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Rahman and Rivi Vataix

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Everything posted by Rahman and Rivi Vataix

  1. ((Quarters: LCDR Core)) ::Ki stood outside of the door for a long time. He debated with himself over and over again on why he was doing this. Tristam had never expressed any real liking for him. Yet, he found himself drawn to come here.:: ::With a sigh he straightened and tugged at his black collar. Almost angrily he pressed the chime. Tristam could just as easily ignore him.:: ::With a quick glance up towards the door, he pressed a button on his PADD. Verbal commands to the computer had become increasingly difficult, so he’d had to revert to old fashioned remote controls. It wasn’t as much as a problem as he’d expected it to be - it simply reminded him of home, where not everything ran on voice control. Tristam had to admit that he was surprised when he saw Shandres standing in the open doorway.:: Shandres: ::he raised a dark eyebrow.:: Mind if I come in? Core: oO Door’s open, is it not? Oo ::Unable to speak any sarcasm, and in lieu of a telepathically readable brain, the Rodulan simply gestured to a chair. This was very odd indeed - Shandres willingly coming to see him? He gave an amused huff.:: ::Ki dropped into the chair indicated and slouched. He gave the impression of being relaxed and uncaring, but he was anything but.:: Shandres: I thought I would drop by and check on you. 40 zillion volts can’t have been much fun. Core: Wasn’t. ::Though he’d been shocked enough times by various equipment throughout his life that he wasn’t as concerned about permanent injury.:: Core:::shaking his head.:: Healthy. ::Ki snorted.:: Shandres: I suppose… although your hair's still standing on end and I still hear an occasional crackle… ::pause:: Unless that’s normal for you? ::Tristam laughed.:: Core: Ah . . . probably. ::Pause.:: What’re . . . why here? Reports . . . ::Reports could have done a better job than him explaining how he was.:: ::Ki pretended to misunderstand.:: Shandres: No, I’ve turned in all my reports on the incident. I’m just here to check up on you. ::pause.:: It's become something of a habit. ::The Rodulan frowned, not buying what Shandres was selling him.:: Core: Can’t talk. Great listener. ::pause:: What’s up? ::shakes his head:: Shandres: You can talk… ::gestures toward a PADD.:: I’ve seen the speed you type. ::He paused, staring at the Rodulan.:: Shandres: And yes, I mean what I say. I am here to check up on you. I do care if you’re all right as bizarre as that sounds.I know you don’t like me. Though I don’t know why. After that fiasco on Perplexia, looking after you is a habit. Core: . . . like you. ::Hell, he appreciated pretty much everything Shandres had done, not only for him, but for the whole team, over the last couple of weeks.:: Core: But . . . uh . . . arrogant. On duty. First day? ::Tristam shook his head.:: Impression. Shandres: Nah, I’m always arrogant and snarky. ::pause:: A long time ago I made a promise to myself that I would be myself and not what people expected. Core: Seen you - not, uh, not like that. ::Ki smiled slightly.:: Shandres: I admit I do it for fun some times. Watching people’s reaction. Did you know that when people are [...]ed they show more of their true selves? ::He tapped his forehead.:: And their thoughts become a little more uncensored. Useful in my line of work. ::Intelligence, Tristam mused. The first words he’d thought when he’d considered the idea of someone like Ki working closely with him was along the lines of “untrustworthy [...]”. How far he’d come.:: Core:::shrugging.:: Never, uh . . . I’ve never . . . ::Again with the words forming incorrectly.:: . . [...]ed someone off *intentionally*. ::But he’s definitely done it more than once.:: Shandres: Are you sure about that? Heard you did a number on a certain nurse… Does she really grab a scalpel when she sees you? Core:::giving a smirk.:: Unintentional. ::None of Bakari’s girlfriends ever really shook a shine to Tristam for various reasons. One of them tolerated him - barely - but . . . eh. Constantly butting heads with women he’d see maybe once, twice a month wasn’t much of a big problem for him. And he’d tried his best to make it up to Bakari in different ways.:: Shandres: Ha! I bet… ::Ki swiveled in his chair to look around the room. He had gotten into the habit of reading Tristam’s body language, which for him was a good as speech. But he was curious about the Engineer in a technologically advanced setting.:: Shandres: Tristam, your place is a mess. Core: Hardly! ::This? This was *nothing*! The Rodulan barely had time to pack up his things on the Garuda - thus, everything had been unceremoniously thrown into bags that were now strown all over his new quarters. A few had been opened - clothing somehow ending up in the spaces around said bag, his chessboard still unassembled on the coffee table, knick-knacks from home in unorganized positions - though the most horrific mess was the fact that there dishes everywhere (either because of disappearing into Engineering for the final time or because he’d simply become too distracted to replace them into the replicator). Tristam was not a people person - or, at least, not a very good one - and thus didn’t normally expect visitors. And when he did, all this mess would be thrown into the bedroom, with the exception of the dishes, of course, which promptly disappeared.:: ::Ki pointed to the dishes that had every sign of being used. In fact the food particles were so dried on, even the replicators gave up and secretly jettisoned them into space.:: Shandres: I mean really…. You’re growing your own pet… ::shakes his finger at Tristam, but his grin took anything serious from his words.:: You’re an engineer… not a biologist. ::He got up and poked at the dish.:: Shandres: Or mad scientist… I can’t even tell what you’ve been eating… Core: Morluawg. ::Or, more specifically, Morluawg *paste*. All the tastes of Morluawg from home in paste form, since Starfleet didn’t necessarily accommodate his