Alix Harford

This sim gives a really good picture of how an officer might feel when getting ready to leave their crew for another assignment, even a temporary one. It also has my favorite description ever of transporter beam travel. The writer for Charles Matthew/ Tereza Delgado did a really great job! ((Transporter Room One, Deck 2, USS Borealis)) ((Time Index: 1 Hour Later)) Tereza had made the relatively short journey from her quarters on the starboard side of the deck to Transporter Room One. The one advantage of a Nova Class starship was that getting anywhere didn’t seem to take a long time. The ship was just a fraction of the size of a Galaxy Class vessel; just eight decks compared to its forty-two, and the size difference was almost staggering. She took some time to read up on the ship, and its history, and simply hadn’t served on anything like the Astraeus before. Captain Salzburg had completely caught her off guard. In the subsequent hour since he had made his request of Captain Mei’konda, Commander Delgado had asked the old Captain of the Borealis about it further. There wasn’t much more given away. In fact, there was barely anything added to what he had initially said on the Bridge. After taking the time for a quick shower and changing into a fresh, crisp uniform, the First Officer took the chance to go and visit a few friends and favoured colleagues, telling them all she’d see them soon, before collecting a few essentials from her quarters and a data packet containing all of the information that the Borealis had obtained; just in case. As the Transporter Room door swished closed behind her, Delgado gripped at the strap that rested across her right shoulder, making sure it didn’t slide down yet another time. As she glanced around the small room, Tereza was glad to find that nobody else was here; just the Bajoran Transporter Chief manning his station. Letting out a sigh of relief, she smiled towards the taller colleague and took a step towards the Transporter Pad. She knew him long enough to know that he would be business as usual. She hated fanfare and being made a fuss of; besides, she was only joining the Astraeus on a temporary basis. Shoram: Commander. I’ve been expecting you. ::pause:: All set? Delgado: Ready as I’ll ever be, Chief Shoram. Is the Astraeus within transporter range? She felt her mouth dry as the Chief shifted his gaze to the console in front of him, tapping quickly at a few buttons before raising his head slowly. Shoram: Yes, Ma’am. Location confirmed. Delgado: ::nodding:: Very good, Chief. Tereza turned on her heels, and took a few large strides, before taking her place on the circular Pad that occupied the room. Delgado: Inform the Bridge that we are ready for transport. Shoram pressed at several more buttons, before what can only be described as a confirmation beep sounded out from the Transporter station. Shoram: Confirmation received. ::pause:: Take care, Commander. Tereza smiled, letting a warmth radiate from her eyes, and nodded. Delgado: See you soon, Shoram. With that, the telltale signs of a standard Transporter beam shimmered into being as Commander Delgado was broken down molecule by molecule, compressed into a data stream, and transmitted towards the Astraeus. In almost the blink of an eye, her molecules were quickly recombined, and she blinked slowly as she returned to whole in the unfamiliar Transporter Room. ((Transporter Room One, Deck 6, USS Astraeus)) As the recognisable whine faded away, Tereza took a slow step forward off of the Transporter Pad, casting her hazel eyes onto Captain Mei’konda and waiting for the Caitian man to speak. Mei’konda: Response Delgado: Commander Tereza Delgado, reporting, Sir. She turned her head as the woman she recognised as the First Officer took a step towards her. Rosek-Skyfire: ::steps forward:: It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Lieutenant Commander Rosek, the Astraeus’s first officer. Tasen: Response Delgado: Commander. Lieutenant. ::smiling, nodding:: Likewise. It’s a pleasure to meet you both in person. Mei’konda: Response Delgado: Captain, I am grateful you agreed to Captain Salzburg’s request. I appreciate that it was a little unexpected. ::pause:: At least it was for me… I had no idea. Mei’konda: Response Any: Response --- MSNPC Commander Tereza Delgado Simmed by: Lieutenant Charles Matthews Acting Chief of Tactical & Security USS Astraeus NCC-70652

This sim is well written, as Chris' always are, but it's rare that I genuinely laugh out loud while reading and this one got me. Beyond humor and a romantic rivalry, it's also got some really great Trek science in it, even if Caldwell would rather leave the big words to the blue shirts! 😅 Lieutenant Christopher Caldwell: Yeah, Science! ((Bridge, Deck 1, USS Astraeus)) ((Time Skip: 45 minutes later)) Right now Christopher Caldwell didn't have that much to do having successfully worked with his counterpart on board the Borealis around arranging a rendezvous. True there had been a minor disagreement to resolve as to which ship should divert more out of it's way in order to facilitate the transfer, something that ended up being settled relatively easily with a simple 'mine is bigger than yours', a contest the diminutive Nova class Borealis was simply never going to win. With the disagreement resolved he'd spent much of his time looking for opportunities to shave some time off of their journey, whilst it would take weeks no matter what he did, he was eager to reduce the time spent travelling by as much as possible, especially with Esa Kiax goading him about how long it would take and the Captain having served at the helm himself earlier in his career. oO I need to show both of them what I can do. Oo Matthews: Commander Kiax. I… Would you mind taking a look at this please? His ears perked up, figuratively speaking, as Charles called Esa over to his station. oO Come on now Charles, let's not us have a falling out, kindly stay away from Ms Kiax. Oo Kiax: Of course, what have we got? He wasn't quite sure how to define his relationship with Charles. At times they had got on very well, working in near perfect sync, operating as if they had been serving for years together. Other times the two had very nearly come to blows. As childish as it seemed, he did feel a little pang of jealousy as he got her attention. Matthews: The electrical interference is on the fringes of the system, but it seems to encompass it entirely. And not only could it interfere with our shields; it may cause problems with more than just that. Transporters, long range communications, engines, weapons, scanners. Basically, anything with an electrical signal. We could enter the system and find ourselves adrift. Kiax: Hm… That certainly didn't sound good. They were some distance from the system, so it was possible that some of their sensor data was inaccurate and whilst it was possible for sensor data to be misinterpreted, especially given the sheer quantity of specific measurements their sensors could record, even if the sensor data were open to other interpretations or somehow faulty, detecting such issues already did not bode well for them. Kiax: Doesn’t sound like the kind of position we really want to be in, does it…? Using the opening he quickly gestured for someone to take his station as he moved over to stand between the vacant XO chair and the railing that housed the combined security and tactical station. For a moment he took a look at the chair he wouldn't mind making his one day, especially with Esa Kiax in the centre seat, from there he could more easily engage in conversation with the pair and he couldn't help but chime in, for a few reasons, firstly he was hoping they weren't going to run into issues, secondly and if he was being honest, possibly more importantly, he didn't want to miss out on an opportunity to join in the conversation. oO Stop hogging all her time and attention