Lael Rosek-Skyfire

Why fight when you can negotiate?

Think you can take me?

Definitely a laughing moment. Sherlock's awkward response and thoughts here nearly killed me. Bravo @Sherlock ---- T’Ama: Hmmm, still just drinking water? Still sucking down her milkshake, the Vulcan woman closed one eye and studied the Lieutenant Commander. Dr. Harford, more than a little tipsy, looked between the two none too subtly. oO Water? What’s the Vulcan got against Water? Oo Harford: ::mumbles:: At the bar with a milkshake and a water. ::rolls eyes:: Sherlock: Yeah. I'm sure. I ::beat oO don't Oo:: only want water. I'm just ::beat oO pregnant Oo:: really thirsty.

Lieutenant Lansa Cheveyo-Arma, Mission Specialist aboard the Astraeus who moonlights as a Relief Helmsman and her husband, Lieutenant Arma Rhiyri, rocking the red carpet. His dapper dark grey suit jacket and dark slacks nicely compliment her navy blue Charita Furari, the latest fashion from Risa.

I just about died laughing reading this. XD From Esa's sim "Standoffish": Nodding, Esa turned back to the guards. Kiax: So. We’re going in, with Ms Ka’ala here. And you’re going to let us. Guard 1: And what makes you so sure of that, spotty? Esa glared at the obviously racist man. Yes, she had spots. All Trill did; and you could be damn sure that all Trill were of better moral stock than him. Though Esa was certainly not above retaliating with the name calling. Kiax: Because, you feckless oaf – you’re going to come in with us.

"There's a face in that coffee!"

"If you once again try to harm me or one of my colleagues, my patience with you will quickly expire."

Congratulations, everyone! Well deserved!

Major Zaaia Leix rocks the red carpet this year in a classy, sophisticated white and black mesh dress that is turning heads.

Lael sat staring at the holophoto of her and Chythar on their wedding day, a nostalgic smile turning up the corners of her lips. Moisture formed at the corners of her eyes. Bittersweet tears. They’d had a shorter time together than she would have liked and yet, they had been the best years of her life. Her fingers touched the brown hair of the woman in the photo, the woman’s eyes shining with pure joy and happiness. Filled with hope of a long future ahead. She reached up to finger the thinning strands, the deep luxurious brown replaced by gray that would soon be tempered by white. Crow’s feet had since formed at the corners of her eyes. Chythar had always corrected her, calling them laugh lines from his prodigious sense of humor. He always had made her laugh. Her life had seen more laughter with him in it than in any of the days before or after. For the first time in years, she allowed herself to fully feel his absence from her mind. On the nights when she forgot to take her sedative or her body became immune to the current dosage, she would experience the deafening silence as though it was the loudest scream. An ache would develop in her chest and sobs would tear from her throat as though someone was physically torturing her. Though she was no stranger to pain and heartbreak, she longed for something that she couldn’t have. At least not this side of heaven. And she had to believe that there was a God and heaven. For her sanity, she had to believe that she would see the man she loved again someday, his features untouched by time, reverted to the youthful man she’d married. They would instantly recognize one another and embrace as though not a moment had gone by. She would feel the texture of his shirt in her hands as she had the first time he’d held her, long before they’d started dating. Even as friends, they’d seemed to break the rules of what friends should be. Her attraction to him in spite of his indirect role in one of the most painful times of her life had been absolute. What had started as an intangible curiosity about the man had grown into a fondness for his quirks and affection for the candid way he saw the world. He had always been different from everyone else, a fact that her heart caught onto long before her mind did. The familiar chime that signaled someone was waiting outside the door to her office echoed in the small space, causing her to look up. “Enter,” she called. As the doors parted, she set the photo down in its original place of honor before turning to greet her visitor. For a moment, she forgot to breathe as she often did when he entered a room. The man before her was a spitting image of his father, with the exception of the slight point to his ears and the subtle glow of his green eyes, all marks of his Al-Leyan heritage. The man’s face fell as he saw her expression. “Mom,” Kaidan murmured as he made his way into the office. Without asking, he seemed to know what she needed, enveloping her in a tight hug. For long moments, they remained like that, the tears streaming down her cheeks. He’d caught her in an unexpectedly vulnerable moment and she didn’t have the emotional strength to force the mask back into place just now. Her hands clenched at the material of his Starfleet uniform, reminding her of the way Chythar’s had often felt. Closing her eyes, she allowed herself to feel, though she was careful not to project too much of it to her son. After what seemed like an eternity, Kaidan pulled back wearing that smile that reminded her so much of Chythar when he was feeling particularly affectionate. “Never underestimate the healing power of hugs,” he murmured. She laughed through her tears, remembering how Chythar would say that when things seemed hopeless. And she’d loved him all the more for it. Laying her hand on Kaidan’s cheek, her watery smile widened. “Your father would be so proud of you.”

Ha! 🤣

This truly encapsulates both laugh and cry. Such a bittersweet moment for Toryn! And the last bit makes me laugh XD ---- Solat: ~ I can remove the memories from your mind, in apology. ~ Toryn looked up at the entity and after a brief contemplation raised a hand to stop the entity. Raga: No! Leave them please! Kiax: You sure, Toryn? The entity seemed to be confused and the glow ceased. Though it had already removed several of the memories from his mind. Solat: ~ Why? Why would you wish to keep the memories? The punishment was placed upon you in error. ~ Raga: ::Slowly rising to his feet again he composed himself:: You said these are memories of those who are dead? The entity nodded sagely. Raga: Then that means that as long as I live, they live on through me. I’d like to keep them…to honor them. Isa: It is, of course, your decision, Commander. But I highly advise against it. Still, if you insist, then I am going to insist on mandatory counseling to help you with processing it. Mandatory counseling sessions? Bold of her to assume Chin’tokans needed that. Paying no mind to the fact that it was easier to earn a purple heart than to keep a counselor on board.

Deveaux: Maybe we should send him a nice bouquet. It might help with that attitude.

