[Unique Quotes in Sims - USS Constitution-B]

Quote

::Nate shrugged, sitting in the chair. He just simply did not understand Nessa sometimes.::

Wilmer: Women... ::He mumbled to himself.:: ....I will never understand them.

::The computer set off a series of processed beeps.::

Computer: Affirmative.

::Nate squinted his eyes and looked at the evil, invasive chair, who could not have possibly understood his statement.::

Wilmer: Oh shut up...

 

The lie detector knows..

[Graduating Class of 239305.11]

Welcome Essime! And welcome Back Nate!

[Graphics Contest - Spring Winners Announcement]

We have our winners for the Spring Graphics Contest 2016!

The theme was "Crossover" and our contestants have shown us their interpretation of the theme. We had great entries and they made it really difficult for us to choose only one winner and one runner up! But here we go, for a last time..

The WINNER of the Spring Graphic Contest is...

Drumroll please!

Raissa Moonsong with her entry "We're still lost!"

And the RUNNER UP of the Spring Graphic Contest is...

More Drumroll!!

Rune Jolara with her entry "Cylon vs. Borg"

Thank you to everyone who entered, it was a really difficult choice!

Congratulations to everyone, you had great entries and it was as always a hard decision. You can get your winner and runner up badges here on the Wiki.

Thank you also to the judges for this round: Shelther Faranster, Nathaniel Wilmer, Maxwell Traenor, Raissa Moonsong and yours truly Jalana Rajel.

Also thank you to everyone who has participated and judged in the last year of the Graphics Contest. Who knows maybe one day in the future we will return. Until then we hope you will stay creative!

 

[Spring Graphics Contest discussion]

Thank you Skyfire!

 

The contest is now closed and results will be posted very soon!

[Lt Gard & Lt Cmdr D'Sena - Just stop...]

(( USS Conny - Corridor))

:: His shift had finally ended. The long drawing day had eaten at Jack's patience and moral. After walking around in the dark, tension and nerves on edge for so long, even the usually calm and collected had a much shorter fuse. He had snapped at her, out of line if looking at rank alone. 

That is what ran through his mind, what he argued and questioned. How much in the wrong was he? Never before was there a necessity to bicker with himself before talking with another. But this woman was different. Making him nervous when she was around, jittery like a schoolboy. 

He cared about her, her safety. She wasn't living for one anymore, her risks affected him and Tabitha greatly... He was wearing a hole in the carpet. With a hearty sigh and solidifying his stance, he fingertips reached for the door. It opened before making contact and he hardened his gaze, stepping just inside.::

Gard: ::calling out sternly.:: Akeelah?

(( Quarters D’Sena ))

:: It had been a long day, longer than anything she remembered in a long time. It wasn’t that it had been a physically challenging shift, but that entity having such an influence on her mind really had had a bad effect on her. Since she was able to sense it, its anger and fury, the loneliness and frustration had been ringing in her mind the whole time, which had been rather draining.

After she had finally finished her shift and returned to her quarters she had taken a long shower and went to her bedroom to just drop on the bed to close her eyes and get a bit of rest, though her mind didn’t stop. She was just considering to meditate, when she heard the door open and Jack call out..She pushed herself off the bed and headed to the doorway. She wore her nightgown and was barefoot as she leaned against it, looking at Jack. :: 

Gard: ::he stepped in, the hiss of the door shutting the two together.:: Can we talk?

:: The mix of emotions swooshing over her was intriguing, she was not even sure she could decipher all of them as they wafted and mingled too close to each other. She knew that if she said no he would leave, but it would break something between them. They had not been together long, but there were a few things that she could sense. Like that this talk was important to him. She gestured to the sofa and walked to the replicator. :: 

D'Sena: Would you like something to drink? 

Gard: ::he eyed her in her gown, she was a tall drink… He shook hiss head and sighed.:: No.

D’Sena: :nodding:: What would you like to talk about?

::Jack let his shoulders sag as he leaned back against the door, arms crossed loosely on his chest. The long day sinking in more in the dimmed lights that were more easy on the eyes then the pitch black or brilliant bright. He watched her, she must have been sleeping and here he was ready to… To talk about what had happened earlier. Like it should have mattered that much. His tongue licked at the back of his teeth drawing his attention.::

Gard: ::flat toned.:: Today.

:: Somehow Akeelah was not surprised. Their little meeting in between had been a little awkward. She got herself a tea and turned around to look at him, still standing at the door. :: 

D’Sena: I assume you speak about our … gathering.

Gard: ::un-moving. He took a deep breath resetting his determination.:: If I was out of line earlier by pressing the issue, I was only out of line in regards to our ranks. ::he tipped his head.:: For that I will apologize. 

D’Sena: ::She nodded slightly.:: You were, and apology accepted. ::Keeping her seemingly un-moving full black eyes on him, she raised the mug with both hands and took a sip of her hot beverage.:: 

Gard: ::locking eyes with her from afar.:: But I did not agree with your decision, either professionally or personally. ::sternly.:: I thought it reckless. ::shaking his head but never looking away from her.:: An unnecessary position to put yourself into.

D’Sena: Acknowledged, though I disagree. 

:: Her voice was still calm, she was used to people not having the same opinion, it was a part of life. She also had known that he hadn’t agreed with what she had done; going to the dark decks to search for the entity. :: 

Gard: ::he tightened his jaw.:: As I thought you would… ::he shook his head some, running his hand down his face.::

D’Sena: Jack, I am a security officer. I was in charge of the department, while Commander Sinda was on the Unity.

::He didn’t disagree with that, by no means. It wasn’t what he had a problem with. Even if it seemed unsafe even for said security officer.::

Gard: That I understand. ::he let her continue.::

D’Sena: We had an intruder and the job of the security department in the case of an intruder is to find that person - or in this case entity - and make sure it won’t harm the crew. That it was hiding out in the dark decks did not change that. 

Gard: You could have gone about it differently. Send others, larger groups. Something. ::he started to pace a little.:: Something that didn't leave you with *one* other person knowing where you were.

D’Sena: You mean like you, who was alone when we met him?

Gard: ::waving his hand.:: Yes I was down there too. Coordinating with others to get power online. I wasn’t searching for something unknown, something living.

D’Sena: Because you are not a security officer. It is my _job_ to hunt something down. 

::He wanted to just come out and say it. Say that he had been terrified that she would get hurt. He had lost the woman he loved in a situation he couldn’t control. He wasn’t ready to let the second one do the same thing. She wasn’t just responsible for her position and duty on the ship anymore. But… Would that be too much to say? Would that scare her away?:: 

Gard: ::frustration touching the edges of his voice.:: Were you aware that after a period of time your phasers would have been drained of power?

:: Now she also got frustrated. Didn’t he understand? She raised her voice just a little. After this day she really didn’t have the strength to stay calm no matter what.:: 

D’Sena: Of course I was. Who do you think I am Jack? I have doing this job for longer than you are alive. I know that this is my job, that it can be dangerous. And it would be even more dangerous for those that are not trained for it. That is why I am here, that is why I do the hunting down. Because I am trained for exactly that. 

::That stung. More than it really should have. But the ages being called into play made him feel more like a child in her eyes. Which left the poor flavor in his mouth. It didn’t bother him that she was, but for her to call him out. Of course he wasn’t doing much better. It just felt a punch below the belt.::

Gard: ::gritting his teeth, he spoke softer.:: You could have been seriously hurt. 

D’Sena: Don’t you think I know that? The life of an officer is that, the possibility of something happening. And I chose to be a Security Officer. It is my calling. I have been a chief for 25 years, And just because I am not the chief any more does not mean that I can sit in an office and twiddle my thumbs. I still have to go out there and protect the crew from any danger. But that means that _I_ have to face that danger so they don’t have to. 

::He didn’t interrupt her, just let her continue from her standpoint. He kept his expression still but the turmoil inside was like a volcano. Everything she said should have been everything he had thought of, the more collected and reasonable side of his brain. Infact it was all things he had brought up to himself. But it fell on deaf ears. Apparently he hadn’t fully accepted her role in his life would be jerked around by her career choice.::

Gard: What if you were killed?. ::though emotions danced just behind his eyes, his voice remained ever sturdy.::

D’Sena: Why is that coming up now? You knew the whole time what my job is and the danger that comes with it! 

Gard: ::his chest weighted down his lungs as he searched for his mental footing.:: That may be your job. ::he found his footing and planted himself there, his voice sharp at the edges.:: But that wasn’t what I saw from you. Driven yes, but it didn’t look professional. It looked personal. 

:: She looked at him through those pitch black eyes, clearly sensing his turmoil. She still had no idea why this was such a big problem to him. She did what she had always done. Her job. Why was he so upset about that? She was quite close to read his mind to cut this whole thing short, but she had told him before, that she preferred to hear things from himself instead of having to dig for them. And she did not want him to have any pain, which would happen if she’d try to read his mind, other than his surface thoughts. He was right, it had not been all professional, it had been personal too, but that did not change that she had done her job. ::

D’Sena: I am not responsible for how things look to you, Jack. Even if it had been, I was on duty and that means I am committed to my job.