Charles, it's alright Esa, Christopher is here now. Oo In his head he heard a little musical cue that accompanied that. Caldwell: Are you sure it isn't just a faulty sensor? To result in all of that disruption, the only natural phenomena would be... what... a neutronic storm intersecting the system? But I'm sure we'd known if a neutron star exploded, right? Both as a result of his Academy training and since becoming the alpha shift helm officer, Christopher had a pretty decent knowledge of various navigational hazards including dangerous astronomical phenomena and had a pretty good track record during actual encounters . Neutronic storms were a type of plasma energy storm that could easily span many lightyears. They were often nothing more than an inconvenience, a smattering of highly charged particles and neutron radiation, a 'particle density anomaly', but the really big ones could generate wavefronts capable of moving at even high warp speeds and being so concentrated that it could take weeks to dissipate. oO But if it were a neutronic storm, what caused it? They were naturally occurring but they were relatively rare. Oo Matthews: That’s true. If it could do all that, it raises several more questions. Caldwell: It's a pretty damn short list of naturally occurring phenomena that could cause that, right? He was by no means a scientist and given how they liked to overcomplicate things, it could just be that there were in fact, many natural causes of the readings that Matthews was discussing. Kiax: Are you suggesting that it’s not a natural phenomenon? Matthews: Response He pivoted to allow Esa to more easily move past him as she returned to the centre seat. She looked contemplative, she looked quite cute as her brain worked. Kiax: I don’t think we should discount any possibility yet. We’re still four weeks out, with a lot of work ahead of us. It might be worth hooking up with Lieutenant Ral, and seeing what the two of you can come up with to fortify our power grid… ::Beat:: In the meantime, howeverrrr…. With a little dramatic flair he tilted his head and struck a pose as if he was waiting for the very secrets of the universe to be shared with him. Caldwell: ::Teasingly:: Use your words. She shot him a glare, and he quickly raised both palms apologetically, he'd had a look at Esa's bad side and he did not want to be on it. Kiax: Making decisions is harder than it looks, alright? ::Beat:: What about the Bussard collectors? Build some giant energy stores in the cargo bays, and use them like massive lightening rods to absorb and store the excess? Whilst he hadn't read the always thrilling 'Bussard Collection Field Operations' for sometime, he had done some work on the nacelles. Whilst primarily designed to collect hydrogen, they could be modified to collect a wide range of particles. Caldwell: If it is a plasma phenomena then the ramscoops could be reconfigured to try and collect some but it's going to be like ::pausing to think of an appropriate metaphor:: trying to drink an ocean through a straw. Matthews: Response Kiax: Alright then… Suggestions? I’m not in the position to approve or deny anything, but we’ll take whatever we have to the Captain when he’s back… Caldwell: Depending how localised all this is could we use the main deflector array? Cut ourselves a path through ::waving his hand:: whatever all that is? Matthews: Response Caldwell: You're right, we still don't have much to go on. Kiax / Matthews: Responses Caldwell: What about running a long range multiphasic scan? Might help penetrate ::once more waving his hand:: whatever all that is? oO Where are all the blue shirts when you actually need them? I should not be having to use words like these. Oo Kiax / Matthews: Responses ==========/\========== Lieutenant Christopher Caldwell Helm Officer USS Astraeus, NCC-70652

This is the most insightful and detailed Personal Log I've read. Lynn did a great job summarizing our crew's mental states after Frontier Day and reflecting on how the ship interactions have impacted her character. She also took on an interesting issue of the trials of being a "human passable" alien race. I loved reading it. The touching last line gave me chills. ((OOC: All thoughts and feelings belong to the character about other characters and are not a reflection of the writer’s personal feelings regarding other writers.)) ((Sevantha Saa’s Quarters, Deck 10, USS Astraeus)) ((Six Months Post-Frontier Day)) //Medical Officer’s Personal Log, Lieutenant Junior Grade Dr. Sevantha Saa of the USS Astraeus. Six months have passed since the events of Frontier Day. With all the pain and devastation caused by the Changelings and the Borg, it appears Starfleet has done as I told the Changeling it would. Survive and eventually thrive once again. Very few things in the universe are as unifying as destruction. The crew of the USS Astraeus have been making great efforts toward healing, physically and mentally, many have been visiting the Counselors regularly and very few have had to be tracked down for mandatory scans at Starfleet’s requests. Many have spent time expanding their knowledge, using the time so close to earth to take extra courses at the academy, achieve new certifications, and overall showing dedication to bettering themselves. I’ve taken a number of courses and independent classes to improve my performance as an officer on the ship since achieving the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade. Counseling - Completed the class portion of the counseling training program included a dissertation defense with Dr. Alix Harford. Still there are observation hours under a certified Counselor to be done, Internship Hours which would happen on board the Astraeus which still will take a year and some pre-practicum hours which will hopefully be fulfilled in some group therapy or meetings events in the future. Bridge Officer Course - My first experience on the bridge was the little time at the beginning of Frontier Day, as one gains rank, there is more and more chance I will be in the rotation when the need for a Medical Officer arrives. My instincts as a doctor are one thing but in the heat of the moment sitting at a console is very different then working on a patient, the instincts have to be different and they need more development. Standard Federation Sign Language - One of my trauma responses is the loss of my speaking voice, selective mutism, and I have come to find that many people are not comfortable with telepathic speaking being my first language. My attempt to bridge this is trying to learn sign language to communicate as opposed to defaulting to what is comfortable to me. Admittedly, as a Betazoid on a ship with a large human population, I have struggled to not feel like an outsider in regards to social normalities. Part of this I believe stems from the fact that to most of my fellow officers, I am very passable for a regular human, and that alone comes with the expectation to have Earth based behaviors. Many forget the genetic markers of black eyes being a seeming link to many telepathic species until I do something normal for myself, or accidentally respond to what they’re thinking when on my worst days I cannot tell the difference between spoken word and over heard thought. Many members of the crew have become accepting, few even enjoying the exchange of thoughts, while others I have found means to mask for their own comfort. Sometimes I do feel like there is a need to be more human to fit the expectations they have of me when they see me, but I do not know if that is due to a discomfort I have being a source of unease for them or if they truly expect other species that appear human to behave in more human ways.. Many humanoids can say one thing to you but be thinking entirely differently, this includes their feelings about you, with the expectation you do not actually know. But… I do know and while as a Starfleet Officer I can