TREKS IN SCI-FI FORUM

The U.S.S. Arabella hung there in space dock as support crafts moved slowly away.

"Captain, all docking moors are released," Aeric said from his seat at the operations station. " Umbilical are detached. The Arabella is now functioning on internal power. We are clear for departure."

A standing Quinn smiled and looked towards the andorian female that was currently at the Conn. "Miss Thela, bring us ahead at one quarter impulse."

"Aye Captain," the young lieutenant junior grade said. With a few keystrokes and an almost poetic flare, her light blue fingers danced over the console."

The Arabella slowly began to clear the space dock. Work Bees and other facility support craft paused in their duties to turn their attention to the exiting ship. Reaction control thrusters flared intermittently to maintain course while the ship freed itself of its birthplace.

Back on the bridge of the vessel, Quinn finally took his seat, but kept his attention on the view screen. With a smile to his executive officer, he activated the communications systems from his chair. "Mr. K'arath, how are things looking in engineering?"

"You will have warp power at your order captain," replied the gruff Klingon voice of the Chief Engineer.

"Thank you Mr. K'arath, I would like to see just what the Arabella is capable of." Quinn said. "Lieutenant Thela. Set a course for Grid 26, Quad 02, Sector 75."

"All stations are reporting ready status Captain," Commander Sevryll said after a cursory glance at her console.

Thela responded with another series of keystrokes. "Course laid in Captain."

"Prepare to go to warp at best sustainable speed."

"Yes Sir."

The majestic ship swiftly altered its heading to the new direction. Soft blue light radiated from the warp nacelles as they rapidly moved into warp configuration.

"Engage!" said Quinn with a nod.

The soft blue glow swiftly grew in brilliance as the ship leapt into warp and departed Vulcan in a flash of light. Inside the ship, the Chief Engineer smiled as the warp reactor swirled and pulsed into life. It was perhaps one of the smoothest transitions to warp that any aboard had ever felt. K'arath smiled at the sound of the new engines, it was a low purr that made the ship seem both alive and eager to be in motion.

Crewmen and officers moved about their stations as the Arabella began her maiden voyage. The members of the bridge staff readied themselves for what might lay just beyond the horizon. On Quinn's shoulders rested the hopes and anticipation of not just the crew, but the Federation.

"Adventure awaits." Quinn said with a smile as he glanced over to his number one.

joint post Startrekfanatic5 & Just X

Spring stepped into her new quarters and automatically reached for something to hold on to. The gravity was off! Or, she realized a moment later, very light. She settled to the floor and tapped her com-badge. "Ensign Farmer to Engineering," she sent through the scent-vocalization translator.

"Engineering here," came the short minty response.

"I'm sorry to disturb you, but the gravity isn't working in my quarters."

"Belay that," came another, much closer voice. "Never mind, Engineering. Computer, set gravity to normal." A hand came out of nowhere, or rather down from the ceiling. It was attached to a freckled arm, which in turn was attached to a freckled and rather small person. She was hanging from a metal framework set into the ceiling. "Ensign Ginny Sikes, engineering, nice to meetcha. You're my new roommate, Spring Farmer. You're a botanist and you're fertillian. Also, you like jelly beans. But I couldn't get any information on those." The rapid changes in Ginny's vocal odors almost slurred together, they came so fast.

"But why--"

"Why was the gravity set low?" She jumped down and straightened her disheveled clothes.  "I like to challenge myself. You never know when something might surprise you. I thought all fertillians were bald."

Ginny's abrupt change of subject surprised Spring. "I am. This is just--"

"And their gills were on their faces, not on their necks, like you. Are you genetically engineered? My father was. I'm not, but I got some of his bonuses. I took that room," she hooked a thumb over her shoulder. "Lucky it's soundproofed, if you know what I mean."

Ginny gave off no sexual aura, but she did notice something strange in the young woman's personal odor. No serotonin. "You don't sleep, do you?"

"Nope. Part of Daddy's inheritance. I feel like grape juice." She bounded to the food replicator. "Do you want a drink?"

"Perfect."

"Funny. I haven't had grape juice in months, but I want some now. I can't handle stimulants like coffee or raktijeno. Even chocolate. You know, obvious reasons." Ginny laughed, a high-pitched whinny that smelled like tart apples. "Two grape juices, please." The drinks appeared and Ginny handed one to Spring.

"You should probably go check out your digs. Most people can only handle a few minutes until they get used to me."

She was right. Spring could barely sort out the complex smells coming from the wiry young ensign. It was like participating in five conversations at once.

She was still talking as Spring crossed the room. "Maybe that's why I got through academy so quickly--the teachers wanted to get me out of their classes. No, just kidding. It's that no sleeping thing. I got eight more hours a night than everyone else--great time to study, read, exercise, dance, clean..."

Spring shut the door to her room and leaned against it. "Computer, activate olfactory interface."  She stripped off her gland covers and used her native language to more quickly locate and contact her friend.

The familiar cotton candy voice came. "Heya, Mackie, all settled in?"

She laughed. "You're not going to believe this..."

Shortly after the Arabella began her voyage, Aeric departed from the operations station, leaving his new assistant at the post. While he wanted to be on the bridge at the departure, his duties required him to spend some of his duty hours within his office.

As the Chief of Operations, it was his job to make sure that power distribution, the allocation of sensor usage, and the crew assignments flowed smoothly.

Aeric quietly left the turbo lift and made his way to his office. His PADD already contained several request for lab usage and access to the various sensor suites. He reviewed the PADD as he continued down the corridor hardly paying attention to his surroundings. He knew this ship as well as he knew the Aurora. He was one of the handful of current crew that had been involved in the construction of the ship.

The doors to his office slid open and he entered into the vanilla and lavender scented room. While not as spacious as the offices of the captain or XO, his office was more than functional.

A replicated desk made of a deep red vulcan hard wood served as his primary work station. A work station and communications unit rested on the desk next to a stack of blank white paper and a matching wooden cylinder that contained several styles of ink pens.

Behind the desk was an almost overstuffed chair in the same color scheme. The room also contained a similarly colored couch with a glass table before it. It was from there that he could entertain visitors and use the larger surface area of the table to hold briefing materials. A zen sand garden sat on the table beside vulcan meditation candles.

One of his office walls contained a bookcase made of the same wood that was filled to capacity with various novels and bound versions of the regulations. As somewhat of a linguist, the books from the various cultures were written in their native languages. The teaching of the vulcans, humans, klingons, and others rested beside each other in a peace that was often hard fought to maintain. The top shelf of the bookcase contained a remote controlled replica of the Tiberius that rested on a transparent aluminum stand.

Aeric moved to his desk and allowed his office door to close behind him. He slipped into the chair and closed his eyes. With minimal effort, his mind connected to his work station and he began to process the various request as rapidly as his abilities allowed him.

"Computer, dim lights by 45% and play Earth artist Louis Armstrong song title Mack the Knife at ambient levels."

He had fallen in love with the smokey vocals when he attended a holodrama of The Threepenny Opera. While he also enjoyed the original german version Die Moritat von Mackie Messer, this one was by far his favorite.

Aeric divided his attention between completing his work and enjoying the comforts of his office. It was another of the benefits of the machines in his body. He could merge both work and pleasure if he multitasked and it made no sense to not take advantage of that.

Casey had been in his office for hours, well past the end of Alpha shift, he had been going over the medical records of his new crew and helping his medical staff complete the crew medicals which was mandatory for all crew starting a new assignment.

The only members left to do was the senior staff and he had purposely left that to the end. He sent the following communiques out to Captain Quinn, Commander Syvrll and Lt Commander Margon. This would be the first time he would have seen them since his wedding and the first time for Commander Syvrll to meet his wife Myella.

With that done, he finally left sick bay and headed back to his quarters to have a late dinner with his wife.

K'ararth stood at his station in Main Engineering as the Arabella began to accelerate. His staff were intently monitoring their systems as the thrum of the warp core began to increase in intensity. The soft blue glow pulsed with the power of matter/antimatter controlled annihilation. The deck plates vibrated slightly beneath his feet, imperceptible to most but it was a personal conversation between him and the ship.
K'ararth looked over at young Ensign Took, the newest member of his engineering team. The young man was quiet but came with the Captains recommendation and that was good enough for him. He walked up behind Took and glanced over his shoulder at his work station.
Took didn't turn around but noticeably stood up straighter and squared off his shoulders.
"Mr. Took!"
"Sir!" Took spun around, ramrod straight.
K'arath leaned forward and grinned, "Fast ship, Mr. Took."
Took hesitated for a moment trying to figure if this was a rhetorical question or not.
"Yes sir..." he tentatively replied.
K'arath let out a loud laugh, drawing everyones attention. Took noticeably relaxed.
"Fast ship indeed! Let's show our Captian what she can do!"
A cheer resounded through the room and if had they all been Klingon, a song would have ensued.

Aeric mind raced rapidly through the incoming information at blinding speed. He has completed in minuted what it would have taken hours for someone without his gifts to accomplish. It was during his interface with the Arabella that he realized the benefits that constantly maintaining that connection would allow. Even a mild subconscious connection would improve his efficiency by several factors.

Using his innate abilities in conjunction with his machines, he could easily maintain a read only connection to the ship's systems. This would allow him to rapidly process changes in operational information without overwhelming his mind. The interface would also allow him to access the databases of the ship and have intuitive access to that information. It was perhaps the best way to entertain a mind that always found itself drifting towards warp field and subspace calculations. He didn't know it was because of the unique nature of his birth or his father's race When his mind was not involved in active thought, it was drifting towards subspace theory.

Aeric could feel when a ship was at warp, not from some tangible information, but from the warp field of the vessel. He had learned to trust those abilities when designing the Aurora and it had yielded warp field capabilities that made the vessel the fastest of her size. It was that same sense of subspace that had propelled him into being one of the best pilots in Starfleet. It was also the ability that concerned him most.

He knew nothing of his father's people and even less about his father. In all of his timelines, he had never been able to learn more than the name of that species. It was that very instinct that constantly pushed him to go further and faster. Somewhere there would be answers to those questions. Someday he would need to seek them out.

Today wasn't that day.

Today he needed to complete his shift. Today he needed to push aside the loneliness of being unique. Today he needed to enjoy life. If only for a moment, he needed to push away the truth and look upon the crew as more than just faces that would grow old and die around him.

He had to remind himself that it was alright for them to pass with time. He had seen so much death in his short life. To look at the shorter lived races and see their lives snuffed out so soon pained him, but each day he needed to push past that. His life might allow him to serve beside the great great great grandchildren of those that he currently served with.

When they were nothing more than dust on the wind, he might still be around and that terrified him. Perhaps the thought of subspace and warp fields were a blessing if it kept thought of love and mortality at bay.

The captain glowed with a zeal that Sevryll mused could be utilized as an alternate source of illumination, should the lighting suddenly fail aboard his new vessel. It was good to see Nathan happy again. The vulcan successfully restrained the smile that threatened to sink her stoic air, and turned her gaze back to the view screen.  It was difficult to leave Vulcan, but circumstances allowed for no other alternative. That crisis had been averted for the time being, but it was logical to assume it would return to plague her once more. In the mean time, she and her children had begun a new chapter in their lives—one that she hoped would hold a better ending than the last. 

The Arabella was headed to Starbase 35, to drop off four vulcan refugees. Among them were her parents, who would then travel to Earth where they would remain until her return. Sevryll was troubled by her recent conversation with her father. He was displeased with their sudden departure, for he was not a man who heeded warnings or ran when he was threatened. This fact was evident by the mental scars he bore. Romulan torture techniques had proven to be a challenge for the vulcan masters, yet he had made progress and would continue to improve, she was sure of it.

Despite the results of her actions, Sevryll would do anything to ensure that her father never suffered again... even if that meant forcing him to run and drawing his disapproval. Yet, as his only child, she was precious to him; and as his only daughter she was a treasure.  More often than not the bonds that fathers and daughters share are evergreen, and Sevryll was aware of this fact. He may have been displeased in that moment, but his displeasure would soon drift like dust carried away by arid gusts over golden dunes.

Korridan entered the brightly lit Main Shuttle Bay, though the deck plates throbbed with power from the ships engines there was little ambient sound.  He cast his eyes about for the man he was to meet, and they fell upon two legs sticking out from beneath a sleek looking runabout.  He walked towards it, as he neared he could hear absentminded humming coming from beneath the Volga Class Runabout.  He stopped next to the wiggling boots and his gaze went to the old beaten toolbox next to them.  He smiled when he read the name on it, and a mischievous grin spread across his face.

He let his heavy and battered toolbox slip from his fingers, it landed with a loud crash.  It was immediately followed by a surprised yelp, and the sound of the mechanics head impacting the dorsal fin of the runabout.  Cursing in an ancient Terran tongue soon followed.

An old Mountain Man with wind and sun etched features and long grey and white hair pulled back into a ponytail shimmied out from under the dorsal assembly muttering angrily, "By the Old Ones,.. who the..."  He saw Korridan and shook his head while rubbing it, "I should have known it was you, you old grease jockey."  He chuckled while rubbing the pain from his forehead.

Korridan smiled at the sight of the old Hunter, "When Rina told me there was actually someone here older than me, I was hoping it was 'Hillbilly'."  The Trapper grinned at the mention of his old nickname, "Yeah well I won't be getting any older if you keep THAT up," pointing to Korridans scuffed up behemoth of a toolbox.  They both laughed.

The tall old man slowly got to his feet, his knees popped loudly as he stood, "I can't believe O'Brien actually allowed you to transfer," he shook his head, "that old Cardassian roulette wheel is always breaking down..."  Korridan just grinned, "I was getting too good at darts," and then he shrugged, "and he owed my money..."  They chuckled.

The Master Chief grabbed his PADD and began transmitting data to Korridans PADD, "You can start with the Type 10's," he nodded in their direction.  Korridan looked in the direction indicated, and saw the spotless shuttlecraft.  The Chief sat his PADD down and continued, "Remove the governors, and then reset the factory defaults to those spec's I sent you..." he pointed to Korridans PADD.

Korridan tore his eyes from the virgin shuttlecraft and looked at the Chief, "Their all new?"  The Former Colonist smiled, his gleaming white teeth a sharp contrast to his dark features, "Still got the protective plastic wrap on the seats!"

Korridan shook his head in amazement, as he hefted his old and familiar toolbox and made his way to the new and unblemished shuttecraft.  He felt so old and out of place among all the gleaming new ships and hardware.

As he approached the nearest shuttle with its shrouded matter collectors, he called back over his shoulder, "I'll try not to make too much noise, I know how you like your afternoon naps..."  The Chief laughed and retorted, "By noise I assume you mean snoring..."  They laughed.

The Mountaineer threw an accusing glare, "Speaking of napping; remember now, your on a ship," he wagged a tool at him, "not a station full of hiding places."  He gestured with the tool as if it were a Hunting Rifle, "You try and duck out of work, and I will hunt you down and find you..."  He gave him a vicious grin, "I am a Hunter after all!"

Korridan waved away his old associates jest, "Yeah, yeah, I hear you 'Hooch'..."

The Notorious Still Maker pretended to be hurt by the name, "That's 'Moonshine'", he threw back a mock insult, "Orb-polisher!"

The Shuttle bay echoed with raucous laughter.

Joint post Jen, Rico and Startrekfanatic5

Nathan Quinn called his senior staff to the observation lounge and left Lieutenant Tucker in charge of the bridge. "After you," he said to his first officer with a smile and he gestured to the door at the rear of the bridge.

Sevryll rose from her chair and was joined by Lieutenant K'Tan as she strode with a purposeful gait toward the exit. A moment later the three officers entered the lounge and took their seats. One by one, the department heads filed into the room and bathed the atmosphere with optimism. The senior staff looked forward to their new assignment with the buoyant enthusiasm of a green recruit. Their eagerness presented itself in smiles and handshakes as each officer greeted one another and seated themselves around the glossy black surface of the conference table. It had been a year since most had seen each other—they had come a long way and were finally home again.

Counselor Margon cracked a joke and the room erupted in chuckles... even K'arath favored the blue man with a smile. The humor was lost on Sevryll, yet she felt it would be rude not to acknowledge Margon's wit. So the Vulcan raise an eyebrow as the Bolian as his grin turned in her direction.

A moment later, the multiple conversations were lulled to a hush as the captain stood and addressed the officers. "I was very pleased that many of you accepted my offer to return to serve under my command once again. I would like to introduce you to a new member of our senior staff. Lieutenant Joseph De'Callen, he will be taking over the Chief of Security position." Quinn stood behind Joseph and gave his shoulder a squeeze. There were several friendly "Welcomes". Quinn cleared his throat and continued. "I would also like to acknowledge the promotion of one of the finest officers I have had the pleasure of working with, Lieutenant Aeric James. Not only is he our new Chief of Operations but Sevryll and I have chosen him to be our Second in Command." Quinn gave James a nod and a smile as everyone clapped and gave their congratulations.

Quinn then activated the screen at the head of the lounge and the Starfleet insignia emerged from the field of black, only to be replaced an instant later by Admiral Talbot's wise visage.

"Captain Quinn, my fellow officers and friends aboard the U.S.S. Arabella. I regret not being able to see you off on your new exploratory mission to the Beta Quadrant. Getting back to Vulcan from my uh, previous location took somewhat longer than I anticipated." The Admiral said, with a wry grin.

"However, I wanted to pass along a few words of wisdom that I have acquired over my time in Starfleet. Nathan, you are a good captain. Trust your instincts even when presented with little information. Which is something that comes with the gold braid more times than you might like. Sevryll, I know the past year has been a difficult one. But know that you are needed, maybe now more than ever. And remember every experience shapes us and helps us grow stronger." Talbot said and then took a short pause to gather his thoughts as he rubbed the day old stubble on his chin.

"As for the rest of your fine crew, I know this is an exciting time. You are now going into an area where truly no one has gone before. I wish I could be there with you to explore these strange new worlds and new civilizations. But this is your time, savor it and learn from it. Always remember you are not only Starfleet officers but also representatives of the Federation. I expect all of you to give your best." Talbot said and then leaned a bit closer to the recording scanner.

"May the wind always be at your backs. Talbot out," he said, moving to shut the recorder off.

The admiral was quickly replaced by the Starfleet insignia and a moment later an image of their destination transitioned onto the screen. It was a beautiful green and blue world hugged closely by two rocky moons.  Quinn neared the screen and turned to face his senior staff that still smiled at the admiral's comments. He grinned and glanced over his shoulder at the screen, "Before we departed space dock, I received orders to investigate the apparent disappearance of several Federation Scientists. There are ten in all who infiltrated the native population in order to study the culture. Three have failed to report to their superiors at the designated six month interval." Nathan clasped his hands behind his back and began to circle the room, occasionally glancing to various officers whose collective attention followed him around the table.

"The civilization of this world could be compared to medieval age of ancient Earth.  Since the researchers' arrival, this society has undergone advances that are unachievable without outside interference. Our assignment is to locate these missing Anthropologists, and investigate the reasons behind the native's sudden progression in agriculture, architecture, philosophy and medicine. It is suspected that these researchers have contaminated the culture, but we cannot rule out the possibility that other sources are to blame." Quinn stopped beside Sevryll and turned his gaze to Margon and then to K'Tan and Joseph D'Callen.

"The populace consider these new technologies to be magic. Mass hysteria has resulted and certain governments have enacted witch-hunts and inquisitions. Their society has been thrown into chaos and both the researchers and the native population is in great danger. We too will be in danger." He turned his gaze to Sevryll, who was still seated in her chair, and nodded.

The vulcan parted her hands, which had been folded before her on the table, and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "The geology of this planet obstructs orbital scans, thus making an away mission our only viable option. The use of tricorders will be limited—preventing scans of broad areas. They will only be useful when in close proximity to the subject, and even then... the data collected may be deficient.  The captain and I will lead two teams during the away mission. My party will be comprised of medical and science officers and a small contingent of security officers. We will seek evidence that will explain the technological advancements in these fields and search for the missing scientists. The captain's group will be comprised of engineering, tactical and security officers. They will seek the researchers and look for data that will clarify their advancements in war and industry."

Sevryll gave Quinn a nod as she finished. Nathan continued to pace around the room. "It is imperative that we do not cause anymore damage to this culture. We need to get in there, locate our missing scientists, see if they are responsible for what is happening and get out." Quinn stopped at the head of the table. "Are there any questions?" Aeric caught Quinn's eye. "Yes lieutenant." Aeric cleared his throat, "What if we find out that these scientists are responsible for what is happening to this civilization." Quinn took a deep breath, "Well have to cross that road when we get to it. Anything else?" Quinn waited a moment. "Good, we will be running simulations using our new Camelot holoprogram to help us integrate into this civilization at 1800 hours.... Dismissed!!"

Joint post between Iceman and Moyer777



Dr. Peterson stayed behind to Talk to Commander Sevryll and the Captain, to ask if perhaps it would be prudent to modify some of the crew members appearance including the Commanders in case of capture.

The Doctor was in-fact concerned for his friend, Commander Sevryll, due to the witch hunt and high paranoia of the planet culture they were going into, and did not want the commanders appearance to garner any unwanted attention and put her life in danger.

Both, the Captain and Commander were both appreciative of Casey's suggestion and Commander Sevryll suggested that they could discuss this when she came to sickbay for her physical before the mission began.

Doctor Peterson headed back to sickbay to await the Arrival of his good friend Counselor Margon and began to tackle the paperwork that was mounting up on his desk.

Meanwhile...

Margon scratched his cat's ears just in the right place.  The animal purred and nudged him for some more. 

"Sorry Mr. Mouse, I need to visit our friend the Dr." he said with a smile.  "It's time to get reacquainted."

Margon stood up, "Computer, while I am away from my quarters please attend to Mr. Mouse"

The computer chirped and a bowl of feline supplement 77 materialized next to a water dish by the scratching post.

"Mr. Mouse will be taken care of" said the computer dryly.

Margon straightened his uniform and walked out into the corridor.  He observed the various life forms around him, smiling at them as he passed.  Some he stopped and introduced himself too, others he nodded and smiled at.

He entered the turbo lift and spoke out, "Sick Bay"

The familiar whir of the turbo lift ensued and the doors hissed open on deck 5.

The Counselor walked slowly down the corridor taking in the new ship and it's crew coming to Sick Bay, he entered to see Dr. Peterson in his office.

"Casey!"  the Bolian raised his voice happily, "How are you?  How is married life?"

Dr. Peterson got up from his desk and walked over to his friend and gave him a big hug and replied " Married life is great. It has been too long my friend. I have really missed you"

While they talked Dr. Peterson casually waved his medical Scanner over the Counselor and watched the readings. After awhile Casey closed the scanner and reached for a hypo. The hypo was placed on his friends shoulder and the familiar "HISS" sound of the hypo emptying its contents into his friends shoulder and the relief in the Margons face ensured Dr. Peterson that his diagnosis was right.

"This should take care of the touch of Arthritis you have in your shoulder Casey said" as he handed Margon a Red coloured Lollipop.

Margon thanked Dr. Peterson then smiled as he said. Cherry, My favorite, how did you know."

They both laughed as they talked about the upcoming mission and caught up on a years worth of events. After about an hour Margon left to prepare for the mission and Casey informed Myella of his up coming away mission Planetside as he waited for Commander Sevryll to Arrive.

Joint post by Jen and Just X

The first patients Doctor Drett saw during her shift, were two vulcaniod children. They were fraternal twins, a boy and a girl with similar features but unique personalities. A familiar face brought them to sickbay for their check-up. She recognized the man who accompanied them as the individual who helped her investigation on Tiberius, by hacking Doctor Lucas's encrypted logs. Because the man broke the encryption, Lieutenant K'tan was able to learn valuable information about the virus that had killed so many on Tiberius. The man had only offered her his first name and she never saw him again.

"Hello," she said with a warm smile.

"Hi doc," said Dennis as he encouraged the children to follow him into the room.

"Long time no see," said Ryla. Dennis shrugged in response. "Still a mystery she thought," as she looked up at the towering hulk standing before her. Her features softened and her dimpled smile grew as she glanced down at the children.

"My name is Doctor Drett," said the trill. "But that's sometimes hard to say... so you can call me 'Doctor D'" if you'd like." The boy surprised her with a smile of his own—she had expected the commander's children to be more reserved, like Aria.

Ryla noted how the little girl was careful to keep Dennis between herself and the strange doctor. Her wide eyes roamed the room and after a few seconds she asked, "Where's my sister?"

"She's here...somewhere. Would you like to see her?" asked the pretty lady in the blue coat. The little girl nodded enthusiastically and Ryla tapped her combadge, "Drett to Ensign James. Please report to main sickbay."

"On my way," came the soft alto over the com.

Ryla motioned to the bio beds and Dennis helped the three-year-olds onto them as she prepared her medical tricorder. The little girl watched her nervously as the trill neared.

As a pediatrician, Dr Drett was use to treating some children with kit gloves. Many shared M'ryn's phobia, a fear that was once called 'white coat syndrome.' Ryla usually began by explaining, in general terms, how things worked and then allowed the child to conquer their fear by holding the device.  "This box makes a funny noise but it won't hurt you. She flipped open the tricorder to demonstrate the whirring, chiming sounds the device made. M'rynn had seen many tricorders during her short three years, but Ryla showed her anyway.  "When I wave it around like this," Ryla passed the tricorder over herself, "it will tell me what I look like on the inside. See?" She showed the girl the data on the tricorder. " I'll let you use it on me after we're finished, and then we'll look at the pictures over there." The petite blond motioned to a monitor near by, where the images would be examined.

"M'rynn doesn't like doctors anymore," said N'vall as his sister shook her head adamantly. During the disaster aboard Tiberius, the children had contracted the virus and were placed in cryostasis, to slow the progress of the disease while the inhibitor was developed. M'rynn had panicked when the lid to the cryotube was sealed. She had slapped at the glass wildly until the gas overcame her and she slipped into a deep sleep. The timid little girl had been traumatized by that event and the quarantine that followed had been particularly difficult as treatments were administered and exams were routinely performed. This was the primary reason Sevryll had moved her children from the space station to the nearby surface of vulcan, the second quarantine was lifted.

"I see..." said Ryla. Just then Aria entered sickbay and the children's faces brightened. Drett greeted Sevryll's cloned daughter and passed her the tricorder. "I think Ms. M'rynn would prefer if you preformed her physical."

