Jarred Thoran

Congratulations and welcome to the fleet! Delighted to have you with us and looking forward to seeing you around

A massive well done and congratulations to you all!! It has been my absolute pleasure writing and working alongside you all over the past 12 months. You are what makes this community such an incredible place, with your talent, enthusiasm and hard work! Thank you to you all

@Lephi I genuinely laughed at Lephi's reaction to Brex!! ((Security Director’s Office, Mephinii Spaceport, Illara Prime, Par’Tha Expanse)) Ganarvuss: Captain Logan, I’d like to take Ensign Yalu or Lephi with me to talk to the suspects. Logan: ? Lephi paused for a brief second, considering her situation as she stood on the balls of her feet reflexively, trying not to look too eager. She was weighing the pros and cons methodically in her head trying to figure out where she would be most helpful. Lephi: All due respect to Ensign Yalu, I truly feel I would be better suited to come along. I've been thinking about it and although my hand to hand combat is rusty, my diplomacy is a strong point. Ganarvuss: Is that so? Lephi was almost certain that there had been some disbelief in the tone from Ganarvuss, but decided that it wasn't worth making a scene with the Ensign over. Besides, she reasoned that Ganarvuss' hesitation was likely based on lack of knowledge rather than malice. Lephi: I might be an engineer in Starfleet, but I've brokered many deals in my short life, and you can't do that unless you're good with your words and reading people. Logan: Response Yalu: I’m happy to go wherever I am needed, Ensign Ganarvuss. If you’d like someone to stay behind and work with Dr. Nidhar’s team, I can do that. But if you think I could be of use elsewhere, I mean, not that staying here wouldn’t be useful, I just... Brex: ::inclines his head and turns to Ganarvuss:: With all respect, Ensign, I agree with your Ensign Lephi. His shrewdness might be beneficial. ::pauses:: Also, as I stated to your other officer, I feel I would be of more use with the interview process. Dr. Nidhar has the situation well in hand here and your doctor could be beneficial to her investigation here since he’s the one who discovered the thoron radiation. Lephi turned and shot the Representative a hard glance. oO His shrewdness? His?! Oo Lephi was fuming. She instinctively reached up, gently feeling around her ears. She always had been self conscious about their size. Typical Ferengi females had lobes that were much smaller. She stifled a growing urge to unleash a verbal lashing on this Freeworlder. No, this needed to be handled professionally. She couldn't end up in the brig on her first mission. Lephi: ::speaking through thinly veiled irritation:: Thank you for that ringing endorsement, Representative. Ganarvuss: Alright, then. You’re hired, Lephi. Dr. Yalu, I agree with Brex on this. Your insights could be most helpful to the forensics team. Lephi felt herself tip ever so slightly as she adjusted, allowing both feet to once again be firmly and flatly on the ground. Now it was time to shine. Although she was great at computer languages, her favourite language remained negotiation. Lephi: ::not taking her eyes off of Brex:: Thank you, Ensign, an interrogation is just an intense negotiation, after all. On Ferenginar we just call that an average Tuesday afternoon. You'll get your answers. She hoped she didn't sound too intense in her reply, with her emotions on a roller coaster she struggled to filter her tone. Moderately worried that she was tanking her Starfleet career before it ever got off the ground, she turned her gaze back to Ganarvuss and added in an attempt to be less intense Lephi: Thank you, Ensign Ganarvuss. I hope we make a good team. I look forward to working alongside your very capable self. oO Rule of Acquisition number 33, it never hurts to suck up to the boss! Oo She thought to herself with a wry chuckle, a faint smile turning the corners of her lips upwards slightly. Yalu: Understood Logan: Response Brex: ::nods:: Of course. ::smiles:: It is your decision. I will help however I’m needed. Ganarvuss: You made a good point earlier, Representative. I think it would go a long way to have you with us when we interview the suspects. Lephi: oO Oh this is just perfect. Oo ::deadpan:: It'll be great to have you along Representative. Brex: Response Logan: Response Nidhar: ::pauses:: I wouldn’t mind the extra hand. Lephi was impressed with how quickly Ganarvuss was able to take control of the situation and get things done. She filed that away as a mental note. She reasoned Ganarvuss might make a good ally to have. Ganarvuss: You got it, Doctor. Representative, Lephi: Let’s go. Logan/Nidhar: Response Lephi: I'm on your six. Brex: ? Ilana led the way out of the office and Lephi followed closely behind. They hadn't made it very far before Lephi was forced to stop on short notice, almost running into Ganarvuss who was turning back to face them. Ganarvuss: I imagine the place to start looking would be the main conference center. Lephi: Seems like the best starting point, I agree. I know it's not my place, but if I may, perhaps we should split up to try and cover more ground? It is time sensitive after all. She was determined to put some distance between herself and the thoughtless representative. Of course he'd think she was a male! She was good at being Ferengi! Lephi wondered how he'd feel if she were to make some broad assumption about his species. Brex: ? Ganarvuss: That makes sense. Lephi: Alright, I have my orders, I will accomplish them. Lephi knew she sounded a bit distant and cold, but she hoped that her colleagues would attribute that to readying for the task at hand and not that her feelings were hurt. Ganarvuss: Response Brex: ? ---------------------- Ensign Lephi Engineering Officer USS Atlantis NCC-74682 A239706L10

