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Jalana

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  1. (( Starbase 11 - Banquet Hall )) :: It was a cloudy night. The light from the gas giant they orbited caused the clouds to glow, offering an almost supernatural illumination to the Starbase streets and thoroughfares. Essen stashed her duffel bag in a handy flower bed before approaching the banquet hall. The big double doors were open, bright light and noise cutting through the otherwise alien evening. She distractedly ran a grey hand through her black hair before stepping through the doors into the room beyond. Crew members from across the Conny were mixed with an eclectic assortment of what she assumed were family members. There was laughter here and there, but mostly she had the sensation that the mood was a little subdued. Glancing around she spotted familiar faces and almost immediately regretted coming - she should have stuck with her original plan, sneak off without anyone noticing and be back before the Conny needed to depart. :: :: Sol was sitting at a table with her parents when she noticed Essen enter. She excused herself and approached, leaving her parents at the table. She wasn't going to subject Essen to them just yet. :: McLaren: Hey, Ess... :: Essen gave a guilty start. Sol frowned as Essen jumped, clearly having not meant to startle her. :: McLaren: I didn’t mean to startle you... Sinda: Sorry, Sol, you made me jump. Guess I wasn’t paying enough attention. McLaren: Everything ok? oO What a stupid question Sol… Oo Sinda: I just… have a lot on my mind at the moment. I needed a bit of space. :: Sol considered the other woman’s face quietly, seeing the creases of thought she was trying to hide. Sol frowned again. :: McLaren: I’ll say… you look like you have the weight of the world resting on your shoulders… and something equally important occupying your mind. < Sinda: Several worlds, really. That obvious? :: Sol smiled faintly. This would be the time where anyone else probably would have said “I'm not stupid you know” but Sol was A. far more polite than that and B. liked Essen way to much to ever be that condescending to her. :: McLaren: :: she smiled, laughing :: I’d be a pretty poor intelligence officer if I wasn't at least a little observant. :: Sol looked back into the banquet hall and then gently pulled Essen out into the planetlight outside the banquet hall. She found them a bench where they could talk a little more privately and sat on it, leaving space for Essen. :: McLaren: Ess… whats up? I want to help you if I can. :: her voice was light, annd she spoke quietly. :: :: Sol didn't want to pry, but seeing her friend this troubled worried her. :: Sinda: Something happened earlier, it’s probably nothing. :: Ess hesitated, not wanting to say too much. As Solaris had already pointed out, she was an intelligence officer after all, and very good at piecing things together. :: Sinda: Just something that’s got me thinking about a lot of old stuff. :: Sol was passive, she knew Essen wasn’t exactly the most open person and didn't want to rush her. She gently took one of Essen’s hands and kissed the top of it. :: McLaren: I don't want to pry, Ess, but I really do want to help. :: she smiled. :: :: Ess pulled her hand away and stood abruptly. :: Sinda: I know you do, Sol, and that’s the problem! People don’t help me, ever, and it’s messing with my head! I care about you, too, which is why I can’t drag you into something that could get you hurt, not again. McLaren: :: with a slightly confused look :: Ess… I knew what I was signing up for when I enrolled at the Academy. Space isn’t someplace that's all kittens and rainbows… I';m bound to be hurt, it comes with the job. Sinda: It’s not just the physical wounds, Sol. Let’s face it, I’m not a good person. Everything I touch turns to ash. Stick with me and I’m going to rip out your heart sooner or later, and the longer we stay together the more that’s going to hurt. ::she gave Sol a pleading look:: I don’t want to, believe me, but it’s who I am, it’s in my nature. McLaren: :: she sighed :: I've seen no evidence that you're a bad person… you clearly care about the people on the crew, otherwise yoou wouldn't have rushed off to save them back on that Suliban planet. Bad people don't care about others. oO Something I've noticed rather first hand… Oo You only think you're a bad person because otherrs keep letting you think that... :: Ess bit her lip. She’d let her guard down with Solaris, let her mask slip. For the first time in years, someone had gotten close to her, and she’d been happy. But that scared Essen - as much as she wanted a normal relationship, experience told her it would only end in sorrow. So it was better to run from it now. :: Sinda: I… need some space. :: Sol took a moment to decide what to say. If she let Essen go now that might be the end of it. She shook her head, standing. :: McLaren: No… Everything you've said… even your posture... tellslls me that If I let you walk away… that's probably it. I can';t do that Essen, Im not letting this… :: she gestured between them :: whatever it is that we have, end, not like this. Sinda: You deserve better. McLaren: Essen… I care about you too much to let you run from this. II'm not going to let you do it… Sinda: Not going to let me? :: He dark eyes narrowed. Happiness and love she might struggle with, but there was one default emotion she was good at. At least when she was angry she wasn’t so confused. :: McLaren: :: Sol sighed, looking up at the sky. :: Maybe this is the wrong way… maybe makking you confront this will make you hate me… I don't know. :: SShe found herself thinking back to her conversation with Merina on the surface of Dagorin VI. She returned her gaze to Essen, trying to soften it some, though her red eyes hardly allowed it. :: Someone once described a relationship to me as a chase. They also said that if both parties cared for each other it was a simple thing. I’m prepared for it Essen… Im prepared to chase you half way across the galaxy if I have to. Because I care about you, a great deal, and I think you care about me. Sinda: Of course I care about you! But it’s not the same. McLaren: Then face this. Let your shields down... to me. :: Sol stepped closer to Essen and pulled her into a kiss... a kiss filled with the same passion and aggression that Essen had showed her the night they had bowled together. When she pulled away, her voice was a whisper. :: See if your world crumbles to pieces because you, Sinda Essen, care about someone else on more than just professional level. You might find yourself surprised. :: It was a challenge as much as it was a plea. Sol was gambling with her own happiness over this. And she hoped it paid off. :: :: Essen turned away, her black hair falling forward to hide her face. She reached out to grip the back of the bench with a trembling hand, steadying herself. When she spoke, her voice was low and hoarse. :: Sinda: It’s not my world I’m worried about, Sol, it’s yours. You don’t know me as well as you think you do, there are things I've… ::she broke off, memories of Cinder playing through her mind for a moment:: If you’re determined to chase me I can’t stop you. But if you get too close I’m scared you’ll get burned. McLaren: Whatever you've done in the past is the past, and I can't hold it against you... :: Sol paused, sighing. :: Essen… I'm not afraid of being burned… I can't be afraid of it, because I can't tell the future. Sinda: Your family are here. Go, spend time with them and make every second of it count. They’re more important than this. McLaren: Do you know why my mother would tell me if she knew that one of my friends needed help and I wasn't there for her? She’d turn me right around and tell me to help them. :: Ess felt the anger boil up again and this time she let it. Anger was good, it concealed all the other emotions. Like a fire it was immediate and all-consuming. Until later, when you had to pick up the pieces and sweep away the cold ashes. But for now it would do the job. :: Sinda: Just go, Sol! :: Sol winced, but stood her ground. She wasn't going to be afraid of the future, and she wasn't going to let Essen run from her that easily. She was prepared for the chase. :: McLaren: :: Sol sighed again. :: Essen… my father has a saying: “Treat family like friends, and friends like family”. :: She paused again. :: I'm not going to walk away from a friend who needs help anymore than I would turn my back on a family member who needs help. :: She looked at Essen. :: I’m not letting you off the hook because you got angry at me… that wouldn';t do either of us any good. The fact that you are angry shows you care… :: she smiled. :: hopefully you can see that me not turning my back to you is the same. Sinda: I never said I didn’t care. It’s just… ::she tailed off:: McLaren: :: Sol shook her head. :: Listen to me… if I walked back into that party, joined my parents at their table, they’d know something was wrong, and they would tell me to fix it. So I'm saving them the trouble of having to say something at all… :: She smiled faintly. :: They would like you Essen… theyy would understand why I’m not with them… :: Sol stepped clooser, speaking quietly to Essen. :: I'm not going to just walk away from you Essen. Not now, not ever. Not even if it meant my oblivion. Sinda: Gah! ::Essen threw her hands up in frustration:: Did anyone ever tell you, you’re the most stubborn Terran in the galaxy? Why do you have to be so bloody reasonable all the time? McLaren: :: Sol placed a hand on Essen’s shoulder. :: I’ve told you… I want to help, Ess, so let me hhelp you… tell me whats going on… and then let's tackle le it together. :: Essen bit her lip as she thought about it. :: Sinda: I received a message, from someone in Cardassia. I don’t know what it’s about but I’m assuming it’s to do with my father. Anyway, I need to go and find out more, I can’t let this chance go. McLaren: :: Sol nodded. :: Then let's go… the party can wait. Sinda: No. ::she shook her head:: Me risking my career is one thing, I can’t let you risk yours, too. But you can promise me something. McLaren: oO Actually… something like this would probably iimprove my standing with SFI… Oo :: Sol nodded. :: What's that?< Sinda: If I don’t make it back, come and find me? McLaren: :: with a grin :: You better believe it… oO Plus if I didn't, I'd have to ttell the Captain… and that really would be the end of my careerâ… Oo :: Sol looked back to the banquet hall :: Come say hello before you go? :: Ess looked at the bright banquet hall and shook her head. :: Sinda: I can’t go in there, not now. Besides, I’m doing my best to avoid a certain Bajoran ex-officer. But when I’m back we’ll talk, about us. McLaren: Alright. :: Sol didn't push it further, feeling she had, perhaps pushed enough for the moment. She leaned in and planted a kiss on Essen’s cheek. :: Taisteal sábháilte, Essen. I hope you find what you're looking for. :: Essen offered a wan smile before stepping back and zipping up her jacket, heading off to where she’d stashed her kit earlier. :: :: Sol watched Essen walk off before returning to the party, wondering just what Essen would find at the end of her journey. :: (( OOC- Taisteal sábháilte = Safe travels )) ~~~ Lieutenant-Commander Sinda Essen Chief of Security USS Constitution-B R238401JT0 & Lieutenant (JG) Solaris McLaren Chief Intelligence Officer U.S.S. Constitution NCC-9012-B C239210SM0
  2. ((USS Conny - Gard Quarters)) ::To say the last few days have been easy, would be the equivalent of saying the Titanic wasn’t such a big deal. Family visits were reasonable under the best of circumstances. But there was never best times. Jack had managed before though, and continued to do so with all the grace and stride he could muster…. It wasn’t easy. Heng, his father in-law, from his first marriage would always find that one thing to say to sour the mood. Whether it was at breakfast or dinner. The old man’s only saving grace was that he was mindful enough to say it to Jack only. And ~he~ was able to ignore it. Between that and Akeelah, her hoverchair, and her “I have no limitations” attitude. He didn’t fault her for it in the least. It was incredibly hard to give up some control, and even more so to ask for help. He had to catch her a few times when she overextended herself, trying to prove to everyone that she was just as capable as before. Much to Liling’s amusement, who remarked on the “fire” she saw in the woman. The older woman was always more forgiving and looking ahead. She knew Tabitha needed a mother figure in her life to grow up well rounded. The computer signaled an incoming message, private and important, from StarFleet command. He, begrudgingly pulled himself away and took the message in his room… Well Akeelah’s room. And now he stared blankly at the screen and the words that filled it. He read it, reread it, and read it one more time. The context never changed… But his world was about too. They had just gotten settled, just started to make friends and focus on family. He wouldn’t argue it, or fight it. But he would had to talk about it. Jack stood from his chair and walked to the door, just enough for it to open… It would crush her… Both her’s. :: > Gard: Akeelah? ::he called out solemnly.:: :: Akeelah had Tabby on her lap. The girl liked to sit with her, tell her about the day, the children, the projects, things she had learned… And no matter if Tabitha knew it or not, she loved to show that Akeelah belonged to her and Jack any possible moment. Akeelah had especially noticed that when her grandparents were around. Not that Tabby did it more then, it was just felt stronger in those times. She was just listening to hear what Tabby imagined they could do during shore leave, when Jack called. :: D'Sena: Yes? Gard; Can you come here for a minute? ::Tabby jumped down to follow.:: Gard: Just Akeelah for the moment, sweetheart. Tabitha: Oh tay. ::she pouted a little turning back to sit down. It was the last day she would have with her grandparents for a little while.:: :: The Rodulan smiled at Tabby before moving the chair towards and into the bedroom Jack had assigned for her when she moved in. She watched his face. He didn’t look like he had good news. :: D'Sena: What is it? Gard: I just …::sigh.:: Need to talk to you about something. :: She nodded and closed the door. It came by itself really, for some reason she had the feeling Tabby shouldn’t hear it. Maybe because he had not called the girl in as well. Her voice lowered as she moved to him. :: D'Sena: You sound like you got some bad news. ::He huffed, like the kind of huff that said “you don't know the half of it”. It was and it wasn't bad news, because this kind of thing happened all the time. But it affected a lot of things in that person’s life, as well as the lives they’d been apart of. It made the news more of a love hate ordeal.:: Gard: Something like that... D'Sena: What? Gard: ::he looked her in the eyes.:: I have new orders. ::Those few words said a lot. He wasn't sure how she would react; anger, hate, disappointment… he could only surmise it wouldn't be anything pleasant.:: :: She was stunned. Not a single muscle in her