Toni

((Sickbay)) :: Standing in Sickbay hardly felt real. Only a few short moments ago they'd been fighting between life and death against a more than formidable foe. Heath looked down to his dangling rifle and felt the urge to stow it where it was supposed to be. Armoury. No where else. He felt a hand squeeze his own.:: Turner: ::whispering: : Our time will come. West: I know… I need to go put this back and… ::he sighed:: Other stuff. :: She kissed him, then reluctantly, her hands slipped slowly out of his.:: Turner: I love you, Heath West. :: He exhaled through a small smile.:: West: I love you, too. Now, go on, get to it. You're needed here. :: Toni turned back to her patients with two other Doctors. Heath, however, turned for the entrance. The walk, albeit a short one, seemed to pass in slow motion as stretchers hurtled past him through the large doors into the main area. He caught a face of one; a Marine, a face wounded by the bullet holes of the Drones.:: :: Worn like scars, the Nanoprobes were still penetrating his system. Heath whipped round to watch the man cry out as they moved him through to the secure unit. It was terrible.:: (( OFFICE, CIC )) :: With the rifle safely back where it should be, Heath perched himself on the edge of the desk and looked at it. He didn't change out of the attack uniform but just sat, looking at the rifle with his arms folded. It wasn't any different than any other rifle in the cabinet, it was normal, exactly like the others it neighboured only it had been his clutch on life for a lot longer.:: :: He wondered if that was how the Soldiers of the Great Wars felt. If the Infantry of the Gorn War had looked at their weapons the same. If the Marines from Wolf 359 had regarded their lives with the same emotion. When the future was decided by the comedy of idiots; did every man think the same?:: :: The door bleeped, shaking Heath from his near daydream. He stood up.:: West: Come in. :: The door shunted and the smallest person behind it peeked through the opening, toothy grin with one small one missing in the bottom left. Heath's eyes lit up and he crouched down as the little girl ran through the doorway and straight into his arms.:: Vee: Daddy! :: That's what soldier's thought about in the field. Family. Home. :: West: Hello, Princess. You been a good girl for Captain T'Pen? :: Vee nodded her head vigorously and drew back from her hug, pointing her index digit at her missing tooth.:: Vee: It came out and wen' plip plop plip on the f''oor. J.J pick it up and sai' it was my brains fallin' out. :: Heath rolled his eyes upwards.:: West: I'll have to have a word with him then, won't I… Vee: But, Auntie Yoyo said that it's my teefs and I growin' up now and I should put it under my pillow for the toof Frengi. :: The Kerelian [...]ed an eyebrow at his young daughter.:: West: Toof… Tooth Frengi? :: She nodded again.:: Vee: Wif the lowbes and the latnum. The Frengi. Major Heath West Marine XO SMFC Detachment USS CHALLENGER

This is an area for members of this training class to keep in touch with each other.DATES: The class began on July 14, 2008, and ended on July 19, 2008.LIST: sb118-academy2COMMANDING OFFICER: Lt. Commander Julia HardenFIRST OFFICER: Lieutenant Ethan BriceCLASS MEMBERS:- Jaired Birks- Pedro Alonzo Sanchez RamirezCongratulations to you all, and welcome to our fleet!

They had RL obligations. Congratulations on your graduation!

Oh, the runners-up dohicky... once made you are informed they ready.

Ok, Sir, no problem... was just wondering.

I was just wondering when the next Challenge will be posted? Or has the schedule been altered with the "Changing of the Guard?"

This is an area for members of this training class to keep in touch with each other.DATES: The class began on June 30, 2008, and ended on July 5, 2008.LIST: sb118-academy4COMMANDING OFFICER: Lt.Commander Hugh BarnesFIRST OFFICER: Lt. Commander Julia HardenCLASS MEMBERS:- Lance FirestarterCongratulations to you all, and welcome to our fleet!

I thought your story was excellent, Jophry, and I can see why the race for 1st place was so close.

Congratulations and welcome to the Fleet.

You're welcome. Captain Mar.

