Alora DeVeau

Not just a straw, but a BENDY straw.

Actually.... https://proofed.com/writing-tips/idiom-tips-another-think-coming-or-another-thing-coming/

Welcome! Glad to have you!

((Ensign's Joyride - Denali Invitational - Entering the Asteroid Ring)) The boxy shuttle took on a shimmer in the refection of the asteroid field making it actually like a streamlined fighter that it had actually been designed to be rapidly converting current models of ships ready for a defensive action. The crew of the Ensign's Joyride had worked hard building together the team and the freighter up from scratch to the fighting machine it currently was. Despite its age it was keeping up with the crowd. There were several ships entering the field at different vectors and various flakes of paint coming off them as they had near misses or actual collisions with smaller asteroids, not enough to take them down however would slow them whilst they made repairs. Inside the cockpit there were only two of the crew and both of them were staying away from the emergency transport system. Corey checked the harness wrapping around the chair. Wethern: This is going to be a challenging bit of flying Madison, strap in. I'm going to divert the power from gravity to inertial dampeners and thruster control to give you the most flexibility. Whoa! Did you see that ship clip that asteroid. Time to concentrate. Marsh: ? Corey watched his colleague clip the harness around her and he felt the adrenaline kick in, the buzz and attentiveness that kicks in with the risk of danger. The thrum of power flicked into the engines as he went through the warning alerts of switching off gravity. He flicked another switch and the cockpit darkened and the computer thrummed and alert "Tactical Overlay Engaged" as a red overlay engaged across the viewports highlighting the ships in front of them in green and the asteroids with trajectory plotting of incoming asteroids. Wethern: I'm glad we didn't take out all of the experimental systems this shuttle was equipped with, although we never did get out of Zel why this project was abandoned? Marsh: ? The shuttle clipped past another vessel so fast Corey couldn't make out its designation however it was an impressive barrel roll by Madison. Wethern: Nice flying Madison. Marsh: ? Computer: Warning Collision Imminent An alarm blared bringing the two ensigns back to where they were as an asteroid rapidly filled the screen growing larger and larger. Wethern: Madison, look out..... Marsh: ? Corey looked at his console as the his pilot tried to route around preventing an impact that even the shuttles shields at maximum would taken them out of race if not put them on the medical evac shuttle....which would be more than embarrassing being two medics. Wethern: No wait head straight for the bearing I've sent to your console and rotate 65 degrees port and floor it. Corey tapped his console and there was a sensation of your stomach flipping much like when you went on a roller-coaster. What in reality was happening was power was distributing away from the support systems to the shuttles minimal defensive systems. A bright beam from the Phasers blasted the corner of the huge asteroid making a shuttle shaped hole full of debris as they rolled through it harmlessly bouncing off the shields however the pull on the harness would leave a mark. Wethern: Woohoo! That is some fancy flying! Marsh: ? Corey ran his hand through his hair in relief. Not only had they managed to avoid dying they had also managed to get a step up towards the front just not the very front. Wethern: All I'm saying is Ksivi-Sava would not have approved of that manoeuvre and if we win we need to trademark it. Marsh: ? Tags/TBC -- Ensign Corey Wethern Medical Officer Starbase 118 Ops O240007CW4

((OOC: Just a small vignette for Remembrance Day. For those that don't know the background, you can read about it here: https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Starfleet_Remembrance_Day) ((Personal Quarter, USS Oumuamua)) The timing was poor. The night before, the party in 7 Forward would take some toll the next morning. Moreso because she had set her alarm to awaken her an hour earlier than she'd normally get up before a shift. It was a ritual she'd done only once before. But it wouldn't be the last. Really the day would be like any other. She went through her normal morning routine. A quick run around the corridors. When she got back, she had breakfast. Simple eggs and bacon this morning. Following that a shower. Maybe a little longer than normal, just some time to think. She laid out one of her new uniforms on her bed, flat so there wasn't a wrinkle to be seen. Knowing the night would be short on sleep, she'd skipped polishing her boots the night before. She pulled out the small box that contained a tin of polish, brush, and a couple rags. Sitting at the edge of the bed, one at a time, she gave them a once over with one of the soft cloths to buff the toes to a decent shine. Standing in front of the mirror in her bathroom, she brushed out her hair. Looking into her own eyes in the reflection she thought to herself that those eyes weren't the same as she used to see. In such a few short years, they'd changed. She took her time putting her hair into a tight braid against her scalp, bringing it all together in the back before tying it off as she normally did. Her hand slid down the back of her neck. The tips of her fingers ran over the tattoo she couldn't see but knew was still there. She donned her uniform one piece at a time. She fidgeted with the jacket like she always did. She always replicated them slightly too big. Just a little loose. The downside being that it never quite sat right. Today she wished she hadn't. She walked over to her nightstand and picked up the two solid silver pips and snapped them onto the chest of her uniform. Taking an extra couple seconds to make sure they were in line with the seam that divided the gold shoulders from the black body, centering them between the shoulder seam and the small square of gold that jutted down from the divide in the collar. The silver and bronze communicator went on the opposite side and just below the seam. She never felt she could get its placement just right. Pulling out the drawer of the nightstand, she reached in and picked up a small pin, one she only wore once a year. Back in front of the mirror, she looked down at the small round pin. The brushed gold inlaid with a deep blue enamel which in turn had white letters rising from it. Her thoughts went back. She could hear herself screaming "No!" as if it was happening again. When she closed her eyes, it felt like they were flooded with fiery light once more. As much pain as she still felt, she didn't cry anymore when she thought about it. She didn't even get angry like she used to. Sometimes she wondered if it meant she was forgetting. But those memories would never fade. She took in a slow deep breath and opened her eyes. Looking into the mirror, she clipped the pin onto her jacket, just above her communicator. Rotating it back and forth until the words U.S.S. Resolution looked centered. She ran her hands down the sides of her uniform to smooth it out as she let out the breath she'd been holding. Her right hand paused over the spot on her abdomen where there was still a scar. She pressed into it. The slight physical pain she felt was still there. A reminder...remembrance. End Lieutenant Aine Sherlock Security Officer U.S.S. Oumuamua R239712AS0

