Sal Taybrim

Taelon is obviously a keen student of Starfleet chair design: A wonderful little 'fourth-wall' nod

I'm loving the conversation developing between Zinna and Mrs Whittaker! A few gems:

(( Holodeck 7; Starbase 118 )) Falcon: oO This is SO COOL! Oo ::Kaitlyn was honestly not sure how old she felt as she sat at Armstrong’s communications station, adorned in the now classic late 23rd century Starfleet uniform.:: ::She knew Constitution-class ships very well, seeing as both her father and her eldest sister captained the last two of them. Kaitlyn remembered well many of her visits to her father’s Yorktown back in the day. While she had, technically, been an adult, she felt like a kid almost every time.:: ::While this program had been billed as a dramatization, just a game, Kaitlyn could see that the makers cared enough about the source material to actually do some studying about Connies. Armstrong’s bridge, at least, felt very accurate.:: ::Then you threw in the old uniform, and the whole thing felt like a costume party.:: ::Sal spoke over the rules, which were straightforward enough for Kaitlyn to hear as she continued to nerd out over the bridge’s accuracy and extreme levels of nostalgia. Finally, the options popped up for the program’s level of difficulty.:: ::That part was a bit of a question mark for her… Go for broke, or coast along and have fun with this? In the end, Kaitlyn decided to split the different and pick level 2. Enough of a challenge to keep her awake, but not so much that she could not enjoy what happened around her.:: ::Moments later, the action kicked off.:: Computer: Red Alert! Red Alert! Engines have been locked at Warp 8, course heading: directly into Klingon territory. Falcon: oO Well, that was quick. Oo Taybrim: We'll hit the neutral zone in two minutes, sirs! Anders: ::turns to face Flynn’s station:: Mute that alert, ::looks at Taybrim:: Yeoman record it in our log, set all logs to send to Star Fleet Command and launch a class 1 transponder right away. ::Kaitlyn looked around her console for a moment, finding the… communications ear… thingy… and putting it in its proper place.:: Flynn: ::Returning his smile.:: Aye, Captain! Anders: Are we able to use thrusters to change course? ::Wait… No… It felt wrong in her left ear. Were these things not worn in one’s left ear? Maybe it was the right… Kaitlyn popped the ear thingy out and switched sides.:: Trel'lis: I believe so Depends on how much power can be allotted to said thrusters, sir! Greyson: Seein' what I ken do about it, sirs. Reroutin' power from non-essential systems. ::Kaitlyn paused for a moment. No… That did not feel right either. How in blazes did communications folks use these blasted ear thingys?!:: Whittaker: Getting on it now! Taybrim: The rules of the Khitomer Accords state that any unauthorized entry across the neutral zone can be seen as an act of war! Anders: Anyway to override our warp core while still at work? Flynn: :: nodding :: If we can slow down even a little, it will buy us time. Whittaker: Not without risking the magnetic seals around the matter/anti-matter reaction assembly. :: beat :: It will lead to a warp core breach... and nobody wants that. :: he looked back to Greyson. :: I'm open to suggestions Ensign. Trel'lis: I'm getting no response from thruster, sir. ::And a bit more forward… No… Twist back a touch? Maybe… Test signal? OUCH, TOO LOUD!:: Taybrim: Mr. Vondaryan, could this be sabotage? Or is there a more scientific explanation for this malfunction? Taelon: Possibly, sir - ::As he said that, the computer told him his attempts to override some of the systems had failed. That pretty much settled it, didn’t it? He looked at Vondaryan before he looked back to their honorary Captain.:: Computer overrides are failing, sir. While it could be a mechanical issue, that’s highly unlikely... Vondaryan: Internal sensors not detecting malfunctions. ::beat:: Though I believe we're nearing the Borderland Detection Device. Anders: What does the Borderland Detection Devices look like where we will enter Klingon Space? Whittaker: The moment we cross the border, the Klingon early warning network will light up like a gaudy Christmas tree. They'll be on top of us within seconds! Vondaryan: I'll have security teams standing by in the transporter rooms, just in case. ::Okay. Maybe this would not be so bad. Volume reset, support in position… Test signal? Yes! Finally! Communications was good to go!:: ::Kaitlyn swung back toward the bridge… freezing before a smile could reach her features. It was pretty much chaos out there.:: Falcon: oO Umm… What did I miss? Oo ::Kaitlyn twisted half back toward her station, trying to keep an ear pointed toward the others as she tried to catch up.:: ::No… No, keep the OTHER ear toward the others. The ear thingy was kinda muffling everything on her right side.:: Flynn: Increase power to the shields and route... Anders: No!!! Keep the shields down, as a matter of fact start killing as much power to the ship as we can! Taelon: Aye-aye- Flynn: ::Turning to Cain.:: Stay sharp though, if we're detected we're going to want to be combat ready quick. Cain: Response? Trel'lis: :: turns slightly, looking to Anders :: Why is that, sir? Anders: I want the smallest amount of power signature we can be once we cross... in 40 seconds. Greyson: On it, sir. ::The ear thingy was smooth, cool metal. HOW COULD IT POSSIBLY BE ITCHY!:: Anders: Mr. Whittaker, and if you can find a way to kill to our warp core, I would be very happy. Whittaker: :: unable to help himself, a grin crossed his face :: Aye aye