professionally pretend until it's detrimental to my occupation, on the personal level this type of dishonesty is a struggle to adapt to. At what point is it acceptable to call out the behavior? Free thought I understand but to catch someone in a lie to you and not be able to say it feels so strange. On a personal matter, I suppose it is understandable until it's Medical, then at what point am I denying my patient the best care by ignoring it? On professional matters is it when the subject becomes a threat to fellow officers or to Starfleet protocol? I do not mean to sound like life is truly difficult, the crew, despite my own struggles, have been a fascinating group of people thrust together. The crew has changed since Frontier Day and the launch of the Chin’toka, we have lost crew and gained some, not all I have had the chance to meet. I hope to rectify that in the future. Commodore Captain Mei’konda - I have a lot of respect for the Captain. After Frontier Day, we had a good conversation regarding the fallout with the Changelings and the behavior of certain officers towards the previously assimilated. Seeing his temper flare at the injustice was in the moment a little unnerving but at a distance, inspiring, I appreciate he cares so much about his crew. I have no doubt it was on his orders the plaque in the Pagrati Lounge has been updated so quickly with the names of the lost during Frontier Day right next to the Battle of Ricker Prime losses. His compassion impresses me as I have seen all too easily how war can change someone, to maintain it, is admirable… I believe he might be due for his annual soon. First Officer Lt. Commander Lael Rosek-Skyfire - Our new First Officer who came on just before the events of Frontier Day. She has an impressive resume from engineering, instructor and admittedly a medical record that paints her as a survivor. She is one of the other telepaths on the ship I find myself capable of relating with but our positions are very different. Currently her condition has me questioning whether or not bioborg technology still within us has caused alterations to our gifts sensitivities. Al-Leyan telepathy is a largely unstudied field by the University of Medara so most of my experience will have to be learning on the job. Second Officer Lt. Commander Esa Kiax - As a doctor, it is more often than not that I meet people at their worst instead of their best. Still even at her worst she has been delightful company, whether she thinks so or not. As still an active patient of mine, I admittedly find myself always checking on her, wondering if she slept well or if the nightmares have returned or if she’s punishing herself with her hand or not. Dr. Harford has taken up her care in regards to physical rehabilitation and I trust her skills. I do not think she is unfit for duty but what she has gone through is enough to spark my worrying instincts it seems. Lt. Commander Timothy Alentonis - Our newest science officer who has come aboard just before Frontier Day who has previously served as Professor at Starfleet Academy. Like myself, he seems to struggle with finding his place on the crew, but social awkwardness might be a universal part of the Astraeus crew joint struggles. Still I look forward to seeing his contributions in the future to the ship as he settles in and hopefully finds his place. A lesson that anyone of any rank can suffer from such struggles. I will need to do a follow-up with him soon. Lt. 101 and 000 - The Bynars are a pair I do not know very well but during the events of Frontier Day, witnessed a strangeness in that one was affected by the borg, and the other was not, helping link the change to brain development. I still need to follow-up with the two of them post Frontier Day but rediscovering their sense of self was the most important as it was for many who were assimilated. Before then… only one got sick also, they are a bit of an anomaly of textbook Bynar which is marvelous. We can never know everything. Lt. Wyatt Ral - If there was anything good to come out of Frontier Day for me, it was getting to connect with Wyatt. He’s from Betazed as well and while his family is far from traditional, he helps me feel a little less like a fish out of water by reminding me of the comforts of home. His grandmother even sent baked goods from Betazed that she made herself. Our last meeting, the memory of part of Betazed being destroyed, the feeling and thoughts of all that life there and then gone haunted him, and I felt someone understand what had happened at Ohmallera… Lt. Christopher Caldwell - A talented individual blessed with good looks and adaptability, but infuriatingly confusing display of certain Earth born personality expectations. He treats vulnerability like a curse and attempts to address it as almost an offense, I do not understand it. There are few who I have met who mentally contradict themselves. He should honestly be seeing a Counselor but we will see how he recovers over shoreleave first. We are on friendly terms so long as he doesn’t use that terrible song as a mental shield again… though I know the truth is I unnerve him with what I am. Lt. Charles Matthews - The Chief of Security and I have become quite good friends since Frontier Days. Whether it is sparring or simply enjoying a drink, Matthews is good company even if he doesn’t think so. There are very few people who understand how devastating it can be to lose a sibling to senseless tragedy one can relate to. He is too harsh on himself sometimes, but I would be hypocritical to call him out on it, as I was also raised working with the scrutiny of one parent their entire life. What is the Earth phrase… birds of a feather? Lt. JG. Gwen’ora Tasen - We’ve come a long way since Starbase 118 graduation. It is odd not sharing a room with her, but we’re across the hall by design, so there is rarely a time we cannot burst into one another’s room. I am worried about her following Frontier Day however… The Ba’ku people live a simple life by design, rejecting technology due to their space faring history, but few have had to experience the pain the galaxy can inflict in the modern era… I hope she gets to see the beauty of the stars eventually. Lt. JG. Divya Tam - Forged in fire is the term I would use for our friendship. Divya was with me in sickbay at the tail end of Frontier Day, and since then we’ve done quite a bit together on shore leave such as relaxing at hot springs, exploring earth, exploring the earth relic that is a vandura, and I’ve been the Medical Officer assisting in some of her security projects. We’re both Children of War, a title Divya uses to describe us as children to soldier parents of the Dominion War. It’s comforting to have someone I can talk to about some of those heavier subjects and understand why I… sometimes I treat certain things like facts of life other than horror. I really should ask her to spar with me next. Lt. JG. Dr. Kris Fianna - Initially we had a rough start following Frontier Day, but since her return from the inpatient stay, and she’s gotten back into work we have been on much better terms. I respect Dr. Fianna immensely for the willingness to go to a facility, having been in one myself, there is an unjust stigma some cultures have about receiving help. Not to mention her drive and dedication to her patients above her own health make her an incredible doctor. Ensign Dr. Alix Harford - Initially a relief doctor from Denali Station, Dr. Harford has become a permanent member of our crew. In a short time the two of us have gone through quite a bit together, with Ensign McGillian’s telepathic awakening and the hours upon hours put into our dissertation on the “Reevaluation of Telepathic Therapy Criteria and Procedure Review.” Initially I was aware I have made her uncomfortable due my psionic abilities and her own trauma, but I believe we have both made strides being mindful. I believe we are all very