From the narration of Silveira: I just love this analogy!

I particularly love the jabs at my character! ((Counseling Offices, Deck Eight, USS ‘Oumuamua)) On her way out of sickbay Rox had made sure to leave the chair askew, knock over the supplies cart. and topple a stack of PADDs. She marched into the counseling office and paused. She was supposed to go and talk to Salo, but she was not interested in talking to V’Len’s little crush. Instead she turned sharply and marched over to Rivka Brzezinski’s office. The door seemed to be open and she pounded loudly on the wall. Rox: ::yelling:: Hey! Anybody home? Rivka had been finalizing her reports and was about to hit ‘submit’ when a piercing voice interrupted her concentration. Rivka: What the dickens!? Rox smiled; she had seen the woman sitting and working at the desk and the way she had jumped when Rox had yelled ‘hey.’ Rox: You should calm down, you seem jumpy. ::chuckling:: Rivka: You startled me, is all. Is it time for drinks? Rox: Sadly I’m not here for drinks, V’Len sent me down for an ::mocking tone:: attitude adjustment. Rox flumped into a chair with her PADD in her lap. Rivka frowned. No drinks and more counseling work. This didn’t sound fun. Rivka: And why should your attitude need to be adjusted? In Dr. Brzezinski’s mind, many people greatly overestimated the need for therapy and its potential efficacy. Like the sign said above her monitor, folks should “live and let live.” Rox: It’s because of that stupid old cow. Rivka: The BulleRox officer – what’s her name Varoo–something? Rivka was confused. She didn’t know many of the officers, but a large bovine one had just popped in earlier that day for an annual check-up, but Rivka couldn’t remember the details or understand why she would be referring Rox to counseling. Rox: ::insulted:: No not V’Airu. The old heifer in sickbay Miash. Rivka: You have a cow in Sickbay? Rox: NO! Miash is the new Ferengi head nurse. She’s always ::mockingly sweet:: “oh dear” this and “you’re so clever doctor”. Oh right. Rivka had seen an old Ferengi woman too. She had been a bit of a doter. Rivka: Look, I’m really not on the clock any more, Nesre should be available… Rox frowned. Rivka stopped mid-sentence when she saw the daggers Rox’s eyes made at the mention of Dr. Salo’s name. Rox: Pass. Rivka: I think you’re the first person I’ve met who doesn’t love Nesre. Rox furrowed her brow. Rox: I don’t dislike Nesre, I just can’t deal with her stupid tribble and her flipping tea right now. Besides she’s got V’Len wrapped around her little finger and I don’t want any part of that. She had a good point about all the animals, but the latter comment drew Rivka’s full attention. Rivka: Oh! Oh really! Now that’s interesting. You know what? I do think I have some time for you after all. Rox could not help but chuckle. If there was one commodity on the ‘Oumuamua that was more precious than time, it was juicy gossip and Rox prided herself on keeping up with the juiciest. Rox: ::looking at Rivka slyly:: I thought you might. Rivka: So Nersre and the CMO?. After all the times Nesre had gotten on Rivka’s back about ‘professional ethics’ this was rich! Rox: Nesre and V’Len is an open secret. ::leaning in:: I can trust this stays between us right? Rivka: Yes! Anything you say in this room is strictly confidential. (beat) And I take professional ethics very seriously.. Rox: So do I, ::pausing:: that’s why I’m asking. Let’s just say you may have two patients soon. Rivka: Wait, two patients!? Rox: They may both need therapy after V’Len executes his latest caprice. Rivka: :: leaning in conspiratorially :: Go on. Rox: I don’t have all the details mind you, but he’s been collecting ingredients for weeks and I saw him looking over a recipe yesterday. Rivka didn’t know the doctor well, but had suspicions about his neural chemistry being unbalanced. And he seemed to have some sort of criminal past. Maybe he was cooking up some more deviant behavior, perhaps an explosive device? Rivka: Sounds dangerous. Rox: Two slips of latinum says it blows up in his face. So it was a bomb. This could be bad. Maybe one of those times when a dire situation required breaking confidences. Rivka: So a dangerously unhinged man is making an explosive device to attack Nesre? Rox: ::laughing:: No. I mean the plan blows up in his face. Though, I won’t argue that he’s unhinged, at least when it comes to Nesre. Rivka: Oh. Well that’s better, I guess. (beat) Rivka thought back to the med team meeting when Rox