Way to go, both of you. Excellent stories and well done! Oh and I enjoy the feedback too. Helps to know what you did right as well as where you missed the boat. *lol*

Naw, it's too early to get antsy. I usually don't get antsy until mid month if they haven't come to a decision and then it's because I am anxious to start on the next challenge. Besides, it's not so much a win I seek, more I enter as a show of support for the Bi-Monthly Challenges and for the sheer joy of writing and the pleasure it gives me. It's the same way with the other writing opportunities that are given us here on SB118. Entries spawn more entries, and the more we have the better the competition.

((Bridge)) ::Toni turned, moving back to Heath to speak to him.:: Turner: ::slipping her hands into his:: If we are to marry, then our only chance to do it now, is the Kerelian way. If we make it through this, we can always have a second wedding with all the frills. West: At least we’ll die married, right? ::he smiled:: You carry your vows round with you? Turner: ::smiles, touching the side of his face:: I have my vows memorized... The words of E.E. Cummings mixed with some of my own. ::Clearing the lump in her throat, she gazed directly into his eyes.:: Turner: I carry your heart with me; I carry it in my heart. I'm never without it, anywhere I go you go, my love; and whatever is done by only me is your doing, my darling I fear no fate; for you are my fate, dear Heath. I want no world; for you are my world, my love; and it's you who is whatever a moon has always meant; and whatever a sun will always sing is you. Here is the deepest secret nobody knows; here is the root of the root; the bud of the bud, and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows higher than soul can hope or mind can hide; and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart. I carry your heart; I carry it in my heart. And I'll love you, and will carry you in my heart forever as I belong to you from this moment forward. :: Heath touched the side of her face, gently looking into her eyes. Words were words, as wonderful as they were but at the core of it all, two flames danced around on another in the dark. It was the beauty of a Kerelian wedding; it wasn’t elaborate, it wasn’t overdone, it was two people making a lifelong commitment. Nothing could be more spectacular.:: West: I swear I will protect you and honour you; worship and love you with everything I have. My life becomes yours and together, we become half of one another. I will shoulder your burdens as you shoulder mine, I will cherish and need you, because I love you. For every breath I take, will be another for you. Take my life, my heart and my love. I swear this by the rising sun. ::Tears of joy misting her eyes, hugging him closely, she spoke quietly in a moment destined only for them.:: Turner: At last... I am yours. :: The viewscreen showed the peaking sunlight from a star not too far from their position. The Borg were beginning an advancement but, lost in a wedded kiss, neither noticed. Perhaps there was a silver lining to any situation.:: ::As the Bridge chatter filtered in, breaking their first moments as one, Toni reluctantly leaned back slightly, choking out four words she didn't want to say.:: Turner: It's time to go. :: A silent promise to return to each others arms passed between them. They shared another quick, but meaningful kiss, then with longing eyes, they slowly parted, both giving in to their duties to the ship and crew.:: TBC Major Heath West Marine XO SMFC Detachment USS Challenger and the Mrs. LtCmdr Toni Turner-West XO-COO USS Challenger

This is an area for members of this training class to keep in touch with each other.DATES: The class began on June 16, 2008, and ended on June 22, 2008.LIST: sb118-academy2COMMANDING OFFICER: Lt. Commander Julio VinniniFIRST OFFICER: Lt. Commander Toni-Turner-WestCLASS MEMBERS:- Alexander Shade- Awa Alexander- Seth WulframCongratulations to you all, and welcome to our fleet!

I just wanted to say that I when I posted the sim by Lt. Jaxx and NPC Talon Lee, that it only because those two names appeared in the subject line of the sim. It didn't dawn on me that it was incorrect until the notice about NPC's names was in this week's rules. Sorry about that all.

This is an area for members of this training class to keep in touch with each other.DATES: The class began on June 2, 2008, and ended on June 7, 2008.LIST: sb118-academy4COMMANDING OFFICER: Commander Cura Assanti-StoneFIRST OFFICER: Lt. Commander Julio VanniniCLASS MEMBERS:- Jansen Orrey- Par SalenCongratulations to you all, and welcome to our fleet!