Gard: ::he glanced at the floor then at her.:: You have other commitments, ones that require you to stay alive. ::he took a moment to breath.:: If you don’t want to think about me, then at least consider what your actions would do to ::he punctuated the last word, the sound of pain leached out..:: Tabitha.

:: Akeelah almost winced when he said that. Did Jack think so little of her? The cup still in her hand she approached him with leisurely pace. But her insides had begun to boil and it took her a lot to hold it back with that heck of a day she’d been having. :: 

::Jack let the gap close between them, never leaving his place. He made her come to him. Two dominates with such fierce passion about nearly every aspect of life. Some would take their behavior as intimidating or stand-offish. But far from it. They tended to have such rare deep feelings about things.::

D’Sena: I _did_ think about Tabitha. 

Gard: ::he scuffed.:: Where you? ::he was equally to glare at, he too had gone off to focus on his work. But he had been in the area when the power went out. Unlike she, who had entered it. At least as far as he had seen.::

:: That was enough. She slammed the cup down on the small table next to the door and straightened her back, staring Jack deep into his eyes, feeling as if her own were made of liquid fire ready to burn him. :: 

D’Sena: You self righteous… ::She let go of a frustrated grunt.:: Who do you think I am doing all this for, Jack? Do you think I have become a Security officer to protect myself? That would be the wrongest job I could do if that is what I wanted. 

Gard: ::growing defensive, but somehow managing to keep his voice level.:: That is *not* what I said.

D’Sena: ::She ignored what he said and her voice had become a growl.:: Shut it, it’s my turn to blast unfair words into your face. Though I have the feeling that it doesn’t matter since you were not listening to me in the first place. You see your side and nothing else matters. I am doing this job to protect the crew. If you haven’t noticed it by now, but you and Tabitha are part of that crew. 

::He didn’t dispute that, nor discredit her career. It was simply how she had went about doing it! Couldn’t she understand that. The point he so desperately tried to get across before the volcanic eruption of emotions from her. Jack had never seen Akeelah this worked up. He had listened, simply strongly felt it wasn’t handle as it should have. Every hair stood at attention, feeling on edge was not a favored feeling. But she continued, throwing back in his face the very same reason he had come here in the first place.::
 

D'Sena: I went in there out of three reasons. And if you would ask instead of attack me you would know them by now. The first is what I already told you if you have listened to me. The second is that this thing messed with my brain, and I am a pretty trained telepath and empath and if it can do that to me, then imagine what it does with everyone else, let alone children and teenagers! I wanted to see the thing that is powerful enough to do that. And I wanted to get rid of the thing that threatened us all.

::Her voice had risen and she was furious. The wide wild hair, the grinding teeth, flushed face and fire in her eyes would possibly make her look like some angel of war, but she didn’t care. He wanted to know why she had done it, and he would hear it, all of it. He had no idea how much he had insulted her by assuming that she didn’t think about Tabitha, it had hurt as if someone had rammed a spiked knife into her guts. The usual calm exterior had fallen off and showed the rawness beneath.::

::He had managed to be on the losing end of this conversation. It wasn’t her job that was the problem, but what she had done, or rather hadn’t. She didn’t try to keep herself safe and alive. That was what he saw as selfish. She had dived head first into danger to what? Protect? Who would she protect if she was dead? And how could he go on knowing that the only other woman he brought into his life he wasn’t able to protect. The man had an ego, well manicured and trimmed to not get too big, but it was still an ego. And it had been a long time since it had puffed up as big as it was. Only to have it poked at by a stick it felt like. ::

::Jack could see in her face that he went about this wrong. He had asked why it was personal, said his bit. Well he got an answer. He could feel heat rising to his own cheeks. Finally he broke eye contact. He was being a selfish jerk. It had been forever it felt like since he had let his overzealous emotions run away with him. He sucked in air through his teeth and sighed. He chanced a glance at the fire woman with his jaw locked.::

D’Sena: This thing sucked energy out of everyone on board, the crew, which includes you and Tabitha. And if anyone threatens my own… ::The next words came out yelling.:: …   they will pay for that! I will not lose someone I love again, because I didn’t do all I could to save them! 

:: Her breath was heavy and rugged, something had torn down a barrier inside of her and for the first time in a very long time tears broke out of their cage and ran down her cheeks, while she still stood there, tense and shaking, fighting to keep it together. :: 

::He looked at the photo of the two young girls. One unmistakably Akeelah, the other with similar features with a hint of her personality. There were few reasons people kept out such photos of their younger self; nostalgic and loss. Her last statement went to prove what he had already suspected. But those tears, leaving hot trails down her cheeks stabbed him hard. This wasn’t what he had wanted when he came down here.::

Gard: ::barely a whisper.:: Akeelah…. Just stop...

::He closed the gap between them completely by grabbing her hands and pulling her towards him. She might have tried to push away but he was just enough stronger and not so worn to keep her still. Long arms then reached around her, locking her in. His chin rested just atop the wild mop of curly hair. His face reddening from the flood of regret and pain. He dug his middle finger nail under his thumb, the pain putting his attention away from the heat from his face. It hurt in more than one way. A feeling of sincere loss of the mother to his child and the very real chance that he could lose the third girl to steal his heart. He had to fix this, make this right.::

Gard: We’re arguing the same fact. ::sigh.:: Both out of experience. ::he could feel his heart pound in his chest. This wasn’t how it was suppose to go. But that’s what he got for falling for someone equally strong as him.:: I wanted… Needed you to be safe, but there was nothing I could do. I know it is your career. And I accept and support,::softly teasingly.:: Not that you ever needed my approval. ::he took a breath.:: But no matter how much I tell myself that.. It doesn’t seem to make it any easier. 

:: Akeelah’s hands landed flat on his chest as if to fight him off, but he didn’t let her, pulled her closer and made sure, that she wouldn’t pull away, which in all honesty was what she was trying right now. She felt hurt, angry and shattered. A turmoil of emotions like a tornado on her insides, that she hadn’t let out for such a long time, she had forgotten it was there. And then he and his daughter had come into her life and she started to crack, flurries of wind slipping through the gaps and ready to break out at any time. :: 

:: Her feelings were too strong to feel his, somewhere suppressed under her load. She barely heard his words, but he made her listen, didn’t let her go, kept his mouth at her ear to make sure she didn’t miss a word. She remained quiet for a while even after he had finished, tried to make sense of what he had said. She could barely muster a whisper as she finally replied. :: 

D’Sena: You need … to trust me... Jack. 

Gard: I do trust you.

:: It was scary for her how deeply she felt. They hadn’t started dating that long ago, but had spent so much time over the last couple of months. She had been closed up so long, didn’t let people in for so many years, that it was a little overwhelming. She wasn’t even sure how to put into words what she felt, so she didn’t say anything. Instead the bent her head back and tiptoed. Her hands still on Jack’s chest grabbed his uniform shirt and pulled him down, just to lay her lips onto his. :: 

::The weight resting on his chest seemed to have such deep ties to his heart. The movement under him made him pull back some and look into those dark pools. He did trust her, it was never a question about that. At least not that he thought. He let himself be pulled down to her level and let hot lips meet his. But the moment was spoiled by the sound of the buzzer to her quarters. He pulled away letting his forehead rest on hers for a second more.::

Gard: We had better get that.

:: She first hadn’t realized that the strange sound had been the door buzzer and when his lips left hers a gentle whimper came over her lips, wanting to return to his, wishing to get lost in them and forget everything else, to make up for the fight they had. :: 

D’Sena: Do we really have to?

Gard: ::hearing the slight whimper.:: We can continue this part of the conversation later.

:: Akeelah still had her eyes closed, feeling his forehead against hers and brushed her hands over his chest before she leaned her head back and looked up into his eyes. :: 

D’Sena: I’ll hold you to that. :: Turning to the door, she remained standing next to him.:: Come in. 

:: The doors opened and revealed a female officer in a yellow collared uniform, long black hair and a red dot on her forehead. Dark brown eyes looked at them both and Akeelah knew she wanted to speak when a blur headed towards them. :: 

Tabitha: Papa!!! ::tabby giggled as she ran and wrapped her arms around Jack’s leg.::

Kapoor: My apologies for interrupting, but the computer informed me that you are here, Lieutenant. ::She looked to Jack. :: I thought you’d like your daughter back before her bedtime. 

::Jack felt suddenly lightheaded as his breath caught in his throat, eyes darting from the small form clinging giddily to his leg, to the woman standing in the door to the woman standing next to him. His face flushed slightly red around his cheeks and the tips of his ears. Here he was arguing with Akeelah and under the impression that Tabby was safe and sound. He had only just gotten released from duty and came straight here. It was more than a little embarrassing, more like little. Like a little but a lot.::

Gard: Uh- ::His voice caught but only for a second. He was good at covering up and recovering. He cleared his throat.:: Thank you, she wasn't trouble? ::He couldn't help how the woman seemed *light*, like the air around her. Did she know what was going on when taking Tabby around?::

Kapoor: ::Smiling:: She was a very well behaved angiras and enjoyed the best view on the ship. We’ve spent all day watching the stars and nebula through the shuttle bay hatch.

