with goo. Peters / Greyson / Alentonis / Callahan / Levinson: Responses Jamie realized in a hurry that it was a pretty nonspecific and unhelpful statement. She spoke up, after clearing her throat. As she continued, she became more animated, gesticulating with her arms and pointing at the screen. MacNemar: We could order the probe bay techs to inject a lightweight composite metal foam around all of the most sensitive circuits. Just fill the suckers up with the stuff. It’ll make ‘em bulkier, and, um. Less sensitive, less reliable in most circumstances, but in my opinion, moreso than if we just leave them unshielded to the plasma storm radiation out there. Plus… She snapped her fingers. MacNemar: It’ll be quick and easy, too. After a moment of thought, Mei’konda spoke up, after nodding a thanks to her for her input. Mei’konda: Mr. Alentonis, Mr. Greyson, anyone else, your thoughts on this idea? Peters / Greyson / Alentonis / Callahan / Levinson: Responses ======================== Lieutenant Jamie MacNemar Diagnostic Engineer / Damage Control Specialist USS Chin’toka, NCC-97187
  10. A well written post by @Noa T'Nessa Levinson, including that magic gold nugget. ---- ((Conference Room, Deck 3, USS Chin’toka - The next day.)) Last night was quite weird. After being treated in Sickbay for her concussion and staying for a few hours of observation, it was evident that no permanent damage was caused. Still, that experience was not fun in the slightest, and once she was cleared to rest in her own quarters, Noa was more than glad to sleep in her own bed. As for the conference itself, it seemed to be going fairly well - the planning seemed sound. After giving a brief overview of the nearly-flatlined combadge signal she managed to detect, the team composition seemed to have been changed slightly by Commander Isa. Somewhat surprisingly, knowing her, she was almost relieved to hear she wasn’t going to return to that planet for the time being. And considering the change of what this mission actually was, it even made sense. Mei’konda: Pull all of the resources you caan on short notiice to make it happen, you two. We haave approximately… :: He paused, and appeared to glance at the chronometer on the wall panel. :: …Forty eight minutes until the storm subsides to the point where a shuttle can enter the atmosphere saafely, and three hours and seven minutes as projeected by our latest scaans until the storm is at its weakest. The captain moved his glance towards Noa herself, as well as Commander Peters. Mei’konda: Mr. Peters, Lieutenant Levinson, thaat’s why it’s essential that in addition to helpiing with the search and rescue from orbit, I want you both keeping an eye on the plasma storm. We need a better early warniing system for any flare ups so that Mr. Raga doesn’t have to crash any more shuttles in my shuttlebay. Noa merely gave a curt nod in approval. On occasion, keeping an eye on astrophysics-related stuff was almost a fun pastime for her - regardless if the situation was life or death, science, or just for dinner. Raga: Just trying to make your reports to Starfleet HQ more colourful, sir. Kiax: ::Humorously:: Destroyer of Tables, Doors, and now shuttlebays… You’re earning yourself a bit of a reputation Commander. Isa: :: to Raga :: I’m curious… Nevermind, that can wait for another time. Peters: I will certainly be keeping an eye on it. Alentonis: oO Another surface run? With modified anti-grav harnesses? Oo Pardon me, commander. :: Turning his attention to Kiax. :: Didn’t Mr. McKnight propose some modified designs just before we ventured down to the surface the first time? She did very briefly recall Esa showing the team the proposal. She was no EV suit expert, nor was she an engineer, but it seemed… sealed? Regardless, the proposal did seem curious, and she was considering looking into it - before wearing anything unapproved for real situations, of course. Kiax: Response Logan: He has some tricks up his sleeve Mei’konda: Once you’re on the ground, I waant constaant updates. And remember, Commander Raga, this isn’t a tactical situaation. If anything, well. He gestured toward the bag of coins that Alentonis had brought up to the conference room with him. Mei’konda: We could be dealiing with a first contact here, people, and you all know what that means. If there is a raace here that isn’t warp capable, then the Prime Directive is in effect. If our people were abducted, we don’t know why. It could easiily have been accidental, or innocent. So, defensiive sidearms only, understood? I don’t waant you to appear aggressiive. Raga: Understood, sir. Not everyone is hostile. Despite our tendency to attract such. Sidearms only and we’ll keep an open mind. Kiax: :: to Doctor Alentonis and Jaelyne :: We should also remain vigilant. Historically, gold on Earth that was used for coinage was also often viewed as having a religious association with holiness. It could be that any cultures on the planet might also view reskari in the same light. If we’re indiscriminately mining it, we may end up causing ourselves a bigger problem should any native populace find out. Indeed. That made sense. Perhaps the Banshee being reskari-laced might have a similar, or even worse reaction. Isa: I agree. It’s part of why I wanted to come along. Just in case we do make contact, I am hoping we can diffuse any tense situation before it escalates to conflict. Alentonis: Agreed. I propose we hold off mining anything until after we know for certain we won’t be starting a war by doing so. Levinson: I agree. This does not seem like a desirable outcome. oO Was this too dry? Yeah, that was probably a bit too dry right there. Oo Raga: Since we have reason to suspect the locals might be telepathic. Is there anyway we could set our tricorders to automatically scan and alert us if they detect psionics in use? Mei’konda: Response Kiax: I’m not sure. Beyond a measurable increase in brainwave activity we don’t have much in the way of telling if someone is actively using telepathic abilities, and in order to obtain those readings we’d need to be actively scanning the subject with a tricorder’s hand scanner. Peters: From an engineering standpoint, commander Kiax is correct. You would need to be standing in their physical vicinity and actively looking for brain wave increases to detect it with a tricorder. Indeed, both were good points. Usually brainwaves activities, including ones specific to telepathic beings, were a bit hard to detect. Alentonis: Isn’t it likely that someone else on the crew might be able to communicate telepathically with them? Commander Raga, perhaps? Alentonis: Isn’t it likely that someone else on the crew might be able to communicate telepathically with them? Commander Raga, perhaps? Levinson: There is a rather high likelihood, yes, but telepathy varies between species. And usually communication may require mental training to use effectively, or at all. And while she did have telepathic abilities from her Vulcan side, she wasn’t really trained in using them more than the basics of "How to Not Damage Your Friends’ Brains by Touch 101", let alone know how powerful her telepathy was. The best answer she had so far was "yes". Logan: we do have the personnel files, so we could find all the Crew with such abilities and see is they can find anything Raga: ::He shook his head:: I can only communicate with my own species. Though I should be able to tell if such abilities are being used directly on me, I won’t be able to sense them if they’re just communicating with each other or anyone else. Mei’konda: Response Isa: Well, if they are telepathic, we’ll just have to figure that out as we go. Adaptability is going to be a requirement. That it always was. Raga: If they are warp capable, then there’s also a possibility that they have ships that are either not near here, or they don’t want to use them. Or they’re cloaked. If they are warp capable then the lack of a ship might be a clue to that. Logan: With the interferance around you could hide a ship to two. Indeed. That was definitely something to check out and analyze - just how was the combadge signal weakened to the point of almost less than being confused with background noise? Mei’konda: Response Kiax: If I recall correctly, didn’t Commander Serala devise some kind of method for detecting cloaked ships? ::To Noa:: It could be worth implementing it, if I’m correct. Isa: So, we’re speculating that their location is being cloaked in some way? That’s an interesting theory. Levinson: ::Nodding:: Indeed. Commander Serala’s method, along with the evidence pointing at some fairly powerful sources of wave interference as well as more traditional methods of detecting cloaks may be able to be of help here. ::To Alentonis:: What did you mention the civilization’s classification is again, Professor? Alentonis: Based on the earlier findings of the coins, I would speculate maybe class L if we are assuming subterranean colonies exist. Noa nodded in response, as Raga began speaking. Raga: Lieutenant Levinson and I created a gravitic airlock in the Kraken’s aft section to make moving in and out of the shuttle safer on us so we can acclimate to the change in gravity gradually. Instead of going from one extreme to the other. I suggest we institute that on any shuttle we use on the surface. Logan: That would be a helpful addition. Mei’konda: Response Kiax: It should be a relatively easy thing to implement across the board as a permanent feature set. I can have the shuttle technicians put together a standard subroutine to distribute to all our auxiliary craft. Isa: Sounds like a lot of preparation to do. Are we going to be able to get all that done before we launch? Peters: I’d be happy to lend a hand with the prep work required for that, if needed. Kiax: Response Levinson: I am not an engineer, but I am able to assist with the planning a bit. I do have the articles I acquired the basic design from, so they may be able to be improved upon. Logan: I'm no Engineer but many hands Mei’konda: Response Isa: Very well, then, let me know how I can help. I’m not an engineer, but I do have the standard training. Just let me know how I can help. Kiax: Responses Raga / Mei’konda: Response Peters: I have a few connections in the engineering and security departments I might be able to tap to get everything prepared before launch. Engineering she could almost get - she did serve with Peters on the Juneau when he was Chief Engineer there, so that was fairly understandable. Security, though? Isa / Kiax: Response Raga / Mei’konda: Response Peters: Just a thought. If I’m needed on the bridge, they might be able to assist with the prep. Peters’s presence on the bridge was probably a good idea - having the ability to utilize his fancy flying sooner, rather than later. Isa / Kiax: Response Raga / Mei’konda: Response Alentonis: Quick question, regarding the subdermal locators. Would we be able to maintain a transporter lock through the interference caused by the plasma storms? Logan: Most of them are at the same mercy as comm badges. However being subdermal unless you scan for them you dont know their there. Levinson: I will very much aim to ensure the answer to that question is "yes", Professor. She did have experience with clearing through interference, so she was confident she could ensure at least some level of lock. The signal strength of the locators wasn’t as high as that of combadges, of course, but indeed, at least they were concealed. She was concerned, however, with how weak they may be with the interference that was obviously there when she noticed the normal combadge signal. She was almost starting to stretch the very low end of sensor resolution, and that was telling. Would the resulting wave’s amplitude prove to be literally too small for top-end Starfleet sensors to detect? Isa / Kiax: Response Raga / Mei’konda: Response Noting Lieutenant Logan raising his hand, Noa turned to face him, after taking a stop to examine the half-eaten apple he was holding. Isa: Response Logan: If there is some Telepathic dohickey at play why use it to kidnap our team, rather than confuse them and lead them away ?. Noa clasped her hands together, elbows on the table, as her head tilted slightly to the right, as she spoke in a perfectly monotone manner. Levinson: I can think of many reasons, Lieutenant. The planet’s inhabitants may be wondering what they were doing on their planet. Or perhaps they require their bodies, or minds, for some sort of activity. And maybe, just maybe, they wanted to invite our team for dinner and were merely afraid they would say no. Some specimens are curious in nature, after all. Despite the delivery’s tone, it almost looked as if she enjoyed delivering that response, as serious as it was. It was a good question, of course, but when what one deemed obvious did not occur, a reason was very likely to exist for the unexpected occurrence. If there wasn’t any reason for a certain event to take place, why would it? Any: Response -- Lieutenant Noa T'Nessa Levinson Chief Science Officer USS Chin'toka E239701NL0
  11. Dan, the writer for Amuro McKnight, did an excellent job taking advantage of the fact that none of our characters remember who they are and playing up his character's reaction to what he perceived as my character giving him an order. Amazing, @Amuro McKnight! ---- ((OOC: Any thoughts or feelings belong to the character.)) ((Village, Surface of PTE - 2891’s Fourth Planet)) Vorenus: It was a well-stocked kitchen. I'm sure the lady won't notice a few misplaced utensils. For protection. So far whoever dropped us here hasn't come back to check on our progress. There doesn't seem to be any monitoring devices in this room. It almost seemed like whoever knocked us out just left us here. For what purpose, I don't know. Jónsdóttir: Um.. Alright. I guess we should get dinner started. Einar: Response J. Doe: ::lowers his voice:: You realize that woman will know it was us, right? What’s to stop her from raising the alarm? Vorenus: You think this place has any semblance of law enforcement? I didn't see any guards or soldiers walking around. For all we know, this place just looks peaceful but is actually lawless. J. Doe: ::shakes his head:: I’m certain if we’d asked to purchase them, she would have happily sold them to us. There’s no need for us to steal when we can do honest work for what we need. We’re more than capable of doing simple tasks. Vorenus: The less real interaction, the better. Besies, I didn't take much. A few things here are there won't be missed. J. Doe: We’re not going to make many allies through dishonesty. And we’re going to need allies if we’re going to survive. ::pauses for a moment:: Can we agree to try talking first? Really talking? Put a little more trust in people. Vorenus got back up, walked over, and gave his "friend" a stare in return. He had no idea who he was but a part of him wasn't going to let himself get pushed around by a stranger who doesn't know anything about him either. Vorenus: Well, I don't plan on staying here long, making friends and settling into a life as a dishwasher. We need to find out why we're here and who put us here. For all we know this entire town is a social experiment and we're the lab rats for going along with it. He could tell he wasn't going to be making friends with John, who in his opinion seemed more concerned about his new companion than assessing their situation. Vorenus went back to his corner, trying to make sense of the visions he's been having the whole time he was here. {{Time Skip - The Next Morning}} Waking up early seemed to be something his body remembered. Getting out of his bed, Vorenus washed his face to prepare for the day. John had woken up before the rest of them did. J. Doe: Rise and shine, gents. Another day of work ahead to provide for the woman of the house. Vorenus: oO Your woman to be accurate. Oo Coffee first...whatever passes for coffee. Einar: Responses Jónsdóttir: ::smiles:: Good morning, Gentlemen. I hope you all like omelets. Vorenus: Much appreciated it, Jona. I don't know why, but I have a feeling of wanting to cook as well. Perhaps I'll help us with dinner if we can get some decent ingredients J. Doe: ::grins:: I have no idea what an omelet is, but if it’s anything like that stew you made last night, I’m sure it will be amazing. Einar : Response Jónsdóttir: So, what are the plans for today? J. Doe: ::shrugs and takes another bite of the fruit:: I thought we could all explore a bit. Maybe see if we can find anything of interest. Maybe another trip to the marketplace and more work? That crate was good, but it’s only going to last another day or two. We should plan a bit ahead. Vorenus: Perhaps there's traders setting up shop in town. We can ask them about a map of the area. People who travel around should know directions to important places. Einar / Jónsdóttir: Responses J. Doe: These clothes will only last us so long and it doesn’t make sense to keep buying new ones. That could get pricey. Maybe we can clean them up? Vorenus: Washing is a good idea, we're staying in the same room. Won't do us any good if we start smelling. Einar / Jónsdóttir: Responses J. Doe: ::to Vorenus:: I thought since you’re so focused on protection, maybe you can ask around about costs for more sophisticated defenses when we go to the market? Surely this town has someone who specializes in those sorts of things. If not, maybe we can see about other ways of securing it. Vorenus got up a bit. Vorenus: That almost sounds like an order. Einar / Jónsdóttir: Responses J. Doe: Response Vorenus: No, by all means take charge. You seem to have a more level head. I'll go with Einar and ask around. Lieutenant Amuro McKnight Security/Tactical Officer USS Chin'toka D239302AM0
