Jordan aka FltAdmlWolf

Title: A Walk Amongst The Rows Author: Victoria Yladro ((Temecula, California)) ::The brisk morning air felt cool and inviting from the open window, and as the sun was a good hour before peeking over the dark ridgeline, a young woman tossed and turned in her bed. Fighting her body clock, Marlené tried her hardest to fall back into sleep, no matter how restless her sleep was or the nightmares she sometimes endured. Even though she turned-in early the night before, the rest she obtained didn't alleviate her exhausion. She groaned realizing that her attempt to gain a few minutes more of sleep wasn't going to happen and she lay in bed, awake and cognizant. There was a knock on the door and an older man's Austrian-accented voice spoke through the door.:: Voice: I can hear you. You're awake, young lady. Come downstairs for breakfast. ::She threw her legs out of bed and the diminuitive woman stood up, feeling her repaired joints creak, she stretched slowly - sometimes broken bones never properly heal right, even in 2383, and in Marlené's case, hers made her feel like an arthritic septagenarian sometimes. Her room was mirrorless but she frowned at and about herself anyway, running her fingers through her ruddy bushy hair, her large blue eyes glared down at her milky-pale complexion, and her thin arms and legs... all the unique traits inherited with the other Yladro siblings - her twin sister Marta, younger brother Vincent and baby sister Victoria:: Marlené: I'll be down for lunch. Voice: That's unacceptable. Besides, they've made your favorite breakfast. ::The door opened and the young woman stood in the doorway. She faced a smiling man with laughing eyes, greying hair and a lined face showing his years. The family majordomo - Jürgen Feuerhardt, the trusted employee who was revered and loved as a member of the family ever since he retired over thirty years ago from the Starfleet Marine Corps.:: Marlené: The chefs made ME coddled eggs?? Feuerhardt: ::Fatherly:: Well not really, dear, but by the time you get yourself together and get yourself down to the dining room, I'm sure they'll have it made and served just for you. Marlené: Jüergi, couldn't you just lie and say they use the replicator? Feurerhardt: And disappoint the staff? Never. That'd be an insult to their culinary education. ::he smiled warmly:: Go on, get going already. Its getting late. ::Marlené looked over her shoulder at the clock on her nightstand - its holographic display showed it nearly 05:30, and the sun was still well-behind the hills near the house - it was indeed getting late.:: Marlené: Yep. ::She returned the smile and closed the door:: ((Timewarp, Tovaz-Schneider Vineyard )) ::The rest of the house was still asleep, and the harvest crew that meticulously maintained the massive vineyard in the early morning hours were off for the day, leaving the rows and rows of grapevines open for Marlené and Jürgen to stroll between in silence. They walked every morning, avoiding the areas being tended to, just to watch the California sunrise over the distant hills over by the Anza Borrego forest. Marlené led Jurgen across a path and as they entered into the rows of trebbiano grapes, Jürgen broke the silence.:: Feuerhardt: I can almost hear the gears in your head turning. ::The young woman remained silent as they walked:: Feuerhardt: What insolence! Its been, what? Twenty five years since I last threatened you with a spanking? Marlené: Its been two weeks. And you've never spanked anyone in your life. Feuerhardt: Ah! The voiceless speaks! Its a miracle! ::he chuckled:: So, are you going to tell me what I already know? Marlené: No. Feurerhardt: Fears, trepidations, nightmares.... Marlené: Shut up. ::The older man picked a grape from a passing vine and chucked it at the bushy head of the woman. She stopped and gave the man a glare:: Marlené: Dammit Jüergi, I don't want to talk about it. Feurerhardt: Unacceptable. You will, right now. ::He stopped, pulled a PADD out of the pocked of his parka, activated it and read it aloud. Upon hearing her name mentioned she stopped as well, seething:: Feuerhardt: (reading) "Section 12 Code Nine, Starfleet Medical. Dear Lt Yladro, Congratulations - you have been officially released from long-term medical care and are fit and able to resume active duty. Please report to the San Francisco Field Placement Office for your next assignment." ::he stopped reading and looked up at Marlené:: They dropped you in rank? Or did you request it? Marlené: I said I don't want to talk about it!! Feuerhardt: You don't have to young lady. I already know why. But... to think you could've been a full commander by now. Victoria is likely to surpass you. ::Flustered and red-faced, the dimuitive woman screamed at the top of her soprano voice, startling a bunch of crows perched on the tree nearby - they took to the sky as if a shotgun was fired:: Marlené: Don't Mention That Name To Me!!!!! Feuerhardt: Ok. Ok. ok. ok, ok. Calm yourself! oO 'Anger management' isn't working for her. Oo ::Marlené stormed up to Jürgen and snatched the PADD from his hand:: Marlené: ::accusingly:: Where did you get this? Feuerhardt: Dont forget I have many friends in Starfleet Intelligence They sent the message to me too. They thought I should know. ::Seething in rage, Marlené slammed the device down on top of a vine-post, cracking the screen and destroying the PADD.:: Marlené: That's what I think of you and your friends in your Intelligence group! ::She threw the broken PADD down at his feet and briskly walked away down the row.:: Don't matter anyway. I'm resigning! ::Jürgen stood his ground and spoke as Marlené walked away:: Feuerhardt: And throw away an excellent career and your future? Marlene: ::Over her shoulder as she walked away:: I shouldn't have a future! I shouldn't be here!!! Feuerhardt: Your family will be very upset. Marlene: I don't care! That's their problem, not mine! ::Jürgen picked up the broken PADD and pocked it. He then double-timed it down the path and kept a few paces behind the woman.: Feuerhardt: And where will you go? What will you do? Marlené: Why the hell would you care anyway? ::He had had enough. Jürgen grabbed Marlené's arm, forcing her to stop and face him:: Feuerhardt: Because I've raised and loved you and your sisters and brother like you were my own children, the children I'll never have. So, I'm not going to listen to your BS any longer. Stop acting like a royal prat! Marlené: Stop ::softly, sobbing:: Let me go. Feuerhardt: No. You need to work this out. Marlené: No, let me go. Feuerhardt: ::releasing her arm:: I care very much for you. I just want to know where you're going to and what you're going to do with yourself. Marlené: I don't know! Feuerhardt: Sit down. Marlené: No, not here on the dirt. Feuerhardt: ::Frowning:: Just do it! ::She sat down and Jürgen followed.:: Feuerhardt: Now you listen to me. You cannot run away from your problems, you know that. ::Marlené huffed a sigh and rolled her eyes:: Feuerhardt: Don't you give me an attitude, pet. I'm sick and tired of you avoiding life and your family. Marlené: You don't get it do you Jüergi, I've told you time and time again. You DON'T know what I've been through... and you DON'T know what I feel! You don't know what it feels like! Feuerhardt: ::Calmly:: True, I've never experienced what you have. But I do know what you've been through. I'm not El-Aurian like you are but I DO know how to listen and I remember.:: ::Marlené looked away, wiping her eyes:: Feuerhardt: Marlené, look at me... Tell me... Is the idea of recovery so insurmountable? Marlené: I don't want to talk abou- Feuerhardt: No, you must. You need to leave the past in the past, and live your life, not run away from it. Marlené: I don't need YOU to lecture me. Feuerhardt: Well, too bad. You don't seem to listen to what the professionals have to say to you. I'm fortunate that you still listen to me.. umm, somewhat. But this is all academic now, you've played the game, and you convinced them to get discharged from care. You won't listen to me or anyone. So now you're footloose and fancy-free to do what you want. So.... go. Go quit. Give up. Auf Wedersehen. ::He looked away from her and threw a small dirt clod down the row.:: Marlené: I'm not giving up! ::She stood:: I'm just resigning. :: Jürgen sat and stared up at Marlené:: Feuerhardt: What's the difference? ::The younger woman glared down at the man, a former decorated officer who risked life and limb for the Federation. He seemed a little pathetic sitting on the dirt and she reached-out to offer her hand to lift him upwards. Jürgen took it and stood, brushing off the dirt.:: Feurerhardt: You are an amazing, giving person and a brilliant scientist with a gift. Don't throw all that away on a pointless grudge with Vict- Marlené: ::Interrupting abruptly:: If it wasn't for "HER", I wouldn't have had to live through what I did. And I wouldn't have to relive the pain and torture every damn night with these accursed nightmares!! Feuerhardt: If it wasn't for her... you'd be dead. Lt. Marlene Yladro Science Officer & Major Jurgen Feurerhardt (retired) Hnadlaz-Yladro Family Manager