:: In fact they had spent the whole time there, Tabitha never getting tired of it, pointing out shapes and swirls, asking questions and telling stories, a never ending well of talking. So as hard as it might have been to believe, both of them had missed everything that had been going on. The only thing they did experience was the short power outage as they had been in the lift but everything afterwards had been far away enough to not be noticed. So Chandni would not have gotten the idea that Gard or D’Sena could have been worried. :: 

Gard: ::curt nod.:: that's good. Thank you again. ::he said barely flushed, egging Kapoor back out. She had no idea just what she had done.::

Kapoor: No problem at all, Lieutenant, anytime again. 

:: She smiled at both of them, meaning every word. Tabby spent time with her boys sometimes and the boys liked her and Danzia’s daughter. Maybe one day they should have a group play date or something. Well now that she had delivered Tabby at her father, she felt it was time to leave again and give them back their privacy. :: 

Kapoor: I wish you a good evening. Namaste. 

:: She placed her hands onto each other in front of her bowing her head slightly before she stepped back, so the doors could close and headed to her own quarters and family. :: 

:: Akeelah hadn’t said a word the whole time. She had been able to feel Jack’s surprise and fear when he realized that he hadn’t had an idea that his daughter wasn’t safe tucked away as he thought she was. She reached out with her hand, that was so close to his that only a slight movement was necessary to wrap one of her fingers around his pinky. She raised her eyes from the little girl still holding onto his legs, to his eyes exchanging a look. ::

Gard: ::setting his hand on Tabby’s head, willing his frustration down. He sucked air through his teeth.:: I think we should go. It's been a long day.

:: Of course Akeelah did not want him to leave, but with having his daughter back, after just realizing that she had not been where she was supposed to be, the Rodulan understood the need to be alone with her. She was not sure because he had to speak words with her, or because he just needed time alone, but it was not her place to ask. And after their fight Akeelah was still a bit shaken up, and while she would have preferred to not be alone, she could use that time for meditation and some good sleep. :: 

D’Sena: I understand. ::She squeezed his finger with hers.:: 

::The smallest of gestures had the strongest of meanings. He let the slim agile finger wrap around his own finger, it only went to further stabilize his sound thought. She was able to take care of herself, but she would always be small and fragile in his eyes. It was just his way. He moved slowly and planted a quick kiss on Akeelah’s high cheek before pulling his hand away to pick Tabby up and cradle her close, she tucked her head into the crook of his neck..::

Gard: ::looking back at her.:: So, you do love me. ::a coy smile.::

:: Akeelah’s gaze jumped to his. What had he just said? How did he … oh. She remembered what she had said during heer outbreak and she had meant every word of it. Her dark face took a slight reddish tint right where he had placed his kiss. She surely hadn’t planned to blurt it out like that during a fight. They were seeing each other for a few months by now, even if they had just started dating a few days ago. In that time Jack and Tabby both had sneaked into her heart and had gotten really comfy in there. There was no denying and her people really didn’t. They embraced the meeting of souls. A gentle smile danced over her lips. :: 

D’Sena: Looks like I do. 

::Jack eyed the woman, letting what she had just announced sink in. He knew it already though, not through some telepathy or anything. Just Human intuition and his own personal determination to go after what he felt he couldn’t live without. For her to actually admit it though, had an almost surreal feeling, boosting his pride. He opened his mouth, wanting her to actually say those words, only to be cut off by the ever sleepy child in his arms. Perhaps later he would get you to say it. ::

Tabitha: I love you papa! ::pulling back.:: and you too Ah-key-la!

:: Akeelah looked at the little girl, remembering the disappointment and doubt when she had not answered these words in the same way a few months ago. Tabby had believed that Akeelah did not like her and did not want to be her friend, because Akeelah had trouble saying these words so early on. But time had passed. The Rodulan stepped slightly forward and placed a kiss on her forehead. :: 

D’Sena: ::whispering:: And I you. ::She looked to Jack:: Breakfast tomorrow? 

Gard: ::he bowed his head slightly.:: That sounds… ::he looked at Tabby, then Akeelah.:: very nice.

::There was hesitation in his steps as he took Tabby out of the room. They had fought, just to be wrong. It wasn't the worst but surely didn't go to strengthen his argument. At least his daughter had been safe with an officer instead of alone. The day had obviously been long even for the little girl as she laid her head back out, waving to Akeelah as they left her room.::

:: She smiled, she had felt that he had wanted to say it just to be interrupted by his daughter. Just the knowledge made her cheeks flush slightly. As she was alone again, she looked to the raw block of Basotile, considering to meditate. It was possibly a good idea, so she walked over and sat on the floor in front of the Rodulan metal and closed her eyes. But she couldn’t stop smiling. That fight had took a really good turn, and she couldn’t wait for the proper reconciliation. :: 

-------

JP by

Lt Jack Gard
Engineering Officer

Simmed by
Lieutenant Rustyy Hael
Chief Engineer
USS Constitution-B
A239202RH0

&

LtCmdr Akeelah D'Sena
Security Officer

simmed by
Captain Jalana Rajel
Commanding Officer
USS Constitution B
Image Team Facilitator
A238906JL0

 

[Unique Quotes in Sims - USS Constitution-B]

LMAO I actually thought about it, but sadly it does not fit to Akeelah to say it hahaha

[Unique Quotes in Sims - USS Constitution-B]

Quote

"A shard of lethal glass flew in his direction and struck his face and hands."

In itself not very funny, but I sat here thinking "Well it couldn't have been a harmless shard of glass.. had to be lethal." and laughed a little too much

 

 

[Unique Quotes in Sims - USS Constitution-B]

1 hour ago, Hutch said:

Hael smiled like a gibbon looking at a banana.

I can imagine that look perfectly!

LOL Yep even with his face

[Cpt Jalana Rajel - A blast from the past]

(( Big thanks to Jonathan for letting me have a part in this ))

(( Quarters Rajel ))

:: In times like this Jalana preferred to stay in the action, on the bridge or close to whatever department had the best lead. But right now they had old reports, that had not been updated for over a hundred years, mysterious DNA in some encrypted files and data of a nebula that sounded more dangerous than she liked. Before they'd arrive they would have a meeting, but until then she couldn't really do anything. There were too many variables and they still had half a day left until arrival. So Jalana went back to her quarters. ::

:: Upon arrival she slipped out of her boots, grabbed a PADD from her desk, got a cup of Jestral Tea and dropped her butt on the couch. She put up her feet and activated the PADD, which automatically updated itself with her newest messages and reports. With a lazy sweep from bottom to top she began to scroll the headlines and furrowed her brows as she spotted a report marked as Top Secret. A quick tap of the thumb on the headline opened the message and she leaned back, cuddling into her couch and raised her cup to her lips to take a sip as green eyes scanned the text. ::

=/\= REPORT =/\=

[...] finalized, completed documentation of what has become known as the Prometheus Incident as investigated by the Starfleet Sciences & Technologies division. At the conclusion of Operation: Knife Point, S.S.T. has confirmed involvement of Sicarius [...]

:: The tea that had just begun to warm the Trill's mouth suddenly found its way onto the display of the PADD, running over the surface down over her fingers. With a yelp she dropped the PADD and shook her hand to cool it down. Coughing she put the cup down on the table to quickly grab the PADD again without even waiting for the couching fit to be over. That was impossible! Again she read over the lines and there it was again. Sicarius. Her heart beat faster, rapidly like a drum. The report mentioned further information below and without reading anything really she looked for another mention of it and found it after a bit of searching. ::

[...] Knife Point confirmed that Doctor Hans Coulter was the instigator. The lead project manager and also had been an agent of Sicarius, an organization once believed to have died out in the late 2200s. [...]

:: That was it? Nothing else? She hurriedly began to read the whole report, not really interested in all the other details after these shocking news? A side note? That couldn't be all they had on them! It was impossible that they were back. She herself had seen to it. He was dead!

(( Flashback, Trill Private Service, TSS Farel, 2230 ))

:: There he was, all calm and quiet, as if he had all the time in the world instead of being executed in less than a day. She had not seen a single motion from him ever since he had been brought into the cell and sat down on the thin pallet that was his bed. A statue. That kind of statue that had killed millions of people in a purge only he and his followers believed in. Her ocean blue eyes remained on the unmoving body. She had come here to see the man who had killed so many. ::

:: His last stop had been a colony Orgilum IV. Several ships had responded immediately to the distress calls and after he was found to be responsible, Apria had been the one to be put in charge, to make sure he'd arrive in the Klingon Empire for his sentence. She knew that they were helping the Federation with that, which she did not like at all, but this man needed to be punished. It was hard to not take that task upon herself, but she had orders. ::

:: Apria stood just as still, arms crossed in front of her, as if the first to move would lose. The knee long black uniform jacket closed up after covering her throat, so neither the security officer at the door, nor the man inside the cell would see her throat tremble in the immense effort not to scream in fury. She couldn't understand how he could be so calm after ending so many lives. Finally she couldn't stand the quiet any more. ::

Apria Rajel: Why?

