[Graduating Class of 239007.30]

Thanks guys! For all the support and training,

Did anyone else graduate though?

Welcome to the Fleet, Ensign S'kaa!!!!!! You did great and yes, you were the only graduate. Well done!

[JP: Lt Cmdr Reinard & Sgt Gwinnett: "Digging out the issues.&#]

((Captain’s Ready Room))

::Now that Greir had properly talked to Chen it had taken them barely a few minutes to work out how and who had played them both for fools. Greir was understandably very angry at himself for not spotting it and for being tricked; he was also very angry at Gwinnett for doing it. Having thought about it he wanted to know why she had done it. Chen said he’d had problems with her before and he was about to get to the root of it.::

Reinard: =/\= Captain Reinard to Sergeant Gwinnett. =/\=

::Gwinnett was just putting her equipment away at the end of her shift. She heard the chirp of her comm badge.::

Gwinnett: =/\= Yes, Sir. Gwinnett here.=/\=

::To Gwinnett it sounded very formal, so she figured that she’d better be on her best behavior. Normally things came through the major. This was unusual, but not totally.::

Gwinnett: oO This could be very good or very bad. Better play it straight.Oo

Reinard: =/\= I want to see you in my ready room immediately.=/\=

Gwinnett: =/\=Yes, Sir. On my way...=/\=

::Gwinnett hightailed it to the bridge, which she considered officer’s country. In fact, she had not even been on the bridge, but had studied the diagrams of every deck, and she made her way to the Acting Captain’s ready room. She buzzed the door, and then entered. She came to instant attention, briefly glancing in his direction.::

Gwinnett: Reporting as ordered, sir.

Reinard: Sit down, you have some explaining to do.

::His voice was firm and it was clear he was not in the mood for any more nonsense but stopped short of displaying the anger he felt. Gwinnett had a seat, but sat there rigidly.::

Gwinnett: Yes, Sir? ::Gwinnett was confused.::

Reinard: I’ll cut to the point. How about you explain to me why you’ve been deliberately interfering in the relationship between Lieutenant Chen and myself. ::He gave her a hard look that dared her to try and deny it.::

::Gwinnett could feel the boom being lowered on her. She was quickly trying to think of something that would get her out of this jam. She had hoped that Chen would transfer out, to get him off the ship but it hadn’t happened, she was now having to deal with her mess.::

Gwinnett: Sir....I might have stretched the truth a bit. ::She could feel it getting awfully warm in the office.:: I....

::She didn’t have a clue about what to say. It was like being caught red handed. She desperately wanted to shift her position, but it was like her feet were stuck in cement.::

Reinard: I want a complete and honest report Sergeant. What you did was completely wrong and unacceptable so I expect you to explain your actions.

::He wasn’t messing about here and wanted answers fast. He would be well within his rights to take the matter further and take action to have her disciplined for this. He couldn’t discipline her himself due to being involved in the case but someone above him could after the due investigation. He was pleased that she wasn’t out and out lying even if she wasn’t telling him everything.::

Gwinnett:Sir... Captain... I just don’t... I really don’t want to go into it. Their kind is so monstrous. So revolting...

::Just the mental image of Chen now occupied her mind, and the image of the Crazy that tortured her, it made her visibly shake. She finally got a grip on it and came back to office and Reinard.::

::Greir paid close attention and immediately picked up her comments. She wasn’t just implying she had a problem with Lt Chen but perhaps his entire species. If that was the case then she was clearly a racist and he wanted to know why.::

Reinard: Are you saying that you have a problem with Andorians?

Gwinnett: Sir... I respectfully... I really... ::The old nightmare, came back and she could almost feel the tentacles being wrapped around her body as the twelve year old.::

((Flashback - 14 years ago))

::Brooks Gwinnett had been mad at her father and had decided to teach him a lesson. She would leave the encampment and strike off on her own for a while, heading off into the no man’s land. This would prove that she was could be trusted to navigate more freely in and about the camp. She had mastered every weapon that she could physically handle, and while not a front line soldier, was capable assisting the dependents of the band of 50 or so paramilitary and their dependents. She was caught by a crazy on her return trip and knocked incoherent.::

:: She awoke bound in a dark cave except for a solitary light. She had been in there for hours when the Crazy came from the shadows. The creature had tentacles that came out of it’s hideous head that touched her and then wrapped around her. Brooks screamed only to hear herself echo in the cave. She could feel them all over her body as she struggled to get free. Finally with her mind on overload she gave one final scream and passed out. It was hours later that the ad hoc relief force finally homed in on her transmitter and found her in the cave, alone, cold and clothing in tatters. ::

((End flashback))

::Gwinnett hadn’t had the experience in almost 7 years. She had successfully pushed it back into her subconsciousness and buried it deep. He next words came out like a scared child.::

Gwinnett: I don’t want to be with a Crazy... I can’t... I can’t, not anymore, I won’t do it. It has to go... ::It was disjointed and then she realized what she was saying and she snapped back to present.:: Sorry sir... bad memories... ::Which was a vast understatement.::

::Greir didn’t like the way she was talking firstly because she sounded like a completely different person and secondly because of what she was saying about another member of this crew - as if he wasn’t even a sentient life form. Why would she consider him - or Andorians as a people to be crazy? She clearly had a big underlying problem and he was beginning to have a feel for the best way forward with this. First he needed more answers.::

Reinard: Let’s take this one question at a time shall we? Why did you do this?

Gwinnett: I wanted to get Chen off the ship. Sir.

::Greir was angry to hear that but pleased that she was honest enough to admit it at least. Perhaps there was still some hope for her after all.::

Reinard: Did you think about the consequences of your actions? They were not just limited to Chen whose life and career here you intended to ruin but also my own. Do you have a problem with me?

Gwinnett: I don’t have a problem with you. I just want him... gone. Not life taken or career ruined, bad memories, or dreams... not sure.. they rotate...::She looked confused, and her speech was disjointed, as she fought the images out of her mind.::

::Greir was concerned about the way she was talking. Bad memories seemed to be distracting her. Was she hallucinating? He couldn’t tell but she was behaving very strangely and knew something big was underlying all of this.::

Reinard: So who is crazy... Chen, me, the Andorian species or someone else?

Gwinnett: Sir... It is a sub species on Byzatium... an experiment, a terror. Nasty things.

Reinard: ::Leaning forward a bit:: What makes them crazy then?

Gwinnett: They were created by Omunics as slaves, mutated into whatever evil creature they could think about. Some of them just wandered the wastelands, their minds twisted, perverted. ::Her tone was unusually flat, and monotone. She was trying to hold in the terror of them and the things they did the rest of the population of Byzatium.::

::They didn’t have any subspecies like that here so Greir needed to find the link. What was the connection that made her think of them when she saw Chen. There was no way he could let this lie. If she had got her way and Chen had transferred this would have repeated the next the they got an Andorian on the ship. They couldn’t and wouldn’t ban Andorians from serving here and what of other species? How many more had the potential to remind her of these things she had left undealt with and buried?::

Reinard: Tell me about these bad memories.

Gwinnett : I don’t ever want to relive that experience again sir. Respectfully. No one should.::Her voice was firm and resolved.:: It was my bad, sir, I take and accept full responsibility. I will accept any punishment, but I don’t want to talk about it.

::Greir could understand and in fact expected that she didn’t want to talk about it but this problem was now affecting her working relationship with colleagues to the point where she would jeopardize their personal life and act vindictively towards them. Unfortunately due to the serious nature of them problem she was indeed going to have to talk about it and resolve it, whether she liked it or not. A slap on the wrist or some disciplinary action wouldn’t be enough to stop her behaving like this in the future. The underlying issue that was causing the attitude problem needed to be discussed.::

Reinard: What does Lt Chen, or is it the Andorian people, have in common with this sub-species that would make you behave like this?

::Gwinnett really wanted to bolt. This was striking way too close to the truth, bringing up memories that she had spent years trying to bury deep. Only her training, and having nowhere to run to, prevented her from running out the door.::

Gwinnett: I have nothing against the Lt. personally... too many similarities... Sir. ::She fidgeted a bit.::

Reinard: I find it hard to believe that you have nothing against the Lieutenant when you would act this way towards him. Clearly it’s something very personal, so tell me what similarities Sergeant. ::Insistently::

::The memory flooded back and again she was just a girl of twelve, seeing the head and the tentacles that reached out to her. She could feel the icky, things wrapping around her. She could smell it again.::

Gwinnett: ::Raising her voice a bit.:: The tentacles... I want them to stop... stop touching me. ::The voice was not of her, but of a child a long time ago. There was a pleading in her voice.:: They came out of the head. ::She couldn’t maintain her position, she looked for the nearest corner and started to move back into it. Only to stop and find herself in the corner. She looked around in confusion.::

::He immediately recognised what was happening and needed to halt it before matters became even worse. If he wasn’t involved in this he could have provided her with the counselling she needed. It was bad practice and against regulations for him to get involved. He needed someone else to do this. For now he needed to cool things back down again.::

Reinard: Alright stop. That’s enough for now. You are going to need counselling for this and I’m making it mandatory. I can’t provide it myself since your actions have impacted upon me and I am involved.

Gwinnett: Counseling? I haven’t had those thoughts in years. Don’t make me relive them again...please sir .::The words of counseling hit her like a bucket of cold water. She straightened up and moved back in front of the desk, now at attention.

Reinard: Something will be arranged as soon as possible and you’ll be called for an appointment. Should you miss any appointment made for you or your counsellor feels your issue is not improving, or is becoming worse you will be taken off duty until there is an improvement. Your negative behaviour and attitude towards Lieutenant Chen must cease immediately. He is not of this sub-species from Byzantium. He is an Andorian and unless there’s something you’ve failed to tell me - neither him nor his people have done anything to you to merit this. Should your behaviour continue disciplinary action will be taken. Do you understand?

::Gwinnett felt like this was almost a fate worse than death. A marine was going to see a counselor. It was so humiliating. She was sure that something like this would make it through the ranks. Gwinnett visibly slumped, as in defeat.::

Gwinnett: If... I have to sir.

:: For the bombastic, and over the top Brooks, the voice was low and withdrawn, all the moxie and energy had been taken out of her. She looked defeated after the reliving of the experience that she thought she had finally buried. Now to go into counseling about it, was the final straw.::

::Greir was getting fed up for her constant attempts to weasel out of it. He could well understand that a marine would see this as a punishment worse than disciplinary action itself. Nevertheless, whether she hadn’t had those thoughts in years or not something had caused this buried issue to resurface and it was causing her to actively attempt to ruin other, innocent officers careers and personal lives. So when he told her that this was happening and that it was mandatory, asked whether she understood he expected the appropriate response. He was beginning to wonder how much of that had just sunk in.::

Reinard: Don’t give me that Gwinnett, as a marine you of all people should know actions speak louder than words and yours have been unacceptable. Like I said this is mandatory. You will attend your appointments and you will cooperate in resolving this issue you have. It likely won’t be easy or quick to do but you’re going to do it because you need to for yourself as much as your continued career. Do you understand?

::Gwinnett had never really given much thought to the future or her career, like most of her kind life was simply a day to day struggle. Taking as much pleasure from it, and trying to avoid getting into too much trouble. It had been a pretty simple formula, and the marines tended to put up with a bit more of the rough and ready types. She had been dismissed from several jobs after leaving the home world because of her cavalier attitude, before enlisting into the marines. Gwinnett had been know to start fights and causing general mischief, but she had always performed her duty. ::

Gwinnett:oO Career? I thought that was only for other people. Both my father and brother is dead. Frankly I am surprised I am still alive.Oo

::Gwinnett also knew that despite the current down side, she knew that since joining the marines, it had also proved part of a family structure that she hadn’t had in a long time. The corps was the only thing that keep her functioning on a somewhat normal level. It provided her a framework, of some type, and she didn’t want to lose it..::

::It took her a moment, but some self respect finally returned to into her. She raised her downcast eyes and looked at Reinard::

Gwinnett: Yes, Sir. I will attend..::It wasn’t the normal forceful Gwinnett, but there was some determination behind it.::

::Greir resisted the urge to roll his eyes. It still wasn’t the answer he was looking for but he got the feeling that she understood the situation just fine. He would need to sort out the referral and get something arranged for her as quickly as possible. ::

Reinard: Right then, you’re dismissed.

::He didn’t even wait for her to finish leaving the office before snatching up his padd and beginning his report.::

A JP by:

Lt Cmdr Reinard
Acting Commanding Officer
USS Vigilant

and

Sergeant Brooks Gwinnett
Marine
USS Vigilant
Simmed by Eerie

[JP: LtCmdr Greir Reinard & PNPC Lt Chen: "Worth Fighting For&#]

((USS Vigilant, Deck 5: Sickbay))

::It was easy to lose track of time when all he could remember were fits and starts of consciousness. Lately when he had woken up, he’d felt the sensation of someone holding his hand, and he’d latched onto that, tightening his grip a little whenever he could gather his wits enough to do so. There were things he remembered, too, although he wasn’t sure how much of it had been real and how much had been a dream.::

::This time, as Chen’s eyes drifted open a fraction, something felt different. He felt like he had a little more strength. The fog that had been clouding his head seemed to have lifted and, rather than his vision swimming with white, he could feel his eyes coming into focus as he blinked the haze out of them. The familiar vista of sickbay’s ceiling was there, clearer than he could remember seeing it, but that wasn’t what drew his immediate attention. Greir had been there the whole time. He was the one who had been holding Chen’s hand. Chen knew that they had things to talk about but it was obvious just how much Greir cared. He squeezed his hand, properly this time, rather than a feeble attempt from someone who was half conscious.::

::Greir had been nodding off when the squeeze of his hand drew his attention; he raised his head, opened his eyes and looked at Chen. He’d gradually started regaining some of his lost colour and when he looked into his gorgeous green eyes, he noticed they seemed a little brighter and more alert. It was a good sign that Chen was regaining some of his strength. Greir immediately smiled.::

Reinard: Hello sleepy head. How are you feeling?

Chen: Like I got fed through one of the bussard collectors but better for seeing you. You’ve been here the whole time, haven’t you?

::He already knew the answer well enough. He imagined that Greir would have had cause to leave a couple of times but he had always seemed to be there whenever Chen had drifted awake. As his vision and hearing began to settle, he felt his antennae, which had been hanging limply backwards, slowly start to move. Naturally, they were trying to point straight at Greir. He hoped that he would be alright with that but, given that he’d been by his side so much, he had a feeling he would.::

Reinard: As much as I could.

::He’d had to leave for duty shifts, rest breaks and the like but he’d made every effort to be with Chen as much as he could. He felt greatly relieved to hear Chen say his presence made him feel better and some of the worries that had been making him feel edgy seemed less prominent.::

Chen: Thankyou. I really appreciate it.

::Chen had aches on aches from being in the same position for so long. He wasn’t sure whether or not he was supposed to sit up but he knew he couldn’t stay lying down for much longer.::

Chen: Could you help me up? My back’s killing me...

Reinard: Yeah of course.

::Greir released Chen’s hand and slipped an arm under him to help him sit up. ::

Reinard: Better? I can help ease some of that backache, if you wanted?

::Now that he was sitting instead of lying down, Chen already felt a little more comfortable. Greir’s offer felt like a lifeline, though; he knew he would probably have to lie down again later on and didn’t expect to be back up to full strength right away. His back would no doubt remind him that he’d been in that position for far too long once again when the time came.::

Chen: That would be amazing, thanks.

