Tracey

(( Redstone-Waltas Quarters // USS Discovery )) :: She had finished her shift and, since the there appeared to be no immediate threat to the ship, left a member of her department on the Bridge with orders to contact her should that change, and headed back to their quarters. Worry etched into her features as she waited impatiently for the turbolift doors to open. Only a few days from the start of her sixth month of pregnancy, her rapidly expanding belly had begun to alter the way she moved, slowing her down a bit, making it harder to get out of a chair that was a bit too comfortable. Still, she moved as quickly as she could, entering their quarters to find Tyr sitting on the sofa in the living area. She made sure that Teagan wasn't home yet and then sat down beside him with a slight 'oofing' sound. :: REDSTONE: So .... ::He was quiet. Withdrawn. Even his posture on the couch showed that. Knees drawn up, elbows on them. Chin resting on forearms. Blank stare out the window at the inside of the Dyson sphere.:: WALTAS::Swallowing hard:: I thought I had them beaten, Eden. I didn't think they'd defeat me again. REDSTONE: :: Looking concerned :: Thought you had who beaten, Tyr? Are you alright? What happened? WALTAS::Voice cracking:: Old scars. Before you knew me. :: She reached up to stroke his hair back and slide closer to him, drawing his head to her shoulder as she continued to rhythmically stroke his hair, his forehead. In her embrace, he felt safe, comforted. He chided himself-a grown man being held and comforted like a child-but there was strength there. Strength he lacked. And love that had saved him.:: REDSTONE: Tell me ... please? I'd like to understand. WALTAS: I.I tried to describe it to the Counselor I don't think I can. God, Eden.if you could only.. REDSTONE: Then show me ... How about that? ::He sat up and she turned toward him slightly, one hand reaching up to touch the side of his face. So dearly loved. :: REDSTONE: If you're sure ... WALTAS::He hesitated, then spoke, his voice flat. Emotionless:: It's the only way. REDSTONE: :: nodding :: My mind to your mind ... WALTAS: My thoughts, to your thoughts. WALTAS/REDSTONE: Our minds are merging..our minds are one. WALTAS: They had my sword. ((Borg Cube, Dead Space, 30 years ago)) ::He was a young Lieutenant wearing the gold uniform of Security / Tactical. His hair was a dark brown, lacking the gray. His eyes were bright and intense, both with mischief and wonder. Then the scene panned back to reveal the horror of a Borg Cube-the chaotic circuitry surrounding them.:: Waltas::Turning, grinning.:: I'm going to get my sword back, of course. ::Tyr ignored Gabriel's protests and approached them as quietly as he could. The nearest drone looked to be female, or at least it used to be. His lip curled in derision. Before they could act, Tyr already had his prize. The katana was in his hand. He smiled as he remembered Nakagawa's words. "May you find peace, but if conflict comes, strike, and strike true." Tyr brought the blade down hard on the nearest drone and it dug into the shoulder. He removed it and drove the blade into the neck, then twisted. Sparks flew as the drone hit the ground. The third drone, blade-arm attached, stalked him. :: ::As expected, the drone attempted to use the new weapon and sliced at Tyr. Tyr blocked the blade with his own, spun and swung the katana as hard as he could against the blade of the drone. The weapons clashed together, but Tyr's katana was hand-made, folded over, and over, thousands of times, so that it was nearly unbreakable. The Borg's weapon failed and snapped in half. The drone looked, stunned, at the shattered weapon.:: Waltas: A cheap imitation, Borg. Just like you are. ::Tyr drove his blade deep into the Borg's chest, then ripped upward, effectively killing him.:: Gabriel: Lieutenant! Look out! ::Hearing Gabriel's warning, he turned just in time to see the third drone close in on him. Before he could act, the Borg struck him, hard, on the side of the head. As he fell the drone grabbed him, and two small tubes shot into his neck. Tyr gasped-he knew what was happening. He struck out with his blade frantically but could do little. The pain was growing...:: Waltas: Gabriel...sword... ::Gabriel smashed the heavy claymore into the back of the drone and killed it. Tyr dropped to the floor, pain shooting through his neck and spreading quickly. He was dizzy and his vision was blurring. He was slowly being assimilated. His stomach turned as his mind told him there were nanites crawling through his body-corrupting him, confiscating him in the name of the Borg. His worst fear had come to pass-he was becoming a Borg. He shook his head and screamed.:: Waltas: No...NO!!! (( Present )) :: He had always been a bit rash. That was Tyr even back then. First one to jump into the middle of it. She'd loved that about him from the first because that was her as well. She enveloped him within the strength and support of her love for him so that he knew he wasn't alone in his memories any longer. She had never insisted on a complete sharing between them and she saw now that that had been wrong. :: o 0 This has all been festering inside of him for so long. 0 o :: She kept her own reactions behind a tightly held shield, one she knew he didn't have the strength to penetrate, saving all of that for later. For now, it was important only that he remembered it all. Let the poison out. :: ((30 Years Ago, Borg Cube, Dead Space)) Gabriel: We should leave Lieutenant, now! ::Tyr gazed at the young Ensign. He was so full of life-just beginning the journey that Tyr had begun 230 years ago. While Gabriel was at the beginning of the road, Tyr knew he was at the end. His road ended in a cliff where he would fall from grace-fall from the loving touch of Nature's hand into a dark, dreary existence. His eyes told the Ensign all he needed to say.:: Gabriel: You will have to explain what I should do sir. ::He let out a sigh holding back the tears forming in his eyes. Tyr placed a thankful hand on Gabriel's shoulder, resisting the whisper that told him that the fifth vertebrae was nearby and he could easily snap it and kill the human. He shook his head, fighting the urge. He gazed at the Constitution on the viewport and tears filled his eyes. He'd never get to see his ship again-the first ship he ever set foot on as an Ensign. He would never walk her corridors again, or feel the camraderie of his shipmates.:: ((30 Years Ago, Borg Cube, Dead Space)) Borg Collective: You are drone 14732. You will assist in the assimilation of Federation units nearby. Comply. o O No.... O o Borg Collective: Drone 14732. You will comply. o O NO!! O