:: He slowly turned his head and looked at her with his dead dull eyes, pretending that he had not seen her standing there in the dimmed light of the brig's control room. Silence, but even without words he made her feel uneasy, like she'd be next on his list. He could be considered handsome, if not for these eyes staring at her like the grim reaper on a field trip. ::

Mida Shayzier: Why what, Kezra?

:: His voice, so soft and melodious sent shivers down Apria's spine. There was no surprise that he was able to interpret the 5 bands on her shoulder and fit them to the correct rank. She had taken Command just a few months ago so she was not a full Tezra yet. She pressed her lips onto each other. ::

A. Rajel: You know what Shayzier. Why?

M. Shayzier: It had to be done.

:: She stepped forward, closer to the force field that would hold her back from doing the Klingon's job right here and now. ::

A. Rajel: You just HAD to kill millions of people?

:: He raised from the pallet and stepped forward looking down right into her eyes. Apria forced herself to not step back again, no matter how much her inner alarm screamed to get away from him. ::

M. Shayzier: ::whispering:: They were weak, Kezra.

:: Her ocean blue eyes squinted, as her fingernails dug into the fabric of her uniform covering her elbow. It would be so easy, just lowering the field and he would be hers. It took her everything to remain calm to the outside. ::

A. Rajel: In less than a day you will join them. We will see who'll be weak then.

:: Chills ran down her spine as he smiled, as if she had said the most beautiful compliment in the galaxy. ::

M. Shayzier: You can't stop it. It will come and the weak will cease.

A. Rajel: It?

M. Shayzier: ::He smiled a little more:: You will see. Everyone will see.

:: Apria wondered what he was talking about. Was he threatening them? Did he have something planned that would fall over the galaxy? Did he know about something that nobody else had heard about? Or did he have delusions and there was nothing but the voice in his head to kill? ::

Security Officer: Kezra Rajel, Bridge reports that we are passing the border.

:: As Shayzier pulled up the corner of his mouth she knew that it didn't mean anything good. Did he plan to kill the Klingons as well? Were they followed? She had to get back to the bridge right away. ::

A. Rajel: Thank you. ::She spoke without taking her eyes off him, as if he could possibly reach through the energy field.:: No matter what you have planned you can forget about it, Shayzier. I will hand you to the Klingons and will make sure personally that you can't do any more harm. Enjoy your trip. It's the last you'll have.

:: He still smiled as she turned without another word and left the brig, feeling his dead gaze in her back. ::

(( /Flashback ))

:: And she had done just that. The Klingon Officials had allowed her to be present and she hadn't looked away once when Mida Shayzier had been executed, she still could feel that gaze on her as if he had wanted to make sure that she saw it. She hadn't batted an eye, no matter how cruel it was and when they had been done and his body lifeless, she had approached to feel for a pulse and make sure that he really was dead, just then she had beamed back to the Farel and headed back towards Trill. ::

:: With Shayzier's death Sicarius had been uprooted and destroyed. It was not possible that they were back. Too much time had passed. The few fanatics left must have spread in the whole Galaxy. Jalana remembered fighting a few on Trill in her Cop days as Arien, but those really had no idea what the whole organisation was about, they had been sheep, easily persuaded to stop. ::

:: Jalana dropped the PADD on the table, not in the mood any more to continue reading the reports. To find the Unity and save anyone who could possibly still be alive needed to be on her mind, not a man who was dead for over 160 years. She'd have a meeting tomorrow and needed to be clear and awake. ::

:: She grabbed her tea and headed towards the bed room. Going through that memory, so old that she had forgotten it until now, made her feel uneasy, feeling that tingling in her back as if someone was watching. She stopped at the bedroom door and turned slightly, looking around her quarters. ::

Rajel: Computer, how many people are in my quarters?

Computer: Only Captain Jalana Rajel is in these quarters.

:: She exhaled, even though she had known that before. Shaking her head she turned off the light in the living area and stepped to her bed. She changed into her nightgown, not sure though, if she would really find any sleep tonight. ::

-----

Captain Jalana Rajel
Commanding Officer
USS Constitution B
Image Team Facilitator
A238906JL0

[Unique Quotes in Sims - USS Constitution-B]

Quote

Comm Voice: They are coming... they are coming ...

McLaren: oO I wish they'd get here so this voice would shut up... Oo

I might have laughed a little too much at that

 

[Graduating Class of 239302.02]

Wohoooo welcome to the Fleet!

[Spring Graphic Contest Announcement]

We are proud to present you a new round of the "Starbase 118: Graphic contest".

In this contest we recognize the amazingly talented artists we have among our membership. If you like to be artistic at any level, join in the fun.

Have you ever imagined how it would be to see the TARDIS on the view screen? Or Spaceball's Lonestar's Van would land in your shuttlebay? Sherlock Holmes solves your murder mystery? Merlin hands your CO Excalibur? Or Superman is faster than your ship to save a planet? That and much more you can now imagine and put into your graphics!

This time's theme is "Crossover!" You can literally crossover any other fandom, TV Series, Movie, Roleplay universe with Star Trek and show us the awesomeness of it!

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

• The theme must be included, it's the challenge, in this case you will showcase both fandoms, so don't forget either of them. You can have them visit the Star Trek Universe or the other way around.
• The submitted work has to be done by you. You can use stock images and the like and put them together, but the final work does have your stamp on it.
• Any kind of graphic style is allowed. You can paint, use 3D renders, mix different source images, make collages, animations, draw, manipulate photos, make a video etc. as long as the final work is completely yours.
• Everyone can submit one piece of work
• Please add your name (your primary character which we identify you with) in the lower corner as a signature
• Image size: At least 600*450 pixel and staying in these proportions (either horizontal or vertical, by your choice)
• Submission deadline is April 23rd 2016
• To submit the image, start a new thread in this contest forum, that way we do not have to dig for it

Now of course you might wonder what you have from all this, apart from a lot of fun and being able to show off your artistic side.

• The winner and runner up will receive a badge for his forum signature/Wiki page
• The winners will be announced in the news on the website
• We will build a gallery page of all entries with special featuring of the winners, and display the images on our Deviantart page
• And the winner will also receive an IC surprise, which we don't want to spoil.

Yes, you read that right, winners - plural.

To include everyone, we differ between two categories:

• People: creation of characters, aliens, merging of people with backgrounds, scenes etc.
• World-building: creation of planets, landscapes, ships, galaxy scenes, technology etc.

Each category will have its own winner! If we do not have entries for one of the categories, the other will receive two winners and two runner ups.

Eager to get started? Your mind full of images that want out? Well then ready, set, GO!

Please make sure to use the "Spring" Prefix from the drop down menu when you submit your entry. Thank you

If you have any questions, please post them here. Who knows, someone else might have the same.

[Spring Graphics Contest discussion]

If you have any questions or comments, please leave them here!

[Winter Graphic Contest Winners Announcement!]

We have our winners for the Winter Graphic Contest!!!

The theme was "Mission Holiday - Possible" and our contestants have shown us how Star Trek celebrates the holidays even when our missions do not give us much room for it!

The winners of the Winter Graphic Contest are...

Drumroll please!

Antero Flynn Entry - Your holiday will be assimilated and Toni Turner - Laughing all the way

Our Runner ups are:

Toni Lupo and Chythar Skyfire

Congratulations to all four of you and thank you for participating in the contest. As always it was no easy decision! Antero, Toni, Toni and Chythar you can find your badges here.

Thank you also for our judges, relentlessly breaking their heads about their votes: Selene Faranfey, Maxwell Traenor, Raissa Moonson and myself.

Keep your eyes peeled for the announcement of the theme or our spring round very soon!! Stay creative!

[Winter Graphics Contest discussion]

The Graphic Contest has ended, the results will be shared soon!

[Unique Quotes in Sims - USS Constitution-B]

Ch'Gabor: You must be the....Doctor?

Foster: Who?

This might only be funny for Doctor Who fans, but I don't care. I laughed a little too much LOL

Sometimes I think that DW fans become CMOs only to be able to call themselves "The Doctor" and make "Who?" jokes haha

[Unique Quotes in Sims - USS Constitution-B]

Then again she was a redhead with a shiny new dagger, and if anything spelled trouble it had to be that combination...::

Hael: Hey Doc. ::smirking and shoving food into his mouth.:: Buy ya that drink?