::Greir hopped up onto the biobed and sat just behind Chen so he didn’t have to do this at an awkward angle and possibly make the backache worse. He was certainly no professional masseur but he had taken a course on massage a long time ago on the USS Washington. He’d decided it would be a useful skill to have since he was often involved with officers with back problems – whether it had come about from an injury that had caused physical and mental trauma, or pregnant officers. He’d felt it was skill that would relieve the medical department whilst allowing him to build trust with people he was working with by helping them relax and ease their aches. He’d been transferred before finishing the course and never learned as much as he wanted. ::

:: Usually these things were done lying down but Chen had done nothing but lie down the last few days and he couldn’t see the Andorian wanting to do too much more of it. He was aware of the muscles in the back and used his fingers to feel the muscles and ease out tightness and knots using some pressure from his fingers and thumbs. ::

Reinard: Let me know if this is helping at all.

::Chen’s eyes rolled upwards with relief as he felt the tension being worked slowly out of his back. He put his hands onto his knees and leaned forward a little bit more so that Greir could have a bit more room.::

Chen: That’s exactly what I needed.

::He closed his eyes and cradled his head in his hands, enjoying the massage and murmuring with relief every now and again when Greir managed to tease out a particularly difficult knot. Once it was done and Greir stopped, Chen opened his eyes again, feeling much more comfortable and relaxed.::

Chen: That’s so much better. Thanks.

::Greir removed himself from the bed and returned to his stool after finishing the massage. He was terribly glad that it had helped Chen. ::

Reinard: You’re very welcome.

::His eyes smiled at Greir, full of gratitude. He hoped that Greir didn’t have to go anywhere for a while and he shifted his legs to get more comfortable. The sheet that was over him brushed against the stump at the end of his right leg; he felt his heart rate rise for a moment as he realised for the first time that his foot was still missing. Evidently they hadn’t been able to replace it yet. He allowed himself a brief glance at it; part of the biobed had been extended over it and had obscured it from view during the back massage, so he hadn’t seen it.::

::His rational mind quickly kicked in. If he hadn’t lost his foot, he wouldn’t be alive. That was the choice they’d had to make back on Asav. It still freaked him out a little and he was certain he wasn’t ready to see what it looked like underneath the blanket yet but he knew that a biosynthetic replacement was likely to be a possibility that he hoped they could explore soon.::

::With any luck, very soon...::

::For the time being, though he was just glad to be sitting up and awake. He had no idea how long he’d been out of it. He was also glad that he was finally going to get a chance to talk to Greir.::

Chen: I really missed you, y’know.

::Greir had missed Chen a lot too and had been worried sick about him the whole time he’d been unconscious. Now that he was properly awake and alert Greir could finally express his deepest gratitude. He hadn’t been aware of the danger he’d been in at the time but it had soon caught up with him. Just thinking about what would have happened had Chen not acted as he had gave him the chills.::

Reinard: I missed you terribly. I’m so glad to see you awake again at last. I have something important I need to say.

::Chen imagined that they both had plenty that needed to be said but he was happy enough to listen to Greir first. It was the least he could do.::

Chen: OK.

Reinard: ::Leaning forward a bit and being completely sincere:: I am deeply grateful for your actions in the…

::Thinking about the place gave him the shivers to the point he couldn’t even talk of it directly. He blinked slowly, gave a tiny shake of the head and re-phrased it. He had a lot on his mind and so many bad things had happened recently that it was all just reaching boiling point for him. He just wanted to tell Chen how he felt about all this mess.::

Reinard: … on Asav. Immeasurably so. I am so terribly sorry you were hurt as a result. In fact… I’m sorry about everything. No one means more to me than you and none of it should ever have happened.

::At this time he wasn’t sure if he could ever forgive himself for that. His mind had continually played it back, much like the time he’d seen the Battle of Bondi. He kept wondering about ‘what if…’ What if he’d been faster, what if he’d missed a release valve that could have freed them, what if he hadn’t fallen on top of Chen… what if… He just felt like if he had been a better person or a better leader then somehow these problems could have been avoided. He wasn’t even sure he was getting his message over as well as he wanted to, his mind and emotions were in dozens of places at once.::

::Chen felt his guts tie in a knot as Greir said that no one meant more to him, even as his spirits tried to lift. He was drowning in guilt and it seemed a fitting punishment that he still didn’t feel completely himself. Seeing how much Greir still cared about him and hearing him thank him for what had happened in that tunnel were things that he felt he didn’t deserve.::

Chen: You have nothing to apologise for. This is my fault.

::Greir’s face twisted into shock. The fact that he would blame himself for this was completely crazy as far as he was concerned.::

Reinard: No, the blame is mine alone. None of this is your fault. How can you even say that?

::The Andorian shook his head, a forlorn expression on his face. There could be no hiding from the truth. He’d berated himself internally several times during the Asavii mission about the way he had acted beforehand. There was no way that Greir could be indebted to him in any way; Chen might have saved him from being sliced in half by emergency bulkheads but, were it not for what could only be considered as the highest level of bravery, Chen would still be stuck in some random access conduit under more water than he cared to think about. Each one had saved the other’s life.::

Chen: It was my idea for us to go into that conduit. I wish I’d thought of something else.

::Greir was still not buying any of it because one huge, inescapable fact remained.::

Reinard: You had an idea. That is all and you cannot be blamed for that. I was the Commanding Officer and it was my call to make. I could have had us go another way or find another solution but I didn’t. I made the decision, end of debate.

::Chen bit his lip and took a deep breath. Greir was being really good about this; he didn’t really feel that it was right for him to take all of the blame but in the end the important thing was that they’d both managed to get out of there. It wasn’t as simple as wishing everything away and they would both have work to do to get over what had happened on the planet but there was more that needed to be addressed if he was really going to put things right. The first thing to do was to try a better way to alleviate Greir’s guilt.::

::Chen bit his lip and took a deep breath. Greir was being really good about this; he didn’t really feel that it was right for him to take all of the blame but in the end the important thing was that they’d both managed to get out of there. It wasn’t as simple as wishing everything away and they would both have work to do to get over what had happened on the planet but there was more that needed to be addressed if he was really going to put things right. The first thing to do was to try a better way to alleviate Greir’s guilt.::

Chen: If you really feel that way then I want you to know that I forgive you. I would do what I did a hundred times over if it meant that you could be safe. You did the same for me. Getting me free took more guts than I’ve ever seen from anyone and you were able to do it when I needed you to. ::He reached out to take Greir’s hand again.:: So I don’t just forgive you, I want to thank you for it.

::It was true that doing what he’d done really had taken guts and Greir really hadn’t wanted to do it but the alternative had been completely unthinkable. Chen’s words did ease his conscience a little and he knew he had acted to save Chen’s life. He was very relieved Chen had taken that attitude towards things rather than getting really upset or angry with him, although if he had he would have completely understood. He nodded in acknowledgement, squeezed Chen’s hand a little and held it tight, not wanting to let go. ::

::He clammed up a bit, feeling a bit unsure about how to respond to that and where to take things next. It took awhile for him to respond and when he did there was a touch of finality to it, as if he felt nothing more needed to be said about it.::

Reinard: Okay, well as long as you’re okay.

::Physically speaking, he was obviously still missing a foot and emotionally he was a long way off OK. This time, however, Chen was going to make sure things were patched up. Properly. He’d flown off the handle at Greir and said some things that were absolutely unforgiveable, in his estimation. He was lucky that Greir was even prepared to talk to him after the abuse he’d hurled at him.::

Chen: About that I’ll be OK, yeah. But in general I don’t think I can be. I care so much about you and I said some awful things to you before that mission.

::He was becoming more animated, his emotions a little harder to control thanks to the fact that he wasn’t fully recovered yet.::

Chen: I’m surprised you can even look at me after that.

::He didn’t want to let go of Greir’s hand but his eyes dropped and his antennae drooped with shame. How could he begin to excuse the fact that he’d used personal information that Greir had trusted with him as barbs to hurt him with? No matter how angry he’d been, that was deplorable. He still couldn’t believe he’d flown at Greir quite like that and allowed his own emotional vulnerability to rule his heart and mind with such an iron hand.::

Chen: ::Quietly:: I just want you to know how sorry I am. Telling you that I didn’t mean any of it doesn’t lessen the damage of what I did, but I really wasn’t thinking straight. I don’t believe any of the things I said to you to be true.

::He couldn’t remember a time when he’d felt more ashamed of himself. He wished he could wind the clock back more than anything.::

::Greir thought back to that crazy night when everything had gone wrong and their budding relationship had failed so badly. Chen’s behaviour had come as a complete shock, especially as he’d been led to believe Chen didn’t care for him as much as he thought he had. Chen had been incredibly upset with him and he understood only too well thanks to his training and years of experience as a counsellor how people lashed out under those circumstances. For that reason he found it very easy to understand the reason for the behaviour. What he didn’t understand was the underlying trigger.::

Reinard: Chen I understand that you were lashing out. We don’t have to talk about it now – we can wait until after your recovery if you prefer but what I still don’t understand is why you bailed on our date without so much as an explanation. I didn’t think of you as that kind of guy and then later when you came to my door…

::Chen let go of Greir’s hand, feeling his self worth shrink to minuscule proportions. He pulled his left knee up towards himself and was about to follow suite with his right, intending to wrap his arms around them until, with a wave of revulsion and fear, he realised he had nothing to prop his right leg up on. He tried to keep that from showing on his face as he stretched his right leg back out again.::

::Greir felt a massive pang of sympathy and guilt for Chen. He wished he could take it back and hadn’t said anything at all about the matter. As much as he wanted to give Chen room if he needed it, as a result of everything that had just happened, he also just wanted to sort it out and get to the bottom of it.::

::Although what had just happened was making his skin crawl, Chen forced himself to plough forwards. He owed Greir an explanation and he intended to give him one. He just hoped that it would be enough that they would be able to salvage something of what they had at least. He would be devastated if they couldn’t find a way forward. His voice was considerably more scratchy than it had been as he tried to think back to what had happened on what he considered to be one of the worst nights of his life. He stared down at the bedsheet as he spoke, unable to look Greir in the eye.::

Chen: This sounds so stupid to me now but I was really worried that you didn’t care about me as much as I thought you did.

::Greir was surprised, not least of all because he thought Chen would talk to him if he’d had concerns like that rather than get angry and lash out. There was something even more puzzling though.::

Reinard: Why would you feel like that?

::Chen took a deep breath as he continued, feeling worse about himself as he carried on.::

Chen: Right as I was about to start getting ready for our date, I had a little visit from Gwinnett. She was acting strangely, like she knew something that I didn’t. I was coming close to kicking her out of my quarters, I mean, I know that she always likes to bait me but then she claimed that I was only getting to see you whenever she was prepared to let me... or something, like the two of you were in some kind of relationship. I didn’t believe her but then she produced what I thought was one of your uniform shirts, then disappeared out of my quarters, taking it with her. I know I shouldn’t have, but I felt like I needed to get some kind of evidence to prove her wrong. By the time I’d found my tricorder it made me late for our date and when I came into the Watchpost, she was right there, taking my place...

::Greir scratched his head and he could feel his mood sinking quickly. He was starting to feel incredibly angry with himself. He’d felt like this before when he’d thought Chen had tricked him having failed to spot any deception. Once again he felt he was too trusting and too willing to believe people and had let someone he had barely even met destroy the kind of happiness he could only have dreamed of before.::

Reinard: I see. Well here is the part you don’t know. She did come and join me despite that I told her I was waiting for you. She was a bit of a pest and I didn’t much enjoy her company. She told me she’d seen you with another man and that you were clearly going to be spending the night with him instead. I did not believe her but the night wore on and you did not answer the comm so it seemed that she was right... ::He leaned forward on his stool, with elbows on his knees he put his head in his hands, partially obscuring his lower face.::

::Chen’s brow was furrowed and his face set with a frown as he looked up at Greir. He felt stupid for having had the wool pulled over his eyes. If anything, that made him feel worse about the fact he’d ended up popping off at Greir later in the evening. He also remembered enough about the night to know that he’d not had any calls through from Greir at all, which didn’t add up. There was no reason for him to lie about it now and he was showing, through his actions, that it was Chen he really cared about and not Gwinnett.::

Chen: oO My badge... Oo

::The Andorian shook his head as he refocused on his bed sheet. Yet one more thing he’d managed to screw up during that wretched night.::

Chen: I jumped to conclusions when I saw her with you and got angry. I threw my badge. I found it the next morning and I’d dislodged the power supply...

::Greir shook his head slowly in disbelief.::

Reinard: It looks like Gwinnett engineered a situation that would open up doubts and keep us apart from each other long enough for us both to buy into her web of lies. She was pretty crafty and lucky to have pulled it off. Surely she must have known her deception would not last for long? Do you know of any reason why she would do this?

::The reasons for her actions had clearly evaded him on the night but, with perfect hindsight, it was glaringly obvious to Chen why Gwinnett might have done what she’d done.::

Chen: Yeah. She has a big problem with me for some reason. She’s made a couple of racist references before, so I guess she has a problem with Andorians in general. Either way it looks like she was trying to get at me... and she did a [...] good job.

::He knew that he would have a few choice words to say to her the next time they crossed paths, whenever that happened to be but, for now, he just wanted to make sure he’d said everything he wanted to. There were things he needed Greir to hear.::

Chen: Greir, the way I acted, right from when she came to my quarters... I’ve had plenty of time to think about it and I’m totally ashamed of myself. I should have made more of an effort to come and find you and talk to you but...

::He screwed his eyes closed, mortified. There was a pause as he tried to find the right words.::

::Greir waited patiently to let Chen think about it and see if he wanted to carry on. Even now, he was more concerned about seeing to Chen’s needs and ensuring his health and happiness than his own. As much as he wanted to finish this and resolve it, if Chen didn’t want to continue, if for any reason he needed to take a break, stop and come back to it, then he would honour that. ::

Chen: I was terrified when she showed me that shirt that there would be a chance I could lose you and that everything that had happened between us wasn’t real. When I got to the Watchpost, that fear took over and then I ended up making it happen. Idrove us apart. ::He was starting to talk more and more quickly.:: It was because I wasn’t thinking straight because I care about you so much and the idea that you didn’t feel the same way... I don’t think I’ve ever hurt like that...

::He tailed off, again remembering his foot. Pain had been the theme of the last few days, it seemed. He was glad that he could see an end to it now. He finally looked up at Greir again, his eyes conveying his regret.::

Chen: ...and I don’t think I’ve ever been more sorry.

:: Greir’s own feelings echoed that too. When he’d waited, listening to those poisoned comments he’d had a mounting fear of losing Chen. He’d felt inadequate and second best, it had played on a lifelong insecurity. He had resisted it at first and hadn’t wanted to believe it. He’d tried to reason and explain it all away but when Chen hadn’t even answered the comm it had seemed to confirm all of his worst fears. He’d never felt so devastated about anything before. He still couldn’t believe he’d become so emotionally attached to Chen in such a short time.::

::He thought it over carefully having listened closely to Chen. In a backwards kind of way it was flattering that Chen really did care so much that he’d get so upset and worked up over the thought of losing him. Now that everything was out in the open and he understood the trigger it spoke volumes about how much Chen really did care. To Greir that was all that mattered.::

Reinard: I forgive you and I hope you forgive me for my behaviour and anything I did that night to exacerbate the situation because I am so sorry. I meant what I said to you before – we were made for each other. You’re extremely brave and intelligent, in fact, you’re my hero and there’s nothing I want more than to be with you. We were both duped and I think I can say with confidence that we’ll never let that happen again, if you want to try and make a go of things again that is.

::Chen had held it together so far but he could feel his emotions bubbling up to the surface. Hearing Greir say that he forgave him was the best possible thing he could have hoped for, or so he had thought, but he’d gone even further than that. He wanted to smile and cry at the same time.::

Chen: You’re the most compassionate and honourable man I’ve ever met. You’re the source of my strength, Greir. I can’t think of anything that I want more.

