Elizabeth Snow

Congratulations and welcome to the fleet!! You did great!!

Humor is always a great thing in a sim and @Serala definitely killed it with this one. 🤣

I'm so happy you liked it! It was such a joy to write this piece with @Solok!!

Congratulations and welcome!!

Welcome back!! 😁

Welcome aboard and congratulations!! You did great!!

Congratulations!! You did great!! Welcome aboard!!!

@Toryn Raga always brings such interesting characters to life and I have to say The Harmony are my favorite MSNPCs to read thus far. Hope you all enjoy the read as much as I did! (( Chorus of Science, Geode Home of the Staccato Singing Star )) A hailing song was sent, and several measures later the crystalline wall illuminated giving them the first visual glimpse of the Chin’tokans came through. It was so different. Vibrant, if slightly distorted at first before a glimpse to the Chorus of Science gathered around them out of view made adjustments. They saw many, some vertical some a mix of horizontal and vertical with strange things in front of them. It took them a moment for the songs from those around the Conductor to clarify. The technology of these outsiders was quite different in some ways from theirs. As they knew their own image would likely seem similarly strange to the outsiders. Conductor Rehk ‘stood’ in the center of the screen. The rock and crystal around them as backdrop to their sleek, crystalline features. Sleek features that had the most minute semblance of a humanoid visage at least that of a head where two vibrantly orange glows stared at the wall. These glows were stationary, had a definition to them that was in stark contrast to the constant shimmering light that coursed through their crystalline form. Underlighting the intricate, symmetrical patterns that looked etched or otherwise a part of their body. They gestured emphatically with a crystalline limb with defined digits at the screen, then towards themselves. Conductor: =/\= / Captain? Ah, you are the Conductor of your Symphony! I am Conductor of the Harmony. Rehk. Conductor Rehk. / =/\= The ‘words’ were nothing more than the melodic song emanating from their being, each tone causing their body to illuminate in vibrant pulsing ways as if matching each variance of their melody. Their excitement was shown in the Vivace of their melody. A shifting kaleidoscope of color in neon hues sparkling behind their crystalline exterior that was rapid and curt. Then softening to a calm, lento. In the background of their transmission, the song of their Geode Home was just audible, especially to those with keener hearing. Like thousands, or millions of songs all in harmony despite their individual tones. Mei’konda: =/\= That is an appropriaate analogy, Conductor Rehk, and it is a pleasure to meet you. You seem to haave developed a great understaanding of our language and communicaations technology. =/\= Rehk: =/\= / We have had two cycles (years) to learn your song, to fine tune our own and make this possible. Time is but one of the gifts the Staccato Singing Star has granted our Geode Home. / =/\= Mei’konda: =/\= Yes, the tiime dialation between us has created problems… but at least it has created that one solution, has it not? Our Federation has developed technology to allow us to traverse great diistances without it. I hope you’ll forgiive me for changing the subject, Conductor, but I believe you know how dire the siituation is for the people on the planet that your… Staccato Singing Star is now approachiing. =/\= Conductor: =/\= / We are aware. We could hear the urgency and espressivo of your song. During the last four months we have detected the world we endanger. Do you know a way to avoid a catastrophe? / =/\= They stared at the outsiders, while the song of the Chorus of Science informed them of the carbon based nature of those they conversed with. McKnight: Response Mei’konda: =/\= Yes, Conductor. We have been workiing on a solution. My staff believes that we can use our technology to assist you in loweriing the mass of the star so that it may chaange course just in tiime to avoid damaging the Lanaxa system. Lieutenant, would you explain further? =/\= Levinson: =/\= Certainly, Captain. ::Facing the viewscreen:: Conductor, seconds for us are hours for you. This means two things. One, we are able to sustain intensive processes, such as those that change an object’s motion, for much longer than you are able to. Two, you can time your processes to match with something external faster than any one of us will ever be able to. If we were to activate a grid of tractor beams, as we call them, timed by you to the Staccato Singing Star’s mass being reduced, it could slow it down or alter its trajectory much more efficiently. You may call it a cooperation, of sorts. =/\= Their attention focused on the outsider speaking to them, listening to their translated lyrics. Their colors and tones swirled