sensitive Rodulan taste buds. He kept telling himself that he’d work on the actual dish later . . . that was something he’s been telling himself for six years, now.:: Shandres: ::shaking his head:: Ew. ::Ki prowled around the room. By any standards is was larger and more luxurious than the Garuda had been. As far as quarters went, the only thing he had seen on this level were suites on commercial ships.:: Shandres: What am I doing on this ship? ::he glanced at Tristam.:: Sorry, I don’t know why I said that. At least not out loud. ::A trait they seemed to share on occasion. Tristam gave a small grin.:: Core: Needed here. ::There'd be no other reason for Shandres to be around, and it was certainly a good one. The Betazoid had proven himself time after time.:: Core: Sometimes proves self worth. ::Ki shook his head clearly not in agreement. He really didn’t know why he was on the Invicta. They had plenty of security officers. His specialty was intelligence. He reported to Captain Reynolds. He spent years as a field agent getting in and out of places he wasn’t supposed to be. He gave up a lot to be what he was.:: Shandres: A ship full of scientists, engineers and Vulcans. There are plenty of Delano’s Minions to babysit them. ::Tristam rose a questioning eyebrow.:: Shandres: I know I’m not dumb. I’m not smart in the things you and the others are. ::shrugs:: I don’t need to be. Something Rosh could never understand. ::He dropped back into the chair he had vacated.:: Shandres: You know, back at the Academy, she used to drag me to her little get-togethers of engineers and physicists… trying to ‘include’ me. ::He snorted in amusement.:: Probably when I started to be snarky. ::Tristam blinked. He knew Roshanara and Shandres were friends, but . . . wait. Where they friends? Or had they been involved? What on Rodul was going on!?:: Core: Tech all day. Tough. ::Engineers together tended to clash occasionally. Whether it was because of strong personalities (dealing with malfunctioning technology 24/7 tended to bring the worst out of people attitude-wise - there was only so much computerized “unable to comply” responses one could put up with before they started having a one-sided argument with the computer) or simply because of differing opinions, not everybody knew. His own relationship with Roshanara was initially based on differing opinions when it came to slipstream drive; Roshanara was willing to take far too many risks whilst Tristam always argued for safety, thus a stand-off and an eventual compromise. ::That being said, since Tristam himself didn’t really take kindly to Ki’s attitude on that first mission they’d spent together, he could understand why a group of engineers of whom didn’t know him would be easily offended at his attitude.:: ::Ki’s black eyes were alert on Tristam, watching the play of expression on his face. He didn’t know? But then, why should he? It hadn’t come up before.:: Shandres: The point is, I’m not an engineer or scientist. I don’t want to be. Hanging out with the lot is blindingly dull for someone like me, especially once you get into advanced technobabble which only you understand. Rosh never understood that. ::pause:: We went our separate ways after the academy. There was no way we could have made it work between us. ::Tristam stood stock still. So Shandres *had* been involved with Roshanara. ::He wasn’t entirely sure what he was meant to do with this information. And he didn’t know how he was supposed to respond to Ki’s words now. Tristam was . . . sort of glad that he and Roshanara didn’t work out - there was no way Tristam could compete with a guy like Ki, absolutely none. Just because the man wasn’t well versed in the science and engineering departments didn’t mean he wasn’t intelligent.:: Core: Other interests. ::Surely there were other things Ki was relatively well-versed in. If he couldn’t make a couple of friends in the Science or Engineering departments, then surely he could banter with a fellow Intel or Security officer about a take-down he’d made one time. Was that not a thing for Federation races?:: Shandres: ::shrugs:: I suppose. I’m good at strategy and tactics. Especially in the field. I even learned how to play a guitar. ::He chuckled a looked away for a moment.:: Shandres: Don’t worry. I’ll find a way to stay out of trouble. ::he raised a finger.:: But the minute I spend too much time babysitting, I’m putting in for a transfer so fast I’ll be leaving my own personal warp signature. Core: oO Fair enough. Oo ::Ki looked at him in silence for a long moment.:: Shandres: So how are you holding up? I heard you’ve been put on medical leave and they are putting another warm body in your place. Core: Ha. ::Roshanara wasn’t entirely pleased with having to have that job, but at least they’d managed to glaze over it without many issues. He hadn’t found out who his replacement was at this moment, but he made it a priority to not comment. If luck was on Tristam’s side, this would be a temporary setback - he could get used to not wearing a uniform for a couple of weeks while he and Medical sorted out a way out of this hole his brain had dug himself into - and he’d hopefully be back after a month or so. At least he wasn’t stuck in a hospital bed.:: Core: Holiday. ::Well he certainly planned to spend it like a holiday, at least.:: Shandres: So what do you plan to do? Sit around here, break things and then fix them? ::Tristam had spent a lot of time sitting in the cave maintaining their equipment without support. Ki could see him doing something similar here.:: Core: Technological. Environment. ::The Rodulan shrugged, doing a click and clap as he sat down on a table.:: Still officer. ::If he truly wanted to, he could enter and leave Engineering as he pleased. It was just that he had no real authority to go ordering people around and do actual work, so long as it wasn’t vital systems he was “interfering” with. As such, in an emergency or red alert, he either needed to report to Sick Bay (no thanks to the “medical” part of his LOA) or remain in non-vital areas and out of the way. Things he