Ilene Torza

((Mountain Lodge, Echevar - Day 2)) ::Ren Rennyn was on a desperate mission. A gauntlet had been thrown, a challenge set, an obstacle placed in his way that he was determined to overcome. But he couldn’t do it on his own.:: ::Only Antero Flynn could save him now.:: ::The Trill launched through the lodge, every fiber of him bent on finding the Risian man who was his only hope. He scanned each room, looking for that familiar face. He went outside, and tried hurriedly to spot him. As if he would be outside in the cold! Ren went to check by the warm roaring fireplace. He searched everywhere, until at last he saw Flynn and rushed to his side and, with a wild look on his face, grabbed him by the shoulders.:: ::Antero stared at the fireplace, mesmerized by the dancing flames and daydreaming of his always sunny home. He smiled at the thought of having Theo there. He would take him to his favorite cliff side perch where they would watch the lights of Lohlunat over Suraya Bay, a warm breeze passing over them. He was pulled from his thought by a frantic Rennyn. Rennyn: Flynn! I need you! ::The Risian stood quickly and glanced around in alarm, ready for whatever urgent situation had come up.:: Flynn: Sir? ::Ren released Flynn from his grip and backed away a step, trying to catch his breath and calm his frenzied demeanor. He spoke slowly, forcing himself not to be overexcited.:: Rennyn: I mean… If you’re not too busy… There is something you might help me with… If it’s not too much trouble… ::He watched his first officer catch his breath for a moment before responding, he was having trouble deciding if this was an emergency, or some kind of breakdown.:: Flynn: Is everything okay…? Rennyn: THERE’S A HOT TUB! It’s on the back deck. It’s broken, and NO ONE KNOWS HOW TO FIX IT! Your family owns a resort, right? You have to know how to fix it! ::Ren was hopping around like a fool, thrilled at the prospect of winter hot tubbing. It was the best hot tubbing of all!:: Flynn: ::His eyes going wide:: Did you say a broken hot tub?! oO It really is an emergency! Oo Lead the way! ::Antero dashed forward urgently, just in time to see Rennyn dart in the opposite direction. He screeched to a halt and reversed course, nearly crashing into a coffee table that he was forced to hurdle. He followed the Trill out a side door and onto the back deck. He felt the bite of the cold on his ungloved hands and for the first time didn’t care, intent on his mission of full body warmth. He admired the beautiful tub for only a moment before remembering himself. He turned to Rennyn and his hands gestured frantically.:: Flynn: Tools...We need tools! Rennyn: The staff said someone’s coming out to repair it tomorrow. They don’t have anything on site to repair it with. We have to wait until tomorrow! ::Ren was glad Flynn shared his sense of urgency about this. Obviously, if a hot tub was available, they needed to be in it today. He paused to think through the problem carefully.:: Rennyn: They don’t have their own repair tools here at the lodge, but I saw some kind of maintenance shed down by the ski lift. Maybe we could find what we need there! ::Antero nodded solemnly, he knew what this would mean. He would have to brave the harsh and unforgiving elements for the greater good of the crew. It would be no small task, but he could only hope that the end result would be worth it: Thankful crewmates that would bring him more of that delicious hot chocolate while he boiled himself alive. He donned his gloves firmly and put a hand on the senior officers shoulder. Flynn: I’m ready. Rennyn: Let’s go! ::Off they ran, struggling heroically through the powdery snow, down the hill to the nearby ski lift station, where a maintenance shed sat locked, but full of promise. Ren knocked frantically on the door.:: Rennyn: Hello? Anyone there? Flynn: ::Rubbing his hands together:: Do you think this shed is heated? ::They didn’t get to find out. A gruff Tellarite in a snowsuit appeared around the corner.:: Tellarite: It’s locked. Needs a keycard. ::Antero glanced at Rennyn and then back to the Tellarite.:: Flynn: Well...Do you think you could let us in? Its super important.. Tellarite: Jeff’s got it. He’s on break. Up at the lodge. ::The Tellarite shrugged and disappeared again. Ren looked at Flynn.:: Rennyn: To the lodge! Flynn: ::With a finger pointed to the air in declaration:: To the lodge! ::The Risian trudged forward with purpose, doing his best to ignore the dull ache of cold in his extremities. This was too important to give up. He looked