had almost bit off the head of that marine medic lady. Rivka: Wait, aren’t you usually a little more protective of him? Rox realized Rivka was right. Normally she thought of V’Len as a friend and generally rooted for him. But he had crossed a line. Rox: Well I’m mad at him. Rivka: Because of Nesre? Rox: ::waving her finger:: I am not jealous of Nesre. I don’t want any part of her, V’Len and Jack’s little “bizarre love triangle”. Rivka: ::trying to follow along:: So… Nesre was seeing both the Doctor and that other guy as patients and romantically… OK, if not jealous, you’re mad at him because…? Rox: Because I ::pausing and pointing to herself:: was head nurse. V’Len didn’t need another. Now I’m stuck taking orders from that sicky sweet old bitty Miash. oO Uh-oh. Oo Rivka shifted in her chair uncomfortably. This was swerving dangerously away from gossip and towards actual therapy. Rivka: ::hesitantly:: So it’s the new female authority in Sickbay is the problem? (beat) Like mother issues? Rivka hoped it wasn’t mother issues. Rix bristled. She hated her mother and her father. They had exploited her powers to make themselves wealthy. Then they had abandoned her. Rox: ::grimly:: Not like that. ::cheerier:: She’s like Aunt Susie when I was in trouble. Rivka: Oh. (beat) An Auntie? Rox: Aunt Susie always used her sweet voice when I was in trouble. Rivka paused to consider this. Rivka: ::unconvinced:: I guess that’s better than swearing. (beat) The Lieutenant looked around. Unsure what to do or say next. Rivka: So… Do you need something? Rox: I need Miash to have an airlock accident. Rivka: um… I have …. sedatives? Rox: No I’m good there. I’ll just drink. Rivka: :: brightly :: The good kind of therapy! Rox: Is there any other? Rivka:::conspiratorially:: Not that’s as effective! Do you want some company? Rox: Yes, but what am I supposed to do about Miash? And for that matter why does V’Len need another head nurse. What’s wrong with me? Rivka slumped back in her chair. Apparently this session might take a while longer. Rivka: Does it have to be something wrong with you? Rox: I was a fine nurse. Just because I sent the whole ship back in time doesn’t mean I’m bad at my job. Rivka: Wait, that was you? (beat) Look, I did the psych intake for Mi–the Ferengi earlier today. She wasn’t requested by our CMO. Rox: So if V”Len didn’t request Miash who did? Rivka: Oh, I don’t know. People can request transfers y’know. (beat) I assume the CO approves such things. Rivka’s thoughts turned to the consideration of her own transfer request when the nurse in front of her got more agitated. Rox: ::punching her palm:: That bitch. She would do that. You know she left V’Len and I behind on earth. V’Airu left without us. Rivka: Weren’t you being detained by the time-cops? ::pursing lips:: Seems like you might be a little sensitive around the issue of abandonment. Rox: What do you mean abandonment issues? Rivka: Well, just that you seem to be a strong, capable, independent woman. What does it matter if the CO or CMO or anyone does something without you? Rox froze and stared blankly at Rivka. She’d never thought about it in quite that way. She’d never really thought of herself as a capable person, but Rivka’s words rang true. What did she care if Miash was in charge? She could still do her job. Rox: So I’m good on my own. I don’t need to worry about Miash. I should just do the best I can. Rivka: Uh-huh. Rox: ::amasement:: Wow, you’re good. Rivka sat up a little straighter. Maybe this counseling thing wasn’t as bad as a kick in the teeth after all. Rivka: So what do you want to do next? Rox started to answer but her PADD suddenly chirped and she looked down at it. Her eyes scanned the message. Suddenly she stood straight up. Rox: Dang it! Rivka: What now!? oO Don’t break again–you just got fixed! Oo Rox was so upset that she was shaking like a child. Rivka’s voice brought her back to the room. She slowly turned the PADD around for RIvka to see. Rox: I’m being transferred ::sighing:: to something called the USS Ronin. Rivka: Oh. That would mean Rox wouldn’t be around much longer. Rivka wasn’t at all prepared to feel let down by that news. Rox: ::sitting down again:: I guess we better get that drink now. I’ve only got a few more days here. Rivka: ::smiling weakly:: Yes, let’s. Lt Rivka Brzezinski Utility Officer–Counselor!? USS ‘Oumuamua O239910AP4 & Roxanne Queen Nurse USS Oumuamua NCC-81226 T239811VK2 -- Lt Avander Promontory Intelligence Officer USS Oumuamua O239910AP4