was quite capable of doing with no hassle . . . well. Maybe *some* hassle. He’d at least try to find out what was happening to someone's annoyance.:: Shandres: I’m trying to imagine you not haunting engineering…. ::smirk:: I just can’t. Sure… you could read all the specs on the drive… but can you really not put your hands on it? Core: Yes. Drive - propulsion. Hate propulsion. ::As for the rest of Engineering . . . probably not, no. Not since he’d been introduced to it. Hell, even if he *wasn’t* introduced to Engineering prior to losing his active status, he still wouldn’t be able to stay out of it. But alas, a particular Kriosian would probably frown at him for not taking the time to hang around the more public areas of the ship or, dare he say it, rest.:: Shandres: Awwww…. how can you hate it? If you just got to know her better…. dinner and a movie maybe…? ::Tristam couldn’t stop himself from cringing. The Pioneer *did* have a date with him during their slipstream drive test.:: Core: Dangerous. ::Why the obsession with going faster? Tristam never quite understood it. Sure, it was probably useful to outrun hostile ships during an attack, but for regular cruising speeds? What difference did it make? So you got to someone faster than you would have if you used a less advanced ship. At what cost, though? Try to break the Warp 10 barrier, and people start evolving at a faster rate than they should - hence, no one tries to break that barrier anymore. Slipstream was a different story altogether, but in creating that, there were the ridiculous amounts of risks. He’d almost *died* proving that. ::Propulsion was not the answer. The transporter was - all he really had to do was keep working at his own theory until he could prove something. They already knew that they were able to beam someone from one planet to the next. If they could somehow manipulate the mechanics to the point where they were able to beam something as large as a starship from one star system to another, then propulsion wouldn’t even be a priority. ::Unfortunately he was simply deemed as a deluded Rodulan who hated propulsion just because he apparently needed to hate *something*. The stigma that came with being a Rodulan was sometimes just cruel.:: Core: Not worth it. ::Ki raised an eyebrow. He didn’t know what Tristam was thinking but he was lousy at keeping his thoughts to himself with his particular manner of body language. That alone made him smile. If what he heard was correct, the Rodulan’s own snark kept people from looking too closely.:: Shandres: I think I can translate that look. You don’t see the need to keep trying to go faster when there could be other ways. And you happen to have a theory. But nobody is listening even when you could talk. ::The Rodulan literally gave the man a round of applause, a smirk on his face.:: Core: Winner. ::Ki laughed, pleased with his accuracy.:: Shandres: So you have all this spare time… why not work on it? Core: Theories. Tests. Text done. ::He stumbled through the next word.:: Require assistance. Simulations. ::The Rodulan shrugged again.:: Holiday. Shandres: Simulations… ::frowns:: See… this is stuff I don’t understand. ::pause:: But if you want me to take you down to the brand-spanking new holodeck, I can follow simple instructions. ::The Betazoid paused.:: Shandres: Or I can show you my holo-programs. I’ve got some fun stuff. ::Tristam laughed quietly, but had to shake his head.:: Core: Talking. And violence. ::He shook his head again.:: Shandres: Humph! I’ll have you know I own programs that don’t involve bar brawls or picking up women. Well some of them don’t. Core: Ha! See? Federation violent. Will warn home. ::He gave a cheeky grin.:: Shandres: ::laughs:: I’m not violent… I’m… firm…. always in control. After all, I didn’t strangle you on sight. Core: Hmph. Wouldn’t be first time. ::Nova. ::He shook that thought away.:: ::Ki arranged his expression to one of dignified affront. It would have been convincing if he hadn’t opened his mouth and spoke.:: Shandres: I’m well known for my restraint. I keep my opinions to myself . And I am the most diplomatic individual you could meet. Core: Ha. oO Time will tell. Oo ::Tristam grinned, an ache forming in the back of his head again. His eyes closed for a few seconds too long, arms now crossed.:: ::Shandres smiled as he realized how much of Tristam’s nuances he had observed and made use of in communicating:: Shandres: Headache again? ::Tristam forced himself to open his eyes and retrain them back to Shandres. He flashed a grin, and though he’d fought to train them towards the man in front of him, his gaze dropped.:: Core: Yeah. ::Lying without the ability to speak properly was significantly harder than Tristam had initially thought. And, even if lying was an option for him, he didn’t see the value in denying an obvious thing to a highly trained Intelligence officer. Well - at least, he *thought* Ki was a highly trained Intelligence officer. One could never be too sure about these things.:: ::Ki pushed himself out of the chair again and clapped Tristam on the shoulder. His hand curved around the back of his neck and he squeezed gently, an almost affectionate touch he used with the other man to say things that didn’t require words.:: Shandres: Get yourself a painkiller and get some rest. Core: Hmph. ::The Rodulan had tried to stay away from painkillers since the slight incident when using them for his shoulder. Besides, this headache wasn’t horrifically bad like . . . multiple times before. ::He stood, arms still crossed. His next word was directed at Ki.:: Core: Rest. ::Ki smiled, gave a mock salute and headed out the door. It had gone better than he had hoped. The unconscious tension he had held was gone and he whistled off key as he strode down the corridor.:: End=======LtCmdr Tristam CoreMLOAUSS Invicta and Lieutenant Ki ShandresStrategic Operations / Intelligence OfficerUSS Invictasimmed by: R. Moonsong
  2. I would say if anything, Vulcans are known to be quite sassy. "Hot as Vulcan" or perhaps a better phrase is "dry as Vulcan" (both planet and humor).