  12. I loved writing this. Props to our FO, @Jaelyne Isa for a nice playoff in this one. Took a single tag for a PNPC and it turned into this. ---- ((Security Complex, Deck 11, USS Chintoka)) {{Time Index: Shortly after arriving at the Tycho Brahe’s location}} Anjar whistled as he polished his nth phaser. He’d already gone through and made certain they were calibrated correctly and had placed any that needed more extensive attention in a bin at his feet. It was a relief from the drills that Commander Raga had been running while en route. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of Chief Petty Officer Davis and grinned. Thoran: Hey, Chief! Head’s up! Without waiting for the other man’s response, he tossed a rag in his direction. Andrew had been ready to call it a day. He was checking in his phaser and was just headed out of the armory, hoping to avoid Lt Commander Thoran, who’d he spotted doing “routine maintenance” on the phasers - which mostly meant polishing them and making sure the batteries were charged. oO Why do phaser need to be polished anyway? Does this improve their performance? No, of course not. Just another one of those stupid rules that Starfleet is so fond of. Oo However, he never made it out. The sound of Thoran’s voice behind him was immediately followed by the thump of a cloth hitting the back of his head. Davis: Commander. I didn’t see you there. How are you doing? Thoran: ::arches an eyebrow:: I can smell that steaming pot from here, Chief. Pick up that rag and come help me shine these up. Davis: You know, sir, I was supposed to be ending my shift right about now :: picks up the rag :: Tell me, again. Why are we shining the phasers? Thoran: ::smirks:: We’ve gotta look good, right? A man can’t look good without a shiny weapon. Before Anjar could say anything more, the beep of a nearby console caught his attention. Thoran: Check that out will you, Davis? Davis: oO I didn’t hear Esa complaining about my weapon not being shiny Oo You got it. Andrew moved over to the console and checked the indicator. There was an incoming message from Lieutenant Commander Raga. Davis: Looks like the boss wants something. Hold on a sec, sir. Andrew pushed the button to open the channel. Raga: =/\= Response =/\= Davis: We’ll be right there, Commander. We just have to make sure the last phaser is all nice and shiny. Anjar snorted, glad Raga couldn’t hear him from this distance and shook his head. Outdone by a phaser. (( Photon Torpedo Launcher and Magazine Bay 3, Mission Pod C, USS Chin’toka )) {{Time Index: Mini Time Jump}} Raga: This is no good either. ::He said in frustration:: This is the third photon torpedo that’s had microfractures in the casing. If we tried to fire this it would blow out the launcher and take a portion of the hull with it. Anjar arched an eyebrow and paused mid-scan, turning to Davis. Thoran: ::murmurs:: I sure hope he’s not working up to busting a door or a table. Davis: :: quietly :: With him, you never know. Might be a bulkhead next time. Thoran: ::murmurs:: As long as it’s not near my quarters. The last thing Carter and I need is a hole in our living area wall. Kiax: =/\= Kiax to Commanders Raga and Alentonis, could you meet me in the shuttlebay in ten minutes please? =/\= Alentonis: =/\= Shuttle bay, 10 minutes. Got it. =/\= Thoran: ::murmurs to Davis:: Bet you a day’s worth of replicator rations he’s going to leave us to check the rest of the torpedoes. Davis: Yeah, sure, because I am a security guard, so it makes perfect sense that I would know how to check a torpedo. Logical. Before Anjar could reply, he heard Commander Raga yelling his name across the room. Raga: Mister Thoran, I leave you in charge of things here. I expect you and Mister Davis can get the remaining torpedoes inspected and in the magazines with the help of our Quartermaster and Mister Greyson here in the next hour. Chief, I expect a report afterwards. Thoran: ::nods:: Aye, sir. Davis: :: to Thoran :: You do know that I never agreed to that bet, right? :: to Raga :: Aye, sir. Quick question: How do we do that? Shining phasers I’m good at. Inspecting torpedoes? Not so much. Happy to help as long as someone shows me what I need to do. Phillips/Greyson: response Thoran: ::claps Davis on the back:: No worries, Chief. I’ll talk you through it. Seemingly satisfied, Raga tapped his comm badge as he headed for the door. Raga: =/\= Understood, on my way Commander. =/\= ::Pausing to glance back at the others:: Inform the bridge as soon as all the torpedoes are inspected, loaded into the magazines and disposed of as necessary. Once Raga was out the door, Anjar again turned to Davis. Thoran: Damn, man. Did you make it all the way to Chief Petty without having to scan and load a torpedo? ::pauses:: Just do me a favor and don’t get crushed by one. Davis: Yeah, enlisted. I specialized in security, not tactical. Not that I mind, of course, but really, I can scan one and not have the faintest idea what I am looking at. And I am curious now, what do you mean by “not get crushed by one?” Thoran: ::shakes his head:: Long story. I’ll tell you over drinks sometime. ::rubs his hands together:: Time’s a-wasting. ::smirks:: You know how to use a tricorder, right? Davis: :: smirking :: Is it anything like using a polishing rag? Anjar laughed, shaking his head as he picked up a freshly charged tricorder and tossed it in Davis’ direction. Thoran: You break it, you pay for it. The pair then each began scanning torpedoes, marking any that had microfractures with a chip before moving on to the next one. Phillips/Greyson: Response -- PNPC Lieutenant Commander Anjar Thoran Security Officer USS Chin'toka, NCC-97187 I238110RH0 & PNPC CPO Andrew Davis Master-at-Arms USS Chin'toka NCC-97187 as simmed by: Commander Jaelyne Isa First Officer Training Team Member Image Collective Member Chat Team Moderator/Facilitator Academy Statistician USS Chin'toka NCC-97187 A239412S10
  13. Some might consider Stahma to be a misunderstood poor old soul, but not me. Living for the truths Rishma spits in this. Another excellent piece from the super talented @Elizabeth Snow (( Snow House, Lake Cataria, Betazed - Stardate 239811.18, evening )) While Lephi was busy with her dad and brother goofing off, Elizabeth decided it would be the perfect moment to steal some time with her mother. She grabbed her mother’s arm and began to pull her towards the lake. E.Snow: We should walk and talk. Rishma could sense the anxiety coming from Elizabeth and nodded knowing her daughter needed her. They began their walk around the lake arm in arm. She missed days like these. They walked in silence for a few minutes before RIshma finally broke their silence. R.Snow: What is going on, my little dove? She smiled. Happy that her mom was the one who broke the silence as she was still figuring out how to tell her. She kind of just blurted it out. E.Snow: Lephi has been reassigned to the Gorkon for now. Rishma’s heart sank. She hated that for them, but she knew what they were going through. She and Geroge had spent so many years apart and it wasn’t the easiest thing to go through. At least they didn’t have any children involved.. Yet. R.Snow: I’m so sorry, my dove. Is there anything I can do? I know I can’t go to Starfleet and make them put you two together, but anything to ease things? E.Snow: Well, I did talk to the Captain, he and his husband are each Captains of their own ships and he did give me some great advice, but I would like to hear how you and dad made it through. Rishma smiled and nodded. R.Snow: It wasn’t easy. We both came from two different worlds and your father was still in the academy at the time. So our story started out long distance. We spent a lot of our time together via video transmissions, recording videos for the other and sending them to let them know we were thinking about the other, and doing our best to schedule days off together whenever we got the chance. It wasn’t easy, but it was our love for each other that kept us close even when we were apart. She smiled at her daughter. R.Snow: I know you love Lephi and I know what she loves you. Give it time, Honey. You all will be just fine. Elizabeth nodded and smiled considering her mother’s words. She was right though. They would survive and their separation may not be ideal, but they were Starfleet and there were plenty of ways out there that would make the distance seem small. Their love was just one. E.Snow: How did you manage the worry? Weren't you afraid of something happening to him? R.Snow: Of course I was, but you can’t dwell on things that are beyond your control, Dove. You’ll run yourself ragged and be of no use to anyone. She nodded. Again she was right. Perhaps she would work on meditating each morning and night. It seemed to help and so had the advice given to her by Kurt after the kidnapping. Some things she needed to start doing and being more mindful of when life got her down. E.Snow: ::smiling:: Thanks, Mom. She hugged the woman and then let go. There was something else she needed to get off her chest. Something that always weighed heavily on mind and her heart. E.Snow: There is something else I’ve been meaning to talk to you about. I know that I’ve put a strain on your and Ma’s relationship and I’m sorry for that, but I was just wondering how you were holding up? Risma looked at her daughter and stopped walking. She moved around to where she was now facing Elizabeth. She put her hands on her daughter’s shoulder and then took her left hand and raise Elizabth’s chin so that their eyes met. R.Snow: Elizabeth Merandar Snow, you listen to me. You did no such thing. Your grandmother and I have always had a rocky relationship because of the way she is. In no way is any of this your fault. Your grandmother has always had a flair for the dramatics and I’m sorry that she decided to pull something with you. But that’s on her. I know she hurt you when she did that and I know what you’re going through. I’m here for you if you need to talk about it. She nodded as she listened to her mother. She didn’t realize how much she needed to hear that. It felt as though a weight was lifted off her shoulders. Though it did hurt, but now she understood that it wasn’t her fault. That the situation between her grandmother and herself wasn’t because of her. R.Snow: I honestly didn’t think she would have ever done this to you or Emerson. But just know that if you and Lephi do wind up working it out with your grandmother, that you need to keep her at arm's length. If you all decide not to pursue a relationship with her again, that we completely understand. I honestly don’t know why she does some of the things she does. But you definitely need to set boundaries with her no matter the outcome. Don’t let her make you feel guilty in any way. Elizabeth thought about her mom’s words carefully. In everything, she was right. She was glad she had a mother that she could talk to and that her mother was always there knowing what to say or do to make everything better. If Elizabeth ever got the chance to experience motherhood, she hoped that she would be as great a mother as the dark haired woman standing before her. A guilt that she had felt for so long was finally gone. If her grandmother didn’t want a relationship with her, then that was fine. E.Snow: ::smiling: Thanks, mom. I really needed that. Rishma embraced her daughter in a long, tight, hug. R.Snow: Always, my Dove. Elizabeth looked out at the lake as the pair resumed their walk. It was such a beautiful evening and she hoped that Lephi was having a great time. Now that she had talked with her mother, she felt so much relief. The pair continued talking as they walked. She couldn’t wait to begin showing Lephi all the wonderful things she loved about this world. ============ Lieutenant Elizabeth Snow Chief Medical Officer USS Chin'toka NCC-97187 Veterans Affairs Team Wiki Team D238803EH0
  14. Writing a relationship between two characters from two different writers always has a tricky element, as much as it involves compromise, reaching agreements and an important understanding of what it means to write collaboratively. Maybe that's why I love to read relationships when they are well written, and here we have a wonderful example of that, playing with themes that translate to our present, such as long distance relationships. Well done, very well done @Lephi and @Elizabeth Snow , I'm not crying at all with this whole arc. No, not at all. ((Psss Keep on writing!!!) ((Lephi's Quarters, ???, USS Gorkon)) The doors opened, and Lephi wasted little time striding through them. She was eager to see what the place she would be calling home for the duration of her stay looked like. As she entered, she was momentarily left speechless, and instinctively she turned to tell Elizabeth about it. Sadness pulled at her heart for a brief moment, so she decided to call her fiancée while she unpacked. The mess that she arrived during had prevented most communication beyond a quick "hey I made it alive" message, and she was eager to see Elizabeth's face again. She positioned herself at the desk in the roomy abode and dialed Elizabeth's contact. (( Liz’s Quarters, Deck 14, USS Chin’toka )) After a long strenuous workout, Elizabeth made her way into the shower where she stood under the hot water for what felt like an eternity before she worked up the strength to actually move to wash her hair and herself. Her mind went over all the things she needed to do once she returned to Sickbay. She reached out for her washcloth realizing she forgot to grab one before entering. She went to call out to Lephi out of habit and sighed, she would be fine without it. She rinsed off and as she turned off the shower, the computer’s voice rang through her quiet quarters. Computer: Incoming transmission from Lephi. Her heart soared as she heard Lephi’s name. She jumped out of the shower, grabbing a robe as she went. She threw it over her soaking wet skin and plopped down in front of the screen. Accepting the transmission with a great big smile on her face. Snow: Hi, Imzadi! Lephi’s face lit up radiantly when Elizabeth's face popped up on her monitor. It had been hectic when she arrived, being whisked away by another shuttle to the planet's surface before she'd even had so much as a chance to shower. She longed to hold Liz in her arms, to feel the warmth of the woman's skin on her own. Lephi: ::excitedly:: Hello, gorgeous! How are you doing? Elizabeth bit her lower lip as she took in the sight of her beloved’s beautiful self. She wished she could pull her through the screen and hug her tightly. Snow: Better now that I’m looking at and talking to you. How about you? How’s the Gorkon? Lephi exhaled deeply, pondering where to start. She didn't want to worry her with too many details about the mission, and how dangerous it had gotten, but she also didn't want to keep any secrets. Lephi: It's been hectic to say the least. This is actually the first time I'm seeing my quarters, or even sitting down on the ship anywhere that isn't the shuttlebay. Elizabeth stood up as she listened to Lephi speak. Her wet hair was starting to bother her. She flipped her hair over, bending at the waist, and grabbed the towel she had brought with her. In a few quick moves, she had it wrapped around her hair tightly. She sat back down in the chair, looking back at the screen. Snow: That sounds awful. I take it you came in during a mission? Lephi was quietly nibbling on her bottom lip, watching as Elizabeth worked her magic with the hair towel. That had always impressed the engineer, who had never needed a hair towel for any reason before. As far as Lephi was concerned, it was as breath-taking as watching a unicorn graze in a meadow. So lost was she in her thoughts, that she didn't hear the question at first and had to focus on the words to decipher their meaning for several long moments afterwards. Lephi: Oh yes. I'm not sure how much I can say over this unsecure line, but it was very eventful, and I survived! Nothing to worry about here. And look! She pushed herself out of the way of the camera to show off her spacious new abode. Lephi: See how roomy it is! Plenty of room for when you come to visit. Elizabeth smiled as she looked at as much of the room as the screen would allow. Snow: It looks amazing, Imzadi. Could use some decorating. ::teasing:: Lephi regarded the room at the same time. Elizabeth's words rang true, though that was mostly because she hadn't had a chance to unpack yet. Lephi: It'll look better once I get a chance to unbox my things. Actually ::brief pause:: would you mind terribly if I unpacked while we chatted? I need to see and hear from you, but this is my only downtime for a little bit as I still have an agenda to put together for tomorrow's