((Tyber’s and Dahlquist’s quarters, USS Oumuamua)) Lina had actually wanted to thank her roommate for a long time. But something had always come up. Either they weren't alone and Lina really didn't want to do it in front of others. Or one of them hadn't been here, so she had to push it again. Now was the perfect moment for it, she was sure. Dahlquist: I don't really remember much from when we were in the shuttle in that nebula. Somehow everything is ::beat:: blurred. But I do remember you trying to help me and protect me. Tyber: That is my job Lina there is no need for thanks. Dahlquist: It's just important to me to say thank you for that. ::beat, then in a softer voice:: I don't take it for granted. Lina's eyes followed the Klingon officer as he slowly walked over to the sofa where Lina was still comfortably cross-legged. Tyber crouched down so that they were at eye level. He had an air of strength and gentleness that one would not have expected from a Klingon. His eyes were full of warmth. It was almost as if he could see deep into her soul and she into his. For a magical moment, time seemed to stand still. Tyber : You are very welcome, Lina Dahlquist. Her eyes darted back and forth between his two grey eyes. He was so close that she could feel the warmth of his breath. She felt her heart pounding fast in her chest. But then he suddenly stood up, turned around and walked slowly into his room. Lina sat motionless, staring after him. Confused and puzzled, she opened her mouth briefly to call his name, to tell him to stay, to turn back. But she closed it again and said nothing. The door had closed behind Tyber. And Lina had said nothing. In fact, she hadn't reacted at all. She was torn inside. One part of her told her to follow him. Not to let this magical moment pass. Another part of her was unsure and confused. What was the meaning of this? Was the tension she had felt between them just imagined? Was it nothing more than the voice she had heard in the shuttle? Another hallucination? Or just some strange Klingon thing? Why had he just left? Why hadn't she said anything? A thousand questions flashed through her mind - then she literally jumped up and quickly went into her room. The young scientist paced restlessly up and down her room. Her heart was still pounding violently as she tried to process the brief but intense magical moment she had just experienced. The man who had been standing opposite her had suddenly stood up and left without a word, as if he had never been there. Lina took a deep breath and started talking to herself. Dahlquist: Okay. You are a scientist. Think logically. So she began to sort out her thoughts. Had she completely misinterpreted this moment? Was it just her own imagination playing tricks on her? Or had she actually sensed a connection that she could not ignore? She closed her eyes and tried to remember every detail of the moment. His gaze, which had been so warm and deep that she had been completely captivated by it. His voice, which had been so soft at that moment. But now he was gone and she felt trapped in a fog of uncertainty. She wondered if she should pursue him to find answers. Or should she just accept that this moment was over and meant nothing more? Tyber was a friend, a very good friend in fact and Lina used the term ‘friend’ very sparingly. Doubt gnawed at her and she couldn't help but wonder if she had gotten caught up in something that had never existed. Maybe it was just a fleeting moment that had no special meaning for him. And then another question arose altogether. What did she really feel about Tyber? Was there something? Was there more than friendship? Wouldn’t that just change everything? And wouldn't that be able to destroy their close friendship? It all felt so surreal. Lina sighed as she let herself fall onto her bed. This was going to be another sleepless night. She glanced at her door and wondered what Tyber was doing right now. ((Possible TBC if Tyber wants to go on)) --- Ensign Lina Dahlquist Science Officer USS ‘Oumuamua D239009VD0

There's no school like the old school.

Welcome to the newbies! Welcome back Stefania! Glad to have you all!

I really enjoyed the 'banter while working' here. ((Allahayer, Near the Starting Line, Denali Invitational)) After the Wharf, Pelasht's pit vehicle and tug and towed the Allahayer from what passed as orbit to 5,000 kilometers from the starting line, and then they had powered up the Engine's to 5% in order to get the rest of the way. She was glancing out ahead, hoping to see some of the other competitors, there were thirty-two total, but even in a race the vastness of space made it difficult and the limited view she had designed meant she would be depending more on her instruments than the eyeball method anyway. oO Too late for changes, it was the only way to fit the cockpit over the engine. Oo Over the comm, she heard muttering - it was the local channel. Oddas: Everything ok? Th'vhotrok: With the ship? So far so good. Oddas: Something else? There was a series of clicks and flips as the Andorian behind her worked the station to Th'vhotrok: ::chuckling:: I understand in Bajoran our ship's name means 'Fast Madness'. He console showed a power reserve coming up to 110%, which she acknowledged with a tap of the screen and moved on to the next step of the secondary systems' checklist. Oddas: Close enough. ::beat:: Power reserves good, next up, life support. They were actually wearing environmental suits, complete with heads up helmets, it wasn't required by the rules, but it was a case of Aria - and the team actually - feeling it was a small price to pay for safety. In fact, in a pinch the difference of life support vs none might make a difference in a corner. Th'vhotrok: Understood. ::beat:: It's odd, but there is an old superstition on Andor about a boy named Li'Hayer, who entered a foot race. Life support checks out. Life support showed blue on her console. Oddas: Excellent, next up backup internal dampeners. How did he do? The checklist moved to the secondary dampeners, which she never planned to turn on, it removed too much maneuverability from the craft. Th'vhotrok: Well, he was not a smart boy, and at one point found a shortcut - he knew it would let him win, but he would have to go through a nest of ice worms. ::beep and click:: Dampeners good. Next, secondary manifold. He went through. Oddas: Did he make it? Th'vhotrok: Oh, he did, he won, and came out the other side quite mad. Oddas: I suppose there is some lesson there. Th'vhotrok: Oh, I suppose, but I was never very good in school. Aria let out a loud short laugh, they hadn't spent much time together, but she didn't think that could possibly be true. Oddas: Well, hopefully we'll come out better on the other side. TBC Fleet Captain Oddas Aria Commanding Officer Denali Station E239305OA0 Sense is never common. -Robert Heinlein Wiki: https://wiki.starbase118.net/wiki/index.php/Oddas_Aria