  3. JP by Evan Delano and Harrison Ross (simmed by Quinn Reynolds) (( Station Brig, Astrofori One )) ::When Delano entered the station's brig, Ross had completed his rendition of 'Trial by Jury' and moved on to 'H.M.S. Pinafore'. His sonorous voice was now belting out 'I am the Captain of the Pinafore' at an impressive volume, and the song even reached as far as the control room where Reynolds, watching the monitors. ::His arrival prompted Reynolds to turn, her vaguely hopeful expression crumbling into mild disappointment on seeing him, before swiftly returning a squinting neutrality.:: Reynolds: Commander. What are you doing here? Delano: Commander Rahman asked me to take charge of the interrogation. ::She looked at him for a long moment, lips thinning, and then she nodded.:: Reynolds: I'll stay out here, if you don't mind. I'm a distraction, if nothing else. ::The best way to lie was with the element of truth, after all.:: :: Evan pressed his lips together to keep his expression still. He could feel the weight of Ross' attention, and he didn’t want to give the man any emotional ammunition he might be able to use against Evan. :: Delano: That may be for the best. ::break:: What have you learned? Reynolds: We think we might have figured out how they intended to get off the station -- a ship called the Parkhaven. Commander Brunsig from Strategic Ops is chasing down that lead with Glin Zorkal now. Delano: Brunsig… I don’t believe we’ve met, but if you’ve got someone on it… ::There was a twitch, the corner of her eyes narrowing for a split second, and then it was gone.:: Reynolds: He's a good man, and good at his job. Delano: All right. I’ll take it from here. ::She nodded, and although it was tightly reined in, there was a small expression of unhappiness on her face.:: Reynolds: Good luck, Commander. Don't let him rattle you. :: Evan took a moment to collect his thoughts, then left the control room and approached the cells. Upon seeing him, Ross finally stopped singing and broke out into a warm, broad smile.:: Ross: Ah, Lieutenant *Commander* Delano. Congratulations on the promotion. So nice to see old friends going up in the world. Delano: Mr. Ross. :: Evan said in a neutral tone as he gave the nod to the Cardassian guard to lower the forcefield. Evan stepped inside a moment later, hands clasped behind his back. :: Delano: Considering what you do to your friends, I’d appreciate you not feigning some kind of prior relationship. We barely knew each other. ::Ross placed a hand over his heart, the smile still playing at the corners of his mouth.:: Ross: You wound me. But if we're not friends, you may call me Commander, or Sir. After all, due process. I may be under arrest, but I still hold my rank until a court martial strips it of me. Delano: Well, that’s why I’m here, isn’t it. There’s no history between us for you to exploit. Ross: No? But let me guess. You've come to succeed where our Cardassian friend has failed? Delano: Something like that. Ross: Alright then, fire away. And remember, it's *Commander* Ross. :: A small smile tugged at the corner of Evan’s mouth, breaking his otherwise stoic mask. :: Delano: Should I have a uniform brought down here? Ross: Not a bad idea. Quinn would certainly appreciate it. ::He paused to direct a cheery wave at the monitoring device in the corridor.:: I do look very dashing in one. Perhaps not dress whites, though. Don't you find they chafe? Delano: Oh, no, the last thing we’d want is for you to be uncomfortable. Though… come to think of it, it’s a little cold in here. :: Evan walked towards the environmental controls and entered his security access codes to override the normal restrictions. He had no intention of torturing Ross, but he needed to take away the former first officer’s sense of control, one way or another. Making the man sweat might not get him any answers, but it would at least give Evan a small bit of satisfaction. :: Delano: *Commander* Ross, have you ever been to Vulcan? It gets rather hot in the deserts. ::Ross grinned at him, apparently delighted.:: Ross: Why, Delano. I do believe you have a vicious streak. Delano: Vicious? I’d call it pragmatic. I’ll let Egan Manno decide which, if it comes to that. :: Astrofori’s environmental systems were more than efficient. The hot, dry air blowing into the room was quickly raising the room’s temperature. Evan unzipped his jacket and slowly removed it, though he was careful to never take his eyes off Ross. :: Delano: That’s better. It’s summer back home, you know. Garuda’s kept at a constant 20 degrees; it gets a little… boring. :: Evan stepped closer to Ross, hands once again folded in the small of his back. :: Delano: I don’t suppose you’d just tell me what I want to know? ::Ross grinned at Delano as he asked the question, and breathed a brief chuckle before he answered.:: Ross: That depends. Do you want to know the secret to making the perfect martini? That, I would feel honour-bound to share. Delano: Tempting. But I was thinking we could talk more about why you came here. Your plans for the president’s speech, for example. Ross: Ah. I'm afraid not, then. :: Evan shrugged, then crossed his arms over his chest. :: Delano: Even if I throw in one of those martinis? You always struck me as an extra dry kind of guy. :: The hum of the ventilation system dulled back to it’s previous level as the temperature stabilized at just over 45 degrees. Small beads of sweat began to manifest on Evan’s forehead. Full-blooded Vulcans had no sweat glands, but Evan had been spared that particular oddity of his father’s DNA. ::Ross was not immune to the heat either, and he pulled off the heavy jacket he was wearing, dropping it on the bunk. His pale skin was flushing pink, sweat visibly [...]ling across his skin.:: Ross: That depends on how *you* make them. Delano: Gin. Vermouth. An olive and a splash of juice. Clear liquors need a little help in the flavor department. Ross: Alas. Each to his own. I'll pass. :: Evan sighed. :: Delano: I need to know if you or whoever you work for is planning something at the president’s address. Ross: ::Mildly,:: I'm sure you do. Delano: Who *are* you working for? Ross: You know, I *have* been to Vulcan. Charming place. Lovely statues. Delano: Have you? Was that before or after Pleethion? Ross: Oh, a long time ago. Part of my SERE training. His SERE training? ::He waved a hand to brush off the comment.:: Whichever. You know what I mean. :: Arms still crossed, Evan