Quentin Beck

May 2

I was also thinking this lol

April 25

Honestly I had to include @Ian OConnor's whole sim here, too, it's just too good.

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[BACKSIM]

((The 47’s, Deck 4 Catamaran , USS Ronin))

k’Oar-€l: ::notices yet another glass vessel on the table and takes out the rose in it and consumes the liquid:: The young is at night and the tangled should tango. ::Tosses Rox the rose and takes up a tango pose, staggers a bit, then resumes the pose::

Rox: Oooh Kaaay. ::removing the sash from her waist:: Come on k’Oar-€l, you need to sit down for a minute. Sweet as this is, I'm concerned about damage to the ship if we tango in the state you're in.

Rox lead k’Oar-€l away form the center of the floor to the side and helped him toward a chair while Barberra joined Beck at a nearby table.

Barberra: Well, down the hatch, this drink’s not going to drink itself. ::Drinks sake::

Beck: I'm impressed you can shoot that stuff - I've tried it before and it just makes me gag.

k’Oar-€l: ::nodding:: Agreeing with Dock-whore Beck…shooting at stuff has made this one gag as well. This one is a propagator not a fighter. ::flops into chair, head bobbing slightly but otherwise sitting perfectly still:: Appreciating Nursing Rocks finding this one a spinny chair. It is fun to watch room swirl around.

Rox: ::holding up the glass:: Goes down smooth. So Annamae, this tightrope walking gig, you must have good balance.

Barberra: Oh… yeah. They made us do it at the Technical Services Academy. You haven’t lived until you’ve crossed a section of Valles Marineris with nothing but a balancing pole in your hands. So, tell me, what do you all do on this ship?

Beck: Just finished my first official mission since being posted as one of the ship's junior Medical officers. I've been helping out a lot in Sickbay and collaborating on a project or two with the Science team. I also spend a lot of my free time working on holos of all kinds - including a modified version of the EMH, though that's still in the early stages.

k’Oar-€l: :: turns toward Barberra:: This one is here to science. :: now swiveling his head as if chair is spinning :: Here comes Dock-whore Beck around… and again…again…Ooo, Animal… Rocks…Beck. ::continues to spin head and babble quieter and quieter::

Rox: I've been in Starfleet for 3 years as a nurse, but I've been promoted to acting ensign recently. I'm thinking of branching out.

Barberra: What kind of branching out? Like, medical science? Designing Hyposprays that are designed to grow fingers from people’s foreheads, that kind of thing?

Beck: Eh, knowing her she's gunning for the Captain's chair. She's got too smart a mouth to do anything else with her commission, and she doesn't like taking orders from anybody.

k’Oar-€l: :: Stands and circles the table pointing as he does:: Beck… Beck… Beck… Beck…. Nurse. ::sits back quickly into an empty seat::

Rox: ::gesturing to the chef:: Ok. This next ones on me, but Annamae watch him ::pointing at Beck:: I'm not sure he's up to date on all his shots.

Barberra: Aye ma’am. ::To Beck:: I’m assuming Rox means phaser shots? If so, I’d be happy to assist, Sir.

Beck: ::rueful smile:: She's just upset we had a moment on Grus Beta 3 she can't follow through on, that's all. Not necessary to compare me to a dog.

The chef set a glass down in front of Quentin, then each of the others in turn, and Quentin just stared at it for a moment with a sour look on his face.

k’Oar-€l: ::staring intently at Quentin:: Beck… Beck… ::stops suddenly:: Why the kelp are there so many Becks? ((OOC: Sorry couldn’t resist the meta comment there.))

::seeing the glass of sake and takes a few attempts at grabbing it before successfully downing it:: 乾杯! (kanpai)* ::bends and raises his tushy in the air::

Rox: Slàinte!

Annamae lifted her sake.

Barberra: Best crashed party ever. ::downs drink::

Quentin sighed and lifted the glass, raising it as if in toast.

Beck: If I throw up, it's on you, Rox.

Beck took the shot. He did not throw up.

k’Oar-€l managed to not as well. At least until he found a large planter along the edge of the room.

[End of scene for k’Oar-€l]

*Japanese phase akin to “bottoms up”

___________________________

Acting Ensign k’Oar-€l

Exchange Program Science Officer

USS Ronin NCC-34523

R240009IO4

April 25

@Ian OConnor with a really demented version of duck duck goose

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k’Oar-€l: :: Stands and circles the table pointing as he does:: Beck… Beck… Beck… Beck…. Nurse. ::sits back quickly into an empty seat::

April 22

I don't have an easy way of explaining what I mean, but the more I read @Kirsty L. Carpenter's sims, the more Kirsty she starts to sound to me.

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((Bridge, Deck 3 Primary Hull, U.S.S Ronin.))

Kirsty had felt a little guilty ducking out of the Award's Ceremony as early as she did. Especially after all the promotions and Cap becoming an...actual, God's honest Cap and the grand vibes across the whole of the space. Kirsty's back always seemed to stand a mite straighter when an Admiral was on the deck, even a hardcase like Corcino, but the feeling of feeling like a goof standing around with a two new awards that only highlighted what a colossal shoot show Grus Beta Three ended up being...well, that seemed to outweigh her need to mingle and enjoy the finger-foods.

Sure, she had clapped, loudly and genuinely for the rest of her newly re-minted crew and had gratefully accepted the handshakes of her C & XOs, but she had only stayed long enough for decorum to dictate (and maybe one or two passing flutes of the bubbly). She had spent the rest of the night goofing off with Teryn (plenty of sweets involved there too) and prepping her rough plans for the days before reinstating the ship's operational status.

She clung to the number Corcino had detailed to them all as she swept into the Primary Hull, up and through an active Bridge, in the right here and now, though. Entering the new mission repeating the number like a mantra. Sixteen hundred souls. That wasn't nothing. She resolved herself that this next operation would at the very least, better prepared for.

Security shifts and their backups had been drilled and prepared, weapon stores had been topped up and further combat simulations completed toward the last days of leave, Kirsty had overseen to a lot of it herself over the last hours before operation.They were as prepared as possible heading into this next...whatever it ended up being.

Command had been their usual tight-lipped selves about what they could expect. All they really knew for sure was that XO Raga was to be in the Big Chair, Chief Alieth serving as HIS XO, while a buncha new officers bolstered their ranks (one of which was a JAG Officer, to boot). Meanwhile, Cap Niac was to be Corcino's "Special Envoy", briefing a bunch of other flag officers on the situation out here in the Isles. Where this meeting was to be held, seemed strictly need to know, but thankfully Kirsty had plenty of other worries hounding her around the corridors before she could start to pull at that particular thread.

But as she tugged at the Gold uniform coat she had come to love as a second skin, eying the assembly of officers around her, she had a lightning bolt of a troubling thought.

oO You had been "prepared" before Grus Beta Three too...Oo

She shook the thought from her brains as she relieved the Security Officer from the TAC Console. Retraining them back on the problem they were here to deal with. Random hit-and-fade attacks on non-Federation affiliated spaceways. Attacks that seemed rather staged by INTEL and Command's estimation of the evidence. And after what she had seen back on GB3, she wouldn't have been shocked.

Cap Raga's voice brought her from the rote concentration of her thought process and her reinitializing the console for her use.

Raga: Very well, mister O’Connor. Take us out of warp. ::He added:: Commander Carpenter keep an eye on those sensors in case someone’s trying to bait us.

Carpenter: Aye, sir.

She reacclimated forward sensors and prepared another hard ping for the moment they dropped from warp, but even as they dropped, Kirsty didn't need scopes to see the mess in front of them. In the Main Viewer listed a merchant trawler. Hard-ridden, even maybe on the best of days. But as it hung across the space around them, it looked damn near shattered now.

Carbon scoring, blatted hull plating, and glittering shattered delicates of the ship formed a broken galaxy across it's aimless rotating. But a quick look and solitary sensor ping from the scopes revealed nothing but them and the stars. Kirsty frowned down into the console and toward the Main Viewer in equal measure.

Raga: All stop, Mister O’Connor. ::He sat forward and glanced at the medical station Beck was at:: Lifesigns?

Beck: ::frowning and turning to look at Raga over his shoulder, shaking his head:: Nothing.

The sound of a frustrated, but active Bridge Crew hammered through the uncertainty. Kirsty's heart panging at the flatness of the usually animated Dr. Beck's voice.

Raga: Commander, scan the ship and let me know if you detect any residual traces of a Federation transporter signal.

Some quick bleeps and whirls from the PADD in the Chief/XO's hand and the nearby Science Station started to course through the Bridge. After another beat the bespecticle Vulcan's face looked up from her sounds.