A well written post by @Noa T'Nessa Levinson, including that magic gold nugget. ---- ((Conference Room, Deck 3, USS Chin’toka - The next day.)) Last night was quite weird. After being treated in Sickbay for her concussion and staying for a few hours of observation, it was evident that no permanent damage was caused. Still, that experience was not fun in the slightest, and once she was cleared to rest in her own quarters, Noa was more than glad to sleep in her own bed. As for the conference itself, it seemed to be going fairly well - the planning seemed sound. After giving a brief overview of the nearly-flatlined combadge signal she managed to detect, the team composition seemed to have been changed slightly by Commander Isa. Somewhat surprisingly, knowing her, she was almost relieved to hear she wasn’t going to return to that planet for the time being. And considering the change of what this mission actually was, it even made sense. Mei’konda: Pull all of the resources you caan on short notiice to make it happen, you two. We haave approximately… :: He paused, and appeared to glance at the chronometer on the wall panel. :: …Forty eight minutes until the storm subsides to the point where a shuttle can enter the atmosphere saafely, and three hours and seven minutes as projeected by our latest scaans until the storm is at its weakest. The captain moved his glance towards Noa herself, as well as Commander Peters. Mei’konda: Mr. Peters, Lieutenant Levinson, thaat’s why it’s essential that in addition to helpiing with the search and rescue from orbit, I want you both keeping an eye on the plasma storm. We need a better early warniing system for any flare ups so that Mr. Raga doesn’t have to crash any more shuttles in my shuttlebay. Noa merely gave a curt nod in approval. On occasion, keeping an eye on astrophysics-related stuff was almost a fun pastime for her - regardless if the situation was life or death, science, or just for dinner. Raga: Just trying to make your reports to Starfleet HQ more colourful, sir. Kiax: ::Humorously:: Destroyer of Tables, Doors, and now shuttlebays… You’re earning yourself a bit of a reputation Commander. Isa: :: to Raga :: I’m curious… Nevermind, that can wait for another time. Peters: I will certainly be keeping an eye on it. Alentonis: oO Another surface run? With modified anti-grav harnesses? Oo Pardon me, commander. :: Turning his attention to Kiax. :: Didn’t Mr. McKnight propose some modified designs just before we ventured down to the surface the first time? She did very briefly recall Esa showing the team the proposal. She was no EV suit expert, nor was she an engineer, but it seemed… sealed? Regardless, the proposal did seem curious, and she was considering looking into it - before wearing anything unapproved for real situations, of course. Kiax: Response Logan: He has some tricks up his sleeve Mei’konda: Once you’re on the ground, I waant constaant updates. And remember, Commander Raga, this isn’t a tactical situaation. If anything, well. He gestured toward the bag of coins that Alentonis had brought up to the conference room with him. Mei’konda: We could be dealiing with a first contact here, people, and you all know what that means. If there is a raace here that isn’t warp capable, then the Prime Directive is in effect. If our people were abducted, we don’t know why. It could easiily have been accidental, or innocent. So, defensiive sidearms only, understood? I don’t waant you to appear aggressiive. Raga: Understood, sir. Not everyone is hostile. Despite our tendency to attract such. Sidearms only and we’ll keep an open mind. Kiax: :: to Doctor Alentonis and Jaelyne :: We should also remain vigilant. Historically, gold on Earth that was used for coinage was also often viewed as having a religious association with holiness. It could be that any cultures on the planet might also view reskari in the same light. If we’re indiscriminately mining it, we may end up causing ourselves a bigger problem should any native populace find out. Indeed. That made sense. Perhaps the Banshee being reskari-laced might have a similar, or even worse reaction. Isa: I agree. It’s part of why I wanted to come along. Just in case we do make contact, I am hoping we can diffuse any tense situation before it escalates to conflict. Alentonis: Agreed. I propose we hold off mining anything until after we know for certain we won’t be starting a war by doing so. Levinson: I agree. This does not seem like a desirable outcome. oO Was this too dry? Yeah, that was probably a bit too dry right there. Oo Raga: Since we have reason to suspect the locals might be telepathic. Is there anyway we could set our tricorders to automatically scan and alert us if they detect psionics in use? Mei’konda: Response Kiax: I’m not sure. Beyond a measurable increase in brainwave activity we don’t have much in the way of telling if someone is actively using telepathic abilities, and in order to obtain those readings we’d need to be actively scanning the subject with a tricorder’s hand scanner. Peters: From an engineering standpoint, commander Kiax is correct. You would need to be standing in their physical vicinity and actively looking for brain wave increases to detect it with a tricorder. Indeed, both were good points. Usually brainwaves activities, including ones specific to telepathic beings, were a bit hard to detect. Alentonis: Isn’t it likely that someone else on the crew might be able to communicate telepathically with them? Commander Raga, perhaps? Alentonis: Isn’t it likely that someone else on the crew might be able to communicate telepathically with them? Commander Raga, perhaps? Levinson: There is a rather high likelihood, yes, but telepathy varies between species. And usually communication may require mental training to use effectively, or at all. And while she did have telepathic abilities from her Vulcan side, she wasn’t really trained in using them more than the basics of "How to Not Damage Your Friends’ Brains by Touch 101", let alone know how powerful her telepathy was. The best answer she had so far was "yes". Logan: we do have the personnel files, so we could find all the Crew with such abilities and see is they can find anything Raga: ::He shook his head:: I can only communicate with my own species. Though I should be able to tell if such abilities are being used directly on me, I won’t be able to sense them if they’re just communicating with each other or anyone else. Mei’konda: Response Isa: Well, if they are telepathic, we’ll just have to figure that out as we go. Adaptability is going to be a requirement. That it always was. Raga: If they are warp capable, then there’s also a possibility that they have ships that are either not near here, or they don’t want to use them. Or they’re cloaked. If they are warp capable then the lack of a ship might be a clue to that. Logan: With the interferance around you could hide a ship to two. Indeed. That was definitely something to check out and analyze - just how was the combadge signal weakened to the point of almost less than being confused with background noise? Mei’konda: Response Kiax: If I recall correctly, didn’t Commander Serala devise some kind of method for detecting cloaked ships? ::To Noa:: It could be worth implementing it, if I’m correct. Isa: So, we’re speculating that their location is being cloaked in some way? That’s an interesting theory. Levinson: ::Nodding:: Indeed. Commander Serala’s method, along with the evidence pointing at some fairly powerful sources of wave interference as well as more traditional methods of detecting cloaks may be able to be of help here. ::To Alentonis:: What did you mention the civilization’s classification is again, Professor? Alentonis: Based on the earlier findings of the coins, I would speculate maybe class L if we are assuming subterranean colonies exist. Noa nodded in response, as Raga began speaking. Raga: Lieutenant Levinson and I created a gravitic airlock in the Kraken’s aft section to make moving in and out of the shuttle safer on us so we can acclimate to the change in gravity gradually. Instead of going from one extreme to the other. I suggest we institute that on any shuttle we use on the surface. Logan: That would be a helpful addition. Mei’konda: Response Kiax: It should be a relatively easy thing to implement across the board as a permanent feature set. I can have the shuttle technicians put together a standard subroutine to distribute to all our auxiliary craft. Isa: Sounds like a lot of preparation to do. Are we going to be able to get all that done before we launch? Peters: I’d be happy to lend a hand with the prep work required for that, if needed. Kiax: Response Levinson: I am not an engineer, but I am able to assist with the planning a bit. I do have the articles I acquired the basic design from, so they may be able to be improved upon. Logan: I'm no Engineer but many hands Mei’konda: Response Isa: Very well, then, let me know how I can help. I’m not an engineer, but I do have the standard training. Just let me know how I can help. Kiax: Responses Raga / Mei’konda: Response Peters: I have a few connections in the engineering and security departments I might be able to tap to get everything prepared before launch. Engineering she could almost get - she did serve with Peters on the Juneau when he was Chief Engineer there, so that was fairly understandable. Security, though? Isa / Kiax: Response Raga / Mei’konda: Response Peters: Just a thought. If I’m needed on the bridge, they might be able to assist with the prep. Peters’s presence on the bridge was probably a good idea - having the ability to utilize his fancy flying sooner, rather than later. Isa / Kiax: Response Raga / Mei’konda: Response Alentonis: Quick question, regarding the subdermal locators. Would we be able to maintain a transporter lock through the interference caused by the plasma storms? Logan: Most of them are at the same mercy as comm badges. However being subdermal unless you scan for them you dont know their there. Levinson: I will very much aim to ensure the answer to that question is "yes", Professor. She did have experience with clearing through interference, so she was confident she could ensure at least some level of lock. The signal strength of the locators wasn’t as high as that of combadges, of course, but indeed, at least they were concealed. She was concerned, however, with how weak they may be with the interference that was obviously there when she noticed the normal combadge signal. She was almost starting to stretch the very low end of sensor resolution, and that was telling. Would the resulting wave’s amplitude prove to be literally too small for top-end Starfleet sensors to detect? Isa / Kiax: Response Raga / Mei’konda: Response Noting Lieutenant Logan raising his hand, Noa turned to face him, after taking a stop to examine the half-eaten apple he was holding. Isa: Response Logan: If there is some Telepathic dohickey at play why use it to kidnap our team, rather than confuse them and lead them away ?. Noa clasped her hands together, elbows on the table, as her head tilted slightly to the right, as she spoke in a perfectly monotone manner. Levinson: I can think of many reasons, Lieutenant. The planet’s inhabitants may be wondering what they were doing on their planet. Or perhaps they require their bodies, or minds, for some sort of activity. And maybe, just maybe, they wanted to invite our team for dinner and were merely afraid they would say no. Some specimens are curious in nature, after all. Despite the delivery’s tone, it almost looked as if she enjoyed delivering that response, as serious as it was. It was a good question, of course, but when what one deemed obvious did not occur, a reason was very likely to exist for the unexpected occurrence. If there wasn’t any reason for a certain event to take place, why would it? Any: Response -- Lieutenant Noa T'Nessa Levinson Chief Science Officer USS Chin'toka E239701NL0