sir. Greyson: Jettison the core? Whittaker: Great minds think alike Mr. Greyson. Falcon: oO But… Don’t we need that to flee from things? Oo ::Eerily enough, Trellis seemed to be thinking the same thing.:: Vondaryan: But if we jettison the core, we won't be able to escape any Klingons that come upon us. Falcon: Pretty much what I was thinking, yeah… Anders: Can we use our sensors and deflectors to maybe hide us when we come across the Klingon net? Taelon: Uh - ::looks at the Captain:: I’ve shut down our sensor array, sir, as the border security might detect its emissions - ::His hand rested on the panel, wondering if he should just flip them back on or stand by his earlier decision.:: But in theory, we may be able to disguise ourselves if we could calibrate them to appear to come from a different kind of vessel. It’d take only - ::looks at time index:: More time than we have, sir. Whittaker: If we were able to determine the frequency of the sensor nets we can modulate our own shields to match. The detection net would register us as elevated background radiation. Vondaryan: Can you do that in time? Trel’lis: ::mutters:: That depends on how sensitive that net is. ::Okay. Ear thingy was back in place, this time with a lot less fuss. Maybe now it would… WHY IS IT SHARP?!:: Trel’lis: If the net is too sensitive, it’ll pick up *everything*, no matter *how* minuscule! Greyson: Good news and bad news, sir. I've managed to recalibrate the power signature so we're a smaller vessel. Bad news, if the net's too sensitive and we wind up dumping the core, the signature disguise won't hold. Whittaker: You're good, aren't you? :: grinning :: Greyson: Response? Any: Responses? Flynn: :: looking to Falcon :: Are there ANY other vessels in communications range? ::Kaitlyn looked to her console… finding a weird little puzzle instead of the data. Oh… Right… Game… Kaitlyn quickly solved it, the program finally allowing her the answer.:: Falcon: Nothing on my scopes. Then again, if there IS someone out there, they might be cloaked. Flynn: I recommend we prepare for the worst where we can, short of turning the lights back on. Flynn: Vondaryan, are your men prepared in case of a boarding party? Vondaryan: Security teams standing by at the transporter rooms and in other key areas around the ship. I can have tractor beams ready as soon as the lights turn back on, if we turn them on. Greyson: In the event we're boarded, we may need to seal engineering. In the event we wind up needing to dump the core, we probably won't be at nearly as much risk. Whittaker: I can have engineering sealed at a moment's notice. Vondaryan: I'll station teams just outside to be safe. Falcon: I’ve finally got this setup figured out, so notifications should go easily enough. Flynn: :: looking at Mirra and Freya :: Are you equipped for field treatments? Ezo/Andersen: Responses? Flynn: ::Nodding:: Counselor Nadia. ::He paused and admitted a smirk.:: I don’t suppose you’re going to tell us that Klingons in this era had a more peaceful and resolution oriented mindset? Nadia: Responses? Greyson: That'll be the day.... ::Suddenly, Armstrong lurched hard enough that Kaitlyn wondered, briefly, if the station itself had taken a hit. Thankfully, her instincts were strong enough to let her latch onto her chair before she could go too far.:: Greyson: We have a problem. Falcon: oO Ya think? Oo Whittaker: What happened? Greyson: Well, we came out of warp which is the good news. The bad news... um... Falcon, where are we? ::Another look to her console and…:: Falcon: oO Oh, come on! Another puzzle just to see the MAP? Oo ::Thankfully, it was, again, quickly solved.:: Falcon: Plowed straight through the neutral zone and into Klingon space. Greyson: That's what I was afraid of. ::Another alarm sounded in the bridge, this time Theo speaking up… after fighting with his console for a bit. Something told Kaitlyn he had picked option 3.:: ::Boy, was she glad she had not picked option 3…:: Whittaker: Sensors are reading a large neutron radiation surge approximately seven hundred kilometers off our port nacelle. :: recalling the information from memory :: It could be a Klingon vessel. Klingon cloaking devices during this period were known for their radiation output. Falcon: And, seeing as I had nothing on my scopes when I looked a few minutes ago, I’d say there’s pretty solid odds that it’s a Klingon ship. Vondaryan: Are we detecting any communications or other emissions from the area? ::he blinked:: Does anyone speak Klingon? Falcon: ::Shrugs.:: I know a bunch of swears, but I don’t think that’ll really help us in the situation. Whittaker: :: glancing at Greyson :: It's possible, but I've never heard of Klingons experimenting with tele-capture systems. :: beat :: That's more of a Romulan technique from the Earth-Romulan War. Vondaryan: Could some remnants of the Klingon-Romulan alliance still remain? It didn't collapse that long ago, so there may be some residual friendships lingering. That might explain the mixed techniques. Greyson: Response? Falcon: I also haven’t seen indication of any incoming signal telling our systems what to do. Doesn’t mean for certain there’s nothing, as they could find a sneaky way to hide the signal. Vondaryan: Sir, I'm detecting an unauthorized power surge in the transporters. ::Kaitlyn sighed.:: Falcon: oO I knew I should have brought my phase pistols with me… Oo =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Lt Commander Kaitlyn Falcon Chief Helm Officer Starbase 118 / U.S.S. Albion F237507RF0 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