For the first time, Jarred opted against dress whites for the Annual Awards

Congratulations, you all did a stellar job! Very excited to have you with us and looking forward to seeing you around

Congratulations, you did a stellar job! Looking forward to seeing you around the place

((Beta Quadrant, Par'tha Expanse, USS Atlantis, Level 9B, Science Lab 11, House Larkon Space, Paldor System, Mining Asteroid Belt)) Pulling his hand out of the caved in and shattered helmet Kurt looked up to the only other person making any noise in the Lab, the sobbing of the Lavender haired, scared Nurse. The sight would have been enough to break the heart of anyone, for Kurt the fury sitting in him dissolved away to nothing. Standing up he moved slowly towards the frozen Antosian. Logan::Quitely:: Avea... Shouting wasnt going to help she looked to much in shock for it to do anything but cause even more panic. Logan: Wyla... its ok She stood there with her legs lightly shaking her sobbing loud and deep, the terror of the last few minutes flaring behind her eyes. At first the Antosian didn't answer or move, her gaze was unfocused staring off across the Science Lab. Logan oO Definitely shock.. Oo Avae: N..no..it's not...I'm..scared..so ..scared... Logan: No ::Smiling:: No your safe, they are no longer a threat to you. Avae: ::She slowly looked to the lifeless body of the holographic intruder:: I..can't...stop..shaking... Logan: They cant hurt you... I'm here Kurt held his arm out to her as he inched closer, eventually she looked up at him, meeting his gaze with her own red shot eyes. Heavy trails from her tears streaked over her cheeks, no make up coloured those trails, which from what Kurt had been told was something that all women were thankful for. Despite now looking at him her hands still trightly gripped the strap of her Medkit. Logan: I'm here........you're safe. Slowly releasing her grip on the medkit she reached barely touching Kurts hand before lunging at him, wrapping her arms around his chest. Hugging him as tightly before breaking down, her legs gave way collapsing her against him, her subtle perfume surrounding him. Avae: Kurt...stars...thank you....I thought I was going to die...::She broke down crying openly and shivering against him:: Logan: Ssshhhhh….. Its ok, you didn't Avae: I wish...::sobs:: I wasn't.... ::sobs:: s... so..weak.. ::sobs:: Logan: Your not Avae: I...I am! ::She openly cried against his chest. Her fingers tightly gripping his armor as if she were about to fall off a cliff:: I.I...they're...not...even real...and I can't...handle...it.. Logan oO Not real … what is she talking about .Oo Despite the urgency of being boarded and not needing to be holed up in a Science lab when all hell was breaking loose. One other thing he had learned both from the hard way and from others that had been equally tested was, the husbandry of resources. The ship would always need Medical staff and there was a good one in front of him, getting her back in the 'Fight' as it were was in it's way far more important than getting his Rifle back in the action. That and despite anything else that may have been happening he couldn't leave her like this, no matter what. Logan: Your hardly weak, back home my teacher asked me what did I want to be. And i told him that I want to be the best, not good or great but the best. He looked at me straight in the eye and told me that if I wanted to be the best then I needed to learn how to heal. Because only when I knew that would I be what I wanted because there the best of us. Not those of us that shoot things but those who put us back together again, and I know that first hand. She slowly stood herself upright slightly away from him her hair a complete mess of escaping strands, the medkit still slung over her shoulder, but resting up against her back. Avae: Thank..thank you...I know you're...just doing your job...but I'm sorry...you had to come rescue someone you hate. ::She stared down at her hands, which still clung to him as if refusing to let him go:: Logan: Hate you ? The Beautiful Antosian glanced down at the Breen behind him, as she did her face crumpled tears flowing one more. In one respect the irony of this bit hard , all this time he had tried to keep her from such pain yet here she was having it all the same. Avae: I hate...being so weak.... A small sigh escaped him full of sadness at feelings the Lavender haired Nurse was having as she gripped tightly to his armoured vest. Logan: Wyla…. Once again she failed to move as he used her name, brushing hair from her face Kurt then slipped a finger under her chin and lifted her head up till they were eye to eye again. Logan: What is there to hate about you..why do you think I hate you ? Avae: Response Logan:: Shaking his head slowly:: Its not hate Wyla … I've been protecting you since we first met. Taking a deep breath he steadying the voice in his head that wanted to speak, now was not the time there never would be the time for that. No despite any personal feelings he must look at the best course for the Ship and its crew only, they were what mattered the only things that did. Covering her hands with his, for a second he marveled at the smoothness of her skin. Logan: I thought Solana may have talked to you but this is my life ::Looking briefly at the Breen still laying by the door:: That will be me at some point in time, an hour from now, tonight, tomorrow morning two days from now. I don't know but one day it will be, and I've been protecting you from that. Avae: Response Logan: I've seen what it can do to people waiting for that day to come, or dealing with it when it does. And that's not what you need in your future, and I would never give that to you. Avae: Response Logan: No there's plenty of others out there that can make you happier without the ….sheer risk. The voice in his head grew louder as did the want to just scoop her up and just hold her, battling against that wasn't helped by the impact he took from the Forcefield, combined his head was now pounding. Logan: And I admit that it wasn't the most clear indicator but I gave you that watch so you'd know someone was looking out for you. Captain Kurt Logan Marine Officer USS Atlantis, NCC-74682 E239203KLO7