fortunate for Dr. Harford’s transfer and she has done well integrating into the crew. Lieutenant JG Dr. Sylvie Doucet and Commander Serala were both part of the Chin’toka reacquisition and appear to be making the ship a permanent part of the Fleet and will be joining the Astraeus in the Expanse. Unfortunately, Lieutenant JG Slav Shewytch has also transferred off the ship for now to recover from the events of Frontier Day. I noticed a number of new cadets and recently a new Lieutenant JG named Diego Beyett who I have not yet met but saw his medical check in with Dr. Harford. I do feel a small sense of guilt following Frontier Day that I am working through in meditation. Compared to most members of the crew, I came out mentally in a much better place, which feels rather insulting to all of their struggles. Part of it is due to my experience with Ohmallera and the six months I spent at the University of Medara’s psychiatric care unit, learning how to process loss and improving my brain’s trauma processing. Frontier Day tested my ability to deal with hearing the pain and thoughts of everyone around me and keep going. Part of me feels like a monster still being able to function, hearing the Borg Queen’s voice in their minds, all of them trapped… but I couldn’t free them. All I could do was get Sickbay back up and running so we could begin taking patients. And a part of me… feels strangely fulfilled. When I joined Starfleet, I was following my brother’s dream. I told myself one difference I did want to make was to assure nothing like what happened to Ohmallera happened anywhere else. Earth wasn’t touched at the end of the day. There were casualties, terrible numbers lost in Starfleet, but part of me cannot help but feel relief in that we prevented ships from firing down onto those cities below. The Astraeus, in its first mission, does what I had set my life goal to… Fate is a funny thing, isn’t it? As we prepare for our departure to the Par’tha Expanse I have turned much of my free time into getting familiar with the Caraadians biology as well as familiarizing myself with some of their social etiquettes and expectations. Much like Betazed there appears to be a Noble House system, though it feels far more expansive and without the religious connections at the root of them. Houses of any sort always means the capacity for the crew to become entangled in the drama of the nobility, an area my upbringing has me very familiar with as a generational vassal of the Seventh House. After a talk with Matthews, I will also need to learn what I can about the Valcarian’s should we come into contact with them, both medically and socially. …There is much to be done before we officially take off but there is a shift in the atmosphere around the ship, everyone knows it’s time, and while I am thankful that many of my crewmates got to experience the comforts of home as they recovered. I have been ready to see the stars. I hope you can see them too, Velaan. // -- Lieutenant JG Sevantha Saa Medical Officer USS Astraeus A240105SS2

All across the fleet, crews are grappling with the aftermath of frontier day. I've especially enjoyed watching how it has made real changes to previously planned stories and lead to character growth. This sim from Charles Matthews is a funny, topically relevant example of a ending story that had been planned before the events of Frontier Day. It highlights how the characters just aren't easily picking up where they left off like they might have been able to after a regular mission. [sb118-astraeus] Lieutenant Charles Matthews - We All Need To Heal... Part One ((Pagrati Lounge, Deck 10, USS Astraeus)) ((OOC – All views are IC and do not represent my own views or my thoughts on anyone as a writer)) Lieutenant Matthews nodded along, somewhat absentmindedly. He by no means found his fellow Officers boring but he had been in this discussion for a little while and it had seemed to be progressing without him needing to add much to the subject at hand. The tiny tidbits that he had offered had been skimmed past so quickly that he was starting to wonder if he should use his invisibility to fight crime or for some sort of nefarious scheme. As he took a mouthful of his water, his mind shifted from contemplating being able to sheath himself in invisibility to the holodeck scenario that the others were trying to cook up. From what he could gather, it was starting to become a little too difficult to finalise the plans. After what had happened with Frontier Day, and the efforts being made to put the ship, the crew and Starfleet back together again, he’d just wanted the chance for a bit of fun and maybe the opportunity to punch and kick some things. After discussions with Commander Peters and now Commander Alentonis, the only thing that he knew for certain was that he was meant to be the Pink Ranger; an acrobatic member of the team that could summon the Pterodactyl zord. His knowledge didn’t go much further than that. Tasen: So...archetype...background...name? Anything else we need to plot for this? Shewytch: The ability to swing your legs? ::He smiled:: But I'm serious. This show was an action film, and you mentioned martial arts earlier. But I don't think many of us can master them to the level where we can show some kind of magic. At least I've only taken a basic course. Will there be any difficulties associated with this? Charlie glanced at Slav as he took another sip from his glass, hiding a slight smirk as he looked at the Science Officer. oO “Don’t think many of us can master them to the level where we can show some kind of magic”? Speak for yourself… Oo Alentonis: Not a problem. While in the suits, your jump distance is tripled. Other than that, the program follows basic physics laws. If you are capable of gymnastics and want to adapt that into your fighting style, you can. You’d be surprised how realistic martial arts classes in a fictional universe can enhance your real-world combat abilities. Caldwell: Guess we're all lucky it's just the holodeck, right? Saa: So, some of it is style over substance… He nodded slowly. Matthews: From what I remember, there were a lot of over-the-top punches, kicks and leaps; and even more over-the-top noises that went along with it all! Tasen: Response Shewytch: So, I don't have to do all those stunt tricks? Is the programme already adapted to our realities? ::breathed a sigh of relief:: By the way, what is the playing time in the program? Is it long? Alentonis: Unclear. Each episode was usually forty-three or so minutes long, not including credits or commercial breaks. Since we’re adapting it into a holodeck program, I haven’t figured that out. Charlie felt his eyebrows twitch. oO Why are we playing this episodically? We’re not, right? Just set us up and let us go; we have one story; we go until it finishes, and we can save the programme as and when it’s needed… Oo Caldwell: OK, well I'm sure we're good to let you figure it out, Tim. So, what's next on the agenda? Matthews was continuing to listen when he noticed Sevantha slowly trail off with what she was saying, and then suddenly shoot a look towards himself and Lieutenant Tasen. Saa: I am not sure what else unless… ::briefly looking to both Tasen and Matthews:: ~Does Caldwell seem off to you?