Title: A Horse? Author: Tabour Flux ((Conference Room, USS Discovery)) :: Every one was looking around at each other and wondering what was all going on, finally the and allowed the room to quiet before answering the many questions thrown his way.:: WALTAS: First of all, this is NOT going to be a long meeting. I just wanted to go over a few things before we beam down for shore leave. Before I answer your questions, though, I wanted to introduce our new Helm / Comm / Ops officer, Ensign Kaitlyn Rowan. She's from the M..from another ship and has transferred here to continue her career. Welcome aboard, Ensign. ROWAN: Thank you, Captain. It's an honor to serve aboard this ship... WALTAS: Thank you, Ensign. Now, to your questions. The "Away Team duty" I mentioned is simply a formality. Keep in mind that my people are largely xenophobic. They don't like outsiders or...as they're more commonly referred to as, offlanders. You are my senior officers, and I expect you to behave as such. You may interact with the Ba'ku, but under no circumstances should you attempt to interfere. ::Smiling slightly:: Even I will be looked on as an outlander because I've been away for so long. That should say plenty as to how you will be regarded. Any questions? WALTAS: Now, Ensign Sumataran, you mentioned something about a survey team? SUMATARAN: ::clearing her throat:: Based on the sequence of events, it seems that sensors briefly detected several anomalous, cloaked warp signatures while the Discovery was at Starbase 118. They were followed by several hours of erratic computer activity where around 5% of our data was mysteriously lost - although I'm not sure if this was part of a plan or a freak accident. WALTAS: I'll leave that to you. If you do send down a team, I want it low-key and kept out of sight. Besides, this is shore leave for everyone so try not to work your crews too hard. WALTAS: Now to Counselor Flux's question. What's going on is a bit of a mystery. Ensign Sumataran, could you and Lt. Commander Eskyys enlighten us as to what you've found so far? ESKYYS:Well, I'll make this short. :: Smiling.:: From what data I've gathered so far it looks as if Morningstar was pulled out of warp by an extremely powerful tractor beam. Right now I'm still getting the details worked out. WALTAS: Can you conclude anything as of yet? ESKYYS: Not yet. WALTAS: Alright. It appears our prisoner killed himself before we could get any information out of him, so that's where we leave it until we solve the mystery. Any questions? ROWAN: ::addressing Eskyys:: Are you certain that is what happened to the Morningstar? WALTAS::Nodding:: Consider yourselves on shore leave as of now. I'd like us all to beam down together, so meet in the transporter room in 1/2 hour. Dismissed. :: Once everyone was dismissed everyone got up and left to get ready for the much needed shore leave. Counselor Flux exited with the rest of the crew and headed for his quarters on deck four where sick bay and the counseling department is located. Once inside Tabour went threw his clothes to find some thing to wear. He ended up finding army colored pants with a few pockets on the sides of the legs and a short sleeve chocolate colored shirt to go with it. Flux then replicated brown hiking boots and a army colored hat to wear. Tabour quickly got changed and headed to the transporter room where everyone was all ready to go. Tabour walked over to the transporter pad and got on. :: WALTAS: Very well. ::Turning to the crew:: Everyone ready for a vacation? FLUX: Oh ya! ESKYYS: No, I hate having to take a break. :: Everyone turned in shock. Esk laughed at them.:: I'm kidding. ::Waltas Smiling, he stepped up onto the pad and spoke.:: WALTAS: Put us about a mile outside of town, chief. I have a little surprise in store for everyone. ::Before anyone could protest the distance:: Energize. ((Surface, Ba'ku Home world)) :: Flux and the crew were then surrounded by the familiar blue hue of the transporter and materialized on the surface bellow. Tabour looked around at the beauty of the place he just appeared on. It was a most impressive sight in deed, no wonder why the crew was so excited to come here. Tabour took in more of the surroundings when he saw Waltas looking up towards a hill. :: WALTAS::Smiling:: Mother. ESKYYS : Mother? :: Waltas chuckling, he then took off at a jog and vaulted onto one of the nearest horses, bringing the animal about and trotted forward. The looks he received were comical and he laughed out loud.:: WALTAS: Well, what are you waiting for? Saddle up! :: All the crew took off for a horse, some getting on big ones and others taking an average size horse. Tabour noticed most of the crew knew what they were doing, some looked like pro's and others looked a bit intimidated, but still knew what they were doing. Tabour had heard of horses before among the humans, but he had never actually saw one one his self or any of his other hosts for that fact. :: o0 I don't know how to get on one of those things. This is going to be very interesting. o0 :: Tabour headed over to one of the average sized horses and put out his hand for the horse to smell.:: FLUX: :: looking at the horse:: I don't know you and you don't know me, but i'm going to try and get on you. Please make this easy for me. :: Tabour softly rubbed the horse on his side, being careful not to get stepped on. Tabour didn't realize how big these animals really were and found it to be intimidating. I can do this i watched everyone else do it, so.. so can i. Tabour taking in a deep breath, he grabbed the reins as they called it and put his left foot in to the thing, suddenly the horse side stepped causing Tabour to loose his balance and fall to the ground with his boot still stuck in the metal thing. FLUX: :: Laughing at him self :: I don't think Trills were meant to do this!. ESKYYS: Actually there very calm and genital, as long as you treat them with respect. FLUX: Ok lets try this again shall we. :: Once Tabour got his foot free he tried again, moving more quickly this time,Tabour grabbed the rains, put his boot into the thing and swung his right leg over the horse as he struggled to pull him self up. Tabour being the last one, FINALLY got on the horse not noticing the conversations around him and that Waltas had talked to his mother on the hill. :: WALTAS: Now, did someone mention a race? FLUX: :: caught off guard :: A race? :: Suddenly Waltas raced off handling the horse like a pro. :: FLUX: Does anyone know how to make this thing go? ESKYYS: Just tap gently with your feet, like this. FLUX: That's it?, I think i can do that. ESKYYS: Yes, good. You got it. FLUX: What about stirring and stopping? ESKYYS: Use the reins. :: Holding his up.:: Pull one way to turn and both to stop. FLUX: Ok.... here goes nothing. Ensign Tabour Flux Ships Counselor USS Discovery