o ::With his last ounce of strength, he withdrew the remote shuttle control from his uniform, now ripped from Borg implants piercing his skin. He reached for the program he'd written to retrieve them all. He looked down at his golden comm badge on his chest, grabbed it, and tossed it away. He watched it clatter to a stop near the center of the away team. Tyr took a deep breath as the Borg drew closer.:: Borg Collective: Drone 14732. Do not aid in the Federation escape. Comply immediately. ::Tyr looked at his friends. As they disappeared within a transporter beam, Tyr's world crumbled. He stood, extended his arm, now covered in implants, and accepted the lead drone's injection of nanites. He turned to look at the shuttle and the Constitution in the distance. As his mind filled with instructions, commands and information about how to best assist in regenerating the cube, a single tear slid down the face of Drone 14732.:: ((Present)) WALTAS: They had me..they used me..to kill them. :: She held him safe in her arms and within the meld, channeling love and support to him, as she listened and took in every bit of the horror he had experienced. In a way, they were both experiencing this now. :: REDSTONE: They had us ... we didn't have the strength to resist .. ((30 years ago, Borg Cube, Dead Space)) ::Drone 14732 positioned himself out of the line of sight of most of the combatants, and he watched his drones battle as he crawled into position. The two drones were cut down by the Brikar, but he was visibly tired and possibly wounded. Now was his chance. He leapt from the platform onto the back of the Brikar and grabbed his hair. Using all of his technology-driven strength, he drove him to the ground. The metallic, blade-like weapon emerged from his right arm and he thrust it down into the Brikar's shoulder, pinning him to the deck. The drone looked down at the fallen Brikar, a moment's hesitation stopped him. His Ba'ku side intruded once more, but was quickly cut off.:: BORG COLLECTIVE: Drone 14732: Proceed with assimilation of command personnel. ::The hesitation was gone. He moved to assimilate the Fleet Captain, but something, or rather, someone, stopped him.:: ((Present)) WALTAS: They brought me back to the Constitution. To save me. And in thanks I killed them. I broke out of Sickbay, and that's where I truly fell. :: Behind her own shield in that protected part of her brain, Eden already understood something that Tyr seemed to discount or overlook. He had fought the assimilation every step of the way. He had hesitated, fighting to regain control. But he was Ba'Ku and it was a fight that he had been unprepared to face. :: ((30 years ago, Sickbay, USS Constitution)) ::The blast from the phaser stunned him, but the beam continued, digging into his Borg armor and into his flesh. His entire body spasmed as the beam forced him to the ground. Intense pain radiated from the wound outward to his extremities. Every muscle clinched, every nerve ending screamed out in pain. Were he still Borg, he would be easily repaired, but he was once again Ba'ku-and a very weakened one. He collapsed onto the deck as a hypospray was placed against his neck. ((Present)) WALTAS: I died, Eden.I was truly gone. :: Of all the people in the universe, Eden was probably the most well equipped to deal with the memory of one's own death. She felt the pain along side him, felt him fall to the deckplate. Felt the spasms that made his muscles contract as the pain radiated outward. And now she too would carry the memory of his death. A burden she shouldered willingly. :: REDSTONE: We were gone ... ((30 years ago, Dead Space, USS Constitution)) =/\= I regret to inform you that.....Lieutenant Waltas has died, sir. =/\= ((Nowhere)) ::Something deep inside Tyr stirred. He recalled the cold, lifeless touch of technology. He remembered what it felt like, and knew that those same Borg implants were now active again, except this time they sought to heal instead of harm. In the abyss where he now floated, he began to feel again-to sense things around him. The implants sparked to life, forcing his lungs to draw breath, his heart to beat, his blood to flow. He could feel himself being pulled back from where he was now-that place that defied description. Slowly, agonizingly slowly, he was drawn from the ether. He was whole again. :: :: He took a breath, and felt the implants fade. He hovered on the brink of existence and oblivion. All of his hopes rested on that which he'd hated his entire life. The same implants that ripped and corrupted his body now fought against death itself. He lived within that moment-battling death-frozen in time. His strength ebbed. Had he given them enough time? He was answered by a deep breath drawn into his lungs. He could BREATHE again. His heart beat furiously, forcing blood through his body. The implants which had fought so hard for him finally failed-every one of them shut down, but it was enough. :: :: Tyr opened his eyes. His hand moved to grip the blanket over him and he slowly drew it away.:: ((Sickbay, USS Constitution)) ::The nurse spun in utter shock and confusion as the sound emanated from Waltas. She gasped in amazement as she saw the sheet drawn down from his face, and saw him gasping for breath.:: Best: DOCTOR! DOCTOR GABRIEL!! HURRY! ((Present)) ::The mind meld faded, leaving him weakened from reliving those moments, but strengthened by the fact that he had shared them. Finally, someone could see-truly see-what had happened. What they had done to him.:: WALTAS::Quietly:: Now you know. :: She opened herself to him through the bond they shared, let him see her reactions, her thoughts. Let him short through her feelings and understand that she both understood what had happened and that she loved him still. She let him see that she empathized with his pain, the horror of what he had been through. Nothing held back. Even the security officer part of her who was noodling around ideas for how to help him fight should he ever be threatened with that again. :: :: Mostly though, she flooded him with her love and support and care for him. Let him know that the memories were shared now, a burden they would carry together from this point forward, let him know that he was loved. Heart and soul. He opened his eyes fully, the blue reflecting the same intensity of that young Lieutenant who had seen the other side of death. His voice was now steady, his strength returning. He placed his hand gently on her growing abdomen.:: WALTAS::Determined, steady voice:: We're getting out of here. Captain Tyr Waltas Commanding Officer USS Discovery -and- Commander Eden Redstone Chief Tactical Officer USS Discovery