((Shuttlebay, Denali Station)) The welcoming Denali Ensign that greeted them had come to attention when he recognized Vitor’s rank. He smiled and nodded. Silverira: At ease Tuck, and please call me Sil. I am wearing the uniform but we are on leave. Tucker: ::looking at Lorana:: I see you’re in sciences if you head over to Soldota tower and grab yourself a tour of our science division. They’re doing fantastic stuff over there. Bring it up on the padd, and it’ll show you to the nearest transporter arch. Lorana: :: perking up:: Thanks! :: Removes her trusty PADD from her belt :: I'm Ensign Lorana, I've been hoping to visit the labs. The reading I've done on the way only provided me with more questions than answers. First, I may need some sleep ::yawns:: Vitor grinned and winked discreetly at Ana, as he replied to Tucker. Silveira: Not sure Ensign Lorana might be up for it. Tuck, perhaps you can tell us where our assigned quarters are, since I am only here as a supporter I assume we are settled in different places. Tucker: Response Vitor kept his smile as he nodded. The others talked to Tuck when he saw someone he didn’t expect. Lorana: How long have you been stationed here Ensign? Kuva/Kader: response Tucker: Response His attention was now fully diverted and as the people moved around he lost sight of her. What was Sher doing in Denali? Well that really wasn’t the smartest question to make. What was he doing in Denali? Shaking those thoughts aside he returned his attention to the others. Silveira: Sorry I thought I saw someone. You were saying? Tucker: Response Lorana: Kuva and Kader are going to finish up the checks, I'm heading ::looks to PADD and the map, nods forward:: That way ::looks again:: I think. Vitor nodded, it was his chance to excuse himself. Silveira: Yeah I think I saw someone I served with on the Juneau and I want to catch up if you guys don’t mind. ::He smiled at Ana:: I am also going in that direction. ::Finally turning to Tuck.:: Pleasure to meet you Tuck. See you all later. Kuva/Kader: response Tucker: Response As Vitor and Ana walked out he looked around, with some luck he would be able to avoid any close encounter. But he knew he shouldn't trust luck. For one reason he wasn't superstitious. However Fate always had a way to keep challenging him, and Fate presented itself as a familiar voice. DeVeau: Sil! Alora waved at him, with Sher beside her. He took a second to react. All his doubts and memories came together in that endless second. Vitor’s concerns about facing his past faded by the fact it was right there in front of him. For someone with such knowledge over ancient quotes and quips, in Portuguese known as “Popular Wisdom”, the fact he chose to ignore the one that stated “better a bird in a hand then two flying away” was ironic. And next to Alora was the one that flew away, Sher. Aine olive Sherlock. Isa, his comrade in the Juneau, Isabelle Deveaux, was the one he shook from his hand. But as another one of those quotes came to mind he smiled. “Past waters don’t move the water mill”. And as that song he had in his playlist said: “What hasn't started cannot end.” He adjusted his backpack straps, straightened his uniform and tipped his head for Ana to follow him as he made his way to them. Vitor opened his arms, with his trademark grin, nodding to Sher first Silveira: Hey long time no see. Hello Sher. ::he turned to Alora:: Alora how have you been? Sherlock/DeVeau: Responses Ana was a few steps away and he gestured for her to come close. Silveira: Ana please let me introduce. ::he turned to Sher and Alora, gesturing to Ana.:: Luxa Lorana one of my comrades on the Artemis and one of the racers. ::Gesturing to Sher and Alora:: Aine Olive Sherlock and Alora DeVeau from Ops. DeVeau/Lorana/Sherlock: Responses Vitor raised an eyebrow, surprised by their changes. He hadn’t been up to date with transfers and since he and Tito weren’t speaking so regularly Vitor didn’t know of their moves. Silveira: Then I stand corrected. I hope you're enjoying the new postings. DeVeau/Lorana/Sherlock: Responses Vitor glanced at Sher for a second longer. Before she left the Excalibur they still managed to have one final talk, but he felt there would have been so much to talk about. He smiled gently at her before turning his attention to Alora and Ana. oO Past waters… Oo Silveira: I have to say this is an impressive place, I visited the Ring on my last mission in the Juneau, but I don’t know if we were in this part. DeVeau/Lorana/Sherlock: Responses TAG/TBC Lt. Vitor S. Silveira Chief Tactical Officer USS Artemis-A, NCC-81287 O238907VS0

Old? OLD?

