Alora DeVeau

Now wait a second, opera is BEAUTIFUL! Toz and me are about to get in a fight. 😄

I won't lie. When I first read this, I read 'kittens'.

This is Starfleet....the answer is no.

After my week started out bad and ended in just plain awful, I was very grateful for this community. Why? Because I get to write with awesome people. And sometimes I come across posts that just make me laugh like this one. IC: ((Evac-19 – SS Belladonna)) Some people had an odd timing, and a flat-out weird way to prioritise one thing over the other. Arys noticed that Alora wasn't exempt from that rule - the woman seemed oddly interested in Engineer Lowel,l and Arys... wasn't quite sure why. They were here to help people evacuate, not make friends. Perhaps Alora was eager to date someone who wasn't reporting to her, in one way or the other. Looking for potential partners outside of Starfleet wasn't a bad idea... Arys just was unsure if this was really the right point of time for that. DeVeau: So, Engineer Lowell, like my colleague indicated earlier, you really seem to know your stuff. How long have you been with the Belladonna? Lowell glanced at Alora, who smiled at him in return. Lowell: Three years now. It’s a good crew. Trovek: Fascinating. She sounded very Vulcan saying that. Perhaps she didn't really care because the man barely even seemed to look at her, and much preferred to speak to Alora. Why? Who knew. Maybe teal just wasn't his colour. DeVeau: Oh really? ::Alora’s eyes lit up a little and a smile accompanied the piqued interest.:: What did you do before that? Was she really that interested? He was an engineer, and probably did engineering things before — something with screws. Lowell: I grew up on Mars, worked on a freighter as an intern with my uncle for a few years, worked up the ranks until I was chief engineer on a couple of big freight rigs, and landed this job three years ago. It’s really a step up. Trovek: It is. Just not a particularly big one. Maybe they could set her up with a handsome Cardassian. Or maybe Dal - Arys had heard them use first names and all, so evidently, they were close. DeVeau: I see. Always on the go, sounds like it can be hard to settle down. When they came to a junction marked ‘staff only’, they didn’t stop and Lowell led them straight to a room marked ‘maintenance’. oO And now he's taking her into a utility closet. I think this is the point where I should go and do something else. Oo Lowell: Actually, I’m engaged. Getting married after this trip. DeVeau: Really? Congratulations! Arys here is getting married soon too. Trovek: Sure am. Poor Alora. And it had been going so well. oO Guess we'll actually have to concentrate on the assignment now. Oh no. Oo He unlocked the door and it opened to another room. Within contained modern equipment, a diagnostic scanner, controls to access various maintenance information and coordinate repairs, tools that could be used to fix any problems around the ship. Lowell: There we go. What do you want me to scan for? DeVeau: We’re looking for passengers who haven’t congregated at the evacuation points. There seem to be quite a few missing. Trovek: Is that possible with the equipment here? If not, maybe the Narendra can initiate the scan. Lowell: response Suddenly, Alora peered at Arys, and Arys peered back. She was about to ask what was going on, when Alora handed her the triPADD and glanced pointedly between the device and the Arys. oO Woman. What? Oo Evidently unable to read Arys mind, DeVeau turned to step a little closer to Lowell. DeVeau: According to what we’re seeing, a few hundred people are missing, if not more, and we need to figure out where they are. Lowell: response DeVeau: Are you? Lowell: response Arys glanced at the triPADD, deciding that at least one of them would have to be useful - and froze. She read the displayed message once, twice, a third time. The Doctor swallowed hard and looked at Alora. Why had she allowed Lowell to lead them here? What was her plan? Was that why she had pretended to be so very interested in him? Lowell: response Trovek: That is... helpful. ::she caught Lowell's gaze and sighed:: Sorry, this is my 'I just found out my Doctors are spreading chaos in my sickbay'-face. DeVeau: response She handed back the triPADD and nodded. Trovek: Let's finish this quickly before it gets any worse. I would very much prefer to return to the Narendra and take care of it from there. We can't do much from here. DeVeau: response Lowell: response Lt. Trovek Arys Chief Medical Officer Starbase 118 Ops J239809TA4

I SEE WHAT YOU DID THERE.

I can't even

Congratulations and welcome! Glad to have you @Jexath!

I FEEL this so hard

See, nothing to it. Right?

I love this place, and I'm grateful I get to be a part of it! Thank you for the kind words, and thank you to all who help keep this place going!

Congratulations to everyone! I'm so happy to see everyone get their well deserved rewards!

Boy does Alora have her fooled!

Congratulations everyone! Y'all are awesome!

Awesome job, @Nella Noxwyn!

Congratulations everyone! Well done and well deserved!