while they grasped at understanding. Conductor: =/\= / You wish to join our symphony with yours! Such a duet could prevent the Fine of their song like was nearly done to ours millenia ago. What do you need us to do? / =/\= They watched the outsiders sing to one another, sharing important knowledge with one another that they hoped would help save the silencing of a world full of song. Perhaps they could find out later if this outside world was the origin of the near ending of their own song so long ago. Cheveyo-Arma: I'll do my best to keep up with course shifts, but could use data from the Staccato Singing Star to help me do so more quickly and efficiently. Raga: Response Kiax: We'll be able to emit a single wide-band resonance pulse that your communications equipment will detect. After that, Conductor Rehk, you'll need to activate your propulsion system precisely 13.888889 hours after you detect it. ::Beat:: That'll be five-seconds for us. Levinson: =/\= Our analysis has come to suggest that your methods of propulsion have, due to the time dilation, an undesired side effect - powerful shockwaves that inflict damage upon the… ::She paused:: Chin’tokan Singing Star. =/\= Conductor: =/\= / Yes. We can adjust the song of the Staccato Singing Star in time, by making it lighter. We are sorrowful that doing so has caused harm to your Chin’tokan Singing Starship Home. / =/\= Mei’konda: =/\= Response =/\= While the others on the bridge of the outsider home sang to one another some more, they watched. Singing to their own within the Chorus of Science. They would need to begin to move the Staccato Singing Star now if anything was to be coordinated with the outsiders. Conductor: =/\= / We have begun the process to move the Staccato Singing Star. It will take more time for us than it will seem for you. =/\= A presto litany of songs erupted from the Chorus of Science resounding and being repeated throughout the Harmony as their command was given. The Staccato Singing Star had to move, and move quickly. The melody resounded across the Choruses. They had to move. A Symphony was in danger of being silenced. Outsiders would be helping them to save those at risk. The machinery of their Geode Home added their thrum and hum, whirr and tremble to the orchestra. Collectors emerged to absorb more of the power gifted them by their beloved star. Fueling the machines that would in turn alter the star’s mass. A symbiotic concert between the Harmony and the star that granted them life, mobility and protection. Mei’konda: =/\= Response =/\= Cheveyo-Arma: ::looks up:: Everything is set, Captain. Ready when everyone else is. Raga: Response Kiax: I'm charging the deflector to emit the resonance pulse, standby tactical to initiate the tractor beam. McKnight: Response Conductor: =/\= / Let the duet begin. We will add our symphony to yours. / =/\= The communication ceased, the viewing wall dimmed completely as they stood in place. The viewing wall illuminated again to show them the status of the star, their Geode Home and the outside. The Conductor stared at the Chin’tokan Staccato Starship. No. That did not fit what they saw. The shape of the outsider’s home was sleek and beautiful. Legato. Smooth and connected. The Chin’tokan Legato Starship. Yes, that is what it was. ((Timeskip - Two hours)) Duhk: / The Staccato Singing Star is growing lighter and the Chin’tokan Symphony has begun. / Conductor: / That is good. Let us join our Symphony to theirs. We must sing. We cannot let so many songs become Tacet. / (( Time skip - 5.88889 seconds )) Duhk: / The Chin’tokan Legato Starship’s Symphony has joined ours finally. The Staccato Singing Star slows! / The Conductor watched the viewing wall. Many small craft launched by the outsiders were in formation around their vessel and the tractor beams they spoke of had finally reached the star. Rehk could barely perceive any motion at all, such was the time displacement between them. It was as if one was looking at a portrait. Duhk: / The star is slowing, and shifting more than we could have hoped. Yet we are detecting issues with their craft. I do not know if they will survive this Symphony. Conductor: / They risk their own to save others. These outsiders. Their song is beautiful and strong. / They could not imagine what these outsiders were enduring to save others, such was the delay. Seconds for the outsiders were far, far longer for them. The suspense was unbearable. But the Staccato Singing Star was moving, more and more with each hour. ======================================== Conductor Rehk Guide of the The Harmony Geode Home of the Staccato Singing Star As simmed by Lieutenant Commander Toryn Raga Second Officer/Chief TacSec Officer USS Chin'toka NCC-97187 Chin'toka Staff Member Writer ID: A239410TR0 https://wiki.starbase118.net/wiki/index.php?title=Toryn_Raga

Congratulations!! Welcome and welcome back!! Glad to have you all with us!!