"I'd be happy to help," Aria said as she turned her attention to her younger siblings. It was obvious how nervous M'rynn was. People healed in their own time, but her little sister had made little progress with her phobias. Perhaps it was best to just open a dialog. Aria opened the tricorder and removed the sensor. She slowly ran it over her sister's form as the little girl watched. "Why don't you like doctors anymore?" The little girl leaned to the right to look around her much older sister. The pretty lady in the blue coat was watching them from across the room. The little girl's brother started to speak for her, as he often did, but Aria silenced him, "let M'rynn tell me," she said gently.

Aria extended delicate fingers and gently pushed back a lock of whispy black hair that had fallen into the toddler's eyes. She tucked the strand behind the girl's small, pointed ear, and said, "it's OK, you can tell me."

M'rynn's eyes welled up with tears and she shook her head in refusal. Dennis, who had been standing near by, put a massive hand around the little girl's shoulder to comfort her, "she just doesn't like them," he said firmly. "But... she likes you, and she likes Margon and I'm sure one day the two of you will help her overcome her fear... though that ain't about to happen today."

"Babysitter, bodyguard and councilor... You are indeed a Rhodes Scholar." Aria winked at Dennis. She was happy to see how protective he was of her sister. She took M'rynn's small hand in her own and said, "You don't have to talk about anything you don't want to. You also have the right to not like anyone that you choose, but if you get to know Doctor Drett, I think you'd find her to be a great friend. I've also had my own problem with doctors, but we shouldn't rush to judge people without getting to know them first."

She then leaned in and whispered softly while she finished her scans. "If you ever want to talk about anything, your big sister is here for you. I promise. In fact, I think that you, N'vall and I are overdue for a holo adventure. If mother doesn't mind, we can use one of the holosuites after my shift. I'm sure there are things that Dennis would like to do while we are having fun. We can even bring Beth."

As Ryla watched from the other side of the room she saw the little girl smile for the first time. "I wonder what Aria said..." the trill thought to herself.  Soon after the exams were complete, the twins said good-bye and followed Dennis into the corridor. Doctor Drett joined Aria at the bio bed as the younger woman put away her equipment. "Have you ever considered pediatrics?" she asked with a smile.

Rava Ronan looked around in his quarters.  They were small and quaint, but would serve him nonetheless.  He could hardly believe how things had changed so quickly.  He though bitterly upon the events at GJ-100, how the mission had gone badly and the Captain had pretty much thrown him off the Trident.  He could not figure out whether his luck had gone up or down.  He could feel the ship going into warp which meant they had left space dock.  "Maybe it is a good thing that I'm going on this mission.  It will be a fresh start to a new life." 

Rava Ronan had little to do until his first shift so he went to the Lounge.  He sat at the table nearest to the windows watching the stars fly by.  Little to think of but home, he wondered how he would ever regain his faith in a faith that had been used.  That betrayal would never leave him.  He did not know the answer to his dilemma.  As he sat there, he heard someone walk up behind him.

Joint Post by HawkeyeMeds and Bryancd

Joseph held the Chief of Security promotion certificate carefully. Slowly he let it go and there, pride of place in his new office, on the wall, it hovered securely. Smiling he turned round and surveyed the room. He had placed several personal possessions such as his cricket bat in the cabinet next to the replicator.

"Coffee , hot, one sugar"

The replicator buzzed and there in front him appeared his drink.

"Ah first drink of the day"

Taking his hot beverage Joe turned round and scanned his monitor. It had his tasks of the day that he had written the night before.  He hummed and then tapped his communicator badge.

"Ensign Dunn to Chief of Security's office".

It only took a less than twenty seconds for Dunn to appear in his door way. He had very little contact since coming aboard with the new Security Chief and new the man only through reputation and rumor of a tragic past.

"Excellent time keeping, Ensign. I want a full report on the status of the armory, you have clearance to enter"

"Yes Sir" Dunn turned to leave but Joseph stopped him.

"Oh, Dunn. Report back to me what the guards ask you. We don't want to give the Captain anything to complain about aye". And Joe gave him a sly wink.

Dunn gave a relived smile. He had heard from the other security personal that Joseph could be hard and to see some humor come from him was welcome. Having gone through the entire Tiberius incident, Dunn appreciated the need to repsect and trust the man who would send him into harms way to protect the ship and her crew. The Lt. was that kind of man.

Once Dunn had left his office Joseph sat down and drank a sip of his coffee , and whispered.

"Excellent"

K'arath made his way from the Ready Room to his quarters. The doors parted to allow him to enter and he strode into his somewhat sparse yet somehow appropriately appointed officer quarters. On the walls hung his various traditional Klingon bladed weapons as well as trophy's and certificates of recognition form the many athletic events he had participated in over the years, his proudest being the completion of a 377 year old race on earth known as the Ironman. He proved it certainly wasn't limited to just humans.

He reflected back upon the Captains briefing. Earth during the middle ages, he thought. A time of the beginning of basic industry, metal working, monarchies, and war. Wars fought without the benefit of many ranged weapons, fought in close proximity, more often than not, hand to hand. His Klingon heart raced at the prospect of facing a true enemy skilled  in the use of bladed weapons of an ancient time that were not so different from the ones which hung on his walls. Honor was a concept well regarded at this point in Earth's history and he wondered if it would be the same here and the thought began to boil his blood in anticipation...

Until he remembered his duty as a Starfleet officer. That honor was found in the preservation of all life not in the ritualistic combat of taking it. This mission would provide him with a great challenge, to balance those two conflicting responses. He strode over to the replicator.

"Blood wine and gagh!" he commanded. At least he could satiate his Klingon appetite, if nothing more.

As the briefing came to a close, Lt. Commander K'Tan felt his pulse quicken with anticipation.  The chance to venture into uncharted space spoke to his warrior's soul... this was one of the things that had initially drawn him to Starfleet.

After gathering up his PADD, K'Tan headed out into hallway, quietly drinking in the subtle beauty of his new home.  As he walked, he found himself quietly marveling at the efficiency of the starship's design.  The Arabella seemed to somehow turn functionality into a form of art. The corridor he now walked down traversed a level of the ship's primary hull, and the outermost wall of the corridor followed the hull's gentle downward curve.  That same wall featured a series of elliptical, evenly spaced portals looking out on the starscape, which lent an air of open spaciousness to what would have otherwise been considered by many to be a relatively cramped hallway. 

"This is truly a fine ship," he said quietly.

Resisting the urge to linger and gaze out of one of the windows, K'Tan stepped into the nearby turbolift.  As the door quietly slid closed, the computer gave a soft warble prompting him to give his destination.  "Deck 14," K'Tan replied.    The newly minted Chief Tactical Officer had yet to organize his office to his liking. I need to make sure that the relevant tactical and security personnel are briefed on the upcoming mission as well, he thought.

  As the lift smoothly accelerated towards his destination, K'Tan pondered the upcoming holodeck training session.  Camelot, eh?, he mused.   Ancient Earth History was never his strongest subject back at the Academy.   I think I have some research to do, he thought to himself.

Aria James found herself dancing in her quarters as she pondered Doctor Drett's suggestion. Her slender body moved and bent to the soft  ballet music. She spun and twirled in rhythm to the song as her active mind considered the doctor's words.

Medicine was her talent, but it was not her destiny. She rose to the tip of her toes and lifted one leg from the floor in perfect balance. She loved the way it felt the help save lives, but part of her craved the excitement of command. Part of her wanted to be the person sitting in the captain's chair.

A quick leap upwards and a bow ended her private performance. She had considered the issue long enough.

"I will dedicate the next half century to the healing arts and become the best doctor that I can," she said to herself. "If Dr. Drett is willing to help me explore my career options, I should at least dedicate a part of my life to the perfection of my craft. I don't know if I want to specialize, but I do want to help people."

Aria reached for the towel that had been sitting her her chair and pat her face with it. While she did not perspire as much as other humanoid species, she did not inherit her mother's ability to avoid it all together.

She moved to the shower to quickly get ready for her date. Since mother and father would be busy with their fun disguised as research, she would keep the children occupied. She had reserved the time in one of the ship's six holosuites and didn't want to break her promise to M'rynn.

"Computer, please locate commander Sevryll and open communications if she is not in a meeting."

"It would help if it didn't take a decade between our getting to see each other." The woman said. She smiled to Aeric over the view screen. The secure communication was one of the few pleasures that he allowed himself outside of his family. They had spent much of their conversation catching the other up on things that had been happening in their lives."You really don't belong there Aeric."

"Is that your way of telling me that you miss me?" Aeric asked. He had meet Oona during his personal travels, long before the birth of Aria, but his duties had kept him from visiting as often as he would have liked. It was the same sense of duty that had bound them together.

"You are missed." She said softly.

Aeric lost himself in her light purple eyes and rich black hair. If he had to admit it to himself, he would have said that he loved her. He just couldn't admit that. He didn't have the luxury of voicing that love and continuing to turn his back on it. "I might be in the neighborhood and I would love to spend more time with you."

"You know the rules Aeric. You are more than welcome to return, but your Federation is not ready for contact." Oona said.

"I know." Aeric agreed. "I believe that this is why we aren't together as much as we would like. I swear that I will come to visit if the Arabella comes into range."

"I would hope that your ship's duties don't keep you from visiting your wife." Oona smirked. "Or perhaps it's time for me to make a visit to your life."

Aeric blinked. After thirty years of being involved with Oona, including the marriage that he found himself thrust in, this was the first time that she had offered to visit him. "If you could visit, how long would you be willing to stay?"

"A wife should not go decades without seeing her husband even if it was arranged marriage." Oona said. She knew why he hesitated in contacting her. The burden of her people's existence was a secret that he has sworn to keep. The location of her homeworld was something that he agreed to never reveal. It was never easy to maintain their secret communications and the rare times that he did manage to contact her, it was because the weight of his world was closing in on him.

Oona was his calm and his center. Each loved the other madly, but it was words that were never spoken between them.

"How would you be able to visit without revealing yourselves?" Aeric asked.

"I couldn't. I have requested permission from the council for a wife to visit her husband. If they approve, I can introduce my species to your Federation, but we won't do more than that." Oona said. He could hear the hope on her voice and it was in that moment that he realized the burden the distance had caused her. "I have been petitioning since our last communication and while they feel it is rushed, they seem ready to agree."

Aeric exhaled slowly. "That would be fantastic."

"Contact me in a month and I should have an answer." Oona said.

"I will." He replied. "Oona I .."

"I know." She cut him off. "You should know how I feel as well, but those words should not be spoken over subspace communications."

"I need to go." Aeric said regretfully.

"As do I, but hopefully we can close this distance soon."

A joint post by Jen and Iceman

Commander Sevryll headed to Sickbay for the mandatory physical that was required of all crew members. Duty was sometimes an inopportune obligation. She had other responsibilities, and felt the physical exams, imposed by Starfleet Command, were more than an inconvenience... they were superfluous; especially for those who had spent the majority of the past year in quarantine.  Because of the Lucas virus, she had undergone enough examinations, assessments and check-ups to last a lifetime. The results were always same—aside from the permanent side effects that made emotional suppression difficult...she was healthy. But the commander would comply with the regulation, because as first officer it was her duty to set an example.

The sickbay doors, etched with the ancient symbol known as the caduceus, parted—splitting the serpent swathed, wing-topped staff in two, and allowing the Vulcan admittance into the infirmary. As she crossed the threshold, Sevryll observed several crewmen sitting on biobeds, undergoing their physicals. They acknowledged her arrival with smiles, nods and nervous voices that cracked as they struggled to form the words, "hello, commander".  She paused to greet each of them before speaking to Doctor Drett.

"Commander Sevryll," said Ryla. "It's good to see you again. You just missed M'rynn and N'vall."

"It is nice to see you as well doctor. How was M'rynn?"

"Oh...she was fine. I had Aria perform the physical," replied the trill.  Sevryll nodded in understanding—she would need to speak to Margon soon, with regards her youngest daughter. Over Ryla's shoulder, the commander saw Doctor Peterson gesture for her to enter his office. Her eyes returned to Doctor Drett's and silently communicated her gratitude before striding toward the Chief Medical Officer.

As she approached Casey, the tall, slender Vulcan inclined her head, "Doctor," she said evenly.

"Hello Commander," replied Casey. "I know how much you hate these physicals, so lets get it over with as quickly as possible," he said as he flipped open his tricorder and stepped around the desk.

Casey thanked Sevryll for the Tuvok Orchid she sent as a wedding gift, and informed her that the rare plant was now proudly displayed in their quarters. "I wish you could have come to the wedding...but we didn't give you much notice did we?" he chucked as he moved the tricorder over Sevryll.
A hiss alerted them that someone had entered sickbay. The Chief Medical Officer looked up in time to see the other Doctor Peterson heading to his office.

"Commander Sevryll, this is my wife, Myella." He said with a proud smile. Sevryll greeted the beautiful red head and congratulated them both.

"I'm certain we will be seeing you often, Commander," said the woman. "Our quarters are across the corridor from your own. Perhaps we could have dinner together some time?"

"I would like that," replied Sevryll. "It is nice to finally meet you," she said in a pleasant alto. The Vulcan then glanced to Casey and lifted a brow, "perhaps we could discuss the surgical alterations another time doctor.  I should prepare for the training session the captain has arranged on the holodeck. I am unfamiliar with this era in Earth History and require more information regarding the culture and customs."

"Of course," Casey responded. Sevryll started to go, but the doctor called her back. "Commander...I am still dealing with a few minor physical issues caused by the Lucas virus, as are few other of our former crew mates. Please feel free to talk to me regarding any side effects you may be experiencing. I'm not only your doctor, I'm your friend, I would be happy to help you."

"Thank you doctor. I appreciate your concern, but emotional suppression cannot be achieved via medicine." A diminutive smile of reassurance tugged at her lips before she was able to stem its divulgence. It slipped away quickly as she looked down and away, "I will see you in the holodeck," she said, then nodded to the doctors and exited Sickbay.

As he stepped from the turbolift onto deck 14, the left side of K'Tan's mouth quirked up in a subtle smile of approval.  Like the rest of the ship, the appearance of this deck was softened by the soft-grey carpeting that covered the floor, but the similarities ended there.  The deck was comparatively spartan; there were no windows looking out on the starfield, and the walls and ceiling lacked the gentle curves found on the rest of the ship.  K'Tan found the sharp angles somehow comforting; the clean lines almost reminded him of the stark utilitarianism of the Klingon ships he'd served on before joining Starfleet.  All in all, he felt that the decor matched the function of the area-- the tactical department housed the material and personell responsible for keeping the Arabella and her crew safe, and it was best that the people entrusted with that task stay sharp and alert.  It just didn't seem appropriate to have them lulled into a sense of complacency by soft curves and soothing decor.

After entering the hallway that actually housed the tactical department, K'Tan paused to take in the layout of the place.  To the immediate right was the entrance to his office, and further down the hall were the workstations and briefing rooms of his subordinates.  At the end of the hallway, just before the double doors leading to the brig area, was the closed doorway to the office of the new Chief Security Officer.  K'Tan had heard good things about the man so far, and had taken a few moments to review his service record.  While he had yet to see him in action, K'Tan was impressed with the lieutenant, and felt confident that he would do a good job leading the Arabella's security team. 

K'Tan's gaze turned to the large doors leading to the training areas.  On one side of the hallway was the doorway leading to the firing range, and on the opposite side of the hall was the door leading to the physical training area.  From behind the door, he could detect the muffled clank of steel on steel.  It sounded as though the weight training equipment was being put to good use.  With a nod of approval, K'Tan made his way down the hallway to the security chief's office.  There was a certain ensign who he wanted to discuss, a crewman who had proven his worth both on the Tiberius and more recently, on Vulcan.  Perhaps he could convince D'Callen to get the ball rolling on promoting ensign Dunn to Lieutenant Junior Grade.

K'arath tried once again to stand. He pushed himself up using his arms as his upper body raised up off the floor, the floor he had been stuck to for going on 5 minutes now. Next, one by one he brought his knees towards his chest so he was now in a kneeling position, hands flat on the deck. Now he could move one foot forward to establish a point of leverage and use his leg strength to push himself up. With a titanic effort, he made it back to his feet. The clanking of the armor seemed to mock him somehow.

He turned and looked at himself in the mirror. He was head to toe and what the computer assured him was a correct representation of midevil armor appropriate for a warrior of this time period. He was astonished that anyone could walk, let alone fight so encumbered. He had tripped and fell over a chair when the face mask of the helmet slammed shut, cutting off the majority of his field of view. He reached over and heaved the broad sword over his shoulder. He was sure it weighed nearly as much as he did.

He clanked out the door of his cabin in an attempt to reach the holodeck before next week. A stunned crewman stopped dead in his tracks at the sight. K'arath glowered at the young crewman, who seemed on the verge of laughter.

"Choose your next words wisely, crewman."

Joint post by HawkeyMeds and wraith1701-


As K'Tan approached the doorway to D'Callen's office, the door slid open to reveal the departing form of Ensign Dunn. The ensign smiled at K'Tan's approach.

"Congratulations on your promotion, Lt. Commander. With you and Lt. D'Callen here, I feel like we're going to have the most polished department on the ship!"

K'Tan couldn't help but return the smile.  "I get a feeling that you're right, ensign.  And if we do, it is going to be due in large part to the efforts of officers like yourself.  Carry on."  As Dunn retreated down the hallway, K'Tan stepped into the doorway.

D'Callan was standing behind his desk, sipping from a steaming cup of coffee.  Operating on autopilot, K'Tan quickly sized the security chief up:  While not quite as tall as K'Tan, the man was still a little taller than average.  He had a slim but athletic build, which was to be expected of anyone working in the security department.  D'Callens' hands were well manicured, but looked hardened- a good indicator that he wasn't afraid of physical labor.  D'Callen stepped forward with a confident stride and extended his free hand.  "Lt. Commander K'Tan, I presume?  It's good to meet you mate."

K'Tan took the offered hand and gave it a firm shake, and was pleased to see it returned by an equally strong grip.  "Lt. D'Callen.  I never had the chance to personally congratulate you on your promotion.  Based on what I've heard about you so far, I'm confident that the security department is in good hands."

With a smile, D'Callen nodded towards a seat; K'Tan took it as D'Callen sat behind his desk.  "I understand that you played an important role in apprehending one of the key villians responsible for the destruction of the Tiberius," D'Callen said.  "That was some fine investigative work."

K'Tan slightly nodded his head in acknowledgement.  "Bringing in that petaQ was very gratifying, but it wasn't done by me alone.  It wouldn't have been possible without the help of Ensign Dunn.  Which is actually what brought me here."  K'Tan leaned forward, resting his forearm on D'Callen's desk.  "Not only did Dunn help out on Vulcan, he did an outstanding job helping to maintain order during the chaotic last days of the Tiberius.  I personally witnessed him showing uncommon initiative, quick thinking under fire, and sound judgement.  I think that he has a lot of potential, and recommend that you consider him for promotion during the upcoming review cycle.  He would be a valuable asset to you."  The sincerity of K'Tan's testimonial was evident in his eyes.

D'Callan leaned back in his chair and slowly nodded his head, pondering for a moment he glanced at the cricket bat in his cabinet.  "I've only just met ensign Dunn, but I'm impressed with him so far, you have to have good members in your team to win  the games.  I'll make it a point to review his record."

K'Tan gave a sharp nod, then stood from his seat.  "I had another reason for paying you a visit.  I spent most of my formative years in the Klingon Empire, so my knowledge of earth history is a bit scanty.  I understand that you grew up on earth, and was wondering if I could pick your brain about anything you might know about the ancient kingdom of Camelot."

"Ah; the upcoming holodeck simulations," D'Callen replied with a smile.

"Exactly.  Alpha shift ends soon, and I was considering breaking in the ship's lounge area. What do you say?  First round of bloodwine is on me."

Aria James sighed as she approached the holodeck. She had just finished a program with her siblings that had them on unnamed beach learning to swim and sail. She had barely managed to complete the program before needed to be changed and ready for the Camelot program that the away team members were expected to attend.

As part of her clothing selection, she had used the follicle stimulator to add almost half a meter in length to her hair. The new length had been styled into a long single braid that still allow for a curled bang to fall on each side of her face.

While she did not mind human styled dresses, those of the era had far too many layers to be of any comfort to her. She also did not approve of the corset. Instead, she had chosen to don off white leathers, a frost colored cloak, and a mid length human sword.

The outfit seemed to highlight her exotic beauty and lend an aura of a huntress around her. She adjusted the bow and quiver that resided on her back and took a deep breath. While her medical training included primitive medical techniques, she did not wish to be placed in a situation that would require a greater level of service. She also did not wish to be placed in a situation where culture dictated her to be a fragile flower that only existed to be attractive.

This was not her idea of entertainment and it was only though her emotional control that she was able to contain her dislike of the culture. She could only hold on to the hope that the culture they were visiting did not treat its females as second class citizens.

She opened the doors to the holodeck and cautiously stepped into Earth's primitive past. Holographic arrows appeared in her quiver and she made her way down a dusty dirt path to the city that lay in the distance.

Sevryll spent the remainder of her shift in the her office, researching the topic of medieval society. As an archaeologist historical topics were of great interest to the vulcan and as she so often did, while studying subjects of fascination, she lost track of time.  She finished the last paragraph of the database's complete anthology of Medieval Earth history and glanced up, "computer, what is the current ship's time?"

A lackluster feminine voice promptly answered, "current ship's time is 1655 hours."

She had a little over an hour with which to prepare, and garments of this era were impossible to don alone. For this reason handmaidens were often employed to dress Medieval "laides". And so Sevryll determined that the best course of action was to be dressed in the holodeck, where servants could be replicated along with her garments. She reordered the items on her desk for the third time, and exited her office. As she proceeded through the passageway, she was stopped short of the corridor by Nathan Quinn, who had been waiting just outside her door.

The captain was clad in a handsome blue tunic trimmed in silver. About his waist was a long belt, which he tucked under once, and allowed the excess to stretch to his knees. A dagger and coin purse hung at his side and black leather gauntlets were worn on his hands.  He spread them wide, slid the pointed toe of his black, hip-high boot forward, and bowed low. "My lady," he said. After a moment he straightened to his full height and asked with a grin, "Well, what do you think?"

The vulcan took a moment to study his attire before stating flatly, "It is authentic."

"Is that all?" he asked disappointedly.

Commander Sevryll arched an eyebrow and reconsidered her comment. "It is also... aesthetically pleasing," she amended.

Nathan allowed his smile to grow and they walked together to the turbolift. "Deck 5," he announced then turned to his first officer who still wore her crisp duty uniform.

"Where is your costume, commander?"

The tall woman kept her gaze on the doors ahead and uttered evenly, "In Camelot, Captain. "

Ryla took another pull of synthahol and watched the retreating back of the waiter. "Nice spine."

Spring took a sniff. "Yes, but that's a female. I thought we were looking at guys."

Ryla colored. "So did I! " She giggled. "I really need to learn more about that race. So, tell me more about this roommate of yours."

Spring sighed, exhaling the smell of toast and brandy. "Well, like I said, she doesn't sleep, which means she has more time to get into mischief. She likes to rearrange the living area so I never know what to expect. It's not bad, it's just..." She noticed the waiter approaching their table. "Can I get a Satellite over Risa?"

The waiter blinked. "Sure. We've had quite a run on that drink."

Her hands flew to her neck. "I forgot my gland covers!" She looked at the waiter. "Sorry about that." She looked at Ryla.  "I guess I had real craving. Remember that bar in Belize City?" The women burst into laughter, remembering. "All I wanted was a strong cup of raktijeno, and before we knew it, everyone was drinking it."

"There was almost a riot when they ran out! Good thing you controlled yourself in time or they would have torn the place apart."

"The worst part was I never got my raktijeno!" She stood.  "I've really got to get those gland covers on. I'll be right back."

"I'll come with you. I've got to see what that crazy roommate of yours has done to the living area."

"That's not fair." Spring tried to keep a straight face, but broke into honey-scented laughter. "You of all people should know that Starfleet wouldn't graduate anybody insane."

When they arrived at Spring's quarters, she turned to her friend. "Ready?"

Ryla grinned. "For anything." A note of caution was all the symbiont added.

Spring activated the door. Inside it was dark. "I guess she's not here. Computer, turn on the lights."

The minty voice replied, "Unable to comply."

The women glanced at each other. "Computer, why not?"

"All lighting appliances have been removed." The door slid shut and they were in total darkness.

"Computer, open the door."

"Password required."

Spring blew out a sour citrus cloud of annoyance. "You've got to be kidding."

"Password accepted." The door opened.

Using the ambient light from the hallway, Spring crossed to her bedroom. The door slid open without any trouble. "Computer, leave the door open and adjust lights to full."  She snatched up the gland covers, opened her uniform, and began to apply them.

Ryla followed her into the room and sat. "You know obstectrics and pediatrics is my field, but I'm branching out." Spring nodded. "So I thought I'd look into Fertillian medicine. I couldn't find much. Basic first aid, simple disease cures, mostly homeopathics. I couldn't even find a listing for a hospital. No offense, Mackie, but it's sounds pretty primitive."

Spring nodded again, still busy with her gland covers. "Oh. Well, we have very little in the way of serious medical conditions.  It's just how we evolved. Illness has a certain smell that shuts down the breeding impulse. A mate has to be healthy."

"But things must go wrong. Accidents happen."

"Sure. We fix broken bones, stuff like that. But I've got to say, the Federation's view on curing diseased organs was a real eye-opener to us. We were fascinated--it was all over the media."

Ryla leaned forward, scandalized. "You mean, you just let someone die?"

"They call it population control." Spring was emitting a calming scent, but saw that it wasn't working its usual magic. "Please don't be upset.  It's not cruel. It's natural. With our birth numbers, it just makes sense. If everyone lived and everyone mated, we'd starve within a generation."

"But what if a newborn was in distress? You'd save an infant, right? Don't you have doctors for that?"

Spring shifted uncomfortably. "Obstectrics really has no place on our world. It's not something we really discuss, or even think about. We're semelparous, like the salmon of earth." The smell of ozone leaked from her glands.

Ryla's eyes opened wide. "Really? You breed only once?"

Spring nodded. "And then we die."

Ryla Drett was silent as she considered. She peered through the darkness at the ceiling, or rather the latticework crossing it. "You were serious. She really uses this."

"She was using it in the dark." Spring's gills were wide open. "She was bumping into stuff. Ooh, she fell. Here." She pointed to a clear spot in the middle of the room.