Welcome to the craziness Ensign Drake And if you are the Danny Wilde of years past...WELCOME BACK

Great... Relaxing in the underworld...muahahaha

((Holodeck 2, USS Independence-A)) :: Sidney entered the holodeck and simply stared at the yellow on black grid for a moment. She took a deep breath and sighed. Closing her eyes, she felt a knot in the pit of her stomach. She took several more deep breaths, tears falling from the corners of her closed eyes. Collapsing onto the floor, she opened her eyes, staring at the grid for what seemed like a very long time.:: ::In many ways Sidney felt as though she had given the wrong answer to Jade's question, "...is it always like this? I mean, before I joined I understand you have Operation Bright Star, and before that the Gorn War. It is war and death in every direction and through time. I fear I'm not strong enough, I can never be like you." War, death and destruction had filled her life in so many ways for a long time...was there joy, love, happiness?:: ::She hadn't said it not verbally, but she had really wanted the child she had lost. She had wanted someone to love and take care of, someone who was a part of her. She loved Belleau. She loved Tirzah. She knew she always would, but there was something different about *having* a child. She was a mother, but in many ways she felt like she wasn't.:: ::How could she be? She was a Starfleet Captain. Her personal life was a mess, she couldn't make up her mind...she couldn't control her emotions. She was...different. She wasn't like anyone else. She had tried to talk to Bron about it, but she always felt as though she were talking to a brick wall with him. She didn't fit the mold she had been taught was right as a child. She didn't fit the mold people wanted to place her in now. She felt so many emotions coursing through her being they threatened to overwhelm her.:: ::Sadness over the loss of her daughter. Anger at herself for things not working out with Alleran. However, she didn't fit that mold...didn't fit the mold because she was different. Anger that she had been placed off duty. Anger at the ship having been attacked...Anger that she had been attacked. She bit at her lower lip just hard enough to draw a drop of blood.:: ::She could feel her heart rate rising. When she finally pushed herself up slowly, she felt herself becoming light headed. She pushed herself through it with determination to stand. Her face was set in a solid almost blank expression.:: Riley: Computer, activate Program Riley 5. ::The holodeck came to life, the interior of the room was stark. The area surrounding her darkened. The light which illuminated where she stood cast shadows along the walls in eerie ways. The Terran/Deltan walked over to her right where a rack of swords stood. Carefully she selected the one she wanted, a slightly thicker sabre than she normally used. She moved gracefully as she tossed the sword from hand to hand her eyes intent on the blade. She watched as the light played on the surface, glinting as she moved into the lighted circle.:: ::Taking a deep breath she paused. Her eyes a deep determined green.:: Riley: Computer, create adversary... ::A woman shimmered into existence. A Terran woman with long brown hair who was slightly taller than Sidney.:: Riley: Computer, use the records from the attack of Fleet Captain Sidney Riley. Can you create a holographic image of the assassins? Computer: Affirmative. ::The woman disappeared and was replaced with the image of two Bajoran men. Both were over a foot taller than Sidney. Both armed with swords. The men were dressed in engineering gold. Sidney's eyes narrowed. They had been a part of the crew. Her face took on another expression one which held the betrayal she felt had been committed.:: Riley: oO They were one of us...part of the crew...Oo ::She bit into her lower lip again without thinking. Engineers! Crew members! She stared at them for good long while. She had never gotten a proper look at her attackers. They had stabbed her in the back, not just figuratively.:: ::Her breath became uneven as she watched the holographic images. She could feel the emotion running through her, like an electric current.:: Riley: Computer...calculate ability based on service record and physical stature, begin program. ::The figures came to life, both moving carefully their eyes trained on her. Sidney moved stealthily just outside of attack range for a moment, sizing up her opponents moves. They were clumsy, not well trained. Her eyes narrowed further, her expression as intent as a hunter following his prey. One of the Bajoran men lunged in her direction, crossing his feet. Quickly she swiveled her body, a 90 degree turn, just outside of the man's reach. She moved gracefully, if one had not seen the swords it would have looked like dance.:: ::Her small frame moved quickly, her moves becoming more and more calculated as the two began to attack from different sides. She felt her emotions beginning to well up as the two men went on the offense. She took up a defensive stance as she tried to keep her emotions under control.:: ((Flashback, 2386, Holodeck, USS Tiger)) Clack: Then lets begin. ::he raised his sword toward Sidney's face:: Discipline is the most important issue to remember.... if you let your emotions get the best of you... you are lost. ::Sidney raised an eyebrow but said nothing.:: Clack: Let's start with the basic cutting action. Once you learn them we can put them together for an effective offensive motion. There are three generic cutting techniques. ::break:: With the basic overhead cut, there are four basic motions. Overhead position, with the sword perfectly horizontal cast out, much like a fishing rod by pulling with the left hand at the bottom