body moved, her eyes fixed on him - staring - as if the meaning of the words would change if she waited long enough. But it didn’t happen. :: D'Sena: You are not serious. Gard: I am. ::his words, tone and body language was completely serious.:: :: She was stunned. This couldn't be happening. But it was happening, if she wanted it or not. She tried hard to stay rational, but it was difficult. How could he just leave? And Tabby! They had come into her life like a spring rain with the force of a storm. And now they were ripped out of it again. The pain of that realisation hit her like a knife in the guts. It hurt so much, that she couldn't sense any emotions but her own. But she had to be strong, not show how hard this was. :: D'Sena: When will you have to leave? ::It was difficult to say if he was more crushed by her lack of showing emotion, or his own. But the pit in his stomach was heavy and constricting.:: Gard: I am to be ready to leave tomorrow. ::he frowned.:: :: Tomorrow? That soon? That was impossible! They had plans. Starfleet couldn't do that. Of course they could. But she needed more time. She had just been called Danny's mother and it had felt so good,so right. And now this. No, she couldn't break down now. She had to be strong. :: D'Sena: I see. ::He sat down on the edge of the desk, arms crossed and tucked in close. oO These things happen… Oo He kept telling himself. There was reallly no one to blame. And it certainly wasn’t him trying to run away from anything. To someone who knew him, they would know that wasn’t an option for him. He never ran.:: Gard: You’re shutting down… ::paused.:: What are you thinkiing? :: As his hands took hers and his face came into view he drew her attention to his eyes. Those eyes… :: D'Sena: Are you sure that is the only reason you're leaving? :: The words had come out before she was even aware of the thought. But that has been it. The fear she had ever since he had seen her in that blasted chair for the first time. Would he still want her now that she was damaged goods? He had to take care of her in a manner that was too much even for her. Why would he want to stay with her and play her nurse? :: ::He grew a little defensive. Couldn’t she see that it affected him too? Couldn’t she see that these choices had long term, snowballing consequences for all those involved? It took a lot for Jack to calm down his boiling mind. He wouldn’t let her just walk out of here though. Well roll. Of course he could understand why she would. With one hand, he grabbed the arm of the chair and kneeled down in front of her. Being on his knees made him just about the same height as her in her chair. He then took up both of her warm hands and simply held them. What could he say?... :: Gard: I’m not running away. This doesn’t scare me. ::he looked at her chair.:: But we knew, from the beginning, what we signed up for when joining Starfleet. ::he shook his head and open his mouth to say something… But nothing came.:: :: She looked at him and somehow his touch helped her to stay in the here and now. And there she felt it, the sadness and helplessness that felt like hers but wasn't her own. Her stomach sank and a knot formed in her throat. That was when the wall came tumbling down. To feel that she was not the only one in pain undid it all. Her vision began to blur and her voice cracked into a shuddering whisper. :: D'Sena: You can't leave… I need you. Gard: ::his shoulder sagged.:: I’m sorry. D'Sena: What… ::She swallowed hard.:: … will happen to us? s? Our family? Gard: I’m not giving up. ::he said sternly.:: There are those who have dealt with worse, so I know we can make this work. ::he swallowed hard.:: If you’re willing. :: Hearing his conviction relieved her. Where a moment ago she had been afraid of losing him, now sparked a glimmer of hope. He would be on another post, but he wouldn’t be out of her life. He and Tabby would still be her family. They could see each other during shore leaves, send messages, talk over subspace connections, maybe even through holodeck connections. His hands still in hers she squeezed them and nodded, trying to hold back the tears welling up in her, tickling her nose. :: D’Sena: Of course I am. ::She raised the gaze of her black eyes to look at him, her voice cracked as she spoke again.:: I love you, Jack, I’m not giving up on us.. ::He took her in a hug, one filled with promises for the future. This wasn’t forever. And it certainly wasn’t over. Not if he had anything to do with it. He could only hope that she would wait…. Sometimes that was even harder to ask of someone…:: Gard: Then we will find a way. ::He stood up with a nod. As much as he would have prefered to stay with her forever, it was going to have to end at some point. They would have to rejoin those outside of here, and they would have to tell to Tabby.:: ------ Lt Jack Gard Engineering Officer ~~ Lieutenant Commander Rustyy Hael Chief Engineer USS Conny A239202RH0 & LtCmdr Akeelah D'Sena USS Constitution-B simmed by Captain Jalana Rajel Commanding Officer USS Constitution B Image Team Facilitator A238906JL0
  3. ((StarBase 11 - Promenade)) ::The chaos in the promenade was common and yet not. As new faces looked around in awe and excitement and old ones just tried to get through. So many couples, individuals, and varying sized groups stood haphazardly in the way of normal flow as the Galaxy Class ship docked with the Starbase. And right in the middle of the masses was pure chaos yet utter control. Were kids on leashes, but only mentally as they burst at the seams. An older man with a long, straggling mostly white beard had his arm wrapped around a thin faced and sagging skinned, coconut blonde haired woman. The leashed ones were five, curly haired children, all with varying expressions. It was the first time most had ever seen past the snowy lands of home, let alone to be immersed with all the universe had to offer. The twins couldn’t keep their mouths closed as strange beings from unknown worlds strolled passed. They wanted to touch, to talk, to ask - but the invisible leash held them stead fast. It didn’t keep the jitters from their bodies though. Like chihuahuas needing to pee and meeting someone new. The oldest child present swayed in place as half glazed over eyes avoided all contact with those that surrounded her. Though physically she was there, mentally she was in her own world and already with her eldest brother. The seventeen year old boy acted uninterested. He had been one to have left Grayling once or twice before. He was a teenager and had seen everything already, of course. Though everything scared him, he had a tough boy reputation to uphold. Plus there was cute teen girl hanging out just behind him who he had to impress. While the youngest sat boredly on the dirty floor. He toyed with his laces and held his check in one hand. A sigh escaped his lips every now and then. As the youngest, it seemed he had the least ties to the one they had come to visit. Barely knowing the oldest boy. Unlike the second oldest, who was someone he knew and looked up too.:: Sabrine: Is’n you’s ‘cited, eh? ::she asked for the hundredth time, her own happiness showing. She missed her oldest boy.:: ::An absent minded bob from Vivian. Though she appeared distracted, the mention of her older brother made her smile and very happy. She looked up to him and never saw his imperfections.:: Diesel: Sup’osen… ::came the youngests voice from the floor.:: Sebastian & Lily: Yea’s! Colt: Sure’s Sebastian: Though be more so’s if’n …. Lily: If’n ya know’s. ::The twins made a display of looking around and even ventured to take a step or two away from the herd. Only to stop and retract right back to their original spots at the stern look from their mama.:: Sabrine: No’s now’s stopin’ yer askin’. We’s ain’ ‘ere’s fer foolin’. ::she swatted at the back of Colt’s head who was busy making his move towards the dark skinned girl.:: Colt: Wha’ tha’s fer? ::he jerked around.:: ::Sabrine turned with a warm, motherly smile to the girl making googly eyes at her son. A little wink sent the girl into a blushing giggle to which she hid her cute little face.:: Sabrine: I’s’a done got’s two babes out ‘ere I’m’a not’s gonna get’s no more gones. Steve: ::a very Santa like chuckled shook the bearded man’s belly.:: Waz wrong’s wiff datz? ::Sabrine gave him a scorching look.:: Steve: ::a goofy smile and shrug.:: Eh - sooner we have house alone ::he waggled his shoulders.:: ::All but Sabrine and Vivian - who was mostly oblivious to the conversation- erupted into “eeegawds” “icky!” and “eeeeewwww” mixed with sounds of gagging and whining. Sabrine simply shook her head with a chuckle, patting Steve’s chest in context.:: Sabrine: Now’w, now’s -not in fron’ of them babes. :;The children groaned and wished against all hope that they would soon be spared of this public humiliation. Much to the parent’s great humor. Though it pained her to watch as each babe of hers leave home, she knew it was inevitable for most of them. She moved a little closer to her husband, a longing look on her face. :: ::He knew that look better than anyone. This hint of loss and sadness, but mostly happiness and pride. It was also the look she had, looking over Rustyy’s sleeping form when he was a mere toddler… And shortly after they had Jackson… And Vivian and Colt and the twins and Diesel… The youngest was 13 which meant they had at least five years till they had the house to themselves. But that look. He was never going to get his man cave…:: Jackson: You’s standin’ ‘round fer me? ::At the sound of the new voice, the large family looked around to see the second born clade in StarFleet Cadets finest. They didn’t know he was going to be here, thinking he would have to stay in San FranCisco until graduation.:: ::Sabrine was the first to jump for joy, a quirky giggle mixed between utter joy and longing. She hadn’t seen Jackson in person in nearly 3 years. Though it seemed forever longer. She embraced him in a mama bear hug, threatening to never let go.:: Sabrine: How’s - why’s? How’s long’s? ::her questions broken more than normal as she pulled away and cupped his face, kissing his forehead and cheeks like mothers do.:: Jackson: Ma- ::he tried to pull away.:: Mama come’s on. I’s’a in uniform now.. ::he whined.:: Steve: Boooooy ::he said taking his turn with the hugs. Only instead of kisses, he messed up the curly, barely tamed head of hair.:: Jackson: Hiya pa. ::crooked smile.:: ::The next one to greet the cadet was the youngest born. Diesel smiled widely at the sight of Jackson. They had a special, brotherly bond - much like the one Rustyy and Vivian had. Where the younger practically worshipped the ground the older one walked and simply thought the world of them. :: Jackson: Hoya lil’ man. ::he smirked, picking up his “wing man”:: You’s keepin’ thing’s good while’s I’s’a be aways? Diesel: ::hugged.:: ‘Course - an’ keepin’ all them gals’a guessin’ Jackson: ‘Atta boy. ::he laughed as the two shared a high five.:: :;Sabrine only shook her head while Steve chuckled making his big belly bouncing in sync. It was going to be a big family reunion - bigger than they expected. Which simply warmed her heart to no end. It was going to be hard to leave after all this time. But she would deal with that when the time came. For now she would focus on the good and happy parts this reunion would bring.:: Lilly/Sebastian: Can’s we’s jus’ - :;The two locked shoulders and pointed just passed where they stood to a group of blue skinned people with a seam down the middle of their bald heads.:: Sabrine: ::cutting them off sharply.:: Nah. Now’s stoppin’ yer askin’. Steve: How be schoolin’? ::he said pulling Jackson off to one side.:: Jackson: Goin’ I suppose. Diesel: Gettin’ dems gals? ::The brothers chuckled together. It was a stick between the two. Even though most all the boys looked the same the second oldest and youngest were convinced they were the better of them all.:: ::As if on cue, the main gate for the ship they all waited for to arrive hissed and popped as it opened leisurely. Almost like a grand opening or a big sale or a very special day….:: Sabrine: ‘Right’y kiddies, now hushin’ up. ::The air electrified as those who sought after loved ones that had been gone for varying periods of time. For the Hael’s ma and pa - simply put, it was way too long since they’d seen their first born. Sabrine clapped her hands to her mouth and the sting of joyous tears threatened to break her composure. A parade of officers stepped from the docked ship; tall, short, skinny, blue, green, black and white, men and women and a hand full of both or neither… Golden collars, red one, black and blue. And still the one they were so antsy to see didn’t appear. The children huffed and puffed. The parents slowly deflated from their excitement. A mother’s heart sank, thinking only the worst. Try as she might, it was hard to keep sorrow from the worn face. It had been almost a month since their last communications. A lot can happen in that time.:: Colt: Wha’ be takin’s ‘im so long’s, eh? Steve: Hush up’s boy. ::he said stepping closer to his wife. A warm smile on his face.:: No worries nah mama bear. ‘Im’s be alrighty. Got ‘nough dat from’ya’s fer me to be sure’s. Sabrine: ::wry chuckle.:: Can’ be helpin’ my worryin’... Jackson: Ain’ heared nothin’ bad. He’s’a prolly jus’ makin’ out wiff them’s engines. ::he said partially weirded out by his older brother’s odd attachment to inanimate objects.:: ::Vivian’s expression sadden as they family carried on. She had waited a long time to see Rustyy again. In person. Her long, thin, pale fingers patted her pocket, the edges of a card pressing through the thin fabric. She had spent days, weeks even, of hand making him a card for when she was able to see him again. It took a great deal of effort for her to look away from the gate, fearful she might miss Rustyy stepping through. Deep brown eyes, that seemed to overlook or look past so many people found one to focus on. An older man, standing on his own in a corner. He looked like he was waiting for someone just as they were. The man’s face was long and worn and a little scruffy. Hair thinned and he was long and taunt. His expression seemed to cause others to veer away. She lowered her eyes.:: Sabrine: Maybe’s we’s can slip on an’ find’s ‘im. Steve: ::a loving chuckle.:: Nah, we don’ be needin’ ta go drudgin’ ‘round’s wha’ we don’ know’s Diesel: We can’s wai’ fer him’s else where’s :: The youngest offered, now standing on his own two feet. His curly, light brown hair falling just into his eyes. He pawed it away using most of his hands.:: ::Lily threw her elbow up to rest on her twin’s shoulder as she inspected the slightly growing, slightly diminishing crowd. She raised her chin to Sebastian, who looked back matching her look. They were the terrible, troublesome twins for a reason. A plan to escape their circus and go off to explore on their own was brewing simultaneously. :: ::Vivian watched the ground move ever so slowly beneath her feet.:: ::Sabrine threw both hands out to snatch Lily by the scruff of her shirt and Sebastian by the ear. Lily whined and pouted while Sebastian yelped and tried to twist out of the boney women’s grip. With