Etan Iljor

I cackled!

Yes…. that is what I am aiming for…

This was an achingly beautiful read, courtesy of @VLen Kel. — ((Senior Officer’s Crew Quarters, Deck 5, USS Intrepid)) V'Len walked into his quarters and dropped down onto the bed. Well not really his quarters, these were quarters of his Intrepid counterpart, CMO Sevrik. Training the crew to man the Intrepid had been exhausting and he was glad to finally be able to relax and hopefully sleep. He couldn't help but look around the room and smile. Like V'Len, Sevrik was clearly a music lover. There were three Vulcan lyres scattered around the room, a sort of metal flute, a brass instrument and a fine guitar hanging from the wall. The quarters were spartan by the standards of the 25th century. There was no carpet, and the metal walls were undecorated apart from the guitar, but V'Len felt very much at home. Xam Kel had spent a good decade in quarters like this. At first alone and then with…Millie? The name echoed around in his mind for several seconds. It was a name V'Len had never heard and at the same time he suddenly knew everything about the owner. Her warm embrace, her effervescent laugh, her sharp voice when she was crossed. V'Len felt he'd always known her, better than he knew Jack or Nesre. But how had he forgotten? How had her name been buried and silent for so long in his mind? He rose, not sure where he was going, but moved over to the room's computer terminal and began wildly punching buttons. The interface was frustratingly slow. Data could not be brought up by simply giving a verbal command, not in this era. While only moments passed it felt to Kel like an eternity. Finally the screen lit up and displayed a picture of a gentle eyed, Andorian woman. Millie. Kel sat down facing the display, his eyes open wide in wonder. She was on a Starbase 12, just 6 lightyears away. Kel gently caressed the image on the screen with his thumb as a thousand memories rushed back. There she was. Millie. His Millie. His wife. Not exactly V'Len's wife, but Xam Kel's wife. The two had met serving on the Exeter, Xam a brash, Trill helmsman and she a confident, Andorian engineer. Millie. She was just a week's journey from their current position and 6 lifetimes removed from Kel. He was trying hard to hold back the tears welling up in his eyes. They worked together for 3 years before karaoke and too many drinks resulted in him waking up awkwardly in her bed. The truth that they both cared for each other finally came out and they were married a year later. V'Len could almost have been their child. But there were no children, because V'Len Kel was not the first Kel host to suffer a grievous injury. The CMO of the Exeter was unsure whether Xam Kel could be saved after suffering traumatic injuries on an away mission. Then the Trill Symbiote Commission had stepped in. The Kel symbiote was removed and whisked back to Trill, a death sentence for Xam. Xam Kel had never fully regained consciousness, but voices still rattled in his mind. Millie shouting at the Trill representatives, impassioned pleas by the Exeter's Captain and loud weeping had traveled with him through lifetimes. Kel finally let his head fall on his arms in front of him and the tears flowed. There had been other lovers, friends, even a husband, but never another Millie. And here she was, achingly close. By now Millie had been alone for over a year. Lifting his head Kel realized there might be hope. Surely this time trip was destined to allow them to be together once more.