gave a curt nod, then paced back to the bulkhead. :: Delano: I do. I suppose it’s fitting for you to keep them separate. Everything I know about the real Harrison Ross says he would be disgusted by you. Ross: Oh, he is. I can assure you of that. Delano: Are you admitting he’s the original, then? Ross: ::He grinned.:: I don't recall ever denying it. :: Evan raised an eyebrow - a largely Vulcan habit he’d picked up in recent months. Too much time with Saveron, perhaps - or Evan’s father. :: Delano: Intriguing. The original personality is still intact? ::A look of faint irritation crossed Ross' face, and he wiped away the sweat on his brow with the back of his hand.:: Ross: No point in denying that after this afternoon, is there? Delano: You mean what happened with Captain Reynolds? :: Evan had very few details about the incident that had led to Ross’s capture, but Ross didn’t need to know that. Unless he already did, given that he simply grunted in response. :: :: He took a deep breath, then refocused on the task at hand. Determining the nature of Ross’s defection was a worthy goal, but not what was most important just now. The problem was that Ross had been trained to resist this kind of questioning, and Evan wasn’t willing to resort to the kind of tactics that would be required to test the limits of that training. Worse, Ross knew it. He was already captured. No real chance of escape. What reason would he have to cooperated? Especially if this altered version of him understood that it would - sooner or later - resort in the return of Ross’s original personality. This altered version might even view such an end as something worse than death. Evan needed some kind of leverage. :: Pren: =/\= Garuda to Delano =/\= :: Evan’s concentration broke as the voice of one of Mei’konda’s operations officers came over the comm. He walked back to where he’d left his jacket, careful not to take his eyes off Ross as he bent to answer the call. He squeezed his badge between thumb and forefinger, and the familiar chirp signaled a connection. :: Delano: =/\= Go ahead. =/\= Pren: =/\= Sir, I don’t know how to say this but… =/\= :: Evan’s stern expression decayed into a frown, while Ross watched him intently. :: Delano: =/\= What’s wrong, Ensign? Pren: =/\= ::After a delay,:: I’m sorry, Sir.. It’s Commander Mei’konda. You-you’re listed as his next of kin, and we didn’t know if we should wait. =/\= :: Evan’s heart dropped into his stomach as he realized what the younger officer was implying. A wave of conflicting emotions washed over him as unbidden image of a dead or dying Mei’konda entered his mind. His emotional control - always tenuous - buckled, as his voice shook in its reply. :: Delano: =/\= What happened? =/\= Pren: =/\= No details, yet, Sir. He’s been admitted into Astrofori One’s emergency department. We were told to contact you. =/\= :: Evan nodded, mild relief ebbing at the flurry of emotions threatening to wash him away. He was alive then. After a moment, he realized he needed to say something. :: Delano: =/\= Understood…=/\= Pren: =/\= Sir, I… they said you should get down there right away. =/\= :: Evan swallowed hard, sparing a brief glance for Ross as tears welled up in his eyes. :: Delano: =/\= Fine. Delano out. =/\= :: He let the jacket fall back to the floor as he stood back to his full height. One tear, then a second left damp trails down pale cheeks. The expression he wore was not one of grief, however. :: Ross: Oh dear. That does sound unfortunate. :: Evan took a slow step towards Ross, as if he were uncertain of which direction he wanted to walk. :: Delano: You… you had something to with this. :: It wasn’t asked as a question, but Ross answered it anyway, with a shrug and an amused smile. :: Ross: I have been known to do terrible things. Ask Quinn. :: Evan took another step towards his former first officer, visible rage now rippling through the muscles of his clenched jaw. The fingers of his right hand were clenched into a tight fist. Ross' amusement did not waver, even as dark stains of sweat caused by the oppressive heat began to seep through his clothing.:: Delano: ::Coldly,:: What did you do? Ross: Oh, Evan. What possible advantage is there to telling you that? :: Evan considered that for a long moment before he gave the obvious answer. :: Delano: None. :: The Cardassian guard on the other side of the forcefield could tell something was wrong, but he hadn’t taken any action to interfere. Evan gave him a warning look, then turned back to Ross. There was a way to get everything he needed. A way to find out exactly what he’d done to Mei’konda and why. A way to punish him for it. And everything else the man had done. :: :: As he crossed the remaining distance between himself and Ross, a part of Evan's mind screamed for him to stop and think. In that moment, he couldn’t have said for sure whether that scream was real or imagined. Nevertheless, the decision was made, and the rage and grief and frustration that had overwhelmed him intended to see it through. :: :: Evan had only been in a mind meld three times in his life, but he had studied the process extensively as a child, and again, more recently, as he considered learning to use his Vulcan abilities. Performing a meld without injuring both participants required incredible discipline and control. However, that didn’t mean a meld under other circumstances was impossible. And at that moment, Evan didn’t care whether he or Ross would survive. :: :: In one swift motion, he took Ross to the ground. The man was undeniably skilled -- and surprisingly strong -- but after a short and vicious struggle that left them both bloodied and bruised, Evan had him pinned. :: Ross: ::Snarling,:: Don't you dare-- :: Evan gripped Ross’s face in both hands, fingers sliding into place against the key nerves that would allow Evan access to the other’s mind. In a traditional meld, Evan would have been careful and deliberate, a thin tendril brushing against the surface of the man’s mind. Here, Evan threw everything he was at the man: raw anger and frustration compounded by a sense of desperate need. One way or another, this would end here. :: -- Lieutenant Commander Evan Delano Chief of Security/Tactical USS Garuda & Harrison Ross Captive Ne'er Do Well
  4. Haha, Counselor Moonsong tells it like it is. Also, ahem, Alora...
  5. I always love seeing the lower decks just sipping their drinks shaking their heads at the crazy antics of the senior staff.