Title: Victoria 'The Spicy Shrimp' Yladro Author: Victoria Yladro ((Keely's Pad)) ::Victoria woke up lazily. She felt so relaxed while feeling electrified by their encounter, and she turned over slowly to face the man who'd made it all possible.:: Keely: ::Smiling.:: Did I remember to tell you last night how much I love you? Yladro: Yeah. ::She stretched and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling herself closer and smiled seductively.:: ::They held each other and nuzzled, enjoying their closeness when Victoria's combadge sounded-off from her shirt laying on the floor. Knowing that the computer will also open a channel from a tap or on her voice confirmation, she waited to hear who was calling in such an inopportune moment.:: Keely: I'll bet it's about work... Cyrus: =/\= Webb to Yladro =/\= Yladro: ::aloud:: =/\= Yes? =/\= Cyrus: =/\= Sorry, Have I called at a bad time =/\= Yladro: =/\= No. What's up? =/\= Cyrus: =/\= Well I was wondering if you had heard about the boxing tournament =/\= Yladro: =/\= Boxing tournament? Not aware of any tournaments. =/\= Cyrus: =/\= Yes, its starting tonight, I thought we could train together =/\= Yladro: =/\= Me? There's not a lot of time left in the day to train. Hey, Is this payback for me having you haul that corpse from the Zalkonian Embassy??? =/\= Keely: Corpse, what corpse? Cyrus: =/\= Well, maybe I was being presumptious but I was assuming that someone like you would want to enter =/\= ::She looked over at Lah'rel who had widen eyes and a displeased expression.:: Yladro: =/\= Maybe. I love a good challenge. What made you think of me? =/\= Cyrus: =/\= Not sure, perhaps it was your naturally competitive temperament =/\= Yladro: =/\= HA! Count me in! Better consider Lt Keely too. I'm sure he'd love to get involved too. =/\= ::She noticed Lah'rel's expression turn from displeased surprise to displeased shock:: Cyrus: =/\= Ok then, I'll meet you down by the lobby, we ought to go over to the arena and get ready for Round 1 =/\= Yladro: =/\= Sounds like fun. Just tell them to not call me ma'am or there will be hell to pay. Meet you in the lobby =/\= Cyrus: =/\= I'll see you there. =/\= ::There was uncharacteristic silence in the room and Victoria turned to stare at Lah'rel who looked at her in silence as he got up out of bed and looked for something to put around his waist.:: Yladro: What??? Keely: I didn't say anything... Yladro: What's wrong, are you afraid of a little competition? Keely: Response Yladro: First off, it sounds like fun. Secondly, I love a good challenge. And thirdly, I've never done one of these with boxing gloves. Keely: Me? No.. oO I just don't want to see you get hurt. Oo I don't want you to get hurt, have you done anything like this before..? Yladro: I've been in many sparring exhibitions when I studied the martial arts. ::she slid from the bed and stood in front of the replicator Lah'rel began to walk towards her.:: Keely: You studied the martial arts. ::looking slightly confused..:: I didn't know that, what exactly did you study? Yladro: Oh a few disciplines. Tae Kwon Do, Krav Maga, Judo and Savate. Did I ever tell you that I taught Savate and Krav Maga at the Academy as a student trainer, just to piss off Admiral Sennheiser? Computer, woodland camo leotard and women's black boxing trunks, black elastic headband and black boots all to size specs for Lt Yladro, also small women's sized boxing gloves. :: she turned back towards Lah'rel:: So you're gonna participate right? Keely: But Victoria, you could get hurt... oO I might have to kill someone.. Oo ::He looked at her worried that she had already made up her mind to fight anyway....:: Yladro: Oh I'll be able to take care of myself. ::She took out the clothing and walked towards Lah'rel's bathroom.:: Just pray we never have to face-off. ::Lah'rel laughed at the intentionally playfully-evil expression she gave him just before she closed the shower door.:: ((Timewarp)) :: Victoria emerged from the lift wearing her boxing outfit and with her gloves tied and slung over her shoulder.:: Cyrus: You look ready for it Yladro You betcha. We won't need to wait for Lt Keely, he's getting dressed for the tournament. He'll probably arrive there via transporter. Cyrus: Well I guess we ought to make our way over to the arena. Yladro: Let's do it. ((Timewarp - Arena, backstage)) ::They arrived at the newly-built arena and passed-through the back entrance to the dressing rooms. Victoria was greeted by three Ferengis who were holding a makeshift sign bearing her name. She stopped directly in front of the trio and took a good hard look at them... all three were female Ferengis dressed in elaborate Ferengi male clothes. They were obviously liberated and seeking their fortunes far away from the