Loved reading this!! Great job, @Mason G!!! Very well done!! 💙

oO It would have tasted better in a cup of Jesteral Tea. Oo

Congratulations and Welcome!!

Welcome to the Fleet and Congratulations!!!! 🥳

Congratulations and welcome/welcome back!!!! You all did great and it's great to have you both!! 😁

Congratulations!!! Welcome to the fleet!!

Congratulations to you both and welcome!! Y'all did great!!

Hey, Will!! Congratulations and Welcome!! We're glad to have you aboard!! @SRaga

Okay. I had to laugh at this one. It was a great set up by @Mei'konda and @Wyatt Ral makes a very great and true comment 😂Thanks for the laugh!

Elizabeth has never attended one of these before. So, here she is wearing a blue dress because it’s her favorite color and who doesn't like blue.

This was such an emotional and wonderful scene to write and I couldn't imagine a more amazing writer/person to do it with. I always have lots of fun writing with @Lephi 😊

Thanks for the Laugh, McKnight 😂

😜💙

"Healing is an art that takes a lot of things, but the most important are patience and love."

So many wonderfully written sims have been written during our first contact mission to Eladar IV that I would love to be able to post them all. The amazing writers behind them took the time to really pour their heart and soul into them that they did indeed hit you in the feels. This one in particular sent chills down my spine. Thank you, @Lael Rosek for this one. Keep up the good work Chin’toka, you all are awesome 💙 OOC: This post may contain descriptions that could trigger unsettling feelings. Read with care. ((Ladonnik Nature Preserve, Eladar IV)) Having heard more than enough, Lael decided to shift the conversation in a different direction. She would have a discussion with Snow later in a less public setting about tact. Rosek: I admire you, Katnar’fari, for your integrity under duress. I cannot imagine it has been easy to hold to your beliefs given the circumstances. However, I hope you understand that it goes against the primary law governing myself and my officers to interfere in the natural development of a society. Qalipu’fari: ::under her breath:: That much is clear. ::turning to Rosek:: I think you'll find that you don't have much of a say in the matter this time. Katnar’fari: I have had to sacrifice some of my beliefs to try and change things. I accept this. The dishonor I bring is my own. All of us here are among the dishonored now. But we will not sacrifice everything that we are if there’s a better way. I do not wish us to become like the Feladoni. ::She sighed softly:: Are you not interfering just by being here on our world? She’d had her share of difficulties over the years with the Prime Directive and how those around her had chosen to apply it. As a younger officer, it had always seemed like a convenient excuse to escape helping others. But now that she was in a tenuous position, she had a greater appreciation for the reasons Starfleet had put it into place. Early Earth starship captains had encountered enough issues to a great enough degree that it became necessary. Rosek: ::inclines her head:: Our Prime Directive prevents officers from abusing their position for personal gain. It has served us well over the centuries since its inception. Katnar’fari: And if someone in that society asks for help? Qalipu’fari: Or demands it? She knew that the beings were in no place to demand anything. They wouldn’t resort to violence to coerce them to help. There was a slight stutter to her breath as it exited her lips, betraying the emotion she was trying so hard to hold back. This was no easy situation they’d landed themselves in the middle of. Anyone else would have high-tailed it out long ago. Rosek: ::murmurs:: I wish we could. But the consequences for those who disobey the Prime Directive can be extensive. Her chest ached and she struggled to draw breath, torn between her duty and her conscience. Could she really leave these people to fend for themselves? An ironic grin twisted her lips. She had no choice. She refused to be responsible for anymore unnecessary deaths. Suddenly, the noise in the room beyond stopped. Lael was keenly aware of it as she hadn’t been able to entirely block it out. The lack of noise was even more deafening. On the monitors, she saw a small group enter the main area, causing the Feladoni and the bat-like beings to freeze. Her gaze narrowed. She couldn’t tell clearly, but she could have almost sworn they were-- Levinson: Who are these? Snow: Who is that? :: at the same time Noa asked her question :: Rosek: ::nods:: Caraadians. But what are they doing here? They hadn’t detected a Caraadian presence in the system when they’d entered it, but was it possible the metals had thrown off their sensors that much? Then she realized that the Chin’toka