"I'm okay." Ginny had appeared in the open doorway and was grinning at them. "I bet you're wondering about the lights. I wanted to know what it was like to be blind and I didn't want to be tempted to turn on the lights. The most successful engineer in Starfleet is blind. I was in a class where he lectured once. Well, I wasn't in the class, really. I was just surveying it."

"But he compensates--" Ryla began.

"But what if he couldn't? What if I couldn't? Anyway, Chief wouldn't let me work blind, but on my off-hours I can do what I want, so I do." Ginny leapt up the the network of bars and pulled herself into an improbable upside-down position. "I'm Ginny Sykes, Mackie's roommate, but you probably figured that out already. You're Doctor Ryla Drett. I doubt we'll ever see each other professionally--I've never been sick a day in my life--but it's nice to meet you. I think I'll take down my framework."

Spring interrupted the monologue. "No, don't. I'm experimenting with a Ba'ku vine and that would be per--"

"Okay. Have you ever listened to Klingon opera?...:" Ginny rattled on as, hanging by one leg, she pulled a tool out of her pocket and began to reinstall the lights.

Dr. Peterson was sitting in the living room of his quarters on Deck 2. In front of him was the clothing that he had chosen to wear . He had a white tunic with a pair of light tan coloured pants, over this a flat royal blue robe with gold trim around the sleeves would be worn and some leather shoes for his feet.

A leather belt would be worn around his waist from which a money belt would hang with some other pouches containing some medicinal herbs.

His wife helped him put the clothing on. Dr. Peterson was less then happy with the way he looked. 

He grumbled " I'm a doctor not some side show freak."

Myella smiled at her husband and tried to console him by saying, " Honey, it isn't that bad, I think it makes you look very distinguished". 

Peterson responded to his wife, " You really think so." 

"Yes", she replied as she helped him put his belt around his waist.

He was finally ready to head to the holodeck, so he kissed his wife goodbye and picked up his Pill hat and left his cabin.

Margon adjusted his tunic and felt the weight of thick leather on his frame. He admired the long sleeves that went all the way to his wrists. 
"Computer" he said "extend the mirror" 

Specify the parameters, replied the computer.

"Oh, I don't care, long enough to see my whole body!" the counselor said with a touch of annoyance in his voice.

"What do you think?"

Mr. Mouse just looked up at him and the cat's eyes widened.  He ran away and hid under the couch.

"Please restate your request" the computer chirped.

"Not you computer. So Mr. Mouse you don't like me in these clothes eh?"  the Counselor grinned.  The cat growled while peering out from underneath the sofa.

Counselor Margon loathed things that hurt others, he didn't enjoy fighting, even though he knew how.  This period of time though was rough at best.  He would have to put his personal irratations aside to complete this mission.  He would have to tolerate making weapons of a primitive nature, and he did like animals, and working with people.  After much research he considered being himself in this holo deck excursion.  He almost chose being a Monk, but according to his research the religious system during these times was somewhat corrupt and distant from the people.  The closest thing he could find to a counselor was someone almost everyone needed to talk to at one time or another, the blacksmith.

He was glad that the Dr. had given him something for his arthritis as he would soon be wielding his hammer, shoeing horses and forging swords and armor.

Of course it was rather comical to look at a blue blacksmith.  He knew that would be taken care of when they reached the planet, so for the time being he would raise a few eyebrows and cause a few chuckles. 

Margon rubbed a bit of computer simulated soot on his face and hands.  "I may as well look the part" he said as he pulled his leather boots on.  He made his way toward the holodeck with eager anticipation.

Joint post by Moyer 777 and InStitches

Spring "Mackie" Farmer dashed down the corridor. She didn't want to be late to her first training with the senior officers. So far, she had only met Sevryll, the chief science officer, and she wanted to make a good impression. The train of the dress flipped around and tripped her, but she caught herself on a bulkhead. She grabbed at the long flap of glittery fabric and threw it over her arm, hiked up her skirts and sped to the turbolift door.

She was just pushing the tall conical hat back on top of her head when the door slid open, revealing the chief counselor, Margon. He was dressed in utilitarian leathers, and looked reasonably comfortable, in stark contrast to the stretchy, sequined fabric Spring had stuffed herself into. He smelled amused.

She stepped inside and flung the trailing veils from her face.

"Ensign Farmer, I presume," the counselor caught her as she tripped again on the high heeled shoes.

Almost as quickly as she fell, the soot on the counselor's hands soiled the bright pink cloth of her outrageous gown. 

"Sorry about that, Ensign. Is this the costume you are really wearing on our adventure?"  he smiled.

"Well, it's not the new uniform!" A sweet, fruity smell encompassed the Fertillian as she mentally backpedaled. "Uh, Sir."

"I'm afraid we should do some more research before you enter the holodeck.  Not only have I made a mess out of your gown, but  I think you might be overdressed for the occasion.  Have you been reading romantic ancient Earth novels?"

"When I pulled up 'Camelot' on the computer in my quarters, this was the suggested costume." She scratched at her midsection. "Ginny helped me to personalize it, though."

The counselor halted the turbolift and looked at Spring.  "Besides your uncomfortable clothing, how are things going?" he asked in a warm tone.  "I can imagine this has been somewhat of an uncomfortable experience so far."

"Well, they say your first assignment either takes you or breaks you, but I think---"

"I think you have quite a challenge on your hands with your roommate.  But it's one that I think you are up to."  He smiled again and the turbolift resumed.

"Oh," Mackie adjusted the sparking golden hat, but only succeeded in setting her blonde wig even further askew. She started to blow out a reassuring cloud of scent but was hampered by the gland covers. "Ginny and I are getting along. She's great. It's good to be around someone who's so driven."

"Yes, but you will probably need to establish some boundaries or you could easily burn out with a roommate who never sleeps. I believe you are up to that!" 

"Boundaries." Mackie paused and frowned. "Let me put it this way: I haven't had a raktijeno since I met her. I don't need one."

He looked at her and tried not to laugh.  "I think you both have a little to learn about Earth history. Your roomate helped you pick something from an ancient Earth comedy, not the authentic medieval ages. If you'd like, we can proceed to the holodeck and order up the appropriate clothing." 

The counselor liked the Ensign, she was fascinating.  He hadn't ever spent anytime with her species and was pleasently surprised by her sincerity and sense of humor.

"That is enough," said Sevryll in a tone that barley registered as restrained. The handmaidens bowed and quickly stepped away. Much like the society of this era, the cincher they had tightened about her torso was constricting. She took a labored breath and attempted to readjust the medieval torture device. When at last she had managed to wiggle it into place, Sevryll raised her gaze to meet the three puzzled women who watched her in the mirror. Moments before, they had finished brushing her long, black hair—all that remained for them to do, was dress her in the gown. Sevryll nodded to the door, "I can manage the rest, thank you," she said in a gentler tone.

The women filed out one by one—the last shooting her a frustrated glance before leaving the frigid chamber. Sevryll raised an eyebrow at the plump middle-aged woman's silent argument, before moving to pull on the crimson gown. Fortunately the fasteners were in the front and she was able to lace it up herself. Once she had completed the task, she evaluated her reflection in the mirror and found it satisfactory.

Sevryll was to take the role of Gwenevere, the unfaithful queen of Camelot. Though the woman's character diverged at a hard right angle from Commander Sevryll, the vulcan found the ruler nonetheless fascinating. The cold castle summoned a shiver, and in response, the slight vulcan moved to slip on the heavy wool robe that was spread over the large canopy bed. After pulling the hood over her crowned head, she left the room and descended the spiraling stone stairs, to the lower room. The flaming torches that lined the wall cast long shadows, telegraphing her approach to those whose voices echoed below. Their conversations grew louder as she approached. The subjects were enjoying a feast, one that she was certain was devoid of vegetarian dishes. Perhaps she could claim the apple that was tastefully stuffed in mouth of the pig that had been positioned near her place setting. She stifled a grimace and continued down the stairs.

Joint post by Wraith1701 and HawkeyeMeds

The lounge was pretty full but D'Callan and K'Tan looked slightly out of place. Joe, wearing armour and a black tunic, fiddled with his sword belt, while K'Tan spun a staff round in a precise manner. Joe suddenly ducked as the staff spun by him, narrowly missing his head.
"I gather you have done this before then?"

K'Tan looked down at the crouched Chief.

"In a manner of speaking.  I'm familiar with the Vulcan lirpa, which is similar to this.  But the lirpa has a curved blade on one end, and a bludgeon on the other."  He gave the staff another spin, then smacked the end down firmly on the deck.  "This is a nice, solid weapon; exquisitely balanced."  K'Tan smiled.  "I think I like it."

Joseph stood up slowly.

"This armour is heavy, and this mace is going to be fun to use"

He lifted the heavy solid weapon up to show K'Tan, who observed it with a certain glee.

"That is a fine weapon. What's it used for?"

Joe smiled and held it up.

"Bludgeoning mate, purely for bludgeoning."

The two men laughed and clinked their glasses filled with blood wine together.

Joe looked around at the other crewmen and realized that several of them had conveniently moved away.

"I think, K'Tan. Maybe we should leave."

The pair slammed their glasses down on the counter and walked out of the lounge, leaving a crowd of bemused crewmen in their wake.  As they approached the turbolift, they heard a familiar voice calling from behind.

"Hey; hold the lift, please!"

The pair turned in unison, and their jaws dropped.  Striding towards them was a man wearing more colors than K'Tan was aware existed.  The man's pants bore a checkerboard pattern of alternating purple, yellow and orange, and his tunic was a chaotic swirl of red, green, and blue.  D'Callan raised a hand to shield his eyes, and attempted to suppress a grin.  "Better call sickbay, mate; I think I've just been blinded!"

K'Tan felt as though his eyes were under assault as well, but it was the multicolored hat sitting on the man's head that drew his attention the most.  While the hat bore the same insane coloration as the rest of the man's outfit, what K'Tan found most alarming were the four long, drooping, tentacle-like protrusions that drooped from the hat.  Each protrusion ended in a small bell; as a result, the man's head jingled as he drew near.

"I don't mean to alarm you, Dunn, but I think an octopus is trying to eat your brain," K'Tan deadpanned.

Aeric took a seat in the captain's chair while the remainder of the command staff conducted their training on the holodeck. According to new Starfleet regulations, the main viewer remained off when not needed to prevent "star field hypnosis".

Between his mental connection to the ship and the information provided by the captain's display, Aeric monitored all primary systems and several key subsystems. The new routines for the warp field were functioning well within specification and only a perfectionist would have noticed the slight fluctuations.

"Ensign Harper," Aeric said to the young human at the conn station. "Adjust your heading by point zero zero six degrees on the X axis."

"Aye sir," the young man replied.

It was a simple course correction that would shave several hours off of the trip by making use of a recently detected gravity well instead of passing through it.

As he watched the man input the course corrected, a part of the Lieutenant Commander realized just how much he missed being at the conn of a starship. His sense of duty had placed him along the command path, but his passions were still design and starship piloting.

A part of him also wanted to be on the away mission, but again his duties came first. There were so many things that he missed, but he also loved that path that he walked.

Lieutenant Zremm had finished his shift on the bridge and was in his quarters.  Since coming aboard the Arabella he had tried to adjust to the new ship and new duties.  While the ship was impressive, for many reasons he still found himself missing the Tiberius.  There was something about that ship that had really made him feel at home. 

For the past hour Zremm had been trying to read a new novel by one of his favorite Andorian authors.  It was similar to what he had learned was known to humans as 'pulp fiction' type of writing.  Most of the author's work featured a criminal investigator who used various scientific methods to solve crime on a remote colony world.  He found he enjoyed the main character and the way he used his mind to outwit the criminals he brought to justice.  But Zremm had read the same page several times now.  He was having trouble focusing.  He found his mind kept drifting to thoughts of her - of Marie.

He had attempted several times since reporting to the Arabella to record a message for Marie.  Each time he had stopped part way through.  He was finding it difficult to express in words what he was thinking and feeling.  They had parted on good terms, but sadly for both of them.  Zremm respected her decision about not returning to Starfleet.  But he was also having a hard time facing life each day without her around.  Even sleeping had been restless for him.  In fact, the only way he had been able to get much sleep at all was to drink several glasses of Andorian Blue Ice.  An alcohol based drink he never really cared much for - until recently.

Zremm got up and went to the replicator.  "Andorian Blue Ice, chilled."  He said to the panel.

"That substance is controlled, please make a new request."  The female computer voice informed the Andorian.

"Protocol override, Zremm - 1 beta - 5 gamma - 9 omega.  Execute previous command."  He had discovered that rank did have certain perks.  Also, he had discovered that if he used the override based on cultural heritage protocol he could access the drink he wanted.  Zremm knew this was bending the rules quite a bit, but lately he didn't care much about that.  The bright blue liquid materialized inside a simple glass cylinder inside the replicator.  Zremm took the glass and drank it down quickly.  Just then, his comm badge chimed.

"Lieutenant Zremm.  Please report to the holodeck for Camelot training exercise."  The voice of Commander Sevryll said.  Zremm tapped his comm badge and acknowledged the order.  He was not excited about this mission or the holodeck simulation.  He had studied this period of Earth history.  Andoria had a similar period long ago as well, he had discovered.  But he knew that he did need a distraction.  Maybe this would help.

He quickly slipped into the apparel that Sevryll had suggested for him.  When he finished he appeared to look like a robber or a thief of the time period.  He was dressed in simulated leather mainly, with black boots, a black cape and hat.  The hat was larger than normal to accommodate his antennae.  He replicated one final Blue Ice and downed it before leaving his quarters and heading to the holodeck.  As he entered the turbolift, Zremm tried to focus and push Marie to the back of his mind.

"Oh Marie.  Why is everything so hard now?"  He said quietly to no one but himself as the lift whisked him away.    :andorian

The alarm bells rang out and security around the solid metal building began shut down procedure. Hundreds of armored  clad men ran in different directions all carrying weapons, loaded and ready to shoot.

A tall man, gruff in nature shouted to one of the guards running towards him

"Status"

The guard stopped suddenly and saluted.

"Two escapee's sir"

Freenan, the head guard stood tall and lifted his chin up and began to stroke it. Looking back down at the worried young man he whispered,

"Find them, and kill them"

The guard saluted and ran back in the direction he came shouting orders at several guards who immediately began to follow him. Freenan's eyes fixed on his men as his mind raced with thought about what his superiors would say when they found out that two of the most dangerous men he was in charge of, had just escaped his stockade.

Reese wanted to put his hands over his ears, but he felt it might be disrespectful to do so. Fissual just kept going on and on, on topics Reese had lost track of long ago. He didn't know how much more he could take. He prepared himself to tell him to shut up, but he heard Fissual come to a breathe and stop. Maybe Reese wouldn't have to say anything at all. The silence was peaceful to his stressed ears.

A few seconds passed and "Reese?"
"Yes, Fissual"
"What is it like in the science lab?"
Reese didn't want to talk anymore, or listen anymore. He liked Fissual, he was a lot of fun and could really make a guy laugh, but when trying to sleep this really wasn't preferable to Reese's tired mind.
"It's fine."
"Is that it?"
"No, but you mind" Reese had tried to be patient, now he was going to be honest, "I'm trying to sleep."
"Sorry, I just can't stand the quietness."
"You want me to replicate a white noise machine for you?" Reese joked
"No, I can manage without."
"Yeah, I know I have to hear it?"
"I'll try to be quiet."
"Thanks Fiss."

Now that the room was quiet Reese tried to fall asleep, but he just couldn't seem to do so. He couldn't calm his mind enough to sleep. He thought about his post. Every day he got up, ate breakfast with Fissual and made his way to the science lab, where there was usually something set aside for him to research. He was still hard at work. His current project weighted heavy on his mind. He was currently working with plants a new form of plant that no one in the federation had seen before. He was a bit annoyed at having to work with botany. He wanted to research space phenomenons. His job felt to him so boring at times, but he figured life would get better. Reese looked across the room at Fissual, who was staring up at the ceiling aimlessly. His dark eyes seemed to be like marbles, unable to stay in one place.

"Ok Fiss," Reese groaned, "you want to hear about the science lab?"

The harmonious blend of music and voices that filled the hall was disrupted intermittently by a frenzy of boisterous laughter.  The echo was amplified within the ample stairwell and peaked the vulcan's sensitive ears. She listened attentively for those belonging to crewmembers.

As she proceeded down an infinite number of spiraling steps, she watched her breath curl into wispy clouds of vapor. Torches painted the exhaled mist with golden crests, and cast a dancing ocher hue over her barely discernable features. 

The pungent aroma of a roasted pig, merged in the dank air with the smell of wood smoke, pine needles and mildew. These odors assaulted her with increasing persistence the closer she came to the bottom of the winding stone stairway.  She glanced up as a gust of air coursed through a narrow window high above. The blustery breeze lifted the edges of brightly colored pennants that hung from the oak rafters and tousled the tapestries that brightened the dull rock walls. She briefly paused to admire the scenes of war and love that were stitched into the textiles that covered the walls. The  artful draperies told the timeless tale of King Author and his Knights of the Round Table.

As her foot graced the last step, the vulcan lowered the skirts she had raised slightly to avoid stumbling. Sevryll was now standing at the base of the stairs, in a grand hall filled with people. She pulled back her hood in order to scan the crowd, searching for familiar faces. After some time, her eyes fell upon her daughter who was seated at a table, gripping the immense hand of a man whose face was contorted and flushed. His teeth were bared and his body trembled as though he were struggling. Sevryll started toward them, drawing attention from the lords who had gathered there. They bowed and smiled and if she had paused long enough, they would have kissed her hand. As she approached the table, Aria's placid face met Sevryll's. "Hail, mother," she said impassively.

Sevryll studied the fraught man and then turned her eye back to Aria, "What are you doing daughter?" 

"He challenged me to a test of strength."

The man was grunting now, in a futile attempt to impress the queen with a quick victory. "You are toying with him," remarked Sevryll.

Aria glanced to the man, examined his expression and turned her gaze back to her mother. "I am studying his sense of bravado. The men of this era were audacious... I find it intriguing."  With a quick move Aria slammed the man's massive arm to the table and stood. Sevryll watched the knight slither pathetically into the crowd. She had no doubt that the man would challenge her again, but for now his humiliation would keep him at bay.

"Where is the captain?" asked the elder vulcan as she searched the faces in the crowd. "He said he would meet me downstairs."

"I do not know mother," replied Aria.

At that moment, a man entered the hall and bellowed in a husky voice, "King Arthur has been captured!" He repeated the alert three more times before the crowd erupted in confused murmurs. When she heard the claim, Sevryll pushed her way toward the herald, "Did you witness this event?"

"Aye, my lady," the man replied as he bowed. Chaos began to take hold as the people began to raise their voices in arguments over what should be done. Before the bedlam could build too high, Sevryll shouted for calm. The vocal commotion was persistent, but before long the Queen had the floor. "Knights of the round table, come forth."

The noble men came forward and knelt before the queen. Among them were her fellow crewmen. "Take a group to pursue Arthur. Make sure a physician is among you." She glanced to Aria and back to the knights. " We will accompany you." The holographic knights began to protest but Sevryll silenced them with a glance.

Mackie, with Counselor Margon's help, had chosen a more appropriate costume. He had left her alone in the holographic sylvan glade so she could change into it. She stripped out of the stretchy pink nightmare and stomped on the conical hat with a grin. The soft homespun tunic and leggings were much more comfortable, not too dissimilar from the clothing of her homeworld.

Mackie was just tying her bootstrings when she noticed an unwelcome tingle. She stood, dizzy, and called for the computer arch. She leaned against it to steady herself. "Enable olfactory interface and mute vocals," she ordered. When the computer had complied, she carefully replicated the fragrance she had just picked up. "Identify." A picture of a male appeared, complete with service profile and basic biological information. Damn! Of course she recognized the scent: Ginny brought it home to their shared quarters almost every day. She had dismissed it in the miasma of Ginny's bewildering conversation. But now it was pure and strong, overwhelmingly so. Something had to be done before it was too late. Mackie settled on a stopgap measure.

"Computer, when this scent appears, please filter it away from me and interpose with the following." She then emitted a smell of mild cleaning fluid she remembered from her childhood on Fertillier. "Medical priority one."

She took a deep breath: the scent was gone.  So was her dizziness. "Discontinue arch." She spotted the discarded pink sparkly costume, snatched it up, and headed to the recycler, tripping only once on her as-yet-untied bootstring.

A cool, spring scented breeze blew through the trees, causing the branches to sway gently back and forth.  The sun sat high in the clear blue sky; its light making the vivid greens and rich browns of the grassy meadow below appear somehow more sharp and clear than they should.  The breeze grew into a gentle wind, sending a shower of bright yellow wildflower petals swirling into the air, only to eventually drift gently back to the earth. 

This peaceful, pastoral scene strongly contrasted the bustling activity taking place in the center of the vast meadow.  Dozens of rustic tents dotted the field; some were simple, small structures designed to house no more than one or two people.  Many of the others were larger structures; large, earth-toned tarps held aloft by a series of uniform wooden poles.  The sides of these larger shelters were open to the air, revealing merchants selling beads, crude jewelry, and large joints of sizzling, roasted meat.  Crowds of archaically dressed people jostled to and fro between the tents, laughing, singing, and drinking from large wooden flagons.

The impromptu market formed a vast circle encompassing a rectangular, roped off section of field.   The roped off area was huge, roughly 100 meters long and 130 meters wide.  A fan of ancient earth sports might compare it to the size of a soccer field.  The crowd was thickest around this area; hundreds of people surrounded the field.  A small minority sat in a series of wooden bleachers lining one end, but the bulk of the crowd milled about on foot.  In the center of the bleachers,sitting in a boxed off area elevated above the others, sat a regal woman wearing a simple yet elegant crown of shining gold.  To her left and right stood a pair of guards, each sporting light but functional plate armor, and wearing brightly gleaming swords strapped to their waists.

All eyes were focused on the activities taking place on the grass below.  Two men on horseback faced off from opposite sides of the field, each wearing a set of worn but well maintained plate mail.  Each man carried an elongated pole-like weapon which narrowed to a point.  At a subtle hand signal from the crowned woman sitting in the bleachers, each of the riders lowered his weapon into a horizontal position, and spurred the horses into action. 

The horses quickly broke into a full gallop, their hooves throwing up clods of earth as they charged relentlessly towards one another.  As the distance between each competitor shrank towards nothing, a hush fell over the crowd.  The anticipatory silence was shattered by the thunderous clash of steel striking steel, and as one of the riders was violently thrown backwards off of his mount, the crowd erupted into wild cheering. 

In the distant treeline, out of sight of the reveling spectators, a rectangular doorway suddenly materialized out of thin air.  Lt. Commander K'Tan, brandishing a simple but solid fighting staff, stepped through the doorway, followed by Lt. D'Callan and Ensign Dunn.  As he surveyed the holographic environment, a grim smile grew on his face.  "Looks like the program is already in progress.  Some of the other crewmembers must have beat us here."

Turning towards D'Callan, K'Tan pointed towards the distant, cheering crowd, and the gleaming castle that lay beyond.  "Camelot, I presume?"

Joint post by HawkeyeMeds and wraith1701-

Before joining up with their crewmates, the trio decided to take a few minutes to acclimate themselves to their new environment. D'Callan and Dunn leaned against a nearby tree, drinking in the majestic vista.  K'Tan, loosing himself in the realism of the holo-world, decided to try and break in his battle staff.

"Computer; generate two opponents for me.  Give them dress and weaponry appropriate for this setting."  As two armor clad knights materialized before him, a predatory smile lit K'Tan's features.  With a roar of pure, primal joy, he waded into them, his staff spinning wildly about.  As the crash of his staff repeatedly striking armor rang out, he lost track of time, grinning madly as the minutes crept by...




The tree was amazingly realistic, and for the first twenty minutes, D'Callan and Dunn had enjoyed leaning against it, looking at the beautiful English country side. The only thing was they had now been there for just over an hour, and the only person enjoying himself was K'Tan.

"Is there any chance we can walk at least another five meters away from the archway?" asked D'Callan.

K'Tan was in full swing. His staff swirling around his head and making crunching noises on several Knight's heads.

"This is sport, and I am in full flow!"

D'Callan looked down at a now collapsed Dunn, who snored peacefully in the grass.

"Well, myself and bell boy here are starting to get, how can i say this... bored".

K'Tan, not loosing rhythm, looked over his shoulder at D'Callan in slight bemusement.

"Bored? How can you be bored?  This is the Way Of The Warrior!"

Another Knight fell to join a pile of several others, all dressed in exactly the same clothing.

D'Callan kicked Dunn to get up.

"Is it the Way Of The Warrior to have the attackers on repeat mode?  And on difficulty level one?!?   The only difference between that mighty warrior and the other 10, no 12, is that they all have slightly different broken backs or necks"

K'Tan stopped for a second and looked at D'Callan and Dunn.

"One more."

K'Tan spun round spinning his staff above his head and the arched back to do a flip before throwing his staff out to connect with a Knights spine. A loud crack shot through the air and Dunn winced. Joseph looked at Dunn and smiled.

"You want to see him when they've run out of bloodwine."

K'Tan held his staff out and pointed at the two awaiting men, Joseph now pointing at an imaginary watch.

"Well you have kept me here long enough.  I think it's best we left, don't you?"

K'Tan walked past D'Callan and Dunn with a slight smile on his face.  A few seconds later they followed him to search for the Captain.

Once in the holodeck, K'arath took the opportunity to have the replicator change his armor into something more manageable. He selected a more simple set of clothing consisting of boots, trousers, tunic, with a leather gauntlets and vest, and a more narrow long sword in a scabbard on his belt.

He had entered the program already running and was standing outside what he assumed was the castle Camelot. There were various servants running out the main door shouting something about the King being kidnapped. He burst into the Great Hall. Holding court at the end of the room he saw Commander Sevryll surrounded by a group of knights dressed in some of the same armor he had worn initially. For a moment he regretted taking it off as the men did strike quite the striking visage. He also recognized some members of the Arabella's crew, though the costumes made it difficult to tell who was who. No matter, he thought, as he strode up to the Commander.

In this program, she was clearly someone of great importance and wore a delicate jeweled crown upon her head. K'arath walked up to her and paused.

"Nice hat," he said.

A Joint Post by Iceman and Moyer777

Dr. Peterson received a few stares from various crew members as he passed down the corridor to the turbolift. Fortunately for him other then a few chuckles and snickers most of the crew members respected him too much to make any comment about his attire. Casey was grateful for this. He reached the turbo lift and headed to deck 5.