oppression of Ferengi men.:: Ferengi #1: Greetings! you are the humon Yelladroo? Yladro: Its pronounced "Ee-Yah-droh", and I'm only 20% human. ::The three women exchanged glances and all three grinned showing their sharpened teeth.:: Ferengi #3: We are your assigned Corner-people. My name is Kartok and I am your cutwoman. I will keep you in the match no matter how much humon blood you spill. Yladro: I said I'm only partially human. Kartok: ::flashing her teeth and sneering:: So then I will try reeeeally hard to keep that 20% from ruining your chances. Ferengi #2: I am Trudox, I am in your corner-woman with your towel, water bottle, stool and the bucket to catch your blood. Yladro: What?!?! ::She faced each of them, the snide remarks were making her dizzy with confusion of where their loyalties really were:: Ferengi #1: And I am called Liebram, I will be your corner coach. I will tell you how to jab, where to punch, and when Trudox will throw in your bloody towel. Yladro: Bloody hell!! I haven't thrown a punch and you're talking as if you're expecting me to fail??? Liebran: You are the smallest one here! The tallest is rumored to be over seven feet tall! There is no profit for us in your fighting except for our wages. Yladro: ::giving them an ice-cold glare:: I probably have a few surprises up my sleeve that they're not expecting. It'll be a fun battle... war can be good for business. :: Victoria withdrew a bar of latinum from within her tied boxing glove and noticed that the Ferengi women quickly locked their beady eyes on the currency.:: Yladro: I take it that there's some organized speculation going on? Trudox: Ohh yes. It would not be sport without a sportsbook!! ::The others nodded with eager eyes staring hungrily at the latinum:: Yladro: Good. Take this latinum and place it on ME to win my first match. You three can split 3/4 of the profit and give me the rest. Trudox: ::greedily grabbing the bar:: Yes! Consider it done! ::Trudox quickly ran out of the room while Leibran began taping-up her hands:::: Leibran: The odds are totally against you. BUT if you were to get past the first round of boxers this will be very very profitable. Kartok: ::Adjusting the lacings on the gloves, waiting for Leibran to finish:: Yes. Very true. This will be what humons call "icing on the cake". Yladro: When does this thing start? Kartok: Very soon. We shall lead you in when your round begins. :: Trudox returned out of breath but with a wide sharp-toothed smile:: Trudox: Competition is going to be very rough but she has 40 to 1 odds to finish the first match! ::The others "oohed" at the news.:: Trudox: You get through your first fighter and we are talking a huge profit! Ten bars each! ::Trudox placed a glove on Victoria's taped hand and began to lace it up while Leibran taped-up the other hand.:: Trudox: ::matter-of-factly:: She just has to win. ::Over a loud PA they could hear a distinctive voice:: Yladro: Who's that annoucing? Kartok: We were told it is a hologram of a famous Humon boxing announcer from 380 years ago. Someone named Michael Huffer. He has an odd catchphrase. Something about rumbling. Huffer: Without further ado I would like to introduce you to the great gladiators of these games. Yladro: Did he say adieu. Is he French? Kartok: He is humon. And I know nothing about humon boxing announcers. I just know how to keep humon blood from spilling out of you. Yladro: Gee, sounds like I should throw the match so you don't have to work so hard. Kartok: Bite your tongue, Yladro. I want my 10 bars of latinum! You BETTER win! ::Leibran began tying the last glove on as they listened as the holographic announcer called the card. In-between the called names, the massive crowd would applaud loudly.:: Huffer: The next fighter stands 178cm tall and weighs in at 184lbs. A Starfleet golden glove 4 time winner, with excellent all round abilities, someone to not be underestimated in anyway, a Swarmer by trade who likes to get in close and hit his opponents fast and hard... Keeeeely Lah'rel! ::Audience applauds:: Yladro: Sheesh, he's in big trouble. ::Suddenly someone burst into the room with a camera and a bright light shining on her. She cringed knowing that her image was probably being displayed on a 50 meter widescreen for the entire audience to see.:: Huffer: Next I would like to introduce you to our smallest competitor, a woman with excellent speed and surprising strength. Standing just 152cm tall and weighing in at a mere 94 lbs at 28 earth years of age, a Swarmer by trade, Victoria "Don't Call me Ma'aaaam" Yladro! ::Audience applauds:: Yladro: Ha! :: To the camera:: Someone go out there and tell him that they got my damn name wrong. I'd prefer to be called "The Spicy Shrimp"! LCMD Victoria Yladro SO/CAO Duronis II Embassy