little success.:: ::Steve kept Jackson, Diesel and Colt nearby, not letting the older boy take the younger two off to play. They were there for a reason. Though with the added benefit of them ~all~ being present. As the excitement and squeals of joy died down though, it looked almost all for not.:: ::The noises of her family was a distant echo, as the noises on the promenade seemed to quiet down. Still the ground moved past her feet as her thin form swayed. Her mouth slightly ajar. Vivian didn’t make eye contact with anyone and was bumped into and had to stop a few times. Onward she moved once other’s had past. Until the shoes of the man against the corner came into view of her concentrated range. She stopped, swaying slightly and not lifting her head. Faded white teeth brushed over chapped lips as her brown eyes looked everywhere but the man.:: Vivian: Wait? ::was all she said, merely a mumble.:: C. Foster: Waiting? ::The scruffy looking older man with a distinctive lack of perfect shaving that graced his weathered yet chiseled chin riveted his deep blue eyes on the child:: You can wait forever, doesn’t mean anything will happen any faster. Vivian::She turned her head slightly, but kept her eyes low and pointed to the gate with an unstraightened finger.:: Wait. C. Foster: Ah, waiting for your ship to come in? ::His face took on a thoughtful expression.:: Isn’t that what most people do on a backwater starbase like this one? ::Vivian could hear the slight call of her name from what seemed miles away. Her attention keen to the man she stood next too.:: Vivian: Yes? ::it was an answer and a question. The most she had to offer in any kind of conversation.:: C. Foster: Nope, I fill my time with mediocre coffee and dirty jokes. It’s not fancy, but it sure as hell beats waiting. ::Vivian smiled just a tad and twitched her head towards where her family stood. Well all except her mother, who was promptly marching in her direction. Her eyes darted up into the blue ones above her and quickly back down.:: Vivian: Who-? ::Cade was starting to catch on - quickly - that this young girl had some sort of developmental disability. Which once might think it would bring out the innate asshole in him; though the truth was much the opposite. There was an unfettered innocence about the girl that he found quite charming.:: C. Foster: Got family out there? ::It was the most common reason people waited in this spot:: Let me guess, an older sibling? ::She only nodded “yes” to his talking. She liked the way talked. The smooth undertones that shared more than words ever could. That was why she loved to listen to Rustyy. Because he spoke in volumes. Vivian turned her head to look back towards the gate and took a half a step back, bumping to the man - which made her stand still.:: C. Foster: Most everybody’s waiting for family. ::At least anybody who was worth a spit in his book.:: ::Sabrine was in a fury as she realised she was missing a child. One who had gone off and was standing with an unknown man across the room. She knew her daughter to be very picky when it came to those she interacted with. Though many were hesitant to talk with the slow speaking girl. She left Steve with the bunch handing out menacing glares before heading off to retrieve Vivian.:: Sabrine: Vivie. ::she said urgently wrapping her arm around the young girl’s front. she nodded to the man. She never apologized for her daughter’s limitation. Though offered a warm, motherly smile instead..:: Vivian: Waiting too. ::she said as she looked past her mama.:: C. Foster: Hello there. ::He straightened up, looking every bit a distinguished professor and not the asshat he was known to be.:: I take it you’re waiting for a ship to come in? ::Vivian simply nodded, barely registering her mother's presence.:: Sabine: Mat’r fact we is. An’ ::knowing very well what the answer would be.:: you too, ehs? C.Foster: ::he nodded slowly:: Yep. Only reason to stick around when there’s coffee shops and bars that would more comfortably carry my backside. ::Vivian giggled, a spark of delight sprinted across her features. It was only a second before it disappeared behind the slightly airy daze she regularly held. The man was funny. In a charming kind of way. She could listen to people like that at the diner her mama worked all day…. If they’d let her.:: ::Sabrine lovingly squeezed her eldest daughters shoulders as she relaxed a bit.:: Sabrine: Ain’ tha’ there truth. ::she snorted. She pause for half a second. So far from home left her at a distint disadvangae.:: There’s’a ship comin’ in soon righ’? ::Cade canted his head, suddenly curious.:: C. Foster: A ship coming in soon? ::He checked the display:: The Saratoga or the Constitution? Vivian: Con-st-tu-tion. ::she answered. She had memorized the name of the ship her eldest brother worked on.:: C. Foster: Well, that’s a coincidence. Sabine: ::she canted her head.:: Oh? Yer’a waitin’ for it too? C. Foster: I am. ::He nodded a simple assent:: Sabrine: Well all be. ::she smirked.:: Ma’be- ::Vivian pulled at her mother and pointed out urgently. A large ship drifted towards the port. From the angle there was no way to OD and with having no knowledge of the ship’s appearance her brother was on, she had to ask. Big brown eye darted between her mother and the man. Her messy hair jerked.:: Vivian: Rus’tyy C. Foster: ::He perked an eyebrow at that. If she wasn’t a child - a simple one at that - he would have probably made a crass joke. But he was a big stupid teddy-bear softie when children were involved.:: Is that your brother? ::Sabrine patted her daughter's head.:: Vivian: Yea’. Big bru’der. C. Foster: Well, hopefully you’ll be seeing him soon. Sabrine: An’ yer kin-folk too. ::she extended her hand.:: Sabrine Hael. C. Foster: ::He shook, a firm, confident grip:: Doctor Cade Foster. Sabrine: Have’s yers’self a good ol’ time. C. Foster: Maybe we’ll see you around. ::He gave a nonchalant shrug and went back to idly thumbing through one of the technical journals he had brought with him, planning how much he would have to call his colleagues out on.:: ::Sabrine nodded and waved to the charming man. She could hear her family calling out for her. They stuck out like a sore thumb. And it made her incredibly happy. She steered her daughter back towards the herd and a wide smile.:: ___________________________________ PNPC Steve, Sabrine, Jackson, Vivian, Colt, Lily, Sebastian, & Diesel Hael 7 Civilians & 1 StarFleet Cadet Simmed by: LtC Rustyy Hael A239202RH0 And pNPC Dr. Cade Foster Retired Starfleet CMO; Professor - Harvard Medical School Simmed by: Wyn Foster
  4. (( Starbase 11 )) ::Walking onto the dock of Starbase 11 was somewhat surreal. It was only a few weeks past that the last time she came off ship, it was due to being involved in the finding of the Yarhala and the controversy storm that followed. She had tried to avoid people as much as possible as while her involvement was minor at best, she had a feeling reporters eager for a new side of the story would try any lede possible. This time however, among all the families visiting, she felt she could easily blend in, and be invisible for the time being. It was a feeling she wanted to reveal in, but instead it felt like a bitter fruit on her tongue. Rationalization was a protective blanket one could evoke mentally, and that is what she did, convincing herself that the only thing she needed to do was run a few errands and stretch her legs. It was fine. It was all fine.:: Security: Excuse me, Ensign Blackwell? :A young, male, human security ensign stepped towards her, waving his hand to get her attention. Blackwell: Dragged out of her thoughts, she looked at the Security officer blankly for a moment: I’m sorry? ::She paused for a moment, and after determining she did not know him, waited to see what he wanted:: Security: Apologies there, I was a bit abrupt. Are you Ensign Blackwell? Blackwell: Quirking a brow warily, she nodded: I am. Security::He broke into an eager grin: Oh Good! ::He then looked over into the crowd and raised his hand, waving:: She is over here folks. Sorry to keep you waiting. Blackwell:::Rue’s mouth opened slightly, and she walked forward:: Wait..what are you…::her questioon was cut short as she saw her mother, father and brother breaking free from the crowd, and breaking into a half jog towards her. Rue blinked with confusion and then walked around the Security member:: Mom, Dad…Luke? What are you doiing here? Mara Blackwell:she was first to answer, not with words, but by walking to her daughter and tightly embracing her:; To see you! Oh Rue. ::In some ways, Rue and Mara could be looked at as past and future images of themselves. Mara matched Rue in height, hair color and facial structure. The nuance was in the details as Mara had long red-auburn hair that was streaked with white, pulled into a bun with fly away tendrils here and there. Rue Blackwell:Returning the hug, she attempting to hide the shock:: Oh! I just.. you didn’t send any message. I just am surprised! Gabe Blackwell:Walking up to his daughter, the tall, limber man who appeared to be robust even in his fifties, guffawed loudly and patted his daughters head:: Of course you are! That was the point of a surprise visit. Luke Blackwell:::He smiled faintly at the near bear hug his mother was giving Rue. oO Well that is one way of making sure she doesn’t just run.Oo ::Turning to the Security officer, he offered his hand to shake:: Thank you very much, Ensign Schell. We appreciate the help. Security: No problem! I am glad I can help. I’ll be off now but if you need anything, let us know. ::He waved to the Blackwell family and scuttled off to handle other aspects of his duties, leaving the family with each other:: Rue Blackwell::Looking at her father, she managed a smile:: Well you accomplished the surprise part. ::She pulled back from her mother to hug her father, who embraced her as fiercely as her mother, and lifted her up to spin her about::: DAD! I’m in Uniform..D..AD! Gabe Blackwell: Look at my girl! You are all grown up, but you are still my girl. ::He spun her two turns and then set her down, laughing.: Rue Blackwell:She was used to space travel, she was used to the harsh landings and the strange inertia one felt being transported, but her father’s “spins” could still make her dizzy..given it was combined with an excessively beating heart and rising blood pressure. oO Calm down. It’s good. This is good. They came to see you. Darcy isn’t here.Oo. ::She managed a weak giggle:: “okay okay, yeah, I’m grown up.” Lucas Blackwell: The younger man with the tumultuous hair walked to his sister and steadied her gently with a hand on her shoulder. A hundred jokes ran through his mind on ways to tease his sister, but the fear that a joke could turn a stable if emotional reunion into a tempest, he simply smiled:: “Easy there, sis. Dad’s gotten older, but he hasn’t gotten slower”. Rue Blackwell: She managed to look at Lucas, and not flinch. She saw his smile, and remembered how he’d tousle her hair jokingly when they were young, and give that same smile of reassurance when she was feeling insecure. She did not flinch, but the tension tightened her shoulder and she immediately regretted it:: “ Yeah, no kidding. Hey bro” ::Before he could pulled away, she hugged him and patted his back. Her shoulders felt like iron, tensing uncomfortably, but she did not want this to turn into a dark comedy of family drama:: Good to see you. How’s the art world. Lucas Blackwell:the hug surprised him, but he returned it eagerly. He could feel the tension in her petite form, and the fact she seemed physically stronger than before. In her rush to make this a happy reunion, her grip was rather tight on his ribs. oO Guess I won’t be winning any brother sister fights any moreOo:: “Good, but hey, I enjoy breathing and that might make it easier if you want more than a one word answer. Rue Blackwell: Realizing she had managed to put her tension right into her grip, she eased up and backed up, giving him an awkwardly sisterly pat on the shoulder:: Right right. Breathing is a valuable ability. ::For a moment, there was an awkward silence, until Rue said:: So! When did you get here? Lucas Blackwell: Just a few hours ago – we got guest accommodations and had a look around. Nice statiion. Mara Blackwell::She smiled brightly. She had been angry at her son and daughter in law when Rue had been made to feel so alone. It had been her own mother however, that pointed out she was just as much to blame as any of them. She loved Darcy, and felt terribly for her family being lost, but the choices she made..they were still raw. She clasped Rue’s hand tightly. oO I am never letting you go like that again, little flower Oo. Rue Blackwell::She felt a momentary feeling of suffocation, of wanting to break free, but her mother clasping her hand made her feel anchored, and somehow..safe again in their presence. She cleared her throat and laughed a bit:: Well, I think we can take a tour, Dad. Just don’t touch anything. Speaking of tours, do you guys want to show me where you are staying..and get out of this crowd?” Gabe Blackwell:: “Absolutely! Let’s head to the hotel. Nice place, and if you want, we can grab a quick bite to eat or something to drink.” Rue Blackwell: She nodded and let her mother and brother lead her from the docks and onto the streets. She found herself readily to able to chat about banal things that her parents found interesting – the ship, the crew, her room. She deliberately avoideed the conversation about the past two missions, and kept walking with her family. As the came to a hoteling structure, she nodded at the artful way it was designed – looking like a 20th’ century bed and breakfast, with a lovely covered patio guests could sit and eat or chat:: Oh this is nice! Mara Blackwell: It is lovely! And there is a pool, which has been a nice respite after traveling. Sitting too long still gets to my back these days. Gabe Blackwell:: Well, least we have a nice week before we ship back home. How about we catch up on the patio a bit more. Rue Blackwell: Nodding, she decided to take a passive role for the moment. She had no immediate duties she needed done, and well, it was good to see her family. oOMaybe it won’t be so bad.Oo.::As they were seated at a table on the patio, she gave a drink order of an ice lemonade and leaned back:: “ So how are things at home? Gramma and everyone doing okay? Mara Blackwell: Oh yes. Grandma is refusing to believe she is older than us, and still insists she is more spry. She sends her love and such. Lucas Blackwell: Arts doing pretty well, I have a gallery showing in a couple of months. ::He ordered a beer as the waiter looked to him:: Gabe Blackwell: Following suit of his son:: I’ll take a beer as well, with lemon. ::He looked to Rue:: Shop’s fine – we keep getting interesting new things all the time, and collectoors looking to find them. I got my hands on an authentic juke box – real beautyy! Rue:: Fantastic! That’s pretty cool dad. Mara Blackwell:::Looking to the waiter:: Ice Tea please :: And then to her daughter:: your cousin Jessie got married to Amanda. Lovely small wedding. Rue Blackwell: Leaning back, she let them each “catch her up” on