Congratulations and well done! Looking forward to seeing you around the place

((Corridor, USS Atlantis)) {{Day 15 of Shoreleave }} Dermont found himself fidgeting with the pips on his collar as he walked his way through the corridor. He would never admit it, but there was a part of him that was a bit self-conscious. All of the ensigns that joined the ship around the same time as him were all Lieutenant Commanders and some of the senior-most leadership on board the Atlantis. And all of the people he still considered the “new guys” were mostly the same rank as he was. It stung a bit. Dermont: oO Wait a minute there, Valin. Aren’t ya the man tellin’ em time and time again that ya didn’t want any more responsibility? That man that bailed on ‘is counselin’ sessions, throwin’ stuff ‘bout the Engineerin’ Bay, and constantly pawned off yer department reports ta Yelchin and Kiliak? Oo Also Dermont: oO Shaddup Oo Logic had no place in a frustrated man’s head. He grunted a bit to himself and headed into sickbay. ((Sickbay Complex, USS Atlantis)) Though she was still feeling out of sorts, she was glad to be off of the suppressants. They’d given her a fair few nasty headaches. The other symptoms had begun to fade within a day or two and for the first time since returning from Valcaria, she was able to focus without that nagging itch under her skin flaring up just enough to make her want to toss a PADD at a monitor. After a few days on medical leave, she was more behind than she would have liked. She hadn’t completely finished her mission report on the cadmium poisoning on Valcaria. Between how her own exposure had flared up her asthma followed by her unexpected first season, her focus just hadn’t been sharp enough. She’d needed to request an extension from the Captain due to extenuating circumstances. Taking a sip of her specially ordered and specially brewed Al-Leyan kievlan coffee, she entered another note into the PADD in her hand. However, the sound of the doors opening caught her attention and she set both the PADD and the coffee down to greet the new arrival. Journs: ::smiles:: Hi. What can I do for you? Dermont: ::not smiling:: Apparently, when ye’ve been out n’ ‘bout as long as I ‘ave, ye’ve got ta have the doc tell ‘em yer good ta go before resumin’ duties. Journs: ::nods and motions to one of the biobeds:: If you’ll hop up on one of the beds, I’ll be with you in a moment. Dermont: O’course. As the man made himself comfortable, she turned on her heel and took two steps to receive a medical tricorder sitting on a tray and a PADD to look up his records. Journs: ::pauses:: Valin Dermont, right? Dermont: Yes ma’am. Been a bit since we’ve seen each other. Journs: ::nods and smiles:: It has. You were on the bridge the first day I came aboard. Dermont nodded at that comment. Indeed he was. And it didn’t take a telepath to know what was going on in his dear friend Raga’s mind when she had first stepped off the turbolift. Mr. Heartbreak seeing another Al-leyan on board? While Raga was no doubt seeing stars, Dermont was seeing the doctor for what see was truly going to be. Drama. Of course, then he was shipped out and away. So who knows what series of unfortunate events had happened since then. Dermont: Yes ma’am, I was. Ya don’t tend ta forget seein’ another Al-leyan come on board. Two on a single starship? Yer more likely ta see a stable trinary star system. Journs: ::smiles and nods:: Yes, I admit I was surprised myself. Dermont: I’m sure it’s chance beyond chance, really. Ya just happened ta arrive on a ship whose second officer is Toryn Raga. Anyway, get yer scannin’ done so I can see what in the hell Kiliak’s done with ma engines. She arched an eyebrow at the man, recalling how he’d grumbled with Toryn on the bridge that day. She’d seen plenty of his type even with so few years in Starfleet under her belt. From what she could tell, he was more bark than bite and mostly grumbled for the sake of