Just had to throw in this gold nugget that @Jaelyne Isa pointed out. XD Priceless, @Noa T'Nessa Levinson. ---- Noa clasped her hands together, elbows on the table, as her head tilted slightly to the right, as she spoke in a perfectly monotone manner. Levinson: I can think of many reasons, Lieutenant. The planet’s inhabitants may be wondering what they were doing on their planet. Or perhaps they require their bodies, or minds, for some sort of activity. And maybe, just maybe, they wanted to invite our team for dinner and were merely afraid they would say no. Some specimens are curious in nature, after all.

Dan, the writer for Amuro McKnight, did an excellent job taking advantage of the fact that none of our characters remember who they are and playing up his character's reaction to what he perceived as my character giving him an order. Amazing, @Amuro McKnight! ---- ((OOC: Any thoughts or feelings belong to the character.)) ((Village, Surface of PTE - 2891’s Fourth Planet)) Vorenus: It was a well-stocked kitchen. I'm sure the lady won't notice a few misplaced utensils. For protection. So far whoever dropped us here hasn't come back to check on our progress. There doesn't seem to be any monitoring devices in this room. It almost seemed like whoever knocked us out just left us here. For what purpose, I don't know. Jónsdóttir: Um.. Alright. I guess we should get dinner started. Einar: Response J. Doe: ::lowers his voice:: You realize that woman will know it was us, right? What’s to stop her from raising the alarm? Vorenus: You think this place has any semblance of law enforcement? I didn't see any guards or soldiers walking around. For all we know, this place just looks peaceful but is actually lawless. J. Doe: ::shakes his head:: I’m certain if we’d asked to purchase them, she would have happily sold them to us. There’s no need for us to steal when we can do honest work for what we need. We’re more than capable of doing simple tasks. Vorenus: The less real interaction, the better. Besies, I didn't take much. A few things here are there won't be missed. J. Doe: We’re not going to make many allies through dishonesty. And we’re going to need allies if we’re going to survive. ::pauses for a moment:: Can we agree to try talking first? Really talking? Put a little more trust in people. Vorenus got back up, walked over, and gave his "friend" a stare in return. He had no idea who he was but a part of him wasn't going to let himself get pushed around by a stranger who doesn't know anything about him either. Vorenus: Well, I don't plan on staying here long, making friends and settling into a life as a dishwasher. We need to find out why we're here and who put us here. For all we know this entire town is a social experiment and we're the lab rats for going along with it. He could tell he wasn't going to be making friends with John, who in his opinion seemed more concerned about his new companion than assessing their situation. Vorenus went back to his corner, trying to make sense of the visions he's been having the whole time he was here. {{Time Skip - The Next Morning}} Waking up early seemed to be something his body remembered. Getting out of his bed, Vorenus washed his face to prepare for the day. John had woken up before the rest of them did. J. Doe: Rise and shine, gents. Another day of work ahead to provide for the woman of the house. Vorenus: oO Your woman to be accurate. Oo Coffee first...whatever passes for coffee. Einar: Responses Jónsdóttir: ::smiles:: Good morning, Gentlemen. I hope you all like omelets. Vorenus: Much appreciated it, Jona. I don't know why, but I have a feeling of wanting to cook as well. Perhaps I'll help us with dinner if we can get some decent ingredients J. Doe: ::grins:: I have no idea what an omelet is, but if it’s anything like that stew you made last night, I’m sure it will be amazing. Einar : Response Jónsdóttir: So, what are the plans for today? J. Doe: ::shrugs and takes another bite of the fruit:: I thought we could all explore a bit. Maybe see if we can find anything of interest. Maybe another trip to the marketplace and more work? That crate was good, but it’s only going to last another day or two. We should plan a bit ahead. Vorenus: Perhaps there's traders setting up shop in town. We can ask them about a map of the area. People who travel around should know directions to important places. Einar / Jónsdóttir: Responses J. Doe: These clothes will only last us so long and it doesn’t make sense to keep buying new ones. That could get pricey. Maybe we can clean them up? Vorenus: Washing is a good idea, we're staying in the same room. Won't do us any good if we start smelling. Einar / Jónsdóttir: Responses J. Doe: ::to Vorenus:: I thought since you’re so focused on protection, maybe you can ask around about costs for more sophisticated defenses when we go to the market? Surely this town has someone who specializes in those sorts of things. If not, maybe we can see about other ways of securing it. Vorenus got up a bit. Vorenus: That almost sounds like an order. Einar / Jónsdóttir: Responses J. Doe: Response Vorenus: No, by all means take charge. You seem to have a more level head. I'll go with Einar and ask around. Lieutenant Amuro McKnight Security/Tactical Officer USS Chin'toka D239302AM0