  6. ((Shuttlebay)) Loupaz: It's been really quiet. Garry: It's a bit weird, isn't it? Not many repair jobs, yet there he is. Breaking a shuttle. And then fixing it again. ::Angeline Loupaz and Coalem Garry simultaneously took a sip from their mugs, their gaze fixed upon their Chief Engineer. Core, the insane Rodulan he was, had blown off various bits and pieces on the shuttle, despite it having used to be in working order. Apparently he'd run out of things to repair, and thus was just . . . creating more work. For himself. And for the department.:: ::So there he was - the bulkheads and consoles of the shuttle having been either blown off ("testing minor explosives" was what he'd written in a report to Tactical) or removed forcefully - reattaching the various bits and pieces, all by himself. Garry and Loupaz were here if he needed assistance with something. Like moving something heavy. But otherwise, the two were unnecessary. He was fine, sitting atop the shuttle, a holographic projector clipped to his shoulder, giving a readout on the finer parts of the hardware. Even *that* wasn't really necessary - not since the bulk of what he was doing was just . . . melding the bulkheads back together.:: ::She was starting to question his sanity.:: Loupaz: How long have we been up here? ::Coalem checked his chronometer.:: Garry: Eight hours. Loupaz: Hmm. Doesn't feel like it's been that long. Garry: He hasn't uttered a word - should we call someone? Loupaz: Nah. He's fine. ::They took another awkward drink from their mugs, a moment of silence as they considered Angeline's words.:: Garry: How do you understand him? He stopped talking and just started *clicking*. ::Clicking his fingers to get attention of his engineers was how Core had been working over the last couple of days. It was annoying and somewhat rude, but preferable to him and (admittedly) quicker for his engineers instead of waiting for him to stammer out the names and ranks of those around him.:: Loupaz:::shrugging:: I speak the language of those incapable of speaking. ::There was a pause.:: Garry: So you're just really good at crappy charades? Loupaz: Yeah, pretty much. ::Their conversation was interrupted by a sharp, beckoning whistle from Core, who was still looking down at a console of which he'd ruined intentionally, mini projector displaying it's marred innards.:: Garry: Your turn. ::Angeline rolled her eyes, handing the man her cup as she went to assist their Chief Engineer. Their . . . maybe insane Chief Engineer. Ah well - worse things have happened. At least he wasn't planning to cause any actual damage to the Garuda.:: Loupaz: Yes, sir? ::He gestured the console, and she read the display from the holoprojector, now presented to her. The console was fried, many of the components inside damaged beyond repair (probably something to do with the minor explosive that was detonated inside it - and unless Core wanted to rebuild it's innards from the ground up, it needed a replacement.:: Loupaz: And it's a SC-48. ::She frowned.:: We don't have any replacements onboard - we'll have to order one in, unless you want to jimmy the one in the other shuttle. I don't think that's a particularly good idea, though - Vistain looks as if she's gonna rupture something since we literally blew apart this one. ::Core shook his head, pointing to the console yet again. It took a few seconds to maybe understand what he was trying to say, but Angeline's frown deepened.:: Loupaz: You mean to build, right? Not simply take it out and put it in this one and leave that shuttle without a SC-48. ::The Chief Engineer gave a huff, now frowning at her. Angeline bit her lip.:: Loupaz: Sir . . . you've been here for . . . hours, now. Don't you think it's time to take a break? ::Core simply rolled his eyes, turning back to the holographic display But Loupaz wasn't budging. She stood there, staring up at him on top of the shuttle.:: Loupaz: Do I need to call the First Officer? ::That finally made the Rodulan freeze in his tracks. He turned, black eyes piercing her own, and she knew she'd overstepped a boundary. Though his relationship with the FO wasn't open for all of his staff to see, it was obvious to his officers that Core was indeed close with Rahman. If there was someone who'd kick his [...] for being here longer than he should, and for destroying a perfectly fine shuttle, it'd probably be her.:: Kells: =/\= This is Captain Kells to all Garuda crew. Effective immediately, the senior staff has been reassigned to the USS Invicta, along with many junior officers and enlisted personnel. Please see your department heads for details, and if you have been reassigned, report over no later than 1800 this evening to prepare for a short shakedown cruise. That is all. =/\= ::[...]. Core was saved by the CO, and he knew it too. The Rodulan gave a grin, clapping his hands and rubbing them together.:: Core: Garuda shuttle. ::He stepped down the ladder, Loupaz now staring at the massive mess of a shuttle now no longer the manr's problem, and simply blinked.:: Loupaz: You aren't going to fix that anymore, are you. Core: Heh. ::He simply switched off the projector and shoving it back into his toolkit. He clapped Angeline on the shoulder, staring back at the poor mangled shuttle that had been victim to his . . . whatever intriguing mood he'd been in.:: Core: Pack. ::And then just like that, Commander Core strode off, probably to pack his own things, leaving Angeline to simply blink at the shuttle.:: Garry: He's not going to fix it, is he? Loupaz: I . . . I don't know. Tbc . . . Petty Officer 2nd Class Angeline Loupaz Engineering Officer USS Invicta (Posted by LtCmdr Tristam Core) Loupaz: Vistain's gonna kick his [...] when she sees this.
