Alora DeVeau

(ooc: just a one-off solo sim. I wanted to put a capstone on Yinn and Loq's entanglement, but it needed to be a private moment between the two.) Yinn held it together. Bolians didn't let down the group. And Starfleet officers didn't let their feelings get in the way of the mission. So she held it together, fighting cutists, evading the Borg, getting the crew safely back to their own time. She held it together going to sickbay, confirming nearly everyone had made it back. She held it together through debriefing. Promontory placed her on leave and she barely managed to say more than "aye, sir," but she managed. She somehow held it together all that time, through the yawning chasm of loss she felt. She had lost half of herself. Half of her body, half of her mind, half of her soul. What was left? She knew, objectively, medically, scientifically, things were back to normal. But she had never felt less normal in her life. Her thoughts were sluggish. Her body was unbalanced. And she couldn't remember what she couldn't remember. She had flashes of her parents on Hitorah, a vague sense of how it felt to be stabbed during warrior training, just flashes, bits and pieces. Even the last mission wasn't clear. She was at a party, she was in the science lab, she was threatening someone, it was all a blur. Her head was swimming since the jump through time, and yet she held it together. Until the moment she walked into her quarters and saw Qurgh'Loq waiting for her, and her heart turned to water and her vision went blurry and she fell into his arms, arms that used to be her arms, pressed her face into a chest that used to be her chest, and broke down sobbing like she had never done even as a child. The whole ocean poured from her eyes, her whole body turned to water and evaporated, and yet there she still was, her body clinging to a body that was no longer hers. Qurgh'Loq: I feared you were dead. Yinn gazed into his eyes. Everything she had been holding back all day, he had been too. Yinn: So did I. That moment that we — that we weren't us. I was terrified the worst had happened. Qurgh'Loq: I suppose us separating safely is not the worst outcome. Yinn knew, logically, that was true. Would she have spent her whole life sharing a mind? Leaving Qurgh'Loq on his own with half his mind and body gone when she died? It was better this way for so many reasons, but it didn't feel that way. Yinn: I know, but it doesn't feel right to not be... you. Us. Qurgh'Loq stared into her eyes for an eternity. Qurgh'Loq: I... I do not know how to feel. It wasn't easy for him to talk about how he felt. But she understood him. She was him. Or at least, she had been. She slipped her hand into his, and pressed her forehead against his. Yinn: Even if we're not together, you will always be part of me. Qurgh'Loq squeezed her hand tightly. Her fingernails dug into her palm enough to draw blood. She knew her acidic blood was stinging his fingertips, and she understood now why pain was satisfying to Klingons. When a moment was important, you wanted to feel it, in the moment and long afterwards. They had pictured this moment many times, when they were still of one mind, and had no doubts that if they had to live separate lives, they would live them together. Qurgh'Loq: JIH dok. My blood. Yinn: Maj dok. Our blood. Qurgh'Loq: Tlinghan jIH. Yinn: Tlinghan jIH. I am Klingon. There were more elaborate vows, but at heart those were the only words that mattered. Our blood. The two of us are one. They would have a formal wedding someday, once they met a few other people, enough for a proper family. She would share her bed with who knows how many others, and would encourage him to put his Klingon stuffiness aside and do the same. But she and Loq shared a bond few others could understand. She would care about other people, love other people, but Loq was part of her in a way no one else could ever be. After sharing one mind, consummating their vows in any physical way seemed insufficient. No matter how close they got, it would never be quite close enough. But for tonight, it would have to be. Loq tugged the chain at the back of her neck, and it was enough to make her dress dissolve into a cascade of shells skittering across the floor of their quarters. She pressed her forehead against his and slid her hands under his uniform, feeling the ridge of his spines, so familiar, and yet so strange to no longer be a part of her. Tomorrow the work would start again. Counseling. Physical therapy. Regaining her sense of self. Regaining her comfort in her own body. Trying to get Loq to set aside his stoicism and do the same. Destroying that futuristic transporter, much as she hated to let it go. But for tonight, she didn't want to think about any of it. Not the future, not the past, just the two of them, a universe to themselves. Yinn and Qurgh'Loq. Maj dok. ----- Lt. Jr. Grade Yinn Science Officer USS Octavia E. Butler O240011Y12