it. Journs: My “scanning” requires you to sit still and be patient, Lieutenant. Dermont: oO Oh, a hint of a back bone in there, eh? Oo Dermont on the best of days tolerated doctors as he was not so stupid as to dismiss their value. He also happened to have little patience for those who would bring drama or pain to those he considered his. Engineering was his, this ship was his. Raga was his friend. Hell, Serala was his...friend? I mean he was certain she was not an enemy. He was still pretty sure Stevok mind-whammied her anyway. Dermont: oO Point ‘ere is that Journs was both doc and someone who could prob’ly bring ‘ole ‘eaps o’ drama down on the lad. Oo Dermont: You and I barely know each other, lass. I just want ya ta check out mah knee and make sure mah ‘earts still tickin’. But know I’ve got a soft spot fer the Commander and all I’m sayin’ is he doesn’t need no damnable drama from home. Journs: ::expression softens and murmurs:: I know. Rest assured I don’t intend to bring any if I can help it. There were plenty of angles it could come from, but she had a feeling she knew what Valin was implying. Toryn wasn’t a typical Al-Leyan and a more traditional Al-Leyan woman would have quite possibly sent a message back to the Council by now about Toryn’s intimate involvement with an outsider and his dangerous, reckless disregard for his own life. However, she was far from a typical Al-Leyan herself. Dermont: That’s good ta hear, doctor. Branches be damned. The lad’s choices are the lad’s own to make. ::He gave a sideways glance at the doctor.:: Even if some would consider them mistakes... Journs: ::pauses:: While I can’t make any promises about things that are out of my control, I can promise that I’m not here to police anything Toryn does or says in the process of fulfilling his duties to this ship nor am I here to pass judgment on any personal moral or ethical choices he makes. Dermont simply nods. Another Al-leyan corrupted by the Federation ideals then, eh? Once you see how bigotry and oppression look from the other side, it’s hard to stay true to the fantasy you were raised in. Journs: ::lips tighten:: Not that it’s your business, but I love Toryn and it would tear me to pieces if he were hurt in any way. That made the engineer stiffen upon hearing. Love? She loved Toryn? What in the blazes had happened in the last few months? Love?! Sure, he knew with Al-Leyan culture they might naturally gravitate toward one another, but what kind of ridiculousness was she spouting about love? Dermont: Wait now just a tad bit there, lass. Those words are pretty damned powerful. Love? Ye’ve been ‘ere fer a few months and now suddenly ya get ta throw ‘round that word? It wasn’t an unexpected reaction. Back home, it wasn’t a word that was ever used with any serious intent. Certainly Al-Leyans experienced love...but not in the same way as other cultures. Most Al-Leyan relationships were fleeting, some lasting a few months and others not even a season. There were a decent number who stayed with a partner for years, but these weren’t very common. The older engineer’s voice began to raise as his voice turned to a scowl. Dermont: Doctor...I know Al-leyans are a little loose when it comes ta the idea of sexual encounters, but let me assure ya, there’s a lot more ta love than that! Do you ‘ave any idea ‘ow many times that lad’s ‘ad his soul crushed due to romantic attachments!? Dermont: oO Yer a right [...], Valin… Oo The man’s raised voice didn’t phase her. After dealing with her father’s soul-wrenching silence and lack of empathy, a loud voice wouldn’t rattle her. Journs: ::meets his gaze:: I respect that you are Toryn’s friend and I respect that you’re just looking to protect him. I honestly hope that with time, you see that Toryn isn’t just a game to me. The engineer frowned as the woman didn’t flinch while he raised his voice. Intimidating people by yelling a Dermont trademark and he was unsure of how to