Hoooboy, do I FEEL this!!! Been there, done that, not always fun. XD

(OOC: This is Gogi’s last sim on Denali. :’( It seems rather appropriate that he’s receiving a purple heart!) ((The Menden-Hall, Floor 8, Anchorage Tower, Denali Station)) To say the past few days had been a whirlwind might just be the understatement of the (admittedly still young) century. Gogi had come into almost direct contact with a Bajoran Orb of the Prophets, which had left him with radiation sickness that, while treatable, wasn’t going away as quickly as he’d hoped. He’d also been met with a message on his return to Denali. A message from Starfleet, with orders for him to transfer to Starbase 118 Ops and take up the position of First Officer - a position he had held once before. He’d had to read the communication multiple times to make sure that he wasn’t hallucinating from the radiation sickness. With all this swimming around in his mind, he almost forgot completely to attend the Awards Ceremony and so he had arrived in a rush and took up a spot towards the back of the newly opened Menden-Hall, just as the lights dimmed, the music lowered and Captain Oddas made her way to the center of the room. Oddas: ::raising her artificial limb, and her voice slightly:: Thank you everyone for coming. The hum of the various conversations died down around the room and everyone’s eyes settled on the Bajoran Fleet Captain. Oddas: I know it has been a hectic time since we've been back on the Station, and I hope you have all been enjoying yourselves - I promise, despite my love of long speeches and ceremonies, I will keep this short. I want to get back to the food as well. Gogi couldn’t help but chuckle at the idea of Aria being a lover of long speeches and ceremonies. Oddas: First and foremost, the Entire Crew who participated in the previous mission has been awarded the Scientific Discovery and the Explorer's Ribbons, first congratulations to you all and second, personally, thank you. Thank you for helping me return such a priceless artifact to my homeland. It was a mission which required sacrifice and bravery and courage and so, again, thank you, as a Starfleet Officer, as your Captain, and as a Bajoran who never thought she would be able to be near such an important artifact. There was a hearty round of applause, which Gogi contributed to as much as anyone in the room. While he didn’t make a habit of preaching to anyone on matters of religion, he, like many Bardeezans, was a very spiritual person and he respected the beliefs of other cultures. He was glad to have been part of a mission that had reunited the Bajoran people with something so important to them and Aria in particular. Oddas: There were three distinct groups who participated in the mission, making it a success, and each made me extremely proud. The team aboard the Eagle, commanded by our intrepid XO, ensured we all got home - including yours truly, and fended off some rather unwelcome visitors in the process. To that end - those who remained onboard the Eagle have been awarded the Good Conduct Ribbon. Falt: We're proud to be the quadrant's finest space taxi service, sir. For all your space and time travel needs… Another chuckle from the Bardeezan at the back of the room. As much as Tomas was playing the Eagle’s role in proceedings down, the fact of the matter was that if it weren’t for his leadership and the quick thinking and expertise of everyone on board, Gogi would most likely not be standing there now and possibly not Captain Oddas, Doctor Raimor, Freck or Commander Ton, either. Oddas: Of course, there was a group who boarded the other ship, bringing back valuable information needed for the completion of the mission. They put themselves in harms' way, and did it without unnecessary risk, without betraying the values and truths we hold dear. Those who boarded the other vessel are receiving a Captain's Commendation. Good work! Vahin: ::COUGHS:: Another round of well-deserved applause. Gogi had been on similar away missions in the past - infiltrating an enemy vessel was no mean feat. Oddas: The last of these teams was the Away Team on the ground, almost getting lost on through time. They managed to make contact with the native population, learn about them, and accomplish the mission at hand. Without their quick thinking, and attention to detail, we may not have learned what we could have about the inhabitants of Osalu III. Because of their work, they are being awarded the First Contact Ribbon. This time Gogi was, in part, at least, applauding for himself. When they had made it to the surface of Oslau III, they knew there was a high risk of temporal activity, however, none of them could have foreseen the actual events that unfolded. Looking back on it now, it was definitely one of the more unique away missions he had been on. Oddas: Of course, there were officers who showed distinguished service all on their own. On the surface, the Away Team found themselves in the middle of a plague, a sickness sweeping through a village. After reading through the reports of the people on the ground, the Intelligence Officer in particular, it became apparent Ensign Raimor took great pains to save the lives of the people on that planet and as such he is awarded the Medical Service Ribbon. Good work, and congratulations! Gogi looked over to the Doctor as he clapped once more. Raimor had indeed distinguished himself on Oslau III and the native population of the planet were not the only lives he’d saved. Falt: Well done, Ensign. Oddas: Also, when