I found this quite amusing. Would this be sort of breaking the fourth wall? Kinda? Not really? 😄 (( Unknown, Unknown, Stardate Unknown )) O'Reilly blinked, his mind struggling to process the sudden shift in his surroundings. One moment, he had been standing on the familiar marine deck of the USS Octavia E. Butler, discussing the training schedule with his fellow marines, while on stand by. The next, he found himself tumbling out of a bathroom stall, the cold tile floor rushing up to meet him. The smell of cleaning products mixed with musty odors hit his nostrils, a far cry from the sterile, recycled air of the starship. Disoriented, Teddy pushed himself up, his hands slipping slightly on the damp floor. He glanced around, trying to make sense of his new environment. The bathroom was dimly lit, with flickering fluorescent lights casting an eerie glow on the dirty walls. To his right, he saw Link sprawled on the floor, looking equally confused. An attendant stood near the sinks, shaking his head disapprovingly at the two men who, from his perspective were no doubt horsing around. Teddy's marine training kicked in, and he quickly assessed the situation. This was definitely not the OEB, nor any Starfleet facility he recognized. The primitive fixtures, the musty smell, and the attendant's outdated clothing all pointed to something far more perplexing. As he helped Link to his feet, Teddy's mind raced with questions. Where were they? How did they get here? And more importantly, how were they going to get back to their ship? O’Reilly: Hey Link ::grabbing the other marine by his arm:: you ok? The dampness of floor and its cold unforgiving seemed to seep through the fatigues that Link was wearing, he gripped onto Teddy's arm as he was helped up. Jensen: I'm okay. O’Reilly: Where are we? He looked around to see this old bathroom and the stall that both of them had just fallen out of. It was a dimly lit bathroom, and the fluorescent lights flickered to give this room a claustrophobic feel. Jensen: I don't know. O’Reilly: I was just talking with Simmons about, umm, schedules I think. Jensen: Do you recognise this place? It looks old. O’Reilly: If we are in the past, we need to be careful, we’re going to stand out like sore thumbs. The attendant looked over to them and they awkwardly said… Jensen: Erm…hi. The two men gave him a look that said, why are you talking to me. Link nudged Teddy to follow as he felt the awkwardness of the situation take hold. The two made their way out of the bathroom and into a giant hall. Almost instantaneously, O'Reilly's recent statement became pointless as two beings of a species he'd never seen before cut him off. One had odd-looking tentacles and the other appeared to be wearing a red and gold metal outfit with glowing palms. They were met with the most diverse collection of people, aliens, and outfits. Some people were dressed in extremely heavy combat armor that was mostly green with a gold visor, and they were carrying giant rifles that made even the Federation rifles look tiny. Others were dressed as elves, orcs, and other fantasy creatures. There were people dressed in what appeared to be very form-fitting one-piece suits which were made up primarily of blue and white and featured thin white stripes going across horizontally and vertically over their chests and arms. In the center of the torso was the outline of a spider. At once, they all seemed to suddenly freeze in position and point at each other. Jensen: I had a dream like this once, I was pretending to be a… Teddy cut him off, know where this was going. O'Reilly: ::placing his hand on Link’s shoulder:: Yeah (beat) maaaaybe a story for another time (beat) or never. There was a momentary pause of awkwardness… Jensen: So…where are we? O'Reilly: Some type of meeting center? (beat) but what’s with the outfits? Jensen: They are… He paused for a second and took stock of where he was, an idea came to mind Jensen: Are we in a comic book? Before the question could be answered, O’Reilly interjected. O’Reilly: The flow seems to be heading that way ::pointing:: As the two turned to walk, there was a blood curtailing scream from the door next to the one they had exited and suddenly that same door slammed open and a blushing man in Starfleet uniform came running out. Jer-Legrand: Sorry sorry sorry sorry. O’Reilly looked back at the door as the starfleet officer shot out of the