Alieth: At least half dozen transport signals with a Starfleet signature, sir, at least a dozen more of a questionable nature. :: Turning once more to the science station:: Miss Lorana can analyse them to confirm their source.

He rose from the big chair, cutting an impressive profile standing now in the middle of the Bridge, turning his cool, controlled gaze across the whole of the new, slightly ragtag new Bridge crew.

Raga: She’s taken a beating. Chief Tucker, how bad is it?

Tucker: :: grimacing:: It’s not a good Commander, with multiple hull breaches and environmental controls mainly offline, but some decks are fine. I’m scanning now to find any warp signatures headed in and out of this

A new sort of darkness revealed itself on the listing vessel. Kirsty had to peer into the Main Viewer from her station to look at it properly, but there was no mistaking it as the ship started to show its belly to them and all. A gawping, yawning hull breach. Right in the aft, down toward more the doral sector of the ship. It looked...ragged to Kirsty. She hadn't seen a weapon or ballistic projectile ever do that to a ship.

That was twice now the Isles had shown her a hurt she had never seen before. Cap Raga's voice once more brought her back from her woolgathering.

Raga: Any other vessels in the vicinity?

Kirsty checked and rechecked the scopes one more time (bolstered by another pinging scan pulse, one now in real-time) just to make sure.

Carpenter: Negative, Captain. Just us for the time bein'.

He slowly returned to his seat but gave them a sort of...cheeky, almost wry grin before he sat completely. Kirsty couldn't help scooting a bit forward on the station's seating, leaning heavily over her elbows in anticipation. Thinky types never really got like this unless they had a real doozy of a thought and Kirsty, for one, was really anxious to hear what it might be.

With him and Chief Aleith callin' the shots for this new op, she didn't much figure there would be a limit to the kind of things they could get up to.

Raga: Is the ship safe enough to beam an away team over to look for survivors and anything that will help us unravel who did this?

Another beat crossed the smallish Vulcan, but after folding her hands across the back of her, she spoke once more.

Alieth: We are close enough for a transport, both in and for an emergency evacuation. Structurally it appears to be safe, can you verify that, Mister Tucker?

As Tuck ran some numbers, Doc Beck started to speak some of the things they (or at the very least, Kirsty) was thinking.

Beck: ::frowning:: I'm going to guess there's no life support, so EVA suits would be necessary. A hull breach that big suggests whatever wasn't blown out into space is probably well-preserved. I'm not confident there's any survivors, but my scanner could be encountering interference.

Tucker: Life support varies from deck to deck, but let's assume that it doesn’t work at all. As the Doc said, EVA suits are the order of the day.

Carpenter: A search would be slow going, what with the EVAs and taking it compartment by compartment. But that's an advantage. That means it's methodical too...

From the Science Station came another bit of fine counsel. Along with the first time Kirsty had heard one of their newest arrivals speak for the first time.

Lorana: You'd need to be careful. Trapped compartments not exposed to the initial breach would be pressurised. You accidentally open the wrong hatch you'll be faced with the effects of a focused containment breach. No EV suit would protect you from that. Trust me, I've seen it before. :: checks the scans :: With the amount of damage to the ship, it wouldn't be possible to determine those pockets. Not from here.

Raedai: I don't think there are many air pockets. Yet just be on one side to avoid the worst of an explosive decompression.

oO And that's best possible scenario...Oo

But Kirsty was almost embarrassed about how excited she was. That strange hole notwithstanding, she could deal with a derelict ship. That was solid. That was able to be searched and quantified. All she needed to do was get over there.

O’Connor: RESPONSE

Raga paced slightly. Back. Forth. Kirsty's eye's followed up and stopped with him as he finally settled in front of...Chief Alieth? Kirsty now found herself grinning slightly, she couldn't help it. It was likely nerves, but also his whole vibe was kinda, frustratingly infectious. Especially when he stood closer to the slight visual joke of the only Vulcan Kirsty knew of that wore glasses.They shared a silent acknowledgement of one another.

Raga: Very well, Commander. I want you to beam over there with a team and see what you can find out. Survivors if any, logs, thorough scans. Best to go in a bit fuller than usual. Carpenter, Tuck, you’re with the Commander. ::He looked at each in turn, then back at Alieth:: Might as well bring Rox and Dekas with you too. Just in case anyone’s still alive over there. ::The Al-Leyan quickly added:: And your newest subordinate, Crewman Barberra could benefit from getting a firsthand look at what the Isles has to offer.

A momentary storm passed over the Commander's face. As if running a sort of calculus and misliking the results. Kirsty knew, maybe, of what he was thinking. Their likelihood of finding survivors, especially with that sort of damage to the ship and the possible dangerously unstable pockets of hard vacuum left ...it would have been a miracle.

But even as Kirsty stood and readied herself to cross off the Bridge, she respected and maybe even loved them all for the shared implicit understanding they all came to, even with the grim knowledge.

They had to try.

XO Alieth snapped toward them both.

Alieth: Aye aye, Commander:: Turning to the other two officers:: I expect you ready in transporter room two in ten minutes. EVA-suit and any equipment you deem necessary for your work.

Tucker: ::salom::I’ll get my gear,

Carpenter: On it, sir.

Captain Raga returned to his seat, tapping carefully the comm panel on the arm rest.

Raga: =/\= Ensign Is’Kah. Please report to the bridge to cover the Engineering station. =/\=

The Bridge once more exploded into rich, powerfully directed work. XO Alieth was already up and out of the Bridge, conferring with what looked like Rox and...some other officer Kirsty couldn't see as the porthole door had hissssed closed before she could see the full scene.

But she would see plenty soon enough...crossing up and out of the Bridge herself, heading right for the Quartermaster and a clunkily solid EVA suit...

She wouldn't want to keep the new First Officer, or her new teammates, waiting, after all.

--

TAG/TBC

--

Lieutenant Commander

Kirsty L. Carpenter

//\\

Chief of Security & Tactical

Starfleet SAR

(Marine Rank: Major)

//\\

U.S.S. RONIN

NCC-34523

ID: E239512QC0

//\\

F.N.S. CONTRIBUTOR

(SB118 Forums)

April 19

@VLen Kel more Rox hilarity

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Rox was becoming concerned that k'Oar might be inebriated, but before she could speak Beck turned up. He must have some kind of second sense for new single women in the area.

Beck: 'Wang chung' means whatever you want it to mean, man. If you wanna get technical, though, I think it's also the name for the first note in the Chinese musical scale from Earth.

oO ::sarcastically:: Oh yay, it's Quentin Beck. Oo

Rox: ::slightly mocking:: That's impressive knowledge, and here's me thinking your only talent was the birthday suit sprint.

Barberra: ::Offering hand:: I’m Crewman Annamae Barberra, Science and tight rope walking Specialist. On temporary transfer to the Ronin.

Beck: I didn't know they had a focus on that with the Science major at the Academy. Well, you live, you learn. Ensign Quentin Beck, Medical officer, neurospecialist, and recent survivor of a Ferengi commando team

Rox: ::loud eyeroll:: Ok Lothario. Why don't we give the new girl a week to settle in before you start "working your magic". ::turning to Barberra:: Roxanne Queen, but Rox is good.

April 18

@VLen Kel this feud with Rox just makes me laugh so hard every time it comes up now

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Niac: Ensign Beck, don’t go anywhere. Although the Ensign here only recently joined the Ronin, he has already demonstrated a level of commitment to this ship and crew that I consider exemplary. He demonstrated that commitment on the surface when he, without hesitation or thought of harm to himself, used his body to shield Acting Ensign Rox Queen from weapons fire in the middle of a chaotic situation. For this action, you have earned yourself the Good Conduct Ribbon and my personal thanks. Congratulations Ensign Beck.

Rox sat up immediately and her hand came crashing down on the table in a tight fist. Plates and glasses clinked loudly after the thud of Rox's fist faded. Vomek turned around to throw her an irritated expression and others looked at her with confusion.

Rox: ::whispering:: Sorry.

Raga: Well deserved, doc.

Son of a space whale! Beck was getting an award for shoving her face in the dirt. A fusillade of angry words rolled through her head. Rox wondered how possible it was to turn the man into a newt. Perhaps temporarily until he got better.

April 3

More genius from @LuxaLorana for torturing Our Man Beck

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((Quentin Beck's Quarters - USS Ronin))

Zoyara placed her hands on her hips and looked at the room. It was perfect. The feline pet he kept came up to her and made some kind of noise at her.

Quinn: She might be hungry?

She climbed out from the panel next to the replicator and fixed it back in place.

Vailani: Do you think it's weird that he keeps a domestic animal that has a resemblance to the person he wants to date?

Quinn: :: shrugs :: He's a weird guy. And she has different fur patterns. She's cute :: bends down and strokes the cat :: Aren't you a nice girl.