::Good timing, Rustyy. Wyn smiled as his mind switched from Jalana Rajel chasing people down the corridors of the Constitution with a dagger::

I laughed way too much at this! I never thought of the danger of a redhead with a dagger LOL

[LtCmdr D'Sena & Tabitha Gard - Sleepover]

(( USS Constitution - Daycare / School ))

:: The time had finally came for school to be over. Not that there was much in the way of schooling after the ship jostled everyone like a martini. The adults were solome, milling around constantly asking if they were alright. Worry etched in their features as they offered comforting words and coo’s. ::

:: The children, on the other hand, were wound up tighter than a fresh ball of string and bounced around like a spring that had been sent down a flight of steps. Even though they had gotten their fill of bumps and bruises, and the classrooms looked like a massacre of school supplies, energy seemed never ending. In fact it might have grown with the new experience and once the shock wore off. ::

:: Tabitha was one of those children, giggling and creating mayhem in her own little way. But the fun she was having with the other children, as the day came to an end, and one by one the others left. She had kept up her bright and cheerful smile until the last student left, leaving her alone with a few teachers still trying to pick up the pieces. But the day had been long on them as well. Quietly they moved around, mumbling slightly to one another, with worn expressions and exhausted bodies. ::

:: Tabitha needed to see others smile and be cheerful for her own happiness. Her father, Jack, saying it was because she had such a big heart for someone so young. Seeing the dreary faces pulled the corners of her mouth down, hanging her head as she sat quietly at a desk, closest to the door. ::

:: Would Akeelah ever come? She wondered, wrapping her little arms around her chest and pouting. She was hungry by this time, and her father always came to pick her up with a snack to tide her over till dinner. But it wouldn’t be him picking her up, he was too busy. Despite understanding, as much as a 5 year old could, it still hurt. ::

:: But at long last, the doors opened and in walked Akeelah. Tabitha jumped up with such glee, a spring under her butt that made her nearly fly towards the woman, and arms thrown out wide that worked quickly to wrap themselves around Akeelah’s legs. Both in happy embrace and to make sure she couldn’t pull away easily from Tabitha. She rested her head on Akeelah’s upper thigh and looked up to her with large eyes and smile. ::

Tabitha: You’re here! :: She said as if it had been years since she last saw the woman. ::

:: Akeelah had felt guilty for leaving work while they still were in this situation, caught in the past, but at this point there was no direct threat towards ship or crew. There were no alien ships around, no weapons from the planet that could hit them, no criminals who could beam up and enter the ship, so after a short discussion with a colleague, she had been convinced it to be safe enough to go off duty after her shift had ended. Of course under the premise to be called in case she was needed. So Akeelah had made her way directly to the Daycare Center, knowing that Tabitha would already be waiting for her. When she entered she did not have to look around to find the girl, as she had jumped up and run right into her so fast she was merely a blur in Akeelah’s vision. ::

D’Sena: Of course I am. Have you thought I go back on my promise?

Tabitha: :: Pause. :: Well no, but school let out almost 15 minutes ago! :: It was just so inconceivable to Tabitha. Time, that is. ::

D’Sena: I did mention it would take a bit longer than when school is out. ::She reminded the girl and looked down to her, the way she wrapped herself around her legs, as if she wanted to make sure that Akeelah didn’t leave. She could feel that so clear from the girl. :: I won’t be able to walk like that.

:: Reluctantly, Tabitha released the trapped legs, with a frown. A spark flared along with another way to ensure her company, quickly snatching up Akeelah’s fingertips and holding them tightly. ::

Tabitha: Are you ready?

D’Sena: I indeed am. ::She looked at the wrapped up finger. At least Tabby wouldn’t get lost like this. As she raised her eyes she saw that the teacher was looking over, he smiled and nodded to her instead of trying to get her out again, so she assumed Jack had informed him just as he had promised.:: Let us go, Tabitha.

:: She turned and headed to the door, careful not to go too fast for the short legs of the girl. ::

:: Tabby nodded, her rosy cheeks and sparkling eyes gave away all the excitement she kept bottled up. She glanced around and waved at her teacher ‘goodbye’ before stepping out into the corridor. The lights seemed dimmer than in the classrooms and the air more chilled. ::

D’Sena: Are you hungry?

Tabitha: :: Perking up even more.:: Yes! Are you?

D’Sena: I have not had dinner yet, we can eat together in my quarters. Do you need something from home first for your stay?

Tabitha: Um… :: She tapped her free hand on her chin. :: Yes. :: Shhe looked up at Akeelah. :: I need clothes… Toothbrush… *My* b* blankie and…

D’Sena: You can have a toothbrush from me.

Tabitha: But I can’t sleep without my blankie

:: Akeehal was not sure if that was true. A blanket was only an object and objects did not influence how someone would sleep, right? Either way this seemed to be important for Tabby, and it was cold thanks to the reduced life support activity, even in the living quarters. So she nodded.::

D’Sena: Then we will get your blankie.

:: Tabby picked up a slight skip in her walk as she and Akeelah stepped into the nearest turbolift. She stepped off to one side, still clinging to the woman’s fingers. Her tummy rumbled and she patted it, looking down then back up too Akeelah.::

Tabitha: What will we have for a snack?

D’Sena: I thought we could have something from my home planet.

Tabitha: Really? :: She perked up.:: that sounds most yummy. Does the computer make it taste good?

:: With the energy level so low they had to bring down life support, replicating was out of the question. Which was good, Akeelah did not like replicated as much anyway. It wasn’t supposed to taste any different, and pretty sure it was all in her head that it still did. ::

D’Sena: I will cook. If you like and promise to be careful you can help me.


Tabitha: I promise! :: Her voice raised an octave or two.::

:: Akeelah nodded and with the girl at her finger she stepped into the lift to get whatever Tabitha would be needing for the night. ::


(( Quarters D’Sena ))

:: After the quick trip to the Gards’ quarters Akeelah and Tabitha arrived at the Rodulan’s quarters. They were smaller than the family quarters but quite adequate and pleasant in size for her. There were not many personal things around. It looked like standard quarters, with a couple of books, two pictures and a few small basotile statues. ::

:: Tabby smiled in wonder as she glanced around the living quarters. It was just perfect. So clean and neat, everything seemed to have its place. Tabby tried to keep her smile from growing. No wonder her papa liked Akeelah. They were both neat people... Unlike she, herself who preferred things laid out. It made it easy to get or find things. Though her papa would just smile and shake his head at her reasoning.::

D’Sena: You can put your things over there. ::She pointed to an empty spot next to the door.::

Tabitha: O-Tay!

:: Tabby nodded, with blanket and dolls in tow, turning to see where she was directed to leave her things. She laid the blanket down first, then her dolls on top. With a smile and a firm nod she turned back to Akeelah, who had already made her way to the kitchen.::

:: Since they both were hungry, or to quote Tabby ‘starving’, Akeelah headed to the kitchen corner and retrieved the tools and checked on which ingredients she had, while she allowed Tabby to take a look around the quarters. She did not have all she needed right now, but she’d adjust and improvise a little. It would still be like home, but with her own spin.::

D’Sena: I hope you like vegetables.

Tabitha: I love veggies!

:: Tabby clapped her hands together in joy and giddiness. She walked towards where Akeelah stood, stopped for a second and began dragging a chair over to the counter top. ::

Tabitha: And fruits.

:: Tabby pulled the chair as close as she could to the counter top, sticking her tongue out in concentration. She slide her flats off, using the chair to keep her stable.::

Tabitha: Tomatoes I like mosted. :: She smiled as she stood up on the chair.::

:: Akeelah had noticed, that the girl was pulling a chair closer and she let her. In this cold the ship was in - and unfortunately her quarters as well - she preferred to be near a heat source, which the small stove could provide. It had an internal power source, so she wouldn’t strain the ship’s resources. ::

D'Sena: Do you now? Good, because we will have … veggies.

Tabitha: What kind of veg-i-ta-bles are these?

D'Sena: These are vegetables from my home planet, Rodul. And these here… ::She raised a small cone shaped piece in a nightblue shimmering shade.:: … are the closest that we have to tomatoes.


Tabitha: I love to-ma-toes!

:: Akeelah smiled slightly and extended her hand to the girl, so she could take it. ::

:: Tabby took the tomatoes similar food and popped it into her mouth gladly. She smiled and she chewed, very much pleased with the flavor. It was slightly different. But to her it was just a different type of tomato.::

D’Sena: And?

Tabitha: Yummy! :: She threw her hands up.:: Are they real?

D’Sena: Yes, they are fresh. I am not very fond of replicators. I receive fresh ingredients during shore leaves or with the help of the botanist.

Tabitha: Someone grows these? On the ship?

:: It was awe in Tabby's eyes. She had never stopped to consider someone might actually grow real food on a star ship. She was always tickled to learn knew things.::

D’Sena: She grows fresh vegetables as per request, if she has room for it.

Tabitha: ::Giggled.:: that is am-a-zing! ::Paused.:: What can I do? :: She looked down at the counter top.::

:: Akeelah made sure to be between Tabby and the stove, so the girl could not burn herself and wondered how she could help. ::

D’Sena: Have you cut vegetables before?