bathroom. O’Reilly: I’m fairly certain that symbol used to mean lady’s room? (beat) ::not recognizing the man:: Where are you from… O’Reilly didn’t want to give away where they were from, just in case it was coincidental that this man was wearing a uniform that was awfully similar to the 2401 officer uniform. Jer-Legrand was just a little bit taller than Link Jensen. He was flustered, to say the least, and the mortified look upon his face told the story of his embarrassment. Jer-Legrand: I’m from. Jer-Legrand took a moment to survey where he was and the two Starfleet marines in front of him. The Bajoran spoke with a southern French accent; his words ended short and seemed to be measured and thoughtful. Jer-Legrand: The Octavia E Butler? He questioned his response, not that he wasn’t sure where he was from but rather he wasn’t sure who these two were, or where he really was. Link, on the other hand responded with much more ethueism Jensen: Oh yay, us too. O’Reilly: Oh good, twos a date night, three’s a party (beat) shall we. ::indicating towards the larger room at the end of the hall:: Teddy’s offactories picked up on sweet and savory aromas that made his stomach grumble. It was only then that he remembered it was almost lunch time before they were sent back here. oO I wonder if they have replicators here. Oo Jer-Legrand: I guess so. Erm…Per’cel Jer-Legrand, I’m in operations. Jensen: Aw sweet. Can I call you Percy? Link almost seemed to bounce with excitement. Jer-Legrand: Everyone else does. O’Reilly: So you know Lhandon Nilsen? As he spoke, he looked around at the sights, smells, and sounds. It was an assault on the senses. Link was glad that he had his gloves on to suppress his Betazoid abilities. He lost count of the number of people in this large hall. They continued following the group and soon reached a gate where there was an attendant scanning what seemed to be badges being worn as lanyards around everyone's neck. Jer-Legrand: I don't think we have one of those. Percy spoke with uncertainty as he held the group back. Jer-Legrand: Perhaps we should see what we can do around here first. At least work out where and when we are. There has got to be some kind of sign around here. O’Reilly: Agreed! I’m glad we landed on earth, I’m no good without a UT. Jensen: What about that, what does that say? They wondered over to the billboard that showed the floor layout and a listing of various different stalls and people, wand where they can be found. O’Reilly: “Grand Rapid Comic-con”, what do you suppose that is? ::looking around at the strange outfits again:: Percy questioned along slight Teddy. Jer-Legrand: A Comic-Con? But Link provided an excitable response Jensen: A Comic-Con?…Comic-Com? O’Reilly: Two marines and a ops guy, I’m pretty sure we’ll find a way to get into that larger hall. Teddy’s stomach growled, he realized they were just about to have lunch when they were snatched away and when he got hangry, no one ever had fun. Jer-Legrand: What is in that hall? Jensen: Erm…good question…Teddy what is in the hall? O’Reilly: Looks like some type of convention? Jer-Legrand: So…you just followed everyone? Jensen: Errrr…yeah. O’Reilly: Sure. Percy just nodded. Then they came across a billboard, for people magazine, advertising the “sexiest man alive” Jer-Legrand: You think he looks like a human version of Toxin Arlill. O’Reilly: Maybe?…. Teddy winced his face trying to see it, the hairline was similar. Jer-Legrand: He really does. Jensen: I don’t see it. O’Reilly: ::just shaking his head:: Jer-Legrand: Really? look at him, he looks just like Arlill. O’Reilly: Nah, Toxin’s got a bigger beard. Jensen: Yeah, I don’t see it. We’re getting distracted. I want to get home. O’Reilly: Well we better do something fast, because ::stopping cold:: In the convention hall stood a figure that didn’t seem to fit. They were clad in a robe with fancy markings, it just didn’t set up right with Teddy. O’Reilly: You see them ::discreetly pointing:: do they seem out of place? Jensen: Yeah. that is not a cosplay. [To Be Continued] TBC! Private Link Jenson & Ensign Percy Jer-Legrand As simmed by Lieutenant JG Lhandon Joseph Nilsen Assistant Chief of Operations USS Octavia E Butler O240007LN1 He/Him/His (Both player and character) & Private First Class Thomas O'Reilly 4/73 Marines as simmed by: Lieutenant Toxin Arlill USS Octavia E. Butler (NCC-82850) Writer ID: 0239910TA4