Peterson entered the holodeck and met  Margon and Ensign Farmer. From what he could gather from Margon's Costume he surmised that he was a blacksmith and Ensign Spring was a lady of the court.

"Hey Dr!" mused Margon.  "What in the world are you my friend?

Dr. Peterson explained that he chose the role of Physician as he felt it would give him access to more areas in the community and would allow him to communicate with the nobility on an even footing as he himself would be considered one of them himself. He would also make sure he had enough finances to cover any expenses that they might incur and that some of his pouches could conceal some medical scanners and devices they may require.

"Oh, I see, I understand your services will be needed, may I provide a nice sword or make sure your horse is ready for your journey?"  Margon smiled.

Peterson smiled as he accepted Margon's services and was given a nice leather saddle and long sword and scabbard to hang from the side of his saddle. His horse was a sturdy white stallion which gave the doctor a noble and respectful stature.

"Oh, by the way, Spring, this is Dr. Peterson—Dr. Peterson Ensign Farmer" 

The two looked at each other and then their surroundings. 

"Nice to meet you" said Spring.

Dr. Peterson bowed slightly as he replied with :

"And you My Lady".

The doctor, counselor and Ensign Farmer all headed toward the castle and hoped that while journeying towards it they would encounter some of their fellow crewmates.

They entered the gates of the castle and found a small band of Knights surrounding the Commander.  Dr. Peterson Dismounted from his horse and walked up to the Commander and bowed slightly as he said ...

"I am at your service My Lady".

Lieutenant Zremm had been sitting in the common room of a small inn just outside of Camelot for about 30 minutes.  He had been trying to ask those providing food and drink if they had heard anything about King Arthur and perhaps those that abducted him.  His attire hid most of his alien appearance and he shrugged off those questioning him about his strange look.

"For the last time mate, I haven't heard anything about oh high and mighty Arthur.  Sides, it's not like he pays much attention to us barely surviving out here in the country."  The burly gentleman said to Zremm.  He had provided Zremm some type of stew and several mugs of ale.  It tasted weak compared to the Andorian drink Zremm had gotten used to.

"I am sorry for your troubles.  Are you certain, good sir?  It is vitally important that I find the Cap,... I mean King.  Perhaps this will help."  Zremm said as he offered the inn keeper another gold coin.

"Well, much as I appreciate the gold sir I really don't know much.  Although the other evening some louts were in here discussing Arthur.  Saying this and that.  Mind you I didn't pay them much attention.  I was busy with other customers that night."  The man said as he pocketed the coin.  Zremm sat back, slightly defeated.  The fire in the room helped light the dim surroundings.  The room was quite cozy and he found it somewhat relaxing to be away from the sterility of a Starship - for a time.

"I understand.  Was there perhaps anyone else here that evening that might remember them or know anything that might help in my quest to find the King?"  Zremm said, desperate for any information.  He knew the others were also searching for Arthur, or the Captain.

"Let me think.  Well, me daughter Moira was helping me out that night.  Come to think of it, she had to slap one of those loud mouth braggarts when he tried to get a bit too friendly with her.  Hit 'em pretty good too, if I remember rightly."  The large man said as he wiped down the counter of the bar while Zremm took a long drink from his mug.

"Is she working tonight with you?  I would be grateful if I could speak with her."  Zremm said, becoming hopeful for a new lead.

"Aye, I think she just got here.  Why don't you go relax sir at a table and I will send her right out."  The man said as he walked into the kitchen area behind the counter.  Zremm picked up his large mug and went to a table in the corner and sat down.  The small room was filled with various people, couples, men drinking heavily and even a large dog on the floor by the fire.  It was fairly crowded, but most paid no attention to Zremm as he sat down.  But earlier his strange color had gotten a few looks when he had walked in.  But he just smiled and said he was from the north.  That seemed to satisfy the simple folk of this time period of Earth history.  After a few minutes, the inn keeper came back out followed by a woman in a red plaid dress with some type of bonnet on.  She held a tray with a full mug of ale and moved quickly to Zremm's table.  She sat the mug down and picked up the empty that Zremm had just finished.

"My father said you wanted to ask me something, good sir?  No what can I help you with?"  She said in a voice that sounded familiar to Zremm.  It had a slight accent, but still he knew that voice.  He looked up into the face of a blond woman and his jaw dropped.

"Marie?  Oh Marie, is that you?  Or have I had too much ale?"  Zremm said, not believing his eyes.

"Now go on there, who is this Marie?  Me name's Moira my fine sir.  And if you be needing more drink, that I can provide."  The woman said as she looked down at Zremm who seemed to have slumped even further into his chair now.

"I can't be imagining this.  I know that voice, your face.  What are you doing here Marie?"  He said, not giving up easily.

"I've already told you blue boy, I'm not this Marie.  Now if there be nothing more, I'll get back to me work."  She said and turned to walk off.

"Blue boy?!  Computer, freeze program local to just this inn."  Zremm said and immediately all the people, the dog, the fire, everything froze in place inside the inn.  The inn keeper's daughter also froze as she was now turned slightly away from Zremm.  He got up and moved around to face her more closely and looked at her.  As she stood there frozen in place he wondered if he was imagining things.  She looked so much like Marie.  But he also was thinking the computer had most likely just used some images in it's database to create some of the holographic characters to populate the simulation.  She wasn't real, he thought.  Just a collection of light and force fields.

"Oh if only you were my Marie.  I have so much I wanted to say to you.  So much."  Zremm said as he turned slightly, and his shoulders slumped down.

"Like what, blue boy?!"  The woman said.  Zremm turned and saw the smiling face of the woman he loved grinning back at him.

"Marie!?!  It is you!"  Zremm said as he moved and picked up Marie in his arms and swept her up into the air.  She felt light and laughed as he twirled her around twice before setting her back down.

"Easy there tiger.  You've had quite a bit to drink.  No need to make your cute blue head spin anymore."  Marie Barton said to Zremm as he continued to hold her close to him, not wanting to let go.

"I don't understand Marie.  What are you doing here?  On the Arabella?  You said Starfleet wasn't what you wanted anymore."  Zremm said, trying to come to grips with the situation.

"Yes, I know.  And I was wrong Ch'Fras.  Right after you left for Vulcan I realized I had made a terrible mistake.  Growing up all I wanted was to join Starfleet.  To help explore the frontier and see strange new worlds.  I was letting my fear control me.  And I realized if Cochrane, or Archer, or Kirk or any other of the great explorers had stopped when things got rough we would still be stuck on Earth.  And most important, I would of never met you.  So I hopped on the next transport and followed you to Vulcan.  I barely made it in time before the Arabella left dock.  I have to admit I've been hiding out a bit.  I wasn't sure how you would take all this.  I sound like some goofy Ensign who can't make up her mind Zremm.  But I do know what I want now.  I want to be here, on the Arabella.  Exploring the frontier - with you."  Marie said as she wiped her moist eyes.  Zremm pulled her close and hugged her tightly.

"Marie.  I don't know what to say.  I thought it would be such a long time before we saw each other again.  I thought I might of lost you."  Zremm said as he could feel his heart racing inside his chest.

"You didn't lose me Zremm.  I just had to find my way back to you."  She said as she moved her mouth to his and kissed him.  Zremm put his hands on Marie's face as he gently held her while kissing her back.  After a few more moments they stopped their embrace and Zremm remembered he had stopped the local simulation.

"I have to restart the program here, Marie."  He said to her as he sat down.

"I understand.  Go ahead blue boy.  I won't blow your cover."  She said with a smile and wink as she stood back in her previous frozen place.

"Computer, resume local program."  Zremm said.  Immediately the holographic room sprang to life again.

"So, I guess this Marie person must of been something special good sir?"  Marie said as she turned back around towards Zremm and smiled at him.

"Oh, yes.  She's one of a kind, my Marie.  Now, Miss Moira.  Might I take you outside for a spell?  Perhaps you can show me the direction those men from the other night went."  Zremm said to her.

"Certainly, sir."  She said with a small curtsy.  Zremm got up and moved towards the door with Marie.

"I'll be back in a little while, father."  She said as Zremm opened the door.

"All right, Moira.  Take care of my daughter sir.  It's dangerous out in these woods."  The inn keeper said in a serious tone.

"I won't let anything happen to her, good inn keeper.  You have my word."  Zremm said as he tipped his hat to the inn keeper as they both left.

Joint post by Wraith1701, Jen and HawkeyeMeds

The three men ran into the forecourt and K'Tan saw the rotating pig.

"Now that is what i'm after"

K'tan began to walk towards the feast when D'Callan put his hand on his shoulder and whispered in his ear, "I think we have waisted enough time on your festivities, Sevryll is not looking too happy over there".

Dunn who was slightly panting and had his hands on his knees, looked up at the commander who was watching them.

"Are Vulcans ever happy?

D'Callan smiled at Dunn and winked, "Only every seven years." Dunn who by now had removed his hat and was looking for a missing bell.

Sevryll waited for the crewmen to walk over. She was not impressed by their late arrival.

"You are late gentlemen. The Captain has been kidnapped and as your are security and tactical. I really would have thought it logical for you to be ahead of the field."

K'Tan slammed his staff down and sneered, "we madam have been fighting a mighty fight against a hoard of devil worshipers."

D'Callan quickly looked at K'Tan and did a swishing movement with his hand to his neck, trying to get K'Tan to keep quiet, but K'Tan in full flow took the signal in a different way.

"Their necks were cut with D'Callan's mighty sword and we fought well"

"The monitor says differently Lieutenant. I suggest you two and your "merry man" here, assist me in finding the captain. Your holographic counterparts, and fellow crewmen, have already begun to round up additional group members. I do not believe it very 'warrior like' to come second in finding the Captain. Do you? You will find our horses in the royal stables. Aria and I will meet you there."

The three men stood to attention, bowed and turned. As they were walking away, D'Callan whispered to K'Tan.

"She looks pretty hot in the outfit.  I wouldn't mind....."

Sevryll butted in before D'Callan could finish, "I heard that Lieutenant..."

D'Callan winced as they walked out of the castle gate.

Aeric smiled as Beth made her way around the length of their quarters. Her inquisitive mind watched as he piloted the small model of the Tiberius over her head. Like a unforgiving giant, she laughed and giggled while attempting to capture her prey. He had just started to send the ship into a descending spiral when the laughter was interrupted by the chirp of his communicator.

"James here"

"Father," came the voice of his photonic child Rory, "a encrypted communications for you has just been transmitted to the Aurora. Should I transfer it to your personal quarters?"

"No thank you," Aeric replied. "I have a good idea who it's from. It can keep for a few hours, but I think that Beth and I would like to have you join us for some family time."

"I'd love to." Rory said softly. "I'm on my way. Is Aria going to join us?"

"The last I heard, she was still in Camelot. I'll leave her a message and I'm sure she'll join us when she can. I was planning on cooking."

"What are you making?" Rory asked.

"Something that includes cornbread. Beth loves the stuff."

"Cornbread!" Beth repeated and moved her attention from the Tiberius to her father.

Rory laughed at her sister's reply. "Cornbread it is!"

Sevryll frowned at the suit of armor the young squire presented her with. "Thank you Ensign, but I believe the iron body armor is a bit excessive."

"Protection isn't its only purpose, commander. Women didn't usually accompany men into battle in this era. Well, occasionally...but defiantly not Guinevere. It would be wise to disguise your appearance while in the field."

The vulcan could not argue with the logic of Ensign Farmer's statement, and though she did not revel the thought of wearing the heavy suit, she agreed to put it on. Twenty minutes later she was clad in alwyte, or white, armor. The weight was substantial, but not too strenuous for a sturdy vulcan. She carried the Pembridge Helm under arm to the ladder, climbed the steps and mounted her white gelding. The horse bobbed its head and snorted as Sevryll took the reigns in her left hand and directed the animal out the stable. When he wasn't being a spy, her husband was an avid horseman and had taught her to ride. She had not particularly enjoyed the activity, but it seemed the skill was a handy one to have in Camelot.

Spring followed on a blood bay mare that trotted along side the commander. Outside, the Knights of the Round Table waited with Aria the doctor and Counselor Margon. Sevryll tried not glare at Lietenant D'Callan as she rode up to them... The new Chief Of Security had not made a good first impression. Though she would allow him the opportunity to earn her respect, the sexist comment he made would not be soon forgotten.

The witness she interviewed had informed Sevryll that a wizard at the far end of the forest could direct them on the correct path. A magician named Merlin, who knew the Arthur well would aid them in their quest and help them recover the missing King. "His tower is at the other end of this forest. I was warned that there are many dangers along the way... highwaymen often attack from the tree tops." She kicked her horse into a gallop, "be wary and vigilant."

"Computer" said Margon, "One blacksmith Wagon and a set of oxen yoked together" 

The computer chirped and a rustic drab wagon complete with a huge anvil appeared.  The interior of the wagon was lined with swords and sheets of metal.  Various armor parts graced the floor of the wagon along with a large fire pit with chuncks of coal smoldering within the large metal structure.  Two barrells of water hung on the sides of the wagon and tied to the back of the wagon was a fine horse clad in black leather tack.

His fellow adventurers looked at him in surprise.

"Well you didn't think I was going to walk the whole way did you? A man must have his tools at his disposal.  Anybody need a good longsword?"  he smiled and climbed up on the drivers seat.  Taking the reins in his hands he awaited his orders.

A Joint Post Between Iceman and Moyer777


Doctor Peterson looked up at Margon.  "Mr. Blacksmith, I think I am going to need some  leather armour."   Margon smiled and got down from the Wagon. After rummaging around for a few moments Dr. Peterson  was rewarded with a with a masterfully crafted vest of leather armour.

"I'm no tailor" said Margon. "Computer, adjust this for Dr. Peterson." the computer chirped and the leather changed form.  He handed it to the Doctor.

"Isn't that cheating?" said Casey.   

"No, we're not on the planet yet!" he chuckled. 

The Dr. smiled and thanked the blacksmith.  Then he promptly disrobed his Doctors robes and placed the vest over his white tunic while commenting, " It would not do for the Royal Doctor to be wounded in battle because he he was foolish enough to go into battle without some form of protection would it?"

"Of course not" replied the Counselor. "Don't let this go to your head Casey" he mused.

"That would be hard do do in this getup responded Casey" as they both chuckled

The Doctor Quickly replaced his robes and mounted his white stead and took his position Beside the queens white gelding.

With so many people away visiting the Holodecks it was easy to do more intensive testing on the worker bee attachments and appendages.  Korridan used the worker bees AI enhanced intuitive interface to manipulate the floating sheets of metal, arranging them and placing spot welds on them.  He was about to disassemble the metal panels and give this worker bee a passing grade when loud cursing broke his concentration, and demanded his full attention.

Korridan looked at his rear view screen and saw the source of the commotion.  The tall and gangly Master Chief was waving his arms and legs wildly while floating in the maintenance bay; shouting in frustration, "Jesus, Mary and Joseph!"  Korridan leaned out of the cockpit and smiled at the pin wheeling Hillbilly, "Forgot your zero G training Hooch?"  The infamous mountain man just glared at him as he floated helplessly, he cleared his throat loudly and pointed ferociously to the deck.  Korridan waved to him and then carefully dialed the gravity back up to the standard setting.

As he exited the cockpit and approached the now vertical and standing NCO, he cautiously explained, "I posted at the entrances that Zero G testing was going on in here..."  The visibly rattled Chief just gave him a dismissive wave of his hand and did not make eye contact, "yeah, yeah, I'm sure that you did," he stared at the doorway he had come through earlier, "I was just in a hurry and didn't check first..."

Korridan was wondering what had his friend so rattled but decided not to press further, and returned to his work.  He scanned the VIN on the worker bee and entered it into his PADD as having been tested and ready for service.  He noticed that Hooch was still staring at the door, Korridan decided to try and break the tension, "So why aren't you goofing off on the Holodeck like everyone else?"  Hooch looked at Korridan with a questioning look.  He pressed further, "You know,... Camelot!"  He made a dramatic flourish with his finger, as if brandishing a sword when he said the word 'Camelot'.

The tall mountaineer was nervously casting his eyes about, as if expecting gremlins to come scurrying from the shadows.  Korridans eyes narrowed, "You all right there... Hooch?"  The ex trappers eyes grabbed a hold of him, like a drowning mans hands grabbing a hold of a rope, "Camelot; that was a medieval place right?" his face filling with faint hope, "you know, knights and damsels and all that nonsense... right?"

Korridan slowly nodded, "Sure, what's up Hooch,... you've got me worried."

The embarrassed man shuffled his feet, and looked uneasy.  His voice was distant, "Well there was this time I was out trapping and hunting, you know trying to build back up our supplies for the colony..."  Korridan joined in trying to let him know he was listening and understood, "The replicators had gone down; and the new colony had only just planted the crops, and the young livestock only recently taken out of stasis..."  Tension left the trappers body, "Yeah, there was no food... people were starving."  Korridan tried to keep him grounded, "This is all documented, you were a hero," he slapped the man on the shoulder, "you saved the colony with your hunting skills, but what does this have to do with..."

The Hunter hung his head, "I got real hungry out there in the woods one time, and I saw these mushrooms..."  He looked about to be sure they were alone before continuing, "it turned out these mushrooms were not the type you should eat, if you know what I mean..."  Korridan fought hard not to smile.  Hooch let out a loud exhale and rolled his eyes dramatically, "It was really ugly stuff..."

Korridan nodded in understanding, a smile on his face and laughter threatening to erupt from his mouth.

Hooch pointed towards the door, "When I saw all those people out there milling about, wearing armor and funky costumes," he waved his arms in the air and looked excitedly at Korridan, "I thought I was having a hallucinogenic flashback!"

The shuttle bay filled with the riotous laughter of the two old veterans.

The cleaning solution dripped down the sign as the cotton cloth swiped up the moisture.  Rubbing it in a circular motion the sign was polished and in place.  He activated the holo flames and they lit up the letters that spelled...

"THE AFTERBURNER"

J'dan made a few clicks on his pad and the hover step ladder floated to the floor.  He stepped off of it and looked at the sign above the door to the newly named lounge. 

"Nice!" he said cheerfully, "Very nice!"

The  oak doors with the starfleet insignia etched on the round windows hissed open to reveal many crew members talking and laughing.  A few couples were cozy by the window seats and various drinks dawned the tables and the large oak bar to the right in the room.  In the far left corner was a stage set up with the piano and some musical equipment.  The stage was also equipped with holo emitters so that anytime the crew that were musicians could order up and instrument or a band for that matter and play along.  Right now though music from  a Cantarian musician named DuK Lorian permeated the air.  it was relaxing yet festive.

"Brex would be proud" J'dan Marley mumbled to himself as he took the cotton cloth and polished the bar. 

He had spent a considerable amount of time making this place comfortable for the crew.  It was his first time actually running a bar.  He had always worked for someone, now it was his chance to help the crew relax and maybe even distract them from the everday responsibilities of space travel.   He was proud of the atmosphere he had created.

Doctor Drett looked up from her work as the doors to Sickbay opened, and shifted nervously as the Vulcan crossed the floor to meet her. Commander Sevryll's mother, sensed the tension and stopped a few meters away, "Am I interrupting your work Doctor?" asked the gray haired woman.
Ryla tried not to allow her voice to crack, "no, not at all. What can I do for you Doctor Sareth?"

The professor studied Ryla Drett a moment and continued, "I did not have an opportunity to apologize for what happened in your Sickbay on Tiberius." The vulcan had not been immune to the virus that spread through the late vessel and had lost control. She tossed a nurse through a glass wall and almost killed another when she lifted her off the floor by the throat.

Doctor Drett nodded in understanding, "you weren't aware of what you were doing... you can't be held accountable for what happened then."

Sareth inclined her head and clasped her hands together behind her back. "I may suppress my own emotions, but I can still sense them in others. My presence makes you uncomfortable."

"No...not at all... not really... welllll... It's... it's not you. I'm not afraid of you specifically... you just remind me of a particularly traumatic experience I had then."

Sareth nodded, "I recall the event you are referring to. It occurred during quarantine. Your arm was broken during a struggle. A man took you hostage while attempting to steal a shuttlecraft; the illness affected him much in the same way it had affect me— he became insane. It is understandable that I would remind you of that incident. I will go."

"No, it's OK." Said the trill, who now felt guilty.   

Join post by Jen and Just X
Keeping in pace with the precession, Aria moved her black Clydesdale closer to her mother's smaller steed. She had slowly found the setting to be more enjoyable than she had first thought, but still she had many questions. Aria also refused to restrict her mobility or speed when confronted with potential combat. Armor might serve well to protect one from attack, but logic dictated that it was both safer and more efficient to not get hit.

"Mother," Aria said softly.  She pulled the mink trimmed hood of her coal black leather coat down to feel the cool air on her face. "How different is this setting from the one that we will be encountering? Is there going to be a need for cosmetic surgery?"

Sevryll turned in her saddle to glance back at the others, then turned to her daughter. "It is logical to assume so, yet the data provided to us was incomplete. A portion of the records regarding the world has been withheld for decades to protect the planet's populace. To prevent the information from falling into the wrong hands we were promised more details after we leave Starbase 35. I was told the planet resembled Earth, but I know little else about the environment."

Aria considered the lack of information. "If this is indeed a training simulation, I would suggest that we refrain from creating further equipment and supplies. We will not have that option while in the field and I assume that will also be denied domesticated transportation."

She stroked the main of her steed and looked at the assembled knights. She could easily see the logic in the holographic session, but could not understand the manipulation of the program to ease difficulties.

"Not necessarily," said Sevryll. "If we require surgeries or preliminary supplies they will be afforded to us during our stop at Starbase 35. We will be provided with the proper currency, which we will later replicate aboard Arabella when needed. Thus allowing us to purchase what we cannot bring with us."

A light snow began to fall as she glanced to Margon, who was chatting merrily with Doctor Peterson. She shivered in her armor and turned back to Aria. "The training program was meant to introduce the medieval culture to our officers. I do not expect them to create the items they need via conventional methods. That would require yet another training program," said Sevryll as she arced a brow expressively. After a brief moment she added, "but I see the program does require certain stopgap measures to ensure that this experience is as accurate as possible." The armor clad queen raised her voice for the computer's benefit, "Computer, prohibit program adjustments from all but Captain Quinn and Commander Sevryll." The computer chimed instantaneously, signifying acknowledgment.

Aria nodded, "I believe that many of the crew will find this mission to be trying.  It will be akin to spending time in The Forge where a lack of technological support is not optional. I believe that this may be an interesting social observation, to see how the away teams deal with a lack of technology and the need to resort to hunting and gathering for basic survival supplies."

She smiled and kept her steed in pace with her mother's. She enjoyed the cold that nipped against her skin. It was not Vulcan in the least. In another time, she had made several trips to Iowa on Earth and spend weeks riding and camping with her father. While she had not originally possessed her father's temporal gene, she did have his ability to communicate with machines. Even in the holodeck, there was a constant buzz that pressed softly against her mind. It was in those times, in The Forge and in the wilderness of Iowa, that they were able to find relief from the constant communications.

She looked something like an elf of Earth legend. The snow clung to her coat and had forced her to pull her hood over her head. She had no clue what to expect of the coming mission, but a part of her was excited by it. She could spend decades learning from a culture like the one that they would be visiting, but only if this culture had evolved faster than Earth as far as treatment of their females was concerned.

The farther they advanced into the forest, the more peculiar the atmosphere felt. It was heavy and dark. The sound of their horses' hooves crunching the fresh snow, was accompanied by the constant jangle of their tack and the squeaking of Margon's wagon. Other than those foreign noises, the woods were quiet...and eerily so. The counselor, began to sing to settle his horses who had begun to jump and fidget nervously. His eyes roamed the trees for anything that would cause them to be uneasy. Sevryll's acute sense of smell detected an unpleasant odor, then her ears pricked at the snap of a tree branch. She flicked her gaze to Aria whose expression was as keen as a hawk's. The commander lifted her hand and halted the procession. A millisecond later she was struck from her mount and landed with an iron thud in the snow at her horse's feet; it danced around her as the man who hit her, swung over head from a rope and landed on a branch on the other side of the path. Sevryll gasped for air as Ensign Farmer jumped from her horse and struggled to help the commander to her feet. Shouts and the clang of iron against iron filled the air. Arrows whistled past as Sevryll and Mackie were quickly flanked by K'tan and D'Callan.


Aria's horse reared with the sudden attack, but she wasted little time as her half vulcan heart pounded in her chest. She jumped from her saddle while readying her bow. The eyes of a huntress surveyed the landscape for a target even as she drew closer to her mother side. Her voice rose in anticipation of the coming conflict, "Guards, to your queen!"

Shyn fidgeted in the uncomfortable chair; she had never liked human furniture, it rarely accommodated someone with a tail.  She let slip a feral growl, "Why can't someone design furniture for felines..." 

She was snapped from her foul mood by a sound like wind chimes in a gentle breeze, she cast her eyes about seeking out the source of the pleasing sound.  When her initial search came up empty the sound intensified.

When realization hit the Phen'rell she joined in with the Hamalki's laughter, and looked up to the ceiling.  Hanging upside down effortlessly on the common rooms ceiling was one of Shyn's roommates, "Good Morning Shyn'Nahl'Brah'Thai, I would be honored to fix that chair for you..."  Shyn smiled, she loved the way the Hamalki spoke her name; her speech was like music.  "I keep forgetting to look up," Shyn shook her head, "And what is it with you engineers, always wanting to redesign stuff?"

The crystalline spiderlike alien responded, "It is our greatest calling; to create a better life for all, through superior design."  Predatorlike teeth shone as Shyn smiled a wide grin, "You missed your true calling K'il'tik, you should be in Public Relations; especially with that voice of yours..."  The melodic sound of wind chimes filled the room once more, "Your words honor me friend Shyn, but I fear I do not have a face for Broadcasting."  Shyn joined in with the laughter; though no where near as ladylike or as melodious as her multi limbed friend.

Four of the Hamalki's eyes swiveled and transfixed upon the Phen'rell's PADD, "Oooh what is that?"  Shyn followed her gaze to the PADD in her hand, "Oh; just a little project of mine, I got the idea from a dream I had..."  Her voice trailed off, as the memories from the nightmare flooded back to her.