much like a lever until it makes contact with the head or shoulder of the opponent. ::With speed and agility, Darius brought the blade frighteningly close to Sidney's neck stopping just inches from her skin. Sidney didn't flinch as Darius' sword came perilously close to her neck. She kept her bright green eyes firmly planted on Darius' face.:: Clack: Then simply drop down to stop horizontally again. The action should be done without `power', allowing the blade to drop down. ::break:: Don't use too much force in the right hand, which is really only just guiding the blade. One way to minimize this is to practice the casting movement holding the sword in the left hand only. ::break:: Now, you try. ::Sidney took the sword from Clack and mimicked his movements, but for some reason her wrist felt stiff.:: Riley: Like this? Clack: Your wrist action is too rigid. Loosen up. ::Stepping behind her, he placed his hands on hers as he tried to correct her technique.:: Clack: The sword is not your enemy.... it is an extension of yourself. Riley: An interesting thought...::Laughs:: ((End Flashback)) ::Sidney blinked and ducked as one of the swords swung in her direction. The man's move had been awkward opening him up to attack. The Terran/Deltan moved quickly, her muscles flowing as she brought the sword in contact with the man's middle. He fell to the floor and faded out of existence. She didn't have much time to gloat as the other man moved towards her from behind. She sensed his presence more than saw him. She moved quickly, ducking down when she suddenly felt very light headed.:: ((Flashback, 2386, Holodeck, USS Tiger)) Clack: Interesting juvenile comparison.... your Captain Hook though had the right idea. ::break:: You need to be serious... this blade will cut you. Riley: No, no I am being serious. I do want to learn... Clack: Perhaps there is method in such a comparison with Peter Pan. Riley: Are you always so uptight Darius? Clack: ::Surprised:: Uptight? ::break:: I am not uptight. In an actual confrontation with someone, you can lose an arm or wrist if you are not careful. ::break:: One needs to be serious. ::Sidney moved quickly, letting Darius guide her hand with the sword.:: Riley: Alright, let me try. ::Sidney smiled as she swung around quickly completing the maneuver not perfectly, but much better than when they had started.:: Clack: You are very graceful in your motion. ::break:: Not perfect, but with time. Riley: I never said I was perfect...besides I was a Doctor in another life... not a security officer...::Chuckles:: Although I doubt many security officers could complete that move. Clack: Security officers across the fleet would be grateful if they had a tenth of your graceful talent. ::Sidney stopped and looked at Darius Clack for a moment. She smiled and blushed slightly as she caught his gaze. Quickly she turned away practicing the maneuver again, this time with much more gusto and determination.:: Riley: You know, emotions can at times be advantageous. Even when fighting an opponent... Clack: Not always. ::break:: They affect your motion.... cause you to expose yourself with no defense. ::break:: Ever been in an actual fight? Riley: Well, no I've not had much cause for fighting...although I have when necessary and I've lived to tell the tale... Clack: Interesting. ::his eyes flashed red to blue:: Riley: I've lived through war Darius, I've seen death...as no doubt you have. But just because I worked on saving those lives instead of taking them doesn't make me any less an officer. Clack: I never said it did. ((End Flashback)) ::Sidney fell to the floor, dropping her sword and rolling lightly. The man moved quickly coming around. It took Sidney a few extra seconds to stand, her hand grasping the blade of the sword instead of the hilt. She felt the steel against her skin, but didn't flinch. She tossed her sword lightly in the air and caught it properly. Somehow she spun around, dizziness threatening to over take her.:: ::Her moves were not graceful, but the sword made contact with her second opponent. He fell to the floor and dissipated as the one had before him.:: ((Flashback, 2386, Holodeck, USS Tiger)) Clack: I never said it did. Riley: I prefer to talk about happier things...It's much better for me to focus on the here and now...too much thinking about the past only hinders my progress...it brings on problems...I care too much. ::Walking directly in front of Sidney, he blocked the motion of her sword with his Talwar with spectacular speed. His eyes caught hers for a few seconds as he stared at her. She gave him a devious sly smile her eyes shining. Finally, a devilish grin spread across his face.:: Clack: We are products of our past.... good or bad. It is who we are. ::break:: I care too. Perhaps it doesn't show, but I do. ::break:: Drawing on strength from the past sometimes gives the desire to continue. Riley: I would agree with that...without our past experience we wouldn't be the people we are today. Clack: You are improving. ((End Flashback)) ::She simply stood there for a moment, staring into space. Her breathing was ragged. She sat down on the floor. Her muscles ached, the pain filling her senses, blocking out the emotional pain that had overtaken her when she had entered the holodeck.:: ::Products of the past. Was she a product of her past? So much had happened, so much was past. Sometimes it felt like there was only past and future. Sometimes...:: ::Sidney blinked, if it had been a fair fight... If she hadn't been stabbed in the back. Memories continued to come back to her.:: ((Flashback, 2386, Holodeck, USS Tiger)) ::Sidney attempted to mimic Darius' moves.:: Riley: That doesn't seem that hard... Clack: Once you complete them, we can simulate a holographic