He'd deny it in a heartbeat. >.>

Also one that personally got me: ... but Wyn doesn't have a mother...

Had meant to post these sooner, but I loved these bits from Hael and Sindri's JP:

She is lots of fun to interact with! I mean for the writers... ::coughcough:: The characters... well, they'll deal. ;-)

((Andersen’s Quarters – Starbase 118)) ((Time index – Evening of the crew gathering.)) ::The routine of the station was a welcome change in the wind down after Tilanna V. The mundane 9 to 5 was a joy. Especially when Friday came around. Commander Taybrim had invited the senior staff to another gathering. The man certainly knew how to throw a party. He also knew how to keep his guest happy. Freya laughed when she had seen the Best of the Wurst would be catering the event, as well as the illogical eatery – it seemed the conversation between the security officer and marine captain about the catering at the last staff meeting had not gone unnoticed by the commanding officer.:: :: She left her bedroom dressed in stark contrast to her usual attire. The navy floral tea dress skimmed her knees and was finished with a brown belt and matching shoes. She’d decided she was going to let her hair down that evening – both figuratively and literally. :: :: She look in the mirror as she ran her fingers through her shoulder length hair. She stopped when she saw the reflection of her son, sat on the couch, with his head in a book. He’d been quiet since she returned home. She had assumed he was still upset at being left on the station. It didn’t stop her worrying something else was wrong.:: Andersen: Are you sure you won’t come with me? Tyr: I’m sure… ::He didn’t look up from the book.:: Andersen: What are you going to do this evening? ::He said nothing. :: Andersen: I don’t mind if you want to go out for a little while… Tyr: I have home work to finish. Andersen: OK. Well you know where I am if you need me. ::Freya picked up her cardigan, put it on and made for the door. She knew better than to force a conversation.:: Tyr: Mamma… ::Looking up from book.:: You look Pretty. Andersen: ::Smiling:: Thanks handsome. ::Pointing at the book:: don’t study too hard. ((Voodoo Jazz Lounge – Starbase 118)) ((Time Index – 1745)) :: People had already started to arrive. Freya scanned the crowd for familiar faces and those not so. She also happily noticed not everyone had taken up the offer of bringing a guest. ::Normally that wouldn’t have bothered her, but Freya had made the mistake of mentioning the event to her mother, so it was on her mind. With sledgehammer subtlety, saved especially for family, Freya’s mother had enquired if she would be taking anyone to the party. Freya responded with her usual sarcasm, that resulted in a lecture she had heard many times over. Freya swiftly made her excuses to end the conversation when the phrase ‘just some fun’ had left her mothers mouth. Freya prayed she would never be that embarrassing, for Tyr’s sake!:: ::At the bar she ordered a Moscow mule. She sipped at the drink while she watched the other guests, savouring the sharpness of the lime and fiery taste of ginger. She notice Commander Whitaker stood alone. He seemed pre-occupied again. Remembering how defeated he had seemed last time, she thought she’d check on him. While he might out rank her, she trumped him with at least ten years life experience, maybe she could help.:: :: As she drew closer, she could see his expression more clearly. He didn’t seem to be carrying the same burden in his face. Freya also noticed what was drawing his attention. She recognised the young boy playing as the child commander Anders was fostering. :: Andersen: Evening Theo. :: Theo turned to see the security officer stood next to him. :: Andersen: He seems like a tough little guy. A little cutie, too. Whittaker: He is indeed. :: beat, smiling warmly :: He’s a remarkable little chap. Andersen: ::Returning smile:: It seems like he’s won you over. Whittaker: I must confess that I am. :: beat :: This may be a personal question Freya, but how quickly did you bond with Tyr? ::Now that was a complicated can of worms! She’d intended to offer assistance to Whitaker and Anders if the situation had arisen but she hadn’t expected it to come with a question that would involve so much emotional baggage.:: Andersen: For me instantly, but I had biology on my side having given birth to him. That said, biology doesn't always make you a good parent… ::She thought about the relationship, or lack there of, with her own father, as well as her own decision early in Tyr’s life.:: Whittaker: He may not be my biological son, but I’m starting to struggle to imagine life without him already. :: beat :: It sounds ridiculous, considering I’ve known him less than a week. Andersen: That's not ridiculous at all. It just shows me you’re committed and that's exactly what you need. ::She paused:: and to be patient with him… Whitaker: What do you mean? Andersen: I’m by no means a counsellor, I just speak from experience. I loved Tyr from the moment he was born, to this day and I will love him ‘till my last breath. But I don’t think it was the same for Tyr - he had to learn to love me. ::She took a sip of her drink before continuing. :: Andersen: I was young and in a complicated situation. I left him with his Father as I though it was the best option to give him stability. I made, what I now feel was, a very poor decision. Whitaker: :: suprised :: You stopped all contact? Andersen: ::Shook her head:: Not completely. I’d visit him on Cardassia when I could, but that wasn’t often enough. I was more like a friend who would visit once in a while. I don’t think he even understood I was family... Whitaker: That's obviously not the case now. :: beat :: If I may inquire, what changed? Andersen: After his Father’s death. I knew he had to stay with me. I brought him back to Earth. I reminded myself - I was his mother and there was no more running away from my responsibility. ::Many years had passed since Lokir’s death, so the memories rarely brought tears anymore. However, they still brought with them the heavy, twisting weight in her chest.:: Andersen: But I’ll be honest, early on I still wanted to run. It was so difficult. To begin with it was an adventure for him. But that soon wore off. The young four year old wanted to be back in his bed in the only home he’d known. He wanted to see his father’s face. He wanted his father to put him to bed. The alien faces became all the more scary and the desire for the familiar stronger. ::She spoke candidly as she dared. It had been a difficult time – She had mourned the man she loved, while she also endured the rejection from the child she adored. A pain she believed, for a long time, she deserved. :: Whittaker: Any advice? Andersen: Prepare for the tears and anger. This is going to be an emotional roller coaster. For all of you. Whitaker: :: frowning :: Go on... Andersen: Don’t be afraid to take a step back. If that's what it takes to be that strength that young boy needs, do it. I’m sure I won’t be the only one to say it, but if either of you need help – whether it be a babysitter or some one vent your frustrations at – you know where to find me. ~*~ Lt. JG. Freya Andersen Assistant Chief of Security Starbase 118 Ops O239209FA0

Also, this whole exchange:

I'ma just leave this right here...