engineering staff meeting. She breathed heavily, showing signs of exertion from the run on sentences she had just used, but she felt better for having expressed her needs. Snow: Of course not, Imzadi. Go ahead. ::smiles:: Lephi hadn't expected her beloved to acquiesce so easily, but she didn't have time to analyze it too deeply and she jumped at the opportunity. She made her way to the first box she found, which turned out to contain most of her trinkets and odds and ends. Lephi: Hey since you're here, maybe you could help me figure out where to put things! Elizabeth smiled. She would be honored to help her beloved set up her quarters. Though she wished she could be there in person to help, she would take what she could get. Snow: I would love to! The pair spent the next little while with Lephi pulling things out of boxes and bags, and Elizabeth weighing in on their placement. Eventually it came time to organize her closet. She approached the terminal and transferred her Imzadi to a nearby PADD, and carried her into the bedroom where the ops crew had offloaded her boxes of clothes, and she began to hang them up. When she opened one of the boxes, the familiar scent of Elizabeth's perfume wafted upwards and Lephi’s stomach did a few flips. She hadn't realized just how much she longed for any real connection with her wife-to-be, despite it not being that long since she left her side. Lephi: ::slight laugh, covering a twinge of sadness:: This box smells like you, Imzadi. I almost don't want to unpack it. Keep it the way it is for as long as possible. It almost feels like you're here with me. Elizabeth smiled, her heart twinging slightly. How she wished she were there. She remembered the shirt she tucked inside of it with her handwritten letter. She was actually happy to be on call with her to see her face when she discovered them. She watched as her Engineer sat with the box before she spoke. Snow: Well you do need the clothes from inside the box, Silly. Lephi now sat next to the box on her bed, staring at it in contemplation of what to do next. Lephi: Not true, I could always just replicate replacement clothes and then put this box next to my pillow at… She trailed off. Lephi: Okay, that makes it weird, you win. She began pulling items out of the box and separating them into piles on the bed; tops, bottoms, underoos, socks. Neat and orderly since Elizabeth was watching. Lephi stole a furtive glance at the PADD and her heart raced. As she pulled out another shirt, she noticed it was one of Elizabeth's. Lephi: Imzadi, you accidentally packed me one of your shirts. I'm not sure how, or when, I'll be able to get this back to you. ::laughs sheepishly:: Frankly I'm not sure I want to. Elizabeth watched as Lephi began unpacking the box. Her heart skipped a beat as she waited in suspense. She watched the woman’s beautiful face as she discovered the shirt and held her breath as she waited for the letter to fall out. A laugh escaped her as Lephi spoke. Snow: It wasn’t by accident, Imzadi. I packed it for you on purpose. So you would have a piece of me with you. I know that one is your favorite. ::smiling:: Lephi's smile grew wide as she regarded the shirt sitting on her lap. She picked it up and held it to her face, feeling the familiar soft fabric and inhaling the scent of her beloved’s perfume. She had found the source of the smell. When the shirt shifted in her hands, an envelope fell into Lephi's lap and she looked at it puzzled. Lephi: Imzadi…? The question died on her lips, unasked. She picked up the envelope and examined its contents. Elizabeth watched as Lephi discovered the letter she had written. She didn’t bother speaking to address the unsaid question. She knew what she was going to ask. Instead, she remained silent as her beloved opened the envelope, followed by the letter, and began reading over it. She recalled the day she wrote the letter. Lephi was working late. As she wrote, all the memories they shared together, both the good and the bad, flooded her mind as she poured her heart into it. Just in case one day, one of them was transferred. Something Lephi could look back to if she ever felt lonely or had moments of doubts of Elizabeth’s love for her. She wanted Lephi to know that no matter how far apart they were or how long time had passed before they were able to see each other in person, that her love would never falter. And, of course, to remind Lephi of just how much the Engineer meant to her. // My dearest Lephi, You came into my life when I wasn't looking and you brought a special kind of light into it that I had never experienced before. You won me over with your kindness, your beautiful smile, and your selflessness. I was afraid. I was afraid of the way I fell for you so quickly. For the way you made me care so deeply. That something so wonderful couldn't be real. That fear was quickly replaced as my feelings for you flourished. Since then, they have only continued to do so. You're my calm during the storm. My strength when I have none. My best friend and the one I can always trust with my secrets and my life. I can't help, but to fall more in love with your beautiful soul and self everyday. I know the universe has thrown many obstacles in our paths, but every time we prevail. Our love is strong. It can weather any storm and it knows no boundaries. Our life together is the greatest journey I've ever been on and I thank you for choosing me to do this life thing with. Having you next to me and seeing your beautiful face everyday are just a few of the things I miss the most. I miss you beyond words and I hope you're taking care of yourself because, as I hope you can see, you're the most important person to me. I know our current situation isn't ideal, but it isn't permanent. We'll be together again, but until that time. Be safe and take care of yourself, Imzadi. Remember that a piece of me is always with you and I love you more than words could ever say and even with the vast distance between us and the uncertainties that the future holds, I always will. Thanks for turning my world upside down for the better, Mon Chéri. You have my heart. Always and forever. With all my love, Elizabeth // Lephi fell completely silent as she started to read the letter. Tears welled in her eyes and she silently mouthed the words as she went. When she finished, she held the letter with both hands close to her chest. Her eyes closed and for a moment she was back in bed with her soulmate, and could almost feel her touch. A chill ran down her spine and she shivered. When she opened her eyes again, she noticed Elizabeth watching her keenly and her cheeks reddened. Lephi: I'm ::long pause:: speechless. She sat in silence for a long moment. Her gaze flitted from the beautifully written words to the breathtaking beauty on the screen in front of her. When she spoke again, her voice quivered with emotion. Lephi: I am so beyond lucky to have you in my life. You are my light in the darkness, my Northern Star, and my guiding light. She brushed away a tear. Elizabeth had a special way of making thousands of light-years seem miniscule through the strength of her love, and Lephi's heart warmed a little. They would make it through this. Lephi: You really know how to make a girl feel loved ::blushes::. How have you been holding up? Snow: Now when in doubt and when those voices get the better of you. You have that to reflect back on. She really didn’t want to answer that question. She had been doing the best she could, but she was a bit of an emotional wreck when she was alone. Also not to mention the nightmares that had manifested from her worry. Thankfully, she was surrounded by amazing friends that were helping her through it. Snow: I’m hanging in there and in great hands, Imzadi. How about yourself? The engineer paused to consider the question. Elizabeth had too much heart, and enough to worry about as it was, yet she couldn't bring herself to lie to her soulmate either. Lephi: I'd be doing better if I were there with you, but everyone here has been very nice to me so far. The Gorkon has a Quantum Slip Drive which has been fun to figure out. She sighed lightly as she spoke. Her words were positive as she tried to focus on the upside of this mess, but her tone betrayed a deeper hurt. Lephi: At least I think I should be able to get back there for Lael’s wedding. I already miss you so much. Snow: I know how you feel, Imzadi. Lephi began to tear up. It was sinking in for her that there was no going back now, and with no set date for a happily ever after, she was feeling it. She didn't want the call to end, but she didn't want Elizabeth to see her struggle either. She wiped a tear from her eye. Lephi: One day we'll be together again, but even now we aren't alone. ::fighting back tears:: I should uh.. I should finish unpacking. Elizabeth’s heart sank into her stomach. She wasn’t ready to say goodbye. She wanted to reach through the screen and embrace Lephi. To bring her back home. She sighed and tried to be on her best face. For Lephi. As she looked down into her lap, she realized she was still in her robe with a towel on her head. So she still had to finish her after shower routine. She looked back to the screen with an ache in her heart. Snow: Alright, Imzadi. I won’t keep you. Take care of yourself and I hope to talk to you again soon. I love you. With one more half smile, Lephi blew a kiss at the monitor before shutting it off and slumping down in her seat quietly sobbing at all the love she felt emanating from her beloved. ========================= Lieutenant Elizabeth Snow Chief Medical Officer USS Chin'toka NCC-97187 Veterans Affairs Team Wiki Team D238803EH0 & Lieutenant Lephi Chief Engineering Officer USS Gorkon NCC-82293 Community History Team Member Chat Team Member Wiki Team Member A239706L10
  15. Wow, we're visiting the Chin'Toka for all of like five seconds and this amazing sim pops up! I loved reading this, and it was really well written. Lephi. :') ----- ((Chief Engineer’s Office, Deck 14, USS Chin’toka)) The PADD sat idly on the corner of Lephi’s desk, largely ignored. If she didn't acknowledge the news, surely she couldn't be expected to follow the instructions contained within. She turned her attention back to the work that had taken over so much of her desk. Her hands gently rubbed her furrowed brow, and for a moment she allowed herself to focus on her thoughts. They shifted quickly between her unfinished engineering projects, the wedding… Her heart sank. Elizabeth. No matter what trinkets she brought the doctor, it wouldn't repair the hole in either woman's heart that this news was sure to leave. She picked up the project she had been working on and the PADD with the dreaded message, and put them in a box for easy carrying. As she picked up the box, she couldn't help looking at the opening lines once more. // STARFLEET PRIORITY THREE NEW ASSIGNMENT: USS Gorkon NCC-82293 FROM: Rear Admiral Quinn Reynolds TO: Lephi REFERENCE: Ship's Orders DUTY ASSIGNMENT: Chief Engineer // Wiping a tear from her eyes, she dimmed the screen and made her way out of the office for the last time, heading to their quarters. (( Sickbay Complex, Deck 10, USS Chin’toka )) With the mission now behind them, things were starting to return to normal. Well, normal for shore leave anyways. The days seemed a bit longer without all the patients flooding through the doors, which was something Elizabeth was thankful for. She would rather have a long, uneventful, day than to see anyone in pain. Now that things were switching modes, she and Lephi would be able to finally spend some time together instead of the quick conversations in passing. Something she was looking forward to and she'd finally be able to sit down and have a conversation with her parents. It felt like ages since she had talked to them. She was ready to see their faces again and hear their voices. She was finishing up with a patient when Wyla reminded her again that she was due to leave. Snow: ::smiling:: I'm going, I'm going. ::to her patient:: Now, you, stay out of trouble. Why don't you try something a little less extreme next time. Okay? With a sheepish grin, the Ensign made her way out of Sickbay. Elizabeth turned to Wyla and gave a playful salute before exiting herself. She began making her way down the corridor, wondering if Lephi was already off duty. ((Corridor, Deck 14, USS Chin’toka)) Lephi carried her small box of personal effects down the corridor with a feeling of numbness in her limbs. It was all too real now, the effects of the order too immediate. Her arms were tired, and the lightweight box felt heavy in her arms; undoubtedly weighed down by the burden of what was to come. She passed by the door to their quarters the first time by accident, consumed by her thoughts. The next several passes were intentional, and after the fourth, she leaned against the wall and slid to the floor; unable to face what she was certain was inside. The Ferengi sat for what felt like hours, but could have just been minutes, until a voice brought her crashing back to reality. Elizabeth rounded the corner into the corridor in which their room was located and stopped in her tracks as she saw Lephi sitting against the wall opposite their door. A puzzled and concerned look formed on her face as she began to wonder why her imzadi was sitting in the hall. She slowly approached, speaking up only when she was a few feet away. Snow: Umm.. Imzadi? What’s wrong? Lephi: Oh hi. I uh… I thought you were already home. She studied the woman on the floor with growing concern. Noting the box the Engineer had and the fact that she had looked like she had.. What was the phrase? Seen a ghost. Obviously something was wrong. She offered her beloved a hand to help her off the ground. Snow: I worked over a little. ::still watching her:: You never answered my question. Lephi felt small and unsure of herself. Sitting on the ground looking up at her beloved, she was suddenly aware of how foolish she must look. When Elizabeth offered her a hand getting up, she took it gratefully and brushed herself off. Lephi: ::slight pause:: I think we'd better go inside. She avoided making eye contact as she bent down to pick up her box, and shuffled quickly into their shared accommodations. Elizabeth sighed and turned heel to follow Lephi inside. Her worry and concern grew more as she anxiously awaited to hear what was making her partner act the way she was. She kept her mind in check, keeping her focus on Lephi. ((Snow & Lephi’s Quarters, Deck 14, USS Chin’toka)) Snow: Okay. We're inside. Now, will you, please, tell me what's going on? When they were both inside, Lephi collapsed on the couch, the box sitting beside her. For several long moments she tried to speak, but could not find the words. They both knew it was a possibility when they got together, but after a year it had fallen off of their radar. Lephi: I've uh… been uh… reassigned. Her ashen face showed how shocked she was when Lephi got the sentence out. Maybe she had misheard her? Even though she knew she had heard right, she was too stunned to even ask for clarification. The silence was deafening to Lephi, who sat there numb. She searched her brain for the right words to say next, but they still wouldn't come. She reached feebly into the box next to her and handed Elizabeth the PADD, still avoiding eye contact. She watched as Lephi approached, keeping her eyes averted the entire time. Her body caught up to Lephi's words and heart twinged as it sank into her stomach. She took the offered PADD and looked at it still in disbelief as she read it. She knew this was a possibility, they both did. But could someone really prepare themselves for this kind of news? She was still working through the shock and disbelief as she pulled Lephi into her arms, gently hugging her tightly as she fought off the tears that would inevitably fall. It was just another obstacle for them to overcome. Snow: It'll be alright. Just another obstacle for us to overcome, right? As many as we've had to work through already, we're practically experts. Lephi felt herself being pulled into a warm and loving embrace, though she felt as if she could feel the distance between them already. Her heart ached and felt heavy in her chest. So many things left unsaid between them in the moment as they held tightly to each other. The tears and sadness she had spent the afternoon numbing herself against now flowed freely, and she laid her head on her lover's shoulder while she sobbed. Lephi: It's ::sob:: not fair. I love you ::sob:: so much, Elizabeth. Elizabeth rubbed Lephi’s back. Her thoughts went to her parents and then to Mei and Evan. She would have to inquire with Mei and her parents to see how they managed the distance. She knew they would make it through and be just fine, but it was the inbetween, the emptiness that worried her. She couldn’t check in on Lephi everyday to make sure she was alright. She wouldn’t be able to be there to silence the demons that lived inside Lephi’s mind. She wouldn’t be there to know if Lephi was injured during a mission. She wouldn’t be there to lift her spirits after a long hard day. All of that would have to wait until a video call, where she could remind her that she loved her and no matter