~ After their recent telepathic conversation, him hearing Saa in his head didn’t feel as quite as jarring as it once did, and the look she had given him had provided him with some sort of warning first. Shifting the direction of his brown eyes, he glanced at Caldwell in an attempt to try and figure out what Sevan was referring to. He knew the woman from Betazoid must have heard something that had alarmed her and based on appearances, maybe she was right to be. He seemed to be fidgeting, breathing a little heavily; he looked nervous. Anxious, even. It wasn’t an emotional state that the helmsman had ever displayed in front of him before. Matthews: ~I mean, he does seem to be acting a little out of character…~ Tasen: Response Shewytch: :: to Alentonis :: Sir, a question about the story. Will it be similar in structure to the series? Like, at first, a quiet life, we play our roles somewhere in a holographic school, and then all the interesting stuff will happen? Or will we be thrown into a battlefield somewhere right away? Alentonis: It wouldn’t be any fun to have the heroes start in the middle of the story, would it? It will probably be very similar in nature to Day of the Dumpster where we start out with a typical after school day at the juice bar and have something happen that will undoubtedly cause us to wind up at the command center. I’m still working on that part. After turning his gaze away from Chris, the continued conversation finally started to sink in, and Charles had to really fight the urge to roll his eyes. oO OK, this is going on for way too long. Yes, a little bit of a backstory or a brief character bio wouldn’t hurt, but I’m not messing around in the holodeck playing a teenager that’s studying trigonometry or the breakup of the supercontinent of Pangaea before I even get to kick the hell out of something. No. This needs to be happening faster. Even in shore leave, I’ve still got things to be doing. Reports, replacement crew members to run the rule over, trying to come up with some new Tactical and Security strategies and upgrades… Oo To Be Continued... [sb118-astraeus] Lieutenant Charles Matthews - We All Need To Heal... Part Two ((Pagrati Lounge, Deck 10, USS Astraeus)) Caldwell: Well, we'll leave you to work on that bit. So, anything else that requires us to discuss it? Shewytch / Tasen: Responses Matthews: I mean, are we… Is this becoming more complicated than it needs to be? Saa: About being the leader… Alentonis: You don’t have to be the leader if you don’t want to. We can have a different ranger color step up to the plate if you’d rather. Thoughts about invisibility rushed back to Matthews with a vengeance. oO Great(!) I am starting to lean towards evil… Oo Saa: I just don’t have a lot of experience in it… Caldwell and Matt- Caldwell: I don't mind who ends up being the leader. He turned his attention back to Chris, and he was very much feeling that Saa was right about her previous concerns. Caldwell: In fact, I don't mind about any of the details, look it's been nice to catch up, but I've got work I really need to get back to. Charles felt an expression of worry spread across his face as he saw Sevantha shoot another look his way. Matthews: Chris, everything alright? Tasen: Response Alentonis: Are you sure, Chris? Caldwell: No, it's fine. You all just work out whatever it is you want, and I'll just play along. Shewytch: Response Caldwell: No, honestly, just figure out what it is you want to do, let me know what homework I need for it, and I'll be there. I'll catch you all later on. Lieutenant Matthews watched, somewhat wide-eyed, as Caldwell got up from his chair and made his way out of the Pagrati Lounge. Despite what he had said, he was definitely not fine. Clearly, far from it. After a second, he heard Sevantha talking out loud to the group, then he heard her within his head too. Saa: I… am concerned. ::to Matthews and Tasen:: ~He’s spiraling.~ Alentonis: Me too. If you want to follow him, doc, I won’t stop ya. He darted his eyes from Sevantha and towards Tim, feeling them narrow slightly as they came to a stop on the experienced Science Officer. Alentonis was a superior Officer, he’d always respect him and the chain of command, but the concern he admitted to apparently have for Caldwell’s wellbeing just didn’t come across as sincere. oO Wait… You’re not going to follow him? Shouldn’t someone of his rank be checking on an Officer that clearly isn’t doing well? I know it’s shore leave but he should be, right? Oo Charlie suddenly felt a little nervous and unsure of himself, which seemed a common occurrence since he’d been assigned to the Astraeus. oO We’ve just been through hell, so many people died, so many people that didn’t were blown to hell and we’re here talking about which colour spandex we want to prance around in on the holodeck. It isn’t right… I’m the same rank as Caldwell but I’m a Chief, I should do something, right? It doesn’t matter if he isn’t a Tactical & Security Officer; he’s my friend… I think… Oo Shewytch / Tasen: Response Matthews: ::looking towards Saa:: ~If you’re going to check on him, I’m coming with you.~ Saa: …If I am going to play a believable leader, I have to make sure the team is alright… which means him. Please continue planning, I’m going to check on him. Alentonis: If any of you want to bow out in favor of other activities, let me know. I mean, it’s just a game and I’m not as hyped about it as Cadfael. I’ll keep working on it if you all are still in. He quickly finished the rest of his water, placing the empty glass back onto the table, and stood from his chair. In all honesty, the reactions from Lieutenant Commander Alentonis had surprised him. He and Caldwell went onto Probert Station together but yet, to Charlie at least, he seemed content to let Chris go off and struggle with whatever he was dealing with alone. Perhaps what had happened since this Power Rangers scenario was first mentioned had changed people; and not necessarily changed them for the better. People were deflated, trying to deal with things in whatever way they felt was best, and it just felt wrong. Matthews glanced to the others before letting his eyes stop at Alentonis. Matthews: It’s not necessarily in favour of other activities, Commander, but I’m stepping back. ::sighs, gestures:: Look at Chris. What’s he had? A panic attack? He stopped for a second, looking at Gwen and thinking of when he found her breaking down in the Arboretum. He wasn’t going to mention it, not in front of everyone else, but the sadness she showed on her face that night would stay with him for quite a while. Her face was so expressive. He thought of his conversation with Sevantha in Sickbay, and the one with Divya in the Security Complex. The one with Kris and Esa too. People just weren’t doing well. Matthews: Look at all of us. Frontier Day… it’s drained us to the point of collapse. Personally, I’ve got plenty to do, and that’s before I even try to get my head around what has gone on and attempt to move on from all of this. People died. Colleagues. Friends. We all need to mourn, and we all need to heal. ::shaking his head:: I don’t do that by playing Power Rangers. I’m sorry. You guys carry it on. Replace me or something. ::smiling weakly:: Give Rita what for... I’ll see you around. Matthews turned on his heels and went off after Chris and Sevantha, grabbing the glass he’d just placed on the table and power walked towards the counter to quickly return it. Shewytch / Tasen: Responses Alentonis: I’ll try to get at least the call to power programmed before we leave Earth. Shewytch / Tasen: Responses As he continued, he could just about hear the others continue to talk, and almost broke out into a jog as he neared the large wooden doors. As they whooshed open and he stepped through them, he tried to reach out to Doctor Saa, wondering if there was a limited range on the cell signal of her brain. Matthews: ~Sevantha, wait!~ End Scene for Matthews…