deal with it. Usually people left his immediate vicinity or started shouting back. He gave the doctor a level stare. Journs: I’m not looking for a minute flirtation. ::lips tighten:: If anything, I’m afraid that Toryn will find someone else and I’ll be left behind. As I said to Captain Logan, where he goes, I go, even if that means walking into the fire with him and getting burned by it. There’s not a thing in this universe that I wouldn’t endure for him. oO I think she might mean it…what in the ‘ell. Oo Dermont: Doctor, yer the most unAl-leyan Al-leyan that I’ve met. I’ve studied a bit o’ your culture….tryin’ ta understand Toryn and ‘is clear bouts of self-loathin’ that ‘e goes through. I think I’ve got the nail on the ‘ead with ‘is idea of “cultural contamination.” ::he nearly spat the words.:: I am glad someone makes ‘im ‘appy. She relaxed some, sensing the change in the man’s tone, a slight smile crossing her lips. Any other Al-Leyan would have been insulted. But a part of her took it as a compliment. Her years away from home, it seemed, were only reinforcing the idea that conformity wasn’t everything. Though she knew not all of her friends here understood her beliefs and values, she was grateful that they accepted her willingly in spite of them. Journs: ::gaze drops and she nods, then murmurs:: I try. Dermont puts up a hand to ward off any lovey-dovey much she might try to keep peddling his way. He stood up, despite his check-up not being complete. Dermont: Ye’ll think I’m an [...] fer it...and maybe I am. It is clear by the way ya talk you two are in love. But let’s give it a few more months before ya try and move it along, eh? Let’s make sure he loves ya fer you...and not just because ya ‘appen ta be the only “culturally acceptable” choice on the ship, eh? The comment stung and it struck at her greatest fear. She was certain he hadn’t meant to insult or hurt her. He was just looking out for his friend. It was something they had in common and was what made it easier for her to push aside the emotional reaction and take what he was saying at face value. She didn’t need his approval. She didn’t need anyone’s. She and Toryn were adults and could engage in a relationship as they saw fit. It was their responsibility to sort through their problems, not everyone else’s. If they couldn’t figure things out without bringing in a third party that didn’t even close to know the more intimate details and nuances of their relationship, they shouldn’t be in one together in the first place. With that he spun on his heels and headed towards the door. He’d get cleared by somebody else at a later time. Something was telling Dermont he might have just worn out his welcome. Dermont: oO Lad jumps so fast...someone’s gotta make sure it’s the real damn thing… Oo Still Dermont: oO And it just ‘as ta be you, eh Valin? Oo He frowned to himself, clenching his fists at his own loud-mouth and headed through the door. She stared after him for a long moment. Only when she glanced down at the tricorder in her hand did she realize they hadn’t finished his appointment. A slight smile crossed her lips in spite of the mild discomfort she was now feeling in the aftermath of what had been a very awkward conversation. It was clear Toryn had the respect and affection of many, including the gruff engineer. That made her even more determined to consciously work to keep from hurting Toryn. Today had been another hurdle in the battle she was waging with herself over whether this was the right thing. There were forces threatening to tear them apart, but she was coming to realize that love wasn’t an obligation, but a choice...a choice that was made consciously every day in spite of the hardships. A choice she’d continue to make each day, no matter what came their way. --- ================= Lieutenant Valin Dermont Engineer USS Atlantis A239410VD0 & Lieutenant Ishkabela Journs Medical Officer USS Atlantis, NCC-74682 I238110RH0