The Hamalki's musical voice bubbled with excitement, "May I?"  "Huh?" Shyn snapped from her dark cloud of memories, "Oh, sure," she held the PADD up.  Two beautiful spiderlike limbs which shone like polished glass gingerly reached down and deftly plucked the PADD from her grasp, and raised it up to her forward ocular array.  Four of her smaller and more manipulative appendages danced gracefully across the keys of Shyn's PADD, "an ocular information and targeting interface?"

Shyn started to answer when her dark skinned Elloran roommate and fellow security officer burst into the room, "Yo Shyn, gear up, it's time for the Dog and Pony Show!"  Shyn stood and stretched, preparing for her shift.  A pleasing voice from above her head inquired of her, "May I transmit this to my work station?"  Shyn looked to the crystalline engineer, "Sure K, have fun with it."  As Shyn secured her gear and adjusted her uniform, she noticed the Elloran looking at her with a bemused expression on her face.  Shyn glowered at her, "What?"

Her friend replied, "A little overdressed don't you think?" Gesturing to Shyns skintight and padded tactical uniform complete with chinguards and combat boots.  Shyn looked down at her impressive outfit, "I saw it in the database and thought it was really cool looking, I wanted to try it out..."  The Elloran did not seem convinced, and brought up their duty assignments on her PADD.  A smile rose on her lips and she laughed as she headed out the door into the hallway, "The shuttle bay, heh.. heh.. heh, I should have guessed..."

Shyn stood her mouth agape, unsure what to say.  The door closed before a response came to her.  As she stood awash with embarrassment her PADD gently reappeared in her hand complements of the female Hamalki.  The symphonic sounds of K'il'tik's voice graced Shyn's ears as she silently skittered back into her quarters, "I am sure the Bajoran will be pleased by your appearance furry one..."

The timely closing of a door cut off her reply once more.

Shyn growled in frustration, the empty room her only audience.

Joint post by Wraith1701 and HawkeyeMeds


As K'Tan, D'Callan and Dunn made their way down a wooded path, keeping a small distance behind Sevryll K'Tan laid a hand on the security chief's shoulder.  D'Callan paused and turned as Dunn wandered off ahead.  "What is it mate?", the chief asked.

"It's about the comment you made earlier regarding Commander Sevryll's... feminine attributes."  A mischievous smile formed on D'Callen's face; K'Tan answered with a subtle frown. "I agree that the Commander's form is...", K'Tan paused while he searched for the proper word.  "...Pleasing.  But it's important that we observe protocol.  As our commanding officer, she is due the same respect that we show the captain.  In fact, this holds true for the entire crew, regardless of rank."  D'Callan's face reddened slightly as he looked on in silence.  After a pause, he slowly nodded his head.  "Fair enough, Commander."
Just as D'Callan spoke a sudden blast of movement shot above them and D'Callan looked ahead to see Dunn and Sevryll fall.

"Ambush" shouted K'tan.

The two men raced forward weapons pulled D'Callan glanced at K'Tan

"My Queen deserves and apology from me K'Tan. I intend to see her get it"

The two men flanked Sevryll, D'Callan spun his sword around his body and posed raedy to protect Sevryll. He looked quickly at her and felt a tinge of embarrassment.
K'Tan moved his staff to an angle ready for action.

Dr. Peterson Jumped from his steed, sword in hand and turned just in time to block what would have been a crushing blow to head. The Doctor turned slightly and positioned himself to parley another blow and countered with a slashing blow that incapacitated his opponent as his blade sliced through the flesh of his attackers mid section.

Doctor Peterson surveyed the area through the misty atmosphere that had concealed the attackers and took his fellow crewmates totally by surprise. They had foolishly allowed themselves to be lulled into a false sense of security by the stillness of their environment.

Casey could barely see the commander being helped up from the ground ,7hthe security teem while they blocked blows from their enemies.

The Doctor worked his way over to Margon who was in the process of rendering two would-be assassins unconscious by banging their heads together like a bunch of coconuts. The sound of their skulls crashing together made a sickening thud that resulted in both individuals laying in an unconscious heap beneath Margons feet.

Casey was caught off guard as he was bodychecked to the ground by an incredibly strong individual. He could feel a trickle of blood drip down his forehead and taste the warm metallic liquid as it passed over his lips and rolled down his chin.

Petersons Opponent was getting ready to strike when he took the opportunity to knock his opponent off his feet by placing a well placed kick to his enemies kneecap. The Doctors timing was perfect as the knights Kneecap gave way with a deafening crunch that was followed by his screams of agony.

Casey slowly picked himself up off the ground and quickly surveyed the battlefield. From his perspective, it looked as if the crew was holding their own as they had dispatched or incapacitated a large number of the enemy forces to the point that both forces were almost evenly matched.

The Doctor continued his way towards the Commander and security team dispatching a number of attackers on the way until he was standing next to the queen.

Ensign Dunn was rather enjoying their trek through the forest. He walked alongside the horse on which sat Commander Sevryll who cut a rather impressive visage. In fact, he had never seen her look more lovely, Callean's assessment, though inappropriate, had been accurate...If only he were about, what, 50 years older?
Suddenly in his peripheral vision, he saw a flash of movement. As he turned he could see a man spinning a leather sling above his head. He released one end and large rock sot out towards him. Before he could react or respond, the rock hit him in the solar plexus, knocking him down and the very breath from his lungs. Another man on a rope swing above his head. Looking across the ground he could see the prone form of Commander Sevryll. Her cloak was stained green and Dunn hoped it was from the grass and not a more sever injury for the Vulcan. He had momentarily forgoten they were on the holodeck and quickly diemissed that thought. But the realism was defiantly turned up a notch. He saw the booted feet of K'Tan and D'Callan run up as he tried to push himself off the ground. he hear whistling noises cutting though the air.
'What in the world is that?' he thought.

Joint post by BryanCD, Wraith 1701, Hawkeye Meds and Jen

Ensign Farmer felt around in the snow as K'Tan, D'Callan and Peterson defended the immediate area. Sevryll's eyes shot about, taking in the scene that surrounded her. Her claymore was lost in the snowdrift, leaving her somewhat defenceless. Her gaze fell on the young Fertillian who acted as her squire. "Forget the sword!"  shouted Sevryll.  The science officer glanced up at the commander; the intensity of the vulcan's eyes verified the gravity of her order. As Spring ran back to the circle of battling officers, she watched a highwayman break their defenses and rush Sevryll. The vulcan saw him coming, and ducked. As the man advanced past her, Joseph tripped the bandit, causing him to stumble head first into the snow. The assailant rolled onto his side and sat up, only to be struck by Spring with a large stick that she had mistaken for the claymore.

"Good work,"  shouted the commander over the chaos. The fighting continued and Sevryll did her best to contribute to the battle by utilizing her skills in Suss Mahn, a discipline developed by her people.  The suit she wore was limiting but she managed to employ the nerve pinch whenever possible.

As K'tan watched the commander, the doctor, and the new ensign bravely face down their foes, he felt his heart swell with pride.  He was honored to call these people his crewmates; their courage rivaled that of more than a few klingons he had known during his youth.  But despite their warrior's spirit, he knew that they would not be opposed to D'Callan, Dunn, and himself taking a more active role in their defense.  After all, the three of them were true experts in the physical arts.

K'Tan waded into his foes, his battle staff sweeping back and forth like a reaper's scythe.  And like wheat before the scythe, his opponents fell to the ground in his wake.  He then spun his staff around and pointed at D'Callan. "Go on, my friend.  There's plenty to go around."  D'Callan smiled and thrust his sword into the side of one of the assailants. The body fell of the sword and D'Callan turned the sword several times in his hand and began to run at Sevryll. The Commander had just disabled two more men but her back was turned to an oncoming assassin. "Down my Lady" Shouted D'Callan. Sevryll instinctively ducked down as D'Callans sword flew past her head and entered the helmet of the attacking man.

Dunn had grabbed another man and signaled at Spring to hit him. Spring, still holding the stick, cracked it down on the struggling man, causing it to shatter in her hand. The body fell down and the pair ran towards D'Callan and K'Tan who were now finishing off some more of the attackers. Peterson, standing next to Sevryll, watched as K'Tan and D'Callan fought against three men. D'callan's sword dispatched one of them in two moves and K'Tan finished the last two men by snapping his staff in half and slamming an end into each of the attacker's face.  As the bodies fell, K'Tan held his hand out to D'Callan, who was on one knee trying to get his breath back.

"That year off has taken its toll on you, friend!"  K'Tan yelled with a grin.

D'Callan nodded at K'Tan, then stood as the rhythmic thunder of a rapidly approaching horse echoed across the battlefield.  The pair turned in unison to witness the fiercely grinning visage of the Chief Engineer.  K'arath's proud shock of hair whipped behind him from the speed of his galloping steed's approach.  As the Klingon rider drew near, K'Tan nudged D'Callan in the side, and smiled.  "The fate of our foes is now sealed.  They are about to face the wrath of a true Son Of Q'onos."

K'arath leapt from his horse in a single motion while drawing the long sword from his scabbard. His heart raced and his blood boiled at the scene before him. The two security officers were engaged in battle, protecting the Commander. Their skills with the blade were impressive. He rushed froward as another assailant rushed from behind a tree. He was wielding a spiked metal ball on the end of a chain attached to a handle. 'Mace' K'arath thought as he identified the weapon. He brought his sword up to block the impending blow...but it was a feint. The spiked ball whistled above his head as he spun around on his heels and thrust the sword backwards, impaling the attacker.

K'ararth turned back towards his crewmates and saw K'tan dispatch two men at once with a broken staff... he was impressed.

A particularly brawny man's eyes bulged in surprise as his mind quickly lost influence over his body... and then consciousness. The vulcan released her grip on his neck as he fell, and turned in time to see the last of their horses galloping away with Margon's wagon bouncing wildly behind them.

As the enemies closed around her, Aria released the bow from and grip and drew a small sword and its twin from the sheaths located on her hip. The sudden rush of the enemy had pushed her away from those fighting beside the queen and sent her horse running ahead.

The sound of her heart became the pounding beat of a song that only she could hear.

Parry. Strike. Spin.

He body flowed like water as she defended herself and attacked the three bandits that had chosen her for their target.

Block. Duck. Slash.

Razor sharp blades and vulcan strength brought little drag when the weapons slipped through armor and flesh. It was a dance of death created. Part instinct. Part Logic.

Slash. Spin. Thrust.

Aria's thin frame contorted and whirled in defense and attack. The sounds of battle a distant haze in her mind. Instinct provided defense while calculations of angles, speed, and distance maximized her attacks.

Slash. Slash. Slash.

Inside her mind she stood on the edge of passion and peace. She danced in the eye of the storm and she loved it. He vulcan heart pounded as her enemies fell. Logic and emotion were in strong agreement. Save the Queen. Save her mother.

Duck. Sweep. Stab.

It was over. Aria rose slowly and pulled the blades free of her final target. Long black hair fell over her face and eyes as she swayed slightly to the ancient song that only she could hear. Blades were wiped on the tunic of her foes and returned to their sheaths. The sounds of the world slowly returned from their banishment.

"Is everyone unharmed?"

She had several physical exams left to perform, but those could wait. "I'm about to go on break... would you care to join me for lunch?"

The gray-haired vulcan woman studied Doctor Drett before answering serenely, "that would be most agreeable."

The After Burner Lounge was alive with music, and filled with patrons enjoying their mid-day meals. Ryla was pleased to find a table close to the ever-popular outlook... and she wasted no time in appropriating the prized real estate. Several officers mingled near by, watching the streaking stars stretch past in ad nauseam. Ryla smiled at them as she and the stoic professor claimed their seats and joined the crewmen as they gazed at the vista in silent appreciation.  A moment later, a familiar Bajoran came to take their orders.

"Mr. J'Dan, you are looking well! Which reminds me... You haven't come by Sickbay for your physical exam." She glanced about the lounge before adding with a smile, "business must be good."

The three suns shown down on Margon as he lounged next to the beautiful stream.  He watched as his kids swung on rope out over the deep part and let go.  The tall grass tickled his bald head and he stretched out.  Suddenly the ground shook and he came up off the root he was resting on next to the tree. 

"What the?"

Again the ground bumped under him and he sat straight up hitting his head on something.  He opened his eyes and let out a yelp!  He was in the back of his blacksmith wagon and was being shaken as contents of the cart were bouncing all around.  He had hit his head on the large anvil that took up the middle of the cart.  The hammer he had been trying to get during the attack was in his right hand with some hair and blood on it.  On the other side of the anvil was a lifeless highway man. 

"Oh my head!" he said softly.

The wagon was being pulled by the oxen at a dead run.  Something he had never seen before.  He poked his head out of the front of the wagon to see the companies horses running along side.  He slipped up into the seat and looked for the reigns.  They were dragging underneath the wagon.  Of course he knew what needed to be done, but wasn't excited about the prospect of crawling down and trying to fish the reigns out from underneath these thousand pound running animals. 

"Computer" he cried out, "Stop oxen"

"Unable to comply" said the computer coldly "commands only accepted from Captain Quinn or Commander Sevryll"

"Great... just great" he mumbled.

He only hoped the safety protocals were still in place.  Crawling down and trying balance on the yoke the wagon hit a large root and shot up into the sky.  The couselor sailed through the air and landed head first back in the seat he had crawled down from.

"Ouch" he yelled out.

Picking himself back up he heard a noise and turned to see the highway man alive and well.  The man had a crudely made longsword that wasn't quite finished and with one push he kocked the counselor out of his seat and back down onto the oxen.  Margon cluthed the leather tack and tried to keep from falling under the wagon.  His enemy peered down from the wooden seat and began to jab the sword toward him.   

"That is quite enough my friend!" said the counselor.

The man grunted and proceeded to thrash more wildly.  Again the wagon hit another high spot in the road and the wagon jumped into the air.

The man slipped from the seat, hit his head on the frame of the wagon and fell to the side of the wagon.  The water barrell smashed him in the side of the head and the wheel on the wagon did the rest.  There was a dull "thud" and the man lay dead on the ground as the wagon sped on.

Finally the counselor got one of the reigns and managed to get the other.  He swung himself back up onto the bench and pulled back hard.   

"WHOAAAAA there!  WHOAAAA there!" He shouted with authority.

The wagon began to slow and the oxen came to a halt breathing hard. 

The counselor let out a piercing whistle by placing his fingers into his mouth.

The horses that had been gallpoing along side of the wagon turned and ran back to the cart. 

He gathered his bearings about him and turned the wagon around. 

"I believer our services are needed my friends." he said, not quite as amused as before, "let's get back to our party"

With that he grabbed a couple of ropes and flung them onto the two most dominate horses.  The rest followed.

"I will need to talk to the commander and the captain about this lack of holodeck control" he said to his oxen, "Yah!  Yah!" 

The beasts began to go forwad and the wagon squeaked as the wheels turned.  The entire adventure was rather stimulating and he hadn't been aware of the temperature.  It was still snowing and the couselor was now cold.

"Why do you continue to ask? I am fine," said Sevryll as she shed the Cuirass that Spring unfastened. "Thank you," she said softly to the young Fertillian.

"Your cloak has blood on it," remarked Aria.

A jade droplet landed in the snow as Sevryll looked down at the crimson cloak at her feet. She instinctively touched her forehead and found a wound hidden by her raven hair. "I must have hit my head when I was struck from my mount," she said calmly.

The vulcan then cast off the rest of her armor, leaving only the thick cloth doublet and pants worn underneath. Feeling considerably lighter and much colder, the vulcan reached for her cloak, shook off the snow and swung the mantle about her shoulders.

The snow was falling heavily now and it stuck to her hair and cloak. Her ears pricked at a new sound that echoed in the distance, and she focused on its resonance. The vulcan turned her head in the direction of the noise and, without uttering a single word, began advancing towards it; Aria and Spring exchanged glances before jogging  a few steps behind. Sevryll stopped when the welcome sight of Counselor Margon appeared over the hill with their horses in tow. 

"YES!" said Ensign Farmer, "I really wasn't looking forward to walking."

"Indeed," said Sevryll as she returned the Bolian's wave. "We should continue moving...This "Merlin" is still some distance from here, and the daylight is slipping away." She looked back at K'tan, K'ararth and D'Callan and nodded a silent thank you.

Korridan and Hooch pounded rhythmically at the metal Shields and gauntlets before them.  The deafening sounds they created masked the approach of the two security personnel and their burden.

Shyn waved her arms in an effort to get the attention of her mentor and friend, "Hey guys!"  The ear damaging noise slowed to a stop as the men both looked up from their labors.  Korridan was taken back by the form fitting assault uniform that Shyn wore far too well for his comfort.  She smiled at him and playfully twirled showing off her ensamble, "So, what'dya think?"  She struck a farcical model like pose and beamed with delight.

The Elloran accompanying her groaned and rolled her eyes.

The bearded mountain man sensing his friends discomfort attempted to disarm the situation.  Feigning alarm he shouted, "OH MY STARS AND GARTERS; ARE WE BEING BOARDED!?!?"  Shyn's prideful visage shattered, "What?"  She shook her head and blinked in confusion, "No, what makes you think that?"

The Hillbilly kept his face deadpan, "Well, the way you were dressed I thought you were here to repel invaders."  The Elloran standing behind Shyn erupted in laughter, vigorously slapping the crates on her gravsled.  The Phen'rell glared at her; and while she was turned away, Korridan and Hooch exchanged a nervous and humorous look.  They both turned their heads back in time to present innocent expressions, when Shyn whipped her suspicious gaze back in their direction.

Deciding to change the subject Shyn asked, "So what are you doing?"  Hooch grunted picking up his shield and left Korridan to fend for himself, while he headed off into another part of the Fabrication Shop to stain and age the shield.  Korridan held up the gauntlet he had been working on, "we are aging all of the armor and weapons the insertion teams will be using, making them look used and battle worn."

The Elloran began loudly drumming her fingers on the crates impatiently.  Shyn did her best to ignore her.  Korridan politely asked, "So what brings you here?"  Shyn jerked a thumb in the direction of the gravsled loaded down with crates, "We are stocking all of the shuttles with emergency/survival kits and hand phasers."

The Elloran cleared her throat, "Speaking of which..."  Tired of waiting on Shyn she began pushing her burden toward the rear of the Shuttle Bay.  Shyn ignored the icy glare she received, and smiled at Korridan, "any chance we will be sparring again soon?"  Korridan shrugged, "Perhaps when the holodecks aren't so busy, we can start again..."

Shyn smiled, "Cool."  She then broke into a sprint to catch up with her associate.  When the Phen'rell was fully out of sight the old ex trapper could be heard softly saying, "hmmmm, 'Sparring' so that's what the kid's these days are calling it..."  Korridan started, and then turned toward the grinning moonshiner, "we are just friends..."

The dirty faced mechanic just smiled a devilish grin, "That's how it always starts..."

Korridan scowled and wagged the gauntlet at him accusingly, "I know what your trying to do," he leaned closer for emphasis, "and it isn't going to work..."  Hooch did his best to look innocent and hurt, and then placed a index finger to his chest a pouted, "who; me?"

Korridan tried to return to his work but found it hard to concentrate, and working with tools when you are distracted is down right dangerous.  He could feel Hooch's mirth filled eyes drinking in his discomfort, he groaned in frustration and whirled to face Hooch; who was already looking at him with a bemused expression.  Jabbing a finger in his direction, "Your just trying to get even with me for those mushrooms I put in your toolbox..."

Hooch just smiled smugly, "Sure prayer boy," his white teeth a sharp contrast to his dirty face, "you just keep telling yourself that..."

The Bajoran turned back around and tiredly leaned on his bench and stared at the breastplate before him, his reflection mocking him in its mirrored finish.  He exhaled loudly, and then mused aloud in a toned tinged with puzzlement and wonder, "But she is half my age..." His face scrunched up, "or at least I think she is... I don't know... I have no other Phen'rells to judge her by..."

Hooch silently chuckled at his friends predicament.  Korridan turned back to him, "and; she has... fangs..."

Hooch grinned widely, and stated matter of factly, "Show me a woman who doesn't."

They booth laughed heartily.

Taking a deep breath, Lieutenant James continued on his path to sickbay. He was required to take a physical and had postponed it for far too long. A part of him didn't mind the intrusion into his personal space, but he was also constantly worried about the wrong person getting their hands on his or Aria's nanites.

The doors to the sickbay opened and Aeric entered a little more slowly than usual. Judging by the number of people inside, it seemed that he was not the officer that had delayed the physical.

"Now who do I see about this physical?" Aeric asked aloud to one of the passing blue shirts.

Myella sat in her husbands office monitoring the computer screens as the bioscan readings began to filter in from the various nurses as they tried to keep up with mass of crewmembers who decided to all come in to sickbay at the same time to complete their mandatory physicals.

This had been the busiest the sickbay had been in days, but Myella was glad for the distraction as it prevented her from worrying about her husbands upcoming away mission. Her thoughts had drifted back to just over a year ago when she was reunited with Casey and how she helped him recover from the devastating effects of the Virus that the crew of the Tiberius been subjected too. During this time her feelings for her now husband had been rekindled and they had fallen in love and married. She vowed that she would try to the best of her ability to protect her husband from such dangers whenever possible.

Myella had made a mental note to talk to Dr. Drett and thank her for caring for and watching over her husband as she believed it had been Dr. Drett who had been mostly responsible for her husbands survival and recovery from virus.

Myella's thoughts quickly came back to the present. She grabbed her tricorder and proceeded out of her Husbands office and proceeded to help the nurses with the backlog of physicals that had been steadily piling up all afternoon and would be glad when Dr. Drett Arrived back in sickbay to lend a hand.

"I am a horse," signified the scent of the steed she rode, almost identical to each mount.   There was no "I'm hungry," "I'm nervous," "I'm the angry horse you don't want to ride." It made the holocharacters mere manniquins. The holodesigns could definitely be improved upon from the Fertillian's point of view. The holographic people were much the same.

Moreover, Spring Farmer's special skills in enhancing peaceful coexistence and cooperation were only useful among her living counterparts. Sevryll's homey scent was mirrored in Aria, coupled with a vaguely unsettling mechanical note. She then noted the smell of baby soap and glanced at the trio of men behind her. Yes, that made sense. She redoubled her concentration, opening her gills wide to note changes in the holoprogram.

The horses trotted easily through the snow. Spring, unable to perceive the mood changes of her mount, bounced along, occasionally gripping her hardened leather helmet to keep it from pitching off. That was when she noticed the switch. The road ahead appeared unchanged but, just to the right of the path, Spring noticed a new smell. She slowed and slipped off the blood bay mare, absently patting the white blaze on its forehead.

Sevryll reigned in. "Ensign Farmer, explain your reason for dismounting."

Spring blew a calming breeze of Vulcan gespar toward the commander. "Sire, I think I may have found a shortcut. If you'll permit me..."

The vulcan nodded her acquiescence and Spring bent to examine a treestump: it had been a huge oak, cut approximately ten years ago, if the holodeck program was to be trusted. Jutting from the side of the stump was a large lumpy burl. This was the source of the scent: coffee-sodium. She had noticed it before in holoprograms and it always denoted a key of some sort. So it gave her an advantage. Spring would use it for all she was worth. She pressed on the burl, leaning all her weight into the push. It gave. She smiled back at the watching party as the treestump split. Hah! I belong here. I am a valuable member of this crew.

The rest of the party watched in amazement as Ensign Farmer fell headfirst into the "magic" treestump, her translator changing the sudden strong fragrance of rosemary and ammonia into a loud yelp.

Joint Post by HawkeyeMeds, Jen and Wraith1701


D'callan and K'Tan walked with their weapons ready. Ahead, the trees moved in a mystical fashion, the sun was setting and light grey fog drifted high above a distant castle. K'Tan looked slightly impatient with his companion but D'callan wouldn't let the conversation drop.

"Go on."

"I have told you all there is to know."

"There must be more K'Tan. Come on."

K'Tan stopped and looked directly at D'callan.

"I have told you every swear word there is. Why do you insist on
knowing the translations from English to Klingonese?"

D'callan smiled at K'Tan.

"So i can know what you are saying when I beat you at cricket next week!"

The conversation was interrupted by a startled cry from the new Fertillian ensign.  K'Tan and D'callan rushed back to the party to find them gathered around a gaping hole in the forest floor.  "What happened?" K'Tan asked. 

"I am not certain," Commander Severyll replied.  "But it appears as though ensign Farmer has discovered a possible shortcut."

As the sounds of the ensign's frantic attempt to climb out of the hole echoed from the black pit, the atmosphere abruptly changed.  The temperature seemed to drop several degrees, and a preternatural fog began to swirl around the trees.  The faint sound of a flute could be heard in the distance.

D'callan raised his hand to signal the party to stop behind them.

"There is danger here, my friends."

K'Tan peered into the gaping maw, trying to locate the ensign.  While he admired her courage and the perceptiveness that had led her to discover the shortcut, he felt that she could benefit from tempering her impulsiveness.  The eager new recruit, he thought wryly.  She reminds me a lot of myself when I was an ensign.  K'Tan smiled.  Farmer's powers of observation would make her a definite asset on any away mission.  Besides; he always felt calm and collected in her presence.  The ensign seemed to emanate an infectious aura of well-being.

As a soft wind began to blow, the mist surrounding the party thickened, and the sound of the flute became louder.  D'callan turned and walked towards Sevryll.

"Begging your pardon, my lady. I believe we may have found Merlin."

The Vulcan had heard the flute well before the others; she had also heard the Security Chief's warning of danger. "And you believe we should be cautious," she asked.

D'callan removed his helmet and looked up at Sevryll.

"Caution indeed my Lady. Merlin is well known for his magical prowess. I would be surprised if the wizard is not watching us at this very minute. From what i have read Merlin can shape shift and has a pendent for comical shenanigans. He has great power and we would be foolish to think of his jestering as weakness"

Sitting astride her horse, Severyll watched the group gathered around the mysterious hole, quietly assessing the situation.  She then looked back to the Chief.

"Considering our last encounter, lieutenant, logic dictates that we proceed with care. What would you suggest?"

D'callan turned quickly and signalled for K'Tan to come over.

"I believe Ma'am that Sir K'Tan should be the one to consult in this matter."

As the slightly disheveled Farmer emerged from the hole, assisted by the sprite-like Aria, K'Tan returned to Sevryll's side.  He pensively stroked his chin as he considered the possibilities.  "If I recall correctly, Merlin is supposed to be an ally of the king.  But his legend is shrouded in mystery; we can't be sure if he truly has the King's best interests in heart, or if he views the king as a pawn to be manipulated for his own ends.  It is possible that Merlin had a hand in the king's disappearance.  What we need to do is determine whether or not he is an ally, or an opponent."

