Sal Taybrim

I just love seeing cross-ship JPs. Lovely sim ladies! <3 ----------------- ((Starbase 118 Ops - Jalana’s Guest Quarters)) Since Alora hadn’t gotten to sleep until past dawn, she had spent the rest of the morning sleeping. After a few hours, however, her body insisted that she get up, far too used to keeping a certain rhythm and schedule. Because it was shore leave, the day offered up opportunities to do some more pleasurable things, such as introduce herself to people she hadn’t had the opportunity to really meet very well other than a quick greeting at the party, if that. One such person that came to mind was a certain Commodore who was visiting the base. As she was wont to do, Alora did not go empty handed. Perusing her vast array of african violets, she chose one from a cluster of recent babies, selecting the one that had at least a couple of blooms, then made her way out. Down the corridor, into the left, back into another corridor, the scientist turned First Officer made her way through, smiling at those whom she met on the way. Eventually, she came to the doors of the intended and pressed the button that would spur the computer to chirp and alert the occupant of her arrival. As soon as the doors opened, she stepped inside, her smile lighting up her face. DeVeau: Hello Commodore Rajel. Jalana had enjoyed the party. Just like many other visitors of the festivities she had gotten to bed late. And what a bed it was. It was not standard like on the ship, but more cozy. Having enjoyed the comfort, she now enjoyed a lengthy breakfast that she luckily didn’t have to cook, replicators were magical inventions for the cooking impaired. Just when she bit into a bread roll the door chime went off and so she rose from the chair and headed to the door. As it opened a woman was revealed that Jalana had seen the night before. A bright smile appeared on the Trill’s face, her green eyes sparkled. Rajel: Alora! Please, Jalana is enough. Formality isn’t necessary. DeVeau: Excellent. Jalana it is then! Like the commodore, Alora had never been big on formality. Oh yes, there was a time and a place for it, but in a situation like this, she was more inclined to drop the titles and rank. She was glad the Trill was of the same mind. Rajel: I am having breakfast, care to join me? ::She gestured for her to step inside if she wished:: Ah breakfast. It was late enough it should really be called lunch, but considering she was likely just breaking her fast, the name was appropriate. At the invitation, Alora’s stomach instantly sent a pang of hunger, reminding her that she hadn’t eaten in quite some time. Well, she’d come there to spend some time with the woman and get to know her better, and this afforded a grand opportunity. DeVeau: Why thank you, I’d love to. Drawing further into the room, Alora made her way over to the little table and helped herself to a chair. Before allowing herself to partake of any food, however, she held out the pot which she’d carried all the way from her own quarters. It was of an off weight hue with mottled brown all over the body. The insert was of a more solid brown, coordinating nicely with the base. Settled into that insert, however, was a much more colourful occupant. Bright, crimson petals grew naturally in the shape of a star with a brilliant yellow stamen smack dab in the center, a golden heart to that stellar flower. Broad, smooth-edged leaves of a medium green sported lightly quilted lines and stretched out beneath the flowers like a fuzzy carpet. DeVeau: I brought this for you, if you’d like to have it. I can send you detailed instructions. Jalana followed Alora to the table and looked at the offered plant with surprise in her eyes. She had not expected to receive anything and her whole face lit up. Raising the pot she leans over it to inhale the scent and realized the flowers itself didn’t have one, so all she smelled was the soil, which. A subtle pleasant scent. Rajel: These are beautiful. What are they? DeVeau: It’s called an African Violet, a plant from earth. They’re popular house plants, are easy to care for, and quite beautiful. Keep them happy and they can bloom up to nine or ten months out of a Terran year. Rajel: How wonderful. Thank you so much. They will find a special place on the Conny. DeVeau: Not a problem. I’ll have those instructions sent to you by this evening. With a smile she took another look at the flowers, and set the pot aside on the table carefully. She loved color and that would add some to her quarters. She would make sure to look at the instructions and if necessary ask Sherana for first aid. Or call Alora. She gestured to the chair and took one herself. Rajel: Please feel at home. ::She chuckles:: It is more yours than mine anyway. Just take what you like. Alora peered over at the food that was available. Did the woman replicate all that, or have a place deliver it? Either way, she had a little bit of meat and a lot of carbs. Plucking a bagel from the tray, she took a knife and spread a thick layer of cream cheese over one half. Rajel: So how do I get the honor of a visit? DeVeau: I have a habit of doing this, actually. I like meeting new people, and since you aren’t posted at ops and I’ve never had the privilege of serving anywhere with you, I thought I’d come say hello. I hope that’s not a problem. Rajel: Not at all. I like getting to know new people and make friends all over the galaxy. ::She grinned:: Have you been on the station before you became First Officer? The Trill reached for her bread roll she had taken a bite from before, some cheese and ham waited for the next bite. A wish she gladly granted. Alora’s eyes twinkled. Yes, making friends all over the galaxy. In that, they were the same. DeVeau: I enjoy making new friends. I was assigned to Ops in the middle of last year. The First Officer thing wasn’t until a couple of weeks ago. No matter how many times people mentioned it, no matter how many times she talked about it, no matter how many times she looked at that red collar, Alora still felt like it was not quite real. Rajel: Oh all fresh then. ::She grinned brightly:: What have you done before? DeVeau: I’m a Science Officer...well, was a science officer. I’d actually just become Chief of Science just a couple of months ago. Nijil’s departure was rather sudden and unexpected, and for some strange reason, Sal picked me. Rajel: Another blue collar, lovely. ::Smiling:: Knowing Sal, he had a good reason. You obviously have made an impression. DeVeau: Either that or I’ve somehow managed to fool him unintentionally. So you’re a scientist as well? Alora laughed softly, then allowed herself a bite of the well slathered bagel. The cream and salt of the cheese just went so perfectly with the dense earthiness of the bread. Savouring it, she studied the redhead across from her. Rajel: I’m a medical Doctor, I know it’s technically teal not blue, but teal is a shade of blue so who cares. ::chuckling:: I never imagined I’d become a Co to be honest. Did you expect or plan finding your way to the First Officer’s seat? DeVeau: No and no. Was never expected, never planned. Sal just sort of sprung it on me. And then immediately tossed a ton of intel into her lap. That had been an interesting day. “Getting her feet wet”, indeed! DeVeau: Honestly, I would have been happy being Chief Science Officer for the rest of my career. That’s where I always saw myself - forever in blue. Not red. Rajel: Ah, quite a surprise then. ::She reached for her cup, the steam of the Jestral tea floating above it as she pulled it close.:: And now that you are in red, any plans on taking your own command? DeVeau: Oh no, I will definitely not ever seek to be a commanding officer. ::She paused a moment as she allowed herself another bite. :: A smile washed over Jalana’s face, it sounded like Alora was quite sure of what she did not want to do. Rajel: Then what are your plans now? ::She finally raised the cup to take a sip:: DeVeau: Maybe I’ll stay First Officer, or maybe I’ll fail dramatically and Sal will take on someone else, but...for the moment, I’m just going to my best to support him and fulfill this role. I just… That sounded good, though of course Jalana wouldn’t be Jalana if she would ignore that last little bit that Alora has interrupted herself. Rajel: You just? Fingers played over the unspread surface of the bread and Alora gazed down at it. DeVeau: I just don’t want to fail Sal. I joked about it, but I really don’t want to let him down. Jalana placed her cup back on the saucer on the table, before she cut a croissant in half. She enjoyed trying out food from all over the Galaxy and this one was quickly becoming a favourite of hers. Rajel: What makes you think that you could let him down? DeVeau: Honestly...I’m just not sure about this role he’s put me into. Since I made the decision to apply to the Academy and join Starfleet, I knew what I was going to do. I was going to be a scientist, and my ultimate goal was to be Chief Science officer. Alora picked a crumb from her bagel and idly popped it in her mouth. All her life, she’d been that way. Confident in what she was going to do. When she saw something she was interested in, she jumped in, both feet first, never afraid to get her head below the surface and immerse herself completely. DeVeau: I reached that goal, then got shuffled around, and finally reached it again here. Then, suddenly, Sal’s telling me Nijil’s leaving and he wants me to be First Officer. I guess it’s just odd. I’ve always chosen what I wanted to do and aimed for it. This time, I wasn’t the one doing the choosing. The Trill spread some butter on the two halves and then added some cheese and jam before placing the halves together again. Rajel: I cannot speak for Sal, nor do I know your skills, but I believe he chose you for a reason. We as COs usually choose who we believe is best for our ship, or station for that matter. ::She looked up to Alora with a warm smile:: that does not change that you are nervous about it of course. DeVeau: It’s weird. I guess I’m just...not used to feeling so uncertain. I mean, I’ve been nervous before, I guess, but never like this. I guess I’m worried that maybe I’m not the right choice, that I’m going to wind up messing everything up. Rajel: ::chuckling:: I still have times when I’m not sure if I am doing the right thing, but this isn’t about me. I can’t tell you what to do, how to do your work, but what I can tell you is, that doing your best and putting your trust in Sal teaching you what you need to know, is a good start. DeVeau: There’s another problem. I feel like he shouldn’t have to