the dealings of the family. Commenting or laughing when appropriate, and following through on family jokes. She felt somehow back in sync, like a link in a chain that had been put back in place. She felt her shoulders ease, and sipped her lemonade pleasantly. After two hours of eager chatting, she finally noted her mom starting to lean a bit too much on her shoulder, and her dad’s yawns becoming more frequent:: “Oooookay folks. I think you two should nap. We have a week, and we can catch up for dinner, but I think you all need a nap.” Mara and Gabe looked to each other and nodded reluctantly. Mara looked to her daughter and squeezed her hand one more time:: “I’m so glad to see you, sweetheart. ::Parental hugs were given and returned, and the folks went up to their room, leaving the siblings to themselves. It was a moment of awkward silence before Rue started to stand.:: Rue Blackwell: Well, I gotta get back.. Lucas Blackwell: Wait….please. ::He put up his hand and rested it on Rue’s forearm:: I..need to say something. Rue Blackwell:She tried to keep her eyes from narrowing, her lips from drawing into a thin line. She sat back down and looked to him:: Well? Lucas Blackwell: He looked to his sister and the look on her face. Her jaw was tight and her eyes held a wariness he’d never seen directed at him in the past. That said..he couldn’t blame her.:: “ What..happened. Between us, and with Darcy….Look, it shouldn’t have happened. At all. Darcy…I know its hard and she isn’t fair to you, but I love her…that said, your my sister and..I should have defended you. ::Hee finally spit it out:: I’m sorry. I am really, really sorry. Mom and Dad are sorry…but..well..It’s more my fault than there’s. Rue Blackwell: She inhaled sharply and looked down at the table, starting at the small grains in the wood as if she could somehow mediate the threatening tears away. She swallowed and looked up and nodded slowly:: “..I accept your apology. And..I get it. I don’t want to be between you and your wife. It ..was never my intent.” ::She let it end at that. There were things that a younger, less mature version of herself would have raged on about, but now..well, she’d rather let it rest. Lucas Blackwell: Reaching over, he grabbed his sister in a hug and squeezed her, before letting her go. He attempted to speak but was cut off by a yawn of his own:: oooh boy..maybe I need to get sleep too. Rue Blackwell:She laughed with him, and nodded:: “yeah, why don’t you do that. You look kinda like crap at the moment. ::She stood:: I’ll check in with you later, okay? Lucas Blackwell: Nodding, he stood up as well:: You better do that. I’ll chase you down if I have to. Rue Blackwell:::She rolled her eyes:: Oh there’s a threat. ::They shared one mild laugh again and parted ways. Rue managed to finish her errands and walk back to the dock, and then back to her room to try and process the reunion she had just had:: Ensign Blackwell Comm/Helm/Ops U.S.S Constitution-B G239308PB0
  5. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA ::breath:: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
  6. ((Dagorin VI - Underground Bunker)) :: Lazlo watched on the security monitors while Gaixor and Urian climbed out of the bunker and into the surrounding woods. He envied them in a way. Inaction didn't sit well with him, and he wished he could be out there with them, skulking through the trees and stalking their prey. He had eagerly left his office for a chance to get back out in the field, but instead found himself stuck in this backwoods bunker with no stealth suit large enough to fit him and the outside climate too cold for comfort even if he did. He frowned and grumbled to himself, much to the consternation of the nearby staff. Fear began to roll off of them in waves so strong he could nearly taste it, and he realized if he didn't get out of this place soon the underlings that ran it would face the brunt of his frustration. Suddenly his eyes snapped toward a nearby replicator. With a sly grin he approached the device and punched in an order for a warm coat in the largest size available. A few moments and a flash of light later he happily removed a dark green parka. His smile quickly faded, however, when he unfolded it and held it up to his body, finding that it was barely long enough cover his stomach. He tried to put it on but could not get it completely around his broad shoulders. He angrily spun on the nearest technician. :: Lazlo: THIS is the largest size of clothing this thing can make? :: The visible shaken technician stammered his reply. :: Technician: Y-y-yes, sir! Lazlo: Then MAKE IT create something BIGGER! Technician: S-s-sorry, sir! We don't h-h-have the ability to alter the replicator's p-p-programming from here. Lazlo: ::nodding:: I see. :: With a loud growl Lazlo held up the coat with a clawed hand on either side of the collar and tore it in half. The technician looked as if he couldn't decide whether to run or faint. :: Lazlo: Well, that won't help me. :: He managed to calm himself down and realized he needed to take drastic action if he wanted to avoid the paperwork he'd have to fill out for killing everyone in the bunker. He sat at one of the communication consoles and activated the sequence that would bounce his transmission all across the quadrant to prevent it from being traced. Soon he was face-to-face with his secretary. :: Brenda: Orion Syndicate secret lair, how can I...oh, it's you, Mr. Lazlo. :: Lazlo stared at the screen, stunned. :: Lazlo: Secret...Brenda, do you always answer calls like that? ::He squeezed his eyes shut and sighed heavily, waving his hand dismissively.:: Nevermind that. I need you to send me some warm clothing. This blasted place is so cold I'll fall asleep if I go outside. Brenda: ::blinking repeatedly:: Can't you replicate something there? Lazlo: ::angrily:: THEY DON'T ::deep calming breath:: they don't have my size. Brenda ::obviously holding back giggles:: I see, sir. I'll send you something from your closet. Lazlo: Thank you. And make sure the delivery is discrete, Starfleet has people snooping around the base. Brenda: Quiet as a mouse, sir. Anything else, sir? :: Lazlo thought for a moment. :: Lazlo: How is Riley doing? :: Brenda cast a quick glance over her shoulder to the office door. :: Brenda: Riley? He's, uh.... ((Inferna Prime, non-descript administration building)) :: Riley stretched out comfortably on the desktop of the dimly lit overseer's office, his bulbous eyes gazing over the shallow dish of merlot at his companion. The female slug-like creature lifted her feeding orifice from the dark red liquid with a slurp, then flattened her head to the desktop as if embarrassed. Riley's eyestalks sagged a bit and the female perked up, reassured. Pressing his advantage, Riley raised his left eyestalk to its full height while letting the other droop low. The female's stalks shot upward, then she pulled them close to the top of her head and curled up, turning her face away. :: Barry White: Never thought I'd find someone who'd blow my mind, yeah, like youuuuuuuuuu do.... :: Cautiously, the female turned back toward Riley, who waved his stalks slightly from side to side. The female turned away again, but this time not as far. She rotated her eyeballs to watch Riley, curious to see what he'd do next. :: Barry White: And never thought I'd see the day that it could be so truuuuuuuuuuuuue, yeah.... :: Riley confidently swayed his stalks to the left, then dropped them halfway to his head. The female turned to face him again. A splash of pink played across the sides of her gray head and she thrust her eyestalks forward, then slowly drew them back. Riley's eyestalks bobbed vigorously up and down and he inched his body forward, starting the long trip around the dish. :: ((Dagorin VI - Underground Bunker)) Lazlo: ::raising an eye ridge:: Yes? Brenda: ::smiling:: He's doing fine. Lazlo: Well, I'm glad to hear someone is. I'll be waiting for the clothes. :: Lazlo ended the call and turned his attention back to the external cameras in time to see Urian and Gaixor vanish into thin air. The lack of loud pops and viscera made him believe the suits were working as advertised, at least so far. All he could do now was sit and wait. :: MSNPC Lazlo Orion Syndicate Overseer Lieutenant Jerome Milsap Assistant Chief Medical Officer USS Constitution-B C239208JM01
  7. Lazlo: ::rolling his eyes:: Yes, I'm sure the suits won't kill you. ::shrugging:: Well, reasonably sure. Look, if it makes you feel any better, if you explode or something I will gladly admit I was wrong. Oh yes I am sure that makes them feel better lol
  8. ((Illogical Eatery - StarBase 118)) ::Ah, the smells of the logically healthy breakfast breads baking in traditional Vulcan stone ovens always warmed the heart of Professor Cade Foster. Though some would say he didn't have much of a heart to warm, he continually proved otherwise, especially as he aged. The tall, broad shouldered human strode into the restaurant looking for his companion - who was always early. Irritatingly early. Always had been. Still, it was good to see an old friend. Cade Foster hadn't seen director Aerdan Jos in nearly a year so when the two found out they would be on the massive StarBase 118 together Cade vowed to spend as much time as humanely possible catching up. He was even conniving a way to drag his companion's recalcitrant, introverted companion to the big concert happening on the base. Maybe, with enough liquid courage he could make that happen.:: C. Foster: Heeeyyyy, blue-Klingon! How's Starfleet medical treating you? ::For his cheerful, if teasing efforts he received a patient and long-suffering sigh. It was just like old times.:: Jos: Well enough. ::The Andorian smiled, speaking with a soft lisp traditional of the people of the cold northern plains, while pushing a menu forward:: I already ordered you coffee. C. Foster: Tcha. What if I wanted tea? Jos: The day you start drinking tea is the day I wonder if you've been replaced by a shapeshifter. ::Cade Foster shook his head, chuckling as he sat. He worked with the man across the table for over twenty years. They had been antagonists, odd co-workers, allies and finally fast friends. They were as different as possible to some degree. Jos was married, divorced, remarried, with children, brothers, nephews, and plenty of friends. Cade was never married, cruising on an erratic course through life with few friends but those he had were good ones. And after all these years they could still trade insults and enjoy every minute of it.:: C. Foster: No shapeshifter would impersonate me, and you know it. Besides, even if they did all they would have to do all day is put up with you. Jos: ::The antennae flattened a little, while his companion's face stayed serene.:: Well, I love you, too, Cade. C. Foster: Let's not get into that again. ::he chortled, slurping the coffee. It was black and strong; typical for a Vulcan brew. And it was good. It was one of the reasons he liked this place.:: Hey you get tickets to the concert that's coming up? Jos: Let's see... loud, insipid popular music with a screaming crowd of people one quarter our age? ::a thoughtful pause:: no. C. Foster: Aww, c'mon. You should live a little! I can get tickets for the both of us. ::He paused, catching the wince of his companion:: And I'll get you earplugs. Antennae plugs. Ooh! No, I know! I'll get you antennae-muffs! I'll even make 'em blue and sparkly... ::he was trailing off into laughter at the ever increasingly unimpressed gaze he was getting in return.:: Jos: ::diverting:: You should order food. C. Foster: You didn't say no... ::he wagged a finger:: Jos: No. ::smirk:: Better. C. Foster: I can change that answer, just gimmie a few hours. Jos: ::A smirk, but one with less self-assurance.:: I'll believe it when I see it. ::A challenge, though one he knew he had an equal chance of winning or losing.:: Anyways... ::his tone turned more businesslike:: I was wondering if you were going to the psychiatric review board for the penal colony on Vesperatin VI? ::Cade sighed, rolling his eyes lightly. Since taking a professorship he found he had a raft of summers free, and when he wasn't writing papers and trying to impress everyone with his medical genius he had been called upon as a specialist in more than a few cases of high profile Federation trials. Some of them fascinated him - he absolutely loved delving into the medical mysteries of crime and figuring out the answers he hated the whole 'working with people and acting like a counselor' bit. In fact, the only reason he kept getting called on to help out was that he was very good at figuring out whether inmates were faking various ailments - physical and mental - or not. Coupled with brutal honesty he was a prosecutor's dream ally. But it didn't mean he enjoyed doing it.:: C. Foster: Two weeks, talking to a bunch of ex-Starfleet crazies? No thanks. ::he waved his hand in dismissal, stopping only when he registered the look on his companion's face.:: ::Jos' eyes widened fractionally, but the antennae were upright in surprise. It made Cade draw a breath in through his teeth, waiting for whatever bad punchline was about to drop.:: Jos: Here I thought I would have had to drag you away from that assignment kicking and screaming... ::he lisped very quietly, like a child dipping toes into the water to test the temperature.:: C. Foster: You did? ::That earned a quirk of a shaggy graying brow:: Why on Earth would you think I'd want to waste a week there when there's fun stuff in the galaxy to do? ::He was getting the sneaking sensation that he was missing something important.:: ::Aerdan Jos let his expression furrow into a slow forming frown, his antennae dropping downwards. Cade Foster was a smart man, and he would have certainly not forgotten that the Vesperatin colony housed one Thomas Janeway, who was up for an 18 month review. Not that his sentence would be overturned - but it would mean the difference between staying at the medical incarceration facilities on Vesperatin or being transferred to a more secure location. Jos was expecting to have to step in and force Foster away from the job due to a conflict of interest, but he was also assuming that Foster was fully aware of said conflict and would be trying to pull the wool over Aerdan's eyes. When in fact, it appeared that Dr. Jos was the one with all the knowledge and Cade was the one who was completely in the dark. He clicked his tongue on the roof of his mouth in disappointment. This sort of information was not freely shared with retired Starfleet doctors; however Dr. Jos had fully expected Cade's son would have willingly shared the information with his father. Then again he wasn't too surprised. He knew how hard it was to pry information out of Cade. Wyn was much younger, much more foolish and much more stubborn. Now the question was: How to broach the subject?:: Jos: I'm assuming you haven't talked to Wyn lately, have you? ::He was one of the few Andorians who actually called Shar'Wyn by his preferred Human sounding name rather than the Andorian pronunciation. It was a battle he stopped fighting years ago.:: C. Foster: Talk to him about every other week. He just got off some crazy