::He vowed to himself then and there that he was going to live up to what Greir had said about him every second. He felt honoured beyond measure that Greir saw him as his hero, even if he didn’t feel all that heroic for the moment. That urge to smile and cry at the same time overtook him and he did exactly that as all of the pent up emotion finally found release; he was too exhausted to stop it.::

:: Greir smiled at the compliment and felt his mood lifting significantly. Greir recognised he had those traits and felt they were good traits to have and aspire to, so to hear someone else recognise him in this way was spectacular. He was really hopeful that they could put all of this behind them and move on together. He saw Chen welling up with emotion and got up off the stool and wrapped his arms around him to hold him in a hug.::

Reinard: ::Reassuringly:: Everything’s going to work out Chen, I’m going to sort it.

::It felt good to be close to Greir again and Chen wrapped his arms around him as best he could from his seated position. He took deep breaths to try to get himself under control again, a feat that was considerably easier now that the two of them were back on the same page. There were still a lot of things about the future that were uncertain but, with Greir by his side, he was confident that he would be able to take them all head on.::

TBC

A JP by

PNPC Lieutenant Chen
Intelligence Officer
USS Vigilant
NCC-75515

SIMmed by: Captain Diego Herrera

and

Lt Cmdr Reinard
Acting Commanding Officer
USS Vigilant

[2013 TOP SIM WINNER -- Greir Reinard & PNPC Chen, "Come Hell A]

(Biodome 5, Connecting Tunnels))

::Volhv Oskendu, Eerie, Chen and Greir were among the last to leave. They had reached the junction where Eerie, Bram and the Chairman needed to split from the group to go to the larger sub. The Absolution of Vangr was already rising up through the sea as it could no longer afford to remain and risk permanent damage. They had managed to evacuate a lot of the population and they were still transporting out those they could reach. ::

:: Eerie was considered the best person to guard the Chairman and ensure he made it to his sub safely, which was going to leave Greir, Chen and their awkward silence to get on with it. ::

::The foursome split into two pairs and headed for their respective holding bays. Chen jogged alongside Greir as they hurried towards their destination and their escape from the biodome. Other than the patter of their footsteps on the floor plating and the sound of the evacuation alarms, there was little noise. Conversation hadn’t exactly been flowing between them so far anyway, but they now moved with silent purpose, words no longer necessary.::

::They rounded a corner and opened an access hatch, beyond which lay one more corridor and the holding bay. With their goal basically in sight, the two officers kicked it up a gear, headed for the open access point that would lead them to their waiting craft. Chen was focused but calm. This wasn’t the first exfiltration under pressure that he’d had to take part in and so, ironically, he didn’t feel like he was out of his depth.::

::On the other hand Greir felt under a good deal of pressure both as a Commanding Officer and because his career so far hadn't put him in many situations like this. He was out of his comfort zone and felt a little anxious because of it but believed the reason he was doing so well was because the end was in sight. He could almost see the sub-aqua craft that would carry them out of this disaster. He was doing just fine.::

::Until an emergency bulkhead slammed down into the entrance with a set of reinforcing struts shooting across it, sealing off the accessway. Having seen something similar in the farm bubble, Chen knew exactly what that signified. He could feel the adrenaline start to flow as he turned to Greir, delivering his report even as he reached for his tricorder.::

Chen: The holding bay’s been compromised and it’s shipping water.

Reinard: ::Slamming his fist on the side of the tunnel:: oO We were so close! If only i'd been faster! Oo

::His chest was tightening by the second and he stared, wide eyed at the now closed entrance for several moments before realising he was holding his breath. He took a deep breath but it did little to calm him. He tried not to show his nerves and was only partially successful, his voice sounded a little on edge even to himself.::

Reinard: We need to find another route...

::Having already downloaded a map from the public information network, it was easy for Chen to access it quickly. The net itself was quite likely to be down by now, with large sections of the biodome now flooded. As he zeroed in on their location, based on the path that they had taken from the inner sanctum, he quickly found that there was a maintenance conduit that they could use to travel upwards. The nearest holding bay was ten decks straight up. His mind was already racing through risk assessments and how best to ensure that they would get there safely.::

Chen: Follow me. We can access a maintenance conduit and climb to another bay... ::he was about ready to start walking but stopped himself:: … Sir.

::He flushed a deeper blue as a result of his near breach of protocol. Evidently he had fallen out of the habit of referring to Greir that way when they were alone together. He was going to have to fall back into that habit quickly.::

::Right now Chen was Greir’s anchor - the Andorian was so in control and on top of things that he felt it was the only thing stopping him from cracking up completely. He was too busy fretting to realise that Chen's antennae kept pointing towards him as they had always done.::

::What did unsettle him was how odd it sounded to hear Chen address him as 'sir'. He'd considered Chen as a friend and equal... more even. Certainly not as a subordinate - it felt too formal and stuffy even despite recent their recent falling out. Of course it was just protocol so with only a slight pause he shrugged it off to focus on their escape.::

Reinard: Okay... Lieutenant. ::It didn't feel right addressing him so formally, but the situation called for it.:: Lead the way.

::Chen wasted no time in finding the manual release for the conduit’s hatch once they arrived and quickly got it open. According to the map he’d studied, they weren’t headed towards any sections of the dome that he knew to be flooded. With the holding bay just a few metres from them starting to take in water, it seemed that bringing up the rear would be the best way to keep Greir safest. That was foremost in Chen’s mind right now; anything and everything he could do to minimise the risk to him would be of the highest priority. There was no way he could stand by and allow Greir come to harm; the idea of it was incomprehensible.::

Chen: You’d better go first, Sir.

::Greir didn't really want to go first and would have felt more comfortable following the one person who seemed to know what they were doing. Unfortunately there wasn't much time and since he was sure Chen wanted out of here as desperately as he did he trusted that there was a good reason behind it.::

Reinard: ::Reluctantly:: Yeah if you think that's best but where are we going?

::Quite used to reading maps and internalising details in a hurry, Chen passed on the directions he’d picked up from his tricorder as he ducked into the maintenance conduit, following Greir’s lead.::

Chen: We need to climb past nine access ports. The last one opens into a corridor that’s connected to the holding bay we’re aiming for.

::Greir nodded slowly to show his understanding as he looked up. The tube seemed to go up forever. He was glad he liked to stay in shape but even at that he knew this was going to seriously test him. He admired the way Chen remained to stoic, calm and professional and felt it gave him strength. The Andorian had probably dealt with much worse in his time and he seemed to know exactly what to do.::

Reinard: Nine... ::Groaning inwardly:: Okay but there is a sub in the bay right?

::He wanted reassurance that this was not the path to nowhere.::

::Although Greir wouldn’t be able to see now that they had started climbing, Chen shook his head, wishing he could give him some better news. He had his own misgivings about having to head for a bay without having being able to check if it was occupied but he hadn’t seen a terminal nearby. He had a crawling feeling that if they had retraced their steps, there would have been a good chance that they could have been trapped further towards the centre of the dome. That would have been disastrous.::

Chen: I have no idea, Sir. There’s no guarantee there’ll be a sub in the bay. If there isn’t, we’ll have to find another one.

::What the map hadn’t told him was that ten Asavii ‘decks’ equated to something nearer to twenty on a starship. The ceilings in this section of the dome were evidently quite high. They were in for a long climb.::

Reinard: Well we’ve no other choice so we best get on with it.

::He started to climb with an even pace that would be sustainable because this seemed more like a marathon than a sprint.::

::Rather than climbing one continuous ladder, Chen noticed as they made their ascent that they were climbing several and that there were breaks every eight feet or so. It did make sense that they would have to be installed like that. It would have been exceptionally difficult to transport a ten deck high construction without being able to access the dome from the outside, or beam it into place. He thought nothing more of it as he continued climbing.::

::The path that lay ahead of them was long. There wasn’t a huge amount of room to manoeuver; it was like being stuck in a Jefferies tube aboard the Vigilant, but with almost no end in sight. Both officers climbed in silence, boots and hands causing the hollow metal of the ladders to ring out in haphazard rhythm. The stale air inside the conduit soon seemed to resonate with their grim determination to complete their journey and find their way to freedom.::

::The climb was beginning to take its toll on Chen and he knew Greir was likely to be feeling the burn as well. They were a little over half way towards where they needed to be and it looked as though they were going to make it. Chen let that spur him on as he stayed as close to Greir’s heels as he could. His antennae twitched; for a moment he thought he could hear the sound of trickling water echoing through the conduit but he dismissed it as paranoia. He was sure the blast door on the holding bay they had tried to access would hold. Rather than report it and cause undue worry, he kept his ears open and continued climbing.::

::Greir on the other hand was beginning to struggle. His legs and knees ached, his lungs were starting to burn a bit but he forced himself upwards. He couldn't hear much over the sound of his own heavy breathing and he was too focussed on the climb to notice anything else.::

::And then there was a quiet but definite clunk. Chen’s face almost became a pale grey as the colour drained out of him and his system began to flood with adrenaline. He was hit with the realisation that the reinforcing rods on the hatch they had used to access the tunnel they were climbing through had just slammed shut. He needed to get Greir to a sub, now.::

::Greir's breathing suddenly stopped and his eyes opened wide as he clung onto the ladder for dear life. Every sense was on alert suddenly as soon as he heard the noise.::

Reinard: oO What was that!? Oo

Chen: ::Urgently:: We need to move. Can you climb any faster?

Reinard: I'll go as fast as I can! ::Stressed::

::Chen had heard it too and given his reaction it was not a good sound. With a fresh burst of adrenaline Greir began to climb even faster than before. He was starting to shake a little now and stumbled as his foot missed a rung. Luckily there was no impact so he guessed he'd missed kicking Chen in the face and was glad of it. He carried on with all the determination he had.::

::Chen saw the stumble; it had happened just a few inches from his face and had been difficult to miss. Worried that Greir might be getting tired, he checked to see whether or not there might be enough space for him to fall past him and down the conduit. It looked like there was and so the Andorian tried to push his body a little further back from the ladder, ready to react in case anything did happen.::

Chen: The lock just triggered on the hatch at the bottom of the shaft. I think the corridor beneath us just flooded.

::The increased pace soon had Chen panting for breath. As physically fit as both officers were, this wasn’t the sort of exercise you could train for. They didn’t have the luxury of getting tired; if they slowed down then there was no telling what might...::

::Chen cursed himself for even having that thought as he heard something rupture below them. He didn’t need enhanced hearing to be able to hear water pouring into the hatch, followed something slamming shut, then something else.::

Chen: oO The gaps were for emergency bulkheads... Oo

::And those bulkheads were slamming shut, one every second behind them as they attempted to create a series of airtight seals, the ultimate barrier against continued flooding. No amount of training could keep Chen cool under fire here. Andorians naturally became more alert in the face of danger and tended to be slower to panic than some other species. However, there was no way they could make it to the top now...::

::With blood hammering in his ears and his heart pounding hard in his chest, Greir climbed like a man possessed. There was a dreadful noise from below that made his blood run cold and he stopped in his tracks and clung to the ladder, peering down to try see what was going on. He could hear a rushing sound and when he realised it was water his stomach sank. Spurred into action, he began to climb again and was on the verge of panic.::

Chen: GREIR, STOP!!!

::He yelled a terrified warning as he realised that Greir’s head and shoulders had just passed one of the breaks in the ladder. The slamming continued and grew terrifyingly loud. Greir did stop - paralysed dead in his tracks and blissfully unaware of the danger he was in as the thunderous slamming sound roared louder and closer.::

::Unable to think of another way to prevent Greir from getting decapitated by the emergency hatch, Chen reached up and grabbed onto his calf, pulling downwards as hard as he could to dislodge the Laudean from the ladder, leaning back in the process to stop Greir from falling past him and into the path of the emergency bulkheads that were slamming shut below them.::

::There was a dull thud as Laudean hit Andorian, a squeak as one of Chen’s hands was forced free of its grip on the ladder and he slipped downwards, followed by an ear-shattering clang and a scream. Chen’s eyes shot open wide as a paralyzing wave of pain shot through him; it was like nothing he had ever felt before.::

((Maintenance Conduit, Biodome 5))

::There was a dull thud as Laudean hit Andorian, a squeak as one of Chen’s hands was forced free of its grip on the ladder and he slipped downwards, followed by an ear-shattering clang and a scream. Chen’s eyes shot open wide as a paralyzing wave of pain shot through him; it was like nothing he had ever felt before.::

::Greir didn't realise what was happening at first as he slammed into Chen from above and the screaming began. It was the most awful thing Greir had ever heard because it pained him to hear Chen's screams of agony. He didn't even had a medical kit on him to administer any pain relief, in fact he still had to identify the source of the pain. He looked down and saw with horror what had happened.::

::The Andorian’s right foot had been caught in the bulkhead as it had slammed shut beneath him. Another deafening thud tore through his ears and antennae, the only sound loud enough to cut through his pained screams as he and Greir were sealed inside an oversized tin can.::

::Greir yelled as he tried to make himself heard over Chen's screams.::

Reinard: ::Concerned:: Chen... I'm going to try and free your foot!

::Chen’s mind struggled to interpret the overload of sensation that was being shot through it; he could feelthat parts of his foot were not where they were supposed to be; the crushing pressure of the doors on either side of the crushed exoskeletal plates in his ankle was unbearable. Struggling to regain enough control to answer Greir, he tensed every available muscle in his upper body, breathing rapidly through clenched teeth, eyes screwed shut and antennae bolt upright.::

Chen: OK... please... hhhelp...

::The emergency hatch hadn't fully closed. Chen's foot was firmly wedged in it. He quickly shifted down and positioned himself to look for an emergency release mechanism, or a removable panel which might conceal such a thing. He hadn't noticed anything like that on the way up but he hadn't really been looking either and may have missed something.::

::Greir's fingers ran desperately along every surface looking for anything that he could dig his nails into and pull away. Eventually he realised he wasn't going to be able to find anything. Chen was suffering badly and Greir wanted to help him urgently.::

Reinard: Ok, that's no good. New plan! I'm going to peel the hatch open so you can pull your foot out. Just... when we get it out don't look at it yeah? Medical will get you fixed right up, it's going to be fine. ::Trying to reassure him.::

::Chen wasn’t about to start looking at anything; his eyes were still screwed shut as he tried desperately to keep from screaming again. His stomach muscles tensed with the effort and he sucked in rapid, shallow breaths.::

Chen: Please... you gotta help...

::The pain was almost more than he could bear. Seeking comfort, his hand released its hold on the ladder in front of him and dropped down; feeling it contact with Grier’s back, he grabbed onto his uniform, gripping it tightly and not wanting to let him go.::

::Greir could feel his uniform being pulled tight around him and untucking as Chen grabbed hold of it. He felt the Andorian’s knuckles digging into him and although it was quite uncomfortable he said nothing. He was far more concerned with his frantic effort to try and free Chen as quickly and safely as possible.::

Reinard: I know Chen, i'm trying. I'm really trying as hard as I can. I'll get you out of this.

::He put his fingers into the gap and started to pull, not too hard at first testing to see if it would move or not and applying more and more effort. His fingers slipped and he pulled out a hand, rubbing the tips of his fingers together. They were wet.::

Reinard: ::Urgently.:: Chen I hate to tell you this but the water's coming up!

Chen: I know... gnyaaaaaah!... I can... feel it...