I found this very evocative:

You need counseling? You're gonna GET COUNSELED!

You must have good stories to tell! Good thing there's a party... with drinks... to encourage the telling of stories!

((Main Sickbay - aCMO’s office - Starbase 118)) ((Timeframe - Day of Voodoo Lounge invite)) ::Now that the crew had safely returned from Tilanna V, Mirra had found herself buried under a veritable mountain of paperwork. It seemed that in the brief amount of time she had been away, it had multiplied like a pile of frisky tribbles. Between getting caught up with the going-ons of the base, Mirra had been keeping in contact with the physicians on Tilanna V in regards to the ongoing treatment plan for ATH users. It has been only a few days, but still the results had remained positive. ::Shortly after return, Mirra had sent out a lengthy, highly specific memo to the entire staff that if anyone were to arrive at the base displaying ATH withdrawal or positively testing for the drug, it was to be reported to her immediately. She planned on doing all that she could to prevent the devastation of Tilanna V to reach them here on the base. She had been debating tossing the pile of PADDs out of the nearest airlock and escaping to the open air of Central Park when she was drawn to movement in her doorway.:: Ezo: ::brightening:: Flynn! ::Sauntering into Mirra’s office without invite as was becoming his habit, he looked up from the PADD he was glued to when she greeted him, only to find her swimming in a sea of work that quickly reminded him of the pile of work on his own desk that had piled up while they were off saving the universe.:: Flynn: ::Grinning:: Hey sunshine. Need to be rescued? Ezo: ::playfully whimpering:: Yes please. Who knew helping run a department involved so much paperwork….remind me to send a “Thank you” muffin basket to Doc MacLaren…. Flynn: Yeah no kidding. ::He moved a small stack of PADDs from the corner of her desk and propped himself up.:: My desk is almost as bad as yours, doesn’t help that my Junior Administrator took an extended leave. ::He tugged at his collar and leaned forward slightly with a hushed tone.:: I think I triggered her Pon farr... ::Rolling her eyes, she had the sudden desire to shove him off the corner of her desk while explaining the details of Vulcan female physiology, however, she decided any sudden movement might cause the avalanche effect of her piles of PADDs. She stuck with spearing him with an unamused glare.:: Ezo: ::flatly:: How inconsiderate of you. This is a terrible attempt at rescue by the way, how is planting your widely remarked upon posterior on my desk considered helpful? Flynn: ::Looking perplexed.:: I feel like you just answered your own question. ::He smiled and handed her the PADD he had been absorbed in.:: I’m looking over replacement candidates, check this guy out. ::Accepting the PADD, Mirra was glancing at a rather surly looking Antican male. Despite the long list of accolades, there was an equally, if not longer list of infractions. It appeared his temper was short and the capability to hold a grudge was vast.:: Flynn: A nice list of accomplishments, but I think his beard is my favorite. Ezo: Yeah...and did you read the part where he tried to strangle someone with it? Flynn: Oh…::He took the PADD back and looked at the segment she had highlighted.:: Is it bad that I’m more impressed now? ::Mirra had to admit the mental picture of a pouncing Antican with a weaponized beard was rather impressive.:: Ezo: Be impressed from afar. Who’s next? Flynn: I do have a favorite. ::He pulled it up and handed it over.:: Bactrican, fresh out of the academy but she has a great….::He snapped his fingers looking for the word.:: Ezo: ::glancing at the PADD:: …..Body? ::tossing the PADD back:: No. Just-no. Next. Flynn: What? ::A guilty smile.:: The job can get very...physical. Ezo: No, it doesn’t. And if it does you need reassigned. NEXT. ::Antero looked over the list again and stopped on the Zaldan female he had considered earlier. On the surface he wasn’t sure it was a good fit, but something kept drawing him back. He wouldn't have to explain the implications of working with someone of the famously blunt Zaldan race.:: Flynn: There is this one, but I’m not sure…::He handed her the file.:: There are a lot of short assignments, and I don’t find myself wondering why. ::Accepting the PADD, Mirra was impressed with the list of accomplishments, and although several disciplinary actions, it seemed they stemmed from those not properly accepting the nuances of her race. The more she read, the more she was determined for this to be the chosen candidate.:: Ezo: Flynn she’s perfect. By nature extremely straight forward, not going to be one to not make her stance clear, she even served on Earth Spacedock. You know she can handle the pressure….besides she may be the one female candidate who won’t fall for your...uh...youness. Flynn: ::Laughing:: You might have a point. I’ll bring her in for an interview at least… ::Laughing at the thought of Flynn’s chances of survival through said interview, the telltale ping of an important message sounded, as a crew-wide reminder communique from the Captain appeared on the screen..:: ~*~ To: StarBase 118 Senior Staff From: Commander Sal Taybrim Subject: Crew ceremony