Title: Shortest Transfer Ever Author: Jophry Calhan ((Officers Quarters - USS Forrester)) ::The situation was quite strange for Jophry. A direct call from SB118 Ops to join immediately took him by surprise completely. Lack of explanation was even more odd. They've only told him his skills where needed elsewhere and that he would return to Ursa Major after few months. That and knowledge he'll be travelling with LCMD Beta eased him. He'd have a chance to talk with the android before farewell. For a machine Beta was extraordinaire amusing. Now though Calhan was sitting alone in his temporary room, sliding the pages of a real printed book. The cover was made of smooth brown leather with an author and title engraved in gold. Niccolo Machiavelli, 'The Prince'. The book was lend to him by Forrester's Captain himself. The retiring CO said it was not like anything Jo have ever read. As doctor immersed into the book, he found context most disturbing. It didn't appeal to him much. Better suited his father. With no ado the floor beneath him started to tremble a little. He looked through the window, seeing the stars dissolve into bright lines. Warp.:: oO On the go already? I thought we had an hour or so... Oo COMPUTER: ALL HANDS TO BATTLE STATIONS ::The room's lighting subtly changed into a set of red lights followed up by a siren. Red alert. In a second Calhan was on his feet, letting the book rest on the table. Something wrong had happened. Was it connected with Ursa? Jophry neglected this thought, it was unbased. He rushed to the door, eager to find out the reason and help if needed. As he had passed the threshold, the sirens howled madly. Battle stations! He run couple hundred yards through the corridor before realising he wasn't part of this crew. He didn't even know where the sickbay was located. He thought of Beta and reached for his comm. It was not in place, he had left it in his room. Cursing he traced back to his quarters. Before he reached them, there came a loud bang followed by heavy shaking. The ship was hit, probably badly. Calhan was almost knocked down, he had to make a few out of balance steps before standing tightly. And then a computer console on his left exploded, sending him to close apointment with the floor. The fall was quite bad. His right brow cut, producing blood. The noise of exploding circuits attacked his ears. His vision blurred, mind started to float.:: ((Flashback - 15 years ago - 50 miles south of Houston, Earth)) ::Two people, father and son were standing on a path deep in the woods. The situation didn't present as an ordinary father and son trip into the forest. The first assumed marine at ease stance. The other was at attention. Both of them were dressed in khaki uniforms to match the surroundings.:: FREDERICK CALHAN: Now cadet, we will proceed with practical training. JOPHRY: Yes, sir! FREDERICK CALHAN: Come closer. ::The thirteen-year-old obeyed his father's command. He was issued with a very anachronic piece of equipment. A round metal box with glass casing, containing a needle and scope. It was called a compass. The older one continued in fierce, military tone.:: Your task, cadet, is to march three miles west. Before noon you must reach a glade located there. You shall pass undetected. I'll follow ten minutes after your depart. If you allow yourself to be captured, it will be considered a failure, resulting in punishment. Do you understand? JOPHRY: Sir, yes sir! FREDERICK CALHAN: GO! ((USS Forrester - Present)) ::Still dazed after the shock of sudden fall, with a stir in his ears, vision jumpy, blood from the brow pouring over his eyes, Jophry stood up. Biting lower lip, he fought the pain to injured places and straightened.:: oO This time, I will beat you father. I swear. Oo ::He was thirteen again, a boy in khaki forced to take part in his father's game. He reached to where his pockets should be and found the tricorder. To him it looked just like an old, scratchy compass.:: oOWest.Oo ::Checking imaginary needle he started to walk through the passage. It was dark, covered in smoke. The lights were blinking, almost out. He didn't hear the sirens and other sounds of battle. But in the distance he saw some dark silhuettes moving. People. He couldn't afford to be captured. His father would punish him and laugh. Jophry wouldn't stand humiliation. Not again. This time he was going to win. He looked around and noticed a small door leading to a maintenance chamber. His escape. They wouldn't look in there. With some effort Jophry managed to open the door and sink into the dark and small room. He closed the passage and clung to the wall. Just a few minutes. He had to wait before the figures pass. Then he'll come out and continue to the glade.:: oO A few minutes. Only a few. I will