((Forward Observation, Deck B, Mission Pod, USS ‘Oumuamua)) There were many places on the ‘Oumuamua that you could find some sort of seclusion if needed. Jack’s personal quarters usually were fine but when he wanted to really just think and escape his favorite place to work was in the Mission Pod of the ‘Oumuamua. Very rarely was anyone ever up here unless he had directed a Tactical or Engineering team up here for maintenance. Nothing was scheduled for the area so this was a great opportunity for him to finish up some light work and do it from the observation area in the Mission Pod. His thoughts were on his parents and the USS Caboto. The UDP and the Zet. An attack that for all intents and purposes was provocation by the Zet to gain technology they had no business getting their hands on and if it had not been for the UDP giving a pre-warp civilization warp technology, they would have never had the means of such an attack. Jack stopped what he was doing and began to stare out the observation window thinking about how many lives had been lost or worse, sold because the UDP had given the Zet warp technology? It was a disturbing thought and what more was the thought that his cousin, now his adopted sister was among those about to be sold. He leaned forward on the console in front of him with a gut ache and slight feeling of nausea as he realized how close they had come to missing out on that rescue. Yet how many others had already been handed off in such a manner that they had missed. Jack slowly shook his head from side to side at the disgusted thought and then, there in the reflection of the observation window stood a familiar figure. Surprised that he had not heard anyone enter the pod Jack spun on his heels and looked up to the catwalk above. Lieutenant Commander Brodie stood leaning against the rail and was glancing down at Jack. Brodie: I had a feeling it might be you. Kessler: Sorry doc, I did not know you were up there. You waiting for someone? I can clear out. Brodie: No…I was watching, not waiting. ::He turned towards Jack:: I get the distinct impression you’ve been doing the same? The man was perceptive and a good ships counselor. Was he here to do what Jack was, reflect inwardly on some specific matter or was he here checking up on Jack? Brodie was a good man and in Jack’s eye, his father and Brodie would get along great. Two Scotsmen who loved to talk and share a drink with a friend. Kessler: (stepping up the stairs to the catwalk and looking out into space) It’s a nice place to come and get lost in thoughts. Brodie: I can go, if you’d rather have privacy. Kessler: (glancing over to Brodie) No, I could use someone to talk to. (beat, looking out at Seytoxal) What are you watching from our watchtower up here? The reference was meant to lighten the mood a little. Jack knew he was probably looking rather out of sorts himself as he tried to real in his thoughts and emotions. Brodie: ::Far away voice:: The USS Esperanto… ::Turning to Kessler, more focused:: Sorry…it’s an old reference…Esperanto was a universal language…it translates as “one who hopes”…I suspect you can relate? Jack nodded, he could relate to that but there seemed something more that the Doc was dealing with himself. Jack turned slowly and gently to Brodie. Everyone in the crew came to the ships counselors, they must need an outlet themselves like everyone else. Maybe this was Brodies or maybe, he thought to himself, he was Brodie’s outlet right now. He knew the counselor had a daughter close to Jack’s age, maybe this was his fatherly side trying to find it’s way out or maybe Jack was just reaching for something himself in a time as dark and distraught as this one was. Kessler: Yeah, I just don’t feel like shore leave is the right answer for me. I can’t just drop all this and go have fun, not right now. Not while there’s still unanswered questions about my parents and the Caboto. (beat) It’s too heavy of a weight right now to try and push aside. Brodie: Have you found anything yet? Anything. Anything would have been great. Anything would have lifted that level of hope up higher. Anything would have been preferred to the nothing they had. Kessler: (lowering his head and sounding more defeated) No. I keep scouring the data feeds from that social media thing Vomek linked into but nothing useful. What about you, have you heard anything different? Brodie’s empathy was genuine and Jack felt that. The man had suffered loss as well and Jack could see that in his response, he could feel it in his response. Brodie: Nothing that I’ve heard. They’ve had a few vessels sweeping the area but so far; nothing. You’ve done the security training, what is it they teach you. Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence? Kessler: (look up slowly to the view port and the planet below) I keep telling myself, keep hoping that I am wrong but after what we have seen and dealt with out here, I can’t get the fact out of my head that they are already dead. Brodie: I’m not going to lie to you Jack, it’s highly likely. Jack tilted his head sideways and looked over at Brodie. He did not try to baby you, he was there to give support, but he was holding the door of reality open, keeping it from slamming in your face. Jack appreciated the honesty and the bluntness of it. Kessler: (softly) I know, (beat) that’s where the weight of hope becomes heavier to carry. Jack looked back out into space and leaned against the catwalk railing. His hands gripping at the rails with anger, fear, rage, confusion and so many other feelings intertwined. He could feel the blood pulsing in his fingertips at the thought of what was a more than likely outcome for the Caboto crew based on what they currently knew. Truth be told, Jack was strong enough that he knew he would be able to get through this with or without Brodie’s help. What he could not understand was how he was going to get through this and help Krystal get through it at the same time. His own emotions he could deal with and grieve in his own way but he now had this young girl who had already been through so much trauma to help. Kessler: (looking back to Brodie) I can carry that heavier burden of hope knowing that the outcome is most likely the worst case scenario. What I do not know how to handle is Krystal. If the worst case should be true, this is going to destroy her world. (beat) I have no idea if I can give her what she needs. (backing away from the railing) I know I will do everything in my power for her but it’s not like I have any experience in helping her understand this type of loss. Brodie: Response Jack nodded slowly as Brodie spoke. He knew the entire crew would come to aid Krystal if needed, especially his crew. Many were survivors of the USS Thor and all had seemingly become much closer having gone through that horrific ordeal. Jack knew he was not alone in giving her the help she would need if this indeed went to the worst case scenario. At the moment though, even with Brodie standing right there, Jack still felt a million kilometers away from everything. Kessler: I don’t mind telling you Alex. This is one of those moments where Starfleet thinks they have trained you for this and in reality (beat) no one can prepare you for this. Jacked leaned against the back railing of the catwalk, facing forward and folded his arms across his chest and just stared out into space. The planet in the background seemingly not even important anymore. His mind just started drifting into the void of space staring at the empty solitude of blackness between each glistening star. Brodie: Response Tags Lieutenant jg Jack Kessler Asst. Chief Tactical Officer USS Oumuamua T239901JK1