the distance that she was only a transmission away if she ever needed her. Though it wouldn’t be the same. She had her friends on the ship, but they couldn’t fill that void. That different kind of loneliness that Lephi would leave once she was gone. The tears had already started to fall. She was right. It wasn’t fair, but this was what they signed up for and they knew it might happen, but none of that would make this moment any less easier. Snow: I love you too, Imzadi. Lephi knew she had to trust that their love was strong enough to get them through this, and on some level she was positive it was, even if she couldn't see that right now. Though she said nothing, Lephi knew that Elizabeth was wrought with worry. It was in her nature, she had too much heart for her own good. She pulled back from the hug, smiled warmly at Elizabeth and turned back to the box, wiping her eyes as she went. She pulled something out, and closed her hands tightly around it, keeping it a secret for now. Lephi: ::Through tears:: It's about a two week journey between the Chin Bin and my new ship. I've uh… ::holds out her hand:: I've got something for you. Elizabeth returned the warm smile and watched her partner through tear filled eyes as she retrieved something from her box. Turning back to Elizabeth, Lephi held out her hand and Elizabeth reached out her own, letting Lephi set the item gently in it. It was a necklace. She smiled and examined it closer, only to discover it was in fact a locket. Opening it up, she spotted a picture of Lephi inside. It was her favorite picture of the Engineer. Snow: It’s beautiful, Imzadi. Lephi: It's one of a kind, I made it myself. Even through her sadness, she was filled with pride. This locket was perhaps the most meaningful thing she'd created in all her years tinkering. Hearing that made her smile that much bigger and made the locket even more special to her. She ran her thumb over it, admiring it as she looked back up to her Engineer. Snow: It’s amazing. I absolutely love it. ::smiling:: Lephi smiled genuinely for perhaps the first time since the transfer order came across her desk. Making Elizabeth smile made her happy beyond the ways she knew how to describe, and the best was yet to come. Lephi: I haven't even shown you the best part yet! She turned her attention back to the box and retrieved her matching locket. Flipping it open revealed a photo of the two of them holding hands on the holodeck recreation of Lake Cataria, colorful flowers blooming all around them. As she ran her thumb over her locket, Elizabeth's locket began to glow with a radiant light. Lephi looked longingly at the beautiful woman, as if trying to commit every beautiful line, curve, and feature to memory as she reacted. Elizabeth, again, watched as Lephi retrieved something from the box. Another locket. It was similar to hers with different details engraved in it. She smiled at the picture, the memory of the day it was taken danced through her mind. How she wished the part where Lephi was leaving was all a bad dream that she would wake up from. As Lephi rubbed her thumb across it, hers began to glow. She watched it in amazement as her eyes again filled with tears. Both happy and sad for their bittersweet moment. Lephi pulled Elizabeth into a warm hug, stroking the back of her head with one hand and lovingly rubbing her back with the other. For a while they sat in a silent embrace, and when she spoke again it was in whispers. Lephi: ::whispering:: It's okay, my love. We're strong enough for this. Our love is strong enough. She held the locket tight in her hand and laid her head on Lephi’s shoulder, breathing in the subtle scent of Lephi’s perfume with each breath she took. Not wanting the moment to end. She pulled back from the hug enough to look at Lephi. Taking in the beautiful sight before her before she spoke. Snow: Would you like help packing? Holding back more tears that threatened to streak down her face, she managed a meek nod of her head in affirmation. Lephi: I have the operations crew packing up my office, but I would love some help with the things here. Or, your company at least while I do the work. Elizabeth smiled as she imagined her beloved “packing” her things. Holding back a laugh as she said she would do the work. The last time Elizabeth let her pack something, it was a jumbled mess of things just tossed into a suitcase. Snow: Are you sure you should be the one packing, Imzadi? If I recall correctly, you and I have a very different idea for what packing is. ::teasing, biting her lower lip:: The engineer playfully glared at Elizabeth and laughed for a moment. The doctor did have a small point, not that Lephi could ever let her know that of course. Lephi: It's true! ::jokingly throws her hands up, signalling defeat.:: Packing is my one flaw in life. She stood up and motioned towards the bedroom. Lephi: ::teasing back:: Perhaps you should do it, being that you have no flaws and all. Snow: Maybe I will. Elizabeth pushed Lephi playfully and ran towards the bedroom, laughing. A hint of sadness pulled at the edges of Lephi's mind, but she pushed it aside. If these were to be her last memories of Elizabeth in person for a while, she was determined to leave her with good ones. She covered the remaining distance between the couch and the bedroom door in a few short strides and within moments was inside. Lephi flung herself on the bed and patted the empty space next to her. Lephi: Packing is so boring! Lay a while with me first. ::puppy dog eyes:: Who knows when we'll be able to again? Elizabeth smiled and crawled onto the bed next to Lephi and laid down close to her where they were eye to eye. She would miss waking up to that beautiful face. She would also miss the warm body laying next to her. Her heart twinged again as she thought about the little things she would miss in her partner’s absence. The two days the Ferengi had left were awful. She wasn’t sure how she was going to make it through full time. She reached her hand out and caressed Lephi’s face, as she watched her lovingly. Lephi laid on the bed with her eyes closed, feeling the light touch of her beloved. It was such a simple thing, yet it made her heart soar. She opened her eyes and reached out, taking Elizabeth's hand in her own and stared deeply into the striking blue eyes of her partner. Silently she cursed the fact that she spent her time working on those baubles and not on a freeze ray so she could stay in this perfect moment forever. She brushed loose strands of Elizabeth's hair off of her neck, and her hand hovered there for a brief moment before pulling her fiancée's face in closer and kissing her deeply. After what simultaneously felt like forever and an instant, she pulled away, remembering all the packing she still needed to do. Lephi: ::muttering:: Sorry, I didn't mean to… I still have to… Elizabeth returned the kiss with a more intense passion. In this moment, her worries faded away and it seemed as though time was standing still. That was until Lephi pulled back. She smiled a devious smile and pushed up to her knees. Snow: That you do and it won’t take any time at all to get done. She moved over and pinned Lephi down. She giggled as she moved her left leg over the Ferengi woman and straddled her. Snow: Relax, Imzadi. We still have plenty of time. There was a playful glint in Lephi's eyes, and the regret and guilt she had felt melted away in that perfect moment of pure bliss. She wiggled under the light weight of her beloved, trying in vain to flip her over, but she was helplessly pinned. Lephi: Looks like I have no choice, but to listen to you. ::feigned disappointment:: That's such a shame. Snow: Isn’t it just. ::teasing:: Elizabeth leaned down and kissed Lephi once more with the same intense passion she had before. Fade to black… ============================= Lieutenant Elizabeth Snow Chief Medical Officer USS Chin'toka NCC-97187 D238803EH0 & Lieutenant Lephi Chief Engineering Officer USS Gorkon NCC-82293 Community History Team Member Chat Team Member Wiki Team Member A239706L10 =============================
  16. Prime example (IMO) of how to get a new player up to speed on a brand new mission! Good job @Elizabeth Snow! 😃 --- (( Sickbay Complex, Deck 10, USS Chin’toka )) Elizabeth had been pretty busy this morning. Between the new arrival onboarding exams and dealing with the medical supplies now that they were successfully onboard, Elizabeth had been muli-tasking with what supporting the colony from a medical standpoint would look like. She had hoped to collaborate with Counselor Azorius to get his view from a mental health standpoint, but he had been transferred. It was important that the two fronts were on the same page as in many ways, they mixed. Luckily a new Counselor had been assigned to the Chin’toka. Elizabeth would have to bring Ensign Hex up to speed on things, but hopefully they could work together. Snow: =/\= Doctor Snow to Counselor Hex =/\= Hex: =/\= Hex here. Good morning, Doctor. =/\= Snow: =/\= Morning, Counselor. I was hoping to get the chance to speak with you, if you had the time? =/\= Hex: =/\= Of course, Doctor - how does your office in ten minutes sound? =/\= Snow: =/\= That works for me, Counselor. I’ll see you then. Snow out. =/\= Elizabeth closed the comms and began gathering the data from the recent mission. Hoping not to overwhelm the poor Ensign. ((Time Skip)) (( CMO’s Office, Sickbay Complex, Deck 10, USS Chin’toka )) With Ishka and Wyla now tending to the restocking of the inventory, Elizabeth finished up the current on boarding exam she was working on and then proceeded to her office. Elizabeth updated the medical profiles as she waited on the Counselor. Happy that it was work related and not a mandatory session with her. As much as she respected those in the profession, she wasn’t fond of being the one receiving their services. She was finishing up with the last of the profiles when there was a chime at the door. Snow: Enter. The doors slid open and in walked their new Betazoid Counselor. Elizabeth greeted her with a smile and motioned for her to the chairs in front of the desk Hex: Doctor Snow. Elizabeth finished up with the profile she was working on and turned her attention to the new face. Snow: Before we get started. Can I get you something to drink? Hex: I was talking to a Marine on the way to the Chin’toka, and he asked me what I'd prefer to drink out of a choice of Bajoran wine and Tellarite beer. Elizabeth’s left eyebrow raised in response to the Counselor’s story. She wasn’t sure where this was going, but she decided to go along with it. Snow: Oh? And what was your response? Hex: Tellarite beer, of course. But I suppose now’s not the time for me to talk about wines and beers. Not least with the Chief Medical Officer - I won't shy away from a water though, Doctor, thank you. Elizabeth smiled as she walked over to the replicator to acquire their drinks. She thought for a moment that the Counselor was about to ask for a beer or something. Snow: No worries, Ensign. Though I’m not sure I can work with a beer person. :: sighs :: I suppose I’ll just have to make due. :: teasing :: An ice water and a hot cup of Jesteral Tea. She was aware of the Ensign’s Betazoid eyes watching her. Hex: Do you prefer Doctor Snow, or Lieutenant? Something else entirely? She grabbed their drinks and walked over to the Ensign. She handed the woman her glass before taking her seat behind her desk. She took a sip of her tea before responding. Snow: Doctor Snow is fine, Doctor, or Lieutenant. I’m not picky. You can call me Liz or Elizabeth when we’re not on duty. :: smiles :: Just don’t call me Lizzie. Do you have a preference? Hex: Response Snow: :: nods :: Alright. :: beat :: I’m going to do this the best I can so as not to overwhelm you with anything. So, please, speak up if there’s something you don’t understand and I will do my best to clarify it for you. Hex: Response Snow: Well I’m hoping we can work together to determine what supporting the colony will look like from a mental health and medical standpoint. It’s important that our two fronts are on the same page since our two fields mix in ways, but before we get into that I will have to bring you up to speed, so to speak, with details from our recent mission. Hex: Response Elizabeth nodded once the Counselor confirmed she was ready to begin. Snow: We recently went on a diplomatic mission to Oscion which is a neutral planet in Caraadian space that the Great Houses of that region use for political purposes. Our goal was to obtain a planet to set up a Federation colony on. By the mission we’re embarking on, negotiations were successful. In exchange those in the Expanse were free to use the resources the colony had to offer. Trading, shipyards, medical responses from the planet and nearby ships, mental health, science, and so on. She took a brief pause to sip her tea, studying the young Counselor to make sure Elizabeth hadn’t completely lost her along the way. She took another sip of tea, letting the information she laid out absorb into the Betazoid before she continued. Snow: The services Counselor Azurios laid before the Council were everything from simple counselling offices to psychology departments, psychiatric services, and neurological research as well as, the most up to date psychological trauma centres. Of course the facilities will expand over time, but that should sum it up for now. Hex: Response Elizabeth took another sip of her tea, as she watched the Ensign process the information. Snow: I hope I didn’t overwhelm you, but with him now gone and you coming to take his place, I felt it was necessary to draw you into things before we reached the colony, so you weren’t blindsided and so we could start working together for the greater good of the colony. Hex: Response ============ Lieutenant Elizabeth Snow Chief Medical Officer USS Chin'toka NCC-97187 D238803EH0
  17. So, my favorite bit outta this whole sim is the line about the Bolian. Well written, Jim. Very well done indeed. (( Bridge, Deck 1, USS Yanktonai, NCC-67205 )) Madison sat in her chair in the center of the bridge, and gripped the arms of her chair to force herself to not get up and pace. It was a nervous habit of hers and her crew was used to it, but this was the first time she and the Caitian Captain had interacted and she wanted to make a good impression. His service record was something to be envied, though her own was nothing to sneeze at. She had received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career, mostly for her work in the field of science. She was a Xenologist by trade, and thanks to her scientific contributions, she had played significant roles in helping discover the reasons behind an outbreak on three different worlds, had led several expeditions to study different new worlds and their inhabitants. Her track to command had been a bit slower than the distinguished officer facing from the viewscreen, but she had managed it. Mei’konda: =/\= ...The Yanktonai will be briinging up the rear, the Chin’toka will be in the heart of the fleet, and the Diligent will taake point along our journey. Diligent is the faastest ship in the fleet, with sensors as good as ours, so she will be able to respond quiickly to anything out of the ordinary. =/\= Delano: =/\= We’ll be ready over here, Captain. =/\= St. Claire: =/\= Understood. =/\= Transport Captains: =/\= Response =/\= oO Rear guard, not the most glamorous position, but someone has to do it, I suppose. And his logic is sound. Oo Several of the transport Captains piped in with questions that were easily and quickly answered, and Miranda had to once more remind herself that these were civilian ship captains, not Starfleet, and they were not very familiar with typical Starfleet protocol in these situations. Mei’konda: =/\= Any other questions? Claarifications we should make about the journey before we get under way? Speak your mind, anyone. =/\= Chin’toka Bridge: =/\= Responses =/\= Transport Captain NPCs: =/\= Responses =/\= St. Claire: =/\= What does our route look like, Captain Mei’konda? =/\= Mei’konda: Current telemetry from Deep Space 26 indicaates that our route is clear. As you all know, we deployed several comm and sensor relaays along our route to the rendezvous from our initiaal survey of the Shemsh system, in order to maake sure that any hazards were catalogued. At the moment, there is no indiication of any problems. She started to reply to the other Captain when a couple of his officers interjected their own questions and comments, so she patiently waited her turn. Peters: =/\= Understandable. Thank you, captain. =/\= McKnight: =/\= Tactical, ready, cap'n. =/\= Peters: =/\= And we will be travelling at warp 6, correct? =/\= Marseille: =/\= Yeah, that’s right. It’s our maximum cruising speed. No fancy Starfleet engines over here. =/\= Delano: =/\= :: In a playful tone :: Don’t worry Marseille, we can always give you a tow if it comes down to it. =/\= It had been a source of frustration for Madison. While nowhere near as fast as the refitted Akira-class starship, her Dakota-class starship could still reach speeds of up to warp 9.85 and sustain it for twelve hours, and Madison was secretly a speed freak. It wasn’t unusual for her