hadn’t attempted to make contact. Even with their comm badges in the hands of their captors, the devices would have made noise if the ship had tried to get in touch. The hairs on the back of her neck raised, suspecting that the Caraadians weren’t limited to ground troops. Qalipu’fari: ::sounding the word out:: Car-aad-eens? Katnar’fari: You say that as if these are not from your own people. Are they not from your crew here to rescue you? Levinson: They are not. Snow: Lieutenant Levinson is correct. They’re most certainly not. Qalipu’fari: More of your coalition? Katnar’fari: They are armed. If they are not here for you, then why have they come? That was a very good question. Her gaze flickered to the screen and her lips thinned. Watching the scene took her back to the holovids she’d been shown at the Academy. Though they hadn’t impacted her as severely as the torture vids, they’d still been enough to unsettle her. She’d seen enough combat in her years that many would expect her to be desensitized. A bat-like creature huddled in a corner protecting a young one caught her attention. No. Far from it. If anything, the more she saw of this kind of violence, the more she felt compelled to act. When it had been a matter between the two races native to this world, it had been different. The Caraadians were outsiders. An unstable element introduced into the natural atmosphere of this world. Surely she had some responsibility to prevent genocide from an outside source. Levinson: They are not of our coalition. I believe the most likely reason for their presence is your world, not you. Qalipu’fari: What do they want with Fari and her people? One by one, she watched the execution-style deaths of countless bat-like creatures. The anguished sound from Katnar had moisture gathering against her will, a pain worse than any she’d ever known constricting her lungs and throat. It hurt to breathe and it was nearly impossible to think. The neural suppressants and her mental shields were no match for the maelstrom of emotions swirling in the room, both from their captors and her colleagues. Was this what she’d become? Cold and heartless, bound by a duty that came at the price of her conscience? Katnar’fari: Fari save us!!...they...they destroyed her. Her body...there’s nothing left for us to free her spirit. They destroyed her spirit. She can’t join our ancestors. Qalipu’fari: Gesasijig gloqowejg wa'so'q wela'gw. (The stars shine bright in heaven at night). Now she will never see them. She clenched and unclenched a fist at her side in an effort to release the pent-up emotion. They had to leave, but she was frozen, her feet refusing to obey her mind. Levinson: My belief is that they are here for mining. Dilithium, the crystals you have shown us, is an important component for faster than light travel. Katnar’fari: Go, you’ve seen what the Feladoni don’t wish even their own kind to see. How they relocate us. You must survive to tell the truth..please. ::Her voice cracked slightly as she spoke, still in shock:: I know you said you cannot interfere, but please, if you die while under our care then it will bring even more destruction to our world. I would not wish to see Fari burn because your people might seek revenge or justice for your deaths. Levinson: ::Without sound:: I will. Snow: Our people would never take things that far. We value life as much as you all do and we try to avoid killing if at all possible. Empty words, no matter how true they might be. Qalipu’fari: We can get you safely to the edge of our cave, if you need. Lael simply nodded, not trusting herself to speak. They had to leave before she could change her mind. It wouldn’t be an easy thing to live with, but it would be easier than living with more blood on her hands. Levinson: I believe that would be adequate. ::Beat:: We still require our technology, however. Snow: Katnar’fari, please. You and your people have to fight back. You have the means to do so. There is no shame in it. You don't have to kill them. You're people know these caves better than anyone. This is your home. :: her voice pleaded with the Merka’fari woman :: Only you can change your fate. Katnar’fari: Response Qalipu’fari: We have caused you much harm, this is the least we can do. Levinson: ::Nodding:: I understand. Snow / Levinson / Katnar’fari: Responses Qalipu’fari: As Katnar'fari has said, please. Tell our story. What Qalipu was asking...Lael couldn’t imagine ever having the mental fortitude to speak of what she’d seen today to anyone. Even the mandatory counseling session that she knew would follow this mission was going to be excruciating. Perhaps one day when she had enough distance, it would be more than an after-action report. But not now. Not even soon. Snow: Good luck to you all. The tricorder and commbadge felt heavy in her