Alice purrs loudly and rubs herself against the human.

Vailani: :: eugh :: Whatever. Are the holo-emitters ready?

Quinn: Yes, Lt. Dasch needs them back before the beta shift tomorrow. They've been set up how you wanted.

Vailani: :: devious :: He won't notice a thing. Perfect.

Quinn: I don't think it'll be a night he'll forget. Remind me why we're doing this? I thought messing with his replicator was a good idea?

Vailani: That's because you lack imagination Clara. The replicator faulting on this vessel is no big deal. He still went on the date with Luxa. Then offered to kiss one of the wedding guests after Luxa saved his bare ass.

Quinn: True. He has no shame.

Vailani: I hate him. If he wakes in the middle of the night terrified out of his skin that's something he'll never forget. So everytime he sees Luxa he'll remember what her friends are capable of. Friends that he doesn't even know exist.

Quinn: He needs to know we're watching.

Vailani: He will know. When we bring his greatest fears to life :: looks to time on the replicator :: Let's go before his shift ends.

Both officers move to exit. Zoyara takes one last look and smiles.

((In the wee hours - some time later))

Clara wipes the sleep from her eye as she waited outside Beck’s quarters. The Bajoran was wearing all black as she approached.

Vailani: You didn't wear the outfit?

Quinn: :: looks at her comfy tee and pants :: I don't think he's going to care about what I'm wearing.

Vailani: :: disapproving :: Okay. Let's activate the emitters.

Quinn: :: looks at PADD :: Activated.

Clara held up the PADD so that Zoyara could see the video feed they had set up. It had two separate areas; his sleeping compartment and the main living area.

They could see his moustached face, eyes closed as he dozed soundly.

Quinn: He looks so peaceful.

Vailani: Last sound night of sleep he's having for a while.

Clara looked at Zoyara with a stern expression.

Quinn: We're not going to permanently traumatise him. Promise me.

Vailani: :: begrudgingly :: Temporarily. I promise.

Quinn: Don't push it too far. We can get into serious trouble for this.

Vailani: I don't intend to push it too far. Just enough. That's all. Now start the programme and pass me that PADD. I'll adjust as we go.

Quinn: Wait.

Vailani: What?

Quinn: The cat. I'm not putting her through this.

She quickly used her door override code to open Beck’s quarters. The cat was asleep on the small sofa, she poked her head up in Clara's direction and after a quick prompt padded her way over to her. The engineer scooped her into her arms and stepped back into the corridor.

Vailani: Happy?

Clara nodded and nuzzled into Alice's soft fur.

Vailani: Okay, I've locked the door, disarmed the internal sensors. He's all alone with no one to hear him -

Quinn: Don't. Just get on with it.

On the screens the Holo emitters they had fixed into position sprung into action with holographic fog beginning to fill his sleeping compartment.

Then she activated the Trebaka Spiders, large furred eight legged creatures with fangs the size of Alice. The crawled up the walls around his bed and began to spin some webbing around the sleeping man.

Vailani: Time to wake up sleeping beauty.

After the Bajoran tapped the keys on her PADD another figure appeared in the room. It was Beck's father.

Zoyara knew there was nothing more frightening than a father.

Holo Beck Dad: Son. Son.

Beck: Response

Tags/TBC

((OOC - this is only the beginning of his nightmare ))

April 2

This has horrific ramifications for Beck's personal reputation despite his innocence. Hilarious work by @LuxaLorana

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((OOC - sim title is a reference to John Tucker Must Die the movie not an actual threat!))

((47 Lounge, USS Ronin))

Zoyara had taken a seat in the corner of the room. It was dark, lit only by the glare from the various PADDs in front of her.

Clara hesitated a moment before she decided to approach. They were barely acquaintances. They'd met on the transport en-route to the Ronin and Clara found her company unpleasant for the most part. Yet, Luxa seemed to enjoy her.

Quinn: :: taking the seat opposite :: Thanks for agreeing to -

Vailani: I've downloaded his academy transcript. All of his social content, some student movies he's made - they aren't too bad, I'll give him that - holo programmes and his entire contact list.

Clara raised her eyebrows. Impressive.

Quinn: :: takes her seat:: I knew you were the right person to help me.

Vailani: It's in the interest of all onboard that we root out the bad seeds. The Prophet's will, be done.

Quinn: :: jokes :: I'm not sure we need to get the wormhole aliens involved. Sending him to the Gamma Quadrant might be a little extreme.

Zoy laid her PADD down on the table and locked eyes with the human engineer.

Vailani: Oh, you're one of those.

Quinn: One of?

Vailani: Wormhole aliens. Saying the word Prophet is somehow offensive to you?

Quinn: No, of course not I just … It's what I call them, I stand corrected :: changes subject :: So what do you think we should do? Should we speak to Luxa?

Zoy shook her head incredulously. She had no intention of speaking with her, she knew the Caitain far too well. They had served together for almost a year and roomed for most of that time on the Artemis.

Vailani: You know as well as I do that Luxa will not be told, she'll do whatever she wants wether or not it gets her hurt. That's where we come in, as her friends. :: looks up from her PADD directly at Quinn :: First I need to ask you a serious question and I'd appreciate a serious answer?

Quinn: Shoot.

Vailani: Are you doing this because you have feelings for Luxa?

Clara almost spat out her drink.

Quinn: Of course not!

Vailani: :: doubtful :: Are you sure?

Quinn: :: annoyed :: This isn't about me and Luxa. This is about doctor randy and Luxa. She's probably about to have her heart broken. She doesn't deserve that by some dumb guy.

Vailani: Okay. :: picks up one PADD and turns it around :: Here's all the rumours I've got. Some say that he's helping that new engineer have babies with her Andorian partner. Seems bogus, too many moving parts and none of them have been to Sickbay.

Quinn: How do you know that?

Vailani: As you know the door entry logs register combadges. All of it is stored and sorted in the central processor and as an operations officer I have access to that. They'd be hard put to do such a thing without proper authorisation from the CMO and none of them have met with Doctor Kel.

Quinn: I don't know if I should ask how you know Doctor Kel's diary?

Vailani: Nothing that would break regulations. Maybe skirt around the edges a little. Some regulations are … prohibitive.

Quinn: Ensign Is'Kah did tell me that they had some kind of thing. She seemed upset by it. Well for. Vulcan hybrid. I don't know, she's hard to read, a little :: can't think of the word :: I guess you'll meet her yourself eventually.

Vailani: I'm sure I will. Maybe he turned her down, some women can't handle rejection. Vulcans are very sensitive. I think it's more than likely he's seeing someone else. Next rumour is that he's dating two botanists. Ensign Donel told me that she saw him having a picnic in the arboretum with the Bolian sisters, Calissa and Ciera. I've checked the logs for the arboretum and he's been in there a lot. He's accessed the arboretum 9 times since he's been onboard. A total of 17 hours, 19 minutes and 4 seconds. I don't have clearance to access any surveillance footage. Do you?

Quinn: :: a little dazzled :: Uhm no. You would need to have command or higher security level clearance to access that. I doubt they'll authorise it for … snooping.

Vailani: I prefer to think of it as intel gathering. Given that he has no real purpose to be in the arboretum so frequently. He doesn't have any special interests listed in his file for botany. I'm going to assume he's having it away with Calissa, at the least. I did pop by and speak to her before we came and she practically ran away from me. Very suspicious.

Quinn: Maybe you scared her? Did you tell her all of this?

Vailani: No, of course not. I just asked her about her relationship with Beck. She was suspicious. Didn't want to talk about it.

Quinn: Maybe she doesn't -

Vailani: Anyway. The most damning piecenof evidence is this.

She hands over a PADD.

Clara watches the grainy footage, which appears to be the evacuation area on Grus Beta Three. There is some commotion and Beck and Rox end up beside each other. A few words pass between them.

Vailani: You see that?

Quinn: I don't know what to make of this?

Vailani: :: exasperated:: It's proof. Look at that. His hands, her smile. They way they linger. It's clear to anyone that they have something going on. Why else would everyone on the ship be sharing this video?

Quinn: I don't know it doesn't seem -

Vailani: I'm eighty percent convinced that he's done something wrong.

Quinn: :: nods :: Agreed. For sure.

Vailani: :: changes the view on the PADD :: This is my idea.

She holds the PADD up so that Clara can see the screen.

Quinn: Oh … oh … oh … is this maybe a little extreme?

Vailani: It won't get us the brig or mess hall duty … unless he reports us … which he won't because I have this file …

The smile that spread across Zoyara’s face could only be described as pure malevolence. She raised the PADD and displayed a video.

Clara wasn't sure her jaw could drop as much as it did seated there. The video was Beck, naked, except for a pink party hat on and eating something.