to push the ship to warp 9 and hold it there for as long as she could before her Chief Engineer began to turn blue in his face - ok, that was unfair since he was a Bolian - but the expression still counted. Kiax: =/\= We’re capped to Warp Two as we go through the Jenatris Corridor anyway, Captain. After that I wouldn’t want to be going much faster than Six – even with our navigation aids pointing the way. =/\= She had heard of the treacherous navigation within the Expanse and she had studied it on her trip here. The expanse was filled with high volumes of space debris and dangerous gases and posed a hazard to space flight. It even had designated space lanes which were considered safe for travel, apparently at slower speeds if the pink-haired Trill was to be believed, and Madison saw no reason to doubt her. They worked there, after all. Serala: =/\= I would also recommend modifying your shields to the specification we have sent you. The Atlantis has some issues a couple years ago with the gases of the Cloud seeping through and causing some rather unusual effects amongst the crew. =/\= Chin’toka Bridge: Responses St. Claire: =/\= Noted about the shields. And I think we can manage warp six. It might be a strain on the engines, but I like to keep my Chief Engineer on his toes. =/\= She said it in such a deadpan tone and with such a straight face, she wondered how seriously anyone had taken her. Certainly the Starfleet officers, at the very least, should know she wasn’t serious. St. Claire: =/\= And what about a risk assessment? Are you expecting any kind of resistance, Captain Delano? :: she belatedly realized there were two Captain Delano’s, though the CO of the Diligent was actually a Commander. Still, his position afforded him the title. :: Captain, Mei’konda Delano. Forgive me, I forget there are two of you here. =/\= Delano / Transport Captain NPCs: =/\= Responses =/\= There was a brief pause as another officer entered the viewscreen image and spoke to the Caitian and then she noticed that they were receiving telemetry data detailing some areas of concern. She studied the data for several minutes as the others conversed, taking note of those places that had been marked. Finally, the newest arrival to the conversation spoke. Rosek: =/\= Lieutenant Commander Lael Rosek, the Chin’toka’s Mission Specialist at your service. =/\= St. Claire: =/\= Well met, Commander. =/\= Transport Captain NPCs: =/\= Responses =/\= Rosek: =/\= A pleasure to meet each of you. :: turns to Evan :: And a pleasure to see you again, Commander. Back in the big chair I see. =/\= Delano: =/\= Sharp eyes, as always, Commander Rosek. It’s a little ship. We had to compensate somewhere. =/\= Chin’toka Bridge: =/\= Response =/\= Transport Captain NPCs: =/\= Responses =/\= There was some more conversation and when it was all finished, Captain Mei’konda returned to the screen to give final instruction. Mei’konda: =/\= Very well then. If that’s all, then let’s get under way. Commander Delano, you’re leadiing the pack. Good luck to all of you. =/\= St. Claire: =/\= Thank you, Captain. I am looking forward to it. Yanktonai out. =/\= St. Claire: Helm, slow speed, fall to the aft position of the convoy and then increase speed to match the slowest ship. Keep us astern of the convoy by one thousand five hundred kilometers. If anything does happen, I want a little breathing room between us and the convoy. Helm: Aye, Captain. Reducing to one-half impulse and coming astern of the convoy. St. Claire: Tactical and Ops, keep your eyes peeled. Let’s make sure nothing slips up on us. A round of ‘ayes’ followed as she gave more instructions and her various officers carried out her orders. -- Captain Madison St. Claire Commanding Officer USS Yanktonai, NCC-67205 as simmed by Commander Serala First Officer Training Team Member Image Collective Member Chat Team Moderator/Facilitator Academy Statistician USS Chin'toka NCC-97187 A239412S10
  18. Okay, I had a good laugh at this one. The Lieutenant can't hear the Seiuri's telepathic communication with Raga, so his responses to it are just hilarious! ((Chief of Security’s Office, Security Complex, Deck 11, USS Chin’toka)) {{Day 27 of shoreleave}} Sam made a quick stop by his new quarters to check them out and had arrangements made to have his stuff brought to them. He then proceeded to deck eleven to meet his new Chief, again avoiding stares as he went. He inquired a little about who it was from Commander Kiax and was a little intimidated when he found out his new superior was an Al-Leyan. He managed to somehow get in a bar fight with one on Risa. He couldn’t remember much from that night, just that he woke up in a lot of pain the next day and his mother had to fill him in on what had happened. He was lucky he survived the encounter. Hopefully this wasn't that man. What an awkward encounter that would be. He took a deep breath, stepped to the door, rang the chime, and waited. Raga: Enter. He stepped through the door, passing another officer who was making their way out. He noticed vibrant sapphire eyes staring at him as he made his way into the room. He wasn’t sure if he should offer a friendly smile at the raven haired Al-Leyan, so he just offered him the PADD. Neam: Lieutenant Sameh Neam reporting for duty, Sir. :: coming to an attention stance :: Raga: Cool winds be with you, Lieutenant. And at ease. ::He nodded:: Sam took a relaxed stance as instructed, folding his hands together behind his back. He relaxed inside a little as the emotions coming from the Commander were neutral and relaxed, but he sensed another set of emotions. They weren’t coming from the Commander. It was a sense of calm and curiosity, but who were they coming from? He looked around the office as the Al-Leyan looked over the PADD. It was decorated with Al-Leyan decorations and what appeared to be climbing gear. As he looked farther, his eyes then met a pair of eyes from something that was staring intently at him. It was sitting on top of a metal perch, a bird of some sort, and he suddenly found himself intimidated more by it than the man that stood before him. He wanted to look away, but couldn’t pull himself to do so, until the Commander spoke again. Sylara: ~ Another mind voice animal. Afraid of Sylara. ~ Raga: ~ Afraid huh? ~ Well, it looks like everything’s in order, Lieutenant. He turned his attention back to the Commander and smiled. Neam: Great, Sir. Quite the pet you have. The Seiuri let out a soft hoot. Raga: No, you can’t eat him. Eat him? That was a joke right? Starfleet wouldn’t allow such a thing on board if it went around eating people. He wasn’t quite sure how to respond to that. The owl’s head tilted slightly and she let out a slightly louder hoot. Raga: Because. ::He said dryly:: You ate the last one. The color drained from Sam’s face. The emotions from the Commander were that of relaxed demeanor and those from the bird seemed to fit that she was indeed hungry. Neam: Umm.. Sir? The Seiuri stretched her wings slightly then began bobbing her head up and down a little. Raga: Just don’t make any sudden movements and you’ll be fine. Sylara there used to hunt targs back on the homeworld. Among other things. Sam held as still as possible, even though his body told him to run. He nearly had a heart attack when the door behind him opened. McKnight: Am I interrupting something, boss? Raga: Response Sam still held still as the other officer spoke to the Commander and he remained silent. His heart was racing as he was still unsure if the bird was going to make a meal of him or not. Perhaps he should have stayed on the Churchill, but then again how did he know that coming to the Chin’toka would result in him being eaten by a large bird. McKnight: Sorry for that then, this will be quick. I have something I need your approval of. He politely walked past Neam and handed his friend the PADD. McKnight: Per your approval. Raga: Response Sam wondered how the man just walked in so calmly. Maybe the bird liked him? Maybe he could win the bird over? But how? Raga / McKnight: Reponses Sam let out a sigh of relief and chuckled. Neam: That was a good one, Sir. Your friend would certainly come in handy in scaring an enemy. That’s for sure. Raga / McKnight: Responses Neam: Lieutenant Sameh Neam. Nice to meet you, Lieutenant McKnight. Raga / McKnight: Responses ============ PNPC Lieutenant Sameh Neam Security / Tactical Officer As Simmed By Lieutenant Elizabeth Snow Chief Medical Officer USS Chin'toka NCC-97187 D238803EH0
  19. As a supervisor in a Customer Call Center, this sim really had me rolling, especially the last part of the flashback scene, so I hope you all get as much enjoyment out of it as I did. OOC: Flashback sequence & graphic were provided by Ensign Serren Tan (Gorkon) O238704AT0. This part (Lazarus XI: Epilogue) was never published as part of the original 10-part Lazarus Saga, which deals with the final arc of Alleran Tan. (( Brew Continuum, Deck 10, USS Chin’toka )) Chythar nodded slightly, pleased to hear the raktajino is worth the hype. Given the years of perfection that went into the recipe on Chris’s part, he felt that the secret was one worth preserving. He needed no such reminder, given his experience with being the Gorkon’s temporary morale officer during their time in the alternate universe. As painful and stale as his jokes were, he vowed never to serve biscuits like that ever again and stick to his job as a barista, since comedy didn’t suit him. Freki’s feline ears perk up at the mention of him from the Captain and he turned his head to the conversation, his paw tapping on Peter’s hand in a friendly way, so he knows that Freki is not ignoring him. Cadfael’s gaze was largely distracted by the comet, though he did turn and give a smile toward Freki once the counselor’s gaze once again returned to him. Azorius: Oh, but of course Captain :: He said nervously, sitting up just a little too straight. :: High morale is very important, I prescribe lots of enjoyment and social time for a healthy crew, also try the Raktajino, it’s to die for! Alentonis: Sorry, this is too fascinating for words. Um...I’ll have a full report on your desk tomorrow, lieutenant. Levinson: Response The captain reached up to tap his badge and make a call, talking with one of the crewmen. A moment later, the rest of the senior staff was summoned. That made sense, and the doc glanced at his watch before he reached up to touch his badge. Lael should just be getting ready to clock out about now, he thought. Skyfire: =/\= Dr. Skyfire to Commander Rosek. =/\= Rosek: =/\= Response =/\= Skyfire: =/\= Captain’s summoning the senior staff to the BC. If you’d be a dear and pick up Maddy before making your way up, I’ll be sure to have drinks ready when you arrive. =/\= Rosek: =/\= Response =/\= Once finished with his call, Esa made her way over to Chythar. Kiax: Looks like our work has been well received, wouldn’t you say? Skyfire: I would say it has indeed. Thanks for your assistance. Esa waved a dismissive hand past her face. Kiax: Oh, it was no bother. Besides, I’m happy to have helped. Got any plans for your first Expanse-Inspired recipe yet? Chythar glanced out the window toward the comet and considered. He hadn’t thought of one quite yet, but he figured he’d inquire of the scientists when they had a minute about who saw the comet first. Skyfire: Maybe something to do with that comet, perhaps. Once I figure out which of the blue collars discovered it first. Kiax: Ah, well I’m sure you’ll come up with something. I hear you’re quite good at these things… Speaking of which, I was sent a packet of Rose Capaya seeds from a relative of one of my previous hosts’ children. I was wondering if you’d fancy attempting to craft something with them? The barista quirked a brow in reply. “Interesting” was, perhaps a gross understatement and he didn’t recall having heard of that particular plant before. Skyfire: Interesting. I am certainly interested. :: Leaning forward. :: Tell me more. Kiax: It’s a fruit that grows on Trillus Prime. A bit like a raspberry, grows on a similar kind of vine, but bigger and far sweeter. They tend to grow to be about the size of a fist. I’ve never tried one, but I’m assured that they’re quite appealing. Ah, the Trill homeworld. He sighed heavily as he recalled his last visit to Trill and the letter he’d gotten in reply once he’d finished his dealings with a certain alternate version of Marlee Whale, prior host of the Tan symbiont. (( Flashback -- Skyfire’s Temporary Quarters, Starbase 118 Ops )) Chythar sat staring at the screen with a mug of coffee in his hand as he read over the letter for the fourteenth time, reading what it said. Dear Doctor Skyfire, My name is Chrel Bo, Second Minister of the Trillian Department of the Interior. I write to you today to express my sincere apologies regarding your recent experience on the Trill homeworld. The kidnapping of Starfleet officers is a matter we take extremely seriously, and rest assured we are exercising our due diligence in investigating this matter to the best of our abilities. We have no record of a “Jerra Syn” in the Symbiosis Committee records and are forced to concede this is likely an alias. Authorities in The Ring have been open and cooperative regarding evidence gathering, but the rooms in which you and Miss Whale were held appear to have been sterilized and we do not hold out much hope of any actionable evidence being recovered. Accordingly, while this case will be left open, it is with palpable regret that we are forced to conclude that the likelihood of reaching an acceptable conclusion is low. Please accept my sincere apologies for this incident, and accept the apologies of the Trill people for your experience. The computer chirped and then an automated message was spat out. Thank you for visiting the Trill homeworld! Please rate your experience on our planet using our travel guide program, Trilladvisor. Your recommendation out of five is: __3.6___ (Disclaimer: suggestion automatically generated based on previous recommendations) A complimentary T-shirt has been dispatched to your registered address. The doctor arched a brow as he read the 3.6 over and over again, then knocked back the remainder of his coffee and closed the screen. With a sigh, he made his way to the bed to begin packing his bags in preparation for his return to the Veritas. (( End Flashback )) Skyfire: I regret I never had the opportunity to do any sightseeing of the botanical gardens on Trillius Prime last time I was there. Kiax: My first host had quite the green thumb - won awards for his orchid collections. I can’t say I share his aptitude for it, but the one who sent me the seeds thought that I might enjoy indulging in botany as a pastime. So far, I’ve only managed to grow one or two orchids in the flower beds down in the Hydroponics Bay. Skyfire: Interesting. I’ll have to take another look. Kiax: ::With a wink:: Yeah, the white ones in the bed next to the tree. They’re mine, though I don’t tend to publicise it. Skyfire: And why not? I’d be happy to teach you what I know, and you can exercise those memories a bit? Kiax: Response Skyfire: In all seriousness, Esa? I would be delighted to work on new plant cultivations with someone of your host’s expertise for the BC here. Kiax: Response Skyfire: I noticed you were asking Cadfael about the other BCs. I can’t attest to the one on the Juneau, but I took good care of it on the Veritas after Teller left. The Astraeus was all my doing, though it admittedly was less complicated than the one here. The hologram, which you may’ve seen briefly on your way in, was the most complex piece of the puzzle. I’ll put it back once the majesty of the comet wears off. :: Momentary pause to glance over at the dogs. :: Devlin's the little beagle. Odin is Mei's rottweiler. Kiax: Response Off in the corner, Devlin was nuzzling Odin once again and giving his muzzle tender little beagle kisses in between a tug-of-war on one of the ropes. While it did look to Chythar that Devlin might’ve been winning, he guessed that the rottweiler was more just laying there for effect and to let the little beagle think he was winning. === Lieutenant Commander Chythar Skyfire, MD Medical Officer / Barista USS Chin’toka NCC-97187 O239002CS0