::It was a sharp contrast to the warm, wet sensation of his own blood. The salt water was freezing cold and he could still feel it where it was contacting the mangled remains of his foot. The salt stung every part of where his skin had been broken, intensifying the pain. His hands gripped ladder and tunic top, squeezing until his knuckles went white. ::

Reinard: I'm going to try get the ship...::Tapping his comm badge:: =/\= Captain Reinard to the bridge. =/\=

::After a few moments there was still no reply and it felt like an eternity. He tried again, increasingly aware of the knuckles digging into him painfully. His tunic was completely pulled out and he could feel cool air on his back. He wondered if Chen was going to rip his clothes right off his back.::

Reinard: =/\= Captain Reinard to the USS Vigilant, medical emergency! =/\=

Bridge: =/\=Aye beaming you both out now Sir. Hold on.=/\=

Reinard: =/\= Understood. Reinard out. =/\=

::Greir was glad that the freezing cold water wasn't flooding in super fast, but even though they'd got through to the ship it turned out they weren’t in a position where they could be extracted right now. They were going to have to wait for the nearest shuttle to get into position and by that time they both may have drowned. It was an unsatisfactory answer but then anything short of immediate rescue was as far as he was concerned. He wedged his heels into the gap and used his lower body strength to try and force open the emergency hatch. Despite using all his strength it would not budge. ::

::Chen’s desperation was mounting and he could feel himself starting to panic. Fighting to get a grip, he pressed his forehead against the ladder. The seawater felt like it was burning his foot as it rose through the gap in the hatch. He trusted Greir and knew he would do everything he could to save him but what if he straight up couldn’t be saved? What then? There were still so many things that he wanted to say to Greir.::

::Greir had another plan to free Chen's foot and pulled out his concealed phaser, setting it to the highest setting. He was completely determined in his mission to free Chen. He wanted to save the Andorian for both professional and personal reasons. Either they were both getting out of here on no one was because he was absolutely not prepared to stop trying.::

Reinard: OK I'm going to burn through this metal to free your foot Chen.

::The Andorian’s reply was choked; he nodded to make sure it got through. Anything that Greir was prepared to try, Chen was prepared to go along with.::

Chen: Uh-huh... OK...

::He just wanted it to be over. He’d never felt pain like this and he needed it to be over. He was beginning to shake from overexertion as he continued to clench his muscles, afraid what might happen if he relaxed them.::

::Greir set about trying to cut away the metal. The hatch was made of a thick highly resistant metal and it was taking a long time to cut through it. He quickly realised that with the rate the water was coming in the hatch would soon be submerged. They were not going to be able to cut enough metal away in time.::

Reinard: Chen, I'm sorry but this isn't going to work.

::He felt anguished that this was dragging out and he really hated to see Chen in so much pain. It was a lot to take and he was determined to free him. There was no way he was willing to leave the Andorian behind.::

Reinard: oO There has to be another way. Oo

::Chen’s beleaguered mind had already led him to an inescapable conclusion that he was terrified to speak aloud. He felt like this was his last roll of the dice and that it was time to resort to extreme measures. His breathing became erratic, sometimes catching in his throat as he wrestled through a mounting wave of emotions that came close to engulfing the pain he was feeling.::

Chen: You’ve... you need to...

Reinard: What? I’m not leaving you Chen...

::He couldn’t look at Greir. He couldn’t open his eyes because if he did, if he let reality in, then he knew he wouldn’t be able to suggest what he was about to suggest.::

Chen: The phaser... you have to... ::he stopped talking as he steeled himself, gasping in enough air to finish his thought:: ...cut my foot...

::It was all he could say before terror paralysed him again for a moment. What would it feel like to have his foot phasered off with no anaesthetic? What would happen afterwards?::

::The suggestion was unthinkable! He was horrified by it and yet he could think of nothing else to try. The water was still pouring in... there were no more options and yet he just didn't want to believe this was what he had to do.::

Reinard: There must be another way Chen. We just have to... we just have to think.

::Letting go of the ladder, Chen grabbed onto Greir’s arm, holding on for dear life.::

Chen: Help... help me... sit down...

Reinard: ::Wincing slightly at the tightness of the grip.:: Right, okay, hold on then.

::Greir did as he was asked, putting the safety on the weapon and wrapping his arms around Chen to ease him as carefully as possible onto the floor. A sweet, floral scent caught his nose as he strained to lower him into a seating position without causing too much additional discomfort.::

Reinard: oO What’s that smell? Oo

::Once he had endured the pain caused by shifting into a seated position, Chen finally opened his tortured green eyes; they met Greir’s and begged that he would have the strength to do what needed to be done as well as forgiveness for Chen’s own weakness.::

::Greir looked away. He could not bear to look into the Andorian's eyes and felt guilty and miserable about what he had to do. He couldn't begin to imagine the pain Chen was in, or the pain he was about to inflict upon him. It was either that or lose him for good though and so he knew there was no way he could delay. The waters lapped at his feet, reminding him that his time was running out.::

Chen: Gonna... pass out... not gonna be... able to... bear it...

::He reached out and took hold of Greir’s leg, quaking with fear and pain and feeling like he wouldn’t be able to do this without some kind of physical reassurance. The cold of the water that was beginning to spread across the surface of the hatch started to soak through his uniform. The icy sensation of it was far less chilling than the terror of what he was about to face.::

Reinard: I'm sorry Chen. ::Heartfelt::

::With no further delay he set the phaser to the appropriate setting and knelt down, getting himself into position. He held the phaser out, with finger placed on the trigger barely daring to breathe as he looked at the ankle he was about to cut through. His hand was shaking badly and if he didn't sort himself out he was going to make a complete mess of this.::

::He used both of his hands to achieve a steadier grip and slowly squeezed the trigger. The red phaser beam sliced through the air right next to Chen's leg, mere centimeters from the skin.::

Reinard: ::Choked up with emotion:: Forgive me.

::He didn't want to do it, but he did. He moved the beam in as smooth an action as he could. The sight was truly sickening to him and he hated every second with a passion.::

::Chen screamed in agony as the beam contacted his leg. The pain was more intense than he ever could have imagined. It felt like there was fire shooting up through his leg and spreading through the whole of his body. He saw the world go blue and the scream turned hollow and died in his throat as he lost consciousness, releasing Greir’s leg and slumping back against the shaft wall with an abrupt thud.::

::The beam soon cut through the other side and Chen was now free. When Greir stopped staring, mouth agape at Chen's amputated foot he got himself together enough to check that Chen was still in fact alive. Afterwards, he lifted the wound out of the water, which was quickly covering it to check it over. The phaser had effectively cauterised it.::

::He slumped back against the wall of the tube, cold water soaking into his clothes and chilling him..::

Reinard: oO What now? Oo

::He felt lost and useless. He knew he didn't have the strength or the energy left in him to pick up Chen and climb the ladder. Even if he did, where did he think he was going to go? The emergency hatch above him was sealed too.::

::He wrapped his arms protectively around Chen and waited. The moments seemed to drag out endlessly and he felt alone. Chen was there but he was unconscious and there wasn't anything Greir could do to help him. He was useless, helpless and very, very afraid. As the water rose he became more and more certain that they were going to die in here. It was so cold it felt like the very life was being sapped out of him. When the lighting flickered and died Greir's grip on Chen tightened. He felt a panic attack come on as he started to hyperventilate.::

::He didn’t know how much time passed but the water was up at chest level when the familiar sensation and aura of blue finally took them from the wretched place.::

A JP by:

Lt Cmdr Reinard
Acting Commanding Officer
USS Vigilant

and

PNPC Lieutenant Chen
Intelligence Officer
USS Vigilant
NCC-75515

SIMmed by: Captain Diego Herrera

[Graduating Class of 239007.03]

Welcome to the Fleet!

[Graduating Class of 239007.03]

Welcome to the Gang!!!!

[May & June Responses and Winners!]

Congratulations to all entries, and especially to the winner, Captain Herrera

[Graduating Class of 239006.24]

Welcome to the Fleet!!! Congratulations!

[Graduating Class of 239006.04]

Welcome to the Fleet!!!

[Lt Cmdr Reinard, "Fall out."]

((USS Vigilant, Deck 2: Greir Reinard’s Quarters))

:: Greir paced and prowled around his quarters like an agitated, caged animal. He clenched and unclenched his fists as he replayed the conversation in his mind. Gjord had started on the attack immediately. Greir had known he would and had tried for an embarrassingly short time to remain patient. He hadn’t wanted to let Gjord get to him so quickly. ::

:: He thought perhaps the shock of the news was the thing that had tipped it. He had been worried and reeling from the news. The way it had been used to attack him when all he wanted to do was find out about his brother had instantly vaporised his patience.::

::Short and explosive as it had been Greir knew the setback was going to cost him. Greir noted that Gjord’s temper certainly hadn’t improved with age. As angry as he was at Gjord he was more so at himself. He didn’t need Gjord to point the finger at him and knew much of what he said was true.::

Reinard: oO ::Gjord’s voice:: I’ll keep supporting the family. I’ll keep a roof over your mother’s head. I’ll keep slaving away day in and day out to put food on the table and keep money in the coffers. I’ll tell you what, why don’t you just contribute to the family by sitting in a nice warm room that you don’t have to pay for and putting blame on other people, like you always have. Oo

::He could have made the effort to stay in touch if he’d wanted to, like he was suddenly doing now. Bondi had been a wakeup call that he’d let things slip for too long. Was he doing this for their sake or his? Was this just a way for him to ease his conscious for having dropped them all as quick as he could get settled in the fleet?::

::He was angrier and more frustrated than he could ever remember being. He thought of himself as the lowest of the low. Shouldn’t he have handed in his resignation long ago?

Maybe he should do that now… but wait. Shouldn’t his family have developed a larger support network by now? Did they really have no friends or acquaintances, no one who could help ease the burden during the tough times? Well…. After Bondi he wouldn’t be surprised if they were all dead. Rori was.::

::He missed Rori so much. It still burned that by neglecting his family and responsibilities for so long he’d missed so many opportunities to talk to him and let him know how important he was. He could never express to Rori now what he’d felt for the man. He was going to have to live with a great many regrets.::

::As for Loffe - he was working hard most days, perhaps every day and pulling double shifts so the family could keep a roof over their heads and eat. They were working hard and struggling while he sat in a warm, comfortable room. He enjoyed very fine meals and could eat as much as he wanted, he could have anything. His own family were probably getting by on stock they couldn’t sell and staples.::

::His heart was pounding hard and fast and his breathing was heavy. He looked demented and all this furious pacing and circling was making him a little dizzy. He could feel a headache forming as he fretted and took the comments to heart.::

::A feeling of nausea crept over him as he stared into the trophy cabinet he seemed to prize so much. While Loffe and Gjord were out on rough seas, risking it all to put food on the table he messed about and played games… for what? Silly trophies. What did they really represent and what was he supposed to be achieving? Hollow victories. They were worth nothing. Holodeck safeties meant he was never at risk. He didn’t have a reason to fear for his life if he went overboard at sea. ::

::He glared into the cabinet and slammed his fist against the glass making it crack. He slammed his fist into it again and again, cracking it in several places. When he was done with that he slammed his forehead against it though he failed to do any damage to it.::

::By now he was feeling really ashamed of himself and the trophies had become a symbol of everything he’d done wrong and of how messed up his priorities were. ::

Reinard: Only a fool prizes junk!

::He flung open the doors to the cabinet and started emptying it, stuffing the trophies in the replicator and using it to recycle the items. His most recent prize, the owl was last to go and he hung onto it momentarily not wanting to let it go. It had symbolised a friendship he longed to see grow and a very good time. It had become the squawking, surprise attack bird once more, clawing at his conscience and exposing all his fears. He tossed it in and completed the deed before dropping to the floor and curling up in despair. ::

Lt Cmdr Reinard

First Officer

USS Vigilant

[Ensign Kydy: Reflections In Time]

(( USS Vigilant - Observation Lounge ))

Oo Vigliant. oO

::Dr Kydy pondered the term, the name, the definition of the ship she served on. She was very proud of her shipmates. The entire ordeal had been... confusing. She had expected her tour of duty on the Vigilant to be signifigant periods of routine work, interrupted by occasional moments of great intensity with history-making discoveries. Her maiden voyage had turned out to be anything but routine, and if she understood the Captain correctly, they had actually preserved history in this cruise.::

Oo Vigilant. oO

::Kydy absent mindedly rubbed her right breast, it was still sore from earlier, as she pondered the ship. Some things were still a bit unclear for her, but one thing was clear, thanks to the... Vigilance this crew, especially those injured who continued to fight on in what seemed like a losing battle, a losing battle that threatened to crush the morale and spirits of the crew along with the ship. Thanks to them, the ship and her crew was present to live to fight another day. The Temporal Awards this crew had received were more than earned.::

Oo Medical Science Ribbon oO

::Kydy smiled, and applauded and made a note to inquire with Varis and Mathews later, and then just like that, the crew was returning to its routine, the last of the briefings was over, and everyone was leaving the lounge.::

Oo Time to go. oO

::Kydy started to her feet but stopped. Her seat was such that gave her a viewing out the windows of the Observation Lounge. It was kind of a surreal view. The windows gave her a view of the galaxy that was round about them, and in the center, thanks to the reflective nature of windows, she saw her own image, in a pale transparent reflection.::

Oo So what color will they be now. oO

::The reflection did not give her an accurate mirror image of colors. She dropped her head and stared at the table for a moment.::

Oo Oh. oO

::The polished observation lounge table gave her the view she was looking for.::

Oo So, they are a kind of dull grey. oO

::Kydy sighed. The biological mystery of her argelian eyes and their constant change in color was a mystery. Their were many theories for her eye color change. Some said it was hormonal. She did not like that theory even if it was true, it just sounded... too... uncomfortable, uncomfortable to have your hormonal fluctuations on display for the world to see. Some theories tied it to respiration and heart rhythms where the oxygen and nutrients in her blood, as the variable shifted slightly, so would her eye color. Blood-driven eye color was about as unsettling as an Terran-tale of Vampires. There were other theories. Her favorite tied her eye color to her strong empathic sense. Her eyes reflected the feelings she felt, hers and others. Right now she felt...::

Oo Sad. oO

::The loss of life was something she knew she was going to have to expect, she was a doctor afterall, but she didn't expect to feel like this. Kydy let her head rest face-down on the table, which, considering her very short stature, was surprisingly uncomfortable as it mashed her sore breasts against the table as well. It was then, when she thought she heard someone speak to her.::

Oo Quick, think of something, save your reputation, you are a doctor and an officer, you are the Assistant Chief Medical Officer right? oO

Kydy: I think I am coming off the performance high from the Rigel Ba V drug. Nothing serious, just out of sorts.

::Kydy forced a weak smile and lifted her head.::

Ensign Kydy
Medical Officer
USS Vigilant

[Graduating Class of 239004.30]

Welcome one and all!

[Graduating Class of 239004.21]

Welcome to the Fleet!!!!

[2013 Top Sims Contest Discussion]

Drats! The forums seem to have posted two copies of my Top Sim nomination for Lt. taJoot's Bent out of shape... can some kind moderator please do the needful?

Much abliged.