Quinn: :: disgust :: Is that peanut butter? :: looks away :: I've seen enough.

Vailani: It's obscene is what it is. This was not easy to find. Someone, I suspect Beck, did not want this to fall into the wrong hands. Which in this case were mine.

Quinn: You're going to blackmail him?

Vailani: It's our insurance. He won't report us or I'll release this to every social outlet he's attached to across the fleet. He doesn't want the Fleet Commander seeing his … jumbo stick.

End of Part One.

--

Lieutenant JG Clara Quinn

Engineer

USS Ronin

A240004LL2

--

Ensign Vailani Zoyara

Flight Operations Officer

USS Ronin

A240004LL2

--

As simmed by:

--

Lieutenant JG Luxa Lorana

Science Officer (Astrometrics, Meteorology, Xenology)

USS Ronin

A240004LL2

March 26

@VLen Kel providing a very sweet and heartwarming scene between Kel and Rox

Quote

((Sickbay Complex, Deck 10, USS Ronin))

Rox sat upright at the reception station with a stack of PADDs stacked neatly at her side. She'd been up for several hours already and she'd tried to get as much ready as possible. She had been thinking of talking to V'Len for days and now she hoped she was finally ready. While she'd mostly known V'Len to be level headed, he certainly had some crazy moments. How would he react to her request, particularly as she herself saw it as a betrayal.

She was looking down when the main doors opened, but she could tell by the sound of the steps that V'Len had arrived. She looked up and his face looked as it did on many days, as if he'd just heard a funny anecdote or perhaps been caught up in a funny anecdote.

Rox: ::standing:: Good morning sir!

V'Len had been thinking about a man he'd heard about in Nantucket. So the greeting caught him slightly off guard. The voice was familiar but the greeting was not. He furrowed his brow and looked at Rox standing behind the reception desk straightening her uniform.

Kel: ::suspiciously:: Rox?

Her normal greeting was "hey there" or more often "what's up doc". This new formality was unnerving.

Rox: I wanted to let you know I've reviewed files with alerts on them. I've also sent notifications to those personnel who need to come in for medical checks.

Now things were getting strange. Rox getting to sickbay before him was almost unheard of and typically she spent the first 90 minutes of her day on Vomek's Tiddbitter account.

Rox: I also have some Raktajino for you.

V'Len hesitantly took the coffee, trying to assess the situation.

Kel: Thank you. ::pause:: Walk with me.

The pair began moving down the hall and V'Len led them into Ward A.

Rox: So, Sir, what do you have on deck today and how can I assist? I was thinking we should do a comparison of inoculation status of the crew against the current Starfleet Medical recommendations.

Kel: Well that does make sense, but the computer is set to alert us about inoculation gaps. We don't need to check it manually. And I have a patient who needs urgent care now.

He pulled a medical tricorder out of a drawer and opened it.

Rox's eyes widened. She'd not seen anyone come in and no alerts had come to her. How could she have missed an urgent patient

Rox: ::looking around:: Where is the patient? ::looking at V'Len:: Wait, are you scanning me?

Kel: Yes.

Rox: Why?!?

Kel: Because I'm trying to figure out if you have some kind of brain fever or if you've been possessed by a non-corporeal entity.

Rox: ::shaking her head:: Pffft. Don't be stupid it's me Rox.

V'Len smiled. There real Rox was in there after all. So why the "sirs"?

Kel: Is it? You never call me "sir" and frankly your whole demeanor is ::pausing:: unsettling.

Rox: Unsettling really. I'm just trying to be polite.

Kel: Why? Not that I don't appreciate the effort, but we've ::pointing between them:: never stood on ceremony before.

Rox looked down. She'd overplayed her hand. V'Len was no more skeptical than he would have been if she'd come in late and used her normal greeting.

Kel: What's up?

Rox figited. She could barely breathe. Maybe she should just forget the whole thing? But she steeled herself and tried to speak.

Rox: ::sighing:: I umm ::pause:: I want to try other duty posts outside of sickbay.
V'Len closed the tricorder and stepped back to lean against one of the biobeds. He crossed his arms.

Kel: And what? You thought I'd be upset?

Rox: ::raising her arms:: Aren't you?

V'Len realized he needed to tread carefully. If he said no, Rox would likely interpret that to mean she was not valued. If he said yes, she might not follow her passions, which would likewise be unacceptable.

Kel: ::matter of fact:: Look Rox, I would be lying if I said I won't feel a tug. You and I have been working together since the Thor. We got incarcerated together. ::pausing:: But I'm also your CO and part of that is being a mentor. What kind of mentor would I be if I didn't let you pursue your own potential.

Rox: ::hesitantly:: I just don't want to lose our friendship.

Kel: Pah! I should hope it wouldn't be over something like this. ::pausing:: And as your friend I'm telling you, get out there and see what you've got. If you end up back here great, if you move elsewhere, I'll certainly be cheering you on.

Rox felt a large weight lift. She was not sure what to do, but she stepped forward and threw her arms around the CMO in a tight embrace.

Kel: Ok. We're hugging now.

V'Len tried to carefully return the hug, but he was certain he looked ridiculous. He just hoped no one was walking by. Seconds passed and then moments.

Kel: Umm…I think we're good now right?

Rox did not let go or ease up her embrace.

Kel: Hey, while this is fun, why don't we do some fungi experiments. For old time sake.

Thankfully Rox released him and took a step back. She looked ecstatic.

Rox: I'll get the petri dishes!

Kel: Perfect. I'll pull some strains I've grown for Niac. Let's see if the "mycelial network" works in the Alpha Isles.

[End]

--

Lieutenant Commander V’Len Kel

Chief Medical Officer

USS Ronin NCC-34523

T239811VK2

He/Him (character and player)

March 26

@LuxaLorana making me laugh with how disgusted she is by the whole situation; special mention of @Alieth for delightfully playing along

Quote

((At night, unknown location in the outskirts of the Capital, Ferenginar))

Alieth: It is perfect…

Luxa wasn't entirely sure how she felt about the adoration the Vulcan showed towards the shuttle. It looked like a nicely designed vessel, built for speed and agility. Two requirements that they'd need in the upcoming race.

Yet, the way the small CSO moved around the vehicle, along with the flirtations with Bec, made Luxa feel a little … weirded out.

Lorana: Can we … not …

Before she could finish, the flamboyant Ferengi interrupted, a look of delight on his face.

Bec: Look familiar?

Alieth: It's our design, the one we put forward as the ultimate vehicle for the race, is a natural born winner. ::She turned to him, a faint note of admiration in her flat voice:: you have built it.

oO our design? Oo

He grinned a toothy, beetle-flecked grin.

Bec: So you do remember. All of those late nights we spent together the last time you were here for a race, you had so many opinions about the shuttle I'd provided and how poorly designed it had been. How lucky I'd been that you could make it win despite… oh, how did you put it?

Luxa felt an eye roll come on. She was most certainly not a romantic type in the best of times, and she now knew that she was not the romantic type in the strangest of times at all.

Bec: 'The obvious design flaws that could only have been missed by a child or an imbecile.' That one hurt.

Alieth: It was an apt description, despite what you said.

She stepped forward. She didn't like where this was heading and had no interest in participating in some strange ménage a trois with a vulgar Ferengi and her Vulcan boss.

Lorana: If you two are finished? Can I get a closer look at the shuttle? :: points towards it :: I don't want to … uhm … amend your baby. I'll need modifications fitted and my tag printed on the side. My pawprint with a silver strike through it.

Bec stared at Alieth another moment but she was so absorbed reviewing the exterior of the ship that she didn't notice. After a while his gaze flicked to Luxa and he nodded, gripping at the inner edges of his jacket and pursing his lips.

Bec: Give me a list and your tag's design and I'll see what I can do.

He looked fondly at the shuttle.

Bec: Shouldn't need to do much modification, though. She's one of a kind, and she's the best at everything.

Was he looking at Alieth for the second half of that thought? Maybe.

Alieth: ::with a nod:: Indeed, if correctly adjusted, it should only need the navigator's specifications.

The tiny Ferengi looked to Lorana again curiously.

Bec: That tag sounds familiar. I recall seeing something fairly similar on Ceti Alpha V, on the old Botany Bay track. That was you?

Lorana: Yes that was me on Ceti Alpha V. If the Nausicaan hadn't run me off the track,'d have won that race. Near killed me.

Alieth: ::Absentmindedly while still inspecting the craft:: You should have taken it out at the next corner, one hit on the tail and those Nausicaan ships spin around like a top.

Luxa noted that observation. She had enjoyed the race, yet considered herself an amateur and hadn't participated in one since joining Starfleet Academy. She had learnt that Alieth, aka Honey Badger was a prolific racer, with a storied history.