Tabitha: Yes! :: She clapped her hands together.::

D'Sena: Good then you know, that you need to pay close attention to the blade, so you won’t cut yourself. Keep your fingers away from the sharp edge and cut on a steady surface, like this here. ::She patted the counter::

:: Tabby bit down on her bottom lip in concentration. Listening closely to Akeelah. Her papa often reminded her of safety first.::

Tabitha: What is this?

:: Tabby held up a soft green veggie that was long and narrow. It resembled a green bean but with blueish spots all over it. ::

D'Sena: This is called a Taruk. It is slightly bitter, but when you bite on the blue spots, it becomes sweet.

Tabitha: Can I cut it?

D'Sena: ::Thinking about that for a moment she finally nodded.:: Alright. You cut them once along the long side so you have two halves and then once in the middle of the short side to make it 4 pieces. Got it?

Tabitha: Okay! I can do that. :: She giggled.::

:: Akeelah smiled and for a moment she watched Tabby. Not only to make sure that she didn’t hurt herself but also because the enthusiasm about helping during cooking preparation reminded her so much about herself and her little sister. Before she could dive too far into the memories she pulled a piece of poultry from the cooling unit and cut it into small pieces. She then mixed spices and herbs with some oil and began to pour the mix over the meat, digging with her hands into the bowl to cover the pieces evenly. ::

:: Tabby’s little tongue stuck out of her mouth and her eyes fixated on cutting the veggie. Her determination to cut everything as exactly as she could caused her to be slow. Down the middle and then again. One down! Tabby set the four pieces aside, lining them up side by side. The lengths were close but not exact and Tabby frowned. Grabbing a second one, she focused even harder but much to her dismay they two were uneven, and longer than the first one she cut. She looked to Akeelah.::

Tabitha: Am I do-ing o-kay?

D’Sena: You are doing very well. I still have some dough left from last time, so I will be doing some pasta for us and we are going to put everything together with a lovely sauce.

:: Tabby beamed, despite the uneven cuts she was still doing good. She thought for minute about what they might be making. Something with pasta? She frowned slightly, thinking. ::

Tabitha: Pasta? That is not from your home, right? :: It was half statement and half question. ::

D’Sena: ::smiling:: .oO Smart kid Oo. No, pasta is not from Rodul, but I do not have the ingredients for original Rodulan noodles, so these will have to do.

Tabitha: :: Smiling.:: O-tay!

D’Sena: When you are done with these, you can set the table. This won’t take long.

:: Tabby reached for the sixth veggie and continued to cut length ways and then width ways. She nodded pleasantly. Oh how she very much enjoyed having helpful things to do. It made her feel like she was useful and right in the middle of things. ::

Tabitha: I can do that… ::Paused.:: Just for two? :: There was slight hope in the undertones of her voice, hope that the answer would be three.::

:: The hope didn’t get past Akeelah and she could understand the girl. Of course she hoped her father would be here. But with the state the ship was in, that wasn’t likely. ::

D’Sena: Yes, two.

:: Tabby set down the knife delicately, on the opposite side from her, and hopped down off her chair. She snatched a Taruk that was uncut and bit into it as she followed where Akeelah pointed for the dishes. The veggie was indeed bitter and yet almost bland until the sweet stepped in, making the veggie taste more like a sweet pea. She smiled. She retrieved two of everything. Two plates, bowls, cups, knives, little forks and big, little spoons and big, tea cups and tea plates and carried them out to the table two by two. ::

:: Akeelah showed her where to find the cutlery and dishes, before returning to the pasta. That went rather quick as she tore small pieces off the dough and as she was done with enough of that, she poured them in boiling water. While that cooked she began to stir-fry the meat and the scent of spices and oil combined with the meat began to fill the whole room. The vegetables were steaming in another pot and the Rodulan was pleased when everything came together and finished at the same time. Quickly she gave everything into a big bowl and from the juices she made a quick sauce with some lovely cream and put that into another vessel. Carefully she brought both into the dining part of the quarters, noticing that Tabby had set the table nicely and was now looking around a bit. ::

:: Tabby filled the table with dishes, much like what she does with her dolls’ tea parties. It was fancy like to her. But with the table set, she took the chance to look around the room. ::

D’Sena: Dinner is ready.

Tabitha: Are you married? :: She turned asking innocently enough. ::

:: Akeelah’s eyebrow raised slightly at the question, taken off guard by it. Her people didn’t marry, they did not believe in the artificial binding together of people. They followed the natural flow, things began, things ended, it was not assumed that relationships held forever, especially not with their prolonged lifespan. ::

D’Sena: No, I am not. Why do you ask?

Tabitha: :: Shrugged.:: Well, :: She spoke walking back to the table. :: Some of the ol-der kids talked a-bout people with lots of love-rs.

D’Sena: Ah, but not all lovers get married. ::Just as she said that, she wondered if that might be a wrong subject for a chat with a child.::

Tabitha: :: Thoughtfully.:: Papa says that people that love, get marr-ied.

D’Sena: You father is correct. On Earth or in other cultures many people who love each other get married. But not everyone does. Come on sit down.

:: Tabby sat down at the table and smiled. The food smelled very good and she was excited to try something new, even though some of it was familiar. She watched intently as Akeelah served the food. ::

:: The Rodulan began to fill the plates with the pasta, covering it with the sauce and topping it with a piece of meat. As she put the tool down again she looked over the table and then realized something was missing.::

D’Sena: What would you like to drink?

Tabitha: Milk please!

:: Tabby sat quietly waiting for Akeelah before tasting the food. She nodded her thanks when the woman placed a glass of milk in front of her. After Akeelah sat down Tabby asked something. She was sure she knew the answer but truly wished to know for sure. ::

Tabitha: Do you love Papa?

:: Akeelah had just sat down and was in the progress of taking a sip from her glass when Tabby asked her question. The water got stuck in her throat as her heart skipped a beat, just like in those moments when you thought someone caught you in the act of doing something naughty. She coughed and patted her hand on her chest. ::

D’Sena: What? ::some more coughing::

Tabitha: :: Giggled. :: Do. You. Love… Papa?!?

:: Tabby giggled as she dove into the food. It was very yummy! Tabby enjoyed working with Akeelah to make the food. It would make sense that she would be able to do so if Akeelah and Papa lived together. It was an exciting thought!. ::

D’Sena: How do you get that idea? .oO You are evading the answer Oo.

:: Tabby covered her mouth as she giggled, curling up into half a ball. Why wouldn’t she think that? Her innocent view of love, she loved Papa and Akeelah and she knew Papa loved her. So, to Tabby, it just seemed to complete the circle. ::

Tabitha: :: Bit her lower lip. Shrugged.:: Be-cause, you spend time to-geth-er and seem happy. You smile when you are with us. So? Do you?

:: Akeelah stared at the young girl. What was she supposed to say? Love? Did she? No that couldn’t be, they didn’t know each other well enough for that. She believed that love developed over time the more people got to know each other. But granted, she had spent quite some time with Jack and Tabitha. Her cheeks began to warm up, still trying to give an answer, realising that she tried to answer with her head, with logic and rules, instead of her heart. ::

D’Sena: I… I ddon’t know, Tabitha. I… .oO You coward. - I’m not a coward I just don’t know. - You keep telling yourself that. Oo. ... like him. Very much. But love takes time.

Tabitha: Nuh uh! :: She lightly protested.:: The stories Papa tells, says love is like a shooting star. Happens all the time and all in a blink of an eye.

D’Sena: ::tilting her head:: That easy, huh?

Tabitha: Yes! :: she threw her arms up. Her face dropped.:: Does that mean…

D’Sena: ::She sensed the vulnerability of the little girl, a glimpse of fear and she softened her voice. :: Mean what?

Tabitha: Well… :: She tapped her toes together and looked at the flloor.:: I-I love you. Does that mean you do-not love me?

:: Akeelah stared at the young girl, who had looked behind her exterior from the first moment they had met. She had looked past the rules, the stern face, the fully black eyes others found so creepy, and had given her unconditional love. And here she said afraid that Akeelah didn’t love her back. ::

:: It wasn’t that Akeelah didn’t. But it was true that she held back. The last time she had loved, really really loved someone had been such a long time ago... ::


(( Flashback ))

:: It was one of those nights, when the starry sky was lit brightly, twinkling and whispering promises of far-away worlds. Akeelah loved sitting on the small hill behind the house and look up, dream of what would be out there. Not many of her people left Rodul, but she kept thinking about it. Not only because of the beauty of it, but to help fight back against those who had tortured her people. But tonight was not the time to think of that. Tonight she was not alone here. ::

Jenia: Do you think we can travel the stars, Keelah?

:: With a smile she wrapped her arm around her little sister’s shoulder and pulled her closer. Jenia was almost 10, Akeelah almost 25, mere children compared to their lifespan. ::

Akeelah: Of course. We can do anything we want.

Jenia: ::grinning:: Anything? Even grow wings and fly?

Akeelah: ::laughing:: If you work hard on figuring out how to do that, I’m sure you will.

:: The little girl wrapped her arms around her sister’s waist and squeezed her tightly. ::

Jenia: I love you Keelah.