Suliban mission. ::Pause, suspicion flooded his expression:: Why? Jos: ::he closed his eyes momentarily, looking very tired. He did not want to be the person to break this news to an old friend. But it was far worse to withhold the information, so he was going to have to endure a mighty unpleasant conversation.:: I don't suppose he ever told you why he was moved to the USS Apollo-A? C. Foster: Something about the Calderaan incident... ::He started, his gaze getting dark, tinged with worry.:: Why? ::Cade knew all about the Calderaan incident. He had raged about the Calderaan incident, and finally chalked it up to a bad reputation and a bad chief medical officer. That said, he considered it character building. His adopted son had risen in ranks, and regained his position on a fairly prestigious galaxy class starship, so he was wracking his brain for what he might have missed. Or worse, what Wyn might never had told him.:: Jos: ::The director sighed, grabbing his PADD and typing in a few passcodes to bring up a few choice - and classified - reports before pushing the PADD towards his friend.:: Read. ::Cade Foster's face turned a curious shade of purple as he digested the words on the PADD. Red rose up his throat and twisted his mouth into a feral sort of snarl, teeth bared and eyes slitted. When he was done he slammed the PADD to the table with enough force to crack the reinforced screen.:: C. Foster: I have to go. ::breakfast remained untouched.:: Jos: Cade... ::he started gently, snowy brows creasing in concern.:: C. Foster: Don't Cade me. ::He spat back, almost apologetically. He kept reminding himself it was a very bad idea to bite the messenger.:: I'm gonna go kill someone. Or talk some sense into some one. Pray it's the latter. Jos: Please don't make me have to sedate you and tie you to a biobed to keep you from doing something stupid. ::It was only partially a joke to diffuse the situation. It was partially a valid concern.:: ::Cade Foster paused, offering a light huff. He would try the diplomatic way first. As diplomatic as he could get. He might also try to hop a high speed shuttle and warp his way over to StarBase 11, and depending on how any preliminary conversations went, he might also try very hard to take a trip to Vespera VI with a spiked bat and a Klingon Painstick. Which was exactly the point where he knew his friend would intervene.:: C. Foster: I'll start with a comcall. Happy? Jos: ::he shook his head no in an earnest manner:: No... but I realized you needed to know. ::beat:: In return, please don't do anything stupid. C. Foster: Fine, deal. ::It wasn't too hard to agree to.:: But I gotta make this call. ::He turned and rushed out, leaving his breakfast companion to dine in unpleasantly contemplative silence.:: ~*~ tbc... ~*~ pNPC Professor Cade Foster Harvard University Earth by Lt Commander Shar'Wyn Foster Chief Medical Officer USS Constitution-B
  9. ((Dr. Foster’s Quarters - USS Constitution-B)) (Time index: Sometime after the Bowling Party) ::Wyn was not having a good shore leave. The sudden transfer of Nate Wilmer weighed heavy on his mind, over and above his resurfacing mental problems. His not-quite-spat with Sinda had unearthed more emotional damage than he cared to admit and he had fallen into full on hiding mode after the bowling party in an effort to stave off panic attacks. Or, more realistically to simply be in a position to deal with them somewhere dark, quiet and isolated. For a while he had been in his office, staying away from Ozameen as to not bother the poor kid more. But Oz was taking the sudden leaving of Kael pretty hard, giving Wyn a little breathing room for his own troubles. He was being good tonight, just sitting and relaxing, trying to work up the courage to call his father before leave was over and maybe tell him the truth of what all was going on. Wyn’s whole quarters were very dim, very cool and very quiet. Just the way he liked them when he was being antisocial. Which was why the knocking on the door and the slash of bright light that followed it was such a jarring change from his quiet meditation:: Foster: ::Grumbling, but not really grumbling:: Who in the fresh pits is it…? ::Rustyy wasn't the brightest fella on board, but at times he was the most crafty when it came to things along the lines of fixing ship and making up a still that made his family brew... If he was ever busted it would be the end of his career. But until then - he was going to be a good friend... This would make him a good friend right? He was terrible, and he hoped it wouldn't scare the Andorian off. Here he was like a fool, with an untested bottle of fresh brew. He banged on the door and helped himself in... Was that to much? Dang it - too late.:: Hael: I's'a gots good news, eh! ::standing at Wyns door.:: wanna sip ::holds up bottle of booze.:: fresh from the ... Wells reckon it be fresh booze… Is I botherin’ ya? ::he noticed the dimmed lights as he stood in the doorway.:: ::His antennae perked upwards, sapphire eyes shining. There were many people who, if they randomly knocked on his door, would get a very swift ‘go away’ - then again those people didn’t tend to actually knock on his door. However Rustyy was one of the people Wyn trusted, one of them that he not only would not chase away, but immediately invite inside because the truth was he loved companionship.:: Foster: No, no… not bothering me. I was just… resting. ::He stepped backwards, brightening the lights somewhat.:: Did you say fresh booze? Hael: ::childish, boyish grin spreading like wildfire across his face.:: Oh yea’s we done gots us a still… ::paused. It was Wyn, he trusted him.:: In engineerin’ just a small thing real’y. This be the first batch dones an’ ready for drinkin’! ::Rustyy stepped fully into Wyns quarters to let the door close behind him… Probably should have thought about that before opening his mouth about the still. :: Foster: ::Both snowy eyebrows raised:: Did you say still? ::He grinned slowly, offering a deep chuckle:: Why am I not surprised…? ::He walked inside, waving Rustyy with him. Wyn’s quarters were very clean, with a main central area and two wings - one for Oz and Mark, the other for him. It was also notable that most of Wyn’s furniture, especially the stuff on his side of the room, lacked legs. There was a fluffy couch that lay on the ground, a pile of furs and pillows that served as a chair and a very low table that accommodated both.:: Foster: Welcome to my humble home. ::Wyn paused as Rustyy offered over the bottle and he hesitated, He had been a very good boy lately, not drinking a lick in fear that Sinda would come knocking and write him up. Or call him stupid. Or do the thing that she threatened to do, which make his skin want to crawl. Then again, if one was quiet, no one cared. And this was Rustyy. And Rustyy was Rustyy. That had to count for something.:: Foster: ::Thoughtfully, carefully.:: Should I get glasses? Or plastic cups? ::He smirked:: ::He looked around with wide eyes. It was a lot bigger and a heck of a lot cleaner than his room was… Ever. A warm feeling made him smile. He had barged in and was still being welcomed. He cradled the bottle as he followed Wyn.:: Hael: Oh, well’s I don’ be needin’ anythin’ fancy.. Plastic be just fine Foster: I got that. ::he bounded over to the cupboard and returned with two plastic goblets, the sort that bounced when dropped.:: Hael: I hear’s you was dealin’ with some fun stuff up here’s durin’ that there last mission. ::The mission. Yes, let’s talk about the mission. Not the shore leave. That was infinitely less fun.:: Foster: ::he shrugged:: Not so much. A autopsy and some computer eating virus. I heard you got ambushed by crazy people? Hael: Always somethin’ try’n’a eat the computer ::he grumbled.:: An I tell’ya’s wha’... All them folks was crazy… But I didn’ get no one killed, so all is good. ::He put the cups on the table and flopped into the low cushioned chair, stretching out and gesturing for Rustyy to pour:: ::Rustyy smirked and filled the glasses to the brim with shaky hands and pursed lips all in focus. He plopped down and grabbed the glasses, handing one to Wyn. It took everything he had to not spill the overflowing goblets. He fidgeted a little, not use to the lack of supports when he sat, but boy it was nice.:: Foster: Hey, no one dying is a good thing! I’ll drink to that. ::Yep, that was a massive hint there.:: Hael: Here, here! ::he clinked the cups together.:: Foster: hear hear! :: a toast! To being alive! Which was as good of a reason to toast as any!:: ::Wyn took a sip of the stuff, considering and then a bit more before he coughed a bit:: Foster: That’s good. It’s strong. It’s good. ::Rustyy nodded and took a hefty gulp. Not the smartest thing for the first batch, but what the heck, he was drinking with a doctor. Him and one other working on the still had argued over what they should make first. He had won, with a blueberry mash. Something told him it would be liked by someone.. He regretting downing so much at once as he lost his breath and felt the burn down his throat.:: Hael: You taste that there .. ::cough… Taste.. Cough.:: Hint of them blue-berries? Blue - brandy… Foster: I taste the blue. ::he nodded, taking another drink.:: I do. I’m blue… ::Looking into the cup:: How strong is this? Hael: ::very innocent shrug.:: Fig’r ‘bout… 70 proof… ::he picked up the bottle and shook it.::: see dem bubblies? Lots means ::he smiled.:: gettin’ drunk faster. ::he took another gulp, coughed and blinked a few time.:: ::So not *quite* as strong as Romulan ale. Good to know.:: Foster: Well then this should be a fun trip. ::He grinned, his teeth looking very white against his blue skin in the dimmed light of his quarters:: So… what do you want to talk about? ::Drinking:: Hael: ::paused.:: I called one them fellas on the planet, Rumplestiltskin… He didn’ get it. Do you gets it? ::he had to make sure it wasn't just him… Sip.:: Foster: I know the reference… but I grew up on Earth so that doesn’t say much for my reference getting abilities. ::he shrugged, taking another sip:: What was he? A noxious little troll? Hael: ::curious.:: No…. Big ol’ built mister actually. ::chuckled.:: His shoulders was as wide as I is tall… well’s, just ‘bout. ::sip:: Foster: ::Perking both brows:: Ohhh, I see. ::a chuckle:: Tell me how you managed to not get anyone killed again? Hael: With me charmin’ personality I reckon’s ::he laughed, a real laugh that seemed to need some dusting off.:: Could be a cap’in or somethin’. ::he chuckled and shook his head then finished the rest of his cup..:: Foster: ::He shook his head slowly:: Wouldn’t want to be a Captain. I’m better at doing my job. No time for posing on a bridge. ::He took a drink to that:: How about you? ::It took far more effort than normal, to sit up and refill his glass. The sensation of being not in contact with his body, yet heavy as a rock told him he should have eaten before chugging high proof booze. With bug eyes, he did his best to not jerk and spill the clear, yet slightly tinted liquor into his glass. He offered Wyn a topper.:: Hael: ::slightly beat.:: Oh hells, not me. I ain’ cut out fer that role, none. ::sip… gulp.:: ::Wyn nodded in agreement. There was a part of him that was honestly shocked that someone saw fit to make him a chief medical officer. Then again he ran a tight ship in sickbay; but it was what he was good at. Other leadership roles? Not so much.:: Foster: Me neither. ::He grinned, swishing the alcohol around in his glass:: Remember those command classes in the academy? ::He smirked:: I ended up skipping them for extra credits in xenopharmacology. Hael: ::he stared blankly at Wyn… that was a big boy word!:: Nah, I took them classes at school, just like ev’rone else… But I only done it ‘cause of this cute gal… spoke some crazy thing ::he waved his hand.:: I done had to learn, to just say ::rednecked.:: “Hi” ::That prompted a long sigh from the Andorian as he rolled off the chair and headed to the replicator. Doctor sense was kicking in and he replicated two non-alcoholic drinks to compliment the alcohol, pressing one in front of Rustyy.:: Foster: Ahh, I remember the days of in class dating ::a chuckle:: Those days are long gone. Hael: Yea’ they is. ::he took the offered drink and wet his whistle… .Paused with a coy smile.:: But them was easier than on ships, eh? ::Wyn shook his head very slowly:: Foster: Shipside dating is a baaaaaad idea. I think people who get stationed on ships are forever doomed to be bachelors and bachelorettes. Hael: Oh? I dunno ‘bout all tha’ ::his optimism shined best when he had a good buzz.:: So long as you ain’ ‘fraid to fight. My mama and pa’ an’ seven kiddies all locked up toge’er fer three months at’a time, ‘bout like bein’ on a ship. Foster: ::he shook his head and spoke with the voice of heavy experience:: No. When you date a co-worker it gets weird. It goes from romance to tragedy at warp speed… Hael: ::Sheepishly.:: sleepin’ with someone ain’ like datin’ right? Foster: ::He hiked one snowy brow sky high:: Rustyy! Sleeping with someone is exactly like dating someone, unless said second sleeper is a pet or under the age of three… ::cough cough:: I mean platonic relationships are few and far between, but yeah… usually sleeping means biology, yanno? Hael: Oh… ::he turned several shades redder.:: Foster: ::Leaning forward with a curious expression:: Who are you sleeping with…? Hael: Uh… Wells… ::his lips danced over his teeth.:: One them gals that work fer me… I think… Foster: You think!? ::Both antennae raised in alarm:: Rustyy! Either you slept with her or you didn’t - and how do you forget sleeping with someone? How do you think and now know?! Hael: ::shrugged.:: I don’ ‘member none. ::chuckled.:: Was drinkin then too. ::he held up the drink proudly.:: But she ain’ said nothin’ none either, so I’m’a thinkin’ I didn’t…. ::he kind of pouted. He was no ladies man for sure..:: Foster: Well, you could go through the checklist - ::he started ticking off on his spindly blue fingers:: Did you wake up in the same bed? Was she wearing clothing? Were you wearing clothing? Did you have any itching or burning sensations in the groin area afterwards? Hael: ::he couldn’t turn redder. He mumbled and squirmed a little.:: No itching or burning…. Foster: ::Shrugs: Well, then you’re probably safe. Probably. Hael: Even still, though… I’s’a don’ why it ain’ a thang. ::facepalm… Fantastic, now he was sounding like his mama.:: Foster: Because girls are weird and they get crazy once you start dating. ::he shrugged. Wyn - the ever eloquent, and arguably completely clueless person when it came to women.:: Hael: But… People needs people and gals are people… Right? Foster: ::He shrugged:: Of course people need people. ::pause:: But people will also tear out your heart and destroy it if you let them. My advice is to be careful. ::Rustyy turned his head a little and took a hefty drink of the real alcohol, then chased it with a gulp from the non-alcoholic one. He knew people like that. Children could be so cruel with such little regard for how it affected others in the long run… It hadn’t been since then that he had even took this much time to spend with someone else. He felt the head coming