  7. Always thought that game had the perfect characterization of Romulans for their intro:
  8. Quinn wisely covered up the whiteboard in her office before the meeting to avoid a potentially awkward conversation... Rahman: ...wait. Is that my picture up there? Reynolds: ...maybe. Rahman: :-| Reynolds:
  9. Presidential ribbon cutting or something more? By Lara Senekal Stardate 239205.11 PARIS, EARTH — It is hardly news that the exact contents of a President's speech be unknown to the greater public or even some insiders reporters go to for sources and sound bites. What is unusual is that the President of the United Federation of Planets should make no mention of the contents of her largest speech of the year, and perhaps the last major one of her career and then fly off to a soon to be completed space station on the far side of Federation space. A few days ago President Nanietta Bacco left Earth to travel to Astrofori One: a major cornerstone of her foreign policy in recent months, to cut the ribbon, shake hands and deliver a short speech on the progress of interstellar relations and what this jointly administered station could mean. All fairly standard and to those outside the foreign policy and economics divisions of many news organizations-the FNS included-this was nothing special, with all eyes on the elections as the field comes close to being solidified as the deadline to declare candidacy comes to a close. That is it was fairly standard until some intern in my office piped up, "What about the State of the Federation?" For a moment, the room was silent, and for a few moments afterwards many of us opened our mouths to speak but could not come up with the words. Within minutes though, a frantic buzz returned to the room as people scrambled to explain this aberration of an error. While a crucial and defining speech that comes along yearly, let's face it, people are only reminded of it because someone remembers it for them and the media creates a hype over it. "Wasn't that supposed to be a few months ago?" Charlotte Answorth, nurse practitioner, mother of three, and restaurant patron observed when asked. Indeed Ms. Answorth is right, the State of the Federation was supposed to be a month ago but was pushed back with the crises revolving around the Federation Transport Union and when some in the Colonial Coalition started calling for independence for their respective worlds. Naturally these took precedence, along with other issues, over a three hour speech few people talk about a few days after. But with the revised date for the speech coming up, someone finally took notice and calculated that the President could not make it back in time to deliver her speech to the Council. This left many reporters scrambling for answers, eclipsing the election for the first time in months. Astrofori OneWhile we are no doubt all aware of the glimmering, shining, well marketed new 'Station of Galactic Peace', let's give a short summation. While seemingly hastily built and thrown together by an army of contractors, engineers and workers, Astrofori One is actually the culmination of a few years of diplomatic legwork and bridge-building done by Presidential candidate and Federation Ambassador Lily Ventu. While the Bacco administration became attached to and formally endorsed and funded the project six months ago, Astrofori One has been the glimmer in Lily Ventu's eye for quite some time. Normally there are not any votes in foreign policy but Ambassador Ventu doesn't need Astrofori One as a statement of policy, she can use it as a monument of her tenacity and skillset as a woman who builds bridges and gets things done. Where other candidates need only turn to their homeworlds and say 'look and what I've built', Ambassador Ventu can hardly say the same. While intangible, her accomplishments are many but hardly awe-inspiring, and as people have been saying from the start, no one doubts her qualifications, they just need to see the woman in action before they can commit. Well instead of boring us and potentially loosing the electorate, Lily Ventu can now also look behind her and in the grand tradition of showing, not telling, point to the giant, glittering Astrofori One and say 'I built this'. As she fights it out with skilled civic administrators and social and economic developers, Ambassador Ventu finally has something tangible to lend to her campaign, though only time will tell if the shiny new station, along with a laundry list of qualifications, will be enough to sway the electorate in her favor. Of course there is the nasty question of 'what if'? What if Astrofori One fails? What if the 'Station of Galactic Peace' turns into what the Planet of Galactic Peace was up until a few years ago? Well the campaign will certainly be over by the time the honeymoon period ends, or so Ambassador Ventu can hope. But by so tightly hitching her bandwagon to the station and having little to fall back on, Ambassador Ventu will rise or fall with Astrofori One and if it's enough of a debacle, it might turn her into a one term President, or even a one year President. Ribbon Cutting, Major Policy Speech, or Something More?While it certainly seems like President Bacco is going to add a dash of flavor to her State of the Federation by using the shock and awe of the ribbon cutting ceremony to add some more pomp and circumstance, there have been further rumors that might not be all she's adding to this year's policy pot. Tyson Holt, the noted CEO of Holt New Alliance, was also allegedly on the presidential transport Paris One with President Bacco. Having announced something no less than a paradigm shift, many wonder if the state of the Federation will combine several announcements into one. Whatever Mr. Holt and President Bacco have planned, the suspense is certainly building. And then there is of course the forgone conclusion that President Bacco will be formally announcing that she will not stand for reelection for a fourth term in office. But then again, with so much mystery, so much suspense, perhaps she's building all of this up for the greatest shock of all, the announcement of a fourth term in office. Yes, we all thought it unthinkable a few months ago but as the election field shaped up and most of us shrugged our shoulders at the list of people we were offered, perhaps a fourth term for President Bacco wouldn't be so unthinkable. Or maybe she'll use this opportunity to be something few other Presidents have ever been, a Kingmaker, using this opportunity to throw her hat and weight behind a candidate to be her successor. Whatever the outcome, the Federation and beyond will find out soon just what is happening on Astrofori One, and with all of this buzz, we at the FNS can only hope that we aren't setting ourselves up for a fall. This article was written by Erin, the FNS team facilitator and writer for Dr. Anen Sonbef. Submit your own news stories and headlines to the FNS or consider joining the FNS team! FNS Home • FNS Data Feed• FNS on FB • FNS Team