Glad to have you!

What's the worst that could happen?

Yinn's writer has been exploring an interesting concept of a merging of minds - quite literally - but not of bodies (think Tuvix, but where Neelix and Tuvok bodies still walk around but they share a mind that is technically a single entity). Here, we see what happens when those two bodies are rent apart due to a temporal anomaly and now she finds herself as only herself again. Great sim! IC: (( Cargo Bay, Deck 33, USS Sequoia, Sol System [Frontier Day] )) Half of Yinn was gone. The stronger, heavier set of limbs. The eyes that could see better in the dark. The pain in her other back she grudgingly admitted bothered her sometimes. But worse than that, half her mind was gone. She knew, in the abstract, that she had grown up in Hitorah colony, but she could no longer remember the smells of her house there, the sound of her mother, Bu'kah, singing opera to herself when she thought no one was listening. She couldn't remember her life there. Except that wasn't her life. It was his. Loq. Who had been a part of her. Who had been her. And without warning, with no reason she could understand, he was gone. Was he dead? Was she? Their bodies had been separated before; out of phase with each other, but even as her Bolian body was comatose, her mind was intact. But not this time. She kept reaching out, trying to make her phantom limbs, her phantom body move. But it was no use. That part of her was gone. Herrick: Frontier… Day?! Richards: The Enterprise! Yinn barely registered that she was no longer at the party, no longer on the treasure moon at all. What happened to Stendhal? Who seemed to be in two places at once and then nowhere? What happened to Caras? Yinn had tried to save him and put him in even more danger. Why were they back on the ship? Why was Herrick here? Richards: Wait. 250th? That’s the… Nijal: (tilting back and forth) The most recent one. Where that fleet formation almost took out three-quarters of the fleet. Yinn: Zi... what happened to us? Was she speaking with her Bolian mouth or her Klingon one? Was she speaking at all? It used to be easy to keep track. Richards: Maybe we already have an assigned viewing lounge? Nijal: You mean, like, maybe we're meant to be here? Because we already were here? Even while we were also in the Gamma Quadrant? Yinn's fellow crewmen sounded serious. Something had happened, but she couldn't make sense of what they were saying. They're also in the Gamma Quadrant? As opposed to where? Herrick: I suspect we might be able to blend into any of the lounges as the ship’s staff. I doubt the security is that tight (beat) yet. Our priorities should be confirming if anyone else from the Butler is onboard and figuring out a plan to get home. They weren't on the treasure moon, but they also weren't on the Butler. Maybe weren't in the Gamma Quadrant. Was that why she couldn't feel Loq? Were they too far away? Had they gone through the wormhole? Her scientist brain, singular, started slowly coming back to life. Questioning. Analyzing. Richards: (with a reluctant nod) Right. (another nod) Well then. We have twenty minutes. Yinn: oOSir... what happens in twenty minutes?Oo But Richards looked past her at Nijal. Was Yinn even here? Was she out of phase again? Or had she just forgotten how to speak out loud? She took a breath and felt the air filling her lungs. Not real air, salt air, but the sterile air of a starship. She closed her eyes and felt her skirt, snug around her hips, the hundreds of shells of her necklace ever-so-slightly digging into her chest. She flexed her fingers, then her arms. She ran her tongue across the roof of her mouth. This was her body. Her one body. All she had