  20. Both @Lephi and @Toryn Raga have done such a beautiful job at developing this culture from an idea on paper into a living, breathing complexity of life. Yet another fine example of the deepening of who these people are by @Lephi. Keep up the amazing work! ---- ((ooc: Warning, this sim deals with some difficult subjects of oppression and colonialism. Read at your own preference.)) ((Mosh’ka Alet Camp, Eladar IV (Fari), Deep underground)) Qalipu’fari had walked the visiting aliens out of the main cavern. The caves all around him filled with screams of despair, most of which came from his own people. He offered little in the way of goodbyes to the released prisoners beyond a simple ruffling of his feathers. The man had tried to speak, but found his voice choked in a sob and only a light gasp escaped. He turned and headed back to the main cavern, beginning what felt like a slow march to his death. Tears welled in his eyes as he contemplated the life that had brought him here. He had never known freedom, not really. From a young age he was expected to answer to the Feladoni, or face the consequences. It hadn’t always been easy, and his political success within the Awane settlement had an unintended impact on her family who faced increased isolation from the Mekra’fari who judged his borderline fe’jit behaviour. Stepped on from one side, shunned and cast out from the other for his increasing volatility, Qalipu had no real choice in the matter when word had come from deep within the caves with talks of rebellion. The sounds of weapons firing jarred him back to the present moment, and the ever growing threat of danger. As he neared the gathered avians again, he heard Katnar’fari making an impassioned plea. Katnar’fari: Steady. These fe’jit (honorless) mean to take from Fari’s heart. Slain those born of her womb. We are Mekra’fari (Children of Mother), and we will not let them harm this sacred place. This is our day. Or honored death. As Qalipu made his way through the gathered Mekra’fari, he made eye contact for a brief moment with Katnar’fari. He picked up his rifle and thought back to the pledge he had made to her when he had first come to the caves. Fari is strong. We are strong. Fari is resilient. We are resilient. Together the children save the Mother. Ketlamite'teket (She Has Faith) The words reverberated in his head, the only sound he could hear. Everyone was watching the tunnel, waiting for whatever evil was headed their way. He positioned himself behind a stalagmite and aimed the barrel of his own weapon at the opening as well. Having seen the damage that the intruder’s weapons could do, he wasn’t sure the rock he stood behind would do much to save him. Sudden beams of light cut through the darkness of the cave and his throat tensed up. First one figure appeared and his finger hovered over the trigger. This was it. All these years of planning, plotting, and dreaming, and the fight to save Fari wasn’t even against the people who deserved it the most. He shook off the creeping self doubt and steadied his aim. Through the scope she could see two men standing in the entry and had just a brief moment to process it before the cavern filled with the sound of weapons fire once more. A horrible stench filled the air, unlike anything Qalipu had ever smelled before and the colour drained from his face as he realised he was smelling his friends and colleagues being struck by the invader’s disrupter beams. His stomach turned and he doubled over, sliding into a sitting position against the stalagmite. Sounds of war filled his ears. He could hear his people bravely laying their lives on the line, and he was stuck here frozen from fear. All the planning in the world could not have prepared him for the harsh realities of the real thing. His cheeks glistened and he poked his shaking head out from behind the rock to survey the battlefield. He was in a state of pure shock seeing all of the bodies strewn over the cave floor, and the air was thick with a smoke he had no desire to find the origin of. It had all happened so fast. A loud bang echoed through the cave and before he had a chance to think about it, he found himself thrown up against the cave wall. A rocky outcrop pierced his wiing and he cried out, looking around to assess the damage. Qalipu’fari: Katnar! Are you okay? Katnar’fari: I’ll be fine. We cannot stop...there are more. ::She winced, feeling her fur a bit singed:: He did his best to free his wing from the wall and braced his legs as he fell the last foot or so to the floor. He was alert now, the pain had enraged him, allowing him to overcome his fear. He wasted little time, and after tucking his damaged wing in behind him, began fighting the nearest Caraadian. Katnar’fari: The Song Shards!! ::She yelled to alert her kin to the danger and rushed to the sacred cave:: The elder Mekra’fari’s words made his heart sink. The song shards were one of the things the Mekra’fari considered most sacred. It was bad enough that she had shown the peaceful outsiders, and now this invading scum was going to defile the sacred cave. As he rushed to the cave, he was outraged to see several of them attempting to rip sound shards from the walls. He fired several shots into the crowd to get their attention and noticed two of the beings drop to the floor, stunned. He had only hit one of them, and turned to find the source of the second shot just in time to see Katnar’fari struck and isolated. Before he could make his way over to his troubled friend, two more Caraadians flanked him with their guns pointed right at him. He threw himself at the invader to his right first, swinging the butt of the barrel of the gun in an upwards motion causing him to stumble backwards. In the lull while the man regained his footing, Qalipu quickly pointed his rifle at the other man and pulled the trigger. He didn’t have a chance to refocus on the other man before an intense noise pierced the air. The armed invaders dropped to their knees and blood began leaking from their ears. Strange, he thought to himself, the song was quite beautiful today. He closed his eyes, and let the sound wash over him. In that moment, there was peace. Images of Kinikwejit’fari and others that had fallen not just today but everyday under the oppressive Feladoni regime floated in front of her eyes. The bodies of the last remaining Caraadians hit the dirt around her and the thump that each one made brought a name of the fallen to his lips. Qalipu’fari: ::Thud:: Kinikwejit’fari. ::Thud:: Aplekemu'fari ::Thud:: Sasqatu'fari. There was a brief pause before he continued. He opened his eyes and looked to the ceiling, bringing his elbows together and extending his hand upwards in a V as he spoke. Qalipu’fari: Iga'lul, nigmaq. (I release you, my family) ((Small timeskip)) He opened his eyes and wiped his tear-stained face. Looking around he noticed Katnar slumped over on the ground and ran over to help. As he got closer, he noticed that the more peaceful aliens had returned at some point. He had been too distracted to notice before, but found himself thankful they had decided to come back. Qalipu’fari: ::Resigned:: Please. I know I’ve no right to ask it, but she needs your help! Snow/Levinson/Rosek/Any: response He stood and watched as the visitors tended to his friend,, quietly praying as they worked. He breathed a big sigh of relief when she came too again. Katnar’fari: Fari…::She gasped:: What happened? Qalipu’fari: I could ask you the same thing. Those Car-aad-eens have been dispatched for now. I have a feeling more will come now though. Katnar’fari: Response Snow/Levinson/Rosek/Any: response Qalipu’fari: I know you have a non-interference rule, but you never did answer our question. What if somebody from the world ::emphasizes word:: asks for your assistance. Snow/Levinson/Rosek/Katnar’fari/Any: response Qalipu’fari: I fear for Fari now. Our lives will never be the same, and now we have more hostiles to worry about. Snow/Levinson/Rosek/Katnar’fari/Any: response Qalipu’fari: Again, on behalf of my people. Wela'lin, na ta'n teliula'lin. (Thank you, I do well by you) Snow/Levinson/Rosek/Katnar’fari/Any: response ‐--------------------------------------- Awane'jit Qalipu'fari Awane'jit Tribal Leader Mekra’fari Equality Movement As simmed by, -- ============================= Lieutenant JG Lephi Assistant Chief Engineering Officer Community History Team Member Chat Team Member Wiki Team Member USS Chin'toka NCC-97187 A239706L10 =============================
  21. So many wonderfully written sims have been written during our first contact mission to Eladar IV that I would love to be able to post them all. The amazing writers behind them took the time to really pour their heart and soul into them that they did indeed hit you in the feels. This one in particular sent chills down my spine. Thank you, @Lael Rosek for this one. Keep up the good work Chin’toka, you all are awesome 💙 OOC: This post may contain descriptions that could trigger unsettling feelings. Read with care. ((Ladonnik Nature Preserve, Eladar IV)) Having heard more than enough, Lael decided to shift the conversation in a different direction. She would have a discussion with Snow later in a less public setting about tact. Rosek: I admire you, Katnar’fari, for your integrity under duress. I cannot imagine it has been easy to hold to your beliefs given the circumstances. However, I hope you understand that it goes against the primary law governing myself and my officers to interfere in the natural development of a society. Qalipu’fari: ::under her breath:: That much is clear. ::turning to Rosek:: I think you'll find that you don't have much of a say in the matter this time. Katnar’fari: I have had to sacrifice some of my beliefs to try and change things. I accept this. The dishonor I bring is my own. All of us here are among the dishonored now. But we will not sacrifice everything that we are if there’s a better way. I do not wish us to become like the Feladoni. ::She sighed softly:: Are you not interfering just by being here on our world? She’d had her share of difficulties over the years with the Prime Directive and how those around her had chosen to apply it. As a younger officer, it had always seemed like a convenient excuse to escape helping others. But now that she was in a tenuous position, she had a greater appreciation for the reasons Starfleet had put it into place. Early Earth starship captains had encountered enough issues to a great enough degree that it became necessary. Rosek: ::inclines her head:: Our Prime Directive prevents officers from abusing their position for personal gain. It has served us well over the centuries since its inception. Katnar’fari: And if someone in that society asks for help? Qalipu’fari: Or demands it? She knew that the beings were in no place to demand anything. They wouldn’t resort to violence to coerce them to help. There was a slight stutter to her breath as it exited her lips, betraying the emotion she was trying so hard to hold back. This was no easy situation they’d landed themselves in the middle of. Anyone else would have high-tailed it out long ago. Rosek: ::murmurs:: I wish we could. But the consequences for those who disobey the Prime Directive can be extensive. Her chest ached and she struggled to draw breath, torn between her duty and her conscience. Could she really leave these people to fend for themselves? An ironic grin twisted her lips. She had no choice. She refused to be responsible for anymore unnecessary deaths. Suddenly, the noise in the room beyond stopped. Lael was keenly aware of it as she hadn’t been able to entirely block it out. The lack of noise was even more deafening. On the monitors, she saw a small group enter the main area, causing the Feladoni and the bat-like beings to freeze. Her gaze narrowed. She couldn’t tell clearly, but she could have almost sworn they were-- Levinson: Who are these? Snow: Who is that? :: at the same time Noa asked her question :: Rosek: ::nods:: Caraadians. But what are they doing here? They hadn’t detected a Caraadian presence in the system when they’d entered it, but was it possible the metals had thrown off their sensors that much? Then she realized that the Chin’toka hadn’t attempted to make contact. Even with their comm badges in the hands of their captors, the devices would have made noise if the ship had tried to get in touch. The hairs on the back of her neck raised, suspecting that the Caraadians weren’t limited to ground troops. Qalipu’fari: ::sounding the word out:: Car-aad-eens? Katnar’fari: You say that as if these are not from your own people. Are they not from your crew here to rescue you? Levinson: They are not. Snow: Lieutenant Levinson is correct. They’re most certainly not. Qalipu’fari: More of your coalition? Katnar’fari: They are armed. If they are not here for you, then why have they come? That was a very good question. Her gaze flickered to the screen and her lips thinned. Watching the scene took her back to the holovids she’d been shown at the Academy. Though they hadn’t impacted her as severely as the torture vids, they’d still been enough to unsettle her. She’d seen enough combat in her years that many would expect her to be desensitized. A bat-like creature huddled in a corner protecting a young one caught her attention. No. Far from it. If anything, the more she saw of this kind of violence, the more she felt compelled to act. When it had been a matter between the two races native to this world, it had been different. The Caraadians were outsiders. An unstable element introduced into the natural atmosphere of this world. Surely she had some responsibility to prevent genocide from an outside source. Levinson: They are not of our coalition. I believe the most likely reason for their presence is your world, not you. Qalipu’fari: What do they want with Fari and her people? One by one, she watched the execution-style deaths of countless bat-like creatures. The anguished sound from Katnar had moisture gathering against her will, a pain worse than any she’d ever known constricting her lungs and throat. It hurt to breathe and it was nearly impossible to think. The neural suppressants and her mental shields were no match for the maelstrom of emotions swirling in the room, both from their captors and her colleagues. Was this what she’d become? Cold and heartless, bound by a duty that came at the price of her conscience? Katnar’fari: Fari save us!!...they...they destroyed her. Her body...there’s nothing left for us to free her spirit. They destroyed her spirit. She can’t join our ancestors. Qalipu’fari: Gesasijig gloqowejg wa'so'q wela'gw. (The stars shine bright in heaven at night). Now she will never see them. She clenched and unclenched a fist at her side in an effort to release the pent-up emotion. They had to leave, but she was frozen, her feet refusing to obey her mind. Levinson: My belief is that they are here for mining. Dilithium, the crystals you have shown us, is an important component for faster than light travel. Katnar’fari: Go, you’ve seen what the Feladoni don’t wish even their own kind to see. How they relocate us. You must survive to tell the truth..please. ::Her voice cracked slightly as she spoke, still in shock:: I know you said you cannot interfere, but please, if you die while under our care then it will bring even more destruction to our world. I would not wish to see Fari burn because your people might seek revenge or justice for your deaths. Levinson: ::Without sound:: I will. Snow: Our people would never take things that far. We value life as much as you all do and we try to avoid killing if at all possible. Empty words, no matter how true they might be. Qalipu’fari: We can get you safely to the edge of our cave, if you need. Lael simply nodded, not trusting herself to speak. They had to leave before she could change her mind. It wouldn’t be an easy thing to live with, but it would be easier than living with more blood on her hands. Levinson: I believe that would be adequate. ::Beat:: We still require our technology, however. Snow: Katnar’fari, please. You and your people have to fight back. You have the means to do so. There is no shame in it. You don't have to kill them. You're people know these caves better than anyone. This is your home. :: her voice pleaded with the Merka’fari woman :: Only you can change your fate. Katnar’fari: Response Qalipu’fari: We have caused you much harm, this is the least we can do. Levinson: ::Nodding:: I understand. Snow / Levinson / Katnar’fari: Responses Qalipu’fari: As Katnar'fari has said, please. Tell our story. What Qalipu was asking...Lael couldn’t imagine ever having the mental fortitude to speak of what she’d seen today to anyone. Even the mandatory counseling session that she knew would follow this mission was going to be excruciating. Perhaps one day when she had enough distance, it would be more than an after-action report. But not now. Not even soon. Snow: Good luck to you all. The tricorder and commbadge felt heavy in her hand as it was returned to her. Each step after felt like her boots were made of lead. Her bad leg stiffened up more than once and it took all she had to keep moving. She remained utterly silent as they walked, her mood somber as she tried to assuage her conscience. She’d done the right thing. It wasn’t their place to interfere with the natural development of a society. The regulation chased itself around in her mind. Her thoughts consumed so much of her attention that she was scarcely aware of what was going on around her. Levinson: The metals around us interfere with my scans. I cannot get a clear reading of lifesigns. Snow: Commander, is there really nothing we can do? I really can't just sit on the sidelines as the Caaradians tear this world apart, killing innocent people. It isn't right.. Rosek: ::stiffens:: It’s not our place. They were the only words she could muster and even as they left her lips, they sounded empty and meaningless. Her gaze flickered to the walls, noting drawings that she hadn’t seen there when they’d arrived. Likely, she’d been too lost in the possible danger to notice. Stories. She’d read about how some cultures depicted their history on whatever surfaces they could find. These, it