it became apparent some extra - out of the box - thinking was needed to retrieve our personnel from the other ship, Mister Forsyth did not hesitate to come up with a unique solution. I commend her and I hereby, with great pleasure, award her the Innovation Ribbon. Excellent work, and thank you for helping bring everyone home. Another award Gogi was pleased to see being handed out. Alex was growing as an officer day by day and he was proud to see it, having been with her since her final exam at the Academy, until now. Oddas: If I could have Mister Fairhug, and Mister Raimor approach? Gogi almost did a double take when he heard his name called. He’d not been expecting anything this time around…not that he ever did. Oddas: It is no secret that earning purple hearts is against my standing orders. That said, I do recognize it is sometimes part of our business, our dedication, to put ourselves on the line to complete the mission, to save our colleagues, to make the discovery - to come home. While I do not approve, I do thank you, and present you both - Mister Fairhug, and Mister Raimor, with a Purple Heart - hopefully your last. Accepting the award, Gogi pondered that in all his days as a Security Officer and a Marine, he was probably fairly lucky that this was his first Purple Heart. Oddas: Both, before you go? ::beat:: Mister Fairhug, as I'm sure you all know, has accepted his transfer to Operations and will be taking his old post there as XO. Mister Fairhug, it has been an honor and a privilege to watch you grow from the clumsy Ensign to a formidable Lt. Commander. Good work, and good luck. The Bardeezan couldn’t hold back the grin that spread across his face at that. Aria had been the first officer he’d reported to on Duronis II when he was fresh out of the Academy and there was no doubt that, back then, his skills still needed…refining. Now, he was a veteran, both in Starfleet and from the conflict on his home planet. Things had changed, *he* had changed and things were about to change again, with his assignment on Starbase 118, but though his time on Denali had been relatively short, he was grateful for it and would never forget the experiences he’d had that had made a huge impact on him. Raimor: Congratulations, sir. They should be honored to have you. Fairhug: ::smiling:: Thank you, Doctor…::turning to Oddas:: and thank *you* Captain. Oddas: Next, Mister Raimor, your colleagues have been talking about you. They have noticed your attention to detail, the care you take in your work, and the diligence you attend to everything you do. To that end, they have recommended you for promotion, and I have to agree. Let the record reflect that on this stardate Ensign Sasus Raimor was promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade Raimor, with all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities accorded to them. Raimor: T-thank you, sir. I am honored. Oddas: Good work, Lieutenant. Gogi clapped the Betazoid *Lieutenant* on the back. It was a fully deserved promotion and he was glad he he’d stayed on Denali long enough to see it. Oddas: Speaking of promotions, it's not a promotion per se, but effective immediately our newly arrived Mission Specialist will be our Second Officer, so if you cannot find Commander Falt, find Commander DeVeau. Also, at the recommendation of Commander Falt, Mister Kettick, is our new Assistant Chief of Engineering, specifically tasked with the care of our city and its infrastructure. Gogi turned to find Alora’s face in the crowd. He was happy for his friend, he only wished he could have had a chance to work with her. And of course, Kettick, there could be no one more deserving of that role. It was a bittersweet feeling to see all of these people he had come to know, respect and like so much, receiving awards, promotions and new roles and yet knowing that he would not be around to witness them continuing to grow and achieve. Oddas: Congratulations everyone, thank you very much for your continued hard work and dedication as we continue to make Denali Station one of the premier postings in Starfleet, and a beacon to all of those needing a home. Thank you for keeping my faith in you true, and for your continuing trust and dedication in the mission. ::pause:: I know you have all seen the gathering crowds out in the streets, the increased numbers of visitors, and seen the promise of even more. I am confident those visitors are going to find a welcoming crew, a professional crew, and we are all going to rise to meet the challenge of a rising profile with the same aplomb we always have. Thank you again, and let's eat before everything gets cold. The lights brightened once more and the party started to restart in earnest. Gogi looked around the room and watched as little groups began to form, friends congratulating each other, gently ribbing each other, or clinking glasses together in celebration. He smiled warmly as his gaze settled on each face. They were a fine crew and possibly even more importantly, good people. He was happy for them all. For a moment, he thought about grabbing a drink and joining one of the groups, but he had a long day and journey ahead of him tomorrow. Best to get some rest…especially now that he was sleeping better again. So, instead, he made his way back to the doors he had entered through, turned and took one last look at the smiling, happy faces…and left. END =/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\= Lieutenant Commander Gogigobo Fairhug Chief of Security Denali Station E239411GF0