hand as it was returned to her. Each step after felt like her boots were made of lead. Her bad leg stiffened up more than once and it took all she had to keep moving. She remained utterly silent as they walked, her mood somber as she tried to assuage her conscience. She’d done the right thing. It wasn’t their place to interfere with the natural development of a society. The regulation chased itself around in her mind. Her thoughts consumed so much of her attention that she was scarcely aware of what was going on around her. Levinson: The metals around us interfere with my scans. I cannot get a clear reading of lifesigns. Snow: Commander, is there really nothing we can do? I really can't just sit on the sidelines as the Caaradians tear this world apart, killing innocent people. It isn't right.. Rosek: ::stiffens:: It’s not our place. They were the only words she could muster and even as they left her lips, they sounded empty and meaningless. Her gaze flickered to the walls, noting drawings that she hadn’t seen there when they’d arrived. Likely, she’d been too lost in the possible danger to notice. Stories. She’d read about how some cultures depicted their history on whatever surfaces they could find. These, it would seem, were no different. Generations of bat-like creatures. Their triumphs, their failures. Memories of Abigail’s last moments seized her mind and her thoughts went instantly to Maddy, and then to the young child cowering near its dead elder. To the child being cradled in the arms of its parent. Levinson: I do not believe it will take us long to reach the surface. She stopped, making up her mind. Rosek: oO I might get court-martialed for this, but to hell with it. Oo Turning on her heel, she faced her team, her expression determined. For the first time since the violence had begun, she felt a weight lift from her chest as she made her decision. Rosek: I’m going back. Levinson: ::Turning around:: Commander? Snow: Wait.. what? Rosek: Those people in there are dying. I’m going to help them. Pausing, she regarded the two women in front of her. She couldn’t ask them to risk their careers. It was a decision they had to make for themselves. Rosek: I can’t ask you to turn your backs on your careers. ::jerks her head toward the exit:: If you want to walk away, I won’t blame you. Levinson: ::Still considering what Commander Rosek said:: I... see, Commander. Very well. Snow: I take it you have a plan? For a long moment, she was at a loss for words. It humbled her more than she could say that Levinson and Snow were willing to follow her into this. Their commitment moved her to near tears. Clearing her throat, she blinked back the moisture and refocused her attention on the situation at hand. Rosek: ::pauses:: Frankly? Not really. We have no weapons, so there’s a good chance that, unless the Chin’toka sends back-up, this will be a one-way trip. Snow: :: nods :: I'm with you. Levinson: Response She nodded. At least she had her hand to hand. She’d probably stand a decent chance. Her gaze flickered to Snow. Lephi would likely never forgive her if something happened to the woman. Snow was a decent fighter but was likely no match for energy weapons. It was going to take a hell of a miracle for them to get out of this alive. She sighed, closing her eyes and picturing her fiance and their daughter aboard the Chin’toka, unaware of what she was about to do. The moisture that she’d been fighting back finally spilled over at the thought of being separated from them, even if it was not forever. Not for the first time today, she clutched at the cross around her neck, covered by her uniform, and prayed for protection. God was calling and she was going to answer. Pressing her commbadge to open the line on the off chance that it gave the Chin’toka something to lock onto, she pocketed it and looked in the direction they’d come from. Snow: On your lead, Commander. Levinson: Response Rosek: ::exhales shakily and looks at each one of them in turn:: Ladies, in case this goes south, I--it has been the greatest pleasure serving with you. Without another word, she took off at a run back down the tunnel and into the fray. When they entered the chamber, she grabbed the first Caraadian she saw and disabled him in a matter of seconds. For long moments, others stared in surprise before rushing toward her. Rosek: oO Once more into the fray, dear friends. Oo Snow / Levinson: Responses She disarmed her opponents one by one, scarcely noticing the blows she took as she rendered them unconscious. If she survived this, she was going to be very sore. Any: Responses ((OOC: Didn’t want to leave too many tags here as I don’t know what the other away team and the Chin’toka plan to do.)) ---- Lieutenant Commander Lael Rosek, Eng.D. Chief Engineer USS Chin'toka, NCC-97187 I238110RH0