left. She touched her tongue to her teeth, then pulled it back a millimeter. She sent a stream of air across it, an experimental hiss, just to see if she could form words. (ooc: Bolian speech is mostly hissing, I decided a while back) Nijal: It's probably better if we see as few people as possible, just in case. Richards: Responses Yinn: Sir. Herrick nodded and kept going. He heard her, she was real after all. He just thought he was agreeing. Herrick: (nodding) It’s best to avoid the transporters… (lowering his voice) you may recall that it was the primary delivery mechanism of the nanoprobes, and I’d rather avoid becoming a member of the collective today. ::motioning to Nijal:: Can you ascertain where we are? Nanoprobes? Collective? Had Yinn awoken in the middle of a mission? She was still dressed for the party... on that moon... something about a knife... Betazoids in cages... had that all been a dream? Yinn needed to stop everything, just for a minute, and find out what had happened to her. But the rest of the crew were lost in conversation. Something serious was happening. And she still wasn't sure she knew how to speak. Nijal: (reading from the wall panel) Deck 33. And this is (beat; reading) the Sequoia. (looking to Richards) Why did you think this was the Enterprise? Wasn't the Galaxy class Enterprise destroyed decades ago? Richards: Response Herrick: (nodding) That’s right. Even decades after her commission she remains infamous. Richards: Response Herrick: Do we recall what happened to the Sequoia? Richards: Responses Nijal: (continuing on) How'd we get here? Yinn: Yes. Finally. That was the question that needed answering. Yinn reached out to put an arm on Nijal's shoulder, but it just drifted off in another direction. Richards: Responses Herrick: (unsure) Maybe something happened if we did end up exchanging fire with those cult folk? ::opening his tricorder, running some scans:: There only seems to be the four of us from the Butler… and some scattered temporal readings. (beat) 2 are moving, and 1 seems stationary. Yinn: Cult? Richards/Nijal: Responses Herrick: (shaking his head) I’m not too keen to split up unless absolutely necessary. It adds more risk of exposure or further separation. Yinn: Separation. Richards/Nijal: Responses Josh looked at his tricorder and increased the resolution. Herrick: It looks like the moving signatures are up on Deck 2 and the stationary one is on Deck 9… in Solid Waste Reprocessing Yinn still didn't understand where they were or what had happened, but three of the crew elsewhere on this ship? Crew they had to find? That part, at least, made sense. Richards/Nijal: Responses Herrick: Alright team; let’s press onward. Yinn finally found her voice. She could finally push a solid stream of air between her lips. Yinn: Wait. Herrick stopped and looked back at her. Finally. Yinn: Sir. I don't understand what's happening. I was on the treasure moon with Nijal, I blacked out, and I came to in the middle of this mission. And... She was almost afraid to say it. Saying it made it real. This wasn't just some wild hallucination. Half of her was really gone. Yinn: I'm just me, sir. I can't feel Loq's body, or his memories, or... Herrick/Richards/Nijal: Responses Yinn: I'm sorry, sir. I know there are crew we need to find. And something happens in nineteen minutes. But... I don't know how I got here, and half of me is gone. I... Can't? Can't complete the mission? Do her duty as a Starfleet officer? Would she dishonor herself and her house? Yinn: I'm sorry, sir. I just needed a minute. Tell me where I need to be. Herrick/Richards/Nijal: Responses Tags! and TBC! --- Lt. Junior Grade Yinn Science Officer USS Octavia E. Butler O240011Y12