[Lt JG Dueld taJoot: Bent out of shape]

((Engineering Lab Two, USS Vigilant))

Matthews: =/\= TaJoot, I heard engineers were like smart and stuff, right? Listen from what we know so far the toxin is transmitted through that gelatinous substance. So how do you normally clean up the gel from one of those packs if they break? Moreover, could you implement that operation on a grander scale? And I really wish we could tell you that this was some freak accident. But I have pieces of a dead Romulan here that screams otherwise. Who knows what other types of sabotage could have implemented aboard that station. So you guys be careful poking around with that stuff ok? Cause you getting sick won't make us come up with a cure any faster. =/\=

TaJoot =/\= There you go, I'm getter informed just talking to you. Tajoot out. =/\=

::Matthews was probably hoping exactly what taJoot had hoped-- that Someone Else's Department had a magic Undo button that could be pressed. There were definitely a set of procedures to be followed in the event of neurogel compromise for Intrepid-class vessels. And sure, the Vigilantes could probably apply them to the station as a whole. But StarFleet used neurogel for processing, not storage; you could clean up a broken pack, sterilize the site and replace it without losing anything. The Vigilant could flood the station with something that would break down the Zalkonian gel (and any other biomatter). But then they'd lose all hope of ever figuring out what had happened. Like, why was that Romulan on board? Was there some link between the Romulans and this station? Why didn't anyone tell him these things?

T'Rella: The timeline of events is complete, Sir. ::She quickly moved the last few files into place.:: Transferring data to holographic display.

taJoot: So, what happened when?

::The central holo was overlaid with a neat timeline, indicating the time, or projected time, of the failure of each system.::

Malik: Impressive...


T'Rella: It goes without saying that these logs run through until the failure of the Damage Control systems. First to go offline were the diagnostic systems in a large proportion of the station. Following that, reports indicate problems with some of the data storage capsules, although their specific location does not appear in the logs. I suspect it has been erased, rather than lost.

::She raised an eyebrow.::

Malik: I agree


taJoot: Yeah, nobody submits a ticket saying "I have a vague idea that there might be a problem in Accounting somewhere," they submit tickets that say "That tsooderst file server in Requisitions ate my spreadsheet again, when are you going to fix it?"

T'Rella: What follows is a list of computer malfunctions that continues right through to the end of the log, followed by our next major error report. It appears that sickbay's ODN network collapsed, triggering a number of issues with equipment and isolating the computer systems within that department. By interpolating data from other files, I have made what I would assess to be a logical deduction... that the EPS flow regulator malfunction occured next. Similar reports have been found in the logs, and each is the trigger for power surges that disabled something more critical. Life support. Air refiltration. Emergency bulkheads. Internal sensors. Internal communications. Everything that would prove useful in the event of stationwide contamination failed first, followed subsequently by every other major system on the station... with the exception of the lights, and a few systems accessible in the command centre.

taJoot: Okay, so, yeah, it would seem difficult to attribute that tidal wave of consequences to a random entropy peak. So... ::getting up and stepping over to the display:: then the question is... what stopped it? Why didn't the infection take down the command center too?

::Dueld got up and started to walk slowly around the holo display. That was a significant design flaw in this snug little lab, actually, no room to pace. How the hell did people think without pacing? It was like their feet were totally uninvolved in the cognitive process. Aliens, that's what they were, strange beige people from space.::

taJoot: Computer, run a molecular scan on the gel capsules still present in the Zalkonian command center. Compare used and unused storage sectors. Generate a model of a base gel pac in its default unused state; display a random sector from it here on the holo projector. Display a random used sector from the least damaged of the command center gel pacs. And finally, display a sector from one of the infected sacs outside the command center.

Computer: Acknowledged. Working.

taJoot: Well, somebody else has probably thought of this, but my idea is that maybe whatever saved the command center systems can be leveraged somehow to engineer a defense or a cure?

::Over the next few minutes, three different models slowly sharpened from a crude initial scan to finer detail in the air before them. He pointed at the middle one.::

taJoot: Okay, see-- magnify to molecular scale here-- look, some of the command center gel has triple-stranded DNA. It's part of the encryption protocols. It's just different enough, structurally, and there's enough of it there, to slow the rate of infection. And... hey....

::Dueld held out both hands to bracket the lower model, and haul it up to his eye level.::

taJoot: The infection's either not very efficient, or it's super efficient, depending on how your perspective. Look at all those old proteins jumbled up there! Just like the toxin's effect on people, one of the effects the toxin has on the gel, when it converts the gel to toxin production, is that it shuts down garbage collection. If we compensate for a certain amount of signal noise from the damaged ends of the proteins, we can get back--

::Dueld turned and sat down, tapping and skimming rapidly around on his station's worksurface. A few minutes later, he emerged from his absorption and tapped his comm badge.::

taJoot: Computer, record a message to be queued for Lt. Thomas, Lt. Commander Handley-Page and Lt. Zehn. Attach comparison images in their current resolutions from the holographic display here, and algorithm protocol Zalkonian Gel Alpha. Begin recording.

Sirs, I've had a chance to do some analysis of the Zalkonian gel. It looks to me like, as long as the gel hasn't been infected for too long, the infection kind of acts like a preservative for data proteins that would have been discarded and broken down otherwise. It's so efficient at using cell energy for the toxin production that nothing has a chance to get rid of the garbage, so to speak. If we use some careful filtering to ignore bent sections or damaged ends, even the dead proteins have some data on them we can recover.

I've attached a first-pass algorithm for noise reduction, which you veterans can probably improve on-- I used it just now on a record fragment associated with one of the survivors. It seems to record that Vorad ordered a lab in the older part of the station sealed for biohazard failures. Are you guys anywhere near the section shown in the attached file? Can you confirm whether or not my algorithm is retrieving useful data? If it is, you can maybe use it on the gel sacs around you to get more of the lost picture. taJoot out. End recording. Transmit with attached files.

TBC

___________________________________

Lt. (j.g.) taJoot
Engineer
USS Vigilant
NCC 75515

[Captain Reynolds: The Sole Survivor]

(( USS Saratoga ))

::Raw ingenuity, inspired brilliance and sheer dumb luck had all come together to keep the Saratoga alive as it languished in the atmosphere of JB-437-2. Tubes and wires criss-crossed engineering, conduits were laid bare in the corridors, decking was pulled up in crew quarters and science labs alike, visual reminders of the dirty tricks used to keep the starship powered for decades longer than it should have been.

::But time takes its toll. Even with the abundance of hydrogen available, the patched Bussard Collectors were failing to gather the fuel they needed to power the ship's fusion reactors. Deuterium conversion was nothing more than a pipe dream. The warp core was cold.

::Strict protocols had been programmed into the computer. What systems were deemed non-essential, what could and could not be shut down as resources became scarce. Whole sections of the ship were dark and cold, cut off years and years ago from the life-blood of the ship to preserve the whole.

::The Saratoga, faithful and determined for over a century, was dying.

::It had one last mission to complete. Sensors, almost blinded by age, touched upon the approaching ship. It fit no profile, but that was not important. All that mattered was that it was there.

::Ports opened. The last remnants of power were pushed through the ship, aged systems pressed into service for one last time.

::On the Mercury's sensors, the Saratoga lit up like a beacon. A few moments later, and they began to register a single lifesign, sequestered in the elderly vessel's sickbay.::

(( Sickbay ))

::There was nothing. No thought, no sensation, not even the passage of time.

::Life, suspended. Stasis.

::Then...::

(( Many, Many Decades Ago ))

WIECZOREK: ...hear me?

::She blinked. Hard. For a moment, there was nothing but absolute confusion, until it was blasted away by a tsunami of pain thundering into her head. Her whole body arched and tensed in protest, instinct demanding she scream. The sound was choked dead by muscle spasms before it could escape her throat.::

WIECZOREK: Lieutenant, can you hear me?

::Hands caught her wrists, trying to pry her hands away from her head. When that didn't work, he caught her face in his palms, leaning in close. Had she a rational mind, she would have recognised the face of Konrad Wieczorek, the chief medical officer of the Saratoga. Instead she lashed out, one moment trying to push him away, the next her fingers balling into the fabric of his tunic, hanging on dear life.::

VOICE: We're too late. She's too far gone.

WIECZOREK: Listen to me. Jenna, listen to me. We need to put you in stasis, before you... before your brain is permanently damaged. Do you understand?

::She didn't. She didn't understand anything, couldn't react to anything, except the inescapable, indescribable pain reverberating in her skull. Though she didn't see it, Weiczorek's face crumpled in resignation and he turned to his assistant.::

WIECZOREK: Is the stasis chamber ready?

VOICE: Yes, it's— ::The voice stilled as this time, she did scream. The sound was enough to raise hairs on even a Vulcan's neck.:: God. Oh, God. Why is it, why's she..? Why's no one else like this?

WIECZOREK: Vulcan physiology, Betazoid physiology, the particular way they've combined in her, I don't know. Just help me get her into the chamber.

(( Present Day ))

::Sparks flew in sickbay, conduits explosively failing as a jolt of power surged through them. It was the final tipping point for the sole functioning medical system in sickbay. The stasis chamber flickered off, discharging its occupant onto the floor in a tangled mess.

::It was akin to being plunged into ice water and had much the same effect, leaving her gasping for breath, curled into a foetal position on the floor. It had been a century ago for the rest of the universe, but only one heartbeat since she had felt a pain so pure she had been incapable of feeling anything else.

::Now there was nothing. Silence, darkness, cold. She began to shiver, her teeth chattering together. Black eyes squinted into the shadows, trying to make sense of the shapes swimming in front of her.

::Sickbay. In those brief moments of illumination between sparks, she could see she was in sickbay. But why was the power out? Where was Wieczorek? Where were the rest of the staff?

::Nam-tor pthak-bosh vel t'kashek. Kup-putash-tor kashek. Nash-veh Vuhlkansu. Krie'nuv nash-veh ma.

::The ancient mantra brought stillness to her mind, almost Pavlonian in effect. She had many questions, but there were no answers to be found curled up on the floor. With a soft grunt, she hauled herself up; first on all fours, then to her feet. With detached concern, she realised that her fingers and toes were already numb from the cold.

::She decided on her priorities: light, warmth, a weapon, answers. At least the first two could be found in sickbay, she was sure. The others... she'd come to them in due time.::

(OOC: For those interested, the translation is: 'Fear is a thing of the mind. The mind can be controlled. I am Vulcan. I have control.')

--

The Sole Survivor of the Saratoga

simmed by

Captain Quinn Reynolds
Intelligence Officer

USS Mercury

[JP: Lt Cmdr Eerie & PNPCs Blackwood & Peiy, "Tidal Problem]

((Eerie’s Dream))

::Eerie was walking on a beach, next to gently rolling waves that lapped up onto his feet. It was a bit disconcerting but it didn’t bother him too much. The high heat however, was wonderful. He looked out at the water, which was disturbing to him since he could not swim. As with all Brikar he really disliked water and images of when he almost drowned came back to him. He discarded them and soaked in the heat. ::

Eerie: oO Other than the water, this place is great. Oo

::He walked down the beach. It was strange as there seemed to be no end to the sand, no hills or anything. Just sand stretching out endlessly. ::

::The last thing he remembered was being on the alien station. He was confused though. He raised his hands and he could feel pain. Then there was the odd sensation of something pressing down on him. Not that it bothered him too much. While he had experienced pain before, it was like his ‘hands’ were on fire.::

::He felt a object strike him in the back of the head. He turned around and found a stone, a rather large one in the sand, before the waves come and washed over it. The slight roar of the water came with it.::

:: Eerie looked up to see Evanna Blackwood, standing in front of him grinning. Her flaming red hair flying in the slight breeze. Evanna had been his roommate on the Aurora and Avandar. They’d had a rough start, first really disliking each other and then becoming good friends before the friendship had soured. It had started to get back on track a little bit before her death. Eerie had always regretted not being with her when she died, or the bad place their friendship was at when she passed away. ::

::He felt like this was an odd case of fetyi or deja vu, as Evanna had hit him on two occasions with a rock.::

Eerie: oO Am I dead? Oo

Eerie : Evanna? :: Eerie noticed that the water did not roll back this time. Now his feet were covered with water. She was on the dry sand and he moved towards her getting up on the dry sand as well.::

Blackwood: Buster... you’ve always been a few pebbles short of an avalanche but you’re blind now as well?

::Eerie was not particularly surprised at the comment, but there was an edge to it, much like Evanna on Eden. There she had joined the rebels, who had plotted to overthrow the Captain. Traitors.::

Eerie: Evanna. What are you doing here? Am I dead? ::Confused.::

Blackwood: You’ve always been dead buster, you’ve got no soul. No personality. You’re just a walking, staring rock!

::Evanna pranced and danced on the beach but did not go near the water. Evanna had never learned to swim. Furthermore she had nearly got herself and Eerie killed in a holodeck accident, where they had both almost drowned, so it was no surprise she hadn’t liked being anywhere near the water. It had given her panic attacks, but today there appeared to be a spring in her step. It was as if her favourite target was square in her sights.::

Blackwood: As for what i’m doing... What does it look like i’m doing here? ::Pausing and gawping at him impolitely:: Oh yeah, you’re blind now as well. I’m enjoying the sun and the beach. What else would I be doing? . . . Well, there’s some washed up seaweed on this shore that i’m collecting for my research. I think it’ll make a good restorative balm.


::Eerie had shared a lot of him with Evanna over the first year he was assigned to Aurora and the Avandar, before the falling out on Eden. Then the realization that Evanna had killed members of the crew during the uprising against Captain Vetri. Only to find out that it had been a dream of sorts, and that everyone had retained the memories of those long 10 years.::

Eerie:: Angrily.:: I have a personality! You know that as much as anyone, Traitor! You killed the doctor. Gwinnett told me, after all of that talking..:: Willing to fight fire with fire, and surprised at himself for the rise of emotion.::

::Blackwood’s hair erupted into flames and her face was contorted with fury. She suddenly had a big armful of rocks in her arms and began hurling them at him one at a time. The sand at Eerie’s feet turned to quicksand and he slowly began to sink in it.::

Eerie: oO What in the rocks is going on here? This is not good. Oo ::He struggled to break free only to sink a little bit faster::

Blackwood: ::Screaming loudly, furiously:: YOU were the traitor! Not me! I wanted to go home! I wanted us all to go home! You left me with no choice, what was I to do? You wasted years building huts! You’re practically a living mech Eerie. You could have helped with the ship.

::Still struggling with the sand coming up to his knees. Eerie was sinking.::

Eerie: I tried to help you. You could of came back with me. You ....Evanna...you wanted to kill us all. We would've never gotten off of that cursed planet. You know that now. I did my duty...::proudly:: You listened to to Umas...

::Blackwood would not accept it. There was still the other more potent facts.::

Blackwood: Umas was right! The only sane person left apart from Pouncey. Even that soft headed marine saw sense. We had a shuttle Eerie. A working shuttle with some power in it. The engineers got a power generator going... why didn’t they power the shuttle? We had a communications beacon plopped near the wormhole. They could have got a message out. We could have been saved! All of us! We could have gone home, where we belonged! No one even tried! You sentenced us to death!

::The Avandar had been forced to crash land on a alien planet, only to desecrate the land of the local native population. After some negotiations which had broken down by an attack from a splinter group of the crew lead by Commander Umas, the natives attacked the Avandar camp. The splinter group stole a shuttle to create their own way of life, and later continued to raid the loyal camp and natives who finally made peace with the Avandar crew.::

::Eerie continued to sink in the sand and no amount of movement, would let him break free.::

Eerie: It was all a dream, Evanna...a experience put in our minds by an alien presence on the planet. No one died...it was just a dream.

::But Eerie knew it was more than that. It had shaped him for better or worse. It had been 10 years...10 years of heartache and mental pain. Only to have a daughter and to see and feel the entire camp to be utterly destroyed in a final explosion that ended the experience.. ::

::Eerie had also lost his mate Peiy during the experience. He was confusing himself with it all again. He had not made his peace with it or Blackwood.::

Blackwood: You think that makes it okay? You think we can just brush it off? We lived it as if it was real and had it been there would have been no second chances. We were doomed because of the selfishness of a blind Captain who lost her marbles and couldn’t be bothered. She lost sight of a lot of things that day and only Umas had the strength of mind to try keep us right... but none of you scared little babies wanted to listen. You all went on sucking your thumbs and shirking the little bit work it would’ve taken to set it right.