  10. Meanwhile... I don't know if Rahman's paying attention to the revolver... ::to Del:: "It's so beautiful..."
  11. Don't worry. I suspect a major briefing soon!
  12. Revolutionaries capture fourth largest Inoxan city By Reza Kardgar Stardate 239205.09 INOX SYSTEM — Mashana, the fourth largest city on Inox, has fallen to anti-government forces, and Inoxan Chancellor Koaw Tassin has declared a state of emergency. After weeks of demonstrations and unrest following the acquittal of a high-ranking government official accused of corruption, protesters have begun a violent—and effective—campaign for revolution against the Inoxan government. READ PREVIOUS STORY: "Unrest continues on Inox as citizens demand reform" - SD 239203.03 Having captured large swaths of territory and numerous smaller villages, rebels claimed their latest victory last week over security forces in the northern industrial city of Mashana, where they ripped the flag of the Inoxan government from the city's Central Square before setting it ablaze. Path to Victory The rebellion, led by Beja Nyuanin, a former professor at Grand Karra University, has been particularly adept because of a heavy presence of ex-security forces among its ranks, and some observers have suggested that parts of the Inoxan military may be actively behind the rebellion, using Nyuanin and his protesters as a cover for a coup d'état. "Even with the outdated equipment of the Inoxan security forces, there's no way the rebels have been able to be this successful without help from the military itself," said Dr. Keahvon of the Cerberus Group, a San Francisco think tank. "The question now is who's really in charge of this rebellion. Is Nyuanin just a puppet?" However, other analysts point to Nyuanin's success at winning the support of the local population to join the fight of the revolutionaries. For instance, a majority of Mashana's own police department turned against the Inoxan government security forces to assist the rebels in capturing the city. "Some may say that reflects the unprofessionalism of the police and security forces, but it really points instead to the anger that runs deep within the population at all levels," said Elise Roberts, a senior foreign affairs analyst at the Citizen’s Post. Hearts and Minds Questions of his power aside, Nyuanin has remained vocal throughout the campaign, giving passionate addresses in the public squares of each city captured so far that have drawn thousands to stand up and cheer for what they see as the first real chance at toppling the current and unpopular Inoxan government, which has remained in power for the past fifty years, mostly because of Federation support which began as an extension of the competing interests of the Federation and Cardassians in the 2340s. "Make no mistake," declared Nyuanin in a speech in Mashana's Central Square last week. "We are not going anywhere, Chancellor Tassin! You can try to run to your Federation masters, but you will be hunted down and punished for your crimes against the Inoxan people!" The adoring crowd applauded as effigies of the chancellor as well as Federation President Bacco were burned. With the ongoing Federation Transport Union strike having effectively cut off Inox from its largest trading partner, rampant unemployment has left millions vocal and angry. "We just want a better life," said Mashana resident and schoolteacher Janisa Kem, who was among those in attendance at Nyuanin's speech. "Doesn't the government understand that? Doesn't the Federation? Leave us alone!" Members from both the Federation Council and Cardassian Detapa Council have expressed their concerns about the violence on Inox. The nearest major power to Inox, the Tholian Assembly, has remained silent on the issue, although there are rumors that the xenophobic species is growing wary of the unrest at its doorstep. As anti-Federation sentiment continues to fester, the Federation Diplomatic Corps has reaffirmed in its latest travel advisories that Federation citizens currently on Inox should exercise extreme caution and seek departure while all others should avoid nonessential travel to the planet. FNS Home • FNS Data Feed• FNS on FB • FNS Team
  13. Pirates cart away artifacts before damaging ancient Nygel II site By Rachel Sullivan Stardate 239205.05 NYGEL II — An unknown ship, believed to be operated by pirates, transported away artifacts from Site 02 on Nygel II and damaged irreplaceable remains of ancient Iconian culture. One scientist discovered humanoid figures in encounter suits picking up tablets and carrying them away by transporters. Phaser fire from the ground and the unidentified ship destroyed most of the remaining artifacts on the site. “We don't know who they are or what they intend to do with the artifacts they took,” said Dr. Irina Bokava, chief researcher for the Nygel II Scientific Outpost 1. “All of this is appalling and a tragic act of destruction.” Investigators are studying sensor imagery of the damage and records of the attack to try and determine who is responsible. It is currently too dangerous to approach the site with the structures now showing signs of being unstable. This news article was written by the writer for Lt. Raissa Moonsong. Submit your own news stories to the FNS! FNS Home • FNS Data Feed• FNS on FB • FNS Team
  14. Federation President to attend launch of bold venture in interstellar diplomacy Stardate 239205.04 MENTHAR CORRIDOR — Federation President Nan Bacco is among the dignitaries scheduled to attend the launch of Astrofori One, a new space station designed to serve as a forum for interstellar affairs. Hailed as one of the greatest cooperative efforts since the Federation/Klingon/Romulan Alliance during the Dominion War, the Astrofori One Project echoes the even earlier historic achievement that was the founding of the Coalition of Planets that led to the United Federation of Planets itself in the 22nd century. “If this works, President Bacco has secured her legacy,” said Professor Emil Arbelaez, chairman of political science at Pike City University on Cestus III. “For the first time in recent interstellar history, there will be one neutral location for different powers to come together to discuss their affairs, everything from trade to defense.” The Astrofori One Project includes representatives from many well-established Alpha and Beta Quadrant powers such as the Cardassian Union and the Klingon Empire, but the four major stakeholders spearheading the project are the Federation, the Romulan Star Empire, the Breen Confederacy, and the Kubarey Confederation. In addition to President Bacco, the Romulan Praetor is expected to attend the opening ceremony of the station. While many are celebrating the completion of the station’s construction as just the first achievement in an optimistic new direction of interstellar diplomacy, others are more guarded. “There are a lot of competing voices involved,” notes Che’tai Jora, retired Federation Ambassador to the Tzenkethi Coalition. “Designing and building a space station is one thing. Operating and then hosting regular assemblies aboard it is entirely another. There are vast historical and cultural differences—boundaries even—between these powers and species that should not be underestimated. Opening dialogue is always good, but it must come from a place of mutual respect.” Perhaps in an effort to soften those boundaries, both the main and the various minor powers also holding a presence on the station are hosting celebrations and galas for visiting dignitaries in the weeks leading up to the grand opening. Among the first Federation starships to arrive is the USS Garuda. The crew had been enjoying shoreleave at the nearby Deep Space 10 station when they were ordered to report to Astrofori One. The Garuda‘s commanding officer Cassandra Egan Manno was promoted to Fleet Captain and will serve now as Region and Mission Commander for Starfleet in the Menthar Corridor and will be based from Astrofori One. Captain Aron Kells has been named her successor as commanding officer of the Garuda. FNS Home • FNS Data Feed• FNS on FB • FNS Team
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