teach me. That I should be able to handle things without him putting more work on his plate. Jalana reached across the table to pat Alora’s hand. Rajel: He wasn’t a Commanding Officer from the start either, he knows how it feels to be a new First Officer. You are a team and you will do fine. DeVeau: Thanks for the reassurance. Alora smiled and finished off the half of her bagel which she’d been slowly working on during the conversation. As she chewed, she picked up the second half, slathering an even thicker layer of topping onto it. Yes, she liked a little bagel with her cream cheese. DeVeau: I didn’t know Saveron had become a first officer until we reconnected around Christmas. I imagine he’s an excellent one. Rajel: Oh yes. He was just promoted around Christmas, so you actually got a timely update. He was a temporary FO for me before and he did a really great job, so when my First Officer left, it was just natural to ask him. If anyone would be a natural, it would be Saveron. Vulcans in general were stereotypically calm, cool, and collected. Saveron, however, had something more. Even though he was a Vulcan, there was just something about him that made him stand out, that made him a perfect choice. Although Alora couldn’t exactly say what it was if she were asked, which she was sure a Vulcan would think illogical. DeVeau: Honestly, I think he’s an excellent choice. Rajel: I am a quite emotion- and impulse driven person, his logical and calm demeanor puts our teamwork in balance. For example in one of our missions we were in an outpost that was badly damaged and we found labs that were flooded with some gas. I saw someone unconscious inside and was about to jump inside through one of the broken windows but he held me back because the gas was most likely what knocked the scientist out. We then took the long route and all, but without his quick thinking who knows what would have happened. A smile slid across Alora’s face and she nodded. Yep. That was Saveron. Thing was, it wasn’t just him being logical and calm, it was also him thinking about the other person. Emotions weren’t something he let slip outwardly, but inwardly, there was a deeply caring person. DeVeau: We sound a lot alike. Honestly, it’s one of the reasons I thought we made a great couple. Jalana raised her eyes and a brow rose slightly up, together with a corner of her mouth forming a smirk. Rajel: But dear Alora, usually I don't decide on such matters before we went at least on one date. But you'll have to buy dinner and woo me properly. For a moment, Alora sat there and blinked at the red headed commodore. Then, she erupted in musical laughter, through her head back, then shaking it. DeVeau: No! No! I mean, Sav and me! Sorry, but you’re not my type! She continued to laugh, though it softened down to a giggle which she managed to stifle somewhat with a large bite of the second half of her bagel. The Trill joined in the laughter and shook her head, raising a hand, her green eyes sparkling in amusement. Rajel: That is your loss, dear, I am amazing. ::She grinned and shook her head again.:: No worries, it was a mere joke. I can’t resist a good opening. ::Leaning forward:: So Saveron and you? That piqued her curiosity. DeVeau: Yeah, several years ago, didn’t work out. I’m glad he’s found someone else though. Alora truly was. And while Kalin had been the sort to admit to emotions, there were other aspects of him that were similar to Saveron. Perhaps that was why they had made a great couple. They say that time healed all wounds, but the stab that gutted her then almost took Alora’s breath away. She should have known better. Quickly, she took another bite, lowering her gaze and trying to push her thoughts in a completely different direction before everything spiraled out of control. DeVeau: How long have you been in Command of the Conny? The sudden change of subject did not go unnoticed by Jala, but she wouldn’t go and push a subject on Alora she didn’t want to talk about. Of course she was still curious, but not enough to do that. She took a bite from her croissant and thought about that question. Rajel: It’s been 5… no 6 years this June. ::A chuckle:: Man how time flies. DeVeau: I have to admit, I hope that’s one job I’m never given. Rajel: They usually ask before throwing you in. Granted for me it was right on the bridge presenting the ship and adding a line of ‘if you want it that is’. That is a little hard to decline but I know if I really didn’t want to I could have said that. Alora couldn’t help but giggle. Well now, what would one say to that? No thank you? Well, for Alora, that would have been exactly the answer she would have given. Not her thing. She was quite happy to stay where she was. DeVeau: So, almost six years ago, just sort of threw a ship at you, huh? Rajel: It happened right after I was joined and I guess I got a little adventurous. ::Chuckling:: I also had that little nagging past life voice in my head, telling me that someone will be very unhappy if I do it, so I had to. DeVeau: So a symbiote telling you not to made you do it, is that it? Rajel: One of my past hosts was a Captain in the Trill Private Service, right at the time when Trill joined the Federation and the TPS was integrated into Starfleet. She was not happy about it back then so… ::smirking:: I had to show her that I do what I want. Alora nodded as she took another bite of the bagel. Being joined with a symbiote sounded quite intriguing, but also confusing. To have that voice, and in a sense, multiple voices in one’s head. DeVeau: Does it sometimes seem like the lines between you and your symbiote blur? How do you keep from losing yourself? The question was fair, it was one of those things that was hard to grasp when one wasn’t joined. Despite being trained for it, it had been surprising for Jalana. Rajel: It does, sometimes. You see, it isn’t that you actually talk with the Symbiont just like you don’t talk with your past self from last year. But you share memories. So something may make you remember something from the past, a situation, a smell, a name, all this stuff. So that’s the same for joined Trills, but with a lot more memories. ::She paused briefly:: There are times when I remember something and I forget that they are not my memories, because for the symbiont, they are his memories and emotions and shares them with me. But when I think about it I remember who they belonged to. Munching on he bagel, Alora processed the information that had been shared. It sounded very complex, but she could, she supposed, get a sense of what she meant. Not necessarily by choice. DeVeau: It sounds difficult. It had been for her. Rajel: It’s an active process of reminding myself who I am, something I do every day. It’s something we are trained for before being joined. That’s why that training takes so many years to prepare us for it, and why we get tested until the moment it happens to see if we are suitable. There have been times when a host became overwhelmed and that didn’t end well. Including her own first host, something she had never talked about, and probably wouldn’t for a long time. DeVeau: I see. I have to admit, it’s something that sounds difficult to truly comprehend, not in the same way as actually hosting a symbiote. Well, she was not a Trill, but it was interesting to talk about, interesting to consider. DeVeau: How long have you been joined? Rajel: ::Smiling:: I was joined a week before I received Command. It was quite a gift. She was especially proud of having reached that milestone without the help of that symbiont. It was all her own work and effort. Something that she sometimes had worried about when thinking about being joined, how much of that was actually her and how much was past experiences. But knowing she had gotten there by herself was something she reminded herself of every now and then. DeVeau: What made you decide to pursue joining with a symbiote? Jalana smiled and leaned back, crossing her legs as she recalled. Rajel: I don’t know how familiar you are with the system but only a few people are chosen to become hosts and they undergo rigorous training to assure that they are the best choice for the symbiont. That makes it quite… prestigious. My father is an Ambassador but neither he, nor my mother or brother were suitable hosts. Back then when I applied I was young and still in training to follow my father’s footsteps. And it would have been the pride of the family if accepted and being his successor… Ah, yes, parents were like that. There was something, it seemed, about having children and wanting them to succeed, whether it be in a shared field or in a field where the parents were not successful. For Alora’s mother, it was music and the stage. Her mother had never quite made it on the stage, and she had hoped her daughter would attain that goal. Yet, when Alora had turned to Science instead, she had both conveyed disappointment, but also support for her daughter’s chosen career. It was an interesting juxtaposition between desires, but nonetheless, Grace had never made her daughter feel less simply for taking a different path. DeVeau: Going through the training changed things? Rajel: ::nodding her head:: That is how it started. But after I got accepted, the more I learned the more I wanted to do it for myself and the symbiont. I realized that it was a true honor, and hoped I would be able to give that symbiont I would receive a new experience... One that is worth it. I still hope so. ::She smiled:: DeVeau: Even if the previous host didn’t want you to? Alora grinned, finishing off the last of her bagel. Leaning back, Alora grabbed a napkin to wipe her hands and dab at her mouth. DeVeau: So, I was thinking, if you have time and want to explore some of the base, I could show you around. Rajel: ::chuckling:: Even then. And yes that sounds like a wonderful idea. I have only seen a fraction of a percent during my last visit, I would love to see more. Her whole face lit up and she suddenly felt as if she had some buzzing bees in her rear and got up. Then realized that Alora may have meant another time and hesitated. Rajel: You do mean now, right? Because I’m ready to go. ::grinning:: DeVeau: Oh yes, I meant right now. Rising, Alora’s expression matched that of the Commodores. She had eagerly anticipated spending time with friends, and now she had the opportunity to do so with her newest one. DeVeau: No time like the present. ******** Commodore Jalana Rajel Commanding Officer USS Constitution B Image Team Co-Facilitator A238906JL0 & Lt. Cmdr. Alora DeVeau First Officer Starbase 118 Ops al...@blar.net M239008AD0