off his face.:: Hael: ::clearing his throat.:: Yea’ no kiddin’, eh. ::he shook his head and that goldfish brian did the work for him.:: I’s’a ain’ worried none… I got this thang - no one ever calls back. ::he snorted.:: Foster: I know how that feels. ::He muttered a little.:: Hael: So you ain’ seein’ no one? Even pla- plo... plo-ton-i-cally? ::he eked out.:: Foster: ::He snorted, nearly spitting out his drink:: [...], Rustyy, beyond Mark you’re the only person who comes to call. ::He shook his head:: After I left Atlantis I haven’t seen jack and crap as far as action. Hael: ::sitting up.:: Who’s Jack? Foster: ::He twitched one antennae in irritation:: It’s a saying. It means nothing, barren, dry, nope, less than zero. Hael: ::he nodded, then sighed:: I don’ get it none, either…. I mean, I like you. ::he pointed at him.:: You like’s me… Why don’ others? ::Wyn opened his mouth, and then stopped. What he was about to say was: ‘Well, because you’re weird and I have a terrible personality…’ But he figured that didn’t reflect well on either one of them:: Foster: I… uh… I don’t know, Rustyy… I don’t know. I guess they’re all too normal for us? Hael: ::He smiled.:: I’d buy tha’... An’ I think tha’ calls fer more drinkin’ ::he held up his half emptied glass.:: ‘Cause tha’ there is just ev’ryone else loss. ::Wyn smiled, refilling the glasses. And this was why he liked Rustyy.:: Foster: True, that. ::He toasted the engineer.:: And they don’t have ‘shine - and we do. Hael: So… Who’d you have a crush on, on tha’ there other ship, eh? ::he asked innocently.:: Foster: ::He coughed a little:: It wasn’t so much a crush… ::Coughing more… did he drink something wrong, or was he directly trying to avoid something?:: Hael: Oh? ::he asked and wiggled like a high school girl chatting up her bestie about the latest gossip… Or crush.:: Foster: ::he shook his head:: She was the chief engineer ::Irony. Right there.:: There was a holodeck program that went wrong, way wrong. ::He paused, taking a very long drink:: And afterwards she wanted to have kids. ::Shrug, as if that was the most normal relationship progression, ever.:: Hael: ::blankest stare ever.:: Was she … Sounds like… Is that crazy? ::that little description only described his mom… He scratched his head. He was hesitant to admit that though.:: My folks met once an’ started havin’ kids right ‘way… Tha’ ain’ to crazy is it? Foster: ::With surety:: She was crazy. Though the entire ship was crazy. ::He gave a long low sigh.:: Hael: ::wry chuckle.:: Aww, she couldn’ be- ::he cut himself off.:: The whole ship, eh? I’s’a be takin’ it righ’ to say, not in the good way. ::Wyn shook his head slowly. This was something he hadn’t talked about - really hadn’t even dealt with in his mind in a year and a half. He really must be drunk.:: Foster: No, not in the good way. Not at all. ::he shook his head.:: Either that or they were sane and I was crazy. But I prefer to believe it was the other way around. Hael: Eh. ::he shrugged and winked.:: I reckon tha’ there be dependin’ on who yer askin’. ::he propped his head up on a fist a looked at Wyn, big brown eyes - mostly watching the antennae, but with a sincere expression of interest..:: Foster:Well, lets see.. I was the one kicked off the ship, so that probably means I was the asshole, right. ::He shook his head. It was one of the things he didn’t like to talk about.:: So, yeah, my luck in so-called love is abysmal. ::he looked down at his boots. He got the feeling he was lurking in an undesirable area for Wyn. He chewed on his bottom lip. He picked up on vibes, though never fully understood them. He got the feeling things needed to be vented but weren’t ready yet. So he would talk about something else! That always worked.:: Hael: Means you jus’ ain’ found tha’ there righ’ one yet!.. You know wha’ we need? Foster: ::He turned his somewhat bleary sapphire gaze towards Rustyy:: What do we need? Hael: Beer! You ev’r had tha’? We only ev’r had it imported, but I bet’cha we could replicate it. Mighty tasty, an’ ain’ nothin’ like whisky, bourbon, or brandy. Foster: We need… beer? ::He shook his head a little, not following that logic.:: OK, first, of course I had beer. And second… how does beer tie into bad love stories? Hael: Well’s… It don’, real’y. ::deer caught in the headlights.:: I’s’a jus’ thought it sounded good… ::he [...]ed his head..:: Foster: Well… ::he offered a nod of agreement:: It does sound good. Though I think tonight it might put us on the puke train. That said, I do rather like beer... Hael: ::he clapped his hands.:: Well’s it’s’a good thang I knows this fella who’s a doctor, make yer tummy feel fine. ::he smiled proudly at Wyn.:: You. ::just incase he didn’t get it. Had to make it obvious, more for Rustyy than Wyn.:: Foster: ::He tinged a bit darker blue:: Yep, that’s me. I’m a doctor. But please, let’s not become emergency beam ins. ::he decided to get them a second round of water…:: Hael: Nah… ::out of the blue.:: Wha’ be tha’ there gal’s name? From tha’ ship? ::Stop, pause, the glass nearly slipped from his hand.:: Foster: Gwen. Gwen Gardener. ::He drank the rest of his drink.:: Hael: ::he snorted, not realizing the nerve he had touched by asking.:: Terrible name… No wonder she was crazy. Foster: ::Pause. Pause. He put his head back and started to laugh. He laughed and laughed until tears rolled down his cheeks.:: I never… never knew… a name… made ya crazy… ::He stumbled up to stand near Wyn. Big eyes looking at the Andorian like he had grown tentacles or something. Well… Quick look to the antenna.. He thought he had broken the doctor. How would he explain that to the boss ladies?!? He sounded like he was laughing - but there were obviously tears.:: Hael: Well’s yea’ ::he started unsure.:: Ain’ ya ever heard the song “A Boy Name Sue” ? ::he brought his face close to Wyn.:: Why is’ya cryin’? Foster: Cause it’s… funny? ::He pause, coughed and wiped his face, trying to compose himself.:: Anyways, the song… sorta. I mean I grew up on Earth, but didn’t listen to every song, yanno. ::Pause, drink:: I know Sue’s a girl’s name. But so is Gwen. Hael: Song be ‘bout a name tha’ wasn’ no good fer the person. ::he moved back a little.:: Just a thing I guess. ::smirking.:: Makes sense to me. Foster: ::He raised his glass in a toast:: Well then that’s good enough for me. Hael: Was she yer only one? ::that goldfish brain was in overdrive as the booze made the room hazzy.:: Foster: Oh, hell no. I had plenty of girls at the Academy. ::he shrugged:: It was easier back then, we were young and frisky and stupid. Hael: ::plopped down in his seat with a huff.:: Easy, eh? Foster: ::A shrug:: You know - help them with their homework and then they say “thank you!’ and you get pizza and snog. Hael: Pft! Ya’know, I got turned down by just ‘bout ev’ry one, try’na find them ones. And the ones I *did* get with, I nev’r finished. ::he snorted and shook his head.:: Foster: ::He tipped his head a little:: Seriously? But you’re a nice guy… thought you’d be a shoe-in. ::pause:: Why did you never finish? Hael ::he was feeling a lot more open than normal.: Cause I passed out or they had a third leg, which I weren’t expectin’ an it weren’t like what you and I - ::he paused. He had no idea if they were similar below the waist. He said it a little more gently.:: Like wha’ I had. ::he looked at Wyn coyly.:: Like I’m pretty sure there was teeth or somethin’ down there. So I would leave… To keep myself safe. Foster: ::That prompted both snowy brows to drunkenly hike upwards:: Teeth?! Who were you dating?! Hael: ::shrugged.:: Good question… :: he bobbed his head.:: I’s gots zero idea. ::deadpan.:: Foster: ::He waggled a finger at Rustyy:: And this is why Biology 101 is an important class for everyone. Hael: Eh, tha’ be wha’ yer fer. ::gulp, the closer to the bottom of the bottle the more the burn.:: Plus, wha’ few things I did take fer ::he waved his hands.:: stuff I didn’ understand none. Ya’ll have a lingo that goes ::he made a swishing motion over his head.:: clear over me head. Foster: Well, lesson one: Teeth are bad, unless they’re in a mouth… ::he smirked wildly:: Hael: ::both eyebrows, straight up.:: Yeah…. Foster: ::He leaned over and poked Rustyy with a finger:: So you’re telling me you never had a girl?? Fer serious? ::Oh, great now he was drunk enough to talk like Rustyy…:: Hael: Uh… ::fifty shades of red.:: I don’ … None’s I ‘member.. But I had to see a doc a time or two so I know’s somethin’ happened. ::duckface. He recovered best he could.:: ::Wyn looked incredulous, both antennae curled forward, he palmed his face:: Foster: Rustyy! You’re supposed to remember things like this! How could you forget?! ::He froze. Usually he wasn’t so bad about things. But in his more intoxicated funk, he was worse than normal. He stared at the moving things on top Wyn’s head like a dog did a squirrel:: Hael: ::Utterly serious.:: Can I’s’a touch’em? ::he leaned in close to Wyn’s face, rather fixated on the top of Wyn’s head.:: ::Wyn was rather drunk so it took him a half a second to realize what Rustyy was talking about. Unfortunately the second he did realize the reaction was immediate and dramatic.:: Foster: No! ::The word ripped from his throat like a raw curse as he pulled back like a man bitten, eyes wide, pressing himself in the far corner against the cushions.:: Hael: ::turning instantly pale and regretting what he had just ask. He put his hands up.:: Sorry! I,::he jumped up and stepped back, but the lower table caught him just enough to send him toppling over onto his bum.:: uh… I -I -I didn’ mean nuffin’ by it… I’s’a sorry! ::Wyn stopped, dead, and suddenly pitched forward, as if realizing where he was and what was going on.:: Foster: Oh crap... Are you OK? You didn’t break anything did you? ::He took in a shallow breath:: I mean, I’m sorry, it’s fine… I mean it’s not, but it is… ::He shook his head, words failed.:: Hael: ::keeping some distance between them.:: I’m fine. ::he sat on the floor rather than continue to be sprawled out.:: I didn’ mean ::his bottom jutted out slightly. He chewed his own butt for being the way he was. Not that he knew how to be anyone else.:; I shouldn’ have done asked tha’ ::shrugged.:: I’m’a really sorry’s. ::he looked at the floor.:: Now I’s’a buzz kill. ::he huffed a chuckle.:: ::Wyn frowned, his shoulders collapsing into his chest, shrinking away a little.:: Foster: No, you’re not… I’m sorry… ::He waffled in his words, pain and drunkenness swirling together in a fuzzy mixture.:: It’s just… I had one ripped off in a fight once. It’s… it’s hard to not panic… I mean… ::he sighed, it wasn’t making much sense.:: ::Don’t panic. Breathe. Don’t panic. Wyn admitted if it was anyone else in his room he would be panicking far more; but the puppy dog eyes Rustyy kept making were talking Wyn down from a full on attack. The booze was helping, too. He hated to admit it, but being drunk made the attacks go away. That was a dangerous seductress lingering around his brain, one he didn’t want to dwell on too heavily.:: Hael: ::as honest as he could be through slightly gritted teeth.:: I’s’a know’s… ::he looked at when through glazed over eyes.:: I ain’ called someone friend since I was lil’... So I know I ain’ no good with this. It done been a while. But i really likes ya, an’ I don’ wanna… ::he stared at the floor.:: Can we’s backtrack to *before’s* I asked? Foster: You don’t need to. ::He spoke gently, in the way one who was a good listener would speak. It was one of those hidden talents that he had - one that made him a good doctor, but one he usually hid under a calloused exterior:: I mean… I’m not mad, because it’s you. You’re not the people from the past, you’re Rustyy. And I like Rustyy. He’s my friend. ::A small shrug:: Besides, I’m not really one much for regrets. Hael: ::sheepish smile.:: I is yer friend. ::it was only then he realized that he had spilled all down his front, on his shirt and pants..:: Uh-oh… ::boyish smile.:: I’s’a wasted perfectly good booze. Can I’s’a gets a towel? Foster: ::He perked one snowy brow:: I think that’s called alcohol abuse… ::Staggering upwards to fish for a towel. How long had it been since they started drinking? How much had they drank? Ugh, it was all blurring together.:: Here… ::He tossed the towel haphazardly at Rustyy, which landed like a sheet half covering his head.:: Hael: ::he fought between smirking and trying to be serious.:: How’s I look? Foster: ::laughing a little:: Looks, uh… good on you. Hael: ::he pulled the towel off and began dabbing himself off.:: You don’ think the booze will sue, do ya’s? Foster: ::sounds oh-so-academic about it:: Probably not. I think you’re safe. Hael: ::standing up.:: ‘Nutter round? ::Both antennae flickered upwards:: Foster: If we’ve already talked about this much stuff, what on earth will we talk about if we drink another round. ::he asked skeptically. They were getting dangerously into the ‘drunk enough to share the things one usually didn’t talk about’ stage. Heck they had already reached it.:: Hael: Well’s, could always get’s worse chats ::he smirked as he took a seat closer to Wyn.:: Or weirds Foster: Really? ::he canted his head to one side like a confused puppy dog:: Like how? Hael: Could talk ‘bout *love* which be kin’a different than datin’... ::huffing.:: ~Love~ Foster: Love… ::He scoffed a little:: I don’t know about love… ::Both antennae waggled a bit:: I mean… love is tough, right? Love is a big step… ::yep, now he was babbling.:: Hael: ::both eyebrows raised up slightly as he eyed his friend.:: Yea’ it is.... Maybe… I fell’s in love with an actress once… ::nodded assuredly.:: but I was just a kiddie. ::he smirked.:: Foster: Really? ::both snowy brows perked before the most natural question ever slipped out:: Who? Hael: ::without missing a beat.:: Audrey Hepburn. ::smile innocently.:: Purdy sure she was me first. ::wink.:: at least that there one I ‘member. ::smirk.:: Foster: ::he snickered into his cup:: She’s not real! She’s been dead for like centuries! So i’m not sure that’s love. ::He shook his head slowly:: More like a crush. ::Pause, he looked up:: How’d you find Audrey Hepburn anyways? Hael: Well’s tha’n be wha’ I get fer watchin’ all them ol’ movies.. ::snicker.:: Wha’ ‘bout you? Foster: Kinda ::he shrugged, leaning back, his eyes gazing far off out the window.:: Hael: Ah come’ons, i’s’a told’ya mine. ::he pleaded.:: Foster: ::He gave a sigh, turning slightly navy:: Oh, fine. So before I went to Earth with dad, we were on a starship. The USS Augury - it was a big ship. ::Thinking, one antennae [...]ed downwards:: Akira class - big well armed sucker. And, well, my Dad’s boss was the first officer - who was a former medical officer. I guess they had a long history together, anyways, he was the scariest guy I ever met… Hael: Oh’s? Big ol’ cat, eh? ::he smirked leaning in to the story.:: Foster: ::He took a long drink, leaning over:: No, he was small - like only a few centimeters taller than me; and thin… but he had this way of staring you down with eyes that looked like they had seen hell and come through swinging… ::he shuddered a little, even now, thinking about it.:: Anyways, he was an Andorian. One of the few I ever met who would talk to me. Super soft