Thank you, @Mei'konda ,for making us laugh. I throughly enjoyed the read as I know some others did as well. Also, I hope I did this right. Lol (( Inside Tych Manor, Elazar IV )) Kiax: With all due respect, Representative, that doesn’t really seem fair. Surely we should be dealing with a representative from both species governing bodies here? Yourself, and a Mekra’fari. Dagden was just opening his mouth to angrily rebuke Kiax when Serala stepped in. He closed his mouth, and did his best to settle down. This was an uncomfortable situation to be in. Once again, no one in his life would dare question him to this point, not even his own family. It made him angry. It also made him feel afraid, because if this Kiax got upset enough, would she pull some hidden weapon and simply kill him where he sat? He had no idea… but he didn’t doubt that they might have that kind of technology. As Serala spoke, he took the time to settle down. Serala: That’s enough, Commander. We are their guests here and have no right to dictate to them how they govern their world. No matter our own opinions on the matter. Kiax: Aye, Commander. Kiax might not respect him, but at least she quieted down when instructed to by her leader. Drawing in a deep breath, he exhaled it slowly, and glanced toward Azorius when the furred one hastened to speak so that he could further smooth the tensions. Azorius: We mean no disrespect, Representative. We are just accustomed to a different way of life. As you know, we value all species equally and share our ships, our resources, our lives with every member of our crew. Their race, gender and background are irrelevant. It is hard for some of us to understand your ways as it is for you to understand ours. Serala: We have had our share of conflicted opinions about others of different species in our own histories. But we have moved past that kind of attitude, and some take it a bit more personally that others. However, it’s not our place to dictate how your world behaves. All species equal? The notion of idealists, and of aliens who had just visited this planet and who, as far as he could tell, had thankfully not met the Mekra’fari. As much as he wanted to make use of these people and what they had to offer, it was getting difficult to suppress his irritation with them. Zadok: Response Serala: I am curious, however. Why do you view the Mekra’fari in such a negative light? What is it about them that you consider inferior? Our scans seemed to indicate an equal level of development between the two of your species. They really didn’t seem to have any idea. As advanced as they were, Dagden decided to try his best to explain. He slowed his speech and leaned toward Serala a touch, as though explaining a simple concept as best he could to a child. Tych: I don’t view them in a negative light, Commander, I only view them as they are. As they’ve proven themselves to be over centuries of coexistence. Surely you can understand that not all races are intellectually equal to each other. That must be the case, even where you come from. Zadok: Response Kiax / McKnight / Azorius: Response Serala: I am confused. If they are so inferior, how is it they managed to develop along the same technological lines that your own people did? I mean, we have detected a third species on this planet and they are clearly at a more primitive state of development. Perhaps you could explain this for us? So, they’d picked up the Elnazri beneath the surface of the oceans. Dagden once again felt his frustration growing. Tych: General, could you… take this question, please? Zadok: Response Kiax /McKnight / Azorius: Response Serala: Fascinating. So, how does it work then? What is the exact relationship between the Feladoni and the Mekra’fari? Dagden spread his hands out on the table. Tych: Do your people have pets, Lieutenant Commander Serala? Zadok: Response Kiax /McKnight / Azorius: Response Tych: Then it’s very simple. Think of them as… exceptionally intelligent pets. They are usually well behaved, and quite useful. We occasionally allow some of them to work in our businesses. Even the Spacefold complex has some Mekra’fari employees. We share technology with them, hence the… shared technological lines that you mentioned before. Zadok: Response Kiax / McKnight / Azorius: Response Dagden finally shook his head. He felt as though they were going in circles in this conversation, and that it was time he asserted his authority over his own home. And, to an extent, his planet. Tych: Well. In any case, this has been a highly productive meeting, but I feel that perhaps you have questions that I am simply unable to answer. Or… :: He paused, glancing at Kiax. :: that I am going to be judged harshly for answering. Perhaps, then, I should retract my previous statement, and give you my blessing to go and meet some Mekra’fari for yourself. No doubt, an interaction with them will confirm what I’ve told you. Zadok: Response Kiax / McKnight / Azorius: Response =============== Representative Dagden Tych Political Representative overseeing the GSEO (Grand Space Exploration Organization) As Simmed By Aaron / Captain Mei’konda Delano / Lieutenant JG Jamie MacNemar M239002M10