Wait...so Sbadni is the REAL Dread Pirate Roberts!?!?!

Because in Avander's opinion, getting shot is nothing. LOL

Poor Tanner thinks he's going to get abandoned.

Congratulations! Glad to have you!

Now I want to know what else is in there...

Only an engineer....

Come on, that will NEVER happen again!

A Jem'Hadar, a Cardassian, and a Bajoran walk into a bar...

Because if you have to go on an undercover operation, you'd better get some treats for it.

Welcome! We're glad to have you!

OOC: Richards' quips are just too funny. IC: (( Main Shuttle Bay, Deck 9, USS Octavia E Butler )) Anton stood back and placed his hands on his hips, seemingly admiring the outside of the shuttlecraft. It wasn’t the shuttle that gave Anton his sense of pride, it was the large stash of explosives and explosive devices that Lahl and himself had spent the better part of an hour organizing and properly storing. Anton had checked and double checked each one of their “supplies”. Promontory: Ready to do some damage? Nilsen: I mean, this is going to be one heck of a boom. Josh would be sad he missed it. Lahl: I’ll record it for him and we’ll replay it in the holodeck. Anton admired the idea. He would have to be sure to check in with that. Richards: That sounds cool. Promontory: All set? Nilsen: Aye sir. All ready. Anton nodded. Lahl: Ready as I’ll ever be to be part of a heist. 0O Timorzin’s surreptitious activities were a lot safer. O0 Promontory: Let’s get onboard and set off! Anton anxiously cut in front of the rest of the crew Richards: I’m driving! ((Cockpit, Shuttlecraft Talents)) Anton was not “driving” and he sat staring forward thinking about just how unfair that fact was. Nilsen: Anton, can ya get me priority one flight clearance from fight ops. Richards: No. Anton cleared them anyway of course. Flights ops: =/\= Talents, flight ops, confirmed clearance. Flight path clear, good hunting =/\= Nilsen: Lahl, when you’re ready, light her up for me, and I’ll do the rest. Anton could have done the rest. He could have done it really well, and he probably wasn’t even going to hit the wall of the shuttlebay like on the previous occasions. Lahl: Aye sir. ::fingers flying across the console, the engines lit up like a human Christmas tree:: Anton’s spirits raised with each little light. He wasn’t going to stay upset on what might be the only time traveling explosion based mission in his career. No. This mission was too important for that. Promontory: Response Nilsen: So these pretty things can dodge most long-range scanners, but I also don’t know what advancements they’ve made in 800 years, so, I’m going to fly us fast-ish and low. How close do you want me to get to the compound? Lahl: Well, we need to be close enough that we’re not hoofing it over miles, but far enough away that security doesn’t find us immediately. Also, how fast is “fast-ish”? Promontory: Response Richards: Just keep it steady Nilsen. We can’t be… exploding. Anton delivered this pouty statement through a full smile and he wasn’t going to be able to keep pouting for long, no matter how hard he tried. Nilsen: Oh you bet I’m flying this girl carefully. I’m all for a barrel roll but today…call me grandma Nilsen…then again, my grandma was a daredevil, so maybe not. Course laid in sir. Lahl: Thank you sir. Richards: You got it, Grandma! It seemed as though the last bit of pout had left Anton, and to be honest. Grandma Nilsen was a much better pilot than himself anyways. Promontory: Response Nilsen:: Good to see that in 800 years, the consent gravitational pull of a planet’s poles hasn’t changed. We should be hidden now. Lahl: Why do I feel the only thing doing more heavy lifting than that “should” is Lieutenant Caras…sir? Richards: Annnd Richards. Promontory: Response Lahl: Lieutenant Nilsen, have you thought about not hitting every bit of atmospheric disturbance? Anton nodded in obvious agreement although the pouting could barely be noticed through the large smile of anticipation. Promontory/Nilsen: Response Richards: You’ve gotta be kidding me. Lahl: No, no, I have no interest in flying myself. I’ll leave that to you. Richards: Yeah. I guess you are doing okay… grandma. This was the last one, Anton promised himself. Promontory: Response (( Walking Distance to Base, Sbadni Moon)) Nilsen brought them down onto the moon a short distance away from the base. Not needing to wear an EV and constantly worry about oxygen levels were a bonus on an already great sounding mission. Lahl: ::looking around at where they landed:: Lieutenant Nilsen…did you intend for us to be at the base of a mountain? ::looking up at the slope between them and their destination:: Anton with hand on chin observed the mountain. Richards: You mean it’s… Anton pointed directly forward at the slope. Promontory/Nilsen: Response Lahl: No, it’s fine…::whispering to herself:: More climbing training in the holodeck… Anton decided it would be best to ignore Lahl’s sentiment towards Nilsen as he may have contributed to it in some way and Anton was no longer feeling “pouty” He thought about making the climb up the slope with all their explosives and he was beginning to regret adding those few “extras” onto the list as they were just going to make the trip more difficult now. Richards: You guys think there is a way around? Lahl/Promontory/Nilsen: Response Richards: Well… At least there's no suits. Lahl/Promontory/Nilsen: Response Anton smiled. Richards: Maybe it’d be easier to transport the supplies. We could wander ahead and find a good location and then just beam the supplies there. Lahl/Promontory/Nilsen: Response Richards: Either way, best that we don’t get spotted just carrying this stuff around. How long before the other teams are in place? Lahl/Promontory/Nilsen: Response Tags/TBC =================== Lieutenant Anton Richards Security Officer USS Octavia E. Butler - NCC-82850 T239802AR1 =================== -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "USS Octavia E. Butler – StarBase 118 Star Trek PBEM RPG" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to sb118-butler+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/sb118-butler/0d8c5409-3d45-47f5-ad97-980cfa9e200cn%40googlegroups.com.