OOC: We get some insight into @Ulasso here, and his player has produced a very interesting character. I can't wait to see what happens next! IC: (( Main Mess Hall, Deck 7, USS ‘Oumuamua )) After getting lost numerous times on the way to the Main Mess Hell, Ulasso had made it just on time and settled into one of the only remaining seats...uncomfortably close to the front. Ulasso didn't understand how his sense of direction could be so bad to still have trouble even finding the place where he went for most of his meals. He hated being late, so luckily he had left his room very early to plan for this...however as usual he was stuck with a seat no one else wanted. As he sat there watching the first awards given, his mind wandered through everything that had happened to him during shore leave. He had just gotten off medical observation after having the parasite removed, and his hallucinations had finally stopped. They had gotten weirder and weirder after the parasite had given him a large dose of its hallucinogenic agent before being removed, with the final ones mostly involving giant rabbits... Even without leaving the ship during shore leave , he had also helped solve a holodeck mystery with Jack, almost gotten barred from the 7 forward lounge, and had helped assemble a Transporter that could store a Valkyrie in the buffer. He couldn't believe his eventful shore "stay" was coming to an end. His mind snapped back to the moment as Greaves took the stage. The man that had brought them back from their seemingly watery grave on Okaea. The Thor had been lost, but men like Greaves persisted. It occurred to Ulasso that names like "Thor", a mythological Earth hero the ship had been named after, were not needed anymore. They had real life heroes to look up to, such as the Major. It troubled him that the Major seemed to be at odds with his longtime friend, V'Len however. He had great respect for both men, and hoped they could resolve their differences. Ulasso only hoped it wouldn't come to a point where he was asked to take a side. Greaves: If you’ll allow me Commodore, I’d like to do the next couple. Kells: Certainly. Actually, why don’t I duck away for a moment. Commodore V’Airu? Ossa stood, her impeccable posture while sitting becoming her impeccable posture while standing, and took two swift steps to stand beside Greaves. Kells shuffled offstage, and Ossa took the box of ribbons and pips from Greaves. Wes smiled and nodded before looking back out onto the small crowd of officers. His eyes scanned the room until they finally landed on their target. Ensign Kessler. Greaves: Jack Kessler, if you’d please join us? With a motion of his hand, Wes gestured toward the steps and a few seconds later the Thor’s former tactical officer was standing between Wes and V’Airu. Greaves: Jack, we spent a not insignificant amount of time on that bridge together in some of the most dire circumstances. Your ingenuity and grit were pivotal in getting the Thor off planet safely. The repairs to the torpedo system, and the modification of the firing system to operate underwater… well we probably wouldn’t be here if you hadn’t pulled it off. For that, we’re awarding you the Captain’s Commendation. V’Airu: Your record is stellar, Kessler. I’m pleased to be a part of your next step. As the commodore spoke, Wes pinned the crimson medal on Kessler’s chest, and then turned to receive the darkened bit of metal from Commodore V’Airu. Greaves: And like your peers, you too are being promoted. Earned in the fires of crisis, few officers now have the experience you have, and with that experience comes this added responsibility. Congratulations Lieutenant JG. Kessler: looking to V’Airu:: Thank you Commodore, I am pleased you are part of my journey as well. ::turning to Greaves:: Thank you Major, I will serve with you on any vessel, anywhere. Ulasso looked to Jack as the man took his seat and gave him a nod. Ulasso had served with the man as well on the Ocean planet, and Jack was not short on heroics either. Without his tactical skill they never would have taken down the Pirate ship. If anyone deserved a promotion after that ordeal, Ulasso thought it was that man. He actions were those of one much above the rank of Ensign. Wes brought his hands together to start the newest round of applause and everyone immediately joined in as Jack took his seat, blending back into the audience. As the clapping died down, Wes again scanned the faces of those assembled until finally landing upon their Saurian helmsman. Greaves: Our next officer to be recognized is Ensign Ulasso. Ensign, Please, join us. Ulasso turned back to the stage with the words and saw the Major's eyes upon him. Polite clapping resumed as Ulasso slowly got up from his chair and clambered onstage. Greaves: Ensign, recognition for positive actions can be hard sometimes. We don’t always see the good things that all of our officers do. In this instance however, internal sensors were still recording during the ship’s evacuation. After I gave the order to abandon ship, you made your way to an aft escape pod on deck 1 of the Thor, but there you were presented with a choice. A family was also trying to board that escape pod and there wasn’t room for you and them both. In that moment you chose the selfless action, one that likely would result in your death. You chose to give up your seat and return to the helm as the Thor was still falling out of the sky. V’Airu: I also recognize your helm skills during the ‘Oumuamua’s run-in with the UDP battlecruiser. You are second to none, Ulasso. Taking the ribbon from V’Airu, Wes examined it closely, taking a small moment to recognize the significance of the Silver Star before pinning it to Ulasso. Ulasso: Thank you both. I will wear it proudly and honor those who we weren't able to save as well. Ulasso didn't know that anyone knew about that family. He hadn't thought much of it since the incident, other than during his counseling session with Brodie. Brodie had helped remind him of those they had saved, and not to just focus on those that were lost. He had just done what he thought was right, but in combination with his helm skills he was receiving a large honor. He would have never imagined receiving the Silver Star after his first mission, and he was humbled by it. It would remind him of those he had been able to save, and to live for those that he couldn't. Greaves: And there’s one more thing as well. Not to be outdone by your peers, you too have gained valuable experience and demonstrated you are more than capable of rising to any occasion. For that, you’re being promoted to Lieutenant JG. Holding his hand out, yet still looking to Ulasso with a smile, Wes waited for V’Airu to drop the small pip into his hand before pinning it on the Saurian’s collar. V’Airu: Congratulations, Lieutenant, Junior Grade. Ulasso: Thank you again. I'll honor the title and uphold the ideals of the Federation. The crowd once again applauded and Wes joined in as Ulasso climbed down and disappeared back into the group of assembled officers. Stepping back from the edge of the stage, Wes resumed his position holding the box of ribbons and rank insignia, smiling as he took it from Commodore V’Airu. The rest of the ceremony seemed to pass by in a haze. Ulasso was stunned at a promotion after his first mission. He had no lofty goals within Starfleet, he was happy as long as he was at the helm, keeping Ulaini's dream alive by piloting out to worlds unknown, spreading the hope of the federation to those that were oppressed and wanted a better life. He had expected to be an Ensign longer, but it would seem with his new ship to helm, he would have more responsibility as well. He didn't mind, his work ethic was strong, however he only hoped his promotion wouldn't take him away from his helmsman duties too much. He was excited to helm the "Oumuamua again. When he had taken manual flight control she had handled like a dream. (( Some time later that evening, Senior Officers Quarters, Deck 4, USS ‘Oumuamua )) After the ceremony finished, Ulasso walked through the door to his quarters. He took his Silver Star off and looked at it, replaying the events of Okaea in his head once again before carefully placing it in a display box. As he was about to change into his bed clothes, a gown and nightcap, he was interrupted by a chirp from the communications panel. He wondered who would be calling him so late...perhaps someone in a different time zone. He looked at the incoming communications request and his heart sunk. He wanted more than anything to hold onto the feelings of pride and satisfaction from the evening's awards ceremony and go straight to sleep with pleasant thoughts in his head, however he couldn't deny the part of him that had been nurtured on his home world. He had been trained not to refuse this man that was calling him, his father. He accepted the call and the image of his father appeared on the communications panel. Black eyes that seemed to stare directly into Ulasso's soul, scars across the older Saurian's face and hardened lines from long years of the grueling Saurian Warrior Caste life. His father looked at Ulasso, and as far as Ulasso could tell the man showed no emotion at seeing him. Zezgee: Hello son, It's been awhile. How have you been? Ulasso had been prepared for the worst, however his father seemed to be in a good mood considering. Maybe this was a time for reconciliation. Ulasso: I'm doing well sir. Actually, I just received a promotion to Lieutenant Junior Grade. Ulasso watched as his father laughed out loud. Ulasso's 4 hearts dropped, and all his pride from that night's awards ceremony was gone in an instant. His father stopped laughing and spoke to him in a condescending tone. Zezgee: If my knowledge of the StarFleet chain of command is correct, that is what...second from the bottom? At home you would be a prince, you must stop this nonsense. Ulasso: It's not nonsense, Father. I was recognized for saving lives and my skill as a helmsman as well. These pips show my promotion. Zezgee: Ulasso you are 14 years old, a fully grown adult male Saurian and you are still playing dress up as a Star Fleet officer. You always acted like a child and I see that hasn't changed. That yellow uniform you are wearing is an embarrassment compared to the Saurian Empire uniform you should be wearing. Worse, the color matches your coward's eyes. The insult of Ulasso's eye color was nothing new. He had learned a long time ago growing up to not let it bother him. He had mental calluses formed from his father as well, and he didn't want him to think he had gotten to Ulasso. He grabbed a glass of water he had prepared near his bedside and took a sip before speaking again. taking time to make sure he was in control. UIasso: Is there something you want, father? It is quite late here. Zezgee: I want you to come home and take your place as the rightful heir to lead the clan. You owe us that seeing as your sister's death was your fault and there is no one else to take over. All of Ulasso's work to remain calm, all the years he had for practice meant naught in that moment. His father had always known how to set him off balance in the end, and it would seem this time would be no different. His grip on the glass of water tightened. Ulasso: ::pleading:: Father, please...don't Zezgee: She loved you most. She would have listened to you. If you had only corralled her wild thoughts like I instructed you too, she would still be with us. Ulasso:::angered outburst:: YOU WERE THE ONE THAT EXILED HER The glass shattered in Ulasso's hand. Blood seeped from a cut on his hand. He took the remaining bottom of the glass and threw it as hard as he could. It shattered into his display case that he had just put his medal into. Ulasso ran over to the case and inspected the medal. He was relieved to see it wasn't damaged. He focused on the medal, and its significance. It showed he was in the right place, he was saving lives, and working to spread Ulaini's dreams. He gathered himself and returned to the communications panel where his father waited, emotionless. Blood dripped from Ulasso's hand onto the floor, but he didn't notice. Zezgee: I see you still have not learned to control your emotions. Still a child as I said Ulasso. Ulasso: I never silenced Ulaini because she was right. She would have never taken her life if you hadn't punished her so severely, you won't put that on me. Your backward way of thinking is antiquated. Star Fleet is open minded, and it is where I belong. Ulasso couldn't imagine going back to the strict, religious ways of the Saurian Warrior Caste. You didn't question tradition, now matter how much their species had evolved. Unlike Saurians as a whole that had embraced the Federation, he had been raised in an order that preserved the ancient Saurian way of life. Ulaini had opened his mind, and Star Fleet had been his escape. Zezgee: Don't forget Ulasso, I have friends in high places, even at Star Fleet. I can make life very hard for you there. Ulasso: I've never backed down from a challenge, father. Do your worst. With that Ulasso ended the call. He walked to the window and watched the stars. Ulaini would love the sight. She used to drag Ulasso out of bed, ignoring his protests that they had training early in the morning. They would lay in the fields at night and watch the stars, and she would talk about traveling to them someday. He wished he could swap places with her, but doing right by her would have to do instead. He swore to himself that he would become the finest helmsman Star Fleet had ever seen and make her proud. With that he laid in his bed, however sleep evaded him for the rest of the night. [End Shore Leave for Ulasso] Lt. JG Ulasso (HCO) Officer USS 'Oumuamua T239902U11

OOC: The latest in a series from @Arys chronicling the past of her NPC, Ferri. I'm really enjoying this storyline! IC: ((Somewhere on Cardassia Prime)) ((Time Index: four years ago)) Even in her dazed state, Ferri noticed that the room behind it was very different, and reminded her of a teacher's office, kept in warm natural colours. There was a desk, a shelf with PADDs, and two sofas facing each other, with a low table in between. The large window allowed a view into a luscious garden and bathed the room in sunlight. It was comfortably warm here, and the scent of freshly brewed Redleaf tea filled the room. Garo: Ezak. Unhand her. Ferri had been so taken in by the room that she hadn't noticed the man who had sat by the sofa and was now making his way towards them. He was tall, dressed in a neat and expensive-looking tunic, and wore a frown of disapproval. It took the young woman a moment to realise that said frown was aimed at the other man, Ezak, and not at Ferri. Ezak nodded and let go of her, and a moment later he had left through the door that had brought them here. The man's sharp gaze softened as he regarded Ferri, his voice calm and almost comforting as he spoke. Garo: Ferri, is it? Come on, have a seat. ::he motioned towards the sofa:: My name is Garo. She nodded, though not out of agreement. Ferri didn't want to talk to the strange man. Ferri had tried to talk, but they had left her in that room for days or weeks - she didn’t know. She neither knew where she was, nor how long she had spent in maddening silence, with huger and thirst gnawing at every fibre of her being. Garo seemed to notice her hesitation and reached for her hand. He didn’t pull her, but instead, he gently but firmly led her to the sofa and sat her down. The material was some kind of leather, cool and soft to the touch. Here in this pristine room, Ferri became aware of how disgusting she was. She hadn't showered ever since she arrived here. Her hair was matted and greasy, and her wrinkled clothes hung from her thin frame. She was ashamed, and just about ignored the need to apologise for being so disgusting. Garo: Do you know why you are here, Ferri? His voice was soft as he spoke, and Ferri observed him making his way to the replicator sitting by the side of his desk. Emlott: Because... of Irrot and Nal. Those were the names of the two men Ferri had killed, and she wasn't at all surprised that the authorities knew. She had never planned to get away with it. She had never planned for them to die. Garo: That is correct, Ferri. ::to the replicator:: Irmok-tea, sweetened. Not too hot. A moment later a cup of bitter-tasting liquid materialized, and Garo carried it over to Ferri, setting it down in front of her before taking a seat opposite of her. Garo: When did you decide to kill those two men? There was no accusation in his voice. Emlott: I didn't.. I.. She reached for the mug, wrapping her hands around it, and soaking up its warmth. It was an acquired taste, but it was something to drink, and despite its temperature, she gulped it down greedily. Garo waited until she had finished before he spoke again, still calmly, a gentle correction rather than admonishment. Garo: Please don't lie to me. Emlott: I didn't mean to kill them… I just wanted information… Garo: What happened? He waited, and as Ferri did not reply, he got up and crossed the room to get something from his desk. Upon his return, he placed a small metal box on the table between them, and opened it. Garo: You used one of these, didn't you? Ferri nodded. The chip-sized modulator was referred to as an Enhancer. Once attached, it was designed to target an area of the brain that contained not only the masterplan of a Cardassian's physiology, but also stored their deepest anxieties. Garo: What do you know about them? Emlott: … I know they are called Enhancers. I.. ::she swallowed hard. She had seen the device in action - would Garo use it on her?:: I… know it targets the primal nexus with neutrinos that mimic stimuli requesting information for repair after an injury. It causes panic attacks. They... they are torture devices. The Obsidian Order used them to gain information. Garo: How did you hear about them? Emlott: They were mentioned in a history course I took. She hadn’t even liked the teacher much, or paid particularly much attention to the class. The idea of an Enhancer had stuck with her because of a joke a friend had made - something about using one to figure out if her partner was cheating. Ferri had laughed it off, and yet, she had remembered it when she was in need of a tool to gather information. Garo: And how did you get one? Emlott: I… had a friend, his family owns a small collection of items from before the war. Books and… some maps… paintings. He told me how to get in touch with someone collecting and selling those items. I got it from there. He responded with a frown, and reached for his own cup of tea, savouring the taste before replying. Garo: Could you just purchase it? It must have been expensive. Emlott: I... stole it. Garo raised furrowed his brows, and for a moment he seemed almost impressed at the statement. For a moment it seemed like he was going to inquire further, but then his line of questioning returned to the issue at hand. Garo: What happened then? Ferri once more remained silent. She had gone through the events of that evening again and again and again, and she felt guilty for not regretting what she had done. She had sought out Nal and Irrot, the two men associated with the disappearance of her sister Kara. After almost a year of preparing, she had managed to circumvent their house's security systems and tried to force them to tell her what they had done to the girl. But Enhancers were a tool of ‘last resort', when other means of sensory destabilisation had failed. In the hands of someone not trained to use them, their use could easily result in a brain bleed. Garo: I will make a guess. You used them, and those men died. But you didn't want that. You wanted information about your sister. Emlott: ::nodding:: Y-... yes... Ferri felt tears welling up in her eyes, and was too tired to hold them back. She barely noticed Garo getting up, until he sat down next to her, and to her surprise, his voice was compassionate as he spoke. Garo: Did you find out anything? Emlott: They-... Irrot just... screamed and... I tried to do it better the next time, but Nal said he couldn't remember.... and... then he started crying but it was blood and.. and.. Garo: So it was all for nothing. ::he sighed, and then added:: Is that why your father and his wife didn't want to visit you here? Do you think he is disappointed in you? With that, Garo voiced what Ferri had always feared. Her father, Arla, had become distant after Kara’s disappearance, and he blamed her for giving the younger of the two girls the impression that taking a skimmer to visit her sister was okay. Had she not done so, Kara wouldn’t have run away from home. If she had not done so, those men would never have found her alone. Kara would still be alive. Ferri held her breath, wrapping her arms around herself, and squeezed her eyes shut. It hurt. Thinking about it hurt so much that she felt her very being breaking apart. She didn’t see Garo regarding her thoughtfully, and then nodding to himself as if a decision had been made. But she felt him pulling her into an embrace that gave her the stability she so much needed. Garo: I understand. I’m sorry you didn’t find out anything. I know what it’s like to lose family. He held Ferri, despite the fact that she was dirty and disgusting, despite the fact that she had hurt people, despite the fact that she had a year to prepare, and still failed to surface any information about Kara. Garo allowed her to calm down, before he inquired further. Garo: Her disappearance was a year ago. have you been looking for her all that time? At first, Ferri didn’t answer, but after further encouragement, she wiped her tears away. Emlott: Yes. Garo: I am curious. How did you get into Nal’s apartment? They had an alarm system if I recall correctly. Emlott: I … circumvented it. I looked for the blueprints… they were… new buildings, some still for purchase. The… one underneath it… it was empty and.. Garo: Did you have help? Ferri shook her head. Anyone who might have helped her, did so unknowingly. She didn’t want them to get into trouble. Garo: That is impressive. ::he sighed:: I would like to hear more about that, but I fear that's all the time I have for you right now. Ferri’s eyes widened. Was he sending her back into that horrible room, to rot there for days, forgotten, with only her own voice for company? Garo seemed to guess what she was thinking. He let out another sigh, and took her hand. Garo: I will do what I can for you, Ferri, as long as you cooperate. I can speak to Ezak to not be so harsh to you. Garo got up, and walked over to the shelf with PADDs on it. He picked one out, looked at it, placed it back, and got another one. Garo: ::approaching Ferri and handing her the PADDs:: Here, something to read. They are my favourite works of literature, I would be curious to learn how you like them. As if called by an unsaid command, the door opened and once more Ezak stepped inside, wearing the same sneering disdain on his features. Garo: I’ve decided to allow Ferri some books to read. Ezak grunted a ‘As you wish’ and grabbed Ferri’s arm, pulling her to her feet once more. Garo: ::to Ferri:: Be good. It might take a while, but we will talk again as soon as I can arrange it. Ferri just about managed a weak nod before she was dragged out of the door. TBC Ferri Emlott Cardassian Visitor Starbase 118 Ops J239809TA4

Congratulations everyone! Well done!

OOC: Prologue to our mission, which will be @Wes Greaves practical. The tension between his character and Kel has been building for a while and I love that we get to see how they are goint to work through this! Also...so many good tidbits in this. IC: ((First Officer’s Office, Deck 2, USS ‘Oumuamua)) Three months and twelve days had passed since the ‘Oumuamua had transited the wormhole back into the Gamma Quadrant. In that time the Luna class and her crew had conducted one first contact, six diplomatic follow ups with various species, and generally shown the Federation flag about the quadrant. While they were primarily on a mission of scientific exploration, the ship had been directed on more than one occasion to follow-up on some task Starfleet Headquarters had deemed vital. It was a routine occurrence across the fleet for ships to be selectively retasked for specific missions, but normally that burden was spread across hundreds of vessels in the Alpha and Beta Quadrants. With the ‘Oumuamua being one of only a handful of ships in the Gamma, and the most capable at that, she was the Admiralty’s go-to choice. Which was exactly how Wes had found himself in the situation he was in. Starfleet Headquarters had decided that diplomacy with the United Dominion of Planets was priority number one for the quadrant as the Federation attempted to determine whether the UDP was starting down a path to a Second Dominion War. In that regard they had tasked Commodore V’Airu personally with attending diplomatic talks with the UDP. She wouldn’t be alone, but some four star admiral somewhere had determined that V’Airu, with her wartime record and first contact experience was the ideal person to chair the Federation’s newest team. That was where the ‘Oumuamua was headed to. The predicament the Marine found himself in however didn’t end with a run of the mill diplomatic mission. No, the ‘Oumuamua was specifically ordered to not be present during talks. It was to be a show of goodwill toward the UDP. They would drop the Commodore off for several days to a week to lead the talks while her ship sailed off into the black without her, continuing a mission of exploration. And that was how Wes was to find himself in command of a starship yet again. In the very same quadrant that he’d nearly lost his last command. Hell, it was only lightyears from the same planet the Thor had been ambushed. That wasn’t what was on his mind just yet though. The ‘Oumuamua was a day out from the peace talks and Wes still needed to pick someone on the senior staff to serve as the acting First Officer. It was that question which he was currently wrangling with. With the crew relatively new to the ship still, he wanted to make an impartial decision. Counselor Brodie had immediately jumped to mind, but Wes ultimately had rejected the idea. Alex was more than a capable officer, and that was the problem. They were on a routine mission and this was a prime opportunity to introduce command to some of the newer officers. Peri had also come to mind but Wes shut that idea down just as fast. The two of them had a long running personal relationship which Wes still couldn’t exactly figure out what to call it. He didn’t want to appear like he was playing favorites with the choice. Whoever took the temporary duty would… well it would look good in their service record. The decision he finally had made was one which he struggled with. V’Len Kel. The animosity which they shared hadn’t faded one bit since the near destruction of the Thor. Wes had come to respect the Doctor’s passion for service to the crew, but he just disagreed with many of the man’s judgment calls. The past several months had convinced the XO that Kel felt the same way toward him. Every time they’d worked together it had been like mixing oil and water. This opportunity fit too well though. Kel still hadn’t been made the ship’s CMO yet, but he was a fine officer who clearly showed leadership capabilities. The Doctor also dabbled heavily in the sciences as a hobby. Especially in fungi and plants, which was a massive part of what they came across in their mission to explore. Their time away from Commodore V’Airu was expected to be short and low threat. It served as the perfect mission for Kel to cut his teeth in a command position. And yet Wes still felt unease about the decision. Regardless, it had been made, and Kel was already on the way to his office for Wes to break the news. (First Officer's Office, Deck 2, USS Oumuamua)) V'Len Kel's antennae were twitching at a rapid pace and the doctor was forced to lean against the wall to avoid falling over. The summons from Greaves had come, not from by the standard audio comms system, but rather the text based message system. This suggested an air of secrecy and V'Len suspected a confrontation. Now standing in the hallway outside the Major's office V'Len tried to steel himself for whatever fiasco was coming. It had started months ago with a medical exam that had gone awry. V'Len had accused Greaves of being reckless and while V'Len had honestly just been worried about a friend and mentor, it had not been his best bedside manner. Following that a full blow up when the Thor had been shot down over the ocean of Okaea and Kel and Greaves had disagreed on the best path to follow. V'Len wanted the Thor to lay low and make an escape in order to protect the injured and collect those who had escaped the ship during the crash. Greaves had been determined to bring the fight to the pirates who had sunk the Thor. After that Greaves had helped an injured Kel through an away mission and that might have allowed them to bury the hatchet; except the inquest into Greaves actions on the Thor had dredged up the previous conflict. Maneuvered into admitting he had considered removing Greaves from command V'Len was definitely out of the man's good graces. If Greaves in fact had good graces. The last 3 months had found them at odds in senior staff meetings from everything from away mission organization to training injuries to food at diplomatic functions. Kel: oO Maybe he wants an update on the training injuries? Did something happen to the Commodore? Maybe Greave was injured? Oo V'Len straightened up and quickly moved to the Major's office and activated the door chime. If the man was injured V'Len did not want to waste any time. The door burst open and V'Len cautiously moved into the room. Kel: Major? ::beat, looking around the room:: Are you injured? V'Len looked across the room and saw the man standing behind his desk. He appeared to be alright, but perhaps the man had injured his vocal chords. It would explain the text message. Wes, for his part, nodded in greeting but quickly registered a confused look as Kel asked about injuries. Shaking his head the Marine motioned toward the seat on the far side of the desk. Greaves: No, of course not. I’m fine. Have a seat. Kel: oO Greave's becoming mute was probably a lot to hope for. Oo I'm glad to see you're well. ::skeptically:: How can I be of assistance? There was something lingering in the Trilldorian’s tone that irked him. It brought up memories of the dripping sarcasm from Okaea, although in this case there wasn’t anything so overt. No, it was as if V’Len was annoyed at the summons. Greaves: I wanted to speak with you. Please sit (motioning again to the chair). Given that the man was not injured or ill, V’Len figured he’d been called in for a dressing down. There was no sense in beating around the bush. Kel: With all due respect Major let's dispense with the pleasantries. What do you want? Wes frowned again at the bluntness of the statement. So that was how it was going to be then. They wouldn’t ignore the animosity. Fine. Wes could work with that. He preferred it to tiptowing around it anyway. In his response the Marine dropped any sense of warmth in his voice. Greaves: You’re going to be the acting First Officer for the next week or so. V'Len visibly rocked and shook his head. He didn't quite have the words and a moment passed before he could speak. He knew he was a component officer but had no idea V’Airu thought so highly of him. It would have been nice for her to have asked in person, but no doubt she left administrative tasks to her XO and it brought a smile to Kel’s face to think Greaves had to be the one to deliver the news. Greaves: Lieutenant Kel…? V’Len shook his head and snapped back to reality. Kel: ::smiling:: Tell the commodore it would be my honor. (beat) And where are you off to? Some kind of marine training on a swamp world? oO That would be right up your alley. Oo For a beat Wes wasn’t sure what Kel meant until it dawned on him that V’Len misunderstood. The doctor wouldn’t be filling in for him. He’d be helping Wes as the Marine filled in for the Commodore. Greaves: I’m not going anywhere. The Commodore is going to be off ship. Kel: :; eyes wide:: Wait! (beat) You want me to be YOUR first officer? While V’Len had not known the Major to have a sense of humor, surely this was some kind of prank. Not being an Aenar V'Len had no idea whether Greaves was telling the truth or not. He gave Greaves an incredulous look. He walked across the room and then back. Greaves: (Serious tone) Yes, that’s what I’m asking. Kel: You’re serious right now? I don’t know if you’ve kept up on current events but we’re not exactly oO how would the terrans say it Oo peanut butter and jelly right now. Surely there's a better candidate. Even as the words left V’Len’s mouth he thought about Lt. Katsim, but knew she and Greaves had some kind of "thing" going on. It moved at a glacial pace, but it was there nonetheless. Kel made a note to look at the work Dr. Bashir had done to assist Commanders Worf and Dax. Perhaps he'd need to produce Terran/Cardassian/Bajoran babies in the future. Greaves: There are more qualified candidates, absolutely. Lieutenant Commander Brodie for instance. But no, you’re the best candidate. V’len gave the man another cryptic stare. Kel: Is this your idea of a joke? (beat) Or is this some kind of test? Wes sighed heavily and finally moved to the chair behind his desk. V’Len could stand if he wanted, but Wes was going to sit for this. Hell, a stiff drink might even be needed to get through the rest of the conversation. Greaves: V’Len, no one is messing with you. Have a seat for god’s sake. We’re here to discuss. This isn’t a test, it's an opportunity. V’Len slowly sat down in the seat in front of the Major’s desk. Greaves was serious. He was offering V’Len the opportunity to be second in command of a starship. It was the perfect trap. Kel: So how exactly is it you’re getting to be Captain of the Oumuamua? oO I hope this isn’t the mirror universe Greaves. Though how would you tell? Oo Wes shook his head, a little more intensely than he’d intended. Kel’s tone and general demeanor was still antagonistic and it irked him. Wes was a senior officer. His First Officer at that even, and the overarching theme of their interaction was that of mistrust and disrespect. He was starting to doubt this was a good idea, but it was the best one he had, and the Marine forged ahead. Greaves: Commodore V’Airu is being dispatched to lead a diplomatic team to the UDP. That leaves me in command and I need an acting First Officer. You, despite my… Wes paused in his speech, deciding that what would have come next didn’t need to be said. With a deep sigh, he changed directions. Greaves: Nevermind… You have the capability and this experience would look great on your record when it comes time for future promotion or assignment. Damn him. If V’Len turned down the offer it would look like he did not want command or could not “play well with others”. If he said “yes” and he could not get along with Greaves, which would be very hard to avoid, he would also be blocked from command. It was a lose/lose and Greaves had set it up perfectly. He was good…very good. Kel: So you honestly think you and I can command a starship together? You have no reservations in light of recent events? Greaves: Damn right I have reservations. I’m pretty sure that inquiry was clear enough in that regard, but if you need it said out loud, I have a really hard time trusting you. You openly questioned me during a critical moment of command, and more importantly, you considered relieving me of command, not for a medical reason, but because you disagreed with me. The harsh words rushed forth in a torrent, reminding Wes how angry he still was about the situation. Each time he’d been given distance from the catastrophe of Okaea, something ripped the wound open. First the inquiry, now this conversation. He wanted nothing more than to put the whole thing behind him, and yet others kept dragging him back. V’Len for his part looked down momentarily. He had honestly hoped to minimize the disagreement on the Thor as much as possible. The Androian prosecutor, Ress, had asked him a question point blank and V’Len felt compelled to tell the truth. It had not helped Wes’ position though thankfully he remained XO of the Oumuamua. Kel: ::sighing:: I am sorry about the inquest. It was not my shining moment. He stopped talking for the moment and looked around the office hoping something would break the tension. Wes sighed deeply as V’Len’s gaze shifted away. Greaves: V’Len, I’m making this offer because this (motioning between the two of them) can’t stay like it is. I can’t be this ship’s first officer constantly wondering if you’re going to try to usurp me or challenge my authority again. Consider this an olive branch. Greaves wasn’t wrong, but a blatant bribe? Kel: So you’re trying to buy my loyalty by making me XO? I get a gold star on my record and you get my unquestioning support in the future? Greaves: (Snort of sarcastic laughter) I’d sooner transfer one of us before trying to buy you off. It’d be easier anyway. That’s not what I’m talking about. (Sigh) Let me spell it out; V’Len, I want to fix whatever this is going on between us before we have another Okaea. This is the best idea I could come up with to rebuild some trust? Unless you have a better idea… V’Len considered for a moment. Being CMO was already further than he expected to get in Starfleet at this point in his career. He liked…no, he loved being CMO so even if it was a trap and limited his future mobility, he was happy enough where he was. If it was a joke, that would be harder to live down, but he’d had siblings embarrass him before. Kel: Ok. O.k. I’ll do it. I'll be your first officer. Do we need to set some kind of ground rules or something? Greaves: I can’t have you openly opposing me. Plain and simple. Kel: :: incredulous and chuckling:: Oh come on. I can’t possibly promise not to question your orders. I thought that was the whole point of a first officer. And before you ask I also can’t promise to remove you from command. If you were injured what choice would I have? Wes pushed back away from the desk a few inches and rolled his neck from side to side. This conversation was giving him a headache. He had to admit though, the doctor had a point. That was one of the roles of the First Officer. It just required tact, something V’Len had shown a considerable lack of while interacting with him in the past. Greaves: Fine. You of course have the right… no, the responsibility to replace me in command if it comes to that… honestly, I don’t feel good trusting you in that judgment, but I’m going to anyway. This won’t work otherwise. Kel: If it makes you feel better I’m not sure I’m ready to be captain, so it's very unlikely I’m going to remove you unless it's absolutely necessary. Greaves: Fair enough. I doubt anything like that will come up, but if it does, you know you have the authority. No mutinies though. Nodding, V’len tried to think of something to assure the Major and himself that this wouldn’t end in flames for both of them. Kel: What if we agree that as far as possible we’ll vet any disagreements in the ready room? Away from the rest of the crew. Wes thought about it for a second. That was how he’d dealt with things in the past with Commodore Kells, and while it hadn’t come up on the ‘Oumuamua, it’s how he’d handled it on the Nashira with Commodore V’Airu. Greaves: I’ll one up you. I may regret saying this but… I challenge you to poke holes in my plans when we’re in private. Just make sure we’re in private. It can’t look like we’re not on the same team in front of the crew. Give me your honest opinions and I promise to take them seriously… but once a decision is made, even if you disagree, I need you to roll with it and support me. I got us off Okaea in the end. Trust me enough that I know what I’m doing. Kel: ::nodding:: Fair enough. Perhaps we could have a safe word. So that if things are getting too heated we both know to step away. Take a time out if you like. Wes let out a short laugh until he realized Kel was serious. Greaves: A… safe… word? Kel: We could use the word “dapple”. The look on Greave’s face told V’Len that the Major was unlikely to use the word ever. Greaves: (Sarcastically) I’m sure that’ll flow nicely into natural conversation. Kel: O.k. What’s your safe word then? He thought for a moment, trying to think of something but his mind was blank. He went with the first thing that popped into his mind, which was not a very strong candidate. Greaves: Code red? Kel laughed out loud. Kel: ::chuckling:: Why don’t we just say “warp core breach” instead? ::thinking:: How about a number? Say 47? Greaves: I can see it now. (In a command voice) Helm, make your course three four four mark four seven. (normal voice) Might look weird with you running to the ready room at that command. Wes visualized the scene in his head, bridge lights at red alert, some threat displayed on the viewscreen and the crew intently working at their stations.., then Doctor Kel sprinting from his chair to the ready room ready to argue some point. The whole idea cracked him up and the two broke into laughter. The laughing had been more therapeutic than V’Len remembered. He felt more at ease and the Major seemed more at ease as well. Kel: Two questions. Do I have to wear red and when do I start? Wes glanced down at his own uniform, still crested in Marine Corps green, and grinned. Greaves: If I’ve been able to get away keeping this uniform on, then you’re free to keep that one… unless you want to wear red. Up to you. Just make your decision today. Kel: That soon eh? I assume you’ll want me to make Toz acting CMO. I can’t wear too many hats. Geaves: Don’t get too carried away. I still have four jobs. Security, Tactical, MARDET, and First Officer. You can do both, you just won’t be able to see patients regularly while you're filling in. Kel: So do we have an actual mission? Does it involve pirates? V’Len realized he probably should have asked that question first, but it was too late and how would Greaves know anyway. Greaves: (Snort of laughter) No, nothing so dramatic. It’s just a continuation of our current mission. The Federation doesn’t think that having a multi mission explorer hovering over the UDP talks looks good. Kel: The Oumuamua pack a bit of a punch so having it overhead during talks probably sends the wrong message. Greaves: Pretty much. They don’t want to look intimidating or overcommitted. Basically, we’re dropping the Commodore off, then going away somewhere. Kel: So we look for a nice cozy astro phenomenon to spend time with for a few days? Greaves: I want to stay relatively close, but otherwise we’re to continue exploring. Strange new worlds and all of that. Actually, there’s an interesting nebula a short hop away that the Federation hasn’t charted yet… Kel: Or and I’m just throwing this out there we could consider looking for a world with a nice sunny beach. I missed out on Bora Bora. The two men laughed again. V’Len stood up and shook the Major’s hand. He found himself hoping the plan worked and somehow they would be more amicable after the experience. Kel: Thanks Major (beat) for the opportunity. I’ll do my best not to let you down. Greaves: (Nodding) Thanks Doctor. With that V’Len headed out the door. [End] JP by: ========================= Major Wes Greaves Executive Officer Marine Detachment Commander USS ‘Oumuamua E239702WG0 & Lieutenant V’Len Kel Chief Medical Officer USS Oumuamua NCC-81226 T239811VK2 He/Him (character and player) =========================

*dies laughing*

Who's the bard? I hope you have a cleric in the party.

This is just THE perfect name.

OOC: Sometimes what happens in a mission can have lasting effects and our characters have to work through them. IC: (( Holosuite 2, Deck 6, Main Hull, USS Oumuamua )) Basilia: Just trying to get in some extra training. Can never be too prepared. Isabelle had failed on her last mission. Many people got injured under her watch, something that was never supposed to happen. Something that she would do everything to prevent again. Greaves: That’s true, but you can be overtrained. Practice doesn’t make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect. What’re you working on? Basilia: Close quarters drills sir. Greaves paused and turned his attention towards the ocean that surrounded the outpost. It completely surrounded the outpost, the occasional glimmer as the sun reflected off the surface. There was the gentle sound of water splashing against the outpost and light breeze flittered through, brushing Isabelle’s hair against her face. Greaves: (Motioning to the ocean) This is Okaea isn’t it? Her eyes fell to the floor, Isabelle’s cheeks flush once again. After a brief moment, she met the Major’s gaze. Basilia: Yes sir. Greaves nodded solemnly, and from his expression Isabelle knew what was coming next. The Major gestured towards a nearby section of the wall that would provide relief from the hot sun. Greaves: Ensign, why don’t we sit down and talk. Isabelle followed Wes and joined the Major as he tapped the ground next to him, indicating she should sit. Greaves: What’re you really doing here? You’re supposed to be relaxing on leave. Recharging your batteries. A heavy sigh slipped from her lips as she fought back her emotions. She had to be professional in front of the Major, her future was already in enough jeopardy after her performance on the actual Okaea Outpost. She struggled to meet his gaze as she spoke. Basilia: As I said, training sir. Greaves: Response Isabelle struggled to keep her composure and her lip began to quiver as she spoke. Basilia: I let them down. Commodore Kells, Lieutenant Richards, Ensign Toz. What happened on Okaea was my fault. I was part of the security detail and I failed. I should have done more. Isabelle looked to the Major, her eyes red and swollen as she fought back the tears. It was the first time she had spoken about how she was feeling about the mission and her facade was starting to crack. Greaves: Response Basilia: I joined security as I was to help protect people, but on my first away mission I failed to do that. The team was injured and captured because of me. Greaves: Response Ensign Isabelle Basilia Security Officer USS ‘Oumuamua T239812IB4