beat you father. You'll see. Oo ::He slid down slowly. The buzz in his head didn't wear off though he could see a little clearer know. He didn't realize blood was dripping onto his uniform. His lids were like stones. Soon he gave in and fell unconscious.:: ((Few hours later)) ::A flashlight searched through the dark small space. The bearer was just going to withdraw when it caught a shape of a hand. Petty officer moved the light up, taking face of a man out of the shadows. One side of this face was covered in blood. It looked dreadful to his untrained eye. Minding his step, officer moved into the chamber and neared the lying officer. He checked on the collar, finding out he was dealing with a Lieutenant in teal. Science or medical. What was he doing in this forsaken place? The man was breathing. Officer reminded himself of what he was meant to do in the situation.:: OFFICER: =/\= This is Koblensky, I've found someone on deck 5, section A, maintenance chamber. =/\= CHIEF: =/\= What's his status? =/\= OFFICER: =/\= He's wounded, unconscious. Looks bad. =/\= CHIEF: =/\= All right, stay with him. I'll send medics. =/\= OFFICER: =/\= Roger that. =/\= ::Communication was cut. Koblensky crouched over the man and delicately braced his arm with free hand. Lieutenant murmured. Koblensky went limp for a moment. Then he tried a shake.:: OFFICER: Ah... Sir? Sir? Do... Do you hear me? ::First he thought he was wrong, so slight the move was, but then officer's head went up and slowly his eyes opened.:: CALHAN: ::blinking, adjusting to light:: Whe... Where am I? What happened? OFFICER: ::Koblensky lowered the torch, it wasn't smart to shed light straight into the others face. He wasn't sure completely of what to do. He tried to recall what he heard on a first aid training. It seemed like ages ago.:: Ah... Easy, Sir. You... You were wounded. ::Jophry had his eyes fully opened. The buzz was off, he was left with pain over his right eye and in one hip. He touched it and immediately hissed with pain but the bone wasn't broken. Then he checked on the eye. The cut was shallow, there wouldn't even be a mark. Small thing, lots of blood.:: CALHAN: Who are you? OFFICER: Petty Officer Henry Koblensky, USS Ursa Major, Sir. CALHAN: Ursa Major? ::Those two words produced a sudden change in the CMO. Suddenly he was more conscious and alert. He started to look over his surroundings but he couldn't remember how he landed in this place. There was an alert. And a blow... It didn't matter. Short time shock amnesia. The big bear was here.:: OFFICER: Yes sir. We gave these Gorn a run down. You're safe now. CALHAN: Gorn? ::What had Gorn to do with it? It didn't really make sense. Though it fit a little. They've attacked Forrester. And Hollis attacked them. Jo thought of the Admiral and after a moment consideration he knew what he was going to do.:: CALHAN: Help me stand up. OFFICER: You shouldn't move. Medics are coming. CALHAN: I'm a medic. Lt. Calhan, Chief Medical Officer, USS Ursa Major. ::He smiled. The officer stared at him in disbelief. He thought the poor man must have been in too deep a shock.:: OFFICER: Please lay down. ::he said, seeing Calhan trying to get on his feet.:: Everything's gonna be all right. CALHAN: Of course it is. ::Jo realised the man didn't believe him and the smile vanished from his face. He didn't really know what to do about it. An unexpected help came in the form of a slim, blonde hair doctor and the smile came back even bigger.:: HALDANE: Lieutenant, its good to see you ... o0 speaking ... alive ... 0o CALHAN: Doctor Haldane. I'd never suppose I'll be so glad seeing you. Would you kindly tell that man I'm able to walk? HALDANE: Petty Officer, I appreciate all the help you've been but I can handle things from here. This is the Chief Medical Officer for the URSA MAJOR. OFFICER: But... I... ::Petty Officer was in shock and Calhan felt sympathetic for him.:: I'm sorry, Sir. ::He gave Jo a hand and lifted him up.:: CALHAN: Don't worry about that. Good job. You can now get back to your duties. Me and Doctor Haldane will be fine, right Doc? HALDANE: :: Nodding toward the Petty Officer :: He's right. You can continue with the sweep. ::Jophry waited for Koblensky to depart before he answered.:: HALDANE: :: Turning back toward Lieutenant Calhan :: Now that he's gone, how about you tell me how you REALLY are ...? CALHAN: Oh I'm good, Doctor. Just some minor concusions, nothing serious. HALDANE: How about you let me be the judge of that? CALHAN: I promise you can give ma a proper examination. Right now, I'd like to speak with Admiral Hollis. HALDANE: Of course, Sir. I'll just wait over here, out of ear shot? I can give the exam right away once you're finished. Lt. Jophry Calhan Chief Medical Officer USS Ursa Major