opponent for you. ::Sidney gave the man a questioning look.:: Riley: You think I'm almost ready for an opponent...I am honored... Clack: Then you will be ready for you first real opponent. ::break:: Me. ::Sidney laughed softly, out of the sheer enjoyment of the session as well as nervousness. Again she raised her sword in salute.:: Riley: I look forward to the challenge. Clack: I intend to be nothing less. Riley: I've come to a conclusion... ::She paused and looked in Clack's direction.:: Clack: What is that? Riley: I don't understand why people are afraid of you, you're quite unique yes...but deep down, you're a really great guy. Clack: Fear is a rational response to things one doesn't understand. Riley: I can't say I've ever met anyone like you... ::Sidney walked over and took a seat on a nearby bench.:: Clack: That I find hard to believe. ((End Flashback)) ::The fight had been easy. Too easy...Stabbed in the back.:: ::Sidney closed her eyes and took another deep breath. Slowly she opened her eyes, blinking back emotions that were rising to the surface. Mixed emotions, emotions she didn't understand, or at least she didn't want to admit she understood consciously. Darius' words echoed in her mind...:: oO "Drawing on strength from the past sometimes gives the desire to continue." Oo ::Strength from the past to continue on...:: oO "I care too. Perhaps it doesn't show, but I do." Oo ::A sad smile crossed Sidney's face as gentle tears streamed down her face. She pushed herself upward, standing again with her sword. A familiar voice still echoing in her mind...:: oO "Don't be afraid..." Oo Riley: Computer, create another holographic opponent. ::She paused.:: Female, use the data tapes from the attack on the Bajoran Central Archives. Adjust ability based on the tapes. ::An image of a taller woman in a red cloak appeared frozen. Sidney moved slowly walking around the figure. Wisps of blonde hair could be seen from under the cloak, but the face remained a hidden blur. She looked at her new opponent with curiosity for a moment. The Scarlet Brotherhood, this figure represented them all. The Terran/Deltan closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Her eyes narrowed as she took up her position.:: Riley: Computer begin program. ::This figure moved much quicker than the previous two. With expert precision and in one graceful motion two swords were suddenly produced from beneath the cloak. Sidney felt her emotions threatening to over take her. She blinked taking up a defensive posture. The figure immediately went on the offense and she found herself having to duck and recover a better stance.:: ::Her movements were awkward, much like when Darius had first taught her the basics of swordsmanship. The figure moved with speed and Sidney found herself caught weakened by her condition and the previous fight. She gasped as she spun around to avoid one of the thrusts of the sword, almost losing her balance. She fought the sensation to lose what meager amount of food she had eaten in the past few hours.:: ::She moved quickly, dizziness threatening to overtake her. Slowly she felt herself falling, falling forward. She hit the ground hard, harder than she had expected. She could sense the movement behind her, sense the figure closing in. The darkness threatened to take her as she tried to push herself upward.:: ::With a quick movement Sidney rolled to the side just as one of the swords made contact with the holodeck floor. It got stuck there and the Terran/Deltan had just enough time to push herself upward. She regained her posture and again faced the menace before her. This time she felt her sense of discipline slowly returning as she fought her own body.:: ::Her head clear, she went on the attack, pushing the figure back from her. Now that there was just one sword, things were more even. The cloaked figure began to retreat. Sidney thrust towards the red cloak, cutting the fabric with ease.:: ::The figure lunged and Sidney spun away from the direction of the attack. Sweat was dripping off her brow, onto her shirt, onto the floor. She pulled on her emotions, pushing herself further.:: ((Flashback, Earlier the Same Day, Riley's Quarters)) ::She tilted her head lightly, questioningly.:: Riley: Fire? Storos: Deltans feel strongly. We love strongly, that is well-known. But that is only part of it. Everything is felt so strongly, it is like being a spark in the midst of the fire. We...it can be hard for us to reach out to other species. Perhaps we fear we might burn them. Fire is dangerous. But fire can also be the hearth-fire of home. ::beat:: Does that make any sense? ::Bron offered Sidney a quirky smile. She paused in deep thought for a moment. She closed her eyes, opened them and then sighed.:: ((End Flashback)) oO Fire...Oo ::She felt the heat of the fire as it burned through her being. Everything, all the emotions, anger, sadness, despair, friendship, love...All rising to the surface is one massive flame, burning bright...:: ::Sidney turned quickly, bringing the sword across, her wrist firm, but loose, in one graceful movement. It was over...The figure fell, disappearing into the holodeck...:: ::A rising flame, a phoenix rising from the ashes...anger, regret...love, mostly love...:: ::A voice echoing in her mind...a familiar voice, a comforting voice...:: oO "You are safe here ... Don't be afraid, you will never lose me..." Oo ::Strength from the past to continue on. No matter what anyone thought. No matter how many times she had been attacked. No matter who thought she shouldn't exist. No matter who thought something was wrong with her. No matter what happened she was...:: ::She was... ...Sidney Riley.:: TBC... Fleet Captain Sidney Riley Commanding Officer USS Independence-A