spoken guy, and again - you would think that wouldn’t be scary but it was. ::Another drink, he shook his head:: But he has this daughter. Who is way older than me… and hot. Man was she hot. ::Thinking:: I’m pretty sure she’s still hot. Hael: ::winking.:: Well’s you ev’r get with her? Foster: Well for one ::He ticked off on his spindly fingers:: She’s about ten years older than me and two, as I said, her Dad is suuuuper scary. And three, she thought I was a jerk. ::Thinking:: Probably still does. Hael: Aww, ::he lightly pawed at Wyns shoulder.:: Was you the type to pull girlies hairs ‘cause you liked’em? Foster: ::A thoroughly impish look crossed his face:: Maaaybe… ::A dreamy look crossed his face:: She had this long wavy white hair, and big sapphire eyes… ::Leaning back. His childhood friend was about as opposite to Liani as possible - and Liani was the only other female Andorian who had ever given him the time of day. Other humanoid ladies were lovely, but he admitted he dreamt in shades of blue and white.:: And pale blue skin. Northerner… so she said. ::He shrugged:: Never been to the northern plains of Andor, but man, if her family was representative I’d have to say they have scary guys and lovely girls. Hael: She must’a been purdy special to have you lookin’ like a newborn babe on a summer morn’n… ::he flashed a wide smile.:: You ain’ *never* tried to get with her? Even later on.. ::he pried.:: Foster: Eh… I went to Earth, she stayed on the Augury, and I was an awkward high school kid when she was in the academy. I didn’t have a chance. And once I was well on my way to becoming a smooth medical genius, she was already halfway across the stars. Operations and Command division. ::he shrugged:: Last I checked she was on the USS Armstrong-C. ::He looked over with a gaze of innocence that clearly said ‘not that I ever check this or anything.:: Hael: Ah, well. ::shaking his head. He looked at his nearly empty glass:: Women’s, for all we love’em, ::sigh.:: they don’ seem to notice… ::That prompted Wyn to chuckle a little.:: Foster: In my experience, man or woman - few people notice. That’s why when you find someone who does care you cherish them forever. ::Did he just admit that? Whoops… he must really be drunk.:: Hael: ::raising his glass.:: To the folks, friends or lovers, let’em be good fer each other. ::or something like that… He was so drunk, he was having slight issue understanding himself. He patted Wyn on the leg, it was a ways away from his head.:: Foster: I’ll drink to that. ::He raised his glass, toasted, and then some brilliance of higher brainpower decided that, yes. He should be the responsible person and cork the alcohol and get another round of water…:: Hael: ::he watched the bottle being closed off.:: Aww. ::he pouted.:: Should I’s’a take it I’m’a gettin’da boot too’s? ::he'd seen it enough times to get the hint.:: Foster: No! ::Said a bit too fast:: I never said you had to leave… just that I don’t want you to puke is all. ::Big wide innocent eyes. It could happen. Actually he was startlingly good at the so-called ‘puppy dog eyes’ when he put his mind to it.:: Hael: ::nodding.:: Make’s’s sense’s… ::looking into Wyn’s eyes.:: You’ve’s got’s them bluest eyes I’ves ever done seen, you know’s that. ::he said leaning in further.:: Like them’s lakes’s durin’ first thaw. ::he pulled at his shirt some, was it just him or was it warm. Of course he was pretty convinced StarFleet uniforms were self heaters.:: ::Wyn stopped. He just… froze. Even his antennae froze eyes going a bit wider. How drunk was Rustyy? How drunk was Wyn? Did he mishear that? That was usually the sort of things that he said to girls because he wanted them to come home with him. Or at least he used to say to girls when he was young(er) and stupid(er). Then again it usually worked with the ladies he had tried it on and now he knew why. Flattery was somehow enticing. Warming. It fluffed the ego that lay deep inside one’s chest and made the heart flutter a little. Wait. Rustyy. Drunk Rustyy. Then again drunk Rustyy was pretty adorable. And Andorians traditionally married in groups of four. He started wondering is Rustyy would be amenable to finding two women… did he really just think that about Rustyy?! How drunk was he?:: Foster: ::Flushing deeply navy:: Uhm, thanks… ::A pause, and finally his laughter broke the silence:: You’re drunk! Hael: ::He said what he meant, and he meant what he said… At least he thought so. He liked this moment, this time spent. Now he just wished it would be more than a blurry memory.:: Uhh… So’s is you’s! ::he pointed and chuckled.:: Foster: Well, at least you’re poetic when you’re drunk! Hael: Ahhh… Pft… ::maroon colored.:: Wha’ i say’s don’ rhyme none. ::he grinned and shook his head, watching the blue hues darken. Blues was always a pleasing color to look at. It was that, white or black back home.:: Jus’ how many’s shades’s of blue can you’s turn? Foster: ::He narrowed his brows, and in the next second he quickly proved that alcohol could not dull his ability to quip:: Not as many shades of red as you can turn... Hael: ::he could feel the heat emanating from his cheeks.:: I’m’a not red. ::he duckfaced pouted. He tried to take sip of water to cool down.:: Foster: And wet targs smell like roses. ::He chuckled, reaching for his own glass of water:: Hael: ::submitting.:: Wha’ ev’rs… ::even more blood to his head..:: It done jus’ go’ real’y hot’s in ‘ere… Tha’s all… Tha’n be why I red… ish. Foster: Hot?! ::He sputtered in his glass a little before waving his arms and antennae in unison:: You realize you’re in my quarters?! Quarters of someone who is from a planet that is a ball of ice?! Quarters that others constantly complain are too cold… I mean I could turn the heat down further if you fancy it … but hot? ::Blink blink…:: Hael: ::puppy dog innocence.:: Well’s… I feel’s warm… ::he pulled at his collar:: My’s room ain’ no better’s ::he chuckled.:: Alway’s’s to cold fer others… ::thoughtfully.:: Maybe’s tha’n be why no one ev’r stays… Foster: I’d stay. ::he nodded in drunken assent.:: ::That came out wrong. Or right. This conversation was going downhill and Wyn was not only incapable of stopping it - he was pretty sure he didn’t want to stop it either.:: Hael: ::hopeful smile.:: Would’ya’s? ::playfully.:: Even’s sober? ::Because it, he, would be nice to remember. Even if it was just once. He could feel his face turn flush yet again… But just as others before - this would be just another chance for him to face plant. Even drunk he hoped not.:: Foster: Well, depends on what we were doing… ::Those antennae waggled back and forth in a quite interesting manner.:: Hael: I’d take ya’s fer ‘ride ‘course. :: He meant the car he had gotten from the past. Right? His brain was getting more fuzzy and not only from the booze. All he could do was smile sheepishly.:: ‘Course you’s could’s drive too’s if’n ya wanna. ::Blink blink. Blink blink blink. Did ride and drive mean what he think they meant? Was that drunken innuendo? Then again Rustyy was a gear head…:: Foster: … ride? ::Both snowy brows perked, his cheek flushing navy without his brain’s permission.:: Like… what kind of ride? Hael: ::perking up.:: in me auto-mobile from 1912 ‘course! I’s’a just put’in a new carb. So she’s’a purry mighty nicely… ::he looked eagerly at Wyn.:: Foster: ::Flushing darker navy:: Ooooohhhhh! ::Pause.:: Well, I’m sorta drunk right now and I think I would puke. But maybe tomorrow after a greasy breakfast? ::Rustyy bobbed his head repeatedly and regretted it instantly when he turned from red to green in a matter of precious few seconds. He set his drinks down so’s not to spill - again - and tried to stabilize himself.:: Hael: ::frowning.:: Wha’ time be’s? ::he looked around for a clock.:: Foster: I dunno... it’s late enough that I’m sleepy, and the delicious booze didn’t help, but I’m too wound up from conversating ::great grammar there, Wyn:: to sleep. ::he shrugged:: In my academy days we’d play stupid games or watch dumb holovids. Hael: ::[...]ing his head at Wyn.:: I’m’a throw’ups if’n we play games. ::apologetic smile.:: Foster: Ok, ok, no games! ::he put his hands up as if to prevent any unnecessary upchucking.:: Holovids it is! Hael: ::smirking.:: We’s’a can watch “Breakfast at Tiff’s”. ::he stuck his tongue out slightly and bit down on it, trying not to laugh. Innocently enough.:: Wha’? ::broad smile.:: Foster: ::both snowy brows hiked sky high:: Isn’t that a girly-film? Hael: Uh… Well… oO Yea’. Oo I’s’a guess it - I mean’s it’s purdy macho. ::Wyn shook his head. He didn’t rightly know what constituted a ‘macho’ film since he had never been in the ‘macho’ crowd. He had always been an outsider. He wondered if there was a movie for that.:: Foster: Ok, what about films for weirdos? Not chick-flicks, not testosterone and muscles. Films for people like us… Hael: ::[...]ing his head and looking over his shoulder.:: X-Men. ::serious as a clam.:: Foster: What-men? That sounds like a porno… ::He remarked with his usually crassness:: What’s it about? Hael: Well’s… There blue folks in’it… An’ them an’ others fight crime ev’n though no one thanks them fer it. ::he smiled, knowing that was something they both dealt with. A lot of people appreciated it and some overlooked all the work put into keep machines and people in one piece.:: Foster: Huh. ::He canted his head to one side, thinking about that. Sounded, actually, like something he’s be into.:: No crap, huh? ::Taking another long drink.:: I would watch it. Hael: ::eager.:: Real’y? ::sliding down to sit on the floor. Sitting in the soft beanbag like seat was too much work.:: You be thinkin’ we gonna be able to see’s it all? Foster: No, with as much stuff as we just drank we’ll probably get about ten minutes in and fall asleep. But I’m OK with that, too. Hael: You know’s how long it been since I done did a sleep ov’r? ::smirking.:: Ferever, an’ we built a fort. ::his brown eyes pleaded.:: Foster: A... sleep… over? ::He blinked. How drunk was he?:: What’s that? ::Rustyy opened his mouth... Closed it... And mentally reached for the fuzziness that was once his happy, loopy, ridiculous drunken stupor. He was rather fond of that state. It made the universe seem less feeble, happy go lucky rainbow and unicorn lands. Though words continued to evade him. How to explain a sleep over. Well... It's what kids did! Not that the two were classifiable children, but they could act it all they wanted. Instead of the hazy booze thoughts, it was a blurry, tear ridden long forgotten memories pushing forward. Nope, he wasn't okay with that. The hiccup in his breath and the puffy eyes took more than a slight shake of the head to get under control.:: Hael: Um… ::murmuring.:: What kiddies do when they be hangin’ out late with friends… Just, ::he looked up and shrugged.:: This. Foster: In my experience a sleep-over either meant grade schoolers or ::cough:: ladyfolk. ::cough.:: Hael: ::boyish smirk.:: Well’s ::groaning as he attempted to stand up.:: If’n’a ya ain’ alrighty with’it, I’s’a better be - Foster: ::Drunkenly fast, that sort of odd desperation one has when they don’t want to lose their company:: No, no! I’m OK with it… Hael: ::sigh of relief for two reasons. One he didn't have the strength to get up.:: Well I’s’a been told I snore like a caveman. ::two, he was worried if he left, he would wake up and it all would have been a dream, trick of the mind that made him deal with the past..:: Foster: You snore? ::His antennae twitched. His Dad snored, too. He remembered listening for it late at night when they were on Earth.:: Hael: ::he gave a genuine laugh.:: Well you can always hit me till i’s’a shuts up. Foster: ::A ghost of some sort of strange fear clouded his vision.:: No. I would never hit you. ::Said all too fast.:: Hael: It ain’ no thang. ::he smirked, remembering all the stories from when he was younger.:: Not like it’a hurt me none. Foster: ::He shrugged, passing it off:: I mean, why hit you? What good would that do? Besides, I’m a medical genius. I could figure something out. Hael: ::shrug.:: eh, my mama and pa use ya do it, wakes me up ‘nough to make me stops. ::his brain rewound slightly.:: I’s’a don’ think fig’r’in’ somethin’ this late be such a good idea. ::chucked.:: Foster: No… ::He shook his head, as if clearing away cobwebs… or ghosts:: I don’t hit people unless they absolutely deserve it. I’m sure we can find another way. Hael: I’s’a guess ::long big yawn.:: we’s can deal with it when we gets there. Let's get that there movie started, eh. ::he smirked. He would be passed out before the previews were over at this rate.:: ::Right. Wyn offered a light nod, wandering towards the computer which compliantly flashed a nice menu up on the blank wall. He honestly had never tried this before. Watching movies was a curiously old fashioned thing. But, sure enough, the computer was all too happy to comply.:: Foster: Right. ::He blinked:: You know there’s like twenty of these things - and about half a dozen cartoons. How big was this? Hael: ::childish, geeky grin as he bobbed his head.:: Yuppers, only the best a finest. ::he wiggled down to rest his head on the pillow like seat and face the screen, his eyelids got very heavy suddenly.:: Foster: Figures. ::He chose the one that seemed to be the first and tapped play.:: I admit I’m not sure how long I’ll stay awake for. Hael: Mmmhmm. ::he wrapped his arms across his chest and crossed his legs. His head jerking up ever few seconds…. Blink blink. He patted the floor next to him.:: com’on’dow’s’ere… ::Wyn paused, freezing for a few seconds before sliding down beside Rustyy in the way brothers snuggle up to one another on a cold night where the heater’s broken. Man he was drunk. Didn’t matter. Felt good. Like some sort of home he didn’t have.:: Foster: Hmmm, ok. ::Relaxing into a cat-like puddle:: How many brothers you say you had? Hael: ::grunt.:: Four’of’em… An’ ::he held up two fingers.:: two sissies. ::sleeping close to someone was like home, snuggling to stay warm in the living room of their house.:. Foster: Thats… that’s a lotta ‘em. Hael: Yep… You’d like’em, should meet’em ::he eyed Wyn from the corner of a drooping eye.:: Though, you’s migh’ not like bein’trap’d with’em all. Foster: Don’t know. ::He shrugged lightly, head drooping:: Guess Andorians have big families, too… never tried it. Might like it. Hael: ::nodding, he turned on his side and hid his face, the movie long forgotten.:: Mmm, g’nigh’. Foster: ::Movie? What movie? Mmmm, sleep. He hadn’t slept well in days, but finally tonight sleep was coming easily.:: Good night… ::Who knew what tomorrow would bring, but for the night, sleep was sweet…:: ~*~ A JP by: Lieutenant Commander Rustyy Hael Chief Engineer USS Constitution A239202RH0 ~and~ Lt Commander Shar’Wyn Foster Chief Medical Officer USS Constitution-B
  10. Hahahaha no they are not. Also this just made my morning:
  11. Congratulations to the very deserving winners of the Staff Awards. I'd like to especially congratulate Nicole (Selene Faranfey) whom I had the pleasure to mentor ever since she joined the community. I'm immensely proud of you, Nicole. You have been a pillar for the community ever since you joined and your hard work cannot be praised enough!