They had sworn that they'd only mention their participation and activities in seclusion, and whilst in the midst of a race. All other occasions it was as if it didn't happen.

The Caitian had willingly agreed to the terms. For two reasons, she enjoyed Alieth company and she'd neglected her piloting and navigational skills for too long.

She also liked being a little rebellious.

Bec: ::looking amused:: Still the same old Alieth.

He nodded at the shuttle.

Bec: You can keep it here, or take it with you if you wish. Take 'er out for a test flight, if you want. She flies like a dream. Like I told your Caitian partner, any modifications you wanna make, just provide me a list and I'll get you what you need.

Alieth: Copy that

Bec: We can discuss payment for my sponsoring your race later. The shuttle? My gift to you.

At last, Alieth took her eyes off the hand, but not the hand, which remained possessively on its burnished surface.

Alieth: Your lobes have shrunk even more Bec? How do you benefit from this?

Lorana: :: eyes raised in shock :: Uhm … please can we stick to the topic of racing. No chat about lobes :: looks pointedly at Alieth :: Or the size of his lobes.

He turned and made his way to the stairs leading up, not fully answering their questions.

Bec: If you'll excuse me, I have some other business I must attend to - but please, feel free to make use of the facility as long as you like. I'll make sure you've got access whenever you like.

The little man disappeared behind a door too big for him, and Alieth became well aware of the gaze of the Caitian woman on her, and of the question in their eyes, even though neither could really see the other's face.

Alieth: He is only an associate. It is logical to have associates in the places that you need to frequent for this type of... business.

Lorana: That seemed a lot more than business. I didn't know that it was a requirement to flirt, and discuss the size of his lobes? I think Honey Badger may have a liking for our Ferengi friend?

Alieth smiled fiercely again inside her helmet, the expression hidden for the world to not see.

Alieth: It is logical to treat an associate in a way that makes him more effective, Panther. Flirting with Bec isn't going to kill anyone.

Luxa shook her head and laughed, knowing that there wouldn't be much else she'd get from the Vulcan. Although she was certain that she saw a twinkle in the mischievous Vulcans eyes.

((A couple of days later, asteroid field, near the orbit of the planet REDACTED, system REDACTED ))

The Threshan E'Shua purred in the last line of vehicles, the furthest from the starting line. All around her, above and below, force fields conveniently placed on some of the larger asteroids created a huge tube of light, glowing red and white bands containing the 24 tiny craft in position until the race director gave the start. Then, off they would go, each in groups of four every half second, and it all would begin.

Honey Badger stood up once again from the tiny pilot's seat and looked to the sides. There were two ships shaped like slender sea creatures to their left. Ferengi ships, novice racers running their first race. To the right was a custom-designed ship, perhaps originally Romulan or Klingon, based on the green colour of the surface plating, but impossible to tell with any certainty.

Alieth: That damned half-drowned worm has cheated us, twenty-four position? He has not spent a single strip more than necessary, that stingy cheapskate.…

Panther had felt more than a little disappointed with their starting position. She hadn't even considered laying down some latinum. Her family's wealth could have probably bought them every racer here and the pilots.

Lorana: We'll make it work.

Alieth: Look over there

The petite Vulcan pointed to a large ship, half of the decks on its sides covered with large windows on which were superimposed brightly coloured holographic screens. Even from far away, it could be distinguished that they were different shots of the ships, provided by the dozens of camera drones that hovered around the corridors. She knew that when it started, one would be attached to each of the hulls, while the rest would try to follow the race closely and provide general shots.

Alieth: That maggot will be up there betting against us. If we lose, he wins. If we win, he gets the prize. That maggot will be up there betting against us. If we lose, he wins. If we win, he gets the prize. :: She let out a string of insults in her native language, which sounded like grating sand:: Rule of acquisition twenty-one, never place friendship above profit, eh Bec?

Lorana: I'm sure your boyfriend put a larger wager on your win than your loss.

The Vulcan plopped down on the seat and let out a sigh into the dull confines of her helmet. Luxa let out a laugh, and deftly moved not the navigation chair and began to read the sensors.

Alieth: You are right, indeed, you are right. You know the rules, right?

Lorana: I could do with a refresh? It's been a while.

Luxa twisted from the sensors to pay attention to Alieth who'd just spun round to face her. Honey Badger held up a gloved hand with X fingers raised.

Alieth: Blind race, we will only have one waypoint and only once we have crossed the previous one. The waypoints change every six pilots who cross them. Only the navigator, that's you, has the information of the race, I only have the control of the ship, no course assistance, everything manual.

Lorana: :: nods :: That makes sense.

Honey Badger made a movement that suggested a shrugging of shoulders, that came across stilted and unnatural. Very human. Luxa had to smile as she thought how unusual it was for other species to emulate one that was so … basic.

Alieth: No outside intervention, no connection to databases, only what we have with us. Nothing else, the first one to cross the finish line wins and takes it all. As long as you do not die, everything else is allowed.

Lorana: :: thrilled :: That's perfect.

She wasn't oblivious to her need for risky adventures. It was something that had been pointed out to her many times. From S’karal on the Y'Kiran and her instructors at the Academy.

It had earned her the nickname Danger Kitty in some circles. She'd never admit it to anyone however she quite liked the moniker despite being compared to a domestic animal of Earth.

Bec: Honey Badger, my love. I am very pleased the two of you made it - and with extra time, no less.

Alieth: Response

oO eugh Oo

Lorana: :: to Alieth :: No lobe chat.

Alieth: Response

Bec: Now, now, darling, you know I'm not allowed to play favorites. Not publicly, anyway. I can promise you, though, this will be easier than you might think.

Alieth: Response

She had begun to do her pre-flight checks, as a way of distracting herself from Bec. He had a habit of finishing each sentence like a statement. As if of all the lowlife, greedy, self indulgent Ferengi that ever existed he was the most important of them all.

Bec: You think I'm worried? You're in the fastest, sleekest ship in the quadrant. I'm not worried.

There it was again. Luxa eye rolled so hard into her skull, she thought her eyeballs would fall into her tail.

Alieth: Response

Lorana: Pre-flight checks done. Bec, tell me, :: mocks Alieth voice :: our favourite grub, how much did you wager on Honey Badger? No lies, we’ll check with the race exchequer. Liars don't get lobe time :: looks to Alieth and giggles playfully :: Isn't that right Honey Badger?

Bec: Response

Lorana: Isn't that romantic.

Bec/Alieth: Response

Lorana: The race is about to start. Don't mind us Grubbie. Gotta go!

Bec/Alieth: Response

No hesitation the race track comes alive, with the racers bursting into motion. The track roars into life with the sound of the engines, somewhere in the distance Luxa can hear the commentators, and the crowds cheer.

Up ahead two racers collide into each, the resulting melee then caused another to crash into the back of them. All three of them fall from the course and begin to drift, one of which engines erupt into flames.

Maintenance drones spring into life. No doubt their will be a charge for that service.

Lorana: Bank right here. You need to avoid the racer, bearing 2.3 to starboard. They are way too close.

Alieth: Response

Tags/TBC

OOC:

1Threshan → Vuhlkansu, speed the rate or a measure of the rate of motion, especially the distance traveled divided by the time of travel (noun)

2E'Shua → Vuhlkansu, demon, devil; an evil supernatural being; a devil (anc.)

--

Lieutenant JG Luxa Lorana

Science Officer (Astrometrics, Meteorology, Xenology)

USS Ronin

A240004LL2

March 22

A secondary honk of laughter for @Karrod Niac from the same joint post

Quote

Niac: Mutiny and murder aside you could absolutely pursue command if you were so inclined, although I can tell you from experience it’s quite a long road…getting from there to..::He gestured towards himself::...here. It took me quite a long time…but my time is finally here.

For a moment he thought he thought he heard faint strains of acoustic guitar and shook his head to clear some random memory Niac liked to put on repeat just to torment him.

March 22

@VLen Kel has done it again, made me honk with laughter, and at the exact same moment Beck was inspired to honk with laughter for some unknown reason

Quote

Rox: ::hesitantly:: Me want promotion? ::beat:: please? oO Very smooth. Oo

February 24

@Ian OConnor's Ferengi npc making me laugh my backside off

Quote

He was pulling some salty scarab slims from his utility pouch and was about to crunch down a few when he heard the explosion. He turned to see that the lavatory facility across the courtyard erupted in a fireball. He couldn’t help scoffing just a bit because it was a free use facility. There is always latnum to be made from biological needs.

oO “Pee equals profit.” As gran-moogie used to say. Oo

Had colonists charged for usage and built a better budget, they probably could have afforded better quality building materials and safety precautions. Then again, anyone with decent lobes would have skimped anyway and drove up the profit margin.