Congratulations to you both. You did a stellar job and looking forward to seeing you around the place

Welcome to the fleet! You both did a stellar job and i'm looking forward to seeing you around the place

Congratulations and welcome back! Looking forward to seeing you around

Congratulations to you all and welcome aboard! Looking forward to simming with you!

Congratulations to you all and welcome aboard! Looking forward to seeing you around the fleet

((Ambassador’s Yacht Kirym - Somewhere in the Kaleth Woods, Tibro)) Thoran: Ambassador, how long do you think it will take for somebody to pick up the signal and make tracks towards us? Too soon for her liking. If she were General Asil she would have a special operations team waiting to depart Keibrom as soon as the distress signal was detected armed to the teeth. Thankfully she was not like such a contemptible officer. Perhaps he was in no hurry to confirm the success. But in her heart, she knew they were on the way. If Asil planned for the crash to kill her, he wouldn’t be so subtle as to switch off helm control rather than plant a bomb. Dels’an: Around an hour if they were ready to leave as soon as they received the signal. Perhaps we will be fortunate and the assassins are ill-prepared. At most I would expect them to make it here within two hours. It’s imperative that we are not here when they arrive. McKnight: We need to go, now. Whoever wanted us dead will most likely send someone to make sure we are. Dels’an: Indeed. Serala: About that plan of yours, Commander Revix. It’s very noble of you, Commander. Especially for a group of non-Rihannsu. However, in my opinion, sir, it would be best if we all remained together. The more of us there are, the better our chances of survival are. Divided into smaller groups they would only make it easier to pick them off one by one. Revix: Response Thoran: Commander Serala does make an excellent point. It would make us easier to track, presuming anybody comes looking for us, but our odds are better together. Dels’an: These will not be poorly-trained troops. If you are caught alone you’ll die. She could speak with authority on that point. Only two years earlier she had been the primary author of the new standards for Advanced Combat Training in the Valcarian armed forces. Serala: Sir, in my condition, this isn’t going to do me much good. And since our man has a weapon, it seems only right you should be armed as well. Especially if you have reason to believe your life is also a target for your enemies. Revix: Response Serala: Captain, Ambassador. It seems there may be a few more weapons if either of you would like one. But I sincerely hope they won’t be necessary. If we are fortunate, someone on our side will have noticed our absence and will find us before our enemy or enemies do. Thoran: Thank you Commander. Lorrein accepted the phaser she was offered. After switching it to a higher power level, she holstered the weapon and began to assist Jarol in collecting the final equipment in preperation for their departure. Dels’an: Thank you, Commander Serala. Revix/McKnight/Nehir: Responses ((Timeskip: An hour later.)) ((Abandoned Outpost - Somewhere in the Kaleth Woods, Tibro)) The trek through the woods had involved considerably less weapons fire than she had predicted it might. The wildlife had mostly remained out of their way and she had yet to hear the telltale sounds of engines that would indicate they were discovered. Even at the distance of the outpost, they would hear anyone approaching from a distance towards the crash site. Nobody was waiting to ambush them at the outpost itself, only a thick layer of moss and vines covering the door. Serala: Well, we’re here. Home sweet home. Thoran: Home. Yes. Lorrein looked around the outpost and saw exactly what she was expecting. The featureless metal walls were bare and most of the furniture and equipment not bolted down was gone. The engineers assigned to decommission the base had done a very thorough job. The Starfleet marine began searching the rooms ahead of them. McKnight: We're clear. Looks like no one's been here in a long time. Dels’an: This outpost has been out of service for nineteen years. The last people here were a team of technicians who removed anything left of value. Revix/Nehir: Responses Serala: :: looking at the wounded woman :: How is she doing? That trip could not have been easy for her. She had been checking on Commander Faris frequently, always careful to remain by the people carrying the stretcher when she was not