I’m sorry, sir, but I did do the homework but my pet targ ate it!

I saw this simm title and I immediately saw @Addison MacKenzie rolling her eyes in my mind's eye:

To be honest- it should probably replace the quote on the ship's dedication plaque!

Congratulations on your graduation and welcome to the fleet!

@Karrod Niac

After classic from the master of shade, @Genkos Adea:

This made me chortle into my morning coffee.

Another one from @Arys that had me howling with laughter!

😂

Congratulations Ensign! I hope you have an amazing journey with us!

It’s taken almost ten hours for me to get that joke. 😐

Honestly, Gott is already in my Top 5 favourite 118 characters -of all time!- and this post really reinforces why that is. @Karrod Niac has created such an indelible character and we have to stan!

I double checked but Tuesdays are usually reserved for us to solve the latest galaxy-destroying incident.

This was stunningly written and I felt from this one scene that I understood who @Maz Rodan was as a character. An absolute joy and pleasure to read ❤️ ((Deep Space 224 - Deck 9; Observation Room)) Maz felt most at peace gazing at the stars. He had such fond memories of his childhood stargazing into the Trill night sky. His thoughts drifted to Collins House in Maine, and the grand old observatory situated near the attic. He'd felt a comfort there, and half-wished he had access to the seemingly ancient technology the old clan Collins' used to use. He half-hoped David would begin regular upkeep on the telescope, but knew deep down that he wouldn't. The thought brought a small smile to his lips. Here, though, it was different. He stood in front of the massive windows of DS224, secured by force fields and transparent aluminum, The neutron star the station orbited pulsated regularly, and he felt a certain peace in the rhythm. The wonders of modern technology meant he could literally be this close to the star. So close, he could possibly touch it... His meeting with the Captain had been a learning tool, as always. The closer Maz got to command, and the easier it seemed to be able to navigate, the more it seemed he had to learn. Not for the first time he wished to be back in that royal blue uniform instead of the crimson red, tinkering with his scanners and sensors. No one had died beyond the Galactic Barrier. Not really. He felt his thoughts drift to Kelar, and wondered what his life would now be like all those thousands of light years away. Beside him, someone stepped up to the railing of the observation gantry and leant on it casually. They indicated the star in front of them. Maz still had his sunglasses on, and couldn't quite make out who it was by their reflection in the force field. Birack: Go on then, how hot is it? Without missing a beat, Maz replied almost computer-like. Rodan: Ten to the twelth power kelvin. Suddenly turning to see the identity of the speaker, Maz removed his aviators in an instant and grinned. Rodan: Lee! His old Academy friend - Lee Birack - stood next to him, grinning like a cat himself. Maz let out a genuine laugh and embraced the blonde haired man like a brother. Rodan: You son of a... what are you doing here? Birack: The Brave is docked for a little while. Saw the Arrow was this way on, and knew you wouldn't be far away from a viewing port. Maz smiled. He smiled so much his cheeks started to hurt. It had been a long time since he'd seen his old friend, and he looked well. Rodan: I got your last subspace letter. You made full Lieutenant on the Brave! Congratulations! Below them, the USS Brave - a Defiant class ship - was nestled in between the other Starfleet and civilian ships currently docked. Birack: Thanks, Nev. Though what a little warship like that needs with a Chief Science Officer I'll never know. Hey, congrats to you, too, Mr. First Officer! Maz