This made me chuckle.

This sounds right up Alora's alley!

I just love Tanner's reaction!

And of course, all the typos that I didn't catch when I read through it before sending. XD

This tickled me.

((Vahin Family Compound, Undersea Habitat 12, Kisaran Ocean, Bolarus IX)) After a quick transfer at DS9, Vahin had finally made it back to Bolarus IX and in a matter of moments would be seeing his mother Osi in person for the first time since she received the diagnosis that she had mendaxic neurosclerosis. The silicon-based disease was fatal, and so far, there was no cure. It was believed that an active positronic matrix would be the key to unlocking the mysteries of this disease but the attack on Mars in 2385 had put an end to that. It wasn’t until just recently, with the ban overturned, that research could once more begin in full. The Vahin family compound didn’t look much different from the last time Vahin had been there. He was sure, that if he checked, his small apartment would look exactly how he had left it. But for now, he wanted nothing more than to see his mother. He had purposely avoided telling the rest of his family he was visiting, he loved them, but his trip was a short one and he wanted to focus on his mother. He pressed his hand to the doorpad outside his parent’s apartment and walked through the door as it slid open. As the familiar sights and sounds of his childhood home hit his senses he was overcome with a wave of memories. There was the spot he and his twin sister Arixu use to pretend they were undersea explorers. There was where his older twin brothers Drevu and Dasiu used to playfight much to their parent’s annoyance. A pot bubbled on the stove and the apartment was filed with the smell of stewing fish; no doubt one of his father’s delicious concoctions. Vahin’s stomach grumbled but he walked past the kitchen to the back of the apartment where his parents’ room was located. As he reached their door he softly knocked. From the other side of the door he heard his father Aram’s voice telling him to enter. Vahin walked into the room to find his father sitting next to their bed holding his mother’s hand. His mother’s eyes were closed and her chest slowly raised and lowered as she breathed. Aram: ::quietly:: Araxxu! We didn’t know you were coming. His father gave his mother’s hand a gentle kiss before standing and embracing Vahin in a tight hug. Aram: It’s so good to see you in person. We missed you. He closed his eyes and returned his father’s hug. For a moment he felt like a child again; safe in the arms of a parent he knew would always protect him. But as he opened his eyes he saw his mother laying in bed and he knew those days were far behind him. Vahin: How is she today? His mother looked much frailer than last time he had spoken with her. He noticed her skin was a paler blue then normal and she had lost weight. It was odd seeing her laying in bed. She was normally awake more hours in a day than she slept, if not at work then puttering around the compound tending the plants or helping family members with whatever they were working on. Aram: Today…today is not a good day. She is very weak. His father looked over at Osi and for a moment it seemed like the man would begin to cry. He took Vahin’s hand and led him over to the seat at his mother’s bedside. Aram: Sit, sit. I have a stew to tend. She will be so happy to see you when she wakes. Vahin took a seat and reached out to take his mother’s hand in his. Her hand felt so small and fragile in his but also familiar and he wished he never had to let go of it. They sat like that for some time. Minutes went by and he simply watched her sleep. The grown-up doctor in him had left and he was simply a boy who loved and missed his mother. He felt the tears begin to slide down his face. Osi: ::softly:: Oh Arax. So, like your father. With his free hand he wiped away the tears and tried to compose himself as he smiled down at his mother. Osi: I’m so happy you came. Have you seen Ari? Vahin: Not yet mother. I came to see you first. Osi: Well as you can see I’m perfectly fine. She began to chuckle but soon the chuckle turned to coughing and Vahin handed her a glass of water that sat next to the bed. Osi: ::she drank then handed the glass back:: Thank you Arax. Vahin: Mother I’m sorry I’m not here more. I want… Osi: Hush dear. You have important things to do. Exploring the Ring. How exciting. Bolarus was never going to be enough for you. I’m so happy you joined Star Fleet. Tears began to well up behind Vahin’s eyes and he tried to blink them away. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the small box that Commodore Oddas had given him only a few days ago. He opened it and held it out for his mother to see. Vahin: They promoted me. I’m a full Lieutenant and they made me Acting Chief Medical Officer. Osi reached out and took the pip box in her frail, shaking hands. She ran a finger over the shiny pips before she looked up at Vahin and smiled. Osi: Oh Arax. How wonderful. ::cough:: I’m happy that Commodore Oddas sees how hard you’re working. Vahin: Thank you mother. She’s a great leader, one of the best in Star Fleet. Osi: Now tell me all about what you’ve been up to on Denali. How is Drex? When will he come visit? What about Kettick, he didn’t hurt himself again did he? I know Remmilian’s are tough but tell him I worry about him. Vahin smiled as his mother spoke about the crew of Denali Station. It was just like her to remember all the names of everyone he had every mentioned to her. He was glad that, so far, the disease that was destroying her body had left her mind intact. Vahin: Drex sends his regards. He wanted to come on this trip but it was such a quick turn around. I’ll see if he can come next time. Kettick is good, Alix patched him up really well from last time he got hurt. His mother gives Vahin a loving pat on the hand. Osi: I know it was hard when Dr Harford was transferred. It’s never easy losing someone you enjoy spending time with. Vahin: oO I don’t want to lose you either. Oo Osi: But what about Commander DeVeau? I hope you have pictures of that darling child of hers. And what about that counselor Strathmore and Lt Commander Falt? They’re doing well I hope. Vahin: It’s Commander Falt now and yes mother, they’re all doing well. Osi began to try and sit up more in bed and Vahin reached forward to help her. Osi: Well, we have time before your father’s stew is done and I’m not going anywhere. So why don’t you tell you mother all about what’s been going on around Denali. I could use some excitement. I love your father but his stories about the water reclamation system in hydroponics aren’t exactly thrilling. And so, sitting next to his mother’s bed, his hand in hers, Vahin spent the next few hours telling her all about life on Denali and the crew there that he thought of as family. NT/END <><><><><><><><><><>=/\=<><><><><><><><><><> Lt Jg Araxxu Vahin Medical Denali Station D240006AV3