((Timewarp: After Clack and Townson's Visit, Outside the Captain's Quarters, USS Independence-A)) ::Sidney slowly stood, even still she felt light headed when she did so. She took in a deep breath. Perhaps one day Starfleet medical would learn how to replicate her blood, but until then... She knew it would be another couple days before she felt well enough to do many regular tasks. And even then, the Doctor probably wouldn't let her go back to work.:: ::She walked over to the replicator and then paused. That was right...they were offline. She closed her eyes and turned slowly. Walking over to the hidden cabinet in the wall near the replicator she pulled out a medium sized Victorian style tin box. She smiled as she looked at the ornate pattern a moment before moving her thumb over the lid and pulling it upward. There was a soft click and the box opened to reveal a small container of real coffee grinds with chicory from New Orleans, a small container of creole seasoning and a stack of pecan pralines neatly arranged in a row. Taking out two of the sugary treats she closed the box and put it back in the cabinet for another day.:: ::She carefully pulled at the wrapper of the first candy when the door chime sounded rather unexpectedly. She almost dropped the sugary treat onto the floor and moved a little too quickly to try and catch it. After she regained her composure she called out.:: Riley: Who is it? ::She waited rather impatiently for a repsonse as she took a bite of the pecan candy.:: Storos: It is Bron Storos. ::Sidney's eyes widened and she caught her breath. Townson had mentioned security detail, but she hadn't thought it would be...It was a long moment before she responded.:: Riley: Come in... ::She took another hearty bite of the praline.:: Storos: I hope that I am not intruding, Captain... Riley: No, of course not. ::She motioned for him to enter with the hand that held the candies. Bron blinked at the treat in Sidney's hands but said nothing about it.:: Storos: I was... I just wanted to make sure that you were alright... ::A genuine smile crossed Sidney's face for the second time since she'd been released from sickbay.:: Riley: I will be alright. ::She paused.:: So, you've been assigned as my security. ::She tilted her head questioningly.:: Storos: That is correct, Captain. ::Sidney walked over and sat back down on the couch. She took several more bites of the praline before responding.:: Riley: Forgive me if I eat...I haven't had anything in a while. The replicators are down so I had to raid my personal stores. ::She held up her remaining candy.:: Storos: There is nothing to forgive. Though I believe the ship is now secure enough that you could eat in the mess hall. Riley: Yes, well... I'm not going to the Free Spririt to eat, especially if Tan is cooking. He'd probably poison my food... ::Bron let the faint hint of an emotion play across the corners of his mouth, though he quickly reigned it in. He gave a nod indicating the room around them.:: Storos: I notice that your quarters seem...less cluttered. Riley: Heh, yes well, I took care of that problem... Storos: So I am given to understand... ::Sidney focused her eyes on the rigid Deltan.:: Riley: Look, if you're going to stay here, you're going to have to sit down. Storos: Of course, Sir. ::Bron looked around for a moment, then sat on a chair across from Sidney. He sat only on the front half of the chair, his back ramrod straight.:: Storos: Better? ::Sidney raised an eyebrow, leaning back. She let her gaze fall over the Deltan man for a moment, once upon a time things had been very different between the two of them. A time when he hadn't called her "Sir...but that was a long time ago...a very long time ago.:: Riley: I suppose so... ::She raised both her eye brows this time, a very animated gesture for her current mood.:: Storos: I of course do not mean to intrude on personal matters. ::Sidney had opened and taken a bite of her second praline. At the security officer's comment she looked up with some surprise.:: Riley: No, of course you don't... ::Her voice trailed off...the very leading nature of the comment didn't escape her though.:: Storos: I am simply glad to see you looking well...all things considered... ::Sidney laughed lightly and shook her head.:: Riley: All things considered? What's that supposed to mean? ::She gave him a look full of scrutiny.:: ::Bron smiled at Sidney's laugh. It was a good sound to hear again.:: Storos: I mean the recent attempt on your life. Of course. Riley: I see... ::She set the rest of the praline down on the table.:: Storos: Yes. ::Bron swallowed. This was going to be a...most interesting shift.:: ::Sidney crossed her legs lightly and settled back into her seat. She closed her eyes and then opened them before speaking. Her mind drifting back to a conversation she had what seemed like long ago with then Karynn Ehlanii. Then to the statements made by Alleran about her blood. About something being wrong with her. She looked at Bron, her bright green eyes suddenly more intense.:: Riley: Bron? Storos: Yes, S-- Captain? Riley: What does it mean to be Deltan? ::Bron blinked, not entirely sure where the question was coming from.:: Storos: What it means to be to be a Deltan? ::Her gaze focused on the Deltan man, her expression very serious.:: Riley: Yes, what does it mean to be Deltan. Storos: I am not entirely sure that is an easy question. Some species I think can be summarized in one word. Vulcans -- logic, Klingons -- honor, Ferengi -- profit. Even then, there are nuances from person to person. And then there are other sorts of species. Could you sum up everything it means to be Terran in one word, or everything it means to be Andorian or Romulan? ::It was Sidney's turn to blink. She looked at him curiously for a moment and then reached forward, picked up the praline and took several more thoughtful bites before responding.:: Riley: I don't know... ::She paused again, setting the candy down. Did she really know what it meant to be Terran? She was raised by Terrans, she'd thought she was Terran for most of her life. But, she'd always been different, she'd always been part Deltan. Did she know what it meant to be Terran? Sometimes it felt like everything she knew was wrong.:: Storos: I am not sure I can speak for all Deltans. I can only speak for myself. ::She wrinkled her nose.:: Riley: Then what does it mean to you? Storos: To be Deltan -- for me...is to be fire... ::She tilted her head lightly, questioningly.:: Riley: Fire? Storos: Deltans feel strongly. We love strongly, that is well-known. But that is only part of it. Everything is felt so strongly, it is like being a spark in the midst of the fire. We...it can be hard for us to reach out to other species. Perhaps we fear we might burn them. Fire is dangerous. But fire can also be the hearth-fire of home. ::beat:: Does that make any sense? ::Bron offered Sidney a quirky smile. She paused in deep thought for a moment. She closed her eyes, opened them and then sighed.:: Riley: I think so...I don't know...::Pause.:: They can't replicate my blood, did you know that? ::Bron blinked again, it taking a moment for him to adjust to the change in subject.:: Storos: I did not know that. Though I am given to understand that people with a mixed genetic makeup do have such difficulties. Riley: Apparently Terran/Deltans aren't a very studied group. Starfleet medical says there aren't enough of us for any research to take place. ::She shrugged.:: And then of course, I'm not half, just one eighth. And well, you know how Deltans feel about anyone who isn't pure Deltan. Storos: ::with a rueful smile:: Not quite every Deltan. Though the prejudice is unfortunately widespread. Riley: I could have bled to death in the corridor...because there's something ::She paused, Alleran's words coming back to her.:: *wrong* with my blood. ::Bron felt his hands clench into fists, holding back his anger.:: Storos: ::blankly:: Who told you this? Riley: It's just something I was told by someone... ::Bron nodded and filed Sidney's evasion away for further investigation.:: Storos: Ah... Sidney, may I ask you a question and then give you the answer from my outsider perspective? Riley: What's that? Storos: What does it mean to be Terran? ::Sidney laughed.:: Riley: Do I really know? ::She shook her head. Her previous questions coming back to mind.:: Storos: ::nodding:: Terrans are perhaps the most diverse sentient species ever discovered. Certainly they are the most diverse humanoid species I know. They are not united by appearance or creed or way of life. What defines a Terran? Riley: I don't know I... ::She stopped, she was beginning to get frustrated. It was always like this when she talked to Bron. How could she explain? She was neither Terran nor Deltan, she was something in between, something different, something...many considered *wrong*.:: Storos: As a Deltan, someone observing Terrans from the outside, what it means to be a Terran is that you have the power to choose. Unlike any other species in the known galaxy, you choose your own path. You do not limit yourself to logic or emotion, to honor or to profit. You are what you choose to be. ::Sidney sighed.:: Riley: Yes, yes...::She waved her hand gracefully.:: We better ourselves for knowledge, for the good of others...etc, etc, etc.... Storos: I think sometimes that that is why Terrans have so many enemies. All the rest of us are jealous. ::Sidney gave Bron Storos a skeptically raised eyebrow.:: Riley: I'm sure many would disagree with you. Storos: The question you should be asking yourself, I think...is not what it means to be Deltan, but what it means to be Sidney Riley. ::She simply looked at the Deltan man for a moment. She took another deep breath.:: Riley: But why does being Terran mean anything to you? ::Her eyes narrowed.:: Storos: It means something to me... ::trailing off:: oO...because you mean something to me, Guardian of my heart. Oo ::She closed her eyes. Talking to Bron was like talking to a wall.:: Riley: But why don't you understand? ::She opened her eyes and raised her voice. Her previous feelings coming to the surface.:: Why am I the way I am? ::She moved on the couch lightly, fidgeting. If she had thought she wouldn't have been light headed she would have stood.:: Storos: You are the way you are, because of who you are. That is a sum of everything you are, Deltan and Terran both, as well as your unique experiences. Riley: Why is there something wrong with me? ::She hit her fist on the table as she leaned forward.:: ::Bron lifted his right hand, hesitantly at first. His index finger curled and rested under Sidney's chin. He attempted to raise it so he can look into Sidney's eyes. She made no move to stop him which surprised her slightly.:: Storos: ::very softly:: Who told you that there was anything wrong with you? Riley: Someone I trusted. ::Her voice was a mere whisper.:: Storos: I do not believe it. Riley: Maybe he was right? Storos: Perhaps you only feel that way because you do not know how to reconcile what you are feeling with your previous experiences. ::She pulled back from Storos' touch.:: Riley: What? Storos: Talk to me. Tell me what you are feeling... Riley: You wouldn't understand... Storos: Why do you say that? Riley: Because you can't even tell me what it means to be Deltan. ::She laughed lightly, but it held a hint of sadness.:: Storos: I will try, if you want me to... ::Sidney nodded.:: ::Bron closed his eyes. He rested his right hand on his heart. Then he opened his eyes and smiled at Sidney, though there perhaps was a sadness about his eyes.:: Storos: My creche tells a story. It is sung to us in our cradles. We sing it as we work in the fields. We whisper it to each other making love... ::Sidney listened intently.:: Storos: In the beginning there was Fire. Fire burned bright upon the earth, but Fire was alone. So Fire divided itself, again and again. He filled the world with heat and light and love. All things that move have this Fire within them. When I meet a member of my creche, Fire speaks to Fire. Fire flows between us. Fire grows. Fire rejoices to be reunited with itself. ::She blinked, deep in thought as he continued.;: Storos: For my creche, this is what it means to be Deltan. It means to be aware of the Fire within, to know when to hold off on letting it burn, and when to give in to the flames... ::laughing:: And I am sure that that helps not at all... Riley: I have to admit, the story is cryptic. ::Sidney smiled lightly, sighed and shook her head.:: Storos: ::smiling in turn:: If it were not cryptic, it would not be a true story... ::Bron paused, feeling that there was more Sidney wanted to say.:: Riley: It's just... Storos: Go on. Riley: I have such strong emotions and...I don't know how to deal with them. :: A single tear escaped from her eye.:: ::Bron hesitated for a moment, then he reached out and brushed away Sidney's tear with the back of his index finger.:: Storos: Tell me. Let me help... Riley: No one understands me...maybe it is my fault, maybe there is something wrong with my blood... Storos: ::shaking his head:: I refuse to believe that there is anything wrong with you. Riley: I lost the child I was carrying...in the assassination attempt. ::Bron sucked in a breath.:: Storos: I... I did not know, Sidney. I am truly sorry... ::Sidney shrugged lightly, her eyes staring off into space.:: Storos: The Deltans of my creche believe that death diminishes those left behind, but the Fire within those we have lost rejoins the greater Fire of the universe. The closer we draw to the great Fire, the truer we are to the Fire within ourselves, the closer we draw to those we have lost. ::She blinked looking over at Bron. She gave a wry smile.:: Riley: Thanks... ::Her voice was very quiet.:: Storos: You are very welcome. ::The Terran/Deltan was very quiet for a moment.:: Riley: ::Sighs.:: I just have such strong emotions...they pull me in every direction...sometimes all at once. Storos: Emotions are not bad things. The important thing is to be true to yourself. Riley: I just want things I can not have... Storos: What sort of things? Riley: You couldn't understand... Storos: ::with a wry smile:: I may know a few things about wanting things one cannot have... ::Sidney raised an eyebrow, she seriously doubted what the Deltan man said.:: Storos: If you do not wish to speak about it, especially at this time, I understand. ::She nodded.:: Storos: I do want you to know, though, that I am always here if you do want to talk. Riley: I just want to know what it means to be Deltan... Storos: I am not sure what more to say than what I have already said. Riley: You don't understand... Storos: I can tell you more stories. I can suggest cultural studies to read. I would be happy to show you more of Delta IV on the holodeck. With the greatest joy. But I am not sure to what extent that would be helpful to explain what it means for Sidney Riley to be part Deltan... ::Sidney took in a sharp breath, it was always like this when talking to Bron. It was why things were the way they were. She stood slowly.:: Riley: I am headed to the Free Spirit... ::She walked past Bron and then turned around her eyes flashing a smile.:: I guess that means you're supposed to follow me. Storos: ::with an answering smile:: I suppose that it does. Riley: Well come on then... ::She motioned for Storos to follow her as she walked out the door and into the corridor.:: TBC... Fleet Captain Sidney Riley Commanding Officer USS Independence-A and Lieutenant Bron Storos Security USS Independence-A