Congrats and welcome to the fleet!!

Congratulations and welcome to the fleet!

Beware the stealth-hug

Agreed. Spider Barclay is what sticks in my mind!

I was just coming to post that!

(( Starbase 118 - Commercial Sector - Cabo Breeze )) The party had been going well. Everyone appeared to be enjoying themselves. The Commodore was just stepping down from his speech and recognitions. Sol caught the eye of the band and nodded. The music started to fade and then pick up in to a slightly more upbeat tempo with just the drummer drumming along with occasional hits from the other instruments. Sol started moving just a bit to the beat as she made her way up to the stage. She stepped up to the mic, reaching one hand behind her back to loosen the laces of her ubiquitous corset, loosening it just enough to that she could fully breathe. She was gonna need all the lung power she could muster. McLaren: Well now that all the formalities are out of the way I think its time we really got this party started... we have a lot to celebrate tonight. :: She grinned. :: Sol reached down and picked up her trombone, which had been silently sitting on the stage all night joining in with the group and the music continued to build for a few more moments more before ending in a riff before the rest of the band picked back up at a slightly quicker tempo again. She let her trombone dangle from the crook of her arm, moving with the beat as she stepped back up to the mic. McLaren: Ohhhh... :: She clapped along with the beat, trying to encourage the group to clap along and get moving. :: ...feel like throwin' it up.... ohhhh I feel like throwin' it up... here we go! Sol again stepped back bringing her horn back to her lips joining in with the song, moving along with the beat as she played, her foot stomping with the beat. The funky beat seemed purposefully written for her instrument, letting her blare high notes and utilize every bit of the range it had. After a few minutes of playing she dropped out and let the rest of the band play, again stepping up to the mic. She was again clapping to the beat. McLaren: Uh... I say ah! I feel like throwin' it up. :: beat: I say ah! I feel like throwin' it up. :: beat : I say now ah! I feel like throwin' it up. :: beat :: I say now aHh! I feel like throwin' it up, uh... You feel like throwin' it up, throwin' it up. Throwin' it up, throwin' it up. Blowin' it up, blowin' it up. Blowin' it up blowin-- you feel like throwin' it up, blowin' it up. Blowin' it up, throwin' it up. Throwin' it up, throwin' it up, ooooo. Sol stepped back bringing her horn back up to her lips to finish up the song. The song eventually grew into a crescendo before finishing of with a strong note at the end. She brought her horn down setting it on its stand. It was clear she was breathing heavily. She stepped back, gesturing to the rest of the band before they started back up into more upbeat music in the same style that people could dance to. She started moving to the beat as she came down off the stage, retightening her corset back up. She tied the laces back off, dancing along to the beat, seeing just who else she could dance with. She spied the Commodore, gesturing from him to join her. McLaren: Enjoy yourself, Sal! Taybrim: ? McLaren: Well, I figured theres a lot of things coming down the pipe at us... the crew could use a proper party to cut loose and just have fun. What better way than with soulful music and dancing? Taybrim: ? McLaren: Besides all that... I dont get as much time to play as I used to... so this was a great way to keep my skills sharp. :: She laughed. :: I enjoy entertaining just as much as I enjoy my job... if anything its good to know I could probably fall back on it if Starfleet winds up not working out. :: She laughed again. :: Not that I plan on that. Taybrim: ? (( OOC; Enjoy the party! Have fun! )) ~~~ Lt. Commander Solaris McLaren Director of Intelligence Starbase 118 Ops C239210SM0

He's not the hero we asked for, but the hero we need! <3

Earth-Romulan war. Not only is Balance of Terror an excellent episode, but it really gave viewers a sense that the Earth-Romulan war was a creepy, dramatic, lonely war like old submarine warfare. Lots of ghost stories and crew bonding.