Akeelah: ::She tilt her head and placed a kiss on the curly dark hair:: I love you too, Nia.

(( /Flashback ))


:: Tabby took notice of the sudden quietness of the room. She had the feeling that it was her fault. Pushing the chair back from the table and shoveling one more, big bite into her mouth, Tabby walked over to Akeelah and pushed her way onto the woman’s lap. Different cultures, her Papa had taught her where different, plain and simple. Some ways they were similar, but you should never pressure another into agreement with your own ways. ::

Tabitha: I sorry… :: She wwrapped her arms around Akeelah’s neck.:: I am.. :: She thought of a good neutral word.:: happy we are friends.

D’Sena: ::Without thinking, she wrapped her arms around the little girl and kissed the side of her head, right on top of the dark hair as she whispered.:: Me too, sweetie.

Tabitha: So! :; Her enthusiasm returned.:: What are we going to do after dinner?

D’Sena: :: Akeelah was not sure if she could keep up with the sudden changes Tabby went through, but she tried.:: What do you want to do?

Tabitha: Could we build a fort!

D’Sena: A fort?

Tabitha: Oh please! :: She clapped her hands together.:: We can build it and play with dolls and tell stories.. :: She inhaled sharply. ::

D’Sena: Mhmmm, and then?

Tabitha: We could sleep in it!

:: Tabby jumped down and bounced on her toes in front of Akeelah, her hands folded in front of her. A wide smile upon her face and the conversation from second ago long gone. ::

:: Seeing the girl so excited, feeling the dark thoughts that had been hanging around in her head vanish in smoke pleased her. She didn’t want her to doubt and feel this pain at such a young age. How could she not give in when Tabby was reacting to the mere thought of this fort. ::

D’Sena: Well then, a fort it is. But now eat up.

Tabitha: Oh-Kay. :: Tabby went back to her own chair and gladly became eating again.::

:: After they had devoured their dinner, and just in case left something for Jack - because who knew he might be hungry after all the work he had to do - Akeelah and Tabby began to collect blankets, pillows and other materials they could turn into their magical fort. They had taken apart the bed and half the couch, pushed together the single seaters and this fort was slowly turning into a castle. Both of them stood in front of it, Akeelah had her hands on her hips. ::

D’Sena: What do you think?

:: Tabby smiled, folding her hand up to her mouth as her dazzling gaze and vivid imagine nation took over. It was an enormous castle, with tall towers to see across the land. A towering door that opened up at the end of a bridge. The bridge went across a moat that surrounded the castle to keep the princess and queen safe. It was one of the biggest castle Tabby had ever built. ::

Tabitha: I love it! :: Paused. She spoke seriously:: We should name it.

D’Sena: Good idea, would you do the honors?

:: Tabby nodded and thought. What would be a good name? She usually just called her castles, Castle Gard. But with Akeelah she wanted it to be something else, something special. Castle… Girl power. oO No Oo Casstle… She smiled ::

Tabitha: I dub thee, :: She tapped the entrance of the “castle.”:: Castle Friend-ship :: She turned and smiled at Akeelah. ::

D’Sena: ::clapping into her hands:: A lovely name. All that is missing now, is getting into our pajamas.

Tabitha: Oh tay!

:: Tabby ran over to grab all of her things. Her dolls, blanket, jammies and cloths for tomorrow, and her tooth brush. She pushed her dolls under the canopy they were using for the roof of the castle and held up her onesie pick princess jammies. ::

Tabitha: Do you have jammies like these?

D’Sena: Not like these, but they are still pretty.

Tabitha: :: She giggled.:: Where should I change?

D’Sena: ::She had not thought about that and considered the options for a moment.:: Come with me.

:: She went with the girl to the bathroom, she’d have the chance to wash and change in privacy here. ::

D’Sena: You can prepare here. I’ll be in my bedroom.

:: Tabby followed Akeelah into the washroom, setting her toothbrush on the sink’s edge. She nodded to her and once alone changed quickly. She didn’t want to lose any time playing in the fort they had just built. When she emerged she ran to the castle and crawled in. ::

Tabitha: :: Poking her head out.:: Come on Ah-key-la!

:: Akeelah was just finishing to change. She did not really have pajamas like Tabitha wore, she preferred nightgowns. But with their castle, she could pretend to be a princess in it. The thought made her giggle, something she hadn’t done in ages. ::

D’Sena: I’m coming, I’m coming. ::She called out and left the bedroom in direction of the castle, but before she could crawl in Tabitha seemed to have remembered something. ::

Tabitha: Oh wait!

D’Sena: What is it?

Tabitha: We need pop-corn! :: She threw her hands into the air.:: To eat while telling stories of course.

D’Sena: ::blinking:: Of course, your highness.

::She smirked as she turned on her heels. She didn’t have popcorn, so since they had been good in saving energy, she allowed herself to replicate some popcorn for them. With the bowl she finally crawled into the fort which was surprisingly big. She didn’t have to crouch and could sit up straight. ::

:: Tabby giggled at being called ‘your highness’. She crawled back under the fort and sat on the far side, leaving plenty of room for Akeelah. She closed her eyes and smelled the buttery scent of popcorn filling the air. ::

Tabitha: Yay! :: She threw her hands up.::

:: While building the fort they had also put some light-cubes with their own light source inside, so it was not dark, and the confined space with two bodies would also not be too cold. The walls out of pillows and parts of the bed and sofa were thick enough to block the chill out. That was all she cared about: making sure that Tabby was alright. ::

D’Sena: So what kind of stories do you want to tell?

Tabitha: Princess ones!. :: Giggle.:: Of course.

D’Sena: ::sinking a hand into the popcorn she took a good portion out:: Well then, I would love to hear one of your stories. Will you tell me one?

:: Tabby leaned over and took a small handful of popcorn and set it in her lap. She loved listening to stories as much as she loved telling them. Though hers usually came from books filled with old fables. ::

Tabitha: Have you ev-r heard the story of re-pun-zle?

D’Sena: ::Shaking her head:: No, I have not. ::She did not really know stories. She had heard of princesses of course, but she did not recall the details, having heard them over 50 years ago. But she did not know of Terran princesses. ::

Tabitha: :: Clapping her hands.:: It is one of my fav-or-ites.

D’Sena: Well then, I can’t wait to hear it.

:: Tabby ate a few pieces while she thought. She wanted to tell the best story. It was one she knew well, but something about *how* she was going to tell it was important. Her papa would create such awe with just his voice. It was important that she did well for Akeelah. ::

Tabitha: :: In a slower voice.:: Once upon a time. :: Dramatic pause.:: There was a pretty princess. With the prettiest-es of hair. :: She reached over and rub Akeelah’s curly hair. :: Every-one in the world wanted to look at her hair. :: She sat back down.:: Her name was Re-pun-zle. :: She finished excitedly.::

D’Sena: What a lovely name.

Tabitha: I am not done yet.

D’Sena: Well then, continue with the story of Re… what was it again?

Tabitha: :: Giggling.:: Re-pun-zle, ::She continued in her best story teller voice.:: had a mean guard-i-an, who did not want any-one to look at the pretty hair. So she built a biggest-es of towers and locked the poor princess away. For a long time, ::She waved her hands for effect.:: She stayed up there. :: Perking up.:: Untill! :: She paused.::

:: It was adorable how Tabby went deep into the story, changed her voice, gesticulated and mimicked. It was a joy to watch and listen to and Akeelah tried to follow the example, feeling a little silly, but at least she wasn’t alone doing it. She widened her fully black eyes and stared at the girl, holding her breath.::

D’Sena: Until what?

:: In Tabby's little mind, and big heart, all of Akeelahs actions only encouraged her more. She beamed, believing she told stories as well as her papa and had the woman enthralled in her skills. Of course it was one of her favorite stories and her own happiness blinded her of anything else around. There were no problems with the ship, no sadness of those not present. Simply pure childish joy.::

Tabitha: A prince a-rrived!

D’Sena: Nooooooo, a prince?

Tabitha: Oh yes! Had he fell in love at first sight.

D’Sena: Oh my, how did he get up into the biggest of towers?

Tabitha: Well. :: Dramatic pause.:: He yelled up to re-pun-zle, ::she created a hand mega phone but kept her voice down... Slightly... As well as she could.::, "Re-pun-zle, re-pun-zle! :: Yawn.:: Throw down your long hair!" And she did. He climbed all the way up.

D’Sena: ::Forming an O with her mouth she placed a hand in front of it, as if in shock.:: Oh no, did the guardian see him?