::She stopped throwing rocks for a second.::

Blackwood: You’re right though, we got a second chance didn’t we? Or did we? I didn’t get a second chance... Who would forgive me for my part in the dream? Did you?

::Eerie could feel weight of the sand closing in on him tight now. Evanna’s words hit him harder. Worse that anything than he had ever felt before, like the very life was being squeezed out of him::

::Eerie couldn’t face her and he turned his head for a moment.::

Eerie: oO She is right...you never forgave her...a lot of the crew could not. You should have done better by her. Oo

::Eerie turned to look at the Evanna and the flaming red hair.::

Eerie: We all made mistakes, Evanna....I am so sorry I could never tell you and it bothers me every day. I should've told you...before you died.

::He looked down at the sand which was now about waist high, and continuing to climb around him. Eerie remembered the funeral ceremony, reading all the away team reports about her death. Not finding anything to blame, other than the warped Count and his followers. Eerie had been there for Evanna before, but not at her death.::

Blackwood: Too little too late Buster. ::Folding her arms and looking mighty unimpressed.::

::The sand now came up to mid chest, and Eerie stopped struggling. He was locked in, and he was continuing to sink in the sand.::

Eerie: For what it is worth. I should've forgave you. .. and I forgive you ....::Sounding defeated. The sinking slowed a bit, but continued.:: What do you want of me? My death....will it make it better, or is vengeance the only thing you have left? Like on the planet. That isn’t existence, that is truly someone that is dead. I am alive.::Forcefully. But the rising sand would make short work of him.::

Blackwood: Easy for someone to declare forgiveness and start back-peddling when their back’s against the wall. ::Clearly not believing it.::

Eerie:: Resigned to his fate, but still defiant..:: Fine... if my death to make you feel better, makes sense for you. ::pausing a few seconds:: That is all this is, just like the planet Eden.... death and destruction is all you care about.. ::Eerie started to let go. ::Go away...let me have my final moments in peace. ::Eerie shut his eyes and started to let his mind drift. He wasn’t going to give Blackwood anymore satisfaction at his expense.::

::Images of those that had been close to him, drifted into his mind. Tredd, his mentor. Lt. Commander Matthews, Ensign Peiy his former girlfriend. He even had a vision of Sei their fictional daughter during Eden. He tried to blot out Evanna, but he couldn’t ::

::It was at that moment, as Eerie’s mind drifted that a large wave washed ashore reaching way up to Eerie’s neck and sloshing around Blackwood’s ankles, making her leap back. From the waves a form appeared as if the sea itself was taking on humanoid form. The blue form stepped up on the beach, throwing water upon the fiery demon and extinguishing her fire. The demon Blackwood quickly fled the scene.::

::Eerie felt the wave and grabbed a breath of air, as the water enveloped him. Then the water receded and the water turned into a blue person he knew quite well.: The sand had fallen away some and he let out his breath.::

::The blue form turned to Eerie and offered him a wide, friendly smile. There was a twinkle in her eyes as she held out her hand to Eerie. The sea water returning to it normal tidal pattern.::

::Eerie took her hand gratefully, and stepped out of the remaining sand. His former girlfriend Peiy stood in front of him. She was smiling at him. Eerie smiled back easily at her.::

Eerie : Peiy? I am so happy to see you. None of this makes any sense. Evanna is dead....I hope I am not. I still have so much to do. :: Still smiling and the feeling of her hand again was wondrous.::

Peiy: Am I dead? No i’m on Bolarus with my family remember? Life is just a series of journeys. Often you have to think with your head and other times you must listen to your heart. Sometimes you don’t even know you’ve been on a journey until you leave the shuttle behind.

::He understood most of what she said, a bit confused, however the brikar was going to learn to fully understand. He continued to smile at her. Thrilled to see her ::

Eerie: I will Peiy, you will always be with me.

Peiy: Make the most of your journey Eerie. I love you. ::Her blue form was retaken by the waves as if she was one with the sea, leaving Eerie looking out over the beach alone.::

::Eerie looked out now over the peaceful water now lapping over his feet again. Then back to the sand, his smile had faded. He felt a bit more at peace. This wasn’t the end. He stood there in the low water for a few moments with good thoughts of Peiy and Evanna, and his journey before peaceful sleep overtook him once again.::

-eof-

Lt. Cmdr Eerie
Chief Tactical/Security Officer
USS Vigilant

&
PNPC Lt Cmdr Blackwood
Former Science Officer

AND

PNPC Ensign Peiy
Former Tactical Officer


Simmed by Reinard

[Graduating Class of 239003.10]

Welcome to the Fleet Everyone!!!

[(JP)Greir, Loffe, Elda and Gjord: Family Reunion]

((Greir’s Quarters))

::Greir sat at his console. He'd had a productive day and thoroughly enjoyable evening. He felt he had been further able to cement his friendship with Dr Malon, and further earn her trust.::

::However that gnawing feeling was still bothering him and he finally decided to take action, starting by checking the chronometer. Deciding that now was as appropriate a time as any he took the plunge.::

::The last time he’d tried to call home he’d cut the connection before anyone could answer. He had his fingers tightly interlinked behind his back to stop him wimping out and doing the same again. He watched the symbol on the screen rotate and turn, wondering whether someone would answer or not.::

::He felt a great deal of guilt about not having kept in touch with family over the years. He felt guilty about not having been there to support his people through the battle of Bondi. The loss of Rori pained him badly. He wanted to try and make things right but it had gotten to the point he was afraid to call home. He was afraid of what they thought of him.::

::Loffe sat in his office, staring at the small monitor on his desk. The sound of an incoming sub-space message had taken him from his work. The readout mentioned Vigilant.. Loffe rubbed his chin, then realised what that meant.::


Loffe: oO Greir? Why now? Oo

::He clicked accept, setting his jaw.::

Loffe: Hmmm...

::The face of his older brother filled the screen and Greir was filled with anxiety. Though Loffe looked older he was unmistakable nonetheless and it was a further indication of the time that had passed. The two of them stared at each other for a while neither wanting to be the first to speak. He swallowed hard and was first to break the silence, speaking nervously in his native tongue.::

Greir: Good day, brother. I’m... glad to see you. How have you been?

::Loffe glared at his brother. He looked mature, and Loffe had to admit the Star Fleet uniform gave his younger sibling an air of authority he lacked as a youth on Duronis. Nevertheless, why had he dained to call him now?::


Loffe: I am have been.. fine. And you? ::in a cool almost dismissive tone.::

::Greir tried not to let the cool response bother him too much. He hadn’t been expecting a warm response after all this time anyway.::


Greir: I’m well, thank you. What have you been up to? ::Trying to open a bit of a dialogue.::

Loffe: Things have been eventful, as you may... or may not... know. ::Loffe was referring to the Battle of Bondi and the tragic losses they had suffered.:: But they are not your concerns, brother.

::Greir did get what he was referring to and the comment about it not being his concern rubbed him the wrong way and put him on the defensive.::


Greir: I know what happened. If I could’ve been there I would have. How is it not my concern?

::Loffe just huffed. He was wracked with contrary emotions. It was wonderful to see his brother again, after so many years. But then, why had it been so many years?::


Loffe: Hurrumph. Well, sorry. It’s just that you’ve ::pause:: not been in touch. I felt like you’d cut all ties with us.

::There is was in a nutshell. The overpowering feeling of guilt rose up to try claim him and he didn’t know where to begin to try explain himself. He was not one for lying or making excuses and he didn’t feel what he’d done was right so how could he justify it?::


Greir: It’s not like that at all, it’s not what I wanted... ::Irregardless he couldn’t take it back now.::

Loffe: Well, you’re here now. ::his tone now softening.:: How is Star Fleet? Your ship?


::This was a topic he could talk about any day of the week quite happily. His hands finally coming up from behind his back. The excitable gestures and gleam in his eye spoke volumes of his passion for his work.::

Greir: You would not believe the wonders I have seen Loffe. I just got transfered to this ship, the USS Vigilant. Even before we could get it off the ground we were called into action. I wish I could tell you all about it and the instrumental role I played but it’s all classified! I did not call to talk about myself however, please, tell me what has passed...

::Loffe was pleased, genuinely, that his brother had found a purpose in life, even if it saddened him slightly that it was not in the service of Duronis itself. A service that cost many to pay the ultimate price. The Klingon War was but a few months before.::


Loffe: The Battle was terrible. Many perished. I feared the worst.

::Edla came in from the garden and heard the voice that she had not heard in such a long time. She set the tools down, and moved over to Loffe, staying out of the view of the monitor for a moment.


::Loffe rubbed his leg. The wound still hurt very much. He had made a good recovery, but in truth he was never going to be able to do all the things he once had. However, he was one of the lucky ones.::


Loffe: But we survived, any battle you can walk away from is a good one I guess. Do you want to speak to mother and father?

Greir: Of course, if they will see me that is.


Loffe: Mother will, Father is his own man, as you well know.

::Greir nodded slowly, he knew well enough. Soon enough his mother appeared on the screen. ::

::She hadn’t talked with Greir such a long time and she was thrilled to see his face. She could see more and more of her husband in her son’s face. The same eyes, and there was a bit of her parents there as well. She was so happy to see the mature face of her son.::

Edla : Federation service seems to be good to you.::Smiling at him. There was a weariness in her face, however, putting a hand on Loffe’s shoulder..::

Greir: I do love my work, but how are you? ::Concerned::

Edla: I am okay. Tired, just tired these days. ::She forced a smile on her face.:: I wish I could get your father on the comm. He is stubborn. That horrible pride.::The smile vanished.


::Greir sighed heavily. It seemed that while Rori had paid the ultimate price at the Battle of bondi, it had taken it’s toll on the rest of his family too. Yet another thing he had not adequately taken into account. It seemed where family and home was concerned he just couldn’t judge things properly.::

::He’d known his dad would have been hit hard by the loss of his brother. He didn’t really expect his father would want to talk to him but he had so many questions. Did Gjord hate, or maybe blame him for the things that had passed. He had to know where he stood, even though he knew it could be painful.::

Greir: Why won’t he talk to me?

Edla :: Frowning:: He is still upset mostly at himself, but he would never admit that to himself. I don’t know if he knows that you decided a different path for service. If I can get him on the comm would you talk with him?

Greir : If he doesn’t want to talk to me... I can hardly blame him. I’ve always been the weakest son.

::Loffe straightened at that comment. He had always liked, loved even, Greir and felt protective towards him as any older brother would. However, by that very fact that he was protective did allude to the more quiet nature of the younger Reinard.::


Edla : Someone has to take the first step, Please, if you could just talk with him. ::Pleading. ::

::She turned and called out.::

Edla : Gjord, there is someone on the comm that would like to talk with you. ::There was a gruff reply.::


::Loffe glanced back at Greir, and gave him a look he had done in the past, when they were both children.... a kind of “Dad’s going to be mad at us for this” look.::

Loffe: I hear him now.

::Gjord came and saw Loffe and Edla move away from the monitor. He could see his son’s face on the monitor. He stiffened as he came to the monitor. Seeing Greir reminded him of the loss of his younger brother. There was not a lot of physical resemblance, but the way that Greir carried himself reminded him of his brother.::


::Loffe nodded, silently. Their Father had many great characteristics, and stubborness and pride ranked very highly. Loffe did not expect Greir to get much sympathy in the ensuing conversation.::

Gjord: Hmph. So...::Looking at Loffe and Edla.:: I guess this is your idea. Well, I see you still have that uniform on. Where are you posted now?.::Coldly.::

Greir: I just got a new assignment. I’m on the USS Vigilant now. The ship will be operating much closer to home - Zeta Gelkis region mainly. I didn’t call to talk of me... how have you been father?

:: He paused for a minute, he could see backbone in his son. He was repelled and impressed at the same time. Taking a small measure of pride at how well he turned out. But not wanting to admit it.::

Gjord: Hmm. I am fine. No thanks to you.... . ::turning his head, and then back to face his son.::You should of been here. ::There was an edge in his voice.::

Edla: Gjord! ::Giving her husband a disapproving look.::

Greir: Well before you all cut me out of your life. ::Which was rich coming from him...:: I have one thing I want to say.

::There was a long pause as he struggled to contain the surge of emotions. It was a very tense situation facing his family for the first time in so many years. He was getting a mixed response, but considering he hadn’t been cut off yet it was better than anticipated. Less than he’d hoped but he only had himself to thank for it. His expression would crumple then smooth back out before crumpling again.::

::Gjord studied his son’s face carefully. He hadn’t seen it in almost five years. He could see maturity in it, seeing some harder lines in his face and definition . That had replaced some of his youth. He had to admit that he wasn’t a bad looking son.::

Gjord : I’m listening. ::Following his arms. Barely looking at the monitor. Edla came up and put her hand on his shoulder, trying to soften him a bit.::

Greir: ::Voice fraught with emotion:: I’m... sorry... about Rori...

::There was a long pause before he managed to continue. He couldn’t look at the screen. He was welling up and did not want to show such weakness. His heart was pounding so hard in his chest and he felt on the edge of a panic attack.::

Greir: …about everything.

::There was a long silence as Gjord looked at the monitor. Loffe felt the tension and it made him, even with all his personal certainty, feel uncomfortable. Gjord meanwhile looked at directly at his son. ::

Gjord : Hmph....only a fool can be wrong about everything. I didn’t raise any ‘fools’, perhaps a jackass . I have chores to do. We’ll talk later. ::With that he left the monitor, and went outside. ::


::Loffe frowned and felt for his sibling even more.::

::Greir sighed again. He wasn’t satisfied with that as he hated leaving things unresolved but it was the best he could hope for. He didn’t know what else to say and supposed that was the end of the conversation.::

Greir: I guess we’re done here then.

Elda: Do you have to go? How are you doing on the ship? Have you made any friends? ::Trying the keep her son with her for a few more minutes, with a barrage of questions.::

Grier: I told you, I didn’t call to talk about me. I wanted to know how you have all fared... we’re like strangers now. No one will tell me anything.

Elda.:You are my son, and always will be. Give you father some time. Contact us again, he won’t contact you, but it is a start.::Giving him a weak smile.::

Grier: Until next time then. My love to you all. ::He was sincere but did not think it would count for much.::

::Elda smiled at her son, proud of him. Loffe felt a pang of angst realising that Greir was going.::


Loffe: Good bye Greir, don’t leave it so long until next time, understand me.

::Greir nodded solemnly as he closed the channel. His mother had clearly been happy to see him and it seemed as though his brother was about ready to forgive him. His father was another matter entirely and it really bothered him. It was really late now and the conversation had really put a downer on an otherwise very enjoyable evening.::

::He went into his bedroom and slowly stripped. Finding it hard to settle down he tossed and turned as his keen mind tried to get to work on the problem. Eventually he became so tired that he drifted off to sleep.::



A
JP by:

Lt Cmdr
Reinard

Chief
Counsellor

USS
Vigilant

and

(NPC)
Loffe

Greir's
older brother

Simmed by
Leo-Handley Page

and

(NPCs) Elda
and Gjord

Greir's
Mother and Father

Simmed by
Eerie

[Graduating Class of 239002.17]

Welcome to the Fleet, and welcome back Saveron!

[Graduating Class of 239002.06]

Welcome to the Fleet!!!

[Graduating Class of 239001.27]

Welcome to the Fleet!