Congratulations and welcome to the fleet!

I love this whole cake fiasco! 🤣

OMGz, I loved this sim. Poor Lazarus! And the one-liner:

what a fantastic description of desserts, especially to an alien species! Way to go @Sheila Bailey!

Well... you know... it was a safe flight?!

Congrats and welcome to the fleet Breanna! And Welcome back Tatash! So thrilled you’re back with us!!

I'll just share our license plate...

Poor guy!

I do so love watching a difficult emotional scene where the characters are genuine, flawed and vulnerable. This was a lovely JP you two!! ((Starbase 118 Ops - Holodeck 24)) The Denobulan hybrid sat at the helm of the shuttlecraft, there on the holodeck. It was a relatively small shuttle, nothing fancy. Room for four in the cockpit. All around him was open blue sky, little puffy clouds in the distance on the clear and calm day. The shuttle was in the atmosphere of some planet, which could have been Earth. It appeared warm and Mediteranean in climate, from what one could see high above from the view port. Ashley had invited Anthony nervously, and by message, not by the comms. If Anthony wasn’t interested, he could just… not show up. Ashley would understand. It had been a couple days since he’d been forcibly plucked out of Verriars bar, playing his drunken tongo and making an absolute ass of himself. He’d spent the next morning in sickbay, getting rehydrated… Alora had been there every step of the way, giving him some friendly but stern harassment… which he’d more than earned… asking about the *why* of it all, dragging his still-intoxicated and increasingly hung-over butt to sickbay to get IV fluids. He had spent the previous day, after recovering from his hangover, getting caught up with his own counselor back on Earth via subspace. She had been relatively *brutal* in her attempt to determine the source of the downward spiral, and had some choice words about his backsliding after all the progress he’d made in the past year. He had also gone to sickbay for some further scans, for Doctor Bailey’s prescribed treatment, and had also begun going through his fellow starbase counselors files, trying to find one he might communicate well with. It had… not been a great couple days. His descent into drunken idiocy after two years of sobriety made it pretty obvious he needed to do better with self-care. That was step one. Actually, getting treatment and stabilizing was step one. Promising Alora at least seven separate times he wouldn’t go to Verriar’s alone anymore was step two. So self-care would be step three. The next step was to reach out… he needed to catch up with the Marine who he had dismissed, invalidated, come on to, lobbed innuendo at, made to carry, nearly barfed on, and cursed at… had he cursed at Anthony? Or had that been his internal, angry-drunk monologue? Either way… it was hardly the worst of what he’d done. His stomach was full of nerves, so he’d chosen their stomping grounds. The holodeck seemed somehow safer, since it was where he and Anthony often met up for various things, for play, for work, for training. A public place was too… public. To Tony, the receipt invitation in the way it had come had seemed unnecessary and out of character for his friend. There wasn’t anything overt about the invite that was out of place, but Tony could sense something wasn’t exactly right. In any case, the invite had been on the table, and Tony wasn’t exactly one to ignore a good time. Arriving at the holodeck, Tony paused at the doors before they slid obediently open. The sounds of the already running, but idle program wafted out to greet him. The sounds of a shuttlecraft and the requisite systems set an intriguing tone to the moment. Stepping inside, Tony greeted his friend. Meeks: Hey, Ashley. Ashley set amethyst eyes on the Marine, and he took a largely silent but deep breath through his nose as he steeled himself for it. Two days ago, this man had had to forcibly carry him out of Verriars bar… he’d made crude attempts to take Anthony home with him, and said far too many terrible things. Yael: Anthony. Meeks: What’s going on, Amigo? Yael: I thought… if you’re not busy… you might like to run a program. With me. If you want. Totally optional. Well *that* wasn’t awkward. He would have face-palmed if he had less self-control. He had *rehearsed* this in his mind and *that* was how he said it? Instead of self-slapping, he grit his teeth and stopped himself talking before it became a babble instead of an invitation. Nervousness in Ashley’s voice was palpable, causing a bit of concern for Tony. Meeks: Of course, bud. Tony sat in the seat next to his friend, swiveling the chair to face him. Meeks: What’s really going on, Ashley? Yael: ::trying to smile:: That obvious, huh. The Denobulan hybrid glanced out of the view port, clearly chewing on the thing preoccupying him. Yael: I thought… I’d try to apologize. ::then more quietly:: I was kind of awful to you. Meeks: Not necessary. Yael: You didn’t deserve it. And… thank you? I suppose… for getting me out of there when you did. Spinning the chair into position, Tony started working the controls, preparing to assume the flight duties. He began looking the instruments over, listening to Ashley. Meeks: That’s what friends do, Pard. Ashley glanced at Anthony, concerned at the very quick forgiveness. Was that genuine? Was Anthony secretly internalizing the violation of his friendship? Was he harboring vast resentment under the calm surface?! He… actively tried to stop thinking about it. Face value. Take it at face value. And don’t let it happen again. But why couldn’t he brush off the feeling Anthony *should* be angry with him? Perhaps it was because he was angry at himself and he was displacing his feeling onto his friends. Yael: Right… Meeks: Where we going? Yael: Ah… nowhere. Well, that’s not accurate, really. Down. We’re going down. Meeks: Down? ::There had to be a little panic in Tony’s voice:: Yael: No, not crash landing! ::he managed to laugh lightly, nerves still apparent:: I thought I’d give you the opportunity to throw me out of a perfectly good shuttlecraft. Meeks: What? ::The panic was still there:: Standing, the Denobulan hybrid moved to the gear stowed near the back, lifting a harness and pack in both hands. And if Anthony *was* harboring inner resentment toward him, maybe tossing him to his theoretical doom could be some sort of therapy. Yael: Who knows. It could be therapeutic. Meeks: You’re the therapist here, bud, but I’m not sure that’s in the text books. It was then Tony saw the pack in Ashley’s hands. Not just a pack, but a parachute designed to slow a single person’s descent following a freefall. The panic lessened and likely the cracking in Tony’s voice subsided. Yael: There’s a pack for you too. If you want to jump. Meeks: Are you certified? Yael: Certified…? ::blanching slightly:: Wait… are *you* certified? Meeks: Of course I am. It’s part of the Pararescue training. Yael: That’s good. ::regaining his confidence, and smiling:: Then you’ll know what you’re doing. Ashley set the pack down again, but moved to unclasp the buckles in preparation. Meeks: Have you ever jumped before? Yael: No. It’s just something I’ve thought I should do… you know. A “bucket list” sort of thing. Meeks: Bucket list!?!? You’re going to jump out of a shuttle for a bucket list? Ashley paused with his working of the straps and looked at his friend now. He may have given a little too much away there. Yael: Isn’t that… something people do? Meeks: There’s usually a little more planning than this though, Ash. Especially for skydiving. There’s kind of a process. Yael: ::trying to laugh it off:: I see. So that’s a “no,” then. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing and seeing. It probably was just surreal enough that Tony stood there, mouth agape, not really processing what was going on. Meeks: Um, yeah… no. It still wasn’t reality yet that Ashley was serious about doing this. Tony tried as he might to shake it off, but it wouldn’t go away. Yael: It *was* kind of a spur-of-the-moment thought, I guess… I didn’t realize plummeting to Earth was a complicated matter. Still trying with the humor to deflect from the nerves he felt, and dig out of the hole he felt he’d gotten himself into, the Denobulan abandoned the pack straps entirely. Yael: You okay? This was too much, wasn’t it. Meeks: I’m fine, Bud. You really want to do this? If you want to do it, we’re gonna do it right. Ok? The Denobulan perked up at that. Yael: Right. Okay. What’s the “right” way? Scooping up the pack, Tony slipped the buckles loose on the shoulder straps and tossed the pack to Ashley. Snatching the second pack up, Tony slipped the buckles loose and checked the bindings. Meeks: Are these holodeck chute packs? Yael: Yes. Meeks: Okay. If we do this, we’re gonna do it tandem. You good with that? Yael: Tandem. You mean… together. Same chute? Meeks: That’s exactly what I mean. I’m gonna strap your ass to me and we’re gonna bail out of this shuttle together. All the way to the ground. Yael: I was kind of hoping for a *solo* flight. Tony dropped the chute pack he was holding, allowing it to hit the floor with a hard thud. He stood there, arms crossed, staring at his friend, who had jumped in surprise at the sudden drop of the gear. Meeks: What’s goin’ on, Ashley. Yael: ::canting his head slightly to the side:: What do you mean? Meeks: I’m your friend, right? Yael: Of course. Meeks: Then, why the bullshit? The tone had shifted, and the little hairs on the back of the Denobulans neck stood on end. Feeling genuinely chastised, he tried to reclaim the smile that threatened to melt off his face. Still, he stiffened his posture, not knowing what to expect but understanding one thing well enough. He’d pushed too far. Yael: Anthony…? Meeks: Tell me… are you sick? Dying? Something bad? Ashley set eyes on his friend and couldn’t tear them away. Couldn’t blink. Barely breathed. The smile he’d rescued was gone. Yael: ::less than sure in his tone:: Why would you ask that…? Tony stepped forward, dropping his arms to his sides. He stopped within a couple of feet of where Ashley stood, the muscles in his jaw tight. Meeks: You seem to have a deathwish lately. Complete self destruction. The Denobulan hybrid took a step back almost defensively, but still felt Anthony towering over him. He had to look up to maintain eye contact now, his eyes widening with restrained alarm as his friend cornered him. Yael: How so…? Meeks: Let’s start with that little show you gave at the bar the other day. Wanna explain that? Yael: That was… it was a *mistake*, but… He stepped back again, as if he were stepping out of the Marines' very large shadow. His eyes lowered to the floor, his deflective invalidating of that night clearly a lie. Tony stepped forward to match the retreat of the smaller man. Meeks: I get mistakes Ash. I will ALWAYS be there for you, brother. I will pull your ass out of any fire you get it into… hell, I’ll even let you puke on me... No sweat. I WON’T let you kill yourself though. Yael: ::nowhere near convincing enough:: I’m *not* trying to kill myself... Meeks: ::Scoffs:: Go ahead… keep telling yourself that. The Denobulan knew Anthony could see every deflection he tried, and standing in the Humans presence made the truth the only possible path forward. Stil, it caught in his throat as he stepped back again, his heel touching the wall of the shuttlecraft behind him. He was physically trapped as much as he might have been mentally. His eyebrows knitted tight together, jaw clenching, and couldn’t look Anthony in the eye as he spoke with the diminishing last of his resolve, conflicted. Yael: It’s a *holodeck*, Anthony. Nobodies dying here. Meeks: I know it’s a damned holodeck. That doesn’t matter one little bit, Ash… It’s all the other stuff you’ve been doing to yourself that tells the story. What the F… What’s wrong with you? Tony caught himself before he went too far, the anger swelling in his chest. He didn’t realize how angry he was at his friend until just that moment. Meeks: You’re being a dick! Ashley flinched at that, but his gut told him he deserved it, so he failed to protest the brutal honesty. Tony reached into his pocket and withdrew a small silver oblong disk. He held it for a moment, then tossed it on the floor at Ashley’s feet. The little metal object clattered to a stop against Ashley’s foot, glinting silently in the lights of the shuttle. Meeks: Pick it up. Yael: ::eyeing the disk suspiciously, then back up to Anthony, he didn’t move:: What is it? Meeks: Pick it up, Ash. Read it. Cautiously, he reached down for it now, as if it might bite. The little metal disk lay there, waiting. The words embossed on it simple and straight forward. The name, last name first, not telling the whole story, but only the main player. Lifting it and standing, Ashley realized as he felt the raised metal, read the name, saw the blood type. And he knew. Meeks: That guy was my brother too. I would have gone to hell and back for him. In fact, I did. Just… he didn’t come back with me. Ashley took a somewhat unsteady breath as the understanding and guilt washed over him. … he *was* being a massive dick. And he had the nerve to be self righteous about it… to lie about it. He hadn’t changed at all. Meeks: THAT’S why I’m not going to give up on you. I don’t want yours in my pocket. Yael: ::bluntly, without looking up from the tag:: It’s fatal. Tony stood there for a moment, preparing a sharp retort at what he initially thought was a smartass reply from Ashley. Then the realization set in that his friend wasn’t talking about the dog tag, or the skydiving trip. Meeks: What the hell are you talking about? What’s fatal? For a moment he didn’t move, then the tag raised, and Ashley moved to hand it to Anthony. Slowly, and a bit unsteady in between two fingers. When he spoke again, it was deeper, and on the verge of anger. Yael: The only difference between him and me is how fast it happens. Quick or slow. Which would *you* pick. Staring into the eyes of the man, Tony saw the determined anger in him. It was from deep within him the emotion manifested, and had bubbled to the surface. It wasn’t depression, nor was it really fear that Tony could see. It was