Tabitha: Oh no, but Re-pun-zle had to cut off her long locks ::yawn.:: so they both could climb down and live happily ever after. :: she smile sleepily.::

:: Tabby had finished her story, all the way up until her eyes were heavy and the yawning never ceased. She laid her head down on Akeelah's legs, pulling her blanket in close. Her eyelids closed in mere seconds and sleep was upon her.::

:: Akeelah had known that she’d fall asleep really soon, once the yawning had started. Now that Tabby’s head rested on her lap, she gently brushed through the girl’s hair, smiling at how sweet and peaceful she looked, still a light smile on her lips from telling her most favourite story. ::

Rajel: =/\= Rajel to the Crew. =/\=

:: Akeelah winced and placed her hand gently over Tabby’s ear, so she wouldn’t wake. But to her surprise the girl didn’t even stir. ::

Rajel: =/\= We will have the night to get everything ready for departure. As soon as we see that things are in order on Earth, I want us to be ready to head home. So everyone help where they can, even if it is not your department. Those don't matter if we are stuck here. Great work on keeping the ship together so far, let's keep it up! Rajel out. =/\=

:: A brief red alert sounded but was silenced immediately. Usually that meant that Akeelah would have to leave and get to Security, ready for anything. But tonight her duty consisted of taking care of Tabitha. She wouldn’t leave even for a minute, but she would have to make a few preparations. Carefully she placed Tabby’s head on a pillow and climbed out of the fort. ::

:: She grabbed a piece of paper and a pen and placed the paper on the big table, before she thought about what to write as a note for Jack. Her first thought was to write ‘Dear Jack’ but it sounded so intimate and she didn’t even know if he felt anything like that. To simply write ‘Jack’ sounded impersonal. She sighed and shook her head about her thoughts and finally wrote. ‘Leftovers are in the kitchen, enjoy. Akeelah’. Then she told the computer to add Jack to the access list, so he could simply enter, without having to wake them. ::

:: A smile danced over her lips as she did that, though the moment she caught it it vanished again. Tabby’s question ghosted her mind, and again she pushed away the answer, a pang of fear crawling up her neck. Pushing the thought away she went back to the fort. It had started to become warmer, so she removed the ‘roof’ of it, otherwise it would have been too stuffy inside. ::

:: Carefully she stepped over the pillows and blankets and laid down in the fort, using a cushion under her head and slipped an arm under Tabitha, pulling her a bit closer. Before she knew it the girl cuddled herself into her. Akeelah relaxed, holding the girl carefully in her arm until she drifted into sleep herself. ::


((Timeskip - Outside Akeelah’s Personal Quarters))

:: No one knew the exact time, only that it was late. No one knew how long they had burned the lamps, only that it had been too long. With the return of the engineering chief something, rather than bits here and there, were finally put into motion. A goal and white light blinked in the distance. And finally engineers were sent away to get what little rest they could. ::

:: Jack was one of the last to leave. He felt responsible for getting done all that he could, but the lack of food and rest impaired him greatly. So with last call, he left engineering and now stood just outside Akeelah’s room, leaning against the back wall. They had such little time to work out a plan and it gnawed at him. The last thing he wanted to do was wake them. ::

:: Rubbing his burning eyes, Jack walked up to the door. He would have jumped if not so tired, when the door opened automatically. A little smile, almost knowing. Of course she would be prepared and think ahead. The room was darker, but the light from the stars made it easy to see around. ::

:: His heart warmed at the sight. Two girls, tucked together in the makeshift fort. Popcorn and Tabby’s dolls scattered around. He wasn’t going to move them now, having planned to take Tabby back to their own quarters. He stepped in far enough to let the door close and looked around. With the exception of the current state, Jack was sure the room was kept cleaned and organized. The second thing he noticed was a picture frame, sitting all alone. Instinctively, he wouldn’t have looked. But a bit of curiosity of the woman he was spending a great deal of time with, made him look. It was of two girls, one undoubtedly Akeelah and the other… Looked similar. He moved quietly around the room, stumbling across the handwritten note. ::

:: She really did think ahead. It was welcomed to someone who also thought and planned and organized. He had enough troubles with Rustyy to know he could breath and not be as uptight when around her. He grabbed his plate and ate it in a hurry, not realizing just how hungry he was. ::

:: Afterwards, he moved back to the girls and the fort. Kneeling down, he kissed Tabby on the forehead. And of course no movement came. She slept like the dead. He moved to Akeelah, bringing his face close to hers. Then pulled back. The last thing he wanted to do was wake her. He moved to the only bit of the couch still left intact and half laid half sat up. Wrapping his arms across his chest and falling asleep quickly to one of the happiest moments he’s had for a long time. ::

----

Tabitha & Lieutenant Jack Gard
Child & Engineer

Simmed by

Lt JG Rustyy Hael
Chief Engineer
USS Constitution-B
A239202RH0

&

LtCmdr Akeelah D'Sena
Security Officer
USS Constitution-B

simmed by

Captain Jalana Rajel
Commanding Officer
USS Constitution B
Image Team Facilitator
A238906JL0

[Winter Graphics Contest discussion]

There are no graphics in it at all. I am sorry to say I have no idea what it could be :/

While it will be in the news I'll copy paste it here just in case

The theme of this round will be fitting for the time that is upon us. Holidays! But not just plain holidays, that wouldn't be a challenge, right?

The holidays are not waiting until missions are over, until you are out of the battle field, back in your own time, away from tensions and political squabbles. Holidays will come no matter where and when you are or who you are with! But you still want to celebrate so show us how. How would you celebrate if you are in the middle of a mission and have none of the traditional options are available?

"Mission Holiday - Possible" Is our theme this time! Get your creative thinking hats on, and show us, how you or your character would celebrate!

[Winter Graphics Contest discussion]

I checked and had someone test it, they can access it. Could you try again please?

[Winter Graphic Contest Announcement]

We are proud to present you a new round of the "Starbase 118: Graphic contest".

In this contest we recognize the amazingly talented artists we have among our membership. If you like to be artistic at any level, join in the fun.

The theme of this round will be fitting for the time that is upon us. Holidays! But not just plain holidays, that wouldn't be a challenge, right?

The holidays are not waiting until missions are over, until you are out of the battle field, back in your own time, away from tensions and political squabbles. Holidays will come no matter where and when you are or who you are with! But you still want to celebrate so show us how. How would you celebrate if you are in the middle of a mission and have none of the traditional options are available?

"Mission Holiday - Possible" Is our theme this time! Get your creative thinking hats on, and show us, how you or your character would celebrate!

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

• The theme must be included, it's the challenge
• The submitted work has to be done by you. You can use stock images and the like and put them together, but the final work does have your stamp on it.
• Any kind of graphic style is allowed. You can paint, use 3D renders, mix different source images, make collages, animations, draw, manipulate photos, make a video etc. as long as the final work is completely yours.
• Everyone can submit one piece of work
• The image must be within the Star Trek Universe, how you show that is on you.
• Please add your name (your primary character which we identify you with) in the lower corner as a signature
• Image size: At least 600*450 pixel and staying in these proportions (either horizontal or vertical, by your choice)
• Submission deadline is January 22nd 2016
• To submit the image, start a new thread in this contest forum, that way we do not have to dig for it

Now of course you might wonder what you have from all this, apart from a lot of fun and being able to show off your artistic side.

• The winner and runner up will receive a badge for his forum signature/Wiki page
• The winners will be announced in the news on the website
• We will build a gallery page of all entries with special featuring of the winners, and display the images on our Deviantart page
• And the winner will also receive an IC surprise, which we don't want to spoil.

Yes, you read that right, winners - plural.

To include everyone, we differ between two categories:

• People: creation of characters, aliens, merging of people with backgrounds, scenes etc.
• World-building: creation of planets, landscapes, ships, galaxy scenes, technology etc.

Each category will have its own winner! If we do not have entries for one of the categories, the other will receive two winners and two runner ups.

Eager to get started? Your mind full of images that want out? Well then ready, set, GO!

Please make sure to use the "Winter" Prefix from the drop down menu when you submit your entry. Thank you

If you have any questions, please post them here. Who knows, someone else might have the same.

[Winter Graphics Contest discussion]

If you have any questions or comments, please leave them here!

[Star Trek's Return to TV?]

Yeah, I just read this too and while my initial reaction was like "OMG YESSSS!" it went all down when I saw who will make it. I HOPE that they won't make this an action series, but actual Star Trek worthy.

[HALLOWEEN Graphic Contest - And the winner is....]

We hope that everyone had a fantastic Halloween! We had two really great entries for our Halloween Graphic Contest and to choose who would be Mad Queen and who would be chosen Mad Princess was not easy, but we have found our winner!

Drumroll please! *Opens the envelope*

The winner of this year's Halloween Graphic Contest, and with that crowned Mad King/Queen is...

Rune Jolara with her entry "Monster Trek"

That makes

Toni Lupo with her entry "Growing" our Mad Prince/Princess.

((Whichever title you prefer for yourself ))

Either way you will receive your special Halloween badges in respective Gold and Silver, and can grab them on the Graphic Contest Wiki page.

Congratulations Rune and Toni and thank you for joining the fun!

Thank you to our judges Selene Faranfey, Tyler Kelly, Raissa Moonsong and Maxwell Traenor

Keep your eyes open for the start of the next Graphic Contest round very soon!

[HALLOWEEN Graphic Contest]

The contest has ended, results will be posted soon.