doing so herself. The commander was her most trusted staff member, and Lorrein had no intention of leaving her side during the officer’s time of need. Isona had earned at least that much loyalty. Thoran: She is in critical condition. If she doesn’t receive medical attention soon then I doubt she will make it. Dels’an: When we find those responsible, heads will roll! Anyone who she found to be remotely connected to the sabotage attempt would be wise to find the farthest and darkest corners of the empire and hide there. Lorrein was furious. There would be no hiding place remote enough to keep her from finding them. And then she would find General Asil and Director Varus. Revix/Nehir: Responses Serala: Amuro, that fancy gadget of yours on your arm. Do you think you could use it to reach the ship? Maybe tie into your commbadge? Not trying to be funny here, and I know our supply of tools is severely limited, but I’m not an engineer and I am grasping for ideas here. McKnight: Sorry, ma'am. I can't even tell where exactly we are without navigational data. Hopefully, the Atlantis will know something is up, since we haven't checked it. Revix/Nehir: Responses Thoran: Regardless the idea has merit. It can’t make our situation any worse. I’d also recommend that we take the time to search the area for supplies and post a lookout in the observation tower. Nehir/Revix/Serala: Responses Dels’an: I am unsure what of use the decommissioning team would have left behind, but it might be worth the time to search. Commander Thoran removed the communicator badge from his uniform and threw it to Jarol, who caught it with one hand. Thoran: If you hear, see or even smell anything that seems out of place, contact us immediately. Dels’an: We will, Commander Thoran. Revix: Response Thoran: We will search the surrounding rooms, see if we can find any supplies. Nehir/Serala: Responses Dels’an: If you will excuse me, Commander Revix. I must attend to my wounded crewmember. Revix: Response Isona was barely clinging to life. The bleeding had stopped, frozen by the winter cold and the pressure of the blankets she had been wrapped in for the journey. Lorrein held the commander’s hand, which felt like that of an ice sculpture. There was barely any hint that she was still among the living. Dels’an: Asil and Varus won’t get away with this. Once we take the throne they’ll wish they never showed their faces in the Outlying Territories… The Outlying Territories had always been her domain. She had brought a few of the planets under the empire’s control herself in the many campaigns that she had waged. Lorrein had homes on each major world in the territories and had forged most of her legendary career in the region. Field Marshal Gatol had come to her realm, tried to kill her, and harmed her people. She didn’t realize her mistake until she turned to see the surprised looks of the Romulan and Starfleet officers who had been in the room to hear that little piece of information. Revix: Response Anyone: Response(s) Well, there was no way to unsay that... ((Flashback - The Imperial Grand Palace at Ghrandla - Valcaria - 239610.07)) The atmosphere in the War Council meeting chamber was even more tense than it usually was. The death of the Chief Advisor two weeks earlier had shook the entire upper level of Valcarian leadership. Everyone wondered who would be Emperor Altharra’s new right hand. And the loss of his most trusted advisor had only left the already-ill Altharra in an even more alarming condition. Lorrein was seated at the ornate round table on Altharra’s right. On his left was Field Marshal Gatol. Director of State Security Afflor, Commandant Kryon, and the new Overseer of Planetary Defense were also at the table. As always, two elite-troopers silently stood watch over the meeting from the door. They had just finished with status reports, and Field Marshal Gatol had been the first to bring up the looming question of the Chief Advisor post. Gatol: Your majesty, there is also the matter of appointing a new Chief Advisor. There are many candidates who… Altharra: No. There will be time enough for that later, Field Marshal. Field Marshal Gatol was a stubborn, narcissistic, and self-serving monster. But, just like a broken ship’s chronometer, he could still occasionally be right. Leaving the physically drained emperor with no clear heir was a crisis waiting to happen. Dels’an: Your majesty, I must concur with Field Marshal Gatol. It is important that the position- ::The Emperor was not following her words, seemingly incapable of keeping focus on anything in the room.:: Are you feeling well, your majesty? There was no reply from the Emperor, only a few attempts to speak followed by his imperial majesty collapsing on the floor. The two etroopers standing guard at the doors rushed to help him. Not detecting any vitals, they began emergency chest compressions in an attempt to revive him. Based on their expressions and the sounds of their scanners, they were less than successful. Trooper: He’s still not breathing! Someone alert the medical center. A wordless conversation was happening between the members of the War Council. They had failed to secure the appointment of an heir to throne only moments earlier, and now the Emperor lay dead on the ground. If they did nothing, the news would leave the room in moments and they would lose control of the situation. Something had to be done. Dels’an: oO Are we really going to do this? Oo The group had reached a silent consensus. Rebellions, declarations of independence, and all manners of destabilization would rock the Valcarian Imperial Republic to its foundations if they had no new leader to reassure the people and maintain control. Gatol: Now. Phaser fire stunned the two etroopers before they would spread the word to the medical center, the rest of the guard, and the Imperial Palace’s clerk to make the announcement to the public. Besides, having the most elite soldiers in the Valcarian Empire running around answerable to no authority was a frightening prospect. She, Gatol, and Kryon lowered their weapons and took their seats back at the table. Afflor: News of what we’ve seen here cannot be known to the public. The situation is too delicate already. Until a successor is in place we can’t risk it. We would have every governor, advisor, and every self-important admiral trying to be the one to be crowned. For the sake of the Empire and the war, this secret remains from the people. Nobody can know until continuity of leadership is re-established. Everyone in the room hated each other. Altharra had chosen his appointees wisely to ensure they could never unite against him in life. But that strategy fell apart upon the occasion of his death. It was going to be a fight to see who could secure their claim first. She knew that at least Gatol and Afflor liked their chances of personally taking the throne. But they all could agree that the fewer people who knew, the better. Dels’an: Agreed. Gatol: Agreed. Kryon: Agreed. Of course, news did spread through the upper echelons of power. But it was still a closely kept secret, with only enough people being told so that battle lines could be drawn up and the fight to put a successor on the throne could be carried out in secret. ((End Flashback)) Lorrein had hoped to tell everyone the news in a much more controlled and diplomatically comfortable setting. It would be more helpful in terms of gaining their support and future cooperation with her and her allies. But the cat was out of the bag and it was best to just tell them the truth. Dels’an: Everyone, please come in here for a moment. Revix/Thoran/Serala/McKnight/Nehir: Responses She waited for the Starfleet and Romulan officers to assemble in the main hallway before continuing. Dels’an: You deserve the right to know why I’ve been targeted, and it isn’t just because of diplomacy. ::She sighed, took a deep breath, and continued.:: Emperor Altharra died almost four months ago. He dropped dead right in the middle of a War Council meeting. That’s why I didn’t want the elite-troopers here for our meeting. And that’s why I was targeted. Other factions are also attempting to seize control. Revix/Thoran/Serala/McKnight/Nehir: Responses Dels’an: Myself and those who I’ve aligned with think that throwing endless troops and ships at the Caraadians and having no communication channels built up with foreign powers is not an efficient use of the empire’s resources. I do apologize for withholding this information, but the intention to build bridges is still true. And given the danger that the power struggle has brought upon us, you have the right to know. As she let the information sink in, she surveyed the crowd for their responses. She had no idea how past experiences with the Valcarians and the revelation that Emperor Altharra was gone would sit with them. Revix/Thoran/Serala/McKnight/Nehir: Responses Grand Admiral Lorrein Dels’an Ambassador-at-large Valcarian Imperial Republic ===as simmed by=== Lieutenant Commander Anath G'Renn Chief Medical Officer, USS Atlantis A239402AG0