Alora DeVeau

I used to do tech support. Our first thing we told me was to shut down their computer and restart it. You wouldn't believe how many problems this fixes!

Congratulations! We're glad to have you!

Congratulations everyone!

Two very different reactions.

Another from @Kettick Definitely NOT what she meant! *dies*

From the narrative of @Kettick. Must have been a violin.

Ensign Galanis is hitting the ground running. I particularly love the transition from 'everything's going to be fine' to... Well... It's Starfleet. ((Outside the Transporter Center, Presidio Campus - Earth)) It wasn't completely unreasonable to expect graduating from the Academy to have been the end to the nervous tension that had been hanging over the fresh Ensign's head since the day they'd left Velestia. Niev had done it - they'd chased the stars and earned a place among them. The shiny little silver pip pinned to their collar should have felt like validation and success. It still did on some level, sure... but even the aloof Centauran had a hard time wrapping their head around the full implication of the words 'Amity Outpost' in the assignment orders they'd received. The warmth from the San Francisco sun radiated from above as Niev posed at attention and tried to look cool and collected in front of the familiar faces before them. While studying in the Academy, Niev had often imagined what it'd be like to travel to places their globetrotting parents had never been. Never once did somewhere as far and unknown as the Delta Quadrant cross their minds. For their part, Niev's own loved ones looked like they were just as unsure how to feel as the Ensign was. A family member departing on long travels away from the unit happened so often for a Galanis it bordered on mundane. But today, Niev was going where no Galanis had gone before. Their parents had hopped on a transport as soon as they'd heard the news. Esha - Niev's mother - was an elegant and slender woman who stuck out like a sore thumb in her high quality Velestian dress. Rhys Galanis somehow managed to demand even more attention, Niev's barrel-chested and bearded father dressed like he was ready to board the nearest sailing boat and travel around the world. It was probably safe to assume he was planning on doing just that, actually. He'd always talked about sailing Earth's oceans one day. The pair was quite a contrast to the subdued and detached air around the child they'd brought into the world. Niev idly wondered how far away many light years away they'd be by the time their parents realized how much less convenient sailing around the world of humanity was, with all the continents and land in the way. A surprising part of the Ensign felt nostalgic for being forced along on those trips in their youth. Niev had worked so long and hard to find a path of their own. It was strange to feel a pang of sadness as they finally split off onto it. Words had already been exchanged. All that was left was for Esha to grace Niev with a tight, affectionate hug before Rhys stepped up to clasp a firm hand on Niev's shoulder. The short-haired science officer swallowed hard and allowed themselves a small but reassuring smile as they noticed the looks of pride and worry in the eyes of their parents. Choosing to spare them all before things got too emotional, Niev firmed up their shoulders and stood tall. The Ensign turned on the spot and headed off toward the doors of the Transport Center. Though the butterflies flitting about their stomach were still there, Niev felt emboldened. Like they could take on anything the universe could throw at them. oO You've got this, Niev. Everything is going to be fine. Normal. Boring, even. Oo ((Transporter Room 3, Deck 50 - Probert Station)) Rahman: Hands up where I can see them. The first words the fresh-faced Ensign heard after beaming up from the planet, Probert Station's transporter room emerging into view, were so absurd they took a few moments to even register. They blinked in confusion as they took in the surreal situation. Wide, sea-green eyes flitted between each of the figures and finally settled on the phaser being very firmly aimed at the transporter chief. Transporter chief: Whoa, whoa, whoa! Parker: Response Niev's mind was racing. The woman with the phaser was looking their way now. Only one of the two armed people even had a combadge. To say the scene looked suspicious to the new arrival was a drastic understatement. Was this some kind of a prank? A weird test? The thought of actually beaming straight from the Academy into an actual crisis seemed too absurd to entertain. Whatever this was, the look on the Ensign's face suggested they didn't want any part in it. Rahman: Oh, great... Galanis: ...Don't mind me. I must have beamed into the wrong transporter room. Rahman: Stay on that pad, ensign. The woman's head moved back to look at her partner, and Niev felt the bottom of their gut drop out at her next words, face visibly paling. Rahman: We can't afford any witnesses. Parker: Response Galanis: H-Hold on, there’s no need for anything hasty, I don't even know what's going on here! Rahman: You're coming with us, Ensign. It was better than being disintegrated, but Niev’s idea of a successful first day as an enlisted officer didn’t include being taken hostage by strangers either. Their eyes constantly flitted toward the transporter room door as they debated between trying to run and calling for help. Rahman: ::as she's typing into the console:: Get on the pad, Parker. ::looks to the transporter chief:: You, too. The Ensign’s attention shifted toward the Transporter Chief as the woman spoke and commanded. As far as Niev knew, that man was the only other person in the room who seemed innocent right now. So, when the unsettling smile began creeping onto his face, it leant an extra level of despair to the situation. oO This has to be a nightmare. Maybe it was a transporter accident, and I’m in some sort of alternate dimension where everyone in Starfleet has lost their damned minds. Oo Transporter chief: You really think it's going to be that easy? It was as though reality itself collaborated with Niev’s suspicions, the man’s hands going through a brief phase of sheer wrongness as they melted and shifted into the whipping tentacles and began to attack the woman. The Ensign had studied well in the Academy and knew exactly what they were seeing. That didn’t make it any easier to accept. Suddenly, the transporter pad seemed like the safest place on the entire station. Galanis: Is that a… changeling?! Parker: Response Niev did their best to keep an eye out for any errant phaser fire coming their way, but the Centauran’s feet were planted on their escape route now, awaiting the other two to join them with a mixture of shock and exasperation on their face. Galanis: ::speaking under their breath:: So much for making my posting on schedule… Parker: Response Rahman: Computer, initiate transport! For the second time in the span of minutes, Niev watched their surroundings dissolve away and be replaced by another as they beamed into another transporter room. By the size of it, the Ensign guessed it was on a ship, but it was hard to tell for sure. TBC… Ensign Niev Galanis Junior Science Officer Amity Outpost A240106NG2

Glad to have you @Ras El Heem!

Reminds me of Atlanta and its' millions of Peachtrees

Too bad Alora isn't with him, she'd sing along!

From the @Vaysha Lennai's post. It's @ArthurStrathmore. He probably fell into it a dozen times.

Just put a hat and sunglasses on him.

Welcome, we're glad to have you all!

Now we all need to hear this story! It's mandatory!

Congratulations! Welcome to the craziness!

OOC: I particularly enjoyed the 'explanation'. 😄 IC: (( Astra Aura, Downtown, Denali Station )) Harford: I suppose this is where we change? Into what exactly, Sir? And then we step back out into the hallway? Or will they come and retrieve us? oO Prophets, never let it be said I am not social with the Junior Officers. Oo She stood in front of the furthest door as Trej disappeared down the hallway. Harford: I'm sorry, Sir. That was a lot of questions. I'm a very protocol driven person. Oddas: Honestly, that's refreshing among the crew - but for this, try to relax. There's a robe in the room, change into whatever makes you comfortable, the staff is aiming to cater to you, not to ask you to make you uncomfortable. They'll come get you, wherever you are. Harford: Yes, Sir. Thank you. I'll uh, see you in a moment then. Aria entered into her own room, a small wooden room that she knew would be tied to her own biometrics, anything she left would remain, the door would lock to anyone but her - including the staff that would not think about violating the staff. She removed her uniform, folded it up, stretching her arm in the process. She was looking forward to the day. The thick white robe felt good as she slipped it on, until she pulled the arm on, causing her to wince. She let out a deep sigh. There was a soft knock on the door, evidently it was time to go. Aria pulled her robe tight and opened the door to Trej's smiling face and Harford just beyond. Trej: Right this way, Doctors. She would never admit it, but there were times she liked being addressed by her academic title. She followed the man down the small hallway, the one she knew Ke’ToQ would be administered. Inside it was a small, a few meters on several sides, with three low benches on all sides of a tank approximately 1 meter tall - currently covered by a thick silver cloth. Aria knew it was to keep the fish calm. On the open side of the tank, hanging from the wall, was a view screen and a small ceremonial tank of blood wine. A tall Vulcanoid woman entered - Aria had never decided if they were Vulcan, Romulan, or some combination. She gestured for them to sit on the benches. T'Pri: Thank you for joining, we will start with a quick animation for our new comers, it is necessary for your safety. Aria smiled and sat on one of the side benches - she could hear the swimming and lapping of the Ke'ToQ fish in the tank in front of them. Harford: Response T'Pri nodded and the animation began, the screen springing to life showing a stylized and animated, cartoonish version of the tank currently in front of them. Narrator: Thank you for coming to our traditional Ke'ToQ ceremony. It is with great pleasure we welcome you and invite you to an ancient tradition practiced by Klingon Warriors since the time of Kahless to improve their performance in battle, and it made them look pretty snazzy too. On the screen two cartoon Klingons appeared - one male and one female, smiling, sticking their legs into the tank, grimacing, followed by some bubbling, and then pulled out smooth legs. They smiled wide, exaggerated, cartoonish smiles, drew their knives, and ran off into battle. It was quite the different explanation then when Aria first got the explanation of how this ritual began, much more, polished and sanitized. She glanced to the Ensign. Harford: Response Narrator: Of course, it is not for the faint of heart, the Ke'ToQ fish is a scary looking fish ... A very real picture of the fish appeared on the screen, gross, scaly, and with teeth that did not fit in its mouth. Its fins were more like hard bones, and its eyes were small and beady, and it looked like something out a nightmare. The measurements on the screen showed them to be around 75mm nose to tail. Aria chuckled. Oddas: At least they show you a real picture of that. Narrator: The Ke'ToQ have a curious predilection, and love to rub up against the skin of anything you place in with the tank, pulling and removing all the little loose bits that you don't want anyway. The screen changed again, this time showing an underwater view, for legs underwater, with a dozen of the fish - an all cartoon version this time including fish, water, and legs, not moving at first, then slowly, noticing the legs, and touching, bumping the legs, each other, and gradually picking up speed, As they did, they began to pick hit the legs with more frequency and velocity, over and over, as they did their scales, bone fins, and the edges of their teeth, and their bodies were pulling bits of skin from the legs, then slurping it down. The animation made it clear their mouths were too big to actually bit anything directly, but Aria knew from experience it would feel as if they were trying to eat your legs to the bone. Narrator: After just two standard minutes, they have done their job, but don't be as heroic as the two in our video - seven standard minutes is the maximum, and the time required for the celebratory blood wine. On the video, the two Klingons were back, this time running a hand over their obviously smooth legs and toasting each other with bloodwine. Narrator: Remember, while it can be painful, you can pull your legs out at any time, and our staff is available to assist. Plenty of our patrons get enrichment, enjoyment, and benefit from 1 minute, 3 minutes, or less of the treatment. There is no shame in deciding this is not for you, and of course, Astra Aura assumes no risk or responsibility if you begin the ceremony. The animation ended, and the screen went dark, and Aria noted two more attendants had entered the room - an Orion woman and a man of the same species as Krel, dark blue skin and large eyes. They positioned themselves behind the Aria and the Ensign, she knew in case someone panicked they could be pulled out in a moment's notice. Trej: Doctors, ready? Harford: Response Oddas: Ready She moved forward and gripped the edges of the bench as Trej pulled the cover off the tank - the clear water showing a much more densely populated tank than the animation implied. At this moment, she always felt a moment of trepidation. oO Irina, Cada, Jazmine, Katya, Brayden, Toni, Rahman, Alea, T'Sara, Teevin, T'Lea, Stelek Oo She lowered her legs into the tank, one after the other, pulling the robe back to keep it out of the water. She bit her lower lip as the first fish began rubbing up against her leg. Harford: Response

Come on, @Wil Ukinix, don't you know any better? You should lean forward, not back!

I SAW THAT

((Kettick's Apartment,Level 35, Anchorage, Denali Station)) On the 35th level of Anchorage tower, in the heart of an ever-ticking clockwork maze the likes of which MC Escher and Rube Goldberg might have dreamed together during a steampunk convention, sat a large standard-issue Engineering PADD. The metallic components of the machinery that surrounded it echoed with alien sounds, and here and there, a complicated piece made of Remmilian crystal cast an eerie glint in its muted blue light. In front of the screen, watching with rapt attention, sat the friendly neighbourhood insectoid Chief of Engineering. One might say that he sat comfortably, never mind that his "seat" looked like it should stick out of a particularly fancy theremin. Then again, the only one who was around to judge his tastes in furniture was Major Quack, and the slightly glowing rubber duck hekd his peace for now. Kettick had another, smaller PADD next to him, and from time to time plucked a stylus from a nearby flat surface to scribble on it in a brief bout of quiet frenzy, with his head cocked to the side and a thoughtful cast to his facial appendages. The recent mission had highlighted a weakness of his that he had left unadressed for too long. It had been fraught with peril, predatory giant monsters, death-defying jumps, exposure to unknown technologies, and other such things that happen every other Tuesday when you wear the Starfleet uniform. And when faced with near-constant stress and the specter of their possible demise, his primate colleagues had reacted in their usual manner. Banter. And among it, sarcasm. Now, Kettick was not completely alien to sarcasm. He had served under humans that were close to breathing it - at the very least, they used a significant part of their breath in that pursuit. Through constant exposure, he had learned to spot some patterns, some idioms that allowed him to understand that some words were said in jest, and that his interlocutor occasionnally meant the polar opposite of what they said. But the last days had tested his proficiency in the fine arts of sarcasm and irony (and yes, apparently, these were two different things), and he had been found... sorely lacking. A failure he could not afford now that he was supposed to lead; back when he was a menial drone, he only had to understand his task, and do it to the satisfaction of his betters. Now, if he were to serve, he had to understand *people*. Fortunately, he had been told by friendly humans in the enlisted contingent of some remedial courses that he could use to better himself, and he had thrown himself into the task with his usual zeal. The situations presented were of course exxagerated, but the course material was easy to understand, and he had a feeling that he was starting to understand the finesses of situational and interpresonal interactions. In fact, he was impatient to try some of the lines he had noted down as particularly impactful. He had no doubt that they would work in a professional context, since according to the title of the data folder, they were meant to be used in the Office. END/No tags -- Lieutenant Kettick Chief of Engineering Denali Station G239107LR0 Your Engineering department kindly reminds you that you are supposed to read the flakking manual.