to the Trill as they walked, it almost seemed like he was enjoying himself.:: ::They arrived at the lodge and burst through the front doors on a mission.:: Rennyn: Jeff! Jeff! ::They ran to the front desk and demanded to know where Jeff was. The Bajoran at the desk tried to hang on to her usual friendly smile, despite wondering what could possibly be going on.:: Flynn: Were looking for Jeff. Is he here? Its urgent! Bajoran: He… might be… ::Ren and Antero exchanged an optimistic look.:: Bajoran: ...out on the slopes? There was a broken down snow mobile about a half kilometer up the hill. Rennyn: Half a kilometer?! ::The Risian sunk at the bad fortune before remember what he had seen on the way in.:: Flynn: ::Brightening:: There are more snowmobiles out front! Rennyn: Yes! Now that’s how Starfleet solves a problem! Let’s roll! ::With a nod of thanks to the Bajoran, they ran for the door, headed for the bank of snowmobiles nearby They charged for the nearest one, a big yellow two-seated monster that was sure to get them where they needed to go.:: Rennyn: Do you know how to run one of these? Flynn: I have never even SEEN one of these before today. It can’t be that hard for Starfleet pilots though, right? Rennyn: Right! ::Ren jumped on the snow mobile and tried to start it.:: Rennyn: Snow mobile. Start! ::Nothing happened.:: Ignition sequence, engage! ::Still nothing. He looked to Flynn to give it a try.:: ::Antero gave a quick nod and leaned over Rennyn’s shoulder from the back.:: Flynn: Snow surfer, activate! ::He grimaced:: Is there a button?! Rennyn: Oh no. No, no, no! It needs keys! Why does everything on this planet need keys!? ::The two clamored off the vehicle and almost charged into the Bajoran that was now waiting in the doorway. She just stood there shaking her head, keys dangling from her finger.:: Flynn: Thank you! ::Antero grabbed the keys and tossed them to the Commander as the two ran back to the snowmobile.:: ::They revved up the snow mobile and streaked off up the mountain, gliding fast over the snow, wind whipping around them furiously. Ren wished he had his snowboarding goggles, but more than that, hoped this wouldn’t incur any extra charges on Brek’s account. You just couldn’t spring additional charges on a Ferengi that way.:: ::Up ahead, the sight of two people tinkering with a broken down snowmobile drew nearer, until they reached the site and Ren pulled up next to them.:: ::They smiled at the friendly-looking Terran they found.:: Rennyn: Hi! Are you Jeff? ::The second person, bent low next to the broken vehicle, rose to his feet. Just when he should have stopped, he kept rising. He was a Klingon, more than seven feet in height, covered in motor oil, and not at all happy that his lunch break had been cut short for this.:: Klingon: I am Jeff. ::Antero felt like he was going to pull something in his neck as he looked up at the man.:: Flynn: Of course your are...We um...Well we’re just wondering...uh…::He looked at Rennyn and motioned forward.:: ::Ren swallowed hard and tried to look like he still had some blood left in his face. It was best to get it out quickly.:: Rennyn: Can we borrow your key card so we can get tools from the ski lift maintenance shed so we can fix the hot tub please… sir? ::Jeff paused a long moment, carefully appraising their trustworthiness, their honor.:: Jeff: Your coat looks like it might almost fit me, Trill. I will accept it as a replacement for this one I have just ruined with filthy engine oil. ::It was just their luck to get a Klingon who was fussy about his clothes. Ren leaned closer to Flynn and whispered nervously.:: Rennyn: He wants my coat. What do we do? Flynn: ::Looking in disbelief and whispering back.:: His brain must frozen solid! Jeff: I will also require a hat and gloves. ::He craned his neck fearsomely towards Flynn.:: Yours look warm, little man. Flynn: ::Responding with sudden indignance at the idea.:: That’s crazy! Only an idiot would suggest we take off our…..::He stopped as his brain caught up to what his mouth was saying.:: Er…. ::Jeff was displeased. He dug in his pockets and produced the keycard, holding it in front of them in a taunting gesture. The poor Terran looked on amused.:: Jeff: No coat, no gloves, no keycard. And because I don’t like you, I think my price may just have gone up. ::The two pilots gave each other a worried glance. This was a sticky situation, but if they put their heads together, they could surely find a way out of it.:: ::Several minutes later, the snowmobile was gliding down the slopes at top