February 10

Special recognition to @LuxaLorana for giving me such great stuff to work with with Emzai, Kipal, and Drisila

January 29

@Dekas

It's very Homer Simpson and/or Peter Griffin to me lol

January 26

@VLen Kel knocked it out of the park with all of this

Quote

((Aerodrome, Landing City, Grus Beta 3))

Neut was rather enjoying her day out in the Aerodrome. The Starfleet officers were hardly the threat Toz'ot* seemed to think. If anything they were more silly than threatening. Rox, the nurse she had run into, seemed kind and not entirely different from here. Just a person in the galaxy doing a job. As the announcement of the attack on the colony bellowed through the air, Neut realized her time with Rox was coming to a close. It was a shame too, the food the Starfleet had was pretty good. As the crowd began to ungulate with distress Neut slowly backed away from Rox to disappear into the crowd. Sudden firing of a plasma rifle turned Neut's casual stroll away into a quick sprint. Firefights were usually avoided and she wandered what Toz'ot was playing at. Surely she didn't think that armed conflict with Starfleet was a good idea. Even a child knew that was foolish. Coming round one of the aerodrome hangers, she came face to face with Toz'ot and her pet Klingon.

Neut: Hello, Toz'ot. The Starfleet are down there, but there's no worry. They're just silly.

Emzai: Good girl. Now go to my office :: stops her :: Stay away from a'nirih* Kipal. He's sick.

She kicked the dust. She knew it was a bad idea to disobey Toz'ot.

Neut: ::quietly:: Whose fault is that? :: louder:: Be nice to the dark haired nurse. She has sandwiches.

There was no response, as if Toz'ot had not even heard her. She and the Klingon were looking down at the medical camp. Neut turned around and headed off toward the Administration building. Perhaps Kipal had a new story for her.

Emzai: :: to Drisila :: You can go in.

((Aerodrome, Temporary Medical Outpost, Landing City, Grus Beta 3))

In the chaos of what had been the Starfleet Medical Outpost Rox had been shot at and could now not find Neut, which was extremely disconcerting for her. Her relaxing day had taken a bad turn and all she needed now was some overprotective ensign and she'd have the trifecta.

Rox: I can't find Neut.

Carpenter: What about the-

Beck: Who's Neut?

Rox: She's a kid, she was with me before all this started.

Carpenter: Okay. Okay. I'll handle this.

Beck: Hey - don't do anything stupid, all right? I've got enough patients here, I don't need you giving me one more.

Rox continued to scan the crowds. There were plenty of little people but none of them were Neut.

Rox: Where did she go?

Commander Carpenter strode forward into the crowd. She felt a hand on her elbow and felt Ensign Beck gently pushing her back. Under other circumstances Rox would have objected strenuously, but she knew it would be unwise to add to the conflagration. She stepped back with Beck and the Commander gave a loud whistle. The crowd slowed down and looked at her.
Carpenter: I know, I KNOW things are crazy right now. And we know you've had problems with the Federation in the past. But you have to believe me, our ship and crew Here. To. Help! Even now, our XO is bringing our ship over Kite Springs to help deal with the fire. That alert was just someone trying to confuse you! To scare you!

The Stranger smiled slightly. His weapon now hidden under his long coat he blended into the crowd as best he could. He hadn't expected the reaction he'd gotten when he fired at the camp. A little rifle fire between farmers on GB3 was often a neighborly way to say hello, even to show interest. Clearly the crowd of city folk did not view it that way. Perhaps the mysterious fire had spooked them.

Rox and beck were back near one of the many supply containers Starfleet hand brought down. He released his hold on her arm and Rox rolled her eyes with some annoyance and he seemed to move himself between her and harm. She'd been in space far longer than him. She'd tangled with pirates, been on a starship as it plunged toward a planet, she did not need protecting. Luckily for him Beck moved forward.

Beck: These hands are bound by an oath to do no harm. To do everything in their power and ability to provide care to those in need. And while I might be a Starfleet officer, I'm a Doctor first. ::lowering his hands and pulling off his combadge to hold it up:: Whatever this symbol might have represented for you in the past, for me it's a symbol of hope. I know not everyone trusts Starfleet or the Federation, and rightly so. They've made mistakes, but they're only–

oO Oh Gawd. Oo

Rox suppressed a giggle. Had Dr. Beck memorized this speech from somewhere or was he making this up on the spot.

Beck: They're fallible. Even when they're not supposed to be. And sometimes they have to be forced, kicking and screaming, to admit when they've done wrong. I promise you, on my oath and on these hands, I will do everything I can to make up for whatever failure may have happened before, but I need the chance to do it.

Nope, he'd made it up on the spot. Rox tried to be supportive.

Rox: ::nodding her head toward Beck:: What he said.

Carpenter: These are good people. Good officers. We would never do anything to...

Angry Tellarite: They said the same, Goldie!

oO So much for speeches. Oo

Beck: ::under his breath:: Oh, crap.

Beck whirled around and was suddenly pushing her back into their small hiding spot. She did not care for it. But a moment later it did not matter as the both tumbled to the dust as the grown trembled.

Carpenter: DOWN DOWN DOWN!

Rox was trying to get her bearings when Beck suddenly pushed her down and threw a coat over him. She was not sure why, but she was now on the ground with Beck and his coat. There was an alarming amount of noise coming from beyond the coat and she could not be sure what it was. Rox again felt herself pushed until she was flat on her stomach in the dirt.

oO O.K. Now he owes me dinner. Oo

Beck was suddenly back on his feet Rox pulled he head up out of the dust.

Beck: Stay down.

Rox: ::annoyed:: Yes sir. ::cough, cough::

She continued to slowly pull herself to her feet, brushing the dust from her clothing. There seemed to be some haze in the air and something seemed to be wrong with the Commander.

Beck: Oh, hell.

Carpenter: No. nononononononononono.

Rox pulled herself to her feet and moved to grab some kind of medkit. Her recent time on the ground with the doctor had left her in a bit of a state. Kristy seemed to be in a state as well.

Carpenter: C'mon then, you Breen sicko. C'MON!

Rox cold see no Breen anywhere. There was a Tellarite, several humans and an Andorian in a long coat.

Beck: Any chance you got another hypo on you? Or maybe a hit of stimulant?

Rox pulled a hypo out, and waited a moment. The ABCs of rescue started with D. Don't run into Danger Dimwit. She waited a moment to ensure that she wasn't about to end up like the Commander. That would not do.

The farmers on GB3 were very familiar with the dangers of the Ore the city dwellers mined. The yellow uniformed Starfleet woman had taken a full dose of the gas. He moved forward to try to assist. She was easy on the eyes and seeing her distress almost made him forget the suffering Starfleet had inflicted on his family.

Stranger: ::walking toward Kristy:: Easy lady. You're alright.

As he moved toward her his plasma rifle slipped out of his coat. She threw her arms over the barrel of the weapon and began yanking it so hard that he fell to his knees.

Stranger: Easy doll face, easy.

Rox slid in next to Kristy and touched the hypo to Kristy's neck. She wished she'd seen the gun before she started her run, but it was too late for that now. She watched as the commander seemed to regain herself, but it was only temporary.

Carpenter: I don't...

Rox: Easy Commander.

The woman erupted to her feet sending both Rox and the armed Andorian backwards into the dirt. Rox could see he'd hit his head on one of the many rocks in the area. After several seconds of turning around in the crowd, Carpenter finally seemed to come to her senses.

Rox looked tentatively at Commander Carpenter standing above her.

Rox: ::tentatively:: You with us here in the prime universe Commander?

Carpenter: Yeah, yeah, I'm back. For now, at least, thanks to y'all. What the bells happened?

Beck: RESPONSE

Carpenter: He sedated now?

Beck: RESPONSE

Carpenter: Can he talk?

Rox saw the Andorian lying flat on the ground.

Rox: ::smiling at back:: Nice job. So under your coat there ::smiling coyly:: We had a moment right? I felt like it was a moment.

Beck: RESPONSE

The doctor did not seem entertained, and the Commander was paying no attention at all. Rox made a slow creep back to the rest of the medical team who were trying to put the area back together and treat anyone who had been jostled in the fray.

Carpenter: This is startin' to look more and more like a plan. And I don't like much bein' on the other side of it.

The Stranger: ::groggy:: That was completely unnecessary.

Trying to get back on his feet Kos heard a word he'd prefer not to have heard.

Woman: :: panicked :: Administrator!

Emzai: It's okay. You're safe now. I'm here.

Woman: :: weeps :: Thank you, thank you so much.

It was that maladroit idiot Emzai. What was she sullying herself down here for? He looked to see if he could spy his plasma rifle anywhere

Emzai: It's okay, I'm here now.

Carpenter: Where's Drisila?