and gathering Please join us this Friday evening, at the Voodoo Lounge Jazz Club, we have the back room set aside for the evening's festivities. Dinner will be served and you have a choice of logically refreshing vegetarian fare provided by the Illogical Eatery or satisfying grilled meat products provided by Best of the Wurst (voted 'the Best Carnivore Restaurant' on SB118 Ops three years running). We will have a live band, a selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and a side area with activities for children, and a registered babysitter. Dress is casual, and you are welcome to bring a guest. Please arrive starting at 1730, or by 1800 hours, sharp. ~Commander Sal Taybrim ~*~ ::Glancing at the time, it appeared the pair had about an hour to get changed and report to the Voodoo Lounge. Grinning, Mirra stood up from her desk, stretching her sore muscles.:: Ezo: Well? Looks like this is an official rescue for both of us, courtesy of Commander Taybrim. Somehow I managed to get so caught up I lost track of the days. C’mon, we’ll discuss this further on the way to get ready. ::As the two friends exited her office, Mirra linked her arm through his in their usual fashion. She hadn’t had the chance to touch base with him after the return from the base. She felt guilty about that fact and vowed to make up for lost time. Laying her head against his shoulder while they walked, she was sensing a deep conflict within him.:: Ezo: So...candidates aside, how are you doing? You know, with how things went on Tilanna V… ::Already taking comfort in the company of his friend, he took a deep breath and exhaled before responding. Knowing Mirra had always been a source of strength in tough times. Flynn: Not great if I’m honest. I talked to Tyler some, he helped put some things in perspective. I guess it couldn’t hurt to talk to Zinna sometime. Maybe she can help me with these dark dreams I have been having. I’ve not been getting the best sleep... Ezo ::nodding:: That’s completely understandable. This mission has been...most difficult, to say the least. Tyler would be a great person to speak with ::grinning:: Not that I am biased by any means… ::She meant what she had said. Tyler had been her own pillar of strength when the dreams came haunting her in the dark.:: Flynn: ::Grinning:: He was good for some fun unwinding too. ::He looked down at her with a smirk:: Maybe you can relate in a somewhat different aspect. Ezo: ::elbowing him lightly, ignoring the implication:: And Zinna of course would be wonderful, she’s been truly invaluable with Mase, and I am still amazed that he is doing as well as he is. To be honest, I think he has been great for Theo, he has something positive from the experience to focus on. Instead of only seeing the negative. I’ve been spending time conversing with the doctors presiding over the ATH treatments, and seeing any amount of progress has helped me handle the memories of the devastation. Flynn: That’s great. I am a strong witness to what Theo had to go through. ::He shook his head.:: I can't image what you saw with the poor victims down there. It’s nice to hear that some good is coming of it. ::At the mention of Mase, the Risian excitedly remembered his inspiration the night before.:: Oh! So I was trying to think of ways to, you know, get my head back on straight. I’m going to start teaching swimming lessons here on the base, just like I used to do on Risa. Ezo ::face softening:: That is a brilliant idea Flynn. I think that will do you a world of good. And, it might be a wonderful introduction to socialization for Mase with kids his own age. ::grinning:: Instructor Flynn. Nice ring to it. ::smirking:: although I am sure you’ll have plenty of spectators there to see you in your swim trunks. ::Before long, the two had made it to their prospective quarters to change and get ready for the evening's festivities. Returning to their agreed upon meeting place, Mirra had changed into a loose fitting light teal top and a pair of cuffed, cream colored shorts. She left her hair in soft waves, and had slipped on a pair of sparkly, strappy silver sandals with a slight heel. Smiling, she approached Flynn looking dapper in his black jeans and white button up shirt, wrapped in a smoke grey cardigan with black edging. Resuming their earlier stance with linked arms, they were outside the doors of the Voodoo Jazz lounge before long.:: ::Stepping through the doors, Mirra was impressed by the lighting and the smooth jazz notes weaving its way through the crowd. Seeing several of their fellow crew proceeding them, they made their towards the bar.:: Ezo: ::smiling:: It appears we’re fashionably right on time. ::Peering around and enjoying the ambiance, he was about to respond when he noticed an opportunity standing nearby with its back turned. He stopped in his tracks and graced Mirra with a dead serious expression.:: Flynn: If you will excuse me, a certain Gorn Marine has an overdue appointment with a headlock. Ezo: ::eyes widening:: Flynn no!! ::As he dashed off, the sound of his only salvation fell on deaf ears.:: Ezo: ::sighing:: By the Gods...no way this is ending well…. Lieutenant JG Antero Flynn CAG Officer Starbase 118/Aegis C239205AF0 & Lieutenant JG Mirra Ezo, MD Ast. Chief Medical Officer Starbase 118 Ops C239205ME0