After taking a percussive blast of his own making straight to the face, Lt. Commander Kettick learns of the backlash. As always it is a comedic delight to read his sims. He writes a very alien race with such a distinct and entertaining voice. ((Maintenance Crawlspace, Deck 9B3/4, USS Eagle)) Harford: Lt. Commander. I really must insist you let me triage you properly or I'll be inclined to drag you to Sickbay… Sir. Kettick still found it hard at the best of times to parse the tone and body language of other species, especially with his antennae out of commission and only allowing him to understand one out of every three words... Maybe. But even then, the politely censorious tone of a fellow professional who would dearly like to be able to do her job was unmistakable. Kendrick: I'll take care of that, Kettick. Just try to lay still for a moment so the doctor can treat you properly. The Remmilian was more than willing to extend that courtesy to the Doctor... but quickly noticed that no matter how hard he willed himself to be still, his other neural ganglia seemed to have a mind of their own. Kettick: Apologies. Fidgets appear... Persistent. Nerve damage, perhaps. Zevash: Response As Kendrick was about to tap his combadge, it chirped. Kettick supposed that he could be glad that *his* commbadge had not activated. Judging from its state and the place it was embedded in, the Remmilian had an inkling that the result might have been unfortunate. Falt: =/\= Falt to Kendrick. What’s your status, John? =/\= Kendrick: =/\= Kendrick here, sir. Kettick and Ensign Zevash managed to create a radiation leak. It appears to have worked, but I'm afraid there are still intruders aboard. Unfortunately, they were able to kill three members of our crew. I suggest you seal off decks 9 and 10. ::looking at Kettick:: Commander Kettick was also severely wounded. Doctor Harford is treating his wounds as we speak.=/\= Falt: =/\= Response Kendrick: =/\= Acknowledged, sir. Kendrick out. =/\= The conversation flew over the insectoid's head, focused as he was on controlling his muscles to make the work of the Doctor easier. As such, it was easy for him to notice when Harford froze. The Engineer followed her gaze to the inside of a nearby Jefferies tube. Harford: Lt. Commander Kendrick ? Sir. There's a body in the tubes. That there was. Quite immobile, too. The human Commander unholstered his phaser. Kendrick: I'll get a closer look. ::at Zevash:: You keep an eye out for the doctor and Kettick. Zevash: Response The Remmilian shrugged slightly. He was not about to go anywhere, and would not trust his aim with the way his hands vied for independence. The way he saw it, Ensign Zevash had the floor. Approaching cautiously, Kendrick knekt down next to the inert figure and checked the pulse on her neck. He looked over at Harford and spoke, loud enough that Kettick could hear without having to try and read the man's lips. Kendrick: She has a pulse. Probably knocked unconscious by the blast. Suddenly, he tensed, as if listening to a noise that the Remmilian couldn't hear. Kendrick: The others are still out there. ::at Harford:: How's Kettick's status, doctor? Kettick had understood 'Kettick' and 'status', and the rest was easy to deduce from the general context; still, he knew better than to speak before the Doctor, and answering 'Crispy' would have been in pour taste anyway. Harford: Response The Remmilian thanked his lucky stars that his physiology meant that the translator allowed him to vocalize without having to struggle with uncooperative lips or tongue. Kettick: Can we all beam to Sickbay? The bridge could neutralize everyone left in the tubes. He cast a glance towards Ensign Zevash, who would know the state of their energy reserves. Harford/Zevash: Response DeVeau: =/\=Alora to Kettick, Harford, Zevash - is everyone all right?=/\= That gave Kettick the answer to a previous question, as his upper body spasmed and a smell of ozone and burnt chitin came from where the commbadge was fused to his chest. Quite unfortunate indeed. Kettick: :: in a shaky voice :: Log. Me. Off. Tags/TBC

This sim by Daniel "Mac" McGillian's writer offers something different in the stream of borg assimilations happening through the fleet. No spoilers, just read to the end... error... Message Recieved... Error (( Bridge, Deck 3 - Primary Hull, USS Chin’toka )) Standing behind the tactical station on the Chin'toka was both an exhilarating and stressful moment for Mac. He was currently the highest ranking tactical and security officer on the ship. While he firmly believed in what they were doing, on some level he felt like he was a fish out of water. He barely had any combat experience, and fewer still his experience behind the tactical station on the bridge amounted to the small amount of time he had been standing at this very station. No pressure or anything. Serala: So, you mean we don’t have a full store of supplies, correct? Perkins: That’s right, Serala. But this ship wasn’t meant to launch yet. We aren’t expecting those supplies until Thursday. The Captain blew out a frustrated breath and gritted her teeth as Sherlock dropped her head to the side at Perkins response. Serala: Fine. We’re not planning an extended launch anyway. If that’s all there is, we will be fine. T’Ama: There’s also no tractor beam, captain. The Captain grimaced again and turned to her Operations officer. The XO's lips tucked, eyebrows raised, and then she looked down at her PADD. Serala: No tractor beam? T’Ama: It’s low priority on the load order. Neshala: Captain, we’re getting a transmission. The parade is starting. Admiral Shelby is broadcasting to all the ships. Captain Serala nodded at the Orion woman. Serala: Very good. Place it on viewer. Mac looked up at the viewscreen. Shelby: =/\= A quarter millennium after the NX-01 took that first vital step, we gather on Frontier Day to take another; as we demonstrate our newest advancement, “Fleet Formation”. =/\= Serala spun and looked at T’Ama. Serala: Please tell me we were able to keep that from being installed. T’Ama: I removed it from the update scripts before we booted the computer. The Captain breathed a sigh of relief then turned back to Perkins as he began trying to defend himself. Perkins: It wasn’t supposed to be installed until Thursday, Serala. I swear, you act like we knew you would be launching this ship today. Was there anything this guy could say that wasn't going to annoy his CO and XO? Mac was beginning to have serious doubts that it was possible. Shelby: =/\= Our next demonstration is the summation of decades of technological advancements. =/\= Serala turned to her First Officer, determination clear on her face. Serala: It’s time, Number One. Prepare the ship for immediate launch. oO And here we go... Oo Sherlock: Aye, Captain. ::standing and addressing the bridge officers:: All stations, ready for departure. Serala: Lieutenant T’Ama, open a shipwide channel. T'Ama tapped at her console. T’Ama: Channel open, Captain. Serala: =/\= All hands, this is the Captain. Prepare for immediate launch. Engineering, I need those engines online now. All stations, Red Alert. =/\= The lights on the bridge dimmed and red lights illuminated even as alert klaxons began to sound throughout the ship. Xiron / Is’Kah: =/\= Responses =/\= The sound of the klaxons brought back childhood memories when the ship his parents served on would be in a dangerous situation. None of those memories involved himself being on the bridge. This was one of many firsts Mac expected he'd be experiencing in a very, very, short span of time. Serala: =/\= We don’t have four hours, Lieutenant. Give me impulse power. We shouldn’t be going to warp anytime soon, anyway. Once we’ve launched you can continue working on getting the warp engines online. I’m sending Commander Ilsam down to assist. =/\= She nodded at Ilsam to go ahead and head down to assist. Islam: Response, if any. Xiron / Is’Kah: =/\= Responses =/\= Serala: =/\= Counselor Brodie to the Bridge. Commander Kel and Lieutenant Doucet, prepare sickbay for potential casualties. =/\= Kel: =/\= Kel to Bridge. Understood Captain. =/\= Brodie / Doucet: =/\= Responses =/\= As the Engineering team brought the engines up to full power, the hum throughout the ship intensified. Mac felt goosebumps run down his spine. He wasn't sure what he was more excited about, the familiar feeling of being on a ship, or the fact they were stealing it in order to protect the Federation from one of the gravest threats that may have ever presented itself. On