What an awesome class this was. Wecome to the fleet

Welcome to the group, everyone

Welcome aboard Ensign

Yay! Welcome! Y'all made it

Well Done Ensigns!

Hiya you two. And welcome.

http://www.montrealgazette.com/opinion/op-ed/Capt+Kirk+Shatner/4881967/story.html William Shatner was in Montreal this week to receive his honorary Doctorate from his Alma Matter, McGill University. (you can waatch his speach at the link above.) He was able to attend this ceremony, but he was not able to attend West Hill High School's 50 reunion, which took place a few weeks back. William Shatner also attended the now defunct Baron Byng High School in the Park Extension area of Montreal, for those who have ever visited. I know this because my mother went to the same school as Bill, but one grade below. Congrats Doctor Shatner

Welcome

WB to the fleet. It's cool to see some old timers return

Welcome back, Doc

Ditto. Welcom aboard y'all, and welcome back Mr. Vannini

Send an OOC directly to your Captain or First Officer. If you are lost, they should give you an idea as to where you should be in the storyline, or give you an opening. Another option, is read past SIMs directly from the yahoogroup, from the previous few days from when you first boarded and write a SIM with Tags in it. Just like the academy, do not be afraid to jump right in.

It's all a mystery...Ooooh Ooooh! Right up there with the origins of Salt this, buddy...Only those who have been around long enough know the truth. Oh you poor Trills

It's also sneaky Congrats and welcome

:: Gasp :: Really? That would explain a few things :: Nods :: Fascinating, I am curious to know now if the other really active member of our team was a ghost now! :: Laughs :: How did you find that out, did they tell you after you graduated or did you have to spy on your commanding officers? Oh and your secret is safe with me, no worries there, you can always trust a Cardassian with your secrets :: Winks :: I'll let you in on another little secret, there was only one ghost writer in your group. Everyone else was a "real" cadet. And once again, congrats y'all.

Welcome

The topic has kinda led me to songs that signify silence. What I mean are songs that are somber enough that one could play through silence, where no one talks. It reminds me of the Jewish hymn Kol Nidre http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mgaICZS79Y When I was a child, this song would play while the Rabbi would state the names, in alphabetical order of those who had perished during the course of the year, from the congregation. It was always played by an organ and left me with a lump in my throat

Welcome to the group

Congrats and welcome to the fleet

I`m happy to be back