W00t! Congrats ensigns and welcome to the fleet!

(( St. Peter's Cathedral, Ashalla District, Starbase 118 )) (( Several Days Later - Before the Party )) :: Theo Whittaker was not a spiritual person by any means which was why he was perplexed as to why he currently found himself sat in one of the many wooden pews of the cathedral in silent contemplation. The air was tinged with the sweet scent of incense that was coming from the gently swinging thurible held by a member of the cathedral's staff. Around him there were low murmured chants of prayer from a group of nuns. He had not stepped foot inside a Christian church since he was seven years old when his father had taken him to the cathedral on Archer IV in order for him to be baptised. It was not because he had a problem with the idea of religious that so many Starfleet officers he had encountered seemed to have, but because he equated the Christian faith with his father, a man that he loved and hated in equal measure. They had never gotten along, especially after Theo dared to defy his wishes and applied to Starfleet instead of devoting himself to a life of academia. He could not remember deciding to find solace in the quiet of the cathedral, instead he had found himself there after going for a walk to clear his turbulent mind. Before he knew it he was inside and looking up at the beautiful stained glass windows. Here, he found he could forget the fact that he was on a starbase, or the painful events of the last several weeks- of the last year which had seen him lurch from one catastrophe to another; Providence, Avronis V, Chennel, Estava, Haz Arrihman and Tilanna. A litany of chaos marked his brief career in Starfleet, so much so though that he found it difficult to appreciate the positives: all the wonderful friends he had made, his promotion... Baylen. His sombre reverie was interrupted by the realisation that he was not alone. Turning his head, he found himself sat next to a kindly looking nun who head was bowed in prayer. When had she arrived? After several seconds, she finished her prayer and smiled, turning to look at him. :: Sister Monica Julienne: It is so peaceful here at this time of day, is it not? Whittaker: :: nodding :: It is indeed sister. :: She studied him for a moment with a sympathetic look on her face. :: Sister Monica Julienne: Your soul is heavy Commander Whittaker. Whittaker: Um, how do you know who I am? :: He knew it was a stupid question as soon as he had uttered it. Surprisingly, instead of chastising him, she smiled brightly, so brightly in fact that her whole face seemed to light up. :: Sister Monica Julienne: I may be just a nun devoted to his service but I do make a point to keep myself and my fellow sisters informed of less heavenly matters. :: she reached forward and placed a hand on his :: You are lost. Whittaker: :: thick with emotion, whispering :: H-how do you know? Sister Monica Julienne: You have been sat here for nearly an hour and a half Commander :: beat :: And I can recognise when somebody is need of support. Whittaker: W-who are you? Sister Monica Julienne: My name is Sister Monica Julienne of the Sisters of the Community of Saint John the Divine. :: beat :: We serve the lord here in this cathedral, although sometimes we help those who need it. Whittaker: :: the lump in his throat was growing and he had to take several breaths to steady himself :: I- I don't know what to say. Sister Monica Julienne: Say nothing then Commander. :: beat :: Or would you prefer to call you Theo? Whittaker: Theo... Sister Monica Julienne: What pains you, Theo? Whittaker: :: he was suddenly uncomfortable, acutely aware he was sat in a place of worship for a religion he did not follow. His eyes darted towards the exit. :: I-I should go. Sister Monica Julienne: Why? Because you do not believe? :: beat :: You do not need to to talk. :: And so Theo spoke. He told her of watching the Orion woman dying infront of him and how it was the latest in a long line of traumas he had suffered during his brief career in Starfleet, of making first contact with "Providence"- a dangerous weapons delivery system and the frightened little girl at the heart of it, the details of his brutal assault by an Iconian, the torture he suffered at the hands of Chennel aboard her pirate ship and the frightening visions he had as Columbia orbited a Romulan colony world. As he recounted each horror, his voice grew fraught as the memories became increasinly painful. To her credit, Sister Monica Julienne took it in her stride, even as Theo began to sob, letting all the pain and anguish flow through his tears. She took him in a kindly embrace and held him until the tears stopped flowing. He sat up and dried his eyes and whispered an apology. :: Sister Monica Julienne: There is no need to apologise. Your burden is great. :: beat :: Crying is not a sign of weakness. Whittaker: :: sniffing :: It's... not what I was brought up to believe. Sister Monica Julienne: Tell me, have you thought of praying? :: beat :: Even if you don't believe in the lord, you can still ask a higher being for help. Whittaker: I-I hadn't. Sister Monica Julienne: Then try. :: She smiled and Theo knelt prostate and did so. When he finished, he looked up to find the kindly nun was nowhere to be seen- and felt a sense of wonder. :: -- Lieutenant Commander Theo Whittaker Executive Officer Starbase 118 Operations