[JP Fox, Malon, (msNPC)s Zaveri & Dalal - Invitation to a Forfeited]

((Assembly Chamber Grounds, Prak Zel))

::With nothing more than a cursory glance at the assembled flock, Vahini Dalal assumed her position on the rostrum that had been constructed for the media event that she was rapidly beginning to see as a total farce. Unimpressed with the rhetoric of a Laudean and his alien cronies, she had been disappointed to see that the public opinion polls were swaying back towards the Federation camp. To cap it all off, she couldn't understand why her Stratagema match with Minister Zaveri was scheduled for this particular time. It seemed as though it was an unnecessary bolt-on, nothing more than a side-show to gain one or two more per cent in the polls. Still, she knew Zakdorn culture well enough that a refusal to play Stratagema was the same thing as a loss at Stratagema. Glaring scornfully at her opponent, she took her seat.::

Dalal: Alright, Zaveri. Let's get this over with. I'll make it as painless for you as possible.

::The more benign of the two Zakdorn women simply smiled sweetly and remained on her feet as her counterpart seated herself and donned her gauntlets.::

Zaveri: Actually, Vahini, I won't be playing you.

::So indignant was the aide that she almost choked on her response.::

Dalal: What!? You drag me into your little melodrama to forfeit a match? Explain yourself!

::Zaveri could have sat and basked in Dalal's rage for quite some time. It was delicious. Pulling out the chair opposite Dalal at the Stratagema table, she stepped to one side to allow Ensign Fox to approach.::

Zaveri: If you read the invitation carefully, it said I had *invited* you to a Stratagema match, not challenged you to one. Allow me to introduce the young man who did. Oh, and I should probably point out that your microphone just went live.

::She grinned so widely at the last comment that her cheek ridges stacked themselves into a tight pile. Turning the expression on Ensign Fox, she listened as the crowd cheered for him to take his place.::

Fox: ::Quietly to Zaveri:: She doesn't look pleased to see me....

Zaveri: ::Dropping her voice:: Good luck, Ensign. Hopefully her emotional state will hamper her performance.

Fox: oO I sure hope so...Oo

::The young Ensign displayed no outward signs of his nerves; a bright smile covered his face as he raised a hand, signalling to the section of the crowd cheering. For him, he hoped, but he couldn't be sure. Retreating from the gaming platform, Zaveri took up a position alongside Dr. Malon just as Ensign Fox took his seat opposite Dalal.::

Zaveri: I hope whatever plan you have works. Otherwise we're going to lose face here.

::Ilyazi turned glinting black eyes on the Zakdorn woman, but none of them wanted their foulplay to be revealed - preferably ever. And while they were talking foulplay, there was no reason not to add to it.::

Malon: Oh, I think you'll be surprised, Minister. Fox and I had a few games just before we came. He's...*quite* the Stratagemist. ::pausing for effect, putting on a sour expression:: He thrashed me without really trying.

::Well...he *would've* done, had they actually been playing. But Ilyazi was as good at boardgames as she was at currently trying to read Dalal - not very. Which was odd. Not exactly problematic...just odd.::

::Zaveri politely tried her best to look impressed. While she didn't want to belittle the doctor, Rodulans were not known galaxy-wide for their expertise in Stratagema... although the more she thought about it, the more she began to appreciate that some of the skills the two Starfleet officers had developed might stand them in good stead for the speed of wit that the game required.::

Zaveri: Well, let's hope he can repeat that performance against Dalal. He certainly doesn't look all that worried.

::Ilyazi let her eyes roam the grounds and the spectators, picking up general thoughts of confusion that they weren't about to see a match between the Zakdorn women, and confusion at the presence of Starfleet officers. One or two were blatantly angry that Fox thought himself capable of taking on a Zakdorn opponent, and the evil side of her was grinning from figurative ear to figurative ear. Let them be angry.::

::Of course, not everyone was angry. Some were simply jeering inside, laughing mockingly at the Stratagema wannabe. But Ilyazi had a lot more faith in Fox than any of them combined.::

Malon: ::eyes glinting at no one in particular:: ~ Remember that dinner I promised you... ~

Fox: ~ Only reason I'm smiling up here... ~

::She smiled inwardly at that.::

Malon: ~ You'll be fine. You know what you're doing. ~

::With the game just about to start, Ilyazi was happy to let Fox take control from the very start, and kept herself fairly well distanced from his mind to avoid interfering with his thoughts. Instead, she let the thoughts of those around her flock in...and Fox's, just in case.::

::But try as she might to read Dalal...it was like trying to eat a ball of fuzz. Every time she tried, she had to pull back and wash her mind clean of fluff. There just *wasn't* anything that she could gain from her. Fox wasn't faring much better. Sat but three feet away, he could feel Dalal's fury. A cheeky wink did little to brighten her spirits.::

Fox: ::Into his mic:: Minister Dalal, my name is Ensign James Fox of Starfleet. I'd like to first thank you for affording me the privilege of this game. I consider it quite the honour.

::Through piggy eyes, Vahini sneered at her Terran opponent, sizing him up. She was going to snap him like a twig and embarrass Starfleet in front of the simpering crowd of morons they had assembled.::

Dalal: ::With a crocodile grin:: Enjoy it while it lasts, *Ensign*. I do not anticipate that this game will take very long at all. Let me know if you require any assistance strapping your gloves on...

::She smirked at her comment and one or two laughs could be heard from the crowd as well.::

Fox: I'll offer you the same courtesy when it comes to taking the gloves off, Minister. ::Lifting one eyebrow:: They look a snug fit...

::Waiting for the green officer to set himself up, Vahini stared intently at the gaming table between them as the three-dimensional display initialised. With a high-pitched whine, strategically placed holo-emitters recreated the cuboid playing field high in the air above them; it began rotating so that the crowd could see the game from all sides. A timer appeared on the table in front of them, counting down to the start of the game. The Ensign looked confident, but Dalal was determined not to let that sway her.::

::Now that the game was almost at its start, the crowds settled down and Ilyazi picked out a strong undercurrent that had been drowned out by the mental jeering - it was hope. Hope that Fox would somehow win, and that the game might bring the two forces - Starfleet and Zakdorn - closer, more united. And it was that hope that spurred Ilyazi on to focus on the game again.::

::The moment the timer reached zero, Vahini launched into a ferocious attack on the central quadrant of the central plane, attempting to establish a solid foothold to allow her to expand her power base. She watched with pleasure as an area of blue began to spread. This was going to be easy; her opponent's green squares looked few and far between. She felt more confident by the second that he would fall to her out and out attack strategy.::

Dalal: oO So much for Starfleet...Oo

::The sudden onset of her attack took Fox aback. He regained his composure not a moment too soon; he rallied and simulataneously launched attacks on both the left and right quadrants, both of his hands blurring with the speed of his movements. Vahini's blue straight was soon flanked on either side by a steadily growing green zone. A green U shape had quickly formed. As the first conflict reached an impasse, the U shape slowly receded back into a straight line as both players fought to regain lost squares. ::

Malon: ~ You're doing good. ~

::And that was about as much as she could say. He was. Exceptionally. In fact, she was the one struggling to keep up with this. Which was a worry. A silent one. But a worry nonetheless.::

::Displeased at the failure of her first tactic, Dalal employed a sudden shift; while the focus had been on the central plane, the two outer planes were still relatively unpopulated. If Fox wanted to convert her blue squares into green ones, he would have to spend time focusing on the territory he had yet to conquer, which would afford her a chance to build a secondary power base in the corner of her nearest plane before expanding along through the three moving playing fields and into the one closest to the Ensign. She could not wait to see his face when blue squares began to crop up deep within his own territory. A smile began to cross her lips at the very thought of it.::

Dalal: If you want to forfeit now and save yourself some time, we would all understand...

Fox: And rob you of such an easy victory, Minister? Perish the thought....

::He was enjoying the trash talk more than the game. Fox had managed to maintain his air of confidence thus far but that first skirmish had been tricky; trickier than he'd like. And this was *with* Dalal underestimating him. The longer the game went, the better the PR. Dalal needed to win convincingly, he thought. If he could just hold on....::

Fox: oO Do we know what's coming, oh-guide-of-mine? Oo

Malon: ~ She's heading towards your playing area. Planning on invading from the inside. ~

::The game itself had been proceeding just as Dalal had planned. Fox had aggressively attacked Dalal, hoping to expand his green zone while she consolidated her power base and began circle around deep into Fox's nearest plane. Alerted to the danger by Doctor Malon, Fox shifted his attention to the threat, cutting off the incursion by splitting it in twain. He mopped up the blue squares stranded in his nearest plane but in doing so conceded all of the territory he had gained. A single bead of sweat rolled down his forehead as he struggled to maintain the stalemate.::

::Ilyazi wasn't a good Stratagema player, she knew. But she was counting on the spectators being experts. Even their fingers were twitching as if they had the gauntlets on themselves, playing the match.::

::And it was because of their enthusiasm that Ilyazi was able to pick on one of the spectator's thought and transfer their mental images across to Fox in a split second. All she could hope was that that individual was mentally playing for them...and that they were a better player than Dalal.::

::But better player or not, the mental imagery transferred into Fox's brain wholly changed his perspective. Before, he was seeing just Green and Blue. Now he was seeing innumerable shades of both; each shade helped instantly convey differing information and statistics. One light green square, it was clear to him, signified a 65% chance of being contested in the next turn. Furthemore it showed him that should it be taken it would offer Dalal a 72% probability of going on to capture the entire quadrant. He had such information and more on all 256 squares at every given instant and it was all very clear to him. Fox assumed this was his brain's way of coping with all of the processing power of the Zakdorn. Coupling his new reading of the game with his impressive dexterity, Fox fought back.::

Fox: Let's get started, shall we?

::Irritation about the fact that the Terran had dared to play possum against her was quickly replaced by a healthy dose of panic as Vahini saw a dangerous incursion into her own territory. She had seconds to respond before the map was washed green and her humiliation was complete. Feverishly manipulating her gauntlet, she surged outwards from her central power base, vying for control of areas that were less easy for him to defend. As the green territory rapidly expanded, she pushed for the lower edge of the central square and coloured the upper right hand corner closest to her. A two-pronged assault, while difficult to maintain, seemed to represent the best hope for the time being; it left her with options of spaces from which she could defend herself.::

Dalal: Terran pig... this is impossible!

Malon: ::to Zaveri:: What do you make of it so far? ::playing on the fact she knew little:: I'd already lost to Fox by this point. Is he heading in the right direction?

::Zaveri's eyes were positively gleaming with delighted surprise. She could hardly believe what she was seeing.::

Zaveri: I've never seen a non-Zakdorn play like this. Your Ensign is incredible! To hold a Zakdorn for over seven hundred moves! ::She watched for a moment, her head bobbing up and down as she carefully inspected the rotating 3D display.:: Although... he should probably watch out for his right flank if he wants to stay in the game. Dalal hasn't seen it yet, but if she does it will undo all the good work he just did...

::It was puzzling that Dalal hadn't seen that threat; nearly every spectator seemed to be looking at the same thing, some shaking their heads. Was it matchday nerves that were causing her a problem, or overconfidence?::

Malon: ~ Watch out for your right flank. You're vulnerable there. ~

::Fox's focus was entirely on the game; he mentally grunted an acknowledgement then reinforced his right flank. Ilyazi was right to warn him; had that section fallen there was a 78% chance of him losing the game within 24 turns.::

Dalal: ::Half under her breath:: I will not lose to a human...

::Seeing him reinforce his right flank, Dalal took a deep breath and forced herself to focus. She was mere moments from defeat. It was time for an all-out offensive. Kicking herself into a higher gear, she worked frantically to push all of her territories into wedge shapes, conceding squares where necessary to allow the tactic to form. Fingers moving into a blur, she waited for exactly the right moment before sending blue surging across the board in an attempt to break into the deepest areas of green colouring and disrupt Fox's considerable foothold from the inside. It was all or nothing now. If he saw through this tactic then she was finished...::

Zaveri: ::Gasping:: She's going to turn it around... such a shame. He was doing so well.

::Ilyazi flicked calm eyes on Zaveri, but on the inside, that little comment hadn't been appreciated. Still...::

Malon: ::infusing a lighthearted smile:: You don't know our Fox, Minister.

::The previously hushed crowd broke out into an array of conflicting conversation, some animated, some defeated, some cheering encouragement. Dalal's attempt to pull the rug out from under Fox was causing beads of sweat to appear on her brow and it was clear that she had very little left to give. If he could just survive her attack then the game was his, and the crowd knew it...::

::Fox felt the urgency of the crowd. Perhaps more accurately, he could see the urgency. Large swathes of his green zone had went from a dark, safe, green to a very pale green. At first his conscious mind struggled to interpret the sudden dramatic change in data. Then came the blue wedges, smashing into his squares like a cavalry charge. Fox instinctively reacted, staunchly defending the two outer quadrants while conceding the centre. Panic almost overtook him as even the outer quadrants buckled; slowly he stemmed the tide and pushed his own green squares forward and diagonally, encircling the lost centre quadrant. Fox couldn't quite believe what he was seeing as his frenzied hands dealt the killing blow; the blue central quadrant, under bombardment from all directions, suddenly shrank to the size of a penny then disappeared altogether. Game over.::

::Ilyazi had struggled to keep up with the mass of information and the speed of the game, and in the end, hadn't needed to. Fox, using instincts that should rarely be ignored, had fought the last battle and won with incredible swiftness. Even the images she'd received from some of the Zakdorn wouldn't have gotten him that victory. He'd won that one fair and square.::

::As she withdrew quickly from his mind, feeling a tiredness descend now that everything was over, she had to ask just how a human had managed to beat a Zakdorn.::

::It happened so quickly that Vahini didn't even have time to reach for the power control to disable the board before the win could be displayed above them. The crowd's roar of surprise was matched by her roar of anger and frustration; wrenching her hands from the gloves that controlled the game, she caught them as they fell into her lap and hurled them over the table at Fox, hatred burning in her eyes as the depth of her humiliation sunk in. Jeers and laughter from those she recognised as former supporters did nothing to improve her mood as she stood abruptly from her chair and turned her back to the audience, standing stock still as if about to explode.::

::Fox hadn't moved. Even when Dalal's gloves had been thrown into his face, he still sat quiet. The gloves themselves had barely registered to him; he felt rather disorientated now that his mind was his own again. The roaring of the crowd didn't seem real somehow. He felt disassociated from his surroundings, like he was watching it on a holovid.::

Fox: oO Ilyazi.....we have won, right? Oo

Malon: ::after a moment:: ~ Put it this way, you now need to decide where you want dinner. ~

::As some semblance of independent thought returned to Fox, he stood and offered his hand to his opponent. One final slap in the face.::

Fox: Good game.

::The defeated minister spat the words at him spitefully.::

Dalal: Do not patronise me, human.

::Remembering in that moment a comment that Minister Wadke had made in reference to the Vigilant crew, Dalal's eyes narrowed, but she held her tongue. She knew that the Minister would have been watching even though she was unsure of his current whereabouts. If her suspicions were correct, she had a feeling he would be making himself known very soon...::

Malon: ::turning tired but happy black eyes on Zaveri:: I told you our Fox was quite something.

Zaveri: I... I... yes, he most certainly is!