I loved writing this. Props to our FO, @Jaelyne Isa for a nice playoff in this one. Took a single tag for a PNPC and it turned into this. ---- ((Security Complex, Deck 11, USS Chintoka)) {{Time Index: Shortly after arriving at the Tycho Brahe’s location}} Anjar whistled as he polished his nth phaser. He’d already gone through and made certain they were calibrated correctly and had placed any that needed more extensive attention in a bin at his feet. It was a relief from the drills that Commander Raga had been running while en route. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of Chief Petty Officer Davis and grinned. Thoran: Hey, Chief! Head’s up! Without waiting for the other man’s response, he tossed a rag in his direction. Andrew had been ready to call it a day. He was checking in his phaser and was just headed out of the armory, hoping to avoid Lt Commander Thoran, who’d he spotted doing “routine maintenance” on the phasers - which mostly meant polishing them and making sure the batteries were charged. oO Why do phaser need to be polished anyway? Does this improve their performance? No, of course not. Just another one of those stupid rules that Starfleet is so fond of. Oo However, he never made it out. The sound of Thoran’s voice behind him was immediately followed by the thump of a cloth hitting the back of his head. Davis: Commander. I didn’t see you there. How are you doing? Thoran: ::arches an eyebrow:: I can smell that steaming pot from here, Chief. Pick up that rag and come help me shine these up. Davis: You know, sir, I was supposed to be ending my shift right about now :: picks up the rag :: Tell me, again. Why are we shining the phasers? Thoran: ::smirks:: We’ve gotta look good, right? A man can’t look good without a shiny weapon. Before Anjar could say anything more, the beep of a nearby console caught his attention. Thoran: Check that out will you, Davis? Davis: oO I didn’t hear Esa complaining about my weapon not being shiny Oo You got it. Andrew moved over to the console and checked the indicator. There was an incoming message from Lieutenant Commander Raga. Davis: Looks like the boss wants something. Hold on a sec, sir. Andrew pushed the button to open the channel. Raga: =/\= Response =/\= Davis: We’ll be right there, Commander. We just have to make sure the last phaser is all nice and shiny. Anjar snorted, glad Raga couldn’t hear him from this distance and shook his head. Outdone by a phaser. (( Photon Torpedo Launcher and Magazine Bay 3, Mission Pod C, USS Chin’toka )) {{Time Index: Mini Time Jump}} Raga: This is no good either. ::He said in frustration:: This is the third photon torpedo that’s had microfractures in the casing. If we tried to fire this it would blow out the launcher and take a portion of the hull with it. Anjar arched an eyebrow and paused mid-scan, turning to Davis. Thoran: ::murmurs:: I sure hope he’s not working up to busting a door or a table. Davis: :: quietly :: With him, you never know. Might be a bulkhead next time. Thoran: ::murmurs:: As long as it’s not near my quarters. The last thing Carter and I need is a hole in our living area wall. Kiax: =/\= Kiax to Commanders Raga and Alentonis, could you meet me in the shuttlebay in ten minutes please? =/\= Alentonis: =/\= Shuttle bay, 10 minutes. Got it. =/\= Thoran: ::murmurs to Davis:: Bet you a day’s worth of replicator rations he’s going to leave us to check the rest of the torpedoes. Davis: Yeah, sure, because I am a security guard, so it makes perfect sense that I would know how to check a torpedo. Logical. Before Anjar could reply, he heard Commander Raga yelling his name across the room. Raga: Mister Thoran, I leave you in charge of things here. I expect you and Mister Davis can get the remaining torpedoes inspected and in the magazines with the help of our Quartermaster and Mister Greyson here in the next hour. Chief, I expect a report afterwards. Thoran: ::nods:: Aye, sir. Davis: :: to Thoran :: You do know that I never agreed to that bet, right? :: to Raga :: Aye, sir. Quick question: How do we do that? Shining phasers I’m good at. Inspecting torpedoes? Not so much. Happy to help as long as someone shows me what I need to do. Phillips/Greyson: response Thoran: ::claps Davis on the back:: No worries, Chief. I’ll talk you through it. Seemingly satisfied, Raga tapped his comm badge as he headed for the door. Raga: =/\= Understood, on my way Commander. =/\= ::Pausing to glance back at the others:: Inform the bridge as soon as all the torpedoes are inspected, loaded into the magazines and disposed of as necessary. Once Raga was out the door, Anjar again turned to Davis. Thoran: Damn, man. Did you make it all the way to Chief Petty without having to scan and load a torpedo? ::pauses:: Just do me a favor and don’t get crushed by one. Davis: Yeah, enlisted. I specialized in security, not tactical. Not that I mind, of course, but really, I can scan one and not have the faintest idea what I am looking at. And I am curious now, what do you mean by “not get crushed by one?” Thoran: ::shakes his head:: Long story. I’ll tell you over drinks sometime. ::rubs his hands together:: Time’s a-wasting. ::smirks:: You know how to use a tricorder, right? Davis: :: smirking :: Is it anything like using a polishing rag? Anjar laughed, shaking his head as he picked up a freshly charged tricorder and tossed it in Davis’ direction. Thoran: You break it, you pay for it. The pair then each began scanning torpedoes, marking any that had microfractures with a chip before moving on to the next one. Phillips/Greyson: Response -- PNPC Lieutenant Commander Anjar Thoran Security Officer USS Chin'toka, NCC-97187 I238110RH0 & PNPC CPO Andrew Davis Master-at-Arms USS Chin'toka NCC-97187 as simmed by: Commander Jaelyne Isa First Officer Training Team Member Image Collective Member Chat Team Moderator/Facilitator Academy Statistician USS Chin'toka NCC-97187 A239412S10

"Do not ask where my arrow is aimed, for it is aimed at thee."

Did you see something memorable aboard the Chin'toka that you want to recognize? Drop it in this thread! Whether it's a mishap or just Toryn being Toryn, this is the place for it.

Lael Rosek and fiancé Chythar Skyfire go civilian formal with Lael wearing a gray plaid halter dress and Chythar in a traditional black tuxedo.

Yay!

Both @Lephi and @Toryn Raga have done such a beautiful job at developing this culture from an idea on paper into a living, breathing complexity of life. Yet another fine example of the deepening of who these people are by @Lephi. Keep up the amazing work! ---- ((ooc: Warning, this sim deals with some difficult subjects of oppression and colonialism. Read at your own preference.)) ((Mosh’ka Alet Camp, Eladar IV (Fari), Deep underground)) Qalipu’fari had walked the visiting aliens out of the main cavern. The caves all around him filled with screams of despair, most of which came from his own people. He offered little in the way of goodbyes to the released prisoners beyond a simple ruffling of his feathers. The man had tried to speak, but found his voice choked in a sob and only a light gasp escaped. He turned and headed back to the main cavern, beginning what felt like a slow march to his death. Tears welled in his eyes as he contemplated the life that had brought him here. He had never known freedom, not really. From a young age he was expected to answer to the Feladoni, or face the consequences. It hadn’t always been easy, and his political success within the Awane settlement had an unintended impact on her family who faced increased isolation from the Mekra’fari who judged his borderline fe’jit behaviour. Stepped on from one side, shunned and cast out from the other for his increasing volatility, Qalipu had no real choice in the matter when word had come from deep within the caves with talks of rebellion. The sounds of weapons firing jarred him back to the present moment, and the ever growing threat of danger. As he neared the gathered avians again, he heard Katnar’fari making an impassioned plea. Katnar’fari: Steady. These fe’jit (honorless) mean to take from Fari’s heart. Slain those born of her womb. We are Mekra’fari (Children of Mother), and we will not let them harm this sacred place. This is our day. Or honored death. As Qalipu made his way through the gathered Mekra’fari, he made eye contact for a brief moment with Katnar’fari. He picked up his rifle and thought back to the pledge he had made to her when he had first come to the caves. Fari is strong. We are strong. Fari is resilient. We are resilient. Together the children save the Mother. Ketlamite'teket (She Has Faith) The words reverberated in his head, the only sound he could hear. Everyone was watching the tunnel, waiting for whatever evil was headed their way. He positioned himself behind a stalagmite and aimed the barrel of his own weapon at the opening as well. Having seen the damage that the intruder’s weapons could do, he wasn’t sure the rock he stood behind would do much to save him. Sudden beams of light cut through the darkness of the cave and his throat tensed up. First one figure appeared and his finger hovered over the trigger. This was it. All these years of planning, plotting, and dreaming, and the fight to save Fari wasn’t even against the people who deserved it the most. He shook off the creeping self doubt and steadied his aim. Through the scope she could see two men standing in the entry and had just a brief moment to process it before the cavern filled with the sound of weapons fire once more. A horrible stench filled the air, unlike anything Qalipu had ever smelled before and the colour drained from his face as he realised he was smelling his friends and colleagues being struck by the invader’s disrupter beams. His stomach turned and he doubled over, sliding into a sitting position against the stalagmite. Sounds of war filled his ears. He could hear his people bravely laying their lives on the line, and he was stuck here frozen from fear. All the planning in the world could not have prepared him for the harsh realities of the real thing. His cheeks glistened and he poked his shaking head out from behind the rock to survey the battlefield. He was in a state of pure shock seeing all of the bodies strewn over the cave floor, and the air was thick with a smoke he had no desire to find the origin of. It had all happened so fast. A loud bang echoed through the cave and before he had a chance to think about it, he found himself thrown up against the cave wall. A rocky outcrop pierced his wiing and he cried out, looking around to assess the damage. Qalipu’fari: Katnar! Are you okay? Katnar’fari: I’ll be fine. We cannot stop...there are more. ::She winced, feeling her fur a bit singed:: He did his best to free his wing from the wall and braced his legs as he fell the last foot or so to the floor. He was alert now, the pain had enraged him, allowing him to overcome his fear. He wasted little time, and after tucking his damaged wing in behind him, began fighting the nearest Caraadian. Katnar’fari: The Song Shards!! ::She yelled to alert her kin to the danger and rushed to the sacred cave:: The elder Mekra’fari’s words made his heart sink. The song shards were one of the things the Mekra’fari considered most sacred. It was bad enough that she had shown the peaceful outsiders, and now this invading scum was going to defile the sacred cave. As he rushed to the cave, he was outraged to see several of them attempting to rip sound shards from the walls. He fired several shots into the crowd to get their attention and noticed two of the beings drop to the floor, stunned. He had only hit one of them, and turned to find the source of the second shot just in time to see Katnar’fari struck and isolated. Before he could make his way over to his troubled friend, two more Caraadians flanked him with their guns pointed right at him. He threw himself at the invader to his right first, swinging the butt of the barrel of the gun in an upwards motion causing him to stumble backwards. In the lull while the man regained his footing, Qalipu quickly pointed his rifle at the other man and pulled the trigger. He didn’t have a chance to refocus on the other man before an intense noise pierced the air. The armed invaders dropped to their knees and blood began leaking from their ears. Strange, he thought to himself, the song was quite beautiful today. He closed his eyes, and let the sound wash over him. In that moment, there was peace. Images of Kinikwejit’fari and others that had fallen not just today but everyday under the oppressive Feladoni regime floated in front of her eyes. The bodies of the last remaining Caraadians hit the dirt around her and the thump that each one made brought a name of the fallen to his lips. Qalipu’fari: ::Thud:: Kinikwejit’fari. ::Thud:: Aplekemu'fari ::Thud:: Sasqatu'fari. There was a brief pause before he continued. He opened his eyes and looked to the ceiling, bringing his elbows together and extending his hand upwards in a V as he spoke. Qalipu’fari: Iga'lul, nigmaq. (I release you, my family) ((Small timeskip)) He opened his eyes and wiped his tear-stained face. Looking around he noticed Katnar slumped over on the ground and ran over to help. As he got closer, he noticed that the more peaceful aliens had returned at some point. He had been too distracted to notice before, but found himself thankful they had decided to come back. Qalipu’fari: ::Resigned:: Please. I know I’ve no right to ask it, but she needs your help! Snow/Levinson/Rosek/Any: response He stood and watched as the visitors tended to his friend,, quietly praying as they worked. He breathed a big sigh of relief when she came too again. Katnar’fari: Fari…::She gasped:: What happened? Qalipu’fari: I could ask you the same thing. Those Car-aad-eens have been dispatched for now. I have a feeling more will come now though. Katnar’fari: Response Snow/Levinson/Rosek/Any: response Qalipu’fari: I know you have a non-interference rule, but you never did answer our question. What if somebody from the world ::emphasizes word:: asks for your assistance. Snow/Levinson/Rosek/Katnar’fari/Any: response Qalipu’fari: I fear for Fari now. Our lives will never be the same, and now we have more hostiles to worry about. Snow/Levinson/Rosek/Katnar’fari/Any: response Qalipu’fari: Again, on behalf of my people. Wela'lin, na ta'n teliula'lin. (Thank you, I do well by you) Snow/Levinson/Rosek/Katnar’fari/Any: response ‐--------------------------------------- Awane'jit Qalipu'fari Awane'jit Tribal Leader Mekra’fari Equality Movement As simmed by, -- ============================= Lieutenant JG Lephi Assistant Chief Engineering Officer Community History Team Member Chat Team Member Wiki Team Member USS Chin'toka NCC-97187 A239706L10 =============================

I just love the glimpse we get at the emotional rollercoaster Noa goes through as she works through what she's seeing and hearing. Such a beautifully complex character. Amazing, @Noa T'Nessa Levinson. Keep up the amazing writing. ---- ((Ladonnik Nature Preserve, Eladar IV)) Katnar’fari: This is why we have taken you. This is what my people have lived with for centuries since the Feladoni realized that if they do not openly attack us, we won’t resist. Because they know they cannot beat us in battle. They never have. Noa nodded once again. She believed she could understand the dynamics, at least from the Mekra’fari’s perspective. Yet, one piece of the puzzle still eluded her. Qalipu’fari: Doesn't stop them from trying though ::beat:: This will. Now they will have to listen. Snow: I still don't get it… Levinson: I see. Yet I am still puzzled as to how... taking us would be of help. Rosek: ::pauses and turns to Katnar’fari and Qalipu’fari:: If I’m correct, you believe that we are here to aid the Feladoni? That we are a threat and the means by which the Feladoni can completely overpower you? Qalipu’fari: The Feladoni will not want to risk angering your people. They know they cannot beat us, but nobody on Fari knows your capabilities. They'll take you seriously. Katnar’fari: You arrive on our world shortly after we reach into the stars and have already spoken to the Feladoni in charge of the test flight. You clearly have technology and understanding beyond our own and I know the Feladoni would not willingly include us in talks with such visitors. We have to be sure we can protect our people, even if they won’t raise a hand to protect themselves. Levinson: I see. ::Beat:: I suppose there is a logic in that. Snow: A few moments ago your people were complying with the Feladoni and wouldn’t resist. The Feladoni haven’t proceeded any differently, but you gave your people an order to fight back. Not that I disagree, it’s your world, but what changed? It certainly was a valid question. What did the Mekra’fari consider the border between peaceful cooperation and resistance? Looking at the two Mekra’fari, Noa waited patiently for the response. Qalipu’fari: ::curtly:: Your arrival, of course. Katnar’fari: The Mekra’fari you saw fighting back were those who’ve chosen to risk being marked with dishonor in order to bring about change to our people. We are willing to become pariahs, ‘jit, in order to give our children, my children and others, a chance for a life where we are not viewed as lesser. Or as pets. Snow: And you didn’t fight back sooner because? Noa turned to face Snow after she asked that question. Was she… inciting them? Questioning who they were? Qalipu’fari: Mesgei' (I am sorry), Ma'am, we do things differently here. Katnar’fari: Because some of us have had enough. I want my children to be able to live alongside Feladoni without being marginalized, only able to do the work that the Feladoni tell them they can do because they aren’t seen as smart enough, capable enough. Even though the willing take the metals we create to build their cities and use our scientists and engineers to build their Spacefold ship and the satellites in orbit to provide global communication. Snow: Apparently we have different definitions of violence and self-defense. oO That is for sure. Oo Rosek: I admire you, Katnar’fari, for your integrity under duress. I cannot imagine it has been easy to hold to your beliefs given the circumstances. However, I hope you understand that it goes against the primary law governing myself and my officers to interfere in the natural development of a society. Rosek seemed to attempt to shift the conversation to a less charged subject. Perhaps it was not that bad of an idea. Qalipu’fari: ::under her breath:: That much is clear. ::turning to Rosek:: I think you'll find that you don't have much of a say in the matter this time. Katnar’fari: I have had to sacrifice some of my beliefs to try and change things. I accept this. The dishonor I bring is my own. All of us here are among the dishonored now. But we will not sacrifice everything that we are if there’s a better way. I do not wish us to become like the Feladoni. ::She sighed softly:: Are you not interfering just by being here on our world? Levinson: Usually, when a civilization achieves faster than light travel, we perform first contact. Introduce ourselves. In this situation, however, that did not exactly go well. At all. Snow: Response While this was not Noa’s first close brush with the Prime Directive, it was certainly the most direct one she has had. Rosek: ::inclines her head:: It prevents officers from abusing their position for personal gain. The Prime Directive has served us well over the centuries since its inception. Indeed. Its very existence was not only beneficial for security purposes, but also for research - by studying pre-warp civilizations without interference, one learned about their own past. Katnar’fari: And if someone in that society asks for help? Qalipu’fari: Or demands it? Noa opted to remain silent on that one. Looking over to Commander Rosek, she hoped she had a better answer than herself. Snow/Rosek: Responses ((Mini Time Jump)) Suddenly, the noise in the room beyond stopped. Immediately looking at the monitors, she saw a small group enter the main area. They were neither Feladoni nor Mekra’fari, that was for sure. They were not of their own either. Levinson: Who are these? Snow: Response Rosek: ::nods:: Caraadians. But what are they doing here? Caraadians. This region was close to their space, was it not? As for what they were doing here… there were multiple options. Considering her limited understanding of them, she did not assume they were exactly interested in first contact. Qalipu’fari: ::sounding the word out:: Car-aad-eens? Katnar’fari: You say that as if these are not from your own people. Are they not from your crew here to rescue you? Levinson: They are not. Snow: Response Qalipu’fari: More of your coalition? Katnar’fari: They are armed. If they are not here for you, then why have they come? The weapons discharge that was heard echoed through the caves. Looking at the monitors again, she saw that Caraadians… simply disintegrating them. They definitely were not there for a first contact, that was for sure. Considering the system’s and planet’s properties, and the blatant disregard to local life, there was really only one explanation Noa could deem logical. Feeling a bit of feeling building up, she knew she had to take a moment to calm herself down again. What did she feel? Was it anger? Fear? Disgust? A combination of them? Whatever feelings she was experiencing, they just yearned to slip outside of her shell, escape her cover. That wasn’t something she was going to allow. Taking a long, deep breath of the cave air, she closed her eyes and focused her mind on remaining neutral, and saving those feelings for later. It was still not the time for emotions. Now was the time for logic. Logic and neutrality. Opening her eyes, she looked directly at the two bat-people. Her brow was slightly more furrowed than it was before. Levinson: They are not of our coalition. I believe the most likely reason for their presence is your world, not you. Snow / Rosek: Responses Qalipu’fari: What do they want with Fari and her people? Katnar’fari: Fari save us!!...they...they destroyed her. Her body...there’s nothing left for us to free her spirit. They destroyed her spirit. She can’t join our ancestors. oO Without even a proper burial. Oo Levinson: My belief is that they are here for mining. Dilithium, the crystals you have shown us, is an important component for faster than light travel. oO Belief?! How is that even logical?! Focus, Noa! FOCUS! Oo Noa slightly shook her head sideways as she took another deep breath. It simply wasn’t helping. She needed to focus, and yelling at herself to focus was certainly not going to do that. Snow / Rosek: Responses Katnar’fari: Go, you’ve seen what the Feladoni don’t wish even their own kind to see. How they relocate us. You must survive to tell the truth..please. ::Her voice cracked slightly as she spoke, still in shock:: I know you said you cannot interfere, but please, if you die while under our care then it will bring even more destruction to our world. I would not wish to see Fari burn because your people might seek revenge or justice for your deaths. Noa looked at the bat-like woman directly in the eyes. She could see her desperation. Her acknowledgement of defeat. Facing death. All they went through - from forced relocation to kidnapping literal aliens - so they could have a chance for true, moral freedom. And just like that, it was just going to be blown away in mere moments by a group of supposed “miners” who saw the planet, the system, as nothing but a collection of molecules. Telling this story… would not be simple. As it stood, they didn’t really stand a chance. She had hoped for a better resolution, but with what she knew at the time, there wasn’t one. They stood no chance without phasers. Levinson: ::Without sound:: I will. Snow / Rosek: Responses Qalipu’fari: We can get you safely to the edge of our cave, if you need. Shaking her head slightly, Noa tried to shove her feelings to the side slightly. Levinson: I believe that would be adequate. ::Beat:: We still require our technology, however. It wasn’t exactly an easy request to make, but they couldn’t just go blind without their tricorders… Not with the danger of being shot to dust. Not to speak about their combadges... Snow / Rosek / Katnar’fari: Responses Qalipu’fari: We have caused you much harm, this is the least we can do. Levinson: ::Nodding:: I understand. Snow / Rosek / Katnar’fari: Responses Qalipu’fari: As Katnar'fari has said, please. Tell our story. Noa bowed slightly in the Mekra’fari’s direction. She couldn’t exactly bring herself to say a goodbye of some kind without breaking her cover down too much, so she opted to remain silent. Snow / Rosek: Responses With their technology back, the team was on its way back to the surface. Noa kept scanning for Caraadians consistently as they went, feeling a lot more comfortable with a scanning instrument and a torch to light the way. Levinson: The metals around us interfere with my scans. I cannot get a clear reading of lifesigns. Snow / Rosek: Responses Levinson: I do not believe it will take us long to reach the surface. Rosek: Response Levinson: ::Turning around:: Commander? Snow / Rosek: Responses Levinson: ::Still considering what Commander Rosek said:: I... see, Commander. Very well. Snow / Rosek: Responses -- Lieutenant JG Noa T'Nessa Levinson Science Officer USS Chin'toka E239701NL0