second thought he was sure, it was the latter. Moving to her seat in the command center, Serala turned to face the viewscreen briefly before slowly sitting in the chair for the first time ever. She paused for a moment. Mac noted the importance of this moment, and a smile escaped. As quickly as it had begun, it was over as the Captain began to issue orders, starting with Mac. Serala: Mister McGillian, bring weapon systems online. Arm torpedoes and standby. McGillian: Already? She turned to face him. Mac felt his eyes widen for a moment. Serala: I am aware this is supposed to be a celebration, Ensign. But trust me, it’s about to go very badly. We don’t know what the Borg and Changelings have planned, but it has something to do with this celebration and I want to be prepared. McGillian: Uh, yes Sir. We... ::pause:: don't have any torpedoes. The Captain turned to Perkins, her irritation showed, perhaps it was escalating beyond mere irritation at this point. Mac was just glad it wasn't directed at him. Serala: Let me guess. Thursday. Perkins tried to say something, but quickly closed his mouth and shrugged apologetically. The Captain turned back and looked at Mac. She had his full attention. Serala: Very well, we’ll have to make do with phasers. But let’s see if we can’t beam at least one load of torpedoes off the shipyards before we get too far. We can load them in the bay as we go. With a nod, Mac quickly punched in the necessary actions to bring their phasers online and ready. McGillian: Phaser's at the ready Captain, I'm sending a message down to the transporter room to get us some proton torpedoes. With the clock ticking before they left dock, Mac quickly scrambled a message to the transporter room closest to the torpedo bays. He made sure to indicate that it was a direct order from the Captain, and was priority one. Sherlock: ::turning to face Serala:: Captain, all stations reporting ready. Mac looked up from his sent message to see the Captain give the XO an approving nod, then she sat forward. Serala: Then let’s get out of here. Lieutenant Neshala, clear all moorings and take us out, one-quarter thrusters until clear of the drydock, then ahead full. We don’t have warp yet, but we’re not going to need it anyway. Neshala: Aye, Captain. :: tapping some buttons to disconnect the umbilicals from the shipyard :: Clearing moorings. Ahead one-quarter thrusters. Mac grinned as he watched the ship begin to inch forward. A message popped up on his station as the Captain ordered the ship to set a course for the parade. Mac smirked as he read the message from the transporter room. They had torpedoes. The grin faded as he suddenly felt fire in his veins, and in his head. Mac stumbled back from his station. oO We..... Borg......We...are..the.... NO! What in the hell! Oo One hand on the side of his forehead, Mac looked up in horror. He felt his other hand moving towards the phaser at his side. Several of his crewmates had stopped moving, and the black lines on their faces... and their eyes suddenly looked like his own. Borgified Crewmen, including T'Ama (in unison): We are the Borg. oO What in the hell? Oo Serala: Security alert! Computer, secure the bridge. Serala pulled out the hidden phaser in her armrest and immediately rose to her feet. Lt. Cmdr. Sherlock immediately tossed her PADD towards the nearest wall and made a dash for her chair, presumably to retrieve the phaser from its compartment. The Captain had now opened fire. Sherlock: Protect the Captain! The fire in Mac's veins and head was still there as he felt himself draw his phaser, but it wasn't really himself drawing it... Was it? McGillian: I'm on it! Any: Responses Seeing the XO draw her phaser, she then turned to look at T'Ama. Mac moved towards the Captain. The pain was dizzying, and he nearly tripped as he moved past his station. T'Ama (in Unison): Eliminate the unassimilated. She stood, raised her phaser, and pointed at the captain. Sherlock: Lieutenant! Stand down! The XO fired a shot into their Operations Officer, who in turn fired into CO. oO Elim.. unassim..... error.... Oo Sherlock leveled the phaser again but she'd become target focused and hadn't noticed a crewman come from behind and suddenly dropping his arm atop hers, knocking the phaser out of her hand. She turned to face the new threat, stepping back just enough to give her room to think for a split second. Mac watched in horror as his arm raised, pointing at the Captain. McGillian: NO! Using his other arm, he redirected his arm so that the shot that came from his phaser went directly into another Borg infected crew member. One who had been coming directly at the Captain to her right. The Borg hit the ground, and stopped moving. Serala: response Sherlock lunged at the crewman, keeping her shoulder low, she shoved into his abdomen, pushing him towards the wall. For the moment he was pinned, but his strength felt immense and she knew she wouldn't be able to hold him long. Sherlock: Mac! Get the Captain to the ready room! Sherlock was pressing her shoulder into the crewman as hard as she could, digging her feet into the deckplate. The pain in his veins began to subside as Mac wrestled his phaser out of his right hand, and into his left. Any: Responses McGillian: Captain, with me! Moving up next to her, Mac realized his phaser wasn't on stun. He flipped the setting as he moved, keeping himself between the Captain and anyone who would try to take a shot at her. Serala: Response Mac fired a few shots into another Borg that had just stepped onto the bridge. His right arm loosened, and he felt like he was once again in full control of his limbs. The ready room door opened as Mac approached it, and to his surprise he was immediately grabbed, and slammed into the wall by a Borg, sending his phaser bouncing into the ready room. McGillian: ::pained and surprised:: Ahhh! Mac put all of his strength into pushing the assailant off of him to give the Captain a clear shot. Serala: Response McGillian: Thank you Sir. Let's move! Any: Responses

This 2 Part Borg Assimilation sim is my favorite that I've read so far. Fianna's writer did a wonderful job showing the trauma and emotion of the moment and taking me to the edge of my seat with gut wrenching horrors. Part 1- Assimilation (( Sickbay Complex, Deck 12, USS Astraeus )) Kris had left the briefing room with a determined face. Fear was coursing through her veins, but that was being overridden by her confidence in her commanding officers and the sheer weight of the importance of everything. People were relying on them. So, she'd buckle down and do her part. For the next couple of hours, Kris whirled through Sickbay with a small contingent of nurses, restocking and preparing the ship for whatever they might face. Medicines were replicated, biobeds restocked, trauma kits built and distributed throughout the ship, and finally, as everything was cleaned, she turned to her team. Fianna: Alright. Take a short break while you can. Having so dismissed the team, she took a moment to turn back to the console before her and begin updating the inventory log and indicate to the Bridge that Sickbay was prepared. She never got to press send. A searing pain split her head, and paralysis gripped her body as a noise ripped through her, vibrating within her. She tried to bring a hand to her head to brace, but they didn't answer her. Choking on the very air she was breathing, Kris began to panic. oO What's going on!? I can't do anything! I'm scared, Papa... Oo Kris stared helplessly at the console as her vision clouded and faded into nothingness, all in a split second. She began to feel a heat flash through her, searing her veins as the feeling of tiny insects crawling everywhere overtook her. Her insides felt contorted and twisted, and had she eaten anything at all, she would have sworn right then that it was coming back up covered in spiders. But nothing did. Her body was completely