::The delight in her eyes was unfathomable. She was stunned, finding it difficult to process the fact that a non-android off-worlder had just accomplished what she had just seen accomplished.::

Malon: ~ Well done, James. Are you alright? ~

Fox: oO I think I'm going to throw up... Oo


JP by


Ens James Fox
Helm
USS Vigilant


&


MSNPC Minister Tamasa Zaveri
Zakdorn Assembly
Zakdorn IV

SIMmed by: Captain Diego Herrera


&


MSNPC Vahini Dalal
Aide to Minister
Dakshi Wadke
Zakdorn IV

SIMmed by: Captain Diego Herrera


&


Ens Ilyazi Malon
Medical Officer
USS Vigilant

[Lt Cmdr Reinard: Greir Sells Federation To The Masses]

((Staging Area, Assembly Building))

::The premiere trade district on Zakdorn filled the huge screen as Greir pressed a button on the lectern. There was a buzz of activity as goods were handled and checked for import and export. Upbeat, melodic trance techno music played in the background, but not so loudly that Greir could not be heard clearly over it. A few seconds later the camera zoomed out and the planet of Zakdorn filled the whole screen.::

::This was going to be truly spectacular and he was very proud of not only his research but the way it was presented. He wasn’t going down the usual route for delivering a speech and the opener was designed to grab the audiences attention. ::

Reinard: The Zakdorn have always been resourceful and prudent in their management of business. Even before your involvement with the Federation you had a strong and thriving economy.

::The image of the planet shrunk on the screen and slipped over to one side as a statistical overview displayed a year on year overview of key economic data for the years prior to their entry into the Federation. There was another zoom out as the camera took a trip around the system and the music's tempo increased. New statistical data appeared on the screen and graphs showed impressive spikes upwards as Zakdorn entered the Federation. Though the data changed he’d made sure there was enough time for the viewers to properly read and absorb the information.::

Reinard: It was by no miscalculation that the Zakdorn people chose to join the Federation. We opened the doors of the universe to you.

::The camera zoomed through the region, passing beautiful stars and planets along the biggest shipping lane as more statistics were relayed demonstrating how the economy had hugely been boosted by the new business opportunities that had opened up to them by joining the Federation. The displayed figures were clear for all the room to see and he knew every Zakdorn in the room could read the unspoken facts for themselves.::

Reinard: Business has boomed, your economy has grown and gone from strength to strength, but it’s not always been easy. Unfriendly factions have often tried to block or close that trade route. There have been incidences in which your cargo freighters, hauling high valued goods have come under attack.

::The beat and tempo of the music changed again and became more aggressive as the screen seemed to zoom in to a point until a lone Zakdorn cargo freighter travelling the trade route filled a good portion of the screen. It wasn’t real footage he was showing here, it was computer generated. It was a simulation based of real events and the date of the incident showed on the top left of the screen. A line from the freighter led to a box illustrating the ship, it’s cargo manifest and the value of goods it was carrying. It was a huge, slow, poorly armed ship but it was built like a tank and could sustain a lot of punishment...::

:: ...Which was just as well because at that point another, aggressive ship was seen to approach and start harassing the freighter. Weapons fire lit up the screen and struck at the ship whose defensive armaments were failing to do much damage in retaliation. The action played at an increased pace to give a taste of the events as they had unfolded and you could see the scars on the hull as the ship took more and more damage from the severe beating it was getting. As with the rest of it, the vital tactical information was flagged up to put the situation in perspective for the viewers. The time at which a distress call was made was flagged up on screen.::

::So when the Federation ship was seen to warp in and take control of the situation you could see the response time. Considering how big space was Greir felt it was pretty good, in fact it was better than good to the point of being lucky. That is, lucky that there had happened to be a ship so close by at the time - otherwise things would have gone much more poorly and he wouldn’t be playing the clip here today.::

Reinard: The Federation supports its member worlds, whether it’s a single ship coming under attack or a group.

::The action on the screen continued as it slid and shrunk until it was only taking up the left half of the screen. The right half showed a second scene with a convoy of Zakdorn ships coming under attack much further down the trading route. It’s a similar scene. Even though the convoy worked as a team to focus what little firepower they had to do the most damage there was little impact. The group took heavy damage before a StarFleet ship arrived in time to save them and see the attackers off. More than that, in each case the StarFleet ships remained behind after the attack and sent repair crews to help fix the damaged ships. Then the StarFleet vessel escorted them along the route until repairs were finished, the area was deemed clear and it was appropriate to let them continue alone again.::

::Greir had taken care to construct this part of the presentation to be as engaging visually as it was packed with all the facts and statistics the Zakdorn craved. Right now he only needed to solidify what was on the screen with some key points from himself.::

Reinard: We also make an excellent breakdown service. ::Smiling and adding a touch of humor.::

::The left half of the screen shrunk to the top of the screen and was now filling a 1/4 of the space; the action continued to play out but it was near complete by now. The space that was vacated was filled with a new scene - of a freighter that hadn’t come under attack. One that had suffered mechanical failure - the details of which were highlighted in the appropriate place. Once again StarFleet was there to save the day.::

::Thankfully the screen was big enough to accommodate all of this information clearly. ::

Reinard: If the Zakdorn choose to leave the Federation in favor of an alliance with the Klingons this kind of support will not be provided and you will lose access to Federation worlds. The Klingons will consider you weak if you cannot stand alone and protect your own assets. Of course, you might argue the case that you don’t have to go far from home for good trading opportunities.

::It was time for the bigger picture and the music seemed to calm and slow back down, becoming more peaceful as a territory map of the Zeta Gelis region. Symbols for various resources appeared on the map and were listed in a key to the bottom right of the screen. It showed the various imports and exports and indicated a lot of expensive, heavy materials were being mined and traded and it was clear a lot of this supported their thriving construction industry.::

Reinard: It looks great right now but let’s see what happens when we strip away access to Federation Worlds.

::The screen changed and Zakdorn and it’s territory was now coloured red, the symbols for resources now closed to them were gone. They were replaced with symbols elsewhere of resources that the Klingons were known to be able to provide. The figures here were educated estimates that he’d worked out as accurately as possible to illustrate to them how a change of allegiance would hit their pockets. If Zakdorn and it’s colonies started losing as much money as was indicated by the projected figures it was going to affect their standard of living. He had no doubt they were smart enough to realise this.::

Reinard: ::Wincing for effect:: Ouch, that’s a blow, but that’s not all. The bigger picture is considerably worse. Take away the Federation and all those lucrative exports go. ::

::The map zoomed out displaying the entire map of the universe with all the territories marked in and colour coded. Only details for the biggest imports and exports were shown. The figures changed from showing current trading details to projected figures for a Klingon alliance, with the resource markers changing as before.::

Reinard: A number of your export businesses will dry up with a move away from the Federation. You will also lose access to these resources completely as the Klingon Empire doesn’t have access to them at all.

::Images of the resources danced across the screen. Some of these were as simple as popular food stuffs but a number of them were fairly important - such as construction materials and would most likely be missed. There was no doubt that an alternative would have to be found and that was both time consuming and costly.::

Reinard: ::Confidently:: I’m Lieutenant Commander Greir Reinard from the USS Vigilant. You built StarFleet this fantastic new ship and your contributions are widely known and appreciated. The USS Vigilant will add to our assets operating in and around the region. More support for you. As you can clearly see and will continue to see, the Zakdorn people simply cannot afford to leave the Federation.
:: With a nervous glance around the room Greir noted his introduction seemed to have done an adequate job of grabbing the audience’s attention. All eyes were on him and he felt you could just about cut the atmosphere with a knife. Now that he had their attention he was going to hit them with his strongest point. This was the tough one, the Battle of Bondi.::

Reinard: You’ve already seen that the Federation offers a greater variety of resources and greater scope for trade. What you’ll see next is that though the Klingons are a formidable adversary they are no real threat to the Federation.

::Greir pressed a button to once again show the map of local areas of space, highlighting Zakdorn and Til’ahn - although it was labeled with it’s Federation designation Duronis II. Showing it in this way made sure all present were familiar with the planet as it’s relative proximity. Some details about the planet, it’s population - and facts that might interest the Zakdorn were displayed but he reiterated the most important one.::

Reinard: What follows next is live footage from a battle fought on Duronis II, which is not a Federation Member. StarFleet played a key role in helping the local militia remove the invading Klingons off the planet.

::Pressing another button the advisory warning appeared on the screen, giving adequate time for any who wished to leave to get up and do so. He didn’t know if any of the individuals present here today had heart problems. They were reputed to be quite healthy despite their size but Greir wasn’t a doctor and didn’t want to be responsible for any heart attacks. He didn’t expect any would leave but they had to have fair warning. Given the Minister's positive response earlier he was fairly hopeful of getting the result he wanted. ::

::The News feed began and the Laudean militia assembled in Bondi, Manar Providence, and prepared for battle. You could see them equipping themselves with disruptor weapons, and grenades as well as laying explosive charges. ::


::The Laudeans were down in the valley and StarFleet was supporting them up on the ridge in strategic positions. Greir was sure the Zakdorn could see the merit in the strategy used, indeed it had not taken a complicated Zakdorn strategy to push back the Klingons. The plan was simple and even a child could have anticipated it - he felt it did not paint the Klingons in a very good light.::

::The Klingons advanced and when the time was right and they’d come far enough forward the Laudeans opened fire. The sound of battle filled the room. Greir kept his attention on the audience, trying to gauge their reaction. He could practically see the cogs turning in the minds of the audience as they weighed the merit of what was before them. Many faces did not look particularly impressed.::

::Once more the sounds of explosions, screams, rockfall and weapons fire pierced his ears and the surround sound was doing it’s job. Greir felt his blood turn to ice but held steady and composed. StarFleet were giving it their all shooting and throwing grenades from above. The Brotherhood crumbled and their flank began to collapse forcing the Klingons to try resupplying them. Laudean fighters circled, firing down relentlessly and a StarFleet shuttle was zipping around dropping recovered mines in strategic locations. ::

::StarFleet soon started drawing fire but the Klingons had no success in their effort to return fire and eliminate the StarFleet threat. The Laudeans never let up and it was greatly revealing of the character and spirit of their people that they fought with such determination and passion. The battle finished with the Laudeans steamrolling the last of the Klingons and the eyes in the room turned once more to Greir.::

Reinard: Klingons are a warrior species by choice, the Laudeans are not but any species can step up and be warriors when what they hold dear is threatened. There is no doubt that the Federation presence in the region is enough to adequately support Zakdorn IV, because it’s also adequate enough to support non-member worlds.

::Greir had only received this next data recently and so had no supporting footage to go with it, so the data was displayed in a more simplified way on the screen and contained other key dates and battles where the Klingons had failed to conquer Federation worlds and he had another prime example standing just behind him.::

Reinard: It took no sophisticated Zakdorn plan to defeat the Klingons. If a species so devoted to the art of war cannot defeat peaceful species such as the Laudeans, what hope do they have of defeating larger foes, like the Brikar?

::Greir spared a purposeful glance back to Eerie to draw the audiences attention to him.::

Reinard: Lieutenant Commander Eerie here, is Brikar and I’m sure he would love to share some war stories with you as the Brikar are also a warrior race. They are renowned for their stoic nature and devotion to duty and I would rather take a Brikar into battle than a Klingon - any day! They are sturdy and can withstand tremendous phaser fire, they can breathe underwater for over twenty minutes. They’re as tough as they come, fearsome and powerful in battle - but more than that they’re reliable and trustworthy. They won’t turn on you when the wind changes.

::Here he was referring to the fact the Klingons had in the past made and broken alliances to further their own personal agendas. Greir had no doubt in his mind that the Klingons would turn on the Zakdorn the minute they had whatever it was they were after here and he hoped they’d be smart enough to realise it too.::

::The Klingons had tried several times in battle to conquer the Brikar and failed. If the Brikar Defence Force had only been stronger they could have been the ones steamrolling through the galaxy instead. The battle details were up on the screen and Greir summarized the final battle. ::

Reinard: The Klingons finally realised they could not conquer the Brikar on Stardate 234112.07 after the battle for Purex Sector.

::A system map highlighted the 5th planet in the system and displayed statistics on the ground and space assets deployed by both forces.::

Reinard: While the Klingon Empire had a vast numerical superiority of starships and was a bit more advanced technologically they met Brikar for the first time in ground to ground combat. Brikar ground troops destroyed a Klingon division in pitch battle and the Klingons lost thousands of troops. The Brikar forces had a handful of deaths and only about 100 injured.

::Greir paused and let them absorb the simple fact that the Brikar had effectively rolled over an entire Klingon division and had sustained minimal casualties. The Brikar space forces had fared poorly and had lost 10 of 12 starships while only managing to destroy 2 Klingon battle cruisers. Greir did not mention this, though it was available in the statistics that were displayed. It had not been Federation Starships involved in the conflict - which had taken place before the Brikar had joined the Federation. The point was to illustrate the considerable capabilities of one of the Federations most powerful warrior races.::

Reinard: The Federation being made up of so many species, all having equal rights and value is not a weakness - it is a strength. Every species has it’s strengths and weaknesses but every race adds something to the Federation which makes it stronger. The greatest strategists know how to capitalize on this to get the greatest returns.

::This led him onto his final point of the presentation. He continued to observe the audience and was mindful that he didn’t want to lose their attention by dragging this out too long. He felt he’d struck the right balance as he moved on to finish it.::

Reinard: The Federation has brought to you bio-neural gel packs which have greatly enhanced the computer architecture of your supercomputers allowing them to process considerably more complex data and strategies. Perhaps now they can keep up with the Zakdorn mind.

:: He smiled charismatically and noted the response to another little light comment.::

Reinard: Mark IV construction mechs, brought to you by the Federation have halved construction time for you. This has not only saved you money but allowed you to fill more orders.

::His handy statistics were back, showing how business had boomed with a nice image showing the construction mechs at work next to it. Yes, he was fully emphasising and driving it home now. Federation, Federation, Federation. Construction was one of their major industries and this had been a huge leap forward for them, so he wasn’t going to let them forget it.::

::The next example was a little weaker but only in the sense that the Zakdorn didn’t have starships of their own. They had 6 defense satellites around the planet only. However these torpedoes were being used in defence of Zakdorn, it’s people and assets so still very relevant and showed StarFleet’s ability to keep producing it’s own top level military technology.::

Reinard: The Federation is very pleased with it’s Quantum Torpedos. The USS Vigilant is equipped with 5 pulse-fire quantum torpedo launchers and will use them where necessary to defend you, your people and your assets as we’ve done throughout our alliance.

::In some ways Greir was saving the best for last and he was sure the audience was getting hungry by now. He wouldn’t have been surprised at all to learn the Zakdorn people enjoy 7 meals a day. If nothing else in his speech had sated their appetite for answers he hoped that this would finally fill them.::

Reinard: As if that wasn’t enough the Federation has also introduced you to the wonderful technology of food replication. The replicator, an absolute must in every household. Saving time and effort, allowing access to a far wider variety of foods and drink as well as eliminating waste. It has raised the living standards for all.

::The final image on the screen was a clever representation of all the points he was pushing formed in such a way as to really highlight and summarize the symbiotic relationship between the Federation and the Zakdorn. This was primarily a pro-Federation campaign after all, the fact it highlighted the Klingons in a bad way in many situations was a bonus.::

Reinard: The Zakdorn made the right choice in choosing an alliance with the Federation. The opportunities for trade and the exchange of knowledge and technology have benefited us both. Closing those doors will damage your economy and standard of living because the Klingons simply can’t compare when it comes to providing the range and quality of opportunities that we do.

::This had been demonstrated from the start and was represented in the final image.::

Reinard: We’ve been through so much together and supported each other when threatened by enemies more dangerous than the Klingons - like the Dominion and the Borg. The Klingons think they are the premiere warriors in the universe but time and again the Federation and it’s member worlds have driven back their invading forces.

::The screen slowly faded to black.::

Reinard: To leave the Federation and form an alliance with the Klingons who are as unreliable as they are ineffective is as smart as constructing a war strategy by rolling dice.


Lt Cmdr Reinard
Chief Counsellor
USS Vigilant

[Graduating Class of 239001.22]

Welcome to the Fleet!!

It was a pleasure Training with you!