speed, carrying a half frozen Risian clinging to a barechested Trill, holding tight to a borrowed keycard.:: ::Ren tried to look at the bright side.:: Rennyn: We’ll be in that hot tub in no time! Flynn: ::Through chattering teeth:: It’s been an honor s-serving with you sir. If I don’t make it back, t-tell Theo ::he paused for a brief moment of thought.:: s-something sentimental... ::Ren felt sweat wanting to form on his brow even as his chest and arms suffered from the whipping winds.:: Rennyn: Don’t worry! We’re going to make it! ::The snowmobile carried them swiftly to their destination. As they drew nearer the lodge and the ski lift station, more and more people stared at the sight of the half naked men huddled together on a snowmobile.:: Rennyn: They’re all going to love us once we get that hot tub fixed. ((A few hours later)) ::Antero and Ren were submerged in the sublime warmth of the functioning hot tub. They’d put themselves through a lot to make this happen, and soaked in silence for a time, enjoying the benefits of their labor. The Risian took another drink of his hot chocolate and set the glass down before turning to Rennyn with a grin.:: Flynn: Tell me Commander. Is that how you break the ice with all your junior officers? Rennyn: That was a definite first. ::He leaned his head back on the edge and let out a chuckle.:: We really got to know each other on that snowmobile. ::Antero leaned forward and let out a genuine eye watering laugh. He was certain he would never forget this day.:: Rennyn: I have a feeling that’s not the last of the trouble we’ll get into together. But it’s a good start. And we owe it all to a Klingon named Jeff. Flynn: ::Raising his mug with a smile:: To Jeff! ::Ren leaned forward and reached across to his own mug. There was no end to hot chocolate now that they were the heroes who fixed the hot tub.:: Rennyn: To Jeff. And new friends. LtCmdr Ren Rennyn XO USS Columbia, NCC-85279 A239102RR0 & Lt. Jg. Antero Flynn Helm Officer USS Columbia, NCC-85279 C239205AF0

((Corridor, USS Columbia)) ::Strolling down the corridor, Chelsea wondered just what had brought her to this area. It was just that sense of wandering, she supposed, that struck from time to time. They’d be off again soon, on some new and challenging mission, and she’d be up to her neck in responsibility – especially since she’d made Petty Officer. Yeah, that was nice. She wasn’t sure she was ready, exactly, but the earful she’d get from her mom kept Chelsea from doing anything stupid.:: ::Maybe that’s what had her chomping at the bit. This was a newer area of the ship for her; she rarely had reason to be around the officers’ quarters, but new duties meant new learning. As though she’d have to run down here after hours to rouse some ensign with some time-sensitive report! Ha, that was a laugh and a half. But her instructions were to know the layout of this area backwards and forwards, and that’s what she’d do. Who might know what a Petty Officer would be called upon to do in an emergency? And was it just her, or did it seem that there was always an – :: ::She stopped dead in her tracks as she rounded the corner, then, heart suddenly racing, jumped back behind the wall and pressed herself against it as she caught her breath. Was that? With them? Regaining her composure, she silently protruded an eye out beyond the edge of the wall, hands gripping the corner. It was!:: ::Her stomach tightened. But that was ridiculous – why should she care what Ian was doing or who he was speaking with?:: Connory: … maybe we could do it again some… ::Chelsea’s hand rose to cover her gaping mouth as she watched, as if in slow motion, the woman, that … that officer, pulled him closer and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. And that was it. Coy, she stepped back and Chelsea detected a kind of knowingness in her smile.:: Bentley: Goodnight Ian. ::And with that, she was gone. Even from ten meters away, Chelsea could see the Lieutenant had left him wanting more. She’d been smooth about it, every motion was fluid, and everything seemed so practiced – or perhaps, rehearsed. How did she do it? That was certainly not Chelsea. Her own attempts with boys – for it was probably that long ago that she’d given that kind of attention – were generally miserable imitations of what she’d just witnessed. For a time, she’d seriously thought she had spinach permanently set between her teeth, and that it would require surgical removal.:: ::Yet that Lieutenant had made it seem easy, and she’d charmed Ian. Not that Chelsea