  12. A celebratory Hip Hip hooray for the very deserving winners! Of course I'm especially proud of Noelle and her work that deserves the win of the Luminary Award. The Conny wouldn't be the same without you, and I wouldn't be either. I'm so happy for you, so proud of you, and - as you say - tickled pink to not only call you my mentee and fellow writer but also my friend. I'm also thrilled to see James (Renos) be awarded the Xalor Clan Xifilis Award. I've had the pleasure to write with you on the Apollo and walk with you ever since. You have worked so hard and got through so many hurdles. It was a pleasure to see you grow and overcome obstacles, and work hard to make this whole SB experience the best for everyone. The award is so very well deserved! And Maxwell, I still weep over you leaving the Apollo back then, but I'm so proud of you and how far you've come! Keep rocking the show! Raissa was one of my cadets in the Academy and boy, you're amazing! It's always special to see someone grow from the beginning to the present and way beyond that. You are ever present in the forums and I just love seeing you in action.
  13. She will love seeing a colleague's work
  14. Jalana is wearing a playful calf long design with Polkadots, lace embroidery and a complementing fringy stole. It is an original Rajel, designed by her former host Zindara Rajel, who was a popular and prominent Fashion Designer who lived from 2176 to 2233.
  15. "Time is a slippery thing: lose hold of it once, and its string might sail out of your hands forever." ~ Anthony Doerr (( USS Blackadder )) :: Perception had the habit of being quite subjective. Not only different from person to person, but also from situation to situation. It was never the same, ever changing, in a constant flux. It wouldn't pass in one event, but fly by faster than warp in the next. The same moment could be perceived differently by participating parties. It never was the same for everyone. :: :: This ship housed over 300 people, who now believed this flight to be short. The distance between SB 11 and Trill would be covered in about half an hour, in contrast to over 4 days at max warp. Just one person stood at a window, staring at the passing colorful lines the Quantum Sliptream Drive made stars look like, and it passed like a snail crossing the street. And there was no time. Every second counted. She hated to wait. :: :: Again and again she went through the conversation in her mind. Her father had a severe heart attack and for the first time in many years it had come evident to Jalana what she had always known, but pushed aside. Her parents wouldn't be there forever. The last thing she wanted was to lose her father without having spoken with him, maybe try to get a response other than sending her away. Every since he had learned that she wanted to become a doctor and not a diplomat like him he had refused to have any kind of conversation with her. Now he couldn't decide to hang up. She'd be right there and he would have to listen. And no matter what he would say, she would be there as his doctor as well. She needed to. And she knew it was her guilt talking, but she didn't care. :: :: The view changed, the typical change when a ship slowed down. And then there it was, the view she wanted to have for the last half an hour. The purple waters glistening under swirls of white clouds dancing around the globe. Land masses in different areas of green pastures, deserts, snow covered mountains. The planet she had called home for a long time. The planet none but two of her previous hosts had ever left. Melancholy spread through her very being. She had missed the sight more than she admitted to herself. :: Edmund: =/\= Captain Edmung to Rajel. Captain we have arrived. We can beam you to the surface whenever you are ready. =/\= :: That pulled her out of her melancholy and the urgency with which she had began her travel, returned to her blood. :: Rajel: =/\= Thank you, Captain. Would you please beam me to Leran Manev? I am ready. =/\= Edmund: =/\= As you wish, Captain. One to beam to Leran Manev. =/\= :: The Trill grabbed her bags and just a moment later she left the Blackadder in the signature blue glitter. :: (( Leran Manev - Trill )) :: A gust of wind welcomed Jalana to the streets of her home city. She had been born in Mak'ala, but when her father had become Ambassador, the whole family had moved to the capital city Leran Manev. She had been younger, oh so much younger it felt now. She hadn't been here for over 10 years. Back then she had left for Medical School, then moved to Vrans for her residency and then had taken on the long adventure of Starfleet. But in all that time this city hadn't changed. It still looked the same. It was full of people, not only Trill but also other species, buzzing in activity. Shops and other businesses had taken root; maybe some had changed but the overall feel welcomed her with familiarity. :: :: They had dropped Jalana off in front of the Embassy, which meant that the estate, which had been her home for many years, was close. Without waiting, she pulled her suitcase behind her and walked along the Embassy's side wall towards the metal gate resting on a side-walk only a few hundred meters away. Another thing that hadn't changed at all. Her thumb found its way to the scanner at the gate and it opened without hesitation, which actually surprised her. She had expected to be removed from the access list, but the habit of using the entrance that way had proven her wrong. :: :: The front garden was well taken care of, without a doubt by her mother, who always had loved her calling as a botanist. Briefly Jalana thought of Sherana, wondering if these two woman would have a connection through their work. She hadn't even reached the front door when it opened and the familiar calm face of Ilur, their butler appeared. He had been there for as long as she remembered, silent and obedient, but she had always known that he had covered her back more than once. Whenever her father didn't have time, he had been the one teaching her, all according to her father's plan of course. He was older, the gray her had won the fight over the black he had work before and canyons of wrinkles painted a fascinating landscape in his face. :: Ilur: Miss Laxyn, it is a pleasure to see you again. Rajel: ::She smiled gently, not even caring that he still called her by her birthname.:: Just as it is for me, Ilur. ::He stepped forward and took her luggage.:: Where is he? Ilur: In the Master-bedroom. Mrs Laxyn asked me to send you up right away. :: Jalana placed her hand on his forearm and gave him a thankful look and without hesitation hurried inside, ignoring the pompous hall and ran the long and elegantly swung stairs, two steps at a time, up to the next floor. She had walked the way to the bedrooms and the study so many times, that she did not even have to think, her body just followed the ingrained memory and with a gentle knock entered her parents' room. :: :: The massive bed swallowed the frame of her father, usually standing proud and tall he now looked small and vulnerable. And asleep. Jalana's stomach sunk, not it plummeted into the basement. She had never seen him like that. Being a doctor never prepared one to see ones own parents in any role than a hero. Swallowing hard only added weight to the sinker her insides already were. Despite everything it hit her as a surprise how much this image in front of her weigh on her soul. :: Caline Laxyn: Sweetheart! :: Jalana had not even seen her mother in the room. Like in a trance she welcomed the taller woman in her arms and squeezed her gently, feeling the slight jerks in the embraced body, knowing that her mom was not able to hold back the tears. After so many years of not seeing each other, that was to be expected. Jalana had been a mother in several lifetimes. She could not only imagine, she knew. :: Rajel: ::whispering:: How is he doing? C. Laxyn: Sleeping. The Doctors brought him only 15 minutes ago, when they heard that you are coming. Geral says hello. :: Geral had been a young doctor back when Jalana had so many questions about the profession. He had answered them all and was one of the factors that she had taken the plunge and she'd be forever grateful for that. :: Rajel: ::nodding:: Did they leave his file? C. Laxyn: Of course. It's in the study. But you should sit down and have a tea. Are you hungry? :: Jalana looked from her father to her mother, seeing it in her eyes. She was worried, she was scared. She needed her to sit with her, just for a little time. Right now her father slept and she could hear the familiar beeping of the medical equipment watching over his vitals. If anything would go wrong, she would hear it. She had to push her worry aside, for just a little bit and squeezed her mother's hand, gulping down the upcoming tears, and told a little white lie; to be strong for her.. :: Rajel: Starving. ----- Captain Jalana Rajel Commanding Officer USS Constitution B Image Team Facilitator A238906JL0
  16. ((USS Constitution-B, Science Lab, Deck 6)) ::Nate had taken his assignment seriously and in so doing, enlisted the aid of Nessa, to get to the task at hand. Nessa and he had taken quick pace to the science lab, and began setting up the one piece of technology, that should the others succeed in their efforts, might become incredibly necessary during a murder investigation.:: ::The technology was old, but somewhat reputed to be accurate.:: ::Nessa knelt down, her long, purple hair, tumbling from its perch, atop her head. She would really have to adjust to this new length. For years, she had cropped it short, to a pixie style and she was beginning to miss the ease of that. How Nate had convinced her to try something new, she could not say. He seemed to be able to talk her into just about everything and anything.:: ::Grabbing the encephalographic polygraph scanner, she attached the old, cylindrical style palm-scanner to the arm rest, and then to the ODN junction, to the isolinear chip reader, and so on and so on. It was a laborious task, but one she hoped would be worth it.:: James: An' they really want us to hook up this ancient piece a' garbage, yeah? ::Nate knelt beside her, assisting her with tools, and the heavier aspects of the machinery.:: Wilmer: T'Mar was specific. Counselor's, empaths, detectives, tricorders. They are all wonderful investigation tools. But this thing has been a tried and true mind sifter, since the days of Constitution class vessels... ::Nessa wrinkled up her nose, and looked at the antiquated "lie detector" and hated the idea of it. Something that invaded the mind, read the impulses, discerned the truth? She thought not. It was bad form. And to leave those bodily interpretations to a computer. Double bad, indeed.:: James: So the subject just sits 'ere, an' spills their guts...an' out comes the truth, eh? [...]s... ::Nate consulted the one hundred year old diagrams on his PADD. Made the final adjustments, finalized the power consumptions, the computer EPS managements, and confirmed they were good. He flipped a switch on the chair, and the machine came to life.::: Wilmer: Computer, is the machine ready for sample inputs? ::The computer responded.:: Computer: The encephalographic sensor is now operational and functioning within designed parameters. Awaiting test input. ::Nate smile, and evil, twisted smile and motioned that Nessa should sit in the chair.:: ::She shook her head, in total revulsion to the idea.:: James: Oh no, sir. You ain't gonna strap me brain into some Federation slap n' tickle, mind ripper... ::Nate became somber and serious.:: Wilmer: Nessa, T'Mar needs this. If we indeed catch a killer, we're going to need to be able to determine if they're telling the truth or not. ::He flexed his rank muscle and smiled. ::Do I have to make it an order? ::Nessa hated that she was a subordinate in this matter, but bowed to the inevitable. With the reluctance of a death row inmate about to be strapped into an old style electrocution chair, Nessa stepped up into the old style, 2260's command chair, and sat gingerly. The seat vibrated slightly, as it read her biosigns. She sincerely hoped it would stop doing that soon. She looked to her command officer with eyes that both dared him to ask her something invasive, and a mind the prayed he would not.:: James: Be gentle, if y' please... ::She shut her eyes, hating that someone had access to her inner thoughts.:: ::Nate consulted his PADD for the standard interrogative questions.:: Wilmer: State your name for the record. ::Nessa sighed at the stupidity of the question. It was a baseline. Meant to establish the 'default' reading. But she complied.:: James: Necessity James. ::The computer acknowledged a metered response..:: Computer: Affirmative. ::Nate continued.:: Wilmer: What's your middle name? ::Nessa sighed again.:: James: Don't 'ave one... ::The computer gave off a ridiculous loud and frightening klaxon.:: Computer: Negative. False response. ::Nate smiled, so far, the machine appeared to be working.:: Wilmer: What is it? ::Nessa looked to her friend, her eyes squinted. She would kill him if he ever repeated her next words.:: James: Alice. Me middle names Alice... ::The computer confirmed her truthful statement.:: Computer: Affirmative. ::Nate smiled. He believed her middle name to be lovely, but the purpose of this experiment was determine the functionality of the machine, not embarrass his friend. He moved on to the series two level of the reader experiment.:: ::He continued reading the PADD while instructing Nessa.:: Wilmer: This thing is supposed to be capable of reading independent lies, not just affirmative and negative questions. Say something blatantly untruthful to me. Without being asked... ::Nessa thought of the stupidest thing she could and rolled her eyes.:: James: I'm a thousan' year ol' man, by the name o' Watusi Jones. ::The computer again went off with a ridiculous klaxon. Nessa looked like she wanted to pull the panel off the arm-rest and toss it across the room.:: James: For pete's sake, can we change the negative alarm, t' somethin' pleasant, like a bird call? ::Nate was simply pleased with the fact that the machine was doing everything as promised.:: ::He had to move on to the final phase of the test before he could tell T'Mar it was ready.:: Wilmer: I have to ask you a final question, something invasive, something your mind would resist. Is that okay? ::Nessa rolled her eyes.:: oO How can it get any worse? Oo ::She shrugged. James: Me brain's yer playground, Nate-O...:: She batted at him with annoyed pale blue eyes.:: Crack me head open and poke at the contents, if ye please.... ::Nate came to the question suggested in the manual. It regarded deep emotional context, and was completely and randomly selected by the computer. He didn't think twice about asking it.:: Wilmer: State the name of the first person you ever fell in love with. ::Nessa stopped breathing. Her heart raced to a level she wasn't prepared for. Something about the question filled her with immediate panic, before the reality of the invasiveness even registered to her. She would not answer. She could not answer. This farce had gone on long enough.:: ::She stood up, from the vibrating, antique, mind-thief, and interrupted its sensor contact with her skin. In obnoxious terminated lines of code, the computer essentially "freaked" and began spitting a series of whirs and clicks at having its primary functions terminated without warning.:: James: I ain't sittin' in yer lousy chair no more. "Ow's 'bout we call it good and pass it to Commander T'Mar in Like-new condition? Yeh? ::Annoyed, hungry, angry and embarrassed beyond belief, Nessa stormed from the computer lab. Nate was so deep into his scientific process, he could not fathom why. For the last eight months, he'd seen Nessa endure invasive test after invasive test. Perhaps, he mused, this interrogation of his had awakened negative sentiment of those tests. Or perhaps, Nessa was just being Nessa.:: ::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... TBC Lt. Cmdr. Nate Wilmer HCO USS Constitution-B E239107NW0
  17. 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!
  18. Thank you Skyfire! The contest is now closed and results will be posted very soon!
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