The Vanishing Hosts By Toni Turner Lt. Commander Paylar Jones gazed at the view screen, wondering what dangers the beauty of the stars that sparkled in the blackness kept hidden from view. When her attention came to rest on the ancient asteroid, a burning question came to mind. Could they deflect its massive bulk and help the new species without disturbing their natural evolution? A positive answer to that question was the best scenario, but the best was something that had eluded the USS Thunderbolt on many occasions, and it seemed happy endings to their missions were hard fought or elusive conclusions. No, space had not been a gracious host to the crew of the USS Thunderbolt. They had fought hard and some had died mercilessly, leaving great sorrow in the hearts of those who were left in the wake of their losses. It was discouraging, but after the mourning had faded, the crew had a renewed conviction that couldn't be denied. They would face the dangers again and again to help the Federation to flourish throughout the Galaxy. Their new mission was clear - either deflect the asteroid or evacuate the fledgling species to a hospitable planet. Wondering how it would be possible to accomplish this following the Prime Directive while using advanced technology, Paylar recited the moral oath in her head. She struggled with the obligation. She could not help but hope that it would not be necessary to disturb the alien life in any way, but in the same respect she, like the others, longed for the opportunity to study all the aspects that the sentient species represented. If it was necessary to move them, it would be quite a challenge, and how everyone handled the situation would surely be the ultimate test of their collective ethics.:: All the calculations for the trajectory had been checked, rechecked, and double checked again, yet the tactical officer had beads of sweat filtering down on his brow. It was time . . . time to fire the weaponry to the one spot that could turn the asteroid's orbit away from the planet and out into deep space for another 10,000 years. The Captain stood, gave the order to fire, then sat down again, clutching the arm of his chair so hard that his knuckles turned white. All eyes were on the asteroid as the waves of proton torpedoes and phaser fire battered against their target. Sucking in a breath, Paylar held it in, hoping that success would be in their grasp. The anticipation was so great that she couldn't determine from whom the words came, but she distinctly heard someone yell, "It's turning!" She let out her breath, and the rapture of relief and utter elation seized her. The joy was short lived. Two seconds later, a somber voice piped in, "Yes, it turned slightly, but not enough to alter its orbit." Paylar eased back against her seat, feeling utterly defeated in the silence that had overtaken the Bridge. She dreaded the words that she knew were coming, but when they came she didn't hesitate. The Captain rose from his seat. "Commander Jones, gather your away team for an immediate beam down once we reach the planet. You'll have five days to prepare the new species for evacuation." "Aye, Sir," Paylar replied, getting up, and heading for the turbolift. As Paylar entered the turbolift, she heard the Captain in the background. "Helmsman, set course for the planet at the best possible speed." The door closed, and she slumped against the wall, wishing that taking a team to the surface and hosting the species on the Thunderbolt had not become necessary. Halfheartedly, she tapped her commbadge, calling for the prearranged Away Team to meet her in Transporter Room Two, then gave the turbolift's computer the deck order. A few moments later, she entered the transporter room, meeting the away team. Stepping up on the transporter pad, she addressed the team, "We'll be beaming down to the center of the terra forming. The surface environment will be hospitable to us there, and it's where the new species congregates. Any questions?" The Science officer took his place on a pad, “And if we encounter them, we blow the Prime Directive?” Paylar pivoted slightly, glancing at Lieutenant Williams, “Our very existence on the planet will blow it. We'll have to keep our technology a mystery to them as best we can. It’s the only option we have if we’re to save them.” Williams nodded, and when the rest of the team joined them on the pads, Paylar pressed her commbadge. =/\= Commander Jones to Captain Barret . . . the Away Team is ready to beam down on your order. =/\= She straightened her tunic and in a few minutes the order came, along with the Captain’s well wishes. =/\= Good luck, Commander. Godspeed. Barret out.=/\= As the white light turned their images into pixels, Paylar leaned her head back and closed her eyes, opening them in a new world filled with the promise of a new alien life form. The air filling her lungs was foreign in purity - fresh and untainted by any kind of pollution. She coughed out the last of the recycled air from the Thunderbolt, and glimpsed the landscape for the first time. It was magical. A forest defined by an endless procession of blossoms growing in the underbrush. The breeze flowing through it was like a beautiful lyrical voice, calm and soothing, captivating to their ears. It reminded Paylar of the fantasy world where her childhood storybook characters came alive in her holodeck nursery. She smiled, then remembered what she was doing there. "Spread out and keep your eyes open for any signs of the sentient species." Chief of Security Jarrod, moved ahead, "Aye, Commander, I'll take point. Miller, you bring up the rear." He waited for confirmation, but when it didn't come, he turned to look for Miller. "Did anyone see where Miller went?" Paylar whipped around, counting heads, "No, and where is Ensign Lowe? Williams glanced to his side, "He was here a second ago." In that same instant, Paylar, Williams and Jarrod vanished from the forest. Some hours later they awakened in a dimly lit cavern unable to move. Paylar tried to lift her head, but to no avail. Hearing someone breathing close beside her, she whispered, "What happened?" Williams answered weakly, "They've wrapped us in some kind of cocoon." "They?" "Yes, spider-like creatures." He hesitated long enough to swallow deeply, then continued, "Commander, we're evidently in their nursery, and from what I've been observing, I believe our hosts have invited us to dinner to perpetuate their species as food." Paylar thought about what he had said, and decided if she was going to die, then it would be in the same manner as she had lived - with honor and a sense of humor. Whispering, she asked, "I don't suppose it occurred to you to decline the invitation?" Meanwhile in the beauty of the stars that sparkled in the blackness, the USS Thunderbolt vanished, not leaving a trace. And hidden from view a safe distance from the spiders' planet, a Vorta Commander stood on his bridge, smiling, "Our new pets serve us well."