((Drex’s quarters - 38th Floor, Soldotna)) The days had passed quickly after his return from the routine mission to improve communications within the Ring. The unpleasant experience in the parallel universe had caused Drex to spend much of his free time studying subjects outside his speciality. The amount of work, however, was excessive, and he had ended up in Commander DeVeau's office with the utopian expectation of receiving a magic formula that would free him from the discomfort of ignorance. In what little free time he had left after returning from the boat trip with Araxxu, Falt and the new Ensign Tanner, he had tried to make himself useful by looking after little Shyla whenever Alora needed a good night's sleep. So, hour after hour, day after day, he had spent little time in his apartment and neglected to call home. In the end, however, he had had to give in to the call of hibernation, and when he had found himself at home with nothing to do, he had called Ayra before going to bed. Ayra: You’re still wearing the pendant… :: The tone halfway between question and observation :: Drex lowered his gaze to look at the metal disk hanging on his chest. It was a silly superstition, but harmless. And he liked the shape and color. Drex: Won’t harm. Ayra nodded. From so far away there was little she could do for her brother. She had asked him to come home and even thought about visiting him on Denali herself, but Drex had categorically refused both options. Gods knew who he wanted to impress by being tough! Ayre: Are you resting at least? Drex looked back at the monitor and smiled. Drex: Yes, I am. And I’m ready to hibernate. :: He straightened his shoulders, showing off his pajamas.:: What about you? When will I be an uncle? Ayra caressed her belly gently, returning the smile. Ayra: Two more months at least… Do you want to know if it’s a boy or a girl? Drex: I already know! :: He smiled slyly :: Ayra: You do? Who told you? :: She frowned :: Drex: Nobody… I bet is a girl. You look so beautiful and bright. It has to be a girl! That was one of their mother’s theories: girls would make the mother prettier. And supporting this theory was the fact that Lora had never made a wrong prediction. Years before, when the family held a bet about the first pregnancy of Dania, Drex searched for a scientific explanation. With his own surprise he even found a valid reason in the production of male hormones in the fetus. Nevertheless he was far from his mother's infallibility. Ayra: :: Nodding :: We’ll name her Meli. :: She took a brief pause :: How's it going over there? I tried to call you more than once in the last week, but you’re always busy. What’re you up to? Drex shrugged slightly. Drex: The usual. Working, studying… I’ve been out trying the boat. Ayra: I saw her out of water. Dad was filling her with all the scanners she could take. Drex: Yeah, way too many… Will he really analyze all that data? The whole Ring is artificial, what does he hope to gain? This time it was Ayra the one who shrugged. Ayra: I’ve no idea. He didn’t involve me in this. Drex: Of course he didn’t :: He smiled slyly :: He knows you’ll tell me what he’s up to, but please inform me if he leaves Kalus. I don’t want to find him knocking at my door. The woman giggled and nodded. Ayra: I will. So… any news? Drex: About what? Ayra: About anything… Dominique or any other… Drex shocked his head. Drex: Pregnancy is making you worse than Ral, you know , don’t you? Ayra: Oh, come on! Don't think I'm going to imbibe the story you've been studying all day! As Ayra bended towards the display, Drex turned his eyes away. Out of the window, clouds had covered the sun and the evening was darkening fast. Ayra: Ah ah! What is it? No, no… Who! is it? Drex: I think I have to go now. :: He moved as to interrupt the call :: Ayra: Don’t you dare Drex or you'll have to worry not only about dad at the door. He did not let her finish her threat. The display went dark. The notification of a new incoming call began to ring a second after. He ignored it and, getting up, went to the window. With the clouds gathering in the sky, rain was not long in coming. The first drops wet the window and Drex followed one of them with his finger along the glass. If he had been smarter, he would have told her something about Dominique. Now she would have tormented him until she got the truth. Lucky, he will have five to six days to hope her own business would distract her enough to leave him alone. oO Credeghe… she’ll find out, just tell her now. Oo He chose a new drop to follow. Drex: It ain’t any of her business. The notification finally went off. oO Safe for now. But you’re hiding from yourself. Oo Drex: I’m not. I just need to go to sleep. oO Liar. You like her. Oo Drex: ::Taking a deep breath:: I… don’t. And you know it. And we know it’s complicated. She’s a good friend, at least, I hope we can be friends. The Denobulan took his finger off the glass and closed his hand. oO I know. Then why are you so scared of Ayra? Oo Drex: Because I know her. She won’t believe I’ve changed so much to babysit someone else's child. oO But you are. And you’re doing great. She told you more than once. Oo Walking towards the bed, he touched the environmental controls, plunging the bedroom into darkness. He needed to sleep. The surreal conversation he was having with himself was clear evidence of the confused state his mind had now entered. He crawled into bed and curled up on his side, finally closing his eyes. There was only one woman he was in love with, and she was on Denobula. And the five years he had been away have not changed that. NT/END ============ Lieutenant Drex Science Officer Denali Station D240011D14

Welcome and welcome back!