There has been some truly amazing writing for our current mission, but this was so beautifully written. It really hit me in the feels. 😢 ---- ((ooc: Warning, this sim deals with some difficult subjects of oppression and colonialism. Read at your own preference.)) ((Mosh’ka Alet Camp, Eladar IV (Fari), Deep underground)) She noted how their leader remained silent, likely just letting them slake their own curiosity rather than asking her own questions. The reserved nature of this woman further confirmed her belief that she must be some sort of Chief among her people. Katnar’fari: This is quite...interesting but we know the Feladoni. They take from Fari without care most of the time. They do not respect her for what she provides all of us. Qalipu’fari: Responses Rosek: ::smiles and nods:: I can appreciate the care you show for Fari. My mother’s people quite nearly destroyed our home through thoughtless actions. However, that changed centuries ago. We are much more enlightened and strive to take care of what we have been blessed with. Katnar’fari: The way you speak, you are of two different peoples? Born of two worlds and two different species? She asked and looked to Qalipu’fari and the others. Such a thing would be the ultimate vision of equality. Where peoples could truly join together completely in every way. Such a thing must be a wonderful thing to live with. She hoped that one day her own kin could know such prosperity. Qalipu’fari: Response Rosek: ::smiles and nods:: I am both Human and Al-Leyan. My mother is from Earth and my father is from a world called Leya-I. They met through her service in an organization called Starfleet. Snow: As am I. It’s quite common amongst our quadrant of the universe. Qalipu’fari: Response Rosek: ::shakes her head:: Not at all. Our interest in your world is scientific in nature. But we wouldn’t dream of taking or harming your natural resources without your explicit consent. Katnar’fari: Of this we only have your word, but that for now is all we can judge you on. Your future actions will show your true intent in time. Qalipu’fari: Responses Levinson: ::Inclining her head:: Quite logical. Katnar’fari: I must ask, Lieutenant Commander Rosek. Your eyes. They are quite remarkable. They did not look like this outside, but here, they glow. Can you see better in the dark? Rosek: It’s one of the perks, yes. The glow is especially prominent when the light makes contact, such as with fire or a handheld light source. The Mekra’fari woman smiled warmly and gestured for the group of prisoners to follow her a few steps. To the large cavern she had been meditating in before, with the hundreds if not thousands of crystals all gleaming in the light. Reflecting the lighting from the larger chamber where her people gathered in a dazzling array of colors. They called them star crystals for the way they twinkled like the stars in the sky when exposed to light. Others might call them by another name. Dilithium. Kantar’fari: I think you will appreciate this then. Qalipu’fari: Responses Snow: Wow.. ::she looked at it in awe:: Rosek: ::whispers:: This is incredible. Levinson: Those are dilithium crystals… The wonder and surprise from the trio, as well as the recognition suggested that what they were seeing was known to them and also of some value potentially. She made note of this observation. Katnar’fari: Dilithium? We do not know this word. What.. She was interrupted by the sudden subharmonic vocalization that rang out in the chamber. A cry of alarm from one of her people. All the Makra’fari in the room suddenly looked to the younger one standing by a computer with rows of monitors. Youth: Chief! They’ve begun the relocation early! Her heart sank when she heard the announcement and she rushed over to the male who had given her the alert. The larger monitor that was affixed to several stalactites descending from the ceiling. As it turned on Katnar shifted her view to the screen and the older Mekra’fari scowled. As she watched the slightly static filled image shifted as if being held by someone moving. In it, dozens and dozens of Feladoni security personnel dragged Mekra’fari from their homes. Men, women and children. Some not even being permitted enough time to gather their things before being forced out of their caves and surface dwellings and into many, multiple wheeled vehicles for transport to the new ‘reservation’ that their oppressors had deemed a better place for them to live. None of the Mekra’fari seen did anything to resist. Qalipu’fari: Responses Snow: They’re not even resisting. Rosek: ::murmurs:: Oppression can have unseen psychological impacts, Lieutenant. Katnar’fari: They will not resist. ::She said in a somber tone:: My people view any violent act not done out of self defense to be abhorrent. It’s why we here are shunned. Qalipu’fari: Responses Rosek: ::nods:: A difficult choice. The elder chief gave a curt nod. Katnar’fari: ::She picked up the mic for the radio transmitter:: Now, strike at them when they enter the caves. No more. We can’t let them dictate where we can and can’t live any longer. Do not kill them if you can help it. The Mekra’fari set the mic down and watched as the image showed dozens of Mekra’fari suddenly emerging from shadows of caverns, taking down the security like ghosts. Or openly firing their disruptors at them. One even shrieked at a pair of soldiers when his weapon was damaged beyond use and disabled the pair from the sonic waves unleashed on them, though Katnar knew it would mean intense pain for that young warrior. It was a brutally fierce few dozen minutes, but when it was all over, all of the Feladoni were dispatched, with only a scant few casualties. Qalipu’fari: Responses Katnar’fari: This is why we have taken you. This is what my people have lived with for centuries since the Feladoni realized that if they do not openly attack us, we won’t resist. Because they know they cannot beat us in battle. They never have. Qalipu’fari: Responses Snow: I still don't get it… Levinson: I see. Yet I am still puzzled as to how... taking us would be of help. Rosek: ::pauses and turns to Katnar’fari and Qalipu’fari:: If I’m correct, you believe that we are here to aid the Feladoni? That we are a threat and the means by which the Feladoni can completely overpower you? Qalipu’fari: response Katnar’fari: You arrive on our world shortly after we reach into the stars and have already spoken to the Feladoni in charge of the test flight. You clearly have technology and understanding beyond our own and I know the Feladoni would not willingly include us in talks with such visitors. We have to be sure we can protect our people, even if they won’t raise a hand to protect themselves. Levinson: I see. ::Beat:: I suppose there is a logic in that. Snow: A few moments ago your people were complying with the Feladoni and wouldn’t resist. The Feladoni haven’t proceeded any differently, but you gave your people an order to fight back. Not that I disagree, it’s your world, but what changed? Qalipu’fari: response The chieftain gave the woman a warm, motherly child for a moment. She could tell there was innocence there behind the comment and the eyes staring at her. It reminded her of her own children. She wanted to give them a world where they could keep that innocence. Katnar’fari: The Mekra’fari you saw fighting back were those who’ve chosen to risk being marked with dishonor in order to bring about change to our people. We are willing to become pariahs, ‘jit, in order to give our children, my children and others, a chance for a life where we are not viewed as lesser. Or as pets. Snow: And you didn’t fight back sooner because? She heard the tone and looked to the woman with a determined gaze. Katnar’fari: Because some of us have had enough. I want my children to be able to live alongside Feladoni without being marginalized, only able to do the work that the Feladoni tell them they can do because they aren’t seen as smart enough, capable enough. Even though the willing take the metals we create to build their cities and use our scientists and engineers to build their Spacefold ship and the satellites in orbit to provide global communication. Qalipu’fari / Levinson: Responses Snow: Apparently we have different definitions of violence and self-defense. The frills along her neck rippled slightly causing the fur to bristle slightly at the intonation of the young woman’s comment. She wondered how this one could understand if she lived in a world where all were considered equal, she likely had never been viewed as anything ‘lesser.’ Rosek: I admire you, Katnar’fari, for your integrity under duress. I cannot imagine it has been easy to hold to your beliefs given the circumstances. However, I hope you understand that it goes against the primary law governing myself and my officers to interfere in the natural development of a society. Katnar’fari: I have had to sacrifice some of my beliefs to try and change things. I accept this. The dishonor I bring is my own. All of us here are among the dishonored now. But we will not sacrifice everything that we are if there’s a better way. I do not wish us to become like the Feladoni. ::She sighed softly:: Are you not interfering just by being here on our world? Qalipu’fari / Snow / Levinson: Responses Rosek: ::inclines her head:: It prevents officers from abusing their position for personal gain. The Prime Directive has served us well over the centuries since its inception. Katnar’fari: And if someone in that society asks for help? Qalipu’fari / Snow / Levinson / Rosek: Responses ((Mini Time Jump)) Suddenly, the noise in the room beyond stopped. Katnar was keenly aware of it as were all of the Mekra’fari within as they were especially sensitive to changes in noise, sound and sonic vibrations. She tensed immediately and looked to the monitors, to her shock she saw unfamiliar faces. Clearly not Feladoni, perhaps more of these aliens. They must have used their advanced technology to find them and were trying to free them. Snow/Levinson: Responses Rosek: ::nods:: Caraadians. But what are they doing here? The question from the alien leader was surprising and she looked to the glowing eyes of the female officer. Katnar’fari: You say that as if these are not from your own people. Are they not from your crew here to rescue you? Qalipu’fari / Snow / Levinson / Rosek: Responses The revelation that they had a species of highly advanced peoples with a civilization of their own closeby Fari was as shocking and unnerving as seeing these aliens for the first time had been. She couldn’t have comprehended before just how large the universe was but she was beginning to see that they were just a small, small speck in a grander scheme. Katnar’fari: They are armed. If they are not here for you, then why have they come? Dozens of sub-harmonic vocalizations resounded through the chamber as word from one of their scouts reached them. Shortly after the unmistakable sound of a weapon discharge not their own echoed through the caves. One the monitors, she caught glimpse of one of their guards trying to make contact in warning for these Caraadians to halt and watched her being gunned down by several of them in a hail of energy discharges. Several gasps echoed through the cavern as they all watched the Mekra’fari not just die, but was completely reduced to ash. Katnar had never witnessed such a weapon in use and she instantly felt a wave of panic and fear well up in her gut, causing her fur to bristle while she cried out in anguish. Their body was gone, destroyed, which meant their spirit could not be properly freed from the body. Qalipu’fari / Snow / Levinson / Rosek: Responses Katnar’fari: Fari save us!!...they...they destroyed her. Her body...there’s nothing left for us to free her spirit. They destroyed her spirit. She can’t join our ancestors. Qalipu’fari / Snow / Levinson / Rosek: Responses The sound of weapons fire echoed through the caves as her people fought back. Their sonic disruptors at least seemed effective against these aliens. But their weapons utterly destroyed those they struck and there were so many of them. She only had two dozen Mekra’fari with her in the camp. Holding her rifle weakly in her hands she looked to the glowing eyed woman. Katnar’fari: Go, you’ve seen what the Feladoni don’t wish even their own kind to see. How they relocate us. You must survive to tell the truth..please. ::Her voice cracked slightly as she spoke, still in shock:: I know you said you cannot interfere, but please, if you die while under our care then it will bring even more destruction to our world. I would not wish to see Fari burn because your people might seek revenge or justice for your deaths. Qalipu’fari / Snow / Levinson / Rosek: Responses ======================== Lofali’jit Katnar’fari Formal Tribal Leader Leader of the Mekra’fari Equality Movement As simmed humbly by Lieutenant Commander Toryn Raga Second Officer/SOR Team Leader/Acting FO USS Chin'toka NCC-97187 PodCast Team Member Training Team Member Chin'toka Staff Member Writer ID: A239410TR0 https://wiki.starbase118.net/wiki/index.php?title=Toryn_Raga