frozen, and she was alone in her plight. oO Someone help me! Please! Oo And then, the rush of endorphins hit her like a truck. A sense of euphoria like nothing else she'd ever experienced, an accomplishment at having found a purpose. oO Purpose?! Oo A drowsy warmth soon enveloped her. She straightened as all the burning cooled to the same temperature, her vision suddenly clearing and her limbs moving all on their own. Try as she might, nothing she wanted was helping. She struggled as hard as she could, but whatever was happening, had her in its clutches with a grip stronger than anything she'd ever known. Fianna: WE ARE THE BORG. oO The Borg!? Nonononono I can't be Borg! HELP ME PLE-- Oo Silence. Kris could feel so much. See so much. And, one thing became immediately clear to her. oO Resistance is futile. Oo Fianna: ELIMINATE ALL UNASSIMILATED. SEIZE THE ASTRAEUS. Internally, Kris wanted to cry. To scream, kick, fight, and run as far away from this as she could get. She would have to settle for a front row seat to the worst horrors of her life as she watched her hands set her phaser to kill, and fire at the panicking crew. She made her way to a weapons locker, retrieving a phaser rifle, before turning it on her crew as the sounds of fighting filled the Sickbay, the screams of her crewmates filling her ears. But Kris' body didn't linger. It proceeded with purpose down the hall to the turbolift. Fianna: DECK 35 - ENGINEERING. Part 2- Directive: Secure Engineering (( Main Engineering, Deck 35, USS Astraeus )) (( Warning: Some readers may find the following to be disturbing. Discretion is advised. )) (( OOC: Naprim and Yelchin are General NPCs - which means that anyone may play them. Feel free to answer their tags! )) Borg-Kris walked into Main Engineering, firing without hesitation at those not assimilated. Pin-point accuracy guided her aim, and it didn't take very long for Borg Reinforcements to arrive with her, entering the doorway. Fianna: ELIMINATE ALL UNASSIMILATED. SECURE ENGINEERING. SEIZE THE ASTRAEUS. Among those assembled in Engineering when Kris arrived were Crewman First Class Tarva Naprim, Crewman Third Class Yelchin, and Lieutenant Commander Wyatt Ral. Ral / Yelchin / Naprim: Responses Fianna: WE ARE THE BORG - RESISTANCE IS FUTILE. Kris, meanwhile, watched horrified from within herself as the blood was spilt, her Oath was violated, and her life continued to be a nightmare. oO Please, help me! Someone stop me, I can't do anything! Papa - I'm scared! I -- Do not resist. You will be assimilated. Oo Ral / Yelchin / Naprim: Responses Kris answered them with more fire from her phaser as she continued her killing spree. The Borg-crewmates continued to flank her as she navigated the ship, and made her way towards the main Engineering console... Kris fired at the poor crewman hiding under the desk, before proceeding to ruthlessly step on his windpipe. The cut-off scream from the crewman was enough to send what little of Kris' consciousness remained into a box, hiding from the horrors before her. oO I'm so sorry... I can't stop - I can't help them... Papa, Mama... Someone... Save me... Oo Ral / Yelchin / Naprim: Responses

I am on discord, yes. I just sent you a friend request.

Alix Harford was bullied by Madison Marsh out of her classic suit and into an elegant silver dress with heels. Luckily, Madison coached her in the styling and makeup needed to pull off the look.

Is this still something I can join in on? If so, I'm interested. 😅

This was a heartwarming read this morning that really helped me see into the heartbreak that my fellow Doctor has been carrying around quietly. 💔 @Araxxu Vahin (Vahin’s Quarters, Floor 26, Anchorage Tower, Denali Station) Vahin couldn’t help but smile as the face of his twin sister appeared on the viewscreen in his apartment. When possible the two of them rarely went more than a few days without speaking to each other. During their childhood he and Arixu had been very close, and had spent most of their time together, and it wasn’t until their teenage years that two started to drift apart. Arixu was everything Vahin wasn’t. She was taller, stronger, better looking and had always been so sure of herself, so confident and outgoing. Unlike him she had little trouble making friends as they aged. Where Vahin spent much of his free time alone his sister always had a large group of admirers around her. But throughout the years she had also been his protector, whenever he needed help he always knew he could turn to Arixu. Arixu: Hey brother, how are you holding up? Arixu was going through the same thing as he was but yet she was the one worrying about his feelings. Vahin: I’m fine Ari. I mean it hasn’t been easy but I’m trying my best to stay positive. Arixu: I know you are Arax. It’s just you’re the most like dad and… He didn’t mean to snap at his sister’s comment but being reminded of how emotional he could be only increased how emotional he was being. Vahin: The most sensitive you mean. Arixu: Yes sensitive, but also caring and brave Arax. Don’t forget that. Vahin: ::sigh:: I don’t feel very brave. Arixu: Says the Bolian who’s living on an unexplored ring world in the Aavaro Wilds. And you’re the only member of the family who didn’t join the family business. You don’t think the rest of us every thought of leaving, of doing someone more than working in an undersea mining facility? Vahin: Well… Arixu: You were just the only one brave enough to leave. Vahin: And now I’m so far away when mother is sick. Arixu: Araxxu, you’re a great doctor but you can’t perform miracles. Even if you were here mother would still be sick. Vahin ran a hand over his bald blue head as the thought about Arixu’s words. She wasn’t wrong, Vahin could do just as much here on Denali as he could back home. In fact, his role as a doctor in Star Fleet had opened doors for him that he might not have had access to in another world. Araxxu: How is mother doing today? He knew that the silicon-based virus that was killing his mother would move slowly. She would begin to feel worse and worse as time progressed until finally she would become too weak to do much of anything. He shivered at the thought of those final days. Arixu: She seems fine today. Working just as hard as ever. Drevu suggested she place herself in a transporter buffer and she spent an hour telling him what a stupid idea that is. She made some good points, who knows how long she’d have to be in there and she’d rather not come out to find we’re all old or dead. Vahin chuckled even if the thought depressed him. It was just like his older brother to suggest using the buffer, he was nothing if not practical and often overlooked the emotional costs of things. Araxxu: And what about you Arixu? How are you holding up? Arixu smiled at the question and took a moment before answering. To Vahin, his sister seemed no different than the last time they spoke, perhaps she seemed a bit more tired but that could be said for everyone in the family these days. But he knew she was just very good at guarding her emotions. Arixu: I’m doing okay Arax. There’s lots about the company I don’t know..I..I just thought I’d have more time to learn from mom. I can’t see a world without her in it. It’s so… For the first time in a long while Vahin saw the brave mask that his sister wore start to slip. She stopped speaking and took a few deep breaths. Araxxu: Whatever happens we’ll get through this as a family. Arixu nodded and gave Vahin her best hopeful smile. Arixu: We will. Now, tell me something about Denali. Araxxu: Well we did just have our awards ceremony… And so, sister and brother spent the next hour in pleasant conversation secure in the knowledge that whatever the future held they would face it together. NT/END <><><><><><><><><><>=/\=<><><><><><><><><><> Lt Jg Araxxu Vahin Medical Denali Station D240006AV3

Woot! So excited and we're all posted to the same duty station. 🖖🏻