Yes, some do, but it's not up to them to judge people for following the rules. Not all ships have people watching the sims that are posted on their ships, so the rules are very fair in allowing people to post their own so that there is representation from all ships.

The rules state that you can.

((Lee's Quarters)) ::Talon had taken a shower, dressed in her gown and robe, and sat down on the couch with a cup of coffee to read the daily reports that Marty had just sent her on her padd, when the door chimed.:: Lee: Come ::She looked up as the door opened to see Jaxx entering.:: Jaxx: ::smirks:: Am I intruding? Lee: ::smiling:: No, I was reading the daily reports Marty sent. Join me in a cup of coffee? Jaxx: I, um...::checking his chronograph:: Lee: ::noting his hesitancy:: You can sit down if you like. What's up? ::Jaxx replicated a cup of vreeca and sat down, he had always been a good poker player and keeping a cool face was always easy for him, unless he was around Talon. She always seemed to be able to tell when his mind was somewhere else.:: Jaxx: I miss you. ::Taken a little by surprise, she gave him a quizzical look.:: Lee: Miss me? How? We've been together for two weeks. Jaxx: We just spent shore leave on Bajor together and I still miss you. ::Her eyes softened, understanding now what he was talking about.:: Lee: Is it me you miss, or my face before the fire? Jaxx: ::standing up:: I sat by your side assuring you everything would be okay...you were the one who was supposed to have a hard time adjusting, turns out you have adjusted fine...it is me who is having problems. Lee: ::sadly:: I know, Jaxx. I've noticed the distance you put between us. Jaxx: Every time I look at you, I feel as if I am betraying you. Sounds weird, uh? Lee: No, it's not weird, considering the changes in my appearence. I look like a stranger, even though I'm still the same person inside. Jaxx: I thought that time would just help, but it hasn't...so I have again buried myself in work to keep my mind from dwelling on the issue, however, now it seems I cant get any work done...you are all I think about. ::Talon folded her hands in her lap, looking down at them, trying to think of something that would assure him. In a moment she raised her head and looked at him.:: Lee: ::softly:: Jaxx, it will take more than just time. If we have any chance at all of a future together, then we both have to face things straight on and not keep them buried inside us. ::Jaxx took a moment, he gathered his thoughts then walked over to her window then sat on the sill and looked at her.:: Jaxx: We have had some close calls... ::A smile curled the corners of her lips as she reflected on some of the things they had been through together.:: Lee: Yes, we have. Sometimes it seems like more than our fair share. Jaxx: Do you remember when the Bodai Shin boarded the ship and you were trapped in the Cargo Bay? Lee: ::laughs slightly:: How could I forget? Jaxx: At that moment, all I could think about was getting you to safety. I charged into the Cargo Bay like an idiot. I was fresh out of the Academy, and there was this girl I just could not get out of my mind. And when she was in danger, I leaped into the fire. ::Jaxx paused, then sighed:: Bad choice of words...And when the Brotherhood attacked Earth...All I wanted was revenge, and for you to live. I was a