anger. Meeks: ::His voice softening:: What? Now it’s your turn. What are you talking about? Eyes turning up to set on Anthony now, the softer tone did nothing to quell it now that it was loose, and Ashley spoke without thinking, his voice rising. Yael: I’m asking what *you* would pick, Anthony! Fast or slow. WHICH ONE. Because those are the ONLY CHOICES! It’s not up for debate, it doesn’t care if you throw yourself out of a shuttle, or drink yourself under the table. It’s going to kill you ANYWAY! Tony was taken back by the outburst. He had seen the anger in his friend’s eyes, and now he heard it in his voice. It was real now. Meeks: I still don’t get it, Ash. What are you talking about? Are you sick? Trying to physically yank himself back under control and restrain the instinct to continue abusing Anthony, Ashley’s body reacted to the mental effort by jerking backward the last few inches, bumping into the wall and then staying there. The options were the wall, or Anthony, and he couldn’t very well go *through* Anthony. His eyes fell down to the floor, and his posture shrank somewhat. Yael: There’s nothing anyone can do. Neurological disorder. Genetic component. Progressive, degenerative. Watch it happen in slow motion. You pretend to fight the battle, but you can’t win the war. Tony listened to the words, not completely understanding what they meant. He knew Ashley had to deal with some stuff, especially whatever had caused him to have to wear the braces on his arms, but had never thought to ask about it. Ashley was his friend, pure and simple. Tony had never thought any different, and had never considered his friend’s need to wear the braces as anything other than that… something his friend had to do. He always figured it would be up to Ashley to tell him what it was about, when Ashley was ready to. It had never come up in their conversations. Meeks: ::Quietly:: How long? Yael: Quality or quantity? The retort came out sharp like a knife, and the Denobulan had to shake his head and tell himself to bite his tongue. Stop *fighting.* Even though every cell in him told him this was a fight, this wasn’t supposed to be a fight. Yael: Five years? Ten? What’s left after is a life *you* would never accept living. Tony hadn’t expected to be told what he was hearing. He had known there was something underlying in Ashley’s history, something had caused him to have to wear those braces, but hadn’t considered a terminal diagnosis. The braces had never mattered to him because they were just part of Ashely. He had other friends who had to use assistance devices, Sheila Bailey being the nearest to them now, and he didn’t take any of them into consideration as to how he looked at them as the people they were. Frankly, it didn’t matter to him. Standing frozen, his gaze unwavering, Tony processed what he heard. A braced hand came up to cover half his face for a moment, as if it were a mask. Yael: And you won’t need another one of *those.* ::meaning the dog tag:: I haven’t done anything to *rate* one. Meeks: Why didn’t you say something...? Ashley interrupted him sharply, the anger bristling as he lifted his face to look Anthony in the eyes again, no longer cowering under the larger Human. The look in his eyes was *raw*, and the veneer of calm the Denobulan usually wore was completely stripped away. Yael: I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want you to LOOK at me the way you’re looking at me RIGHT NOW! The outburst snapped Tony back to the moment, and the abruptness brought the emotions he was feeling to the surface. It was almost as if he’d been slapped, then slapped again. First when the news had been delivered, then with the angry retort. It was a good thing that his friend wasn’t standing in the corner crying about it any more. Meeks: ::His gaze stiffening:: Do you think you have the corner on the pain market? Tony didn’t raise his voice. In fact, it lowered and contained a bit more bass than usual. Yael: ::caught by the shift in the Marines tone:: What…? No, I... Meeks: We’re all terminal, Ash. From the minute we’re born, we’re terminal. We get to live until we don’t. That’s life. The Denobulan had been all amped up for more of a fight, but immediately backed down at the shift in Anthony’s demeanor… still, somehow he maintained eye contact. The wise statement, however sage it might have been, also made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end with its delivery. He took a breath in, trying to *think* rather than just react. Yael: I *know* that… I know it, but that’s oversimplifying things. Meeks: How so? Yael: It changes when people know. You’d have held back… The training. The holodeck adventures. Everything had a tone, not just voices. Actions shifted and flowed just like words, and everything would have been different. Subtly, but different. Maybe Tony would have held back in hand to hand training. Maybe he wouldn’t push Ashley so hard. Maybe things would be said differently, more cautiously. As if he were made of glass and might break. There would be “no’s” where in any other case it might be a “yes.” He felt the heat in his ears, the blood rushing into the capillaries as his brain was inundated with oxygen filled blood. He felt the anger swell at the response from his friend. The audacious belief that Tony would have ever treated him differently incensed him, driving him forward. Thoughtfully, Tony reached out and lovingly punched the little Denobulan in the face. The punch was hard, not meant to necessarily hurt the man, but definitely enough to let him know he’d been hit. Ashley stumbled seriously to the side, shock overtaking him as he caught himself on the wall, his eyes watering from the blossoming pain. Meeks: How’s that for treating you different, you little turd? How dare you put those words in my mouth? How dare you take away my choice? Lifting a hand to his face, Ashley tasted blood in his mouth. He was dazed for a moment… then he lifted his eyes to Tony… and with all the energy he could muster he sent his fist into the Marines jaw from beneath. Yael: ::shouting:: I *KNOW* you can hit harder than that! Tony stumbled backward, impressed by the effort his friend had put into the punch. He had hit him hard, and Tony had to take a step to regain his footing. Meeks: ::Rubbing his jaw:: You’ve been working out… Tony dropped his weight onto the balls on his feet, more out of instinct than real need. This had opened a whole new can of worms. Meeks: This what you want, Ash? Yael: I want you to *stop holding back!* Meeks: You’re about to take a ride on the pain train, son. Yael: That’s a lot of bluster coming from someone who won’t follow through with his fis- Tony didn’t let him complete his thought before he lashed out and struck Ashley in the face again. This time, the blow landing against the left cheek under the Denobulan’s eye. The punch had a little more behind it this time, driving Ashley back against the bulkhead. The world went black for a sharp second with this more powerful impact, and Ashley went down on one knee with a grunt of pain as the world spun. A few drops of blue-red blood flicked to the ground when he shook his head to clear his blurred vision. He forced himself back onto his feet, stepping back once unsteadily… but he wasn’t retreating, and he certainly wasn’t thinking… he braced his foot behind him, lowered his shoulder, and with two running steps drove into Anthony’s middle, forcing the larger man momentarily into the air and off his feet before they fell back onto the floor. With a grunt, Tony felt the deck meet his face. The impact sent stars through his vision, and for a moment he was stunned. It took a second to get his thoughts back, but by now the instinct of the fight had taken over. He rolled onto his back and then climbed to his feet. Without consideration, he struck out with a foot, kicking Ashley in the ribs. Meeks: Give it a rest, Ash. You don’t hav… Ugh! The Denobulan had jolted back with the kick, the air forced from his lungs. He clutched his stomach and had to force himself to stay on his feet, coughing and sucking in several breaths of air… haphazardly he pushed forward and threw an elbow into Anthony’s lower gut. It was less an aimed blow, but he still put what little strength he had left into it. In the course of a single conversation he’d gone from PHD to complete idiocy. He wasn’t even trying to *win* anything. He just desperately needed to prove he COULD. He could create a full scale psychological study. He could learn to fire a highly powered rifle. He could move past his limitations. And he could give his own true effort in a fight. With that gut instinct driving him, he spun on his feet, a fist flying behind his momentum and aiming for Tony’s face. But the motion advertised his intent and wasn’t quite as quick as his first blows. He didn’t have the energy to keep it up even if he had the anger to keep going. While the impact might not have been as fast as before, it was still as hard. Stars erupted in Tony’s vision, spurred on by Ashley’s knuckles. Sparkling lights lit up and the shuttle spun around in his vision, but it wasn’t the shuttle that was spinning, it was Tony. He caught himself against the bulkhead and pushed back, countering the momentum and spinning him back around. Thrusting his left fist out, he used the momentum to put what little power he could behind the punch. He didn’t necessarily aim the punch at the Denobulan’s head, but that’s where it landed. The remaining momentum behind the punch drove Tony forward, stumbling him into Ashley. The Denobulan flinched just as the blow came in, but only managed to change the point of impact slightly to the side of his head, then he felt Anthony’s heavy weight bearing down on him. He was forced backward and stumbled himself, and reactively grasped the arm and chest of Tony’s uniform to stop himself falling back. He only managed to bring Tony down on top of himself with a surprised shout. Tony flopped hard on top of his friend, his full weight coming to bear on the little man. Ashley’s knee planted into Tony’s ribs, driven in only by Tony’s weight. There was a nearly inaudible “crack”, but the yelp Tony made could definitely be heard. Slipping off of Ashley, he flopped to the floor and rolled away. It took a few seconds, but Tony pulled himself up onto his hands and knees. The weight of the large Human coming down on him drove the air out of his lungs, and there was a *POP* in his knee as the bony plate was momentarily shoved out of place when Tony’s bones came into contact with it. It slipped back, but the damage had been done, and as Tony moved away defensively he clutched the knee and rolled the other way with a strangled shout of pain. Catching his breath, he forced himself up without using the offended leg, stumbling and using the cockpit chair to balance as he expected another blow forthwith… but was surprised when Tony remained where he was. Meeks: ::Breathing heavily:: You really want to keep going? Tony clutched his gut, trying to rub a little of the discomfort away. He backed up and sat on the bench and spit a clot of blood onto the floor. Wiping the remnants from his mouth, he looked over at the man across the shuttle from him. Yael: You… ::wiping the back of his hand over his mouth, it came away glistening with blood:: … seemed more than happy to… Why’d he stop? The Denobulan wasn’t sure why, but a great sense of relief washed over him. He let himself fall back hard onto his ass on the deck of the holographic shuttle, panting hard and flinching as his knee was jarred. Meeks: Alright… you win. Better? Amethyst eyes flicked up onto the Human, his friend, who for *some* reason was not bashing his skull into the wall. His vision was cloudy from the pain in his face, and his ribs ached where he’d’ been kicked. Yael: … I don’t… think anybody wins this kind of thing. Meeks: ::Spitting again:: You’re probably right. Yael: Are you hurt? He wasn’t asking for his pride. The stupidity of what he’d just done was washing over him as the anger that had fueled him was cured by the pain he now felt. He was fairly sure he couldn’t take Anthony in a fight, so he wasn’t sure how he’d gotten so many blows in. Meeks: Nothing that an icepack won’t fix. You? Tony leaned on his elbows, which were planted on his knees. He could feel the tingling in his upper lip giving way to a low, dull throb. It was swelling, and when he talked it closed funny, causing him to slur his words a little. Yael: ::despite thinking his face was broken:: Same... Meeks: Did I teach you to hit like that? Spitting a mouthful of blood onto the floor next to him, Ashley adjusted his jaw with difficulty before speaking again. Yael: You’re a good teacher. Meeks: Obviously. ::Allowing a slight chuckle:: Yael: You know… you *could’ve* just thrown me out of the shuttle. The Denobulan actually smiled at the thought. Meeks: I could have, but then I’da had to go get ya. This was easier. A smile crept onto Tony’s face, the fat lip protruding, causing it to be very crooked. He had to give the little guy credit. He didn’t hit softly anymore. After a momentary silent reprieve wherein Ashley considered his swelling eye, he took in a deep breath and sighed, slipping back to lay flat on the deck. The momentary anger and thrill of the fight was wearing off quickly. Yael: I invited you here to *apologize.* Not to bash your face in… Tony looked up into his friend’s eyes, their light purple hue contrasting with the darker purple that was forming on Ashley’s cheek. He almost laughed at the sight, but thought better of it. Meeks: Again, not necessary. Yael: I’m sorry I’m a dick. Meeks: Okay, for that I’ll accept your apology. You were being a dick. The Denobulan tried to give him a thumbs up from where he lay on the ground, but it turned into a small wave. Yael: ::quietly:: Awesome. Meeks: One thing you need to realize, Ash. I don’t give up on my friends… ever. I’m afraid you’re stuck with me, ::Grinning again:: ...even if you’re being a dick. Ashley only smiled, even though it hurt his broken face to do it. ***************** 1Lt. Anthony Meeks Company Commander 1/292nd TMR D Co. Starbase 118 Ops/USS Narendra R238801IG0 & Ensign Ashley Yael Counselor Starbase 118 Ops C238211TZ0