Please tell me it's " Ring-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding! Gering-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding!"

(( Kaitlyn Falcon’s Quarters; Starbase 118 – 10 Hours into Transit Home )) ::The new smell was still there.:: ::Rhino stuck his nose through the bars of his home, sniffing the air. It was the new furry thing that Mom had brought, but what was it? He could hear it, he could smell it, but it was nothing like anything he had heard or smelled.:: ::Seen? Well, considering he could not really see anything beyond the far side of his home, it was no surprise he could not actually see the new smell.:: ::Mom had been gone a while. This happened. Sometimes he went with her, sometimes he did not. When he did, it usually meant Mom was getting a new home, too. Still, Mom always came back. He always heard when she did.:: ::The new smell made that noise again. Rhino had never heard that before. Squeaks, chirps, grunts, sure, but… Rhino had no concept of the noise he heard.:: ::Was it an invader? Mom had shown the new smell to him, though he was barely awake at the time. If Mom brought it, though, it was not an invader. His home had not moved, and Mom still said bye before she left.:: ::He needed to know. He needed to find out what the new smell was.:: ::Rhino pulled back from the bars, turning to run down the ramp. He had long ago learned that the lower door was bent just enough for him to get a paw on it, to get it to unlock.:: ::Getting out of home was easy. Getting in? THAT was the trick.:: ::The lock clicked, allowing the door to fall outward into another ramp. He had to be careful; the bars were not the easiest thing to walk down.:: ::The new smell was close. Rhino paused, sniffing the air, and started toward it.:: ::He found another home, just like his. The smell was strong, as was the strange noise… Rhino pulled back onto his hind legs, reaching up to grab onto the bars and pull himself up to see.:: ::He was closer now, and actually awake. It was… fur. All fur. It did not move, but it did make noise.:: ::If this home was like his, then… He could get in. The lock was higher.:: ::After working his magic, Rhino slipped into the other home. He slid down the wall, landing on the soft floor and turning to approach the new smell. It did not seem to notice him… Maybe it did not see him? Rhino started walking around the new smell, looking for its face… but there was not one.:: ::Rhino was confused. Everything had a face. Mom did, and all the people Mom brought for him to meet. They all had a face.:: Rhino: *Squeak?* ::The new smell stirred. It shifted around, as if trying to see him with eyes Rhino could not find.:: Sasquatch: *Coo.* ::Rhino shifted back, head tilting. So… the new smell DID know he was there.:: Rhino: *Squeak.* Sasquatch: *Coo.* ::The new smell’s noise… It was comforting. Somehow…:: ::Normally, a new smell meant something that was going to steal his home. Or Mom. Or at least, that was what he thought it meant; neither of those had ever actually happened. But this new smell…? It did not seem a threat.:: Sasquatch: *Coo?* ::Wait… did the new smell think HE was the threat?:: Rhino: *Squeak!* Sasquatch: *Coo…* ::The new smell shifted again, this time starting to move. Rhino turned to watch the new smell. It went to a bowl, then came back, then stopped, then backed away.:: ::Rhino stepped over, seeing… SEEDS! THE TASTY FLAT SEEDS! Rhino looked to the new smell.:: Rhino: …..*Squeak?* Sasquatch: *Coo.* ::Rhino grabbed the tasty flat seeds, stuffing them into his cheek pouch before looking to the new smell.:: Rhino: *Squeak!* Sasquatch: *Coo!* ::Yeah… New smell was all right…:: (( 11 Hours Later )) ::Aegis was docked, everyone was dismissed, and Kaitlyn was ready for some excellent sleep…:: ::However, one look at Rhino’s cage immediately told her she was NOT going to have a restful night… The lower door was WIDE OPEN.:: Falcon: ::Quietly.:: Aw, hell… ::Louder, tired.:: Computer, locate Rhino. ::The computer had become quite adept at locating her occasionally wandering hamster, cutting down the time needed to find the escapee dramatically.:: Computer: Rhino is approximately four meters behind you. ::Well, that was quick. And close… Had he only just now gotten loose? Kaitlyn turned, the first things to catch her eye being Sasquatch’s cage.:: Falcon: No… You didn’t… ::Kaitlyn approached the cage, dropping to a knee and peering within it. She spotted Sasquatch; the tribble was sleeping happily in the corner. But there was no sign of Rhino…:: ::She leaned around the cage, looking beyond. There was nothing else there he could be hiding under…:: Falcon: Computer, are you sure about that? Computer: Affirmative. Rhino is .3 meters from your position. ::Kaitlyn looked into the cage again… taking a closer look at Sasquatch. As she managed to see past the long fur, her mouth dropped in shock.:: ::There, nestled within the ball of fur that was Sasquatch, was Rhino. Curled up into a little ball, and sleeping atop the sleeping Tribble.:: ::Kaitlyn fell back onto her rear, sitting there for a while as she tried to comprehend it. Finally, she found her words.:: Falcon: Wow… Everyone really DOES love Tribbles… =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Rhino the Hamster Sasquatch the Tribble AND Lt Commander Kaitlyn Falcon Chief Helm Officer Starbase 118 / U.S.S. Albion F237507RF0 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Congrats and welcome to the fleet!!