I think for awards we should have one for the worst counsellor EVER. 😄 ((Counseling Offices, Deck Eight, USS ‘Oumuamua)) As an official “utility officer” Rivka Brzezinski technically could serve anywhere she was needed. With a doctorate in the neuroscience of biogel packs, she was comfortable with the biological sciences and the basics of engineering. She had even been brought into sickbay during the recent medical emergencies. That had been a harrowing experience. Ensigns with holes in them and evacuees with strange maladies. Fortunately they had been sedated and stabilized and placed in the hands of more competent medical professionals. As bad as that had been, it was nothing compared to Rivka’s main duty post. With recent staff transfers, it seemed that the utility that the ‘Oumuamua needed most was counseling. Rivka was technically qualified. She had basic psychology and pathology training–but it was never anything she particularly took a shine to. She expected to be diagnosing and repairing neurogelpacks, not injured feelings and twisted psyches. At least Nerse had assigned her pretty straight-forward cases so far. Nothing that required more than some sedatives and a little R&R. After the emotional trauma from that nebular phenomenon, they had a sharp uptick in requests. Today would be a new client for Rivka. She reviewed the file. Lina Dahlquist. Another of these Earth Humans. oO Hmmm, some mild family trauma. Oo Rivka continued to read. oO Oh, fainting spells–that’s suboptimal. Oo It seemed that this Ensign was among one of those who had had a rather severe reaction to the nebula, before they found interventions. oO Well, let’s see what we’re dealing with. Oo She opened the door to find the young ensign sitting on the edge of a chair. Brzezinski: Ready? Lina had already arrived a few minutes before the actual appointment and had been nervously sliding around on the chair ever since. She tried to put on a reasonably nice smile as a greeting, but she didn't quite succeed. Dahlquist: oO No! Not really. Oo Yes. Brzezinski: Please sit. ::gesturing to a chair in the office:: What brings you in today. Dahlquist: oO An order by Starfleet Medical. Oo I had some ::beat:: issues during the last mission. I fainted during those emotion waves. And I heard voices in my head. Lina listened to herself. That really sounded somehow mental. Perhaps she should have expressed herself differently? But at least she did not have to lie on a couch. Brzezinski: I see. (beat) And what do you want me to do about it? Dahlquist: ::slightly flabbergasted:: I thought you’d tell me what to do about it. Brzezinski: It’s up to you really. You let me know. The session seemed to develop just as Lina had expected. Despite her inward dislike of this session, she tried not to let it show on the outside. After all, she had nothing personal against the counselor. Dahlquist: oO What a waste of time Oo. Well. ::beat:: I’m not sure. ::beat:: Tell me that I am not going mental perhaps? oO Great! Now that was not really very diplomatic. Pull yourself together. Try to at least seem cooperative. Oo Brzezinski: OK. “You’re not going mental.” Anything else? oO What? Seriously now? Oo Lina noticed that her palms began to sweat slightly. She was still nervous. But perhaps she should just open up a bit and give it a try. Dahlquist: What worries me most is that this voice was so real. Not as if it was imaginary. Brzezinski: Hmmm. This was actually a new one for Rivka. It was… intriguing. She pulled out her pocket wand neurolyser (she had been advised to not wear her goggles while seeing counseling patients) and waved it across the ensign’s skull. Brzezinski: You do seem to have higher than normal activity in your posterior superior temporal lobe. Lina was still a little confused by the counselor's waving around that she hadn't really been listening. Dahlquist: Hmm? Brzezinski: Oh, you might know it as Wernicke’s area–it’s associated with language processing. (beat) Is the voice unwelcome? Lina nodded. She had had biology as a science major so this was not really new to her, but she didn't exactly want to rub it in. There were a lot of possibilities. They had, for example, several telepaths on board. If the voices weren’t a problem, then Rivka might not have much to do after all! Dahlquist: I would say that is an understatement. ::her voice now changing to nothing more like a whisper:: It was scary to be honest. Brzezinski: Huh. I guess that’s a problem. Have you eliminated the possibility of it being another entity? Lina shook her head, but not because she had ruled it out, but because there was no way she wanted to believe that this was even a remote possibility. Dahlquist: It erm, it was the voice of my father and ::beat:: I don’t think that this was ::beat:: is a possibility. To be honest, Lina didn't sound very convincing. She was aware of that herself. But just the thought of her father was enough to upset her. Dahlquist: Since we left the nebula with the shuttle, nothing comparable has happened. Brzezinski: I can give you a neuromonitor. If you wear it for a period of time we could confirm if the voices have an external or internal source. Dahlquist: ::sighing:: Do you think that is really necessary? Brzezinski: If you had neuro monitoring after your last spell, we can use that as well. Dahlquist: Well, I was under medical supervision so there should be enough data on that. Brzezinski: I’ll take a look. For now is there anything else? Do you want a prescription sedative to help you sleep or anything? Lina looked up. It did sound as if the counselor was about to finish the session. A small glimmer of hope flared up in her that she could be out of here very soon. Dahlquist: I do not have any sleeping problems. The young Swede hesitated for a moment whether she should actually ask the question that had just crossed her mind. After all, the conversation would then probably take longer and she didn't really have the impression that the counselor was overly interested in her. Dahlquist: But - erm - I wonder what I should do if ::beat:: I mean hypothetically ::beat again:: if that voice turned up head again? Brzezinski: I can prescribe a general neuroinhibitor, that should minimize unwanted neural functioning. ::under her breath:: …and maybe some wanted ones as well. ::louder:: Just don’t use it while operating any heavy machinery! She looked at the counselor perplexedly and could no longer completely hide her previous reticence. Dahlquist: Seriously? The moment she said it, she already regretted it. oO Pull yourself together! Oo, she snapped at herself angrily. Rivka wasn’t sure what this patient wanted. She mentally shrugged–some people just didn’t want to be helped, she supposed. Brzezinski: Then just tell the voice to stop it. Tell it to get out and stay out. (beat) If you don’t want it there. As if waiting for her to say it was all a joke, the scientist just stared at Brzezinski for a moment. Dahlquist: ::incredulously:: And you think it will just do that? Go away like that? Brzezinski: ::shrugging:: Might as well try. (beat) I mean, if it’s all in your head, then the solution should be in there as well. Dahlquist: oO Definitely better than wasting my time here in that session with that counsellor Oo Hm. Brzezinski: Nurse… er, Lieutenant Salo says patients need to want help. (beat) So, do you? Dahlquist: Well, I thought you could help me with that. Brzezinski: Well they’re YOUR voices, not mine! See, this is why Rivka didn’t like therapy. People always wanted someone else to solve their problems. She could repair broken neural connections, but the feelings and other fuzzy mind stuff had to be something done from the inside as it were. People’s brains were perfectly fine, but their feelings were hurt or broken. Lina had finally had enough. But she thought it might not be such a good idea to storm out of the office in a huff. So she pulled herself together. Years of training at home had helped her to appear professional and calm. Dahlquist: Okay, I'll try. She squeezed out another 'thank you' and left the office. When the door had closed behind her and Lina was standing in the hallway, she needed a pillow or at least a towel or a piece of cloth to yell into. But then she thought of something better and made her way to the 7 Forward Lounge. — [End Scene] Lt Rivka Brzezinski Utility Officer USS Oumuamua O239910AP4 && Ensign Lina Dahlquist Science Officer USS ‘Oumuamua D239009VD0

Happy to have y'all!

From Cadet Almonaster I have questions...

Congratulations, and welcome to the madness! 😄

Maybe.

Glad to have y'all on board!