Emzai: She's right here. What a mess you've got yourself in.

The Starfleet officers turned to the now silent crowd.

Any: Response

Emzai: :: indicates the crowd and then the enforcers :: I suggest you unhand our people :: to the crowd :: Starfleet have come here, under the guise of peace. Desperate, on our knees, and they came like they did before, and they brought with them phasers and a battleship. They can't heal our world, or our people. Instead they fire weapons from the skies, they destroyed several of our homes! They brought the fire so they could reclaim our world in their war! They done it before :: to a man:: Jesa, they left your planet to the Cardassians and then to the Dominion. What became of it?

Jesa: Starfleet … they have an outpost there …

Emzai: They turned his home to the enemy and then into an outpost for themselves.

Kos had seen enough.

Kos: That's enough Emzai you ridiculous klahz**. ::surveying the crowd:: Every one of you knows Emzai would sell you out for a song.

Emzai/Beck/Carpenter/Any: Response

Kos: ::batting his eyes at Carpenter:: Don't flatter yourself darlin'. You're a tall drink of water, but I don't like Starfleet any better than saggy butt here ::pause:: In this case I'll take the devil with the better assets.

Kos gave an affectionate smile at the green eyed woman.

Emzai/Beck/Carpenter/Any: Response

Kos: ::Narrowing his eyes:: Keep this in mind Drisila. You can't wake the bear and not expect to tango.

Kos narrowed his eyes. That was right, right? Wake the bear, tango, yeah he was sure that was right.

Emzai/Beck/Carpenter/Any: Response

Tags/TBC

klahz** - Andorian animal famed for being lazy and clumsy

Crewman Rox
Nurse
USS Ronin NCC-34523
T239811VK2
&
Stranger
Former farmer/miner
T239811VK2
He/Him (character and player)

&

Neut
Child
GB3 Colony
T239811VK2

&

Kos
Former farmer/miner
T239811VK2
He/Him (character and player)

January 26

@Alieth Good point! I'll move it!

January 26

Quote

((Aerodrome, Landing City, Grus Beta 3))

Neut was rather enjoying her day out in the Aerodrome. The Starfleet officers were hardly the threat Toz'ot* seemed to think. If anything they were more silly than threatening. Rox, the nurse she had run into, seemed kind and not entirely different from here. Just a person in the galaxy doing a job. As the announcement of the attack on the colony bellowed through the air, Neut realized her time with Rox was coming to a close. It was a shame too, the food the Starfleet had was pretty good. As the crowd began to ungulate with distress Neut slowly backed away from Rox to disappear into the crowd. Sudden firing of a plasma rifle turned Neut's casual stroll away into a quick sprint. Firefights were usually avoided and she wandered what Toz'ot was playing at. Surely she didn't think that armed conflict with Starfleet was a good idea. Even a child knew that was foolish. Coming round one of the aerodrome hangers, she came face to face with Toz'ot and her pet Klingon.

Neut: Hello, Toz'ot. The Starfleet are down there, but there's no worry. They're just silly.

Emzai: Good girl. Now go to my office :: stops her :: Stay away from a'nirih* Kipal. He's sick.

She kicked the dust. She knew it was a bad idea to disobey Toz'ot.

Neut: ::quietly:: Whose fault is that? :: louder:: Be nice to the dark haired nurse. She has sandwiches.

There was no response, as if Toz'ot had not even heard her. She and the Klingon were looking down at the medical camp. Neut turned around and headed off toward the Administration building. Perhaps Kipal had a new story for her.

Emzai: :: to Drisila :: You can go in.

((Aerodrome, Temporary Medical Outpost, Landing City, Grus Beta 3))

In the chaos of what had been the Starfleet Medical Outpost Rox had been shot at and could now not find Neut, which was extremely disconcerting for her. Her relaxing day had taken a bad turn and all she needed now was some overprotective ensign and she'd have the trifecta.

Rox: I can't find Neut.

Carpenter: What about the-

Beck: Who's Neut?

Rox: She's a kid, she was with me before all this started.

Carpenter: Okay. Okay. I'll handle this.

Beck: Hey - don't do anything stupid, all right? I've got enough patients here, I don't need you giving me one more.

Rox continued to scan the crowds. There were plenty of little people but none of them were Neut.

Rox: Where did she go?

Commander Carpenter strode forward into the crowd. She felt a hand on her elbow and felt Ensign Beck gently pushing her back. Under other circumstances Rox would have objected strenuously, but she knew it would be unwise to add to the conflagration. She stepped back with Beck and the Commander gave a loud whistle. The crowd slowed down and looked at her.
Carpenter: I know, I KNOW things are crazy right now. And we know you've had problems with the Federation in the past. But you have to believe me, our ship and crew Here. To. Help! Even now, our XO is bringing our ship over Kite Springs to help deal with the fire. That alert was just someone trying to confuse you! To scare you!

The Stranger smiled slightly. His weapon now hidden under his long coat he blended into the crowd as best he could. He hadn't expected the reaction he'd gotten when he fired at the camp. A little rifle fire between farmers on GB3 was often a neighborly way to say hello, even to show interest. Clearly the crowd of city folk did not view it that way. Perhaps the mysterious fire had spooked them.

Rox and beck were back near one of the many supply containers Starfleet hand brought down. He released his hold on her arm and Rox rolled her eyes with some annoyance and he seemed to move himself between her and harm. She'd been in space far longer than him. She'd tangled with pirates, been on a starship as it plunged toward a planet, she did not need protecting. Luckily for him Beck moved forward.

Beck: These hands are bound by an oath to do no harm. To do everything in their power and ability to provide care to those in need. And while I might be a Starfleet officer, I'm a Doctor first. ::lowering his hands and pulling off his combadge to hold it up:: Whatever this symbol might have represented for you in the past, for me it's a symbol of hope. I know not everyone trusts Starfleet or the Federation, and rightly so. They've made mistakes, but they're only–

oO Oh Gawd. Oo

Rox suppressed a giggle. Had Dr. Beck memorized this speech from somewhere or was he making this up on the spot.

Beck: They're fallible. Even when they're not supposed to be. And sometimes they have to be forced, kicking and screaming, to admit when they've done wrong. I promise you, on my oath and on these hands, I will do everything I can to make up for whatever failure may have happened before, but I need the chance to do it.

Nope, he'd made it up on the spot. Rox tried to be supportive.

Rox: ::nodding her head toward Beck:: What he said.

Carpenter: These are good people. Good officers. We would never do anything to...

Angry Tellarite: They said the same, Goldie!

oO So much for speeches. Oo

Beck: ::under his breath:: Oh, crap.

Beck whirled around and was suddenly pushing her back into their small hiding spot. She did not care for it. But a moment later it did not matter as the both tumbled to the dust as the grown trembled.

Carpenter: DOWN DOWN DOWN!

Rox was trying to get her bearings when Beck suddenly pushed her down and threw a coat over him. She was not sure why, but she was now on the ground with Beck and his coat. There was an alarming amount of noise coming from beyond the coat and she could not be sure what it was. Rox again felt herself pushed until she was flat on her stomach in the dirt.

oO O.K. Now he owes me dinner. Oo

Beck was suddenly back on his feet Rox pulled he head up out of the dust.

Beck: Stay down.

Rox: ::annoyed:: Yes sir. ::cough, cough::

She continued to slowly pull herself to her feet, brushing the dust from her clothing. There seemed to be some haze in the air and something seemed to be wrong with the Commander.

Beck: Oh, hell.

Carpenter: No. nononononononononono.

Rox pulled herself to her feet and moved to grab some kind of medkit. Her recent time on the ground with the doctor had left her in a bit of a state. Kristy seemed to be in a state as well.

Carpenter: C'mon then, you Breen sicko. C'MON!

Rox cold see no Breen anywhere. There was a Tellarite, several humans and an Andorian in a long coat.

Beck: Any chance you got another hypo on you? Or maybe a hit of stimulant?

Rox pulled a hypo out, and waited a moment. The ABCs of rescue started with D. Don't run into Danger Dimwit. She waited a moment to ensure that she wasn't about to end up like the Commander. That would not do.

The farmers on GB3 were very familiar with the dangers of the Ore the city dwellers mined. The yellow uniformed Starfleet woman had taken a full dose of the gas. He moved forward to try to assist. She was easy on the eyes and seeing her distress almost made him forget the suffering Starfleet had inflicted on his family.

Stranger: ::walking toward Kristy:: Easy lady. You're alright.

As he moved toward her his plasma rifle slipped out of his coat. She threw her arms over the barrel of the weapon and began yanking it so hard that he fell to his knees.

Stranger: Easy doll face, easy.

Rox slid in next to Kristy and touched the hypo to Kristy's neck. She wished she'd seen the gun before she started her run, but it was too late for that now. She watched as the commander seemed to regain herself, but it was only temporary.