Title: Open your eyes Author: Cara Maria ((Sickbay, USS Indepenence)) ::The small terran/betazoid laid completely still in the biobed, eyes closed and almost looking peaceful as the drip fed into her arm and a small blip of a heartbeat sounded every so often. Much as this looked like a peaceful sleep the readings showed otherwise, life signs nearly gone as they had been for days. The counsellor/science officer was carefully monitored for any change in her status, with a nurse constantly watching for the faintest trace of life.:: :: Suddenly the levels of one particular reading shifted and started to rise, setting off an alert to the person watching as her brain activity rose, despite a lack of change in her other life signs. The reading emerged slowly, then sharply banked up to reach a level higher than it should have been normally. The face however was immobile, the provesses happening behind it unseen and unexplained.:: ((Goodness knows where, Cara's mind)) ::Blackness... rolling endless blackness washed over her as she floated through nothing, idly noting the sensation as she spun upwards, arms spread like wings. She had no idea how long she had been flying/floating/existing in this blackness, but it was cool, and it asked nothing of her, at times she didn't even realise she was floating, just gone, others she recognised the void.:: ::Slowly her eyes opened onto a scene that was completely still. Golden evening sunlight was slanting through a window and falling onto pale cream walls, sending it reflecting, giving the entire room a surreal glow of warmth as Cara stepped forwards. The dark wood glinted as waxily as the glass fronted cabinets, plates clean and untouched in front of her on the smooth table. She turned, feeling like she moved through the water-wind material to see the dark wooden door closed behind her, the glass panels either side showing only darkness behind it.:: oO So you want to play that game again... Oo ::In which case the door led back into that unconscious state, she knew what it was now and was thinking perfectly clearly, too clearly for someone who hadn't known reality, of even this silent surreality in a while. The perfect clarity of a dream.:: oO Time to see what my subconscious is offering me this time. Oo ::Cara took a breath and turned back to where she had been facing originally. She knew what her mind was trying to show her of course. She'd been here before. A few steps forwards and sharp, sorrowful eyes looked down at the perfect table as she traced her hand across it. It hadn't been like this before, this time it was eerily perfect as the older woman looked blankly around, knowing exactly what was going on.:: ::Her gaze followed the light that was falling in the free standing mirror edged in gold, tiny ships of broken glass withing shining white in the sunlight with shards scattered over the carpet in front of it. Cara carefully knelt and sat on her heels looking at the broken mirror thoughtfully, a gentle hand reaching out... a child's uncertain hand touched the blank board behind the mirror... There was a flash of white light and Cara jerked her hand away in shock, staring at the mirror.:: oO That mirror really is me, talk about finding a symbol and clinging to it... this room, this mirror... it's my memories, myself... I need to be careful. Oo ::The counsellor looked down as the glass around her knees and saw a large piece she hadn't noticed before. She hesitated, then reached out and gently lifted it from the floor as it caught the light...:: ::A face moved straight over the glass' surface, Cara recognised the girl as she moved out of sight, blonde/brown hair and lively chocolate eyes smiling.:: Maria: Charlotte? ::Cara was silenced by the regal face that appeared next to her former friend, ice blonde hair and pale skin of a scandinavian heritage before the hair slid to reveal the ears of a quarter-Vulcan.:: Maria: Ilisa? ::Suddenly Charlotte and Ilisa were standing there again, ghosts in the glass, the tall part-Vulcan with a hand on her shorter friend's shoulder. Still taller than Cara though, even if you could only see their heads.:: ::The starfleet officer nearly dropped the piece of glass as two more faces materialised behind the two girls, clutching the glass in order not to drop it, it couldn't shatter! Wouldn't shatter! She didn't notice the unreal blood seeping down her palms as she stared in shock at the two smiling faces who had joined her old school-friends.:: Maria: Sidney? ::She paused:: Salak??? ::The woman waved at her, a part terran unlike the stern male Vulcan that stood at Ilisa's shoulder. Odd, one vulcan hybrid and a full vulcan with one terran hybrid and a terran, odd how things worked out... Cara stared at those she called friends and felt her control cracking slightly and feeling a wealth of emotions well up.:: ::Now she knew why she was here. Her hands shook as she placed the large chunk of glass in the frame. An important building block of herself, her friends. Her friends, she had friends...:: ::Cara teetered on the verge of tears as she sat back, looking at the other shards around her, seeing other parts of faces in them for a split second. That was Cody, Mar, Makno, Culan, Cox... the crew of the independence were unaware of the betazoid watching them before she picked up the small shards and replaced them in the mirror urgently, but with the utmost care, speaking to each as she went.:: oO You'll grow, and you'll make the structure more solid, you're my crewmates, my friends, my... my extended family. Oo ::Cara's vision blurred into a blinding white as the shards of the mirror fused together and reflected the sunlight as they merged in a mesmorising dance of growing ice. A single tear slid down Cara's beaming cheek, feeling happiness as a cool joyful release spreading through her body even as she curled up crying.:: oO I have... I have friends! Oo :: Her body straightened to look up into the light as she gurgled a watery laugh, the last thing she recognised before the whiteness claimed her the pale tears of pure joy coursing down her cheeks.:: ((Sickbay, USS Independence)) ::After half an hour of stable high brain activity her other functions seemed to stir, raising themselves as if they were volume controls on a music desk being pushed up steadily. Her high brain activity slowly started to lower after a last spike and stabilised around the right level.:: ::The steady beat of her heart returned to normal, breathing deeply, but calmly, the entire woman's being seeming to be an ocean of calm as Cara opened her eyes.::