would seem, were no different. Generations of bat-like creatures. Their triumphs, their failures. Memories of Abigail’s last moments seized her mind and her thoughts went instantly to Maddy, and then to the young child cowering near its dead elder. To the child being cradled in the arms of its parent. Levinson: I do not believe it will take us long to reach the surface. She stopped, making up her mind. Rosek: oO I might get court-martialed for this, but to hell with it. Oo Turning on her heel, she faced her team, her expression determined. For the first time since the violence had begun, she felt a weight lift from her chest as she made her decision. Rosek: I’m going back. Levinson: ::Turning around:: Commander? Snow: Wait.. what? Rosek: Those people in there are dying. I’m going to help them. Pausing, she regarded the two women in front of her. She couldn’t ask them to risk their careers. It was a decision they had to make for themselves. Rosek: I can’t ask you to turn your backs on your careers. ::jerks her head toward the exit:: If you want to walk away, I won’t blame you. Levinson: ::Still considering what Commander Rosek said:: I... see, Commander. Very well. Snow: I take it you have a plan? For a long moment, she was at a loss for words. It humbled her more than she could say that Levinson and Snow were willing to follow her into this. Their commitment moved her to near tears. Clearing her throat, she blinked back the moisture and refocused her attention on the situation at hand. Rosek: ::pauses:: Frankly? Not really. We have no weapons, so there’s a good chance that, unless the Chin’toka sends back-up, this will be a one-way trip. Snow: :: nods :: I'm with you. Levinson: Response She nodded. At least she had her hand to hand. She’d probably stand a decent chance. Her gaze flickered to Snow. Lephi would likely never forgive her if something happened to the woman. Snow was a decent fighter but was likely no match for energy weapons. It was going to take a hell of a miracle for them to get out of this alive. She sighed, closing her eyes and picturing her fiance and their daughter aboard the Chin’toka, unaware of what she was about to do. The moisture that she’d been fighting back finally spilled over at the thought of being separated from them, even if it was not forever. Not for the first time today, she clutched at the cross around her neck, covered by her uniform, and prayed for protection. God was calling and she was going to answer. Pressing her commbadge to open the line on the off chance that it gave the Chin’toka something to lock onto, she pocketed it and looked in the direction they’d come from. Snow: On your lead, Commander. Levinson: Response Rosek: ::exhales shakily and looks at each one of them in turn:: Ladies, in case this goes south, I--it has been the greatest pleasure serving with you. Without another word, she took off at a run back down the tunnel and into the fray. When they entered the chamber, she grabbed the first Caraadian she saw and disabled him in a matter of seconds. For long moments, others stared in surprise before rushing toward her. Rosek: oO Once more into the fray, dear friends. Oo Snow / Levinson: Responses She disarmed her opponents one by one, scarcely noticing the blows she took as she rendered them unconscious. If she survived this, she was going to be very sore. Any: Responses ((OOC: Didn’t want to leave too many tags here as I don’t know what the other away team and the Chin’toka plan to do.)) ---- Lieutenant Commander Lael Rosek, Eng.D. Chief Engineer USS Chin'toka, NCC-97187 I238110RH0
  22. I just have to put this stellar piece by @Toryn Raga up here for everyone to appreciate. The man really knows how to tell a story and bring life to a first contact species. Top notch writing. I'm sure this will go down as 118's least violent kidnapping. (( Ladonnik Nature Preserve, Eladar IV (Fari) )) The scouts had been thorough. In some cases it was easy finding information, when one was considered little more than a pet. Those who considered themselves masters often weren’t cautious about what they said around those that were practically invisible. There, but forgotten because it suits the one in charge until they either made themselves known through irritation, or were actually needed for something. When she had received word that not only had a small vessel of unknown design entered the atmosphere and was last seen in an area where several notable Feladoni elite had residences, but that a handpicked group of Feladoni security had been tasked to escort some dignitaries, she had put the two together. These visitors were exploring the preserve, under escort, though none of her people understood how they had gotten there. No further reports of vessels entering their planet had come in. Which concerned her. Still, this presented an opportunity that they couldn’t pass us. And that Katnar felt she had to personally handle. She’d gathered Qalipu’fari and a dozen of their best and headed into the preserve. It had taken little time to find them. The Feladoni were known and easy to spot. But seeing aliens for the first time was a shock itself. Three looked similar in many ways. Fair of skin. Feminine. Two had pointed ears. And one was male, probably. And he was Blue! Katnar forced the shock down and made some subharmonic chirps of calming encouragement to the Mekra’fari with her. Using the tones and changes in sound far below at least what the Feladoni could hear to direct her people to spread out and stalk towards the group of what could be scientists. At least they were unarmed. This was a dance they were used to. Sneaking up on Feladoni. Taking them down silently. A quick strike to the back of the neck here. Or grabbing the mouth and nose and pulling them into a choke hold until they passed out. Violence not done in defense. It was unheard of among her kind. They should only touch, or take an item, or leave one behind to show they got close but didn’t harm. But now, they had to act. Do the unheard of to help their kind break the yoke of inequality. Snow: Anyone else hear that? Rosek: ::softly:: Yes. I have the feeling our Feladoni escort is no longer with us. Levinson: ::In a lower volume and relatively neutral tone:: I concur. Something has happened. th’Koro: Response The Feladoni security on the perimeter went down quietly, quickly. Katnar moved up closer, and stepped out of the brush, weapon in hand and leveled at the group. The rustling in the bushes was one of the Feladoni security not being incapacitated quickly enough. She would have to speak to her people later. Katnar’fari: Do not move, please. ::She held her sonic disruptor rifle pointed at the group:: She had no idea if these aliens could even understand her, but she hoped that, having seen their escorts with weapons, that they would recognize that her and the dozen Mekra’fari that made themselves known surrounding them, all similarly armed, would get the hint. Rosek: I am Lieutenant Commander Lael Rosek of the Federation starship Chin’toka. I respectfully request that you state your intentions. th’Koro: Response Qalipu’fari: Response Katnar’fari: I do not know how you speak like we do, but it is good. It will make this easier. Snow: It’s a universal translator. It helps us communicate with and understand other species as we explore the galaxy. We mean you no harm. Qalipu’fari: Response th’Koro: Response Katnar’fari: We do not wish to harm you, but we will if you leave us no choice. You will come with us. Qalipu’fari: Response th’Koro: Response Katnar’fari: ::She raised the rifle in her hands:: Then we will render you unconscious and you will come with us anyway. The choice is yours, but make it now. ::She said directly to the one who seemed to be their chief (Rosek):: Rosek: ::turns to her team:: Looks like we’re taking a slight detour. Tricorders out and keep your eyes on the terrain. Wouldn’t want any sprained ankles for Doctor Snow to need to fix. Snow: Thank you. ::quietly:: Noa took a deep breath before even considering opening her mouth for a reply. Levinson: ::Nodding:: Understood, Commander. th’Koro: Response Rosek: Your lead, … ::pauses:: How can I refer to you? ::grins:: I don’t want to assume and, in my culture, “Hey, you” isn’t the most polite thing to say to someone. It was good that these aliens were cooperative. Already they were branches ahead of most Feladoni, who would have certainly fought back and lost. Qalipu’fari: Response Katnar’fari: Good. ::She said sternly:: You may call me Katnar’fari. And before we leave, you must relinquish all of your technology to us. ::She raised a hand quickly:: We do not wish to keep it or study it. Only to ensure we are safe. These are unknown to us. Rosek: ::inclines her head:: As you wish. Qalipu’fari: Response She nodded to the pointy eared alien and made several sub harmonic tones to instruct her people to take their devices away from them. And to flank the group, keeping an eye out for Feladoni as well as watching their captives. Katnar’fari: My people will make sure you do not cross anything dangerous. She offered up after several minutes of travelling to assuage any fears they might have of their surroundings. th’Koro: Response Qalipu’fari: Response Eventually, they came out of the woods and approached the mouth of a dimly lit cave. Snow: If it's not too much to ask. May I inquire what you want from us? With a nod, the other pointy eared one added their own question. It was odd, Mekra’fari ears were quite large, meant to pick up all manner of sounds. Theirs were much smaller, but she knew better than to assume that they could hear as poorly as the Feladoni. Levinson: And for how long do you intend on keeping us with you? Rosek / th’Koro / Qalipu’fari: Responses Katnar’fari: You are an opportunity. One my people and I have been hoping for for a long time. As for how long we keep you with us. ::She looked to the one who asked with a soft, but unwavering gaze:: As long as is necessary. Levinson: I see. Snow / Rosek / th’Koro / Qalipu’fari: Responses Eventually their journey led them to a cave in the hillside that gradually descended downwards. Katnar’fari kept her eyes on the aliens the entire time, while their scouts guided them down, down, down. Over the next two hours they walked through one twisting tunnel after another, often seemingly backtracking and turning in just about every direction. Every Mekra’fari among them knew precisely where they were going. Their echolocation gave them the precise layout and memory of their well used tunnels. But the intentional trip through the caves was meant to disorient their prisoners in the hopes that should they escape, they would have a difficult time finding their way back. Or so she hoped. Katnar’fari: We are here. She announced as the group emerged within the larger cavern that they had been using as their headquarters. Having passed by their outer sentires who were well concealed in the tunnels, some hanging from the ceiling to remain out of sight. The chamber was filled with tables, computers and various crates full of food, necessary equipment and materials and even weapons. Many with the telltale markings of Feladoni security upon them. As they entered the previous sounds of conversations suddenly halted as the dozens upon dozens of freedom fighters she’d gathered got their first glimpse of beings not from their world. Hushed voices and many wide eyes were met with a droning sub harmonic chorus of tones that mingled with the curious voices taking in the sight of aliens. Snow / Rosek / th’Koro / Levinson / Qalipu’fari: Responses Katnar’fari: Take a look. Our world will never be the same from this day forward. See to it they are secured properly. They are our guests and our prisoners. No harm shall come to them, unless they bring it upon themselves by trying to escape or call for help. She stated clearly and so the group they’ve abducted could understand she meant every word. Unlike the Feladoni, her kind provided proper care for their captives. Snow / Rosek / th’Koro / Levinson / Qalipu’fari: Responses ======================== Lofali’jit Katnar’fari Formal Tribal Leader Leader of the Mekra’fari Equality Movement As simmed humbly by Lieutenant Commander Toryn Raga Second Officer/SOR Team Leader/Acting FO USS Chin'toka NCC-97187 PodCast Team Member Training Team Member Chin'toka Staff Member Writer ID: A239410TR0 https://wiki.starbase118.net/wiki/index.php?title=Toryn_Raga
  23. Thank you, @Mei'konda ,for making us laugh. I throughly enjoyed the read as I know some others did as well. Also, I hope I did this right. Lol (( Inside Tych Manor, Elazar IV )) Kiax: With all due respect, Representative, that doesn’t really seem fair. Surely we should be dealing with a representative from both species governing bodies here? Yourself, and a Mekra’fari. Dagden was just opening his mouth to angrily rebuke Kiax when Serala stepped in. He closed his mouth, and did his best to settle down. This was an uncomfortable situation to be in. Once again, no one in his life would dare question him to this point, not even his own family. It made him angry. It also made him feel afraid, because if this Kiax got upset enough, would she pull some hidden weapon and simply kill him where he sat? He had no idea… but he didn’t doubt that they might have that kind of technology. As Serala spoke, he took the time to settle down. Serala: That’s enough, Commander. We are their guests here and have no right to dictate to them how they govern their world. No matter our own opinions on the matter. Kiax: Aye, Commander. Kiax might not respect him, but at least she quieted down when instructed to by her leader. Drawing in a deep breath, he exhaled it slowly, and glanced toward Azorius when the furred one hastened to speak so that he could further smooth the tensions. Azorius: We mean no disrespect, Representative. We are just accustomed to a different way of life. As you know, we value all species equally and share our ships, our resources, our lives with every member of our crew. Their race, gender and background are irrelevant. It is hard for some of us to understand your ways as it is for you to understand ours. Serala: We have had our share of conflicted opinions about others of different species in our own histories. But we have moved past that kind of attitude, and some take it a bit more personally that others. However, it’s not our place to dictate how your world behaves. All species equal? The notion of idealists, and of aliens who had just visited this planet and who, as far as he could tell, had thankfully not met the Mekra’fari. As much as he wanted to make use of these people and what they had to offer, it was getting difficult to suppress his irritation with them. Zadok: Response Serala: I am curious, however. Why do you view the Mekra’fari in such a negative light? What is it about them that you consider inferior? Our scans seemed to indicate an equal level of development between the two of your species. They really didn’t seem to have any idea. As advanced as they were, Dagden decided to try his best to explain. He slowed his speech and leaned toward Serala a touch, as though explaining a simple concept as best he could to a child. Tych: I don’t view them in a negative light, Commander, I only view them as they are. As they’ve proven themselves to be over centuries of coexistence. Surely you can understand that not all races are intellectually equal to each other. That must be the case, even where you come from. Zadok: Response Kiax / McKnight / Azorius: Response Serala: I am confused. If they are so inferior, how is it they managed to develop along the same technological lines that your own people did? I mean, we have detected a third species on this planet and they are clearly at a more primitive state of development. Perhaps you could explain this for us? So, they’d picked up the Elnazri beneath the surface of the oceans. Dagden once again felt his frustration growing. Tych: General, could you… take this question, please? Zadok: Response Kiax /McKnight / Azorius: Response Serala: Fascinating. So, how does it work then? What is the exact relationship between the Feladoni and the Mekra’fari? Dagden spread his hands out on the table. Tych: Do your people have pets, Lieutenant Commander Serala? Zadok: Response Kiax /McKnight / Azorius: Response Tych: Then it’s very simple. Think of them as… exceptionally intelligent pets. They are usually well behaved, and quite useful. We occasionally allow some of them to work in our businesses. Even the Spacefold complex has some Mekra’fari employees. We share technology with them, hence the… shared technological lines that you mentioned before. Zadok: Response Kiax / McKnight / Azorius: Response Dagden finally shook his head. He felt as though they were going in circles in this conversation, and that it was time he asserted his authority over his own home. And, to an extent, his planet. Tych: Well. In any case, this has been a highly productive meeting, but I feel that perhaps you have questions that I am simply unable to answer. Or… :: He paused, glancing at Kiax. :: that I am going to be judged harshly for answering. Perhaps, then, I should retract my previous statement, and give you my blessing to go and meet some Mekra’fari for yourself. No doubt, an interaction with them will confirm what I’ve told you. Zadok: Response Kiax / McKnight / Azorius: Response =============== Representative Dagden Tych Political Representative overseeing the GSEO (Grand Space Exploration Organization) As Simmed By Aaron / Captain Mei’konda Delano / Lieutenant JG Jamie MacNemar M239002M10