A fun little look at our lower decks by the Chin'toka's Noa Levinson. Thank you for an entertaining interlude, @Noa T'Nessa Levinson ---- ((Port Observation Lounge, Deck 6, USS Chin’toka)) Kisau was quite excited after her shift. While she wasn’t involved in that work directly, she’s heard some… curious chatter among the more superior officers. A first contact with a new species! Even without a lot of details, that was really exciting. She only graduated a few weeks ago and the ship was already getting ready for a first contact?! That was just awesome. She entered the lounge, still in uniform, and headed directly for the replicator to order something to eat. A burrito sounded good. With her food in hand, she spotted a familiar face she befriended. She waved at him with a smile. Pes: Oh hey, Brian! Mind if I sit with you? Stenner: ::Gesturing to the chair opposite:: Not at all, please. She quickly paced over to the table, and took a seat while placing the tray on the table. Pes: Thanks. ::Wrapping her right hand around her burrito:: You heard some of the first contact chatter going around? Stenner: ::With a wry grin:: Only hearsay and musings, though Doctor Snow did brief us before she left. She seemed particularly concerned about bringing back unknown pathogens, so I've been setting up the quarantine procedures all afternoon. Still - First contact with a brand new race! Very exciting. Pes: ::Grinning, obviously excited:: I know, right? I don’t even have a lot of details and it sounds awesome! Stenner: Did you just come off shift? Kisau nodded, still somewhat excited. Pes: Yep. Figured I’ll grab myself something to eat before catching some rest in my quarters. The two kept chatting a bit more about various subjects, including the first contact - she was still really excited by it, and she was sure it was gonna stay there for a while. She definitely looked forward to how it was going to turn out. -- Ensign Kisau Pes Science Officer USS Chin'toka As simmed by Lieutenant JG Noa T'Nessa Levinson Science Officer USS Chin'toka E239701NL0