This thread will list the top 10 sims which have made it into the "voting round" of the contest. To vote on your favorite sim, head to the Top Sims Contest Voting Yahoo! Group. You must be a member of the group, but there is no moderation -- just request membership and you will immediately have access to the poll. See the main thread for more information and closing dates of the contest.

http://www.starbase118.net/forums/index.ph...st&p=230012

I hope they're coming well I know this is going to be a real "challenge" with this topic, but I'm interested to see what everyone comes up with.

It wasn't a matter of "getting away with it." It's a matter of you continuing to be a poor sport while others have simply moved on. My question is, how long are you going to continue acting like a child and make cutting remarks in his direction every time judges comments, judges, or Rocar himself is mentioned? I thought we had made it amply clear that anyone who is not happy with the judges remarks need only to disregard them? After winning a challenge, and placing in at least one other, I would think you would have a certain sense of accomplishment and pride in your own work -- yet you continue to allow others to affect how you feel about what you do. And to boot, you continue to use this forum as a megaphone for your affected feelings -- a behavior which most of us grew out of in the lower grades of school. If you wish to continue participating in the challenge, then by all means do so; we always welcome writers of high quality. But if you intend to honor your statement from last week about how you will no longer participate, then please, leave this forum to its own devices and allow the people who do wish to participate some peace and quiet where they can grow and challenge themselves. I'm simply quite tired of having this same discussion over again. Judges comments are a take-it-or-leave-it proposition. Enough said.

*long yawn* Are we going to keep beating this dead horse forever?

Challenge winners, don't forget that you can pick up your banners in our Writing Challenges area of the website: http://www.starbase118.net/members/events/.../july-aug06.php

We haven't confirmed judges for this round.

I suppose this is a little confusing, but remember that "The City on the Edge of Forever" is this challenge's theme, while it was a TOS episode title. So, if the theme were "Love," how would you incorporate it? There are many different kinds of love, and you could very broadly use the theme. The love a child has for their parent, the love of two spouses, the physical act of love, the emotion of love, the love of your country, the love you have for a pet, and so on. Also keep in mind that a story using the "love" theme wouldn't necessarily be title "Love," so the same applies here. I think Rocar's suggestion is very insightful, and will lead help many of you find the heart of this theme. Remember that this is about challenging yourself to write. Don't stay in your comfort zone, because you'll never get better that way.

Guidelines: To participate, create a new thread. The subject of the thread must be the title of your story. If it is a Work In Progress, denote that with the heart post icon. If your work is complete, use the horizontal arrow post icon. Items not marked with an icon or marked with the WiP icon will not be considered for judging and will be moved to the "Character Cafe" forum at the end of the contest. Your work must be entirely your own. No co-authoring. You are welcome to create any character you so desire, but they must be from the Star Trek universe. No "canon" characters allowed. (i.e.- No one who has been on a show.) Challenge: "The City on the Edge of Forever" - The theme, like the last challenge of this period of time from last year, comes from the title of an Original Series (TOS) episode. Take the theme and create a completely original idea for a story. (Topic chosen by last winner, David Cody.) Length: No more than 3000 words accepted. Beginning Date: Tue., Sept. 12th Ending Date: Sun., Oct. 22nd See Also: the Writing Challenge Website. Good Luck!

Please use this thread for any discussion or questions about this writing challenge.

Your choice, of course

Again, many apologies to those involved. The next challenge will see us implementing some efficiency things on the judging end to ensure this slow-down does not occur again. However, let me please make everyone aware that four judges participated in the judging of this round, being Capt. Rocar Drawoh, Julia Harden (previous challenge winner), Capt. Robin Phoenix and Capt. Rhys Bejain. But without further ado: Congratulations to David Cody, this challenge's winner for his story "Before & After the Play". There was a tie for runner-up, which is as follows: Pedro Ramirez with "Life as we know it", and Toni Turner with "A Pretender's Trap". Thank you to everyone who participated. We appreciate your consideration due to the difficulties in completing this challenge. The winner and runner-up will be notified by PM when their their banners are available. Our next challenge will be unveiled in a few days.

Deadline for submission extended until Sunday night at midnight! Get your sims in now to be considered!

We're running a little behind on the judging due to summer/holiday weekend. Sorry everyone We'll have results as soon as possible!

The challenge ends this evening at midnight. Please get your submissions in soon!

This is an area for members of this training class to keep in touch with each other. DATES: The class began on August 7, 2006, and ended on August 18, 2006. LIST: sb118-academy3 COMMANDING OFFICER: LtCmdr. Francis deMarc FIRST OFFICER: LtCmdr. Julia Harden CLASS MEMBERS: - M'Row - T'Marr - Rayden Kayne - J J MacPherson - Marq Kahn - Marcus Chase - Lucifer G'Larve Congratulations to you all, and welcome to our fleet!

Cara Maria asked me the following via PM: I'm thinking that this is probably not allowable. If we start letting folks edit the sims before they send them in, then it somewhat defeats the purpose of the competition. I think it's best to let your work stand as it is.

Rhys Bejain, Rocar Drawoh, and Julia Harden will be the judges for this round.

Please remember that this challenge ends next Wednesday, Aug. 23rd! Get your entries in soon!

Please use this thread for discussions or questions concerning the Top Sims Contest for August/September '06.