((Cargo Bay One -- USS Aegis)) ::Silence. It hung in the air like a straight jacket. Most people found silence comforting, a chance to relax and reflect. Quintus found it boring. He paced around the cargo bay, growing more impatient by the minute. He hated silence. ::Yes, there were muted conversations scattered throughout the company. Yes, there was the muffled sound of equipment being tended, or repairs being made. There was even the sound of Jandara attempting to talk to him. Or, there had been up until a few minutes ago. She must have finally tired of his grunts and shrugs in response to her questions. There were sounds around the bay, yes. But there was silence in regards to orders to action. ::If they'd been back on base, Quintus would have gone to a holodeck for a training exercise. Even here, part of him wanted to drill the company to make sure they were prepared. But they'd been through a lot planetside and deserved their rest. Rest just wasn't what Quintus enjoyed. He continued growling as he paced. He nearly wore a groove into the deck plating when he heard a welcome voice call to him over the comm badge.:: Tatash: =/\= Tatash to Raisillius. Get to Transporter Room... 1, HALO gear. Have two techies with you to get this suit off me. Two automatic carbines, one demolition charge and a set of pattern enhancers, get them too. Double time. =/\= ::Finally, something to do! Thank the gods! He tried not to let the eagerness show in his voice. He had to sound professional, at least, even if inside his heart was doing flips of joy.:: Raisillius: =/\= Right away, sir! =/\= ::Grabbing the nearest two tool slingers to accompany him, he gathered the requested material. ::He practically ran toward the bay door before he caught Jandara's eye. He stopped, turning to her. He wasn't one for public displays of affection, especially in front of the troops. Instead, he made light of the situation to show his feelings.:: Raisillius: I'm heading out. HALO jump. Looks like you're not the only one flying today. ::beat:: See you when I get back. ::Jandara's heart pounded in her chest. HALO jumps were dangerous. She knew Quintus was thrilled with danger, thrived on it even. Sometimes, she felt, he took the dangerous route just to give himself a thrill. She knew he would be back soon, knew it. But it didn't stop her from worrying.:: Tem: ::sneering, but with a funny tone:: They're letting you HALO jump? Command must really be desperate to put such a failed flyer in that situation. ::putting a hand on his cheek. In a more serious tone.:: You come back, though, yes? ::He nodded, touching her hand that was on his cheek. Their goodbyes implied, if not said, Quintus and the techs hustled down to the transporter room. The Major hadn't arrived yet. Good, Quintus hated to be late to the action. When the doors did open and the Gorn ambled in, the technicians immediately began removing his armor. ::When he was out of the mech armor and suited in the proper kit, Quintus offered one of the carbines.:: Raisillius: What's the sitrep, sir? Tatash: Whittakers team is under heavy fire, we're being beamed in above their location, we open the chutes as late as we can and suck up the retroboosters G's. It's not going to be a clean drop Captain. Raisillius: And what about those? ::he gestured toward the pattern enhancers and the demolition charge:: Tatash: Load me up with them, we move them around the team, we beam them out.... the charge... well that's just a going away present. ::Quintus smirked. Excellent, there would be some fun involving destruction. His favorite kind of fun. Well, second favorite. ::The time passed quickly as the two marines checked each others buckles and straps. Minutes later, the room echoed with the sound of Commander Taybrim's voice.:: Taybrim: =/\= Bridge to Major Tatash, we're moving into position, waiting for your ready signal.=/\= ::They stepped up onto the transport pad. Neither man was showing fear, but there was apprehension nonetheless. Despite all their training and drills, nothing could ever prepare either of them for a live HALO jump. It was so dangerous that the marines didn't often prepare for it outside the well-regulated confines and safety of a holodeck. In this situation, though, the slightest mistake would easily result in a near certain death. Quintus took a deep breath to steady his nerves.:: Tatash: =/\= We're ready. =/\= Taybrim: =/\= As before I'm tying you into Falcon's feed and letting you both coordinate. =/\= Tatash: =/\= Understood. =/\= ::The screen on his helmet flickered with a series of complex displays. It was up to Falcon now to coordinate the rest of the information. That calmed Quintus slightly. She perhaps the best pilot he knew; even Jandara admitted that. He implicitly trusted that she would look out for them.:: Falcon: =/\= Stand by. In range in fifteen seconds. =/\= Taybrim: =/\= All systems go. Godspeed, Major. =/\= ((Tilanna V - 3,500 feet above ground level)) ::The lights of the transported shimmered around them. The rematerialized in a freefall, his body forced to spread due to gravity. The information on his HUD display showed more information, including altimeter and the target zone. He was thankful for the display, because he couldn't see anything else through the haze surrounding them.:: Computer: 3,000 Feet. Caution: Exceeding recommended speed. Raisillius: =/\= Do you know where we are? =/\= Tatash: =/\= Pushing through the pollution layer now, watch out for civilian traffic.=/\= ::They continued to fall. Seconds later, having passed through murky gasses that contained who-knew-what pollutants, they reached the first of the civilian vehicles. They were falling so fast that most didn't have time to react. Quintus saw that one driver had her mouth agape, stunned that two black-clad figures would dare intrude upon her space.:: Computer: 1,500 Feet. Danger: Extreme risk to life. Terminal velocity achieved. Deploy parachute. ::Tapping his wrist, Quintus overrode the suit. The ground continue to enlarge before them. The target zone was becoming clearer as they fell closer and closer. The sprawling city was beginning to take distinct shapes. He could see the outline of the sprawling factory that was their target. 800 feet. 700. A bead of sweat formed on his brow.:: Tatash: =/\= We pull at a 200 feet. =/\= Raisillius: =/\= 200, sir? =/\= ::Surely the Major wouldn't push them that close? Another drop of sweat formed, dripping into his eye. He blinked it away, trying not to let anxiety overwhelm him.:: Tatash: =/\= You heard right. We open fire from 200 feet above, bring the [...]ed roof down to cushion our fall. =/\= Raisillius: =/\= As you say, sir. =/\= Computer: 500 feet. ::The meter continued to tick down while Quintus' heartrate continued to tick up. He was filled with adrenaline. Normally he loved the feeling, but this one was making him queasy. 300 feet. ::As he reached the designated height, he pulled the thick cord. He felt himself being dragged upward. His speed dropped with a surge of momentum in the opposite direction. The force threatened to tear the suit right off. ::Regaining his bearings, he looked down at the roof of the LZ. He fired his carbine, a stream of steel raining down on it. That force nearly knocked him out of position, but he quickly readjusted with the help of the micro-boosters in the suit. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw that Major Tatash had also begun hosing down the roof. ::Nearby, Quintus saw that the shuttle the teams had been using, with the stupid name Maximum Thrusters, was circling the building, offering its own, limited support with a quick shot or two from a small cannon. ::Tucking his knees to roll with the landing, they impacted the corridor. He landed with more force than he would have liked, but the adrenaline helped him shake off any momentary pain. He didn't think he'd broken anything. ::He continued firing, aiming for anything that his HUD indicated didn't have a Starfleet communicator signal. Bodies toppled around them, surprised by warriors falling from the sky. He heard the Major grunt in pain as a shot clipped part of his armor. Quintus looked for the [...] who did it, then let out a deadly hail of fire against someone who would dare harm a Starfleet marine.:: Raisillus: Got him! Tatash: ::Yelling over the din:: Grenade out! ::A crackle of light and a shockwave rang out as the grenade the huge Gorn had tossed moments before shook the corridor. Ears ringing from the blast, Quintus tossed his own, taking down the rest of the rabble. Smoke filled the corridor, but not longer the sounds of guns or fighting. Marine efficiency at its best. He had no sympathy for the poor fools who had been trying to defend the place. It was war, and they lost.:: Tatash: We're here to rescue you sorry bunch. ::The fighting might have been over, but Quintus took up a defensive position nonetheless. No one would surprise him.:: Raisillius: Holding clear. Tatash: Captain, set the charge up. Two minute countdown. Raisillius: On it. ::He nodded. Moving to a wall connecting the warehouse to the rest of the building, he placed the charge. It should be a large enough explosion to take down both sections. Or at least wreak havoc on it all so that it would be a massive reconstruction project.:: Tatash: We're taking this place down. Raisillius: I'll tell the shuttle to get out, now, sir. ::tapping his badge:: =/\= Raisillius to shuttle Maximum Thrusters. Fly away, now. Get out as fast as you can. We're taking a different route. =/\=

I so want to see Kaitlyn Falcon's bucket list...

Also, Tyler Kelly, master of understatement:

Hallelujah, it's raining Gorn!

Also one I meant to post last week (stupid colds interefering with brains...) Smooth man, smooth...

Ops: more exciting than a desk job!