Carpenter: I don't...

Rox: Easy Commander.

The woman erupted to her feet sending both Rox and the armed Andorian backwards into the dirt. Rox could see he'd hit his head on one of the many rocks in the area. After several seconds of turning around in the crowd, Carpenter finally seemed to come to her senses.

Rox looked tentatively at Commander Carpenter standing above her.

Rox: ::tentatively:: You with us here in the prime universe Commander?

Carpenter: Yeah, yeah, I'm back. For now, at least, thanks to y'all. What the bells happened?

Beck: RESPONSE

Carpenter: He sedated now?

Beck: RESPONSE

Carpenter: Can he talk?

Rox saw the Andorian lying flat on the ground.

Rox: ::smiling at back:: Nice job. So under your coat there ::smiling coyly:: We had a moment right? I felt like it was a moment.

Beck: RESPONSE

The doctor did not seem entertained, and the Commander was paying no attention at all. Rox made a slow creep back to the rest of the medical team who were trying to put the area back together and treat anyone who had been jostled in the fray.

Carpenter: This is startin' to look more and more like a plan. And I don't like much bein' on the other side of it.

The Stranger: ::groggy:: That was completely unnecessary.

Trying to get back on his feet Kos heard a word he'd prefer not to have heard.

Woman: :: panicked :: Administrator!

Emzai: It's okay. You're safe now. I'm here.

Woman: :: weeps :: Thank you, thank you so much.

It was that maladroit idiot Emzai. What was she sullying herself down here for? He looked to see if he could spy his plasma rifle anywhere

Emzai: It's okay, I'm here now.

Carpenter: Where's Drisila?

Emzai: She's right here. What a mess you've got yourself in.

The Starfleet officers turned to the now silent crowd.

Any: Response

Emzai: :: indicates the crowd and then the enforcers :: I suggest you unhand our people :: to the crowd :: Starfleet have come here, under the guise of peace. Desperate, on our knees, and they came like they did before, and they brought with them phasers and a battleship. They can't heal our world, or our people. Instead they fire weapons from the skies, they destroyed several of our homes! They brought the fire so they could reclaim our world in their war! They done it before :: to a man:: Jesa, they left your planet to the Cardassians and then to the Dominion. What became of it?

Jesa: Starfleet … they have an outpost there …

Emzai: They turned his home to the enemy and then into an outpost for themselves.

Kos had seen enough.

Kos: That's enough Emzai you ridiculous klahz**. ::surveying the crowd:: Every one of you knows Emzai would sell you out for a song.

Emzai/Beck/Carpenter/Any: Response

Kos: ::batting his eyes at Carpenter:: Don't flatter yourself darlin'. You're a tall drink of water, but I don't like Starfleet any better than saggy butt here ::pause:: In this case I'll take the devil with the better assets.

Kos gave an affectionate smile at the green eyed woman.

Emzai/Beck/Carpenter/Any: Response

Kos: ::Narrowing his eyes:: Keep this in mind Drisila. You can't wake the bear and not expect to tango.

Kos narrowed his eyes. That was right, right? Wake the bear, tango, yeah he was sure that was right.

Emzai/Beck/Carpenter/Any: Response

Tags/TBC

klahz** - Andorian animal famed for being lazy and clumsy

Crewman Rox
Nurse
USS Ronin NCC-34523
T239811VK2
&
Stranger
Former farmer/miner
T239811VK2
He/Him (character and player)

&

Neut
Child
GB3 Colony
T239811VK2

&

Kos
Former farmer/miner
T239811VK2
He/Him (character and player)

Combining all of these into one post. @VLen Kel's NPCs killing it today

EDIT: part 3 came after I posted this, I should have waited!

January 6

Everyone involved has added their own little spark of insanity to this scene, but this Exit: Stage Right by @Karrod Niac is truly amazing.

We must now include wiki definitions for the words he invented

((Sickbay Complex, Ward C, Deck 10, USS Ronin))

k’Oar-€l: This one has requested to speak with the vessel master. The Niac.

Rox: Ta da!

Karrod quirked an eyebrow and pointed to himself with a thumb.

Niac: That's me, Ensign. ::Karrod glanced around:: Are we still having translator problems?

Carpenter: RESPONSE

k’Oar-€l: ::slightly confused:: but Cub/Not Cub can not be the Niac. The Niac is Trill. The Niac is a swimmer. The Niac is worm shaped.

Karrod got a strangely sinking feeling.

Niac: Haven't met a Joined Trill before, have you Ensign?

Beck: Technically you're correct - Niac is who you're asking for, and they are… uh… a swimmer, as you put it… but Niac is a symbiont. Trill are the humanoid hosts.

Carpenter: RESPONSE

Karrod had little experience trying to read the expressions on Antedian features but he found it odd how universal confusion looked.

k’Oar-€l: Ahh, this one was not aware The Niac was combined. Nor seemingly were Pod Elders. This may be complicating message.

Karrod shrugged and felt his eyebrow continue its journey towards his hairline.

Niac: Complicated...how?

Carpenter: RESPONSE

Rox: ::looking at K’Oar:: How so?

k’Oar-€l: This one has a message from the Antedian Science Aquarium Pod Elders for only The Niac. This one carries the message unknown to this one imprinted in this one’s brain. Messaging is able to be releasing through bioelectrical impulses through the milky waters that The Niac was supposed to be swimmings in. This one is not sure if transmission still possible with The Niac ingested by the Cub/Not Cub.

Karrod pressed his fingers to the bridge of his nose and thought back to several early Academy classes taken by himself and two other hosts. He tried to remember all he could about patience when dealing with alien cultures and came up with very little that would help him in this increasingly odd situation.

Niac: Ok, first thing, we really need to discuss the word ingested...

Carpenter: RESPONSE

Rox: Come again?

Beck: Huh…

k’Oar-€l: This one’s best idea-ing would be to have the Cub/Not Cub Niac fully immersed naked in waters similar to Trilly Cave of Mak’ala. This one will then stick this one’s head into the bathing waters and release the bioelectrical impulse. Hopefulligly The Niac will receiving the message… and Cub/Not Cub will not be electrocutified..

Beck: I uh… don't know the exact qualities required to match the Cave of Mak'ala, but I would imagine we could find a way to simulate the environment. If that's what you're interested in doing, sir. We've got large enough bathing tanks I think it could work. ::rubbing his chin:: Too bad we don't have Cetacean Ops, that'd make it a lot easier…

For a brief moment that was all too clear in his minds eye Karrod saw himself being eulogized by a mournful crowd as the Starfleet flag was draped over the torpedo casing that would be his final command. When the subject of his death by electrofishmail was discussed the mourners descended into hysterics, laughing until they simply couldn't breathe. He snapped out of the dreadful premonition with a start.

Niac: Uh, Ensign, yeah...I think perhaps we'll need to table that idea for now. I'm sure I could put in a call to the Symbiosis Commission back on Trill, they're certain to have some information about how to handle one of these...uh...situations. I assume your people have done this before, right?

Carpenter: RESPONSE

Rox: I’m just going to put it out there that I am ::pausing, smiling:: out of my depth here.

Karrod tried not to snort a laugh and barely suppressed it in time.

Niac: Oh I'm sure the message back to Trill won't take more than a week or three to get a response. You can be sure that as soon as I hear back you're my first stop, Ensign!

Karrod considered the door behind him and decided it was time to make a tactical withdrawal.

k’Oar-€l/Beck/Carpenter: RESPONSE

Rox: I’ll could stay here in case we need to transport either of them back to sickbay.

Niac: Thank you Nurse Rox but I don't think that'll be necessary right now. Oh what's that? ::Karrod booped audibly and pantomimed patting his comm badge:: Yep that's the bridge, gotta run. Busy ship, always things to do. Best of luck Ensign Carl!

With that Karrod turned on a heel and headed out of sickbay at what he felt was an entirely measured and not needlessly hasty speed. He'd need to send that message off to Trill but he imagined that there were at least five or six terribly important matters that he'd have to address before he could get to that. What those important matters were or how long they'd take to resolve simply hadn't revealed itself yet. As he strode towards the turbolift, he was certain whatever they were, it beat getting himself and Niac fishlectrocuted.

[Tags/End for Niac!]

================================
Commander Karrod Niac
Commanding Officer
USS Ronin - NCC-34523
V239509GT0

December 5, 2023

Congrats, kiddos - keep up the good work!

December 4, 2023

That was absolutely my doing, I mentioned it on Discord and Tucker ran with it lmao

November 29, 2023

@Alieth Thank you 😁I had a lot of fun writing that one, and even more on my second sim. If you can't tell, I'm itching to join the fray.

November 28, 2023

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