  24. Just sharing this fantastic furtherance of utter chaos. I had to pass on @Amuro McKnight's quick thinking for everyone to enjoy. The twists and turns in this are one of the many reasons I love collaborative writing here. (( Corridor, Tibro IV Headquarters )) As the group advanced to Lephi's position, Amuro can see the damage was extensive over here as well. He continued to scan as they walked. Mei’konda: What’ve you got, Lieutenant? With everyone scanning the room, they all see the strange readings. Raga: Can’t say I’ve ever seen the tricorder act up like this. Lephi: Captain, you have perfect timing ::rubs the back of her head:: There is a strange box underneath this bunk and it is emanating very strange signals. The Caitian captain let out a wry chuckle. Mei’konda: My apologies, Lieutenant. A maanufactured object of some type? Almost everyone was checking their tricorders now, corroborating the situation. Amuro crouched down to look under the bunk for the box and shined a line from his bracer. Strin: McKnight: Well strange is a pretty vague thing to say...but oddly accurate. What is it? Lephi: It definitely was manufactured, and although I haven't determined its purpose yet, I saw a cloaked figure escaping in the shadows as I approached so it seems safe to say it isn't a pleasant gift. When he heard cloaked person, Amuro immediate tried to change up his scanning. There's only a few ways to detect an invisible person. His dad taught him some from the War. If this cloak is similar to the Dominion, cloaking someone doesn't mean he's not a ghost, he still would interact with the environment around him, just invisible. So Amuro tried to emit things from his bracer so it would bounce off objects in the room. Thankfully, it didn't come back to him with an extra echo. Strin: McKnight: The invisible man is the last thing we need right now. Amuro got back up and made sure the room was cleared. If there indeed was a cloaked person in the room, he's gone now but do the locals have this sort of technology. Raga: A cloaked figure? ::He looked back to Strin and Dels’an:: It seems you might have more disloyal personnel than we thought. Or there’s a third party inciting things. Lephi: I didn't see much of him, regrettably. Well of course...he was invisible, thought Amuro with a grin on his face. Mei’konda: Untiil we can perform a more thorough analysis of this device or fiind the person who planted it, anything else is pure speculation. Catching the Captain’s intent he nodded and kept watch over the others, casting his gaze out to the corridor outside on occasion. Strin: McKnight: We should get a team down here and carefully - He was interrupted as the engineer was already jumping ahead to grab the box. Lephi: Captain, I've found the source of the confusion ::pause:: sort of… There was a brief pause and the engineer ducked back under the bunk. Lephi: The device seems to have been electrochemically coated with something that our sensors can't detect. Strin, could you provide some insight here? Strin: Response Mei’konda: Looks to me that we miight’ve discovered the source of the traansporter interference, as well. It’s emitting non-ionizing radiaation on a wavelength that could interfere with beaming. Lieutenant Snow, Mr. McKnight, could you please verify that this thing is saafe to handle? Amuro wanted to roll his eyes. They didn't know what this thing is and Lephi just picked it up brazenly without any thought of caution. He tried to scan the box directly but it wasn't working. Snow: We can try, Sir. ::standing up:: McKnight: Whatever this thing is made up, I can't penetrate it with my scanner. We need to open it. Captain Delano nodded. Mei’konda: Continue your initial analysis, then. I’ll be just outsiide. The Captain walked passed her and out into the hallway and tapped his combadge so Toryn stood in the middle of the room. Mei’konda: =/\= Mei’konda to Chin’toka. =/\= Snow joined Amuro and Lephi in examining the box. Amuro was trying to be cautious and rather they aren't so close to a box of unknown purpose. Then his bracer picked up something. Raga: Does anyone else hear that? McKnight: I hear it, Raga. Lephi, the box! He backed away from Lephi, who was still holding the box. Lephi/Strin/Mei’konda: Responses Snow: Perhaps you should put it down.. ::Concerned:: Raga: Everyone, back away from the box. Now! Lephi/Strin/Mei’konda: Responses Amuro was about to run away as Snow grabbed his arm. He managed to at least put himself in between her and whatever was coming before a shockwave blasted them all back. Because they were so close, both him and Snow were sent flying. Thankfully, they did not go far as Raga managed to grab them both as he regain his footing and grounded himself but it wasn't enough and they all fell over together in a pile and then began to slide back from the force. Toryn cried out briefly in pain before the wind was knocked out of him and slumped to the ground. By the door, gripping Amuro and Snow tightly, though his grip on Lephi had slipped when his arm dislocated. Raga: Ahh! ::His breathing hyperventilated as he sought to find his breath that had been stolen from him:: Amuro, using all his strength, managed to steady everyone together. Lephi/Strin/Mei’konda/Snow/Dels’an: Responses With the shockwave stopped, Amruo got up slowly as he managed looked to see his bracer's emergency beacon had activated when it detected the danger and that he was unconscious for a few seconds, hence why it turned on and alerted the Chin'toka. McKnight: Toryn...you broken? Raga: Forget..ah..my arm, is everyone okay? Amuro shook his head to clear the dizziness from the shockwave. He was only thinking about getting up and making sure the area is secured. Whatever this thing is, they need to get away from it or get rid of it. Lephi//Strin/Mei’konda/Snow/Dels’an: Responses Raga: Whatever you’re going to do...Ungh! ::He grunted and his breath shuddered a moment:: Do it fast..that box is humming now. Lephi/Strin/Mei’konda/Snow/Dels’an: Responses Amuro crawled towards the box and managed to get to it. The moment he did, he took his commbadge and slapped it onto the box. McKnight: =/\= Chin'toka, McKnight. Lock onto my commbadge and beam it somewhere far away from us. We've encountered a device. It might be another bomb. =/\= Chin'toka:
  25. Lephi did such an amazing job with Ozu's characterization. It's added some impressive depth to our current storyline and I just had to share. ((Conference Room, Planetary Defense Command Center Keibrom, Tibro)) Dehan was stressed. The Grand Admiral was convinced a Starfleet presence was necessary, but he had personally seen the unrest it had caused among the people the last time. It made him nervous as to how much the Starfleeters returning could escalate the already existing tension between the Grand Admiral’s supporters and the General’s supporters. His brow furrowed as he studied the reports coming in from regions across Tibro. So far only small incidents were breaking out and security and military forces had managed to keep them from escalating beyond a few loud words. It seemed that the Grand Admiral’s name still carried some weight even in the current political climate. Vet'od grumbled to himself as he made his way into the conference room. The orders had come down that they were to expect Starfleet personnel to arrive soon. Another weakness the Admiral had, he thought as he smirked to himself. No self-respecting Valcarian should so openly welcome interlopers, especially not ones who have proven as troublesome as these. As he entered the room, he laid eyes on Dehan, who he was to be working with throughout this endeavor. He made a conscious effort to bury any personal feelings he had at the moment, it wouldn't serve him any purpose to lose his calm and collected demeanor while there was work to be done. Ozu: Greetings, Dehan. Dehan turned at Vet’od’s arrival, sparing the man a brief smile before his attention returned to the electronic writing tablet in his hand. The man had always seemed pleasant enough and did his job with no complaints. It was all Dehan could ask in the present climate. Everyone was under some sort of stress, but admittedly his current position was much less stressful than his previous one in any number of ways. He’d been grateful that the Grand Admiral had accepted him as her aide. Strin: Good day, Vet’od. ::looks up from his electronic writing tablet:: I trust the preparations for the Starfleeters arrival are going well? The question bothered Vet'od more than it should have. Not because it reminded him of the impending arrival of those uniformed menaces, but because of the underlying message in it that called the quality of his work into question. He was a proud Valcarian, and took great pride in all of his work. The man standing in front of him reading reports from electronic writing tablets should know that better than most, given their work history together. Ozu: As good as they can be, I suppose. Hopefully the new security measures we're putting in place will help ease worries and tensions from both sides. ::slight pause:: Are those the latest reports? How does it look? The question was innocent enough, Vet'od didn't know a single Valcarian who didn't have some sort of vested interest in the rising conflict levels in the region. That they were likely hoping for two different outcomes was a minor detail in the grand scheme of things, and one that didn't bother him too much. If it had been anyone else, Dehan might have sworn he detected offense in the man’s expression. He mentally shook the thought from his mind and refocused his attention on what Vet’od had been saying. The security measures. Yes. They’d spent several late nights together with other key personnel developing the contingencies. He offered the man the electronic writing tablet to view for himself. Strin: Minor breakouts, but nothing our teams haven’t been able to handle so far. ::pauses:: But then the majority of the population has no idea that we’re expecting the Starfleeters. When they show up and word gets around, I expect things will get interesting. Interesting was a word that Vet'od could agree with. There was no way of knowing quite what to expect when word got out, but he knew it would be foolish to expect anything remotely peaceful to come of it. He had spent far too much time going over the different possible outcomes to be this naive. As he took the electronic writing tablet from his colleague and began perusing the contents, he couldn't help feeling a little disheartened at the words he was hearing. Of course, by all outward appearances, he was displeased. He wouldn't be in the position he was if he hadn't learned to control his expressions. That the Grand Admiral’s fleet was able to make such easy work of the General’s ships did not bode well for his future. He handed the electronic writing tablet back to the man. Ozu: Quite right, interesting indeed. I'd like to believe we've prepared for every possibility, but one never knows when it comes to the Starfleeters. They always seem full of surprises. A wry, unamused grin crossed Dehan’s lips and he nodded. That much he could agree. Before he’d deflected and cozied up to the Grand Admiral, he’d served in the unit sent to hunt down the Grand Admiral and the Starfleeters with her. They’d underestimated the cleverness of their enemy and had failed to achieve their mission objective. That day, he’d learned Starfleeters were adaptable, making them rather formidable for anyone who opposed them. Strin: ::huffs softly:: A kind way of putting it. I certainly wouldn’t want to cross their captain. oO Been there, no desire to go there again. Oo Vet'od took a minor step back, before considering the ramifications of such a move and covered it by reaching for a electronic writing tablet that was sitting on the conference room table. If he didn't know any better, he'd say that was a threat. No matter though, all Starfleeters were the same to him, merely troublesome interlopers to be snuffed out at the earliest convenience. He took two steps forward towards Dehan, to compensate for the ground he had conceded moments before. Ozu: The preparations are well underway on my side. I trust your team is ready as well? Given the tensions, I think we can all agree that it is important this goes well. Strin: ::nods:: Yes, absolutely. The last thing we need is to give either side ammunition or a motive to cast the first stone to spark a civil war. Our culture and ways wouldn’t survive such a major planetary division. Ozu: ::glances at Dehan curiously:: Interesting choice of words, my friend. There are some among us who might say the Valcarian Empire is already at war with itself. ::pause for effect:: Wouldn't you agree? Dehan’s brows furrowed. While there was already infighting, he didn’t believe it had quite reached the level of civil war. He’d seen war in his time with Tibro’s 1st Special Forces Batallion. What they were seeing was a walk in the park by comparison, but could quickly escalate if they weren’t careful. It was his job as the Grand Admiral’s aide to make sure that didn’t happen. Strin: Not quite. It could get far worse. He watched as Dehan reacted to the question that was posed. You can tell a lot from a man by the way he reacts to having his world view questioned, and Vet'od just learned that the man standing in front of him did not take General Asil and his forces seriously. He made a mental note about that, the information could prove quite useful in the near future. Osu: Are you really concerned over a few ships, even with the addition of the interlopers surely they're no match for the Grand Admiral’s powerful supporters? Dehan eyed the man for a moment. He’d never been a fool and something about Vet’od’s words was throwing him off. He wasn’t one to underestimate General Asil, especially having followed orders handed down the chain from the General himself. The man was ruthless at times and he wouldn’t put it past him to have his own set of plans. It was part of why the Starfleeters’ arrival had been kept such a secret. The Grand Admiral had been concerned about what the General would do if he found out. If Asil was able to gather the resources, he could pose a threat to the Grand Admiral in more ways than one. All they could do was hope the government structure would prevent him from rallying the support he needed to overthrow Del’san. Strin: I have never and will never make the mistake of underestimating General Asil. He very much believes in his cause and has very little to lose. That makes him even more dangerous. The look that Dehan was giving him as he eyed Vet'od was almost enough to send a chill down his spine, and he worried for a split second that he may have overstepped and tipped his hand. The words that followed however, quickly assured him that his fear was unfounded. Everyone in the Republic knew that General Asil was a man of strong conviction, and that was precisely why he was so dangerous. He had little to lose, and a reputation to maintain, a deadly combination Vet'od's eyes. Ozu: I am glad to hear that. I'd hate for there to be any trouble over the next few days, least of all trouble that could have been prevented by taking threats seriously. His words may have been vague, but the tone made it clear that he was talking both about Valcarian threats, as well as that of the interlopers. Strin: ::gaze drops and he grabs a nearby electronic writing tablet:: I really should get back to these reports. The Grand Admiral will want a condensed version should she decide to present to the captain of the Starfleet vessel. It won’t be long before they arrive in orbit and I need to also finish composing the documents containing an overview of the new protocols. Ozu: Ever the Grand Admiral’s workhorse. What would she do without you, my friend? I will leave you to it though. I have preparations to finish as well. ::short pause:: Plus, I should rather like to enjoy my last few moments of relative peace before those Starfleeters arrive and put a delicate balance at risk. Good day, Dehan. With a smile he made his way to the door and left the Aide to his work. For a moment, Dehan watched Vet’od leave. The man’s curious behavior certainly had him wondering, but he dismissed it. No. The man had worked just as hard on these protocols as he had. It didn’t make sense that the man would do all of that if he didn’t truly have Tibro’s best interests at heart. He entered notes into the tablet in his hand, his expression thoughtful as he composed the message to the captain of the Starfleet vessel. Hopefully, the man would be wise enough to read the document in its entirety. Everything that they were working for could depend on it. ---- MSNPC Dehan Strin Grand Admiral’s Aide Tibro I238110RH0 & MSNPC Vet'od Ozu Diplomatic Liaison Tibro A239706L10
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