Tough love is the best love ❤️

((Bajoran Temple Gardens - Starbase 118 Ops)) ((Day Two - Bajoran Gratitude Festival)) Ashley was feeling better since being treated for the love poisoning at the Gratitude Festivals first day. He’d slept well, a solid three hours that night, and felt *great* actually. Probably due to his long pseudo-hibernation nap the day before. He was definitely well rested. Things were still bustling on the second day of the festival, and it didn’t appear the energy would ebb off for a long while yet. Plenty of people were drinking, but no one was out of control or problematic, despite the flowing drinks. The memory of yesterdays event didn’t seem to diminish the celebration. That was one thing he really liked about Bajoran culture. It was resilient in the face of just about anything. The Denobulan hybrid smiled almost longingly at the celebrating drinkers. He *used* to drink. It was the only time he’d been able to let his guard down, and really be a *person* past all the self-imposed limitations and restrictions he used to live beneath. The recent poisoning had been much like being drunk, in a way… and had reminded him of how it felt. A little out of control. A little free. A bit *exciting.* Things were different now though. He was so much more a real person than the shadow he’d been. At least… he was trying his best. What he *wasn’t* trying to be anymore was perfect. He was more able to accept his faults, his failures, his very Human and Denobulan issues, while also not dwelling on them. Facing them was unpleasant, at times… but not facing them had nearly broken him. Drinking had eventually become a vehicle for his self destruction, so it had been cut out. He’d gone to rehab on Earth and hadn’t touched a drop in over two years… every time he walked into Verriar’s bar and walked out sober, it was a small victory for him. It was part of the reason he sought her establishment out. To be surrounded by it and not partake, it gave him a sense of strength he used to have to fake. Lately though, he no longer felt the confidence was fake. And that was more freeing than anything he could imbibe. Stepping up to one of the flaming braziers, he lifted his Renewal Scroll to the rim and let it fall into the cup. He’d had it in his jacket pocket the day before, and it had been forgotten after the excitement. Now it was a little crumpled, but still good. He intended to complete the Bajoran ritual. The flame turned a light blue for a moment as the parchment was incinerated in the small, steady flame. Turning from the brazier, he stepped away from it with the intention of enjoying the evening further… but stopped dead in his tracks. Not ten paces away stood an older Denobulan, dressed in traditionally conservative cut tan clothing, with piercing dark purple eyes. There was more girth and weight to his frame, with about five inches height on him as well. However, the strikingly similar features were clear. Yael: Father…?! Ashley didn’t manage to avoid sounding surprised. His stomach clenched… they were surrounded by celebrating people and noise and chatter, and it all drowned out to the sudden pounding of his heart in his own ears. His mind began to race with the “why” of it. It had been over TEN YEARS since they’d last spoke. Why was he here *now*?! Phax: Deneve. Ashley’s initial reaction dulled as he blanched out his expression and set cautious eyes on the older Denobulan. He tried to drown out any expression on his face that couldn’t be called neutral. Yael: I go by Ashley. Phax: Yes, I know. Your *Human* name. There was a silent pause that was pregnant with disapproval. Ashley didn’t move. Barely breathed. His father had turned against liking Humans since his wife… Ashley’s mother… had left him when their son was only seven years old. The older Denobulans disposition had never improved since… the memory of him praying for the school year on Denobula to end so he could travel back to Earth hit him with force and crystal clarity. Yael: What brings you to Starbase 118? Phax: There’s a medical conference on Rigel Four. I’ll be presenting to the neurologists present. This starbase is on the way, and the transport stopped for the Festival. ::pausing:: The computer told me where to find you. Ashley forced himself to smile pleasantly, but wasn’t sure he pulled it off. Yael: I see. You’re looking well. Phax: You’ve gained weight. It was said in a way that one could never decipher if it was a compliment or a critique. Ashley *had* gained a few pounds in the past years, after getting healthier. He was no longer painfully thin, and was typically happy about that. Now… he tried not to let his posture shrink. He kept his shoulders up and back, somehow. Yael: I’ve taken to exercising regularly. Phax: And you’ve taken to wearing *those*. Clear and dripping disapproval as his father motioned to the electro-stabilizing braces on his wrists and hands. He suddenly felt *sharply* self-conscious about them. He wished he had worn jacket from the day before… instead, he’d left it behind in his quarters and gone with the simple gunmetal grey turtleneck and black pants, with nice boots. He’d even pushed his sleeves up his forearms… he’d barely thought twice anymore about showing off the braces. He’d grown less shy of others seeing them after his friends had had roundly positive reactions to them. Now, he had to stop his instinct wanting to pull his sleeves back down… he didn’t want to seem reactionary… but he wasn’t wearing nearly enough armor for this sudden encounter. Yael: I find them to be quite useful. Phax: It would be less *embarrassing* for you if you had the bilateral brain surgery to suppress your symptoms. Yael: That surgery only has a 39% success rate, and can cause deficiencies that are worse than any of my current symptoms. Dark violet eyes set on him… they hardly changed at all, but Ashley internally cringed. He had to stop himself stepping back instinctively as he *felt* the threat in them. His father moved now, taking several steps closer until he was standing nearly at his side… and he had to swallow an irrational amount of fear as the man stepped closer. Phax looked past him and into the flaming brazier he’d just slid his Renewal Scroll into. Ashley didn’t move, setting his eyes in the distance, now looking past him into the crowd. There was a long pause as Phax surveyed the crowd silently, and Ashley stayed silent. Phax: How is your mother doing these days? Has she remarried? In his mind he scrambled for an honest answer that wouldn't betray his mothers privacy to the man she had cut out of her life. He called on the diplomacy he'd learned in years past to mediate an appropriately vague response that wouldn't inspire his fathers less charming side. Yael: She's quite happy, and has said she hopes you are as well. Phax: Mmm. ::he nodded as if this answer was relatively acceptable, then...:: Shouldn’t you be doing something more *important* with your time? Yael: My crew is enjoying leave at the moment. The Gratitude Festival is highly valued by our Bajoran crew. Phax: It looks like an excuse for a party. Whereas Ashley might have said the same phrase with joy or excitement, Deneve Phax said it with an air of disdain that was not subtle, and was obvious in its judgement. Phax: But I *suppose* you could finally find a lady friend at an event like this. Make some grandchildren for me. It would be about time. Yael: ::blandly:: I’ll get right on that. Phax: ::continuing regardless of his sons tone:: When I heard you’d gone active duty with Starfleet again I had *hoped* it was for something valuable. You’re still pretending to be a doctor, then? Yael: The field of psychology does not lose value just because you don't *respect* it. The words were out of his mouth before he could stop them, and in a crisp tone he finally couldn't control. He instantly regretted saying it as his fathers dark eyes slid over and onto him. They stood mere feet apart, nearly shoulder to shoulder… not matched in height… and he felt himself being looked down on. He felt it in his BONES. Phax: Don’t get defensive with me. There was a warning in those words… and Ashley couldn’t help but swallow his fear. It was becoming exceedingly more difficult not to physically shrink. Instead he smiled again, forcibly, turning to look at his father directly. Yael: I wouldn’t dream of it. He had to look up to match his fathers gaze… and his skin crawled when the man smiled down at him, his crows feet folding slightly deeper as he did so. Ashley kept his own smile on his face by force of will. Phax: When you make the decision to have the surgery, don’t go to someone else. I have a *43%* success rate. His father reached up with one hand and tightly grasped Ashley’s shoulder, giving him a slight but firm shake. To anyone watching, it might have seemed like a friendly gesture. But inside his guts Ashley had a visceral reaction to the touch. His mind froze as his father squeezed his shoulder, and every muscle in his body stiffened. There was a silent disgust that ran through him, and his stomach threatened to roll over. Then… the hand was gone, and his father walked away without so much as a goodbye, disappearing into the crowd. The Denobulan hybrid stood there, frozen, his skin crawling with invisible spiders… it was stunning how sharp and prickling the sensation was this time. The forced smile melted from his features… and he stood there, unmoving, bidding the contents of his stomach to *stay* in his stomach. He suddenly took a deep breath, having unconsciously been holding it, then thought to look around him. There were some Bajorans nearby glancing at him… he was just *standing* there alone, which probably seemed curious. One looked like they might be about to come over, so he took to a suddenly quick pace toward the turbolift in the opposite direction his father had gone. If he was going to vomit, he didn't want it to happen in public. Ensign Ashley Yael Counselor Starbase 118 Ops C238211TZ0

You beat me to posting this

How Ops got on the Naughty list...

And this is why we love Captain Finch!

Congrats and welcome - or welcome back - to the fleet!!

While the Catullans were laughably bad, they were neither evil nor boring. It's a goofy space romp with a silly moral. But Shinzon... oh. he's terrible. Just horrible. One big pure pile of gold-pressed latinum gilded targ droppings. He's gotta win this golden razzy.