cared about that. Anyway, no more than anyone would care for the welfare of their superior officer; nobody in Operations would want to see Ian caught by some science officer’s wiles. Still, as Ian stood there, head against the wall with what looked like a smile, she couldn’t help but grip the wall tighter.:: ::A giggle behind her caught her off guard, and she realized at once that she wasn’t the only one who’d noticed. Shutting her mouth and spinning to face the crewmen, she drew herself up and, fuelled by authority and irritation from places unknown, she set her eye upon them.:: Ames: Alright, show’s over. Well, go on then, get going. ::They shared a glance and continued down the corridor toward Ian, their giggles resuming once they were past her. But Chelsea herself stayed hidden behind her corner, and a long sigh escaped her as her head slumped backward against the cold, unyielding wall.:: ::She didn’t care, anyway.:: ----- Petty Officer Chelsea Ames Operations USS Columbia NCC-85279

Whew.... I was afraid I had missed the deadline (it used to be the 31st or so of the first month which left the second for judging). Looks like I have a few weeks to actually get my story done. I've got a good idea, and I even wrote a song to go with it, but I've had problems finding the time to execute it.

((USS Achilles - Bridge)) Thetis: If you'd like, I can certainly address the problem myself if the Independence were to drop her shields. Thelev: Thank you but no, Tess. I remember your 'solutions' well enough. Relay the information to Commander Whale, we already have security teams en route to the Indy. ::A puzzled look crossed her face.:: Thetis: I'm not sure what you mean about 'my solutions,' Commander. I fail to see the utility in possibly losing valuable personnel and allowing damage to important machinery when other methods present themselves. Isn't a Commanding Officer's duty first and foremost to his or her crew? ::Jhen narrowed his dark eyes.:: Thelev: Don't try to lecture me, Thetis. My first duty is to preserve life. All life. Last time you beamed a group of Grendellai out into space - you murdered them. That is NOT happening again, not on my watch. ::The blonde woman's left eyebrow went up slightly.:: Thetis: That was no more murder than a phaser-bIast from a security officer. However, I guess it's your call. I'm glad I'm not the one who has to write letters to families. ::She turned her back on him and looked at the view screen, her arms crossed behind her. This time Jhen closed his eyes for a second. Letters... he'd lost count of the amount of letters he'd had to write as Chief of Ops on the Ronin. After their conflicts with the Grendellai, after the incident with the prototype fighters, after Rakis... Writing to families of strangers to let them know what had happened to their sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, to tell them that their loved ones would never come home again. His anger had been simmering for a while, stoked by his impotence at the current situation. Tess's words had the same effect as pouring petrol onto embers. :: Thelev: ::eyes snapping open, angry:: You're [...] right it's my call, Thetis. You might dress yourself like a Starfleet officer but you'll never be one. You you know the words 'duty' and 'service' but you don't understand their meaning. ::The woman turned back around, her hands going to her hips.:: Thetis: Duty and service? I don't know what they are? I've been through things that would leave you gibbering in the warm dark safety of your cozy little room. I'm just as much a Starfleet officer as you are… maybe more. ::She stepped closer, pointing at the Andorian's chest.:: Thetis: When you get to retire, guess what I get to do? I keep GOING. I don't get to run away. Thelev: A bunch of computer codes, pretending to be alive, nothing more, and you make me sick. ::She shrugged, stepping back.:: Thetis: Sick? Funny… I've dealt with worse officers than you and I don't feel sick at all. ::The holographic woman began fading out like the Cheshire Cat.:: Thetis: I'm sorry you chose to make a fool of yourself in front of your bridge crew. All sound and fury… ::The avatar's face disappeared. Jhen was on his feet now, fuming.:: Thelev: Townson! You have the Bridge. I'll be in the computer core. With a large spanner. TBC Cmdr. Jhen Thelev Acting CO USS Achilles and Thetis USS Achilles

Just so you know, Boby - it was my understanding that the moderator always had the option to see who voted for what and make the call if people were stuffing the ballots.