almost blushed but took a gentle elbow to his ribs from his friend. Birack: CSO of the Dickens, then XO of the Arrow, that's quite a career! And you're Joined, too. I feel like you've grown up a lot since we shared a dorm at the Academy. You'll have to tell me what that's like! Rodan: Grown up too much, sometimes. It's a bit crazy, isn't it. ::Beat.:: It's good to see you, Lee! Lee nodded and patted Maz on the shoulder. Birack: I'm so glad you're here, man! He leaned closer almost conspiratorially. Birack: I know we haven't had a Storm Chaser meeting in a few years, not since the Academy... Maz nodded the affirmative. During his senior year he joined with Birack and a few others to experiment with developing the technology to create a galactic pre-warning system for ion storms. The drive and the energy was there, but Starfleet remained skeptical. There was never anything above a Category 2 storm in the entire sector, and Starfleet wouldn't authorise use of anything better than an old Class 2 shuttle for their research. After gathering as much data as they could in the field, their research seemed to fall stagnant. Birack: But... there's one developing three sectors away. A BIG one. Maz's mouth gaped open in comic surprise. Could he mean? Rodan: A Cat-5? Seriously!? Here? Birack nodded sagely then broke into a boyish smirk. Birack: Yup. It should give us enough data to perfect our proposal to Starfleet. Rodan: You mean you've got the sensor drones working? Birack: And my CO has convinced DS224 to authorise the use of a Runabout for the storm hunt. We're back in business, buddy! Suddenly, despite his doldrums after the Arrow's latest mission, he felt spurred into life. This was what he was passionate about. This was science! How long had he waited for a call from Lee to say their work could continue? What started out as a student's curiosity suddenly became a real, tangible goal. Rodan: I don't believe it. I'm literally so happy... Birack: So what do you say, Nev? You in? I need you. You're the best goddamn particle cascade mapper in the Quadrant, no! The galaxy! C'mon buddy, you could pick a grain of sand out of a black hole with a pair of tweezers and a magnifying glass... The Trill scoffed incredulously and rolled his eyes, but his friend patted him on the shoulder again. Birack: Say you're in? Maz looked at his friend in the eyes. He could see the passion and determination. He nodded, and caused the human man to punch the air in triumph. Rodan: You've got the Runabout? Birack: I've got it. Rodan: And the shielding? Birack: Laszlo is working on it as we speak. It's a green light! Rodan: I can't believe it... ::He thought for a moment.:: I'm gonna need a Class IX optrical calibrator scanner! I know where I can get one... He rushed off excitedly. Lee called out after him, and Maz turned and started walking backwards toward the large doors of the observation room. Rodan: I'll be back soon! I'll meet you at the bar in an hour! He turned back the right way and almost sprinted out of the Observation Room and into the massive corridor. He was excited beyond belief now, and fished his comm.badge out of the top pocket of his loud Hawaiian shirt. Rodan: =/\= Rodan to Collins! =/\= Collins: Response Of all the people he knew on the Arrow, he knew Quentin would be most intrigued by this new venture, and he'd love to share it with him. Rodan: =/\= Have you ever wanted to fly head on into a Category 5 ion storm in the name of science? =/\= Collins: Response TAG -- Lt. Commander Maz Rodan First Officer USS Arrow, NCC 69829 C237708DW0 --- Co-Wiki Operator Mission Archivist Training Team Member FNS Contributor

Or as we like to call it- “a normal Wednesday afternoon”.

🤣🤣🤣

@Vitor S. Silveira showing personal growth!

I guess you could also say that it's a long road... getting from there to here?