little younger, a lot more naive. I couldn't let anything happen to you. Now as I have worked and evolved and got promoted and promoted again, then took on the role as Chief Counselor...I feel different...it is as if I am not the man who sat at your desk claiming your office. ::laughs:: Lee: ::laughing with him:: Yeah, but you got it anyway, and then Lt. Commander Aadi's. You have accomplished a lot, Jaxx. I'm very proud of, and for, you. ::standing, moving to the window beside him, taking hold of his hand.:: But that has nothing to do with why you are telling me all this. What is it, Jaxx? Jaxx: I have come in search of forgiveness. No matter how I play life out in my head, I gave you the order that sent you to the Bachelors Quarters...I gave you the order to coordinate things...a job that was mine, but no...I wanted to go to the Academy, and rub elbows with the brass...I was too busy trying to get this job, that I forgot to do my job. And with that...you suffered the consequences. ::There it was. He had said what Talon suspected was the root cause of him putting distance between them. He was feeling guilty for something that was not his fault.:: Lee: Jaxx, you had no inkling that the Brotherhood would attack the Academy. No one did. We all were taken by surprise. Jaxx: ::tears began to build up in his eyes:: You can sit there all you want and tell me that I am not responsible...I am. Lee: And so am I. We all under estimated them. What happened was caused by collective errors in judgement. No one person was to blame. Jaxx, I love you, but you can't continue feeling it was your fault. Jaxx: I love you, and I want nothing more than to be with you, always...but how can you still love me, after all of the physical and emotional pain that my orders have caused? Lee: ::turning to face him, speaking in a no nonsense tone:: Look Jaxx, you may have given the order to take care of the children, but it was me who was ultimately responsible for my actions. There was no way I could have stood by and let the children suffer the burns. I made the decision to take the mattress out of that room, because the pain I would have felt, knowing I could have help and didn't, would have been far more than I could have stood. Now, if you love me... then love me as I am, and don't let guilt hold you back on your career goals. ::Leaning closer, she put her arms around his neck and kissed him gently.:: Lee: ::quietly:: I love you, Jaxx. TAG/TBC JP By Lt. Andrus Jaxx Chief Counselor USS Challenger, NCC-12886 and PNPC Lt.Jg. Talon Lee Assistant Chief Counseling Officer USS Challenger, NCC-12886 Dr. Talon Lee SIMed by LtCmdr Toni Turner

I read the about the topic last night, and wow, did it ever open up a world of possiblities. This should prove to be a really good challenger for all our writers.

Evidently not, but then it happens like that sometimes.

This is an area for members of this training class to keep in touch with each other.DATES: The class began on May 5, 2008, and ended on May 10, 2008.LIST: sb118-academy1COMMANDING OFFICER: Lt. Ethan BriceFIRST OFFICER: LtCmdr Toni TurnerCLASS MEMBERS:- Autumn BakerCongratulations to you all, and welcome to our fleet!

Yeah, I knew they were usually that long but, was wondering about this one as I read the dates on the link wrong. *lol*

Has the voting time on round 6 been extended?