Both Commander Severyll and Lt. D'callan looked on expectantly. 

"What do you have in mind, Mr. K'Tan?" asked Severyll.

"We have to cover all of our bases," K'Tan replied.  "If Merlin's powers of perception are anything like they are reputed to be, there is no way for us to approach him unobserved, even if we use this shortcut.  We should therefore use the direct approach, and not bother to hide our presence.  But we can hide our intention." 

K'Tan directed his attention to Commander Severyll.  "I propose that we approach him openhanded.  Dunn, D'callan and I will pose as  mercenaries; you, Aria, and ensign Farmer will pose as our captives.  We can say that after the King's disappearance, we came across you and and took you captive.  Not being the sharpest batleths in the arsenal, we decided to bring you to Merlin to see if there was a ransom for you.  His reaction to your capture will tell us all we need to know:  If he is outraged, we will know that he is an ally.  We can reveal our true intentions and enlist his aid in recovering the Captain... er, I mean the king.  If he is pleased that you have been captured, we can assume that he is somehow involved in the kidnapping of the king."

"And then what?" asked D'callan.

A sinister smile formed on K'Tan's face.  "Then we take Merlin down.  Even a wizard would be hard pressed to take on an armed group in close quarters.  He will reveal the king's location to us, or he will die."

Lieutenant Took strolled down the long corridor, heading to The Afterburner. His shift had just ended, and because Lieutenant Commander K'arath was detained on the holodeck, Took was in charge of Engineering. He enjoyed the responsibility of running the department and the staff seemed to accept him as their commanding officer... but in the back of his mind there was a voice that whispered that their respect was based solely on the fact he was the Captain's partner. Took shook that thought out of his head—he had earned his title as Assistant Chief Engineer and they respected him for it.

As he entered the lounge he saw the trill doctor sitting near the view port with a Vulcan. He approached Ryla Drett with a broad smile, "Good evening Doctor."
"Hello, Mr. Took." She said, returning his smile with a dimpled version of her own. "How are you?"
"I'm doing very well, thank you, just coming off of a double shift" Nic glanced over at the elderly Vulcan.
"Oh, where are my manners? Lieutenant, this is Commander Sevryll's mother, Doctor Sareth."

Took raised his right hand and split his fingers to create a V symbol. "Live long and prosper", The elderly Vulcan gave Nic a nod. He turned back to Drett "So I see you're not taking part in the training mission either." Took had met Doctor Drett on the Tiberius and had told her all about his Camelot program. She seemed interested in helping him complete the project, which they did. Unfortunately they never got to enjoy it—the Lucas Virus had seen to that.

"Nope... I'm now the Assistant Chief Medical Officer and duty demands that I take care of things while Doctor Peterson is out of the office."

"Oh, congratulations Doctor. Yeah it's funny all that time we spent building that holoprogram and when it's used for the first time neither of us are there to enjoy it."

"I'd still like to see it. Maybe we could plan a trip to the holodeck when the mission is over?" Took laughed "It's a date."

Dr. Peterson walked up beside The Commander and added " From what I understand about King Author and Camelot, He is probably being held at Morgan Le Fay's castle as she is the Nemesis of Merlin and would have the most to gain by The Kings Capture. She is a very Dangerous women who's Magic is on par with Merlins and from what I have read was Even responsible for the imprisonment of Merlin for a time."

The Crew Looked surprised by Dr. Peterson's Extensive Knowledge of the the subject as was Commander Sevryll who's only response was a slightly raised eyebrow.

Peterson looked at K'Tan and said, "I think caution would be the better part of valour, as from what I have read on this subject I don't think Merlin will be as easy to take down as you think, or Morgan Le Fay would have already done it, I think it is very unlikely that you would be able to surprise Merlin as no one knows exactly how old he is, and he is not as frail as he appears to be."

"I think it is very Likely that he would kill you before you would have the chance to kill him, I do agree with you that he is very likely manipulating both sides to serve his own purposes and for that reason we must take what he says with a grain of salt. I fear that if you attempt to attack him you could put all our lives in danger."

With that the crew looked at Commander Sevryll for an answer to the debate that went on Between Peterson and K'Tan. They all watched as they could see that Sevryll was carefully waying the points that her senior officers had made.

Ryla thanked Doctor Sareth for her advice, nodded to Lieutenant Took who sat at the bar, and rushed out the lounge doors. The trill was running late for her next appointment. In fact, her patient was probably already in Sickbay, waiting for her arrival. She did not know Lieutenant Commander James well, but the trill was fairly certain he was a punctual man...he had to be to climb to the rank of Second officer. In contrast, Ryla Drett was always at least three minutes tardy, wherever she went. She was conscious of this fact and had made a concerted effort to amend the issue. Her new position would call for promptness, but it obviously wasn't about to happen on her first day as assistant CMO.

The corridors were busy with crewmen who brushed passed, seemingly oblivious to her presence. Each hurried on their way to fulfilll obligations given to them by various superiors.  Ryla picked up her pace—she had responsibilities as well.

The petite blond entered Sickbay to find Aeric James waiting patiently for her to return.  She was only four minutes late but late nonetheless... "I'm sorry Lieutenant," she said as she grabbed a medical tricorder and crossed the floor to meet him.  "How are you today?" Ryla offered him a dimpled smile and set to work.

Aeric smiled warmly and mentally put his nanites into a dormant mode to allow for more accurate scans. "I'm quite well doctor. I thought I would get this physical complete before I got back to getting my department on schedule. How are you doing?"

Aeric had met the doctor here and there but it only recently dawned on him that she might be the second or third oldest member of the crew. It wasn't the same as an unbroken lifespan, but he didn't truly have one of those either. "Doctor, if you don't mind me asking, how old are you?"

She glanced up from her tricorder to consider the question. She wasn't the sort to be sensitive about her age but she couldn't help but wondered why he would ask. She chalked it up to small talk and answered with a sparkle of humor, "Well, Drett is 300, and I am 30. So collectively we are 330. I guess I'm not as youthful as I appear."  She moved to her station and collected her Data PADD. "Since we're on the subject of age...how old are you commander?"

He chuckled at her comments before replying, "I'm almost a century old. In perspective to humans and vulcans, I'm hardly a teen."

"I'd say you're just a baby," she teased.

He had spent several decades of his youth exploring the length and width of the Federation, but there were few uncharted places that he had found himself. He had made friends, enemies, and lovers on his adventures, but he had yet to leave his mark upon the universe.

"Due to the circumstances surrounding my birth and life, I've technically lived longer, but for the first time in it, I've actually been thinking about my future. I think that I've been trying to live in the moment for so long that I haven't taken advantage of the gifts of my heritage. How does one's perspective change after the second century?"

"That's a difficult question to answer and I'm afraid I'm not much of a counselor, sir." She continued to scan him with the tricorder as she thought aloud,  "...I think of change as an unfamiliar territory that everyone is forced to cross at some point. It brings new people and situations into our lives and adds dimension to an otherwise flat existence. Drett still struggles with change, but as far as my perspective on life is concerned, I would say the importance lies not in trying to determine our life path or destiny, but in effect of how much growth we accomplish within one lifetime and how many people we help along the way." She glanced up from her tricorder and remarked uncomfortably, "Sorry, that sounded pretty sappy didn't it?"

"Not at all Doctor, not at all," Aerc continued. "As much as I like the councilor, I don't think that the Federation trains their personnel to effectively deal with the perspective of the longer lived races. I've only recently found out about the other side of my heritage and if I don't die in an unfortunate accident, I might have a long life ahead of me. As you pointed out, I'm just a baby for my species and I don't know what I'm going to be when I grow up."

Aeric smiled as the scans proceeded. His machines gave him a consistence stream of bio data, but it was not his field of study. He knew normal from not normal, but it was through the efforts of the medical personnel that he found ways to fine tune his systems and enhance their efficiency.

"My scans indicate that you're in perfect working order. Would you like a lollypop, sir?" she asked with a wry smile. Ryla moved to the jar where Doctor Peterson kept his supply of hard candy and handed a piece to Aeric. "Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to get your physical out of the way. I enjoyed the conversation commander."

"As did I," He said. "I would love to hear more of your lifetimes in the future."

Joint post by Rico, Jen, Wraith1701, BryanCD, JustX, HawkeyeMeds and Iceman:

The snowfall had begun to steadily increase in the Caledonian Forest. It was becoming more frigid and the vulcan commander hated the cold. She pulled her cloak about her more tightly—her breath condensing in the air as she expelled it.
The slender woman glanced from Doctor Peterson to Lieutenant K'tan. Since childhood Sevryll had possessed an insatiable curiosity for history—not just of her own world, but that of others as well. It was her nature to examine, research, analyze, investigate and scrutinize everything, including the background for the program that served as their training sim. She arced an eyebrow at Doctor Peterson's suggestion; he had obviously done his homework as well.

The daylight was slipping away as the two officers debated their next course of action. Their party would need to find this "Merlin" and soon. She attempted to restrain her body's instinctive response to cold, yet her teeth chattered anyway, "Thank you for your insight doctor. The Arthurian mythos states that Merlin was an elder adviser to Arthur, not his enemy. Yet in "Lancelot-Grail" it is says that Merlin never did any good in his life, only evil. Arthurian tales abound in inconsistencies." She pulled the hood of her crimson cloak over her head and stepped towards the enchanted entrance that Ensign Farmer discovered moments before. "Lieutenant K'tan's plan is a plausible one... we will proceed with caution." Sevryll turned back to look at Margon, "Counselor, is your wagon stocked with rope?"

The Bolian counselor chuckled. "Commander, this thing is stocked with everything. How much do you need?"

K'Tan acknowledged Doctor Peterson with a brief nod, then turned to approach Margon's wagon. "We shouldn't need much," he said. "The goal is to give the appearance that the Commander and her attendants are captive, without actually restraining them. In the event that they are called on to participate in a melee, they should be able to slip loose of their bonds with minimal fuss."

"We should also make sure that our weapons are within reach should we need them," Aria interjected. K'Tan quirked an eyebrow at the svelte half-vulcan. Try as he might, he couldn't get the image of the young woman casually dispatching her foes in a whirlwind of flashing steel out of his mind. As far as he was concerned, her considerable martial talents were being wasted in the medical department.

"That's a good point, Ms. James," he replied. K'Tan turned to Chief D'callan. "Lieutenant, what do you think about ensign Dunn holding on to the weapons of our 'captives'?"

D'callan slowly nodded his head in agreement. "Sounds like a solid idea, mate." D'callan waved Dunn forward. "Ensign, you are going to be our armory officer on this mission. You will hold weapons in reserve for Commander Sevryll and her attendants. I need you to be sure that they are concealed, but readily available. We might need to distribute them at a moment's notice."

"Understood, sir" Dunn replied smartly.

As Dunn began searching the back of Margon's wagon for something with which to conceal the weapons, a mischievous smile quirked D'callan's features. "And loose the hat," the security chief added. "We want to impress and intimidate Merlin, not make him die of laughter." Dunn removed his hat and rolled it up and looked back up at D'callan who winked at him.

K'Tan and D'Callan stood together checking their weapons and then hiding them so they would be out of site. "I think you should have my mace mate. Those two sticks you used to call a staff won't be much use."

D'Callan held out the unused mace and K'Tan held it aloft, "this may not be Excalibur but it will do a fine job."

Turning to the party they could see that the snow and resulting cold was beginning to take it's toll. Lieutenant D'Callan turned to K'Tan, "We should begin, this weather will start to chill the bones and we need to be on guard at all times against this wizard".


As Ensign Dunn rummaged through the back of the wagon, K'arath stepped up next to him. "Excuse me Ensign," he commanded. Dunn immediately obligated. K'arath reached in and found the item he had concealed in the wagon at the start of the simulation. The item was wrapped in a tattered red blanket. He walked back over to where K'Tan and D'Callan stood. They looked quizzically at him as he unwrapped the blanket revealing his gleaming b'atleth. K'Tan favored him with a knowing smile as K'arath hid the weapon behind his back beneath his tunic.


"For close encounters," K'arath said with a grin, "I will be part of the captured party, providing for an element of surprise when the trap is sprung."

Joint post by Rico, Jen, Wraith1701, BryanCD, JustX, HawkeyeMeds and Iceman:

Aria James slowly shed her clothing of weapons. From her back, she removed her short bow and quiver. A small chopping ax was pulled from the small of her back. She removed her weapons belt and the short swords that they held. She had worked hard on her outfit and realized that extra weapons might be the difference between life and death when they found themselves on the other world. A dagger was pulled from each boot before she turned to her soon to be captors. "For the sake of the wizard's preternatural senses, I am going to completely disarm but I don't recommend doing the same if we are captured on the away mission."

She glanced at the small arsenal scattered around her before removing a silver and obsidian scalpel that had been hidden in her right bracer. She still retained a sliver of obsidian in her boot heel, but it would only be a tool for escape as its size prevented it from being an effective weapon. She hoped that she had followed the spirit of period and had been suitably armed in the troubled land. She was now a huntress without the tools to hunt a simple hare.

Dunn got on one knee before the assembled 'captives', and unfurled a large animal-hide tarp on the ground.  The ensign sorted the weapons as quickly as he could, taking care not to cut himself on the cruelly edged swords and daggers.  As he began to roll up the bundle, he was cut short by a hand landing softly on his shoulder.  He looked up to meet the expectant gaze of ensign Farmer.  "Excuse me, ensign Dunn.  You forgot my weapon."

K'Tan gently cleared his throat to draw the Fertilian's attention.  "I'm sorry, ensign Farmer," he said.  "I appreciate both your courage and perceptiveness, but we need you to stay here and help guard Counselor Margon's wagon.  We already have three prisoners-- Commander Severyll, Aria James, and Chief Engineer K'arath.  It would be pushing credibility to show up at Merlin's doorstep with the 'captives' outnumbering the 'captors'.

"Of course, Sir," replied the ensign.

As ensign Farmer slowly walked away, Dr. Peterson approached K'Tan.  Peterson removed his sword belt and handed it to the Chief Tactical Officer, along with the concealed throwing knives that were hidden under his robes.  With a sigh, he reluctantly placed them into his crewmates hands. K'Tan Looked at Casey and gave him a smirk of approval as he took the weapons.

K'Tan stared at the Doctor for a moment, then said, " OK Peterson, where is it?  Where is the other knife you have concealed?"

Casey stared at the Commander, and with a straight face replied, " I don't Know what you are talking about K'Tan."  K'Tan stepped closer to the Doctor and folded his arms. As he stared at Casey, a low growl rumbled in his throat.

Dr. Peterson knew better then to argue with K'Tan.  Despite his human appearance, the tactical officer still held the potential to react to confrontation with the violence that his Klingon upbringing had ingrained in him. Peterson proceeded to remove the remaining four weapons that were hidden under his garments, then moved to hand them to K'Tan.   K'Tan smiled, and slowly shook his head,  "Never mind, Doctor; you keep those." He gave Peterson a friendly smack on the back. "You have a fighter's heart, Doctor.  We will make you into a Klingon Warrior Yet."

K'Tan nodded his head towards Margon, Farmer, and the wagon parked at the edge of the clearing.  "There may still by highwaymen stalking the forest.  We need someone to remain here to guard our rear, and to keep watch over our supplies.  Your courage and spirit are needed here."

Gripping his weapons with grim determination, Peterson nodded his head and walked off to rejoin the group at the wagon.

Lieutenant Zremm came upon the merry band of adventurers as he was searching the forest.  He and Ensign Barton had slipped away into the woods for a brief time but now were back searching for the others.  As Zremm came out from behind a very large oak tree he gave his friends a large smile.

"Hello everyone.  Sorry I've been ahh, distracted for a time.  Are you still on the hunt for this Merlin?"  Zremm asked as he clasped Marie's warm hand in his and she moved to his side.

Sevryll eyed the Andorian suspiciously, "Indeed. We could certainly use your keen sense of hearing, Lieutenant."  She wrapped her cloak a bit more tightly as the wind kicked up.

"I am at your service, my lady,"  Zremm said with a quick flourish as he pulled out his scimitar.  Zremm whispered something into Marie Barton's ear and she grinned wide and blushed slightly.  She then released Zremm's hand and courtesied slightly to the group.

"Good hunting everyone.  See you later on, blue boy."  She said with a smile and wink to Zremm as she moved off into the forest.

"Is Ms. Barton not joining us?"  K'arath said, sounding slightly disappointed.

"She is going back to the inn.  She was just here playing a minor background character.  And when were you planning on telling me she made it on board, K'arath?"  Zremm said, a slight icy tone in his voice.

"For your information, 'blue boy.'  She told me to not tell you.  I think the lady wanted to surprise you."  K'arath said as he moved slightly towards Zremm.

"Enough.  You will focus on the mission."  Sevryll said, with more of an air of command than she intended.

Back at the entrance to the mysterious portal, D'Callan held out a some rope to K'tan. "You take K'arath and Aria, I'll tie up our Queen". K'tan walked over to the two crewmen and flexed the rope at them while Lieutenant D'Callan headed towards Sevryll.

"I'm afraid, my lady, that I must now tie you up.  Would you please hold your hands out?"

Sevryll extended her hands as D'Callan tied them together; her eyes remained focused on the proceedings.

"Is that too tight?" asked D'Callan.

Sevryll didn't flinch "I'm fine Lieutenant."

As he twisted the final length of rope into an intricate loop around commander Sevryll's wrists, he placed the rope-end into the commander's hand.  "As I've explained to the others, this is a trick knot," D'callan said.  All you have to do is tug at the end in your hand, and the entire knot will unravel."  He gave a wink and a grin as he stood up.  "Just a little trick I picked up a few years back."

"Is there something wrong with your eye Lieutenant D'Callan?" asked Sevryll in a slight undertone.

"No, ma'am." he replied as held the rope out to K'Tan who took it and tied it to his rope and pulled the two parties together.

K'Tan smiled, "We have our prey."

"Has anyone considered the odds of this possibly working?" Aria asked and lightly tested the bonds. The idea of being a captive was not something that she was comfortable with even on the holodeck. "If the wizard cares for the Queen, the captors might find themselves in more danger that we captives."

"And what if the wizard doesn't care for the Queen?" K'Tan interjected.  "If this proves to be the case, and we simply march in assuming he has no ill intentions, both the captors and the captives will be endangered."   K'Tan  turned and gazed into the depths of the waiting  portal.   "The most sound course of action is the one that minimizes risk.  It is better to risk half of our group than to risk all six."  He turned back to Aria and regarded her with a firm stare.  "Your concerns are noted, Ms. James, but we will proceed as planned."

Back at the wagon, ensign Farmer rejoined Doctor Peterson and Commander Margon.  The trio looked on as Commander Sevryll's group cautiously approach the mysterious portal.  The eerie, ethereal sound of flute music echoed from the portal, and seemed to grow louder as the group drew nearer.  "It's like something from A Midsummer's Night's Dream," Peterson murmured.  "Pan's flute."   Farmer sighed in frustration.   "I don't see  why I have to stay behind," she grumbled.  "This is only a training mission, after all."

Margon smiled, and laid a consoling hand on the ensign's shoulder.  "Part of training is learning to accept and follow orders, ensign.  Sticking to the game plan is vital, especially on a real away mission.  Besides," he continued.  " This may be only a holodeck simulation, but even holodeck sims hold the potential for danger."

A hint of sadness touched the counselor's features as he thought back on the last, painful days of the Tiberius.  On reflex, Margon covered the lapse with a grin.  "Why, I remember hearing about a crewman who was almost eaten by a holographic shark on our last ship!  The point is, never take your safety for granted, and don't be too eager to walk into the jaws of danger, even if it is only make-believe."

Margon's eyes were drawn to Severyll's group.  As he looked on, the party slowly descended into the dark, enigmatic portal.  As they vanished into it's swirling depths, Margon looked back at ensign Farmer.

"After all; I get the feeling that there will be plenty of the real kind to go around on our upcoming away mission."

Quinn sat in a dark and damp room, the only light was coming from a one by one foot window on the left wall. There were chains hanging from the walls and ceilings and the air was filled with some sort of foul smell that Quinn though could be roting food.  Quinn's arms were shackled behind his back and they were slowly falling asleep. He tried shifting his weight to get the blood flowing but instead managed to snag his tunic on a sharp rock cutting into his shoulder. "Great" Nathan said outload to no one in particular. "Let the computer create it's own story," Quinn said in a mocking Sevryll's voice "it will be more enjoyable for the crew.. I don't recall anything about Arthur being kidnapped." Quinn laughed and shock his head in amusement at the situation he was in. It's been about three hours since his kidnapping and he was hoping the crew would arrive soon to his rescue.

Suddenly his badge chirped. "Lt. Tucker to Captain Quinn" Quinn went to press his comm badge from underneath his tunic when he remember that he arms were shackled behind his back. "Computer, remove shackle's".. Nathan felt the cold metal disappear from around his wrists. He rubbed feeling back into his wrist before pressing his comm badge. "Quinn here.. go ahead Lt.", "Sir I'm sorry to interrupt, but there is an Admiral Telesk requesting to speak to you immediately." Quinn sighed, "Very well Lt. I'll be there in a few minute's... Quinn out." He stood and called out to the computer "Arch!!" The arch materialized out of thin air, as Quinn proceeded out of the holodeck he noticed an elderly man entering the chamber with a look of shock on his wrinkled face. Nathan walked down the corridor he debated on contacting Sevryll and the others to let them know he was no longer in the holodeck. He laughed outload and thought to himself.. "no I'll let them continue to look for me.. it will be good practice." Quinn's smile broden as he entered the turbolift, "Bridge".

A Joint  post by Jen, Hawkeyemeds, Just X and Wraith 1701

The flute was amplified within the tunnel as the haunting melody floated on the stale, damp air like boat on a gentle current. Its resonance became clearer the deeper they traveled within the dark warren.  K'tan's torch lead the way as Sevryll, Aria and K'ararth followed close behind.  Next in line was ensign Dunn.  As he carefully made his way down the dark passageway, the bundle of weapons slung across his back clanked softly in time to his footsteps.  Lieutenant Joseph D'Callan brought up the rear as his eyes fought to recognize the shadow shapes created by the torches they carried.

Sevryll glanced to her cloned daughter, who twisted against the bindings. She knew that her discomfort was not physical, and was concerned for her psychological welfare, "are you alright?" whispered Sevryll.

Aria steadied her breathing, "I will be fine mother, but I do find a bit of discomfort at the process and idea of being bound. There is something disconcerting about losing one's freedom, even in a simulation." She could not express in words how it felt when she first drew breath again and could move where she wanted to go. She had been confined for far too long and had since vowed to cherish every moment of her freedom.

Sevryll had never known confinement and could not begin to understand the depth of distress felt by her daughter, whose Katra had once been detained by isolinear circuitry. There were no logical statements that would still Aria's fear, therefore Sevryll resigned herself to the only comfort she could give: a reassuring touch. In a collected motion, she bushed her bound hands against Aria's. To a touch telepath, physical contact was often limited, for it served as conduit for their abilities...yet Aria required the benefit of this skill. Circumstances prevented Sevryll from performing a true meld, but she believed their shared genetics would bridge the gap created by their situation. Without a word, the elder woman closed her eyes and evoked a sense of peace, in an attempt to call Aria from the darkness of her own thoughts. Then she gently pushed a shared memory of Vulcan's setting sun, which the two had often observed from the garden outside her ancestral home.

Aria smiled softly as the tension of the situation melted away. She prided herself on her emotional range and the mechanical ability to remove those emotions, but she also valued her logic. She knew that for her to benefit from the positive emotions, she needed to accept and experience the negative ones as well.

"Thank you," she said and gazed from the other captives to the captors. She admired the conviction of the tactical officer even when she knew his logic to be flawed. It was not her place to correct his mistakes, but hopefully be around when he learned from them. Still, it was better to be a helpless captive than a traitorous knight. In her brief time in the universe she had come to accept the passion of the Klingons and the Vulcans, who in her assessment, were not too dissimilar. She would have to study the human more to see how he coped with existing with such intense passion. Would it flaw his logic?  And what of the security chief who had noticed her mother's beauty? Would he be foolish enough to apologize or retract that statement and make a greater fool of himself? There was infinite diversity everywhere she turned.

As the group made their way down the gravel-strewn path, K'Tan noted an especially low collection of stalactites a few feet ahead.  Turning back to warn the party to lower their heads, he caught the eye of the young Vulcan girl watching him intently.  As he met her gaze, she made no attempt to hide her observations.  "The ceiling appears to be especially low for the next few meters," he said.  " Mind your heads."

K'Tan quietly considered the enigmatic girl.  Based on his few interactions with her, he believed that she was an ardent adherent to the Vulcan philosophy.   And yet her obvious fighting ability flew in the face of his preconceived notions of Vulcan behavior.  What makes her tick? he thought to himself.  He sighed quietly, resigned to leave the puzzle for another day.  One thing was certain, in any event.  Despite her apparent conversancy with fighting, she seemed to have a healthy dose of her people's belief in their infallibility.

The rocky course soon curved and the incline increased, causing them to be more careful on the loose gravel scattered upon the steep path. K'ararth refused help as they proceeded through the subterranean conduit. Yet Sevryll was not as quite as tenacious, and allowed K'tan to guide her down the steep slope. When they reached the bottom, the music that had been leading them was silenced like a candle's flame put out for the night, leaving the hollow sound of wind through the tunnel to replace the eerie melody.

A Joint  post by Jen, Hawkeyemeds, Just X and Wraith 1701

D'Callan's eyes strained to focus and his mind fought to retain its concentration, but it broke when he heard a strange noise from behind. He quickened his pace, drawing close behind his bound colleagues. "Down!" echoed his voice. The party ducked and Joseph held his arms out over Sevryll and Aria as hundreds of screeching bats flew over them. Lieutenant D'Callan felt the displacement of air stir his hair as they sped over him. Looking up, he saw K'Tan protecting the captors with his arms as well.  As the last of the bats swirled round in front of them, they began to build speed and combine into a single mass. K'Tan growled as a light began to build in the center.  As it intensified, so did the resulting heat, causing the tactical officer to back off in order to keep the others safe.
Above them the rocks split and smoke bellowed from the gaps. "K'Tan! What the hell is happening!?" Shouted chief of security. Lieutenant K'Tan glanced up and was just about to respond when a tremendous roar came from the mass of glowing bats.

The sudden convergence of winged creatures formed a figure shrouded in fire. Aria tensed at the tone and pitch of the voice, but waited quietly for their captors to reveal their plan.

The radiant form slowly raised its hands, paused for a few seconds then threw them down. A fireball enveloped them causing everyone fall to the floor. When they looked up, they were no longer in the damp passageway, they were in a grand chamber. Curtains made of velvet gently fluttered in the cold breeze, and before them stood a wiry old man. His robes were filthy and his long white hair was held out of his eyes by a thin gold band. His leathery lips moved allowing a gravely voice to bellow, "Who are you?"

K'Tan and D'Callan scanned their new surrounding, in search of possible advantage points and escape routes."We bring you gifts," answered D'Callan.

The voice came again, "Gifts?"

Joseph moved forward while K'Tan gripped the rope that held the individuals being presented.

"Sir, we bring you the traitors of King Arthur."

The old man eyed his prisoners, before settling on Sevryll, "A beautiful gift."

D'Callan glanced back at the tactical officer and mouthed the words, "I told you."
K'tan flicked his eyes up and addressed the elderly man, "We seek the wizard known as Merlin. In exchange for this information, we will present the captives to you."

The old man, kept his eyes on Sevryll. Ignoring K'tan remark he replied,
"Arthur was right, she is more lovely than the Lady of the Lake."

"Then you know Arthur.. Are you Merlin?" Asked K'tan.

"Yes, I know Arthur well...I am the one whom you seek, " replied Merlin matter-of-factly. "Why have you brought his Queen to me in this manner? Does she deserve such treatment? Perhaps you are the traitors..." He made a gesture with his hands and the ropes fell from the three captives. "I apologize for your ill treatment, lady Guinevere. Have these men mistreated you?"

"No. Thank you for releasing us." She turned her gaze back to D'Callan and then to K'Tan, as if to reassure them, then cautiously stepped forward. "Merlin, Arthur is missing. Do you know where he is?" she asked.

The old wizard thrust his open hands forward  and the former 'captors' flew through the air. Their momentum slowed as they approached the far wall, and their bodies were held against it as he replied, "A portal of light swallowed Arthur before my eyes. I could do nothing to stop it."

Sevryll couldn't help but smirk at the mention of "a portal of light". His account could describe the holodeck's arch, or a "Jack-In-The-Box" written into the program to make the story more 'interesting'. She glanced to Aria and then to K'ararth, who shared similar thoughts.

"Computer, pause program. Release Lieutenants K'Tan and D'Callan." The two officers fell to the floor with a thud. "Computer, where is Captain Quinn?"

A lackluster feminine voice replied nonchalantly, "Captain Quinn is on the bridge."

Sevryll forced herself not to bristle as she turned on her heel and glanced at the rafters high above, "Computer, end program." As the setting vanished, Counselor Margon, Lieutenant Zremm, Ensign Farmer and Doctor Peterson were revealed on the opposite side of the room. Margon fell to the floor, as his Blacksmith's wagon disappeared along with the holo-environment. The vulcan apologized and would have explained, but she knew the officers who waited outside the tunnel had heard the computer's one-sided conversation.

Her voice echoed slightly as the resonance changed in the now devoid room, "Your involvement in this simulation has allowed you to observe a primitive people's belief in mysticism, and magic. You have witnessed first hand monarchial hierarchies and customs; familiarized yourselves with beasts of burden, archaic technologies and weaponry.  And you have worked together to seek a missing individual concealed by a shrewd yet superstitious and violent populace." As the temperature increased, the vulcan commander removed her cloak and draped it over her arm.

"To protect the world we will be exploring, from a universe teeming with cultures far more advanced, its secrets have been closely guarded by the anthropologists who study it. For this reason, our knowledge is limited. I have no further information regarding the society we will be infiltrating and I see no need in continuing this program. We will know more after we leave Starbase 35. The captain and I will brief you on any details we glean at that time. Until then, you may consider your training concluded." She nodded to the officers and headed to the bridge to speak with Captain Quinn. She didn't bother to change her clothing— there was no time for that. Nathan's failure to inform her of his exodus denoted an emergency in Sevryll's mind and she was intent on aiding him.

The woman, clad in a black arming doublet entered the bridge but the captain was not there. She caught the eye a con officer who turned to see her striding from the turbolift. His confused look was met by a raised brow—he interpreted her silent message and nodded to the ready room. From inside Captain Quinn heard the chime and granted her entry. "Enter."

The first officer stepped through the door and made her inquiry in a voice cloaked in a thin veil of stoicism, "Captain, has something happened?"

Joint post by Just X and Omra

Lieutenant James and key members of his staff sat in his office and waited for the last of those he had requested to arrive for the daily operations briefing. Due to the nature of the coming mission, he would be relying on them more as he would need to fill other duties on the ship.

Korridan entered the office carrying a burden of heavy and coarse fabrics over his shoulder, he inclined his head and smiled at the Lieutenant, "reporting as ordered sir."  He sat in the chair the Lieutenant gestured to, and noticed the curious gaze at his burden, "Aah this..." he handed the fabrics over to his superior, "I had noticed that the costumes our crew were wearing into the holodeck looked much too nice."

He held up his PADD, "According to what little I have been able to dig up so far, the indigenous people wear durable and simple woven materials."  He pointed to the uncomfortable looking fabric the Officer was inspecting, "I figure if our insertion teams are to blend in they will need more authentic outfits, not made with the high fiber count or synthetic fiber materials we are used to."

The nod he received encouraged him to continue, "And I was wondering if we could impregnate the materials we use with a unique isotope or a byrillium tag so we may be able to track them better, despite the planets local interference."

"And how would you feel about using Mackies unique talents to create scent packages for our teams to use," he noticed the perplexed expression on his shipmates faces, "well, they didn't bathe back then, and they sure didn't use Cologne or deodorant..."

Aeric raised a brow. "It depends on where you went chief. Not every ancient culture shunned proper hygiene, but I will suggest the recommendation. The same goes for the clothing. I will make the recommendation, but from my own travels, I've learned that while something might look similar to Earth, it isn't exactly like Earth. We have to be careful to not assume what this culture will be when placed under a microscope."

Aeric motioned for him to take a seat. "I think that you are on the right track, but we're not there yet. We don't need the initial clothing to be exact replicas of their clothing. Even if we did, we couldn't pull it off without having access to what their clothing looks like. Colors and styles might make a serious social impact. Detailed clothing might need to be replicated on site."

Korridan nodded and smiled,"understood sir." He surveyed the room and nodded to the others gathered there, and returned a few subdued yet polite waves.  His attention returned to the impressive figure behind the desk, "Whats on today's menu?"

Joint post by Just X and Omra

Rina smiled softly, while she wasn't Aeric's assistant, she was the one he depended on when it came to the shuttle bays.  She had been surprised to see the new faces that had been invited to the daily briefing.  Her commanding officer was one of the most thorough men she knew and it showed in his prep meetings.  "I think we are going to need to get the Aurora ready for ferrying the passengers to the surface.  I think that it's time we put the infiltration system into use and I would further recommend we install Infiltration Systems on the Tiberius and Shadowfax runabouts."

Aeric nodded in agreement, "That makes sense.  We need more than one landing capable ship to call upon for this mission.  If we run into trouble, we need to be able to get our people out.  Let's plan on needing the the Tiberius and Shadowfax for the mission and make sure we have pilots and modifications ready at launch time."

Korridan raised an eyebrow, "Infiltration System?"  His voice cautious and suspicious, "That doesn't sound like the usual thing a 'touchy feely' politically correct Federation vessel would have."  His gaze drifted between both Rina and Aeric, "This isn't going to get us in trouble with the Romulans is it?"

Rina laughed, "It's a proprietary system that the Aurora features, but it is not a cloaking device.  The letter and spirit of the Treaty of Algernon are respected."

Aeric nodded, "Starfleet knows the Aurora has the system and they have no problems with it.  Other Federation ships have similar systems."

"Really?"  Korridan looked skeptical, but willing to listen, "what is it exactly, if I may ask?"

Aeric looked from Korridan to Rava Ronan.  "It is a holographic system that creates a sheath around the vessel.  It does nothing to hide the ship from detection.  It merely alters what external forces may detect.  It is designed with landing on first contact planets in mind, but we have made a few advances to it for the Aurora."

Korridan nodded, "Handy, I was afraid we would only be able to support our people doing 'night runs'...  He grinned, "This will make us more accessible to our teams without the threat of further contamination."  He looked over to Rina, "I look forward to working on this system, and learning from you..."

Hooch's gravely voice was filled with mirth, "Aah shucks, does this mean no more blacksmithing?"  Korridan chuckled along with the old mountain man.

CPO Rava Ronan sat quietly during the meeting, but it was his job to be Lt. James' assistant and that meant he needed to give his opinions.  "Lieutenant, I will contact the various department heads to find out who they will be leaving in charge during the away mission.  Once we have that list, I can give my recommendation"

"That will be fine Chief,"  Aeric said as he looked at the people that formed the spine of his department.  He had other officers under his command, but it was in these meetings that he called on his Cheifs to step up.  "Rina, I want the runabouts to be modified and tested by the time we reach our rendezvous point to drop off our passengers."

"Korridan, you should get familiar with the runabouts and the new systems we are installing," Rava added.  "I want you on the short list of people trained to use the system."

After the end of the holodeck simulation, K'Tan headed back to his quarters.  Patches of snow from the holo-environment still clung to his archaic costume, and the broken bits of his battle staff were still tucked in his waistband. 

Stepping into his room, he paused and briskly stomped his feet, shedding the last remnants of the quickly melting snow.  The door slid closed smoothly behind him as he removed the broken ends of his staff.  K'Tan approached his replicator, prepared to recycle the bits of computer-generated wood, then stopped himself.  He studied each piece, remembering the camaraderie he had experienced while wielding the weapon in the mock-combat.  The fight had only been a simulation, but the joy he had felt while fighting alongside D'callan, Dunn, K'arath and the other crewmates had felt real.     

He turned from his replicator, and instead went to the small display shelf above it.  The shelf was empty save for a single, gleaming silver dagger.  A series of Romulan glyphs traversed the length of the dagger, each deeply etched into its shining blade.  After briefly studying the knife,  K'Tan pushed it slightly aside and reverently placed the bits of broken wood next to it. 

He was eventually drawn away from his keepsakes by the insistent beeping of his personal comm-panel.  The Lieutenant Commander took a seat, and activated the LCARS display.  Flashing on the screen was a shipwide communique from the medical department:
" Dor-sho-gha!" he quietly cursed.  More than anything, he hated visiting the sickbay.  He considered himself to be in perfect health, and felt that such trips were a waste of time.  But the rules were the rules.  K'Tan scrolled through the screen, and selected an appointment slot for the following morning.  Might as well get it out of the way, he thought.  His eye strayed to the leather-bound book laying on his end table- an ancient Earth book on military tactics and strategy called The Art Of War.   

But first, he thought, a long hot shower, perhaps a glass of warm milk, and a few hours reading which will hopefully lead to a restful night's sleep.

Joseph sat on his bed attempting to remove one of his boots. After a good ten minutes it came off and along with it some soil and blood.
"Blood" thought D'Callan. He could not remember being injured during the simulation and so checked his foot. On closer examination he found that he had indeed received a small injury.

"Computer who is in the medical bay at the moment"

The computer chirped into life.

"NUrse Caine is currently in the main medical bay"

The name sounded familiar to D'Callan. Deciding that hobbling down to the mediacl ward dressed as a knight with only one boot was not the wisest of idea's he decided to shower and get changed first. Joseph had enjoyed the Camelot programme and felt secure in the knowledge that K'tan was not only a proud and fierce warrior but also, now a friend. He was also impressed with Dunn's performance and had come to the conclusion that K'Tans forwarding of Dunn's promotion was indeed a right one. He would speak to the Captain at the next briefing.

Ensign Dunn was in pain. He was chilled the bone even though he had been in the temperate climate of his quarters for almost thirty minutes. His holodeck costume lay in a pile in a corner of his cabin, providing the small room with a very distinctive and pungent odor. His arms and legs felt sore and fatigue in the extreme. He had though he had kept up his physical regimen but clearly there was no substitute for the real thing...or even the simulated real thing.

He limped his way towards the sonic shower. As the warmth of the shower embraced his haggard body, he thought back upon the day in the holodeck and how much he had learned about his new superior officers. His previous experience aboard the Tiberius had taught him valuable lessons regarding his posting to the Security Department. Now he knew for certain he was part of the finest security team in Starfleet and he allowed the feeling of pride to wash away the pain.

Aria James lay quietly on her bed, her body still tingling from the sonic shower. She had been mentally reviewing her actions in the training simulation and those of the others around them. While not exactly as she had thought it would go, the unnecessary duplicity did yield expected results. She did not have a solid understanding on the decision making process of a klingon nor could she begin to question how the decision making process of a human, that had been raised by klingons, functioned.

She understood the concepts of honor, but not the necessity of glory. Did the idea of glory in defeating an enemy that by all accounts might be an ally influence the decision making process?

"Computer, please play random song from the vulcan reformation period." She said.

She also had to question her own actions and those of her fellow teammates. While some took the actions to be a training event, few had actually maintained their character for the duration of the exercise. Had they been on an actual mission, their slips could have gotten themselves or another killed.

She was guilty of this breach of character numerous times in the holodeck. She should have stayed true to the motivation of her character. She should have been stronger when she was restrained. There were so many things that she should have done better.

There were positives from the adventure as well. She loved the way that the new length to her hair accented her face and felt on her shoulders. She would need to get it properly styled, but it was a pleasing new look for her.

She would also need to find a way to bridge the gap between the lack of technology and the ability to provide adequate medical care while on the surface. With or without technology, the biological needs of the crew would remain the same. The technology that they had often taken for granted would be reduced to scalpels and forceps at best. Dermal regenerators would have to be replaced by healing salves or balms. Medicines would more than likely be administered orally without a hypospray to assist. There would be many adjustments that she needed to make to do her part on the mission.

Even with all of the medical thoughts filling her head, she couldn't help but return her thought to the anomaly that was the tactical officer. She needed more information about him before she could decide how best to deal with him.

K'arath strode down the corridor towards Main Engineering. He still wore the Ranger costume from the holodeck simulation. He was rather enjoying the feel of the natural fabrics and smell of leather, it reminded him of the traditional Klingon warrior uniform worn aboard all ships of the Empire. His was stored in his quarters and he never found an appropriate time to don it. Shame. A passing crew member passed by, his eye's wide in suprise. K'arath realized his b'atleth still hung on his back.

He burst into Engineering and found the room very quiet, a few of his crew monitoring the various systems. The warp core was still there, K'arath thought, that's a good sign! A pair of legs were sticking out from underneath a consol. He did so enjoy startling this young man.

"Lieutenant TOOK!"

The sound of Took's head making contact with the bottome of the consol reverberated through Main Engineering as he tried to scramble to his feet. K'arath reached out a hand to help the man up.

"Sir!" Took said, rubbing his forehead. "Sorry sir, I didn't see you come in and thought you and the senior staff would be gone longer in the simulation. I took the opportunity to run a level 3 diagnostic of the main sensor array."

"Indeed. And..?" K'arath prompted.

"Well sir, I know the planet's geology will prevent orbital scans, but I thought if I could somehow increase sensitivity at the extreme ends of the spectrum, we may be able to have very limited visual contact with the surface and better be able to monitor the away team."

"Excellent,Lieutenant," K'arath was most pleased.

Dr. Peterson left the holodeck and headed towards sickbay his forehead was caked in dry blood from his holodeck encounters and his right arm was a little swollen. He figured a quick pass with the dermal regenerator should fix him up just fine.

Casey entered the sickbay only to find it was fully packed with waiting crew lined up to get their mandatory physicals out of the way. Without hesitation he quickly picked up a medical tricorder and proceded to the closest crewmember and began to take his preliminary scans.

Joint post Jen & Startrekfanatic5

The first officer stepped through the door and made her inquiry in a voice cloaked in a thin veil of stoicism, "Captain, has something happened?"

Quinn looked up from his monitor and motioned for her to sit down. The Vulcan cautiously made her way to the chair and lowered herself into it as he cleared his throat, "The have found Captain Bell."

Sevryll could not mask the shock as her face transitioned to reflect the unwanted emotion. Two years prior, on the Tiberius' maiden voyage, Captain Bell had vanished leaving Commander Nathan Quinn and Lieutenant Commander Sevryll in command of the vessel. Bell's first mission had involved an alien race that toyed with the ship like a predator before a kill. It released its grip on Tiberius only to take its commander as its prey.

"They don't know what happened, he's currently at Starfleet Medical in some sort of coma. They are trying everything, but nothing has revived him yet."

She managed to form the words that asked the expected questions.

"That's the strange part, he was left at Starfleet Medical. A nurse was making her rounds and noticed a man lying in what was suppose to be a vacant room. Come to find out he was our missing Captain. They said they would keep me informed if his condition changes. I guess all we can do is wait and hope he comes out of his coma."

Sevryll recalled her subspace communications with the Englishman while she still served aboard the Anasazi. He had been trying to recruit her for month. During that time, she learned that he was a tenacious man who didn't take no for an answer. It wasn't until two years later, after her husband revealed whom he really was, that she accepted Gilbert Bell's offer to serve as his Chief Science Officer. Unbeknownst to the former Commander of the Tiberius, he had offered a welcome distraction from her marital strife in addition to a career advancement.

Sevryll had only known him for a short while, but in that time she had grown to respected him greatly... His sudden disappearance marked a difficult period in the Tiberius's short life. And the scar she bore from the event was one that she expected to carry for her entire life.

Quinn and Sevryll sat quietly for a few minutes before Quinn spoke, "We should be arriving at Starbase 35 in two hours. Please prepare our guests for their departure, we will not be staying long." Sevryll stood, gave Quinn a nod and exited the ready room.

The old man stood in rags his arms outstretched and he was screaming. The sound echoed through the cave. His eyes open wide and darted from side to side. Spinning round he turned to a body on the floor.

"You dare to question me?"

The decomposing face of the body looked up at him.

"Answer me you fool"

The old man began to laugh and turned back towards the entrance of the cave and waited.

Aeric looked across the scattered PADDs on his desk and smiled. The Arabella was performing well within the performance specifications that the team had expected. The new reactors allowed the ship to produce far more power than others of her size, but that was neutralized by the many upgrades to the other systems. In the end, she would only have fifteen to twenty-five percent more power to play with than a standard Intrepid with all systems active.

If he were a composer, the Aurora, Corona, and Arabella would be his greatest symphonies.

"Computer, send message to science department. They will have a three hour window with the lateral sensors for their project. Inform the astrometrics lab that they will have full access to the forward sensors to plot best course to destination once we arrive at the starbase. Transmit."

He had been reviewed the request by the tactical department for sensor access and power to run weapons diagnostics. That was an easy request to grant.


It was just another day in operations, but it was a day that made the ship feel more like home.

Sickbay saw an increase in crewmen coming for their mandatory physicals.  It was funny how many officers were procrastinators. The Trill chuckled to herself as she closed her tricorder and approached the next patient, "Well, at least they don't dally when it comes to their duties." She glanced up to see Myella talking with Doctor Peterson. He had come to help and from the looks of him, he hadn't scrubbed down in quite a while. Ryla shook her head, 'workaholic ', she thought.

"Thank you for coming by Ensign," said Drett as she dismissed the woman who sat on the biobed and then made her way over to the Chief Medical Officer. Ryla grimaced at the dry blood on his medieval garments, "Doctor Peterson, forgive me for being blunt... but you look like a butcher and you smell like one too. It's not very sanitary. Don't worry, Myella and I can handle things until you come back." Doctor Drett fanned her hand past her nose as if to waft the odor away, "If I were your doctor, I would prescribe a sonic shower to remedy the situation." The Trill let loose a friendly giggle and left the Petersons for her next patient. Myella smiled up at her husband as the Trill cast a wry grin over her shoulder at them, "she's right Casey." He started to speak but she put a hand up to shoosh him, "If you want a second opinion, I'm afraid all I can provide is a verification of her diagnosis," She laughed.

As he strode towards sickbay for his medical appointment, K'Tan activated his PADD and  reviewed the message traffic from the previous shift.  He was pleased to note that the Chief of Opps had approved his request for sensor access and power to run weapons diagnostics; he had a pet theory involving re-sequencing the emitters on the ship's main phaser arrays, which would hopefully extend their range without negatively affecting accuracy or power output. 

The Lt. Commander tapped his combadge.

"K'Tan to Lt. Otak."

"Otak here," came the reply.

"Commander James has approved our sensor and power request," K'Tan continued.    "Inform the phaser tech and support team that we will meet for a preliminary briefing in exactly three hours."

"Understood, Sir" the Lt. replied.

K'Tan tapped his badge again, severing the connection.  As he drew near sickbay, he unconsciously slowed his pace.  He thought back on his brief time spent working with James at the Vulcan Fleet Yard.  The commander is quite impressive, he thought.  James had an uncanny grasp of ship design and power systems.  Many of the ideas he had incorporated into the design of the Arabella were quite revolutionary, and would no doubt become the standard for many future ship frames.  K'Tan was eager to explore the potential of those systems.  But first, he had to endure his appointment with the medical department. 

On the bright side, at least I might get he chance to see Dr. Drett, he thought with a smile.   

Aria bowed to her father as they completed their weekly training session. Her adventure on the holodeck had tested her natural combat skills and she had enjoyed that. She couldn't read the action of a hologram like she could those of an organic mind and it was in those moments and the combat with her father that she felt herself being pushed.

"You're getting much better Aria." Aeric said to his daughter. "I'm very impressed with the style that you are developing."

Aria beamed. "I've been spending some of my off hours studying various cultures and their combat techniques. I'm attempting to incorporate those that work best into my personal combat style."

"You seem to be moving on instinct more these days, it's harder to counter you." He said. "We might need to find you some new opponents."

"Perhaps we should see if we can get some of the other crew members into some hand to hand training sessions. It might come in handy during the away mission." Aria suggested.

"You have anyone in mind?"

"There are a few people that could benefit from additional training." She said and pulled the clip from her hair to let it fall. "There are others that could use the time to learn perspective on their potential and abilities."

Aeric nodded. "I'll ask around, but we need to get out of here so that we're not late for dinner with Beth."

Peterson Left sickbay and headed for his cabin on deck 2, he entered his cabin and proceeded to disrobe out of his medieval costume. He was glad to remove the leather armour he had been wearing for hours. His arms and legs were covered with large bluish green bruises from his battles on the Holder. Casey stepped into the shower and was glad to have the grime removed off his skin.

He quickly dressed into a fresh Uniform and proceeded to sickbay to have his scrapes and bruises attended to and help with the remaining physicals that still needed to be done

Spring Farmer bent over her work, blending chemicals to create new scents. She had been assigned to create "scent-packets" once they reached their objective. Each member of the away team would be given a packet. This might not be Fertillier, but every planet had a scent profile and every indigenous life-form knew it. They would be better able to blend in to the poplulation if they smelled right. There was no way to know what the local smells would be like, but Spring felt practice was required.

In the biologics lab, she had replicated a Fertillian scent-easel, similar to the finger-paints used by Earth children. The scent-easel was deceptively simple to operate, consisting of palletes of scent-cone base. The base made a scent semi-permanent. It was up to the individual to use the various bases to create a fragrance, and personalize it with his own musk. It was one of the first toys Fertillian children received, yet the same as that used by Fertillier's greatest artists. Mackie had augmented her pallette with a variety of chemicals from the replicator.

Only an hour into her experiments, Commander Sevryll, in her capacity as Chief Science officer, had forcefully requested she move to an unused lab on Deck Six, due to the 'pungent nature of her workload.'"

Now Spring was trying her hand at duplicating Aria's personal scent, an interesting Vulcan smell, similar to Sevryll's, but subtly machine-like. The smell was not dissimilar to that of a Vulcan who had been rescued from the Borg.

She didn't like working alone and was relieved when her comm-badge gave off a minty beep. "Drett to Ensign Farmer." Spring acknowleged and Ryla continued. "We have something to talk about."

Spring smiled and raised her eyebrows while continuing to focus on her work. "Really?"

"You still need your physical. I think you should make it a," she emphasized the last three words: "Medical priority one."

Spring's smile vanished and the ozone scent of irritation suffused her work area. "Acknowleged. Let me know when sick bay is empty."

There was a pause. Ryla's voice betrayed a tone of concern. "Okay. Drett out."

Joint post Omra and Just X

Rina and Korridan sat on the floor of the shuttle bay, their tools slayed about them.  They were nearly finished with the initial install of the 'Infiltration System' on the runabout Tiberius.  Rina looked over to Korridan and shook herhead, "This isn't going to work you know..."  He looked from her to the installation and back to her, and gave her a questioning facial gesture.  She laughed, "No I mean using this," pointing to their work, "as an excuse to avoid having your physical."

Korridan groaned and hung his head, running grimy fingers through his salt and pepper hair.  Rina's voice was comforting yet stern, "Look I appreciate your dedication to our work, in fact I can not remember a time on any of my postings when things ran so smoothly," her voice took a firmer tone,"because we are well ahead of schedule; NOW is the time to get this out of the way." 

Korridan just looked at her impassively.  Rina smirked, "before something unforeseen crops up and throws us for a loop..."  He blinked but his face was still bare of emotion.  Rina sighed, "I can button her up just fine without you, now go; I won't be offended... really."  He looked down to his tools. 

Rina smiled, "I'll put those away for you."  He looked like a puppy being kicked outside into the cold night air.  She shoved him, "Go already!"  He fell over like a cheap toy, lying on his side, "Ow, now I have to go... I'm wounded."

She shook her head chuckling at his reluctance, "what is your problem?"  He groaned, "I just got out of a Vulcan Hospital a month ago, I am not keen on being poked and prodded again."  He got up and dusted himself off, "Can't they just pull my file?" 

She smirked, "Its not my call, I run Shuttlebays, not Sick Bays."  She made a shooing gesture, "now go, or I'll call your fiesty little friend from security here," she got a wicked grin on her face, "and have her drag you there."

He smiled and said, "I bet you would too..."  They laughed as he exited the bay.

A Joint post by Jen and Just X

Commander Sevryll aided her father as Sareth, Aria, Aeric, Beth and the twins stepped off the transporter pad on Starbase 35.  Her father's color had returned during his time on Vulcan, yet he still required aid when moving about. In a muttered slur, Krell whispered to his daughter as he leaned on her arm. She responded in a voice that was inaudible to the others. A single brow was hoisted in curiosity as Doctor Sareth glanced to Aria and then back to her husband and daughter who shuffled ahead.

The transport that Sevryll helped her father aboard would soon ferry her parent's to Earth, where Sareth would resume her position at Starfleet Academy and her father Krell, would enter a rehabilitation center. Many of the patients at the facility were POWs, tortured by Cardassians during the Dominion War. Sevryll was informed that the physicians there were familiar with Romulan interrogation tactics, and would be capable of aiding her father in his recovery.



The transport Krell and Sareth would be taking to Earth, was a standard long-range runabout that had been modified with medical support for the voyage. Crewmembers scurried around the runabout and the others that were being received into the bay or departing from it. While it was not as roomy or fast as a starship, the Danube class would be efficient for their needs. As per the commander's request, a stripped down version of the EMH, that would be able to address her father's illness, had been uploaded into the computer core. Automation would handle many of the primary functions for their trip and allow them the independence to return to earth.



Aeric looked over the vessel and confirmed that the basics of the modifications were operational. He would have liked to give the ship a through exam, but he had to trust the talent of the crew that readied the vessel. "She's been cleared for flight at your leave."


"I would like to verify the medical support before you depart." Aria added. She had no objections to the work that the crew put in, but a second set of eyes would not cause any harm.

Krell made the Vulcan equivalent to a harrumph, at hearing the fuss Aria made for his benefit. "Superfluous," he uttered in garbled Modern Golic. Sevryll favored Aria with an apologetic glance before reassuring her father in their native tongue.


Her cloned daughter smiled at her grandfather's crabbiness before initiating a mental link with the  vessel's computer core, and quickly examined the replicator database for the inclusion of the proper medications. She also examined the EMH to ensure that it was trained to handle concerns in changes to her grandfather's condition. She nodded to herself at the acceptable programming and then headed for the guest cabin.

"I believe that everything is in working order," Aria said to the gathered as her father entered the room behind her.


Aeric stood quietly as he initiated a transfer navigational charts and data from the Aurora's computers to the runabout. "You have a good ship here and I trust that it will get you to earth quickly. May your journey be uneventful."

Sevryll's mother nodded her head in thanks as her husband grunted the same. He then flicked his gaze to Sevryll. "Bone of my bone...heart of my heart," he managed to whisper to his daughter. The old diplomat struggled to lift his hand in the ancient Vulcan gesture, but his body would not cooperate. Sevryll gently split the fingers of his trembling hand and replied with a wistful,  "Peace and long life, father." His quavering expression struggled to maintain an impassive expression as his daughter continued, "May you obtain inner peace." Sevryll inclined her head to her mother as the traditional blessing was bestowed upon her once more.

The grip of M'ryann's small hand called her mother from her reverie as the runabout carrying Krell and Sareth departed Starbase35. Sevryll glanced down at the small girl, and presented a diminutive smile for the child's benefit, "The Arabella is waiting. We should not keep her long. " She said softly.

As he stood outside of the door to sickbay, K'Tan tried to quell his growing anxiety. He knew that the feeling was illogical; he had gone through numerous examinations throughout his starfleet career.  The procedures were always simple affairs; a few noninvasive scans followed by a pat on the back.  But try as he might, he couldn't escape the memory of his many visits to the doctor during his childhood on the Klingon world Askive.

Among the Klingon warrior class, the medical profession was often looked down on as being largely irrelevant; any Klingon who required the help of another to remain functional was looked down on as being weak or pathetic.  K'Tan knew that this was due in part to the hardiness of most Klingons.   Having a body with multiple redundancies built-in to most major systems made doctor's visits unnecessary for all but the most serious injuries.  And even then, the idea of using any type of painkiller was looked at as being dishonorable.

Unfortunately, K'Tan's human frame was somewhat more fragile than those of his Klingon peers; he therefore ended up seeking medical assistance for injuries his friends would have simply shrugged off.  Eventually, the young K'Tan had learned to avoid the doctor at all costs, or risk earning the ridicule and scorn of his peers. 

K'Tan thought back on the appendectomy that was performed on him during his early teens, and couldn't help but shudder.

With an effort of sheer will, K'Tan squashed his anxiety and strode into sickbay with a calm, confident gait.  He hoped that no one here would see past the facade.  As the door whispered closed behind him, K'Tan quickly scanned the room, looking for a familiar face. 

A year ago, he had had the chance to work with one of the Tiberius' medical officers, Dr.Ryla Drett.  As acting Chief Security Officer, K'Tan had tried to discover the origin of the virus that had ravaged the late Tiberius; Drett had provided valuable guidance and insight.  During their short collaboration, K'Tan had come to respect and admire the Trill doctor; her sharp mind and  congenial personality had put him at ease during a trying time.  Thinking back again on the last days of the Tiberius, K'Tan recalled the tenacity with which the Doctor had attacked the Lucas Virus.  In a way, the doctor is like a kindred spirit, he thought.  We are both charged with the well being of the ship and her crew.  Only where I use physical force to overcome an obstacle, she uses her intellect and medical knowledge.  K'Tan found himself hoping to cultivate a friendship with the Trill doctor. 

He was snapped out of his reverie by the energetic voice of one of the medical technicians.  "May I help you, sir?"

K'Tan snapped to attention, tugging at the hem of his uniform tunic in what he hoped was a nonchalant manner.  "Lt. Commander K'Tan, reporting as ordered for my physical examination."

Sevryll looked over Nathan's shoulder as he skimmed the files that were forwarded to his in Ready Room from the Starbase. "Well, we already know the planet is geologically unique, but what exactly does that mean? Let's see what we're up against, shall we?" asked the captain as he keyed a command and the computer. Instantly the monitor began to rotate charts and topographical maps relating to the planet Ter'Oss.  The world was vast and diverse, consisting of both temperate and frigid regions. A picture of an ice mountain dotted with cold hearty flora soon replaced an image of petrified forests, emerging from wind swept volcanic sand dunes.  The next revolution of images revealed emerald oceans, bays and harbors beset with an armada of sailing ships. These too were soon supplanted as more images moved into view on the monitor; pictures of people astride great beasts, crossing plains blanketed in red grasses rotated on the screen.

Each image that followed presented the natives of Ter'Oss in greater detail. The people of this world were called Ter'Osicks and they were as diverse as the environments they hailed from.  They were a graceful, beautiful people with long pointed ears that tipped back slightly. The Ter-Osicks resembled humans in every way, aside from this feature and their skin and hair color. The completions of the natives varied, depending on the region from which they came. Some were a turquoise hue,  some jade, some sapphire blue, and others were as dark as the blackest Onex. Their hair and eyes varied as well. A number of people had eyes of green, blue, lavender, gold and brown. Hair color often corresponded with that of the eyes, yet there were a small number whose hair and eyes did not match. These people were of the upper and royal classes, commonly referred to as the "Blate" and the "Brock".

Not unlike the Medieval monarchy of Europe; the Brock ruled their provinces, marrying only other Brock. The Blate were the lords of these regions carrying out the law, overseeing the armies and governing the cities.
Their culture was saturated with mysticism and magic.  Until a few months ago, their physicians had been the equivalent to witch doctors. Now they were budding medical doctors who had recently cured a blight that threatened the planet's population. Engineers, scientists, generals and philosophers had made similar advancements casting fuel on the suspicions of dubious Brocks who constantly sought any advantage against their enemies. These advancements fanned the flames of war and sparked inquisitions that would serve to eliminate potential threats to the security of sovereignties. The tensions seemed to accent the volatile nature of the planet—going hand in hand with the quakes that often shook the ground and brought castles down in heaps of smoking rubble.

"...Quaint," said Sevryll dryly, after Quinn turned from his computer to gain his first officer's assessment.

"Sarcasm is not a Vulcan strong suite," he replied with a grin.

She arched an eyebrow in response before adding, "there is much to prepare for. I will see to it that the department heads each have time to review this information. Perhaps we should meet after they've had a chance to study the files."

"Excellent," said Nathan as he walked Sevryll to the door. "Keep me apprised."

"Of course," replied the Vulcan as she proceeded to the turbolift. She turned before entering and asked in a quited tone, "any further word on Captain Bell's condition?"

joint post by Jen and wraith1701-



Ryla was reviewing Ensign Farmer's troubling medical logs when she noticed Lieutenant Commander K'Tan entering Sickbay. A medtech showed him to a biobed and the tactical officer cautiously positioned himself on the edge, and waited patiently for a physician to see him. The Trill picked up her medical tricorder and started towards K'Tan, but Doctor Peterson was quick on the draw and beat her to the punch. Drett slid the tricorder into her lab coat and continued toward the officers—if not to perform the exam, then just to say hello.

Her first day back in a starship infirmary had been a reunion of sorts. There were many officers stopping by for their physicals that she hadn't seen since quarantine, and the human raised on Qo'noS was one of them. She sided up to Doctor Peterson, glanced at his tricorder readout and then to K'Tan's apprehensive expression. "Hello, Lieutenant... I mean Lieutenant Commander," Ryla quickly amended as she noted the additional pip on his uniform. "Congratulations on your promotion."  Drett gave K'Tan a quick look up and down.  "I almost didn't recognize you," she said.  "What happened to your hair and beard?"

K'Tan smiled, and absently rubbed a hand over his head.  "After receiving my promotion, I decided that a more clean-cut appearance was in order."  K'Tan's hand strayed from his head to his chin.  "I've gotten used to the shorter hair; it cuts down considerably on prep time each morning.  I kind of miss my goatee, though," he added with a slight frown.  "Whenever I look into a mirror, I feel like a baby-faced stranger is looking back at me."

Drett chuckled.  "I think the new look suits you," she said.  "You look very professional."

K'Tan smiled.  "Thank you."  He looked the petite Trill over.  "You look well.  It seems as though this new posting agrees with you."  Smiling, Drett gestured at the bustling activity around them.  "I love it here," she said.  "Captain Quinn has assembled a topnotch crew, and the equipment is all state-of-the-art."

The two were interrupted by the gentle coughing of the CMO standing beside them.  Drett glanced briefly at Dr. Peterson, nodded her head, then turned back to K'Tan.  "I take it you are here for an appointment, eh?  We probably shouldn't keep the staff waiting; we have quite a few crewmembers to take care of over the next few shifts."  As she turned to return to her station, Drett added, "Don't worry, Commander; you are in good hands with Doctor Peterson."

"Of course, Doctor," K'Tan said.  "By the way," he continued.  "I've been meaning to become reacquainted with all of the old crew of the Tiberius.  I was wondering if you would be interested in catching up over a cup of Raktajino some time?"

Drett bit her lower lip and thought for a moment.  "Sure," she smiled.  "My schedule is kind of full right now with the upcoming mission, but I think I can make time for coffee.  Why don't you comm me after the end of Beta shift, and we can see where our schedules might sync-up."

"Certainly, Doctor," K'Tan replied.  "I'll call you later."

Grinning, K'Tan turned to the smiling Chief Medical Officer, who insistently tapped the waiting bio-bed.  "Don't worry, commander," Peterson said.  "This wont hurt a bit." 

As he lay back, K'Tan felt his grin melt away.




Later, after a relatively painless 20 minute examination, K'Tan stood up from the examination bed.  "You'll be happy to know that you check out just fine," Peterson said.  "There is evidence of an unusually high number of bone fractures, but all are completely healed."

The doctor quirked an eyebrow.  "Looks like you've had quite an active past."

K'Tan smiled noncommittally.  "I've been around."

As he strode out of sickbay, K'Tan gave his combadge a tap.  "K'Tan to Lt. Otak.  I need you to pull up the latest diagnostic report on our  pre-phaser power conditioners, as well as the specs for our fire control magnetic iris valves.  I'll also need the targeting sensor data from the Arabella's trial flight.  We need to establish a baseline before we commence our tests."

"Understood, Commander," Otak replied. "I've also taken the liberty to  gather data on our emitters' nadion particle production rate."

"Outstanding, Mr. Otak," K'Tan replied.  "I'll see you shortly."

Joint post Omra and Hawkeye Meds




As the time for the morning briefing neared the murmuring of the assembled crewmen died down to such low level that when the telltale chime rang out from D'Callan's computer display it could be clearly heard throughout the room. 

He collected his PADD and rose to address his entourage.  He was just about to begin when he noticed one of his brood was missing...  A quick visual scan told him which of his loyal staff was missing, he scowled.  It was not like her to miss a briefing, if anything she was always early.

"Computer where is officer Shyn?" he queried.  It dryly replied, "Officer Shyn is in her quarters."  The displeased expression he wore sparked nervous mummers from the assembled squad, a quick glare quieted them.  He pressed a button on his comm panel, and kept his voice as neutral as possible, "Officer Shyn, is there a temporal anomaly in your quarters?"

A nervous voice replied, "Uh no,... I mean NO SIR!"  After extinguishing the snickering coming from the testosterone laden crewmen with a glare he continued, "Then why are you not in my office for the morning briefing?"  After an awkward pause she replied, "There is something wrong with my replicator," after the sound of frustrated kicking she continued, "every time I try to replicate my uniform it comes out wrong."

The room erupted in laughter.  Which clearly traveled through the comm system, because Shyn's agonized groan could be heard through the speakers in response.  D'Callan merely looked at the squad with a disapproving tilt of his head, it was that was needed to quiet them back down. 

The Lieutenant addressed is absent team member, "Let me guess, you left your uniform chit out where someone could gain access to it..."  He could almost smell a burning clutch as Shyn's mind reeled at his suggestion; she stammered and then, "Well I guess, I... Oh TANJ!"  The sounds that followed would have terrified a normal man, they reminded Joseph of a trip hisfamily had taken to the Zoo, when they had viewed the wild jungle cats.

He warily eyed the nervous crewmen, many of them had already figured out what had happened.  And their eyes were on the dark skinned Elloran, who was nervously returning the accusing stares.  When she saw the Lieutenant looking right at her she visibly gulped.  After feeling she was properly mollified he spoke to his screen, "Shyn, stop redecorating and listen to me."  The primal sounds ceased, and her breathing slowed.

He spoke in a calming voice,"Take your uniform chit down to Logistics, they will wipe the chip and reprogram it for you."  His fingers were already clicking away at his keyboard, "I will authorize the reset, and call ahead to let them know your coming."

A sheepish voice answered, "Yes sir." 

His voice became stern, "And Shyn..."  While his gaze skewered the chagrined Elloran like a bug on a pin he addressed the angry Phen'rell over the comm system, "If you kill anyone I will be most... 'put out'."  His voice became icy, "Do I make my self clear?"

The long silence that followed made the room very nervous.  The Ellorans eyes were fixed on the ceilings speakers, nervously awaiting the Phen'rells answer.

The voice that finally answered was so tightly restrained as to be barely audible, "Yes sir,... I understand."  The assembled crewmen let out an audible exhale of relief.

Convinced there would be no bloodshed he responded, "Good, you will report directly to me ASAP; once you are properly attired."  "Yes sir!"  "And Shyn, you owe me a pint at the 'Afterburner'."  He killed the connection before she could respond.

He tossed his PADD to the squad leader, "Get this pack of animals out of here, now!" 

He pointed to the Elloran, "Except you." His eyes narrowed and Joseph walked over to his treasured cricket bat, he knew he wouldn't remove it from its fixture but he stroked the willow and looked back at the sheepish crewman, "you are mine!"

Joint post by Omra, Jen and Iceman


As Korridan entered the Sick Bay, he barely got out of the way of a burly tactical officer who seemed elated his exam was over and was eager to escape.  The muscular man turned his head and apologized in a deep resonating voice, "sorry."  Korridan smiled disarmingly to show no hard feelings, but before he could even respond the man of few words was already making a hasty exit in large measured strides.

Korridan turned his attention back to the Sick Bay.  A Trill with a pleasant expression on her face welcomed him.  Her demeanor caused most of his apprehension to dissipate, and he began to feel almost relaxed in her presence.  He jerked his thumb in the direction of the escapee, "That's not a good sign..."  She laughed.

As he walked deeper into the Medical Bay he saw Doctor Peterson's Wife fussing over the bruises the Doctor had received in the Holodeck.  Korridan's eyes widened, "Flaming PahWraiths, I thought you were all just eatting mutton and drinking mead served by saucy wenches in there..." 

The Doctor smirked, "Not quite,"  he pulled aside part of his uniform showing off some of his nastier bruises, "we ran into some not so 'merry men'."  Korridan winced in empathy for the Doctor, "ouch, nasty..."

The Doctor noticed his wife's arms were crossed over her chest and she wore a disapproving look on her face.  He asked her, "What?"  She pretended to be offended, "Saucy wenches huh?"  He looked to Korridan for support and then back to his wife, "He was kidding Hon..." 

Drett tapped Korridan on the shoulder and gestured that they should give them some personal space.  Korridan followed the petite Trill mumbling, "great,... now he's going to put leeches on me for revenge." 

Peterson looked back at his wife lifting his shirt, "Dear does this look like I was enjoying some mead and mutton" as he winced in Pain. Myella looked back at her husbands painful looking welts and bruises as she ran the medical Tricorder over his injuries. She giggled slightly as she shook her head, " I guess not, you have a few broken ribs and a fractured wrist. That must have been some Training session?".

Casey replied with " You can say that again, I suspect that some of my fellow crewmates will be walking in with similar injuries anytime now. Myella moved toward her husband and injected a hypo spray into his shoulder, his grimmace of pain was soon less apparent as the contents of the spray coursed through his body and the pain subsided.

Myella motioned for her husband to lay down on a biobed as she ran a dermal regenerator over his superficial bruises and welts then proceeded to take care of his fractured ribs and broken bones.

She watched as her husband slowly drifted off to sleep as his broken bones and fractured wrist were being fused back together. Myella bent over and gently kissed her husband on his forhead before ordering one of the nurses to let her know when her husbands bones were healed. Until then she decided to let him rest from what must have been one gruelling training session.

Joint Post Omra and Hawkeye Meds


Shyn was roused from her sleep by an incoming message.  It was from Lieutenant D'Callan, "You owe me an hour from yesterday, meet me on the Holodeck in 15 minutes."  She typed an acknowledgement and sent it, then hurried to get dressed.

Shyn typed in the access code that the Lieutenant had provided and entered the Holodeck.  But it was not Joseph D'Callan which awaited her inside, it was Petty Officer Drah'Vehn.  When the Elloran turned to face the person entering the Holodeck she was as surprised to see Shyn, as Shyn was surprised to see her.

Before either could say anything the image of Lt. D'Callan appeared in the room.  His holographic avatar addressed them, "I expect my people to work together as a cohesive unit, your life will often depend upon the person standing to your right or left."  "I will NOT tolerate ANY petty bickering or feuds between my brothers and sisters in arms, neither of you will be allowed to leave until I am convinced that you two can work together as a team."

A collection of archaic looking weapons materialized around them.  He gestured to them, "These are the types of weapons that will be available to you on the planet we are going to, familiarize yourselves with them..."  His image moved accross the room as D'Callans familiar cricket bat came into view, he put it towards the floor and began to tap it forward slighly as if concentrating on an on-coming ball. He looked up and back at the two crewmen his voice turning cold, "If the only way for you two to settle this is to beat each other sensless, then you might as well learn something while doing it..."  He vanished.

Shyn gave Drah'Vehn a fierce and feral smile, gleefully displaying her sharp teeth.  The darkskinned Elloran picked up a shield and mace, "It was just a Joke Shyn, I thought you would figure it out..."  She pivoted keeping the Phen'rell in front of her, her nervousness growing as the predators claws grew, "I never expected you to be late, or be embarrassed like that..." 

The familiar walls and floor vanished, and the two security officers found themselves in a medieval peasant village.  Shyn's bloodlust quickly dissipated to be replaced by suspicion.  As she scanned her new surroundings it became clear that their Superior was up to something, she picked up a quarterstaff and smiled at it.  It reminded her of her sparring sessions with Korridan, she sniffed the air and turned to Drah'Vehn, "We have company..."

"First Officer's Log, Stardate 60655.87. I have forwarded the documentation relevant to our mission, to each department head. I have scheduled a staff meeting for 0800 hours tomorrow morning, allowing ample time for data review as well as the formulation questions, opinions and strategy suggestions."

"Each of the department chiefs will be present at the meeting, as well as any officer believed capable of offering dynamic contributions to our discussion. Given the fact that Doctor Peterson will join the away team, I have extended an invitation to Doctor Drett, as she will perform the necessary surgical alterations."

Sevryll ended the recording, stood from her chair in the First Officer's Office, and walked to the replicator alcove to dispose of the empty teacup she had been restlessly rotating in her hands. Earlier in the day, she left her parents at Starbase 35 and discovered that Captain Bell was still alive. It was now afternoon on the second day of their voyage, and it felt as though they had been traveling for a month. It was time for a brief respite and for much needed meditation.

The Vulcan slung the black case that housed her violin over her sholder, and headed for what she calculated to be the most acoustically supreme site aboard the Arabella. She wound her way through the corridors for a entrance, and waited for the busy passage to clear before accessing the Jeffrey's tube and climbing to the target location at the heart of the ship. The Vulcan cleared the last rung and sat within the junction of 50a and 60a.  Placing the case at her side, she carefully released the catches and opened the lid to reveal the beautiful, lace wood violin resting inside. Sevrll grasped the neck and lifted the instrument from its green velvet bay, before reaching for the bow stowed in the lid of the case. Tucking the violin's rest between her neck and chin, she brought it perpendicular to her body and slowly pulled the bow over the strings.

In her skilled hands, the instrument created a harmonious resonance, which hummed pleasantly within the environment that moments before had been musically sterile. She closed her eyes before erupting into a furious performance, as the emotions that had welled within her surged through her delicate fingers. They danced as though charged with energy, over the fingerboard as she emptied herself of the harmful emotion that she could no longer suppress.  Music had become an outlet for purging the unwanted feelings, for the traditional Vulcan techniques had their limits now that the virus had damaged her ability to suppress them. 

The beauty of the composition that coursed through her, rivaled the masters.  If she were to perform in public, one might say that the power of her music correlated with the force of emotion that she poured into each note. Yet the Vulcan played for no one's enjoyment, not even her own....

Situated in the heart of deck 14, opposite the armory and phaser range, was the tactical department's main conference room.  Slightly larger than three officer-rated quarters laid end to end, the conference room was currently dimly lit, which had the unintended effect of softening its stark, utilitarian features.  On the wall at one end of the room was a large LCARS display, elevated slightly above eye level to allow easy viewing from all areas of the room.  Filling the center of the room were four rows of horizontally arranged tables, each with a complement of chairs facing the LCARS display at the front.  Each place setting was equipped with miniature data input and retrieval displays, which were linked with one another as well as to the main display mounted on the front wall.

The seats were now occupied by a select group of the Arabella's Tactical team.  This group of men, women, and others were charged with the protection of the ship and her crew.  Some served as security officers, maintaining order on the ship, and ensuring the safety of away-team members.  Others worked behind the scenes, ensuring that the ship's offensive and defensive systems operated at peak efficiency.

It was rumored by some that the tactical department was marked by a slight sense of paranoia-- the officers spent countless hours imagining dangerous scenarios, and planning out ways to deal with them.  But what some would call paranoia, the tactical crew called 'being prepared'.  This attitude could be best summed up by a simple saying: 'hope for the best, but prepare for the worst'.  The fiercely proud personell working in the department also had another saying; a motto that, while unofficial, was embraced as a truism:  The engineering and Opps personell were respectively charged with keeping the ship running, but it fell to Tactical to keep the ship alive.   

The officers gathered for this meeting were a specialized subset of the tactical department.  They were all well versed in the repair and maintenance of the phaser emitters that adorned the Arabella's hull. 

Lt. Commander K'Tan stood in front of his team, a display of his bullet-points scrolling down the monitor on the podium before him.  Behind him, the large, high-resolution LCARS monitor showed the Master Systems Display of the U.S.S. Arabella.  The side-profile view of the ship was rendered in glowing yellow outline against a flat-black background.  Each of the primary weapons systems of the ship were indicated by neon-blue highlights.  These were in turn connected by pale blue lines to their specifications, which were arrayed around the border of the display. 

Standing to the left of K'Tan was one of his most promising phaser specialists, Lt. Otak.  Otak observed the crowd quietly, silently rehearsing his part in the presentation.  The lieutenant was deathly afraid of speaking in front of groups, a fear K'Tan had suggested he defeat by facing it head-on.  Otak nonchalantly placed his hands behind his back to hide their slight trembling.

To K'Tan's right was the ship's chief of security, Lt. D'callan.  Although he stood silently at parade rest, D'callan emanated an almost tangible sense of power.  As the lieutenant's hawk-like gaze swept over the assembled crewmen, many of them flinched as though the gaze was a physical force.  D'callan was determined that the security personell gave their all to this test.  If the fertilizer ended up hitting the fan on the upcoming mission, the away teams could possibly find themselves depending on help from above.  The precision of the Arabella's phaser banks could conceivably end up being all that stood between life and death.

D'callan glanced down at his chronometer.  I'd better duck out and check on Drah'Vehn and Shyn, he thought.  Earlier, he had ordered the pair to take part in a team-building holodeck simulation.  While he felt confident that the two girls would quickly pick up on the lesson he was trying to teach, he felt a need to follow up on their progress. 

Gripping his trademark cricket bat, The security chief quietly slipped out of the briefing room.

k'Tan quietly cleared his throat, and the murmuring of the assembled crewmen abruptly ceased.  After pausing to ensure that all eyes were on him, K'Tan addressed his team, his voice booming out into the conference room. 

"Our upcoming mission will take us into areas of space previously unexplored by the Federation.  While we all hope that this will be a peacefull voyage, the possibility of hostile encounters is very real.  Because of this, it is of the utmost importance that our weapons systems be in peak condition.  Opps has given us a window in which to test our phasers. I intend that we use this time not to just test them, but to improve them.  As it stands, our weapons are more advanced than those used by the rest of the fleet.  I believe we can make them even better."

K'Tan paused, and scanned the room, meeting the eyes of each officer.

"As crewmembers of one of the most cutting-edge ships of the fleet, you stand as the embodiment of the best that the U.F.P. has to offer.  I have the utmost confidence that if there is any group capable of pushing the envelope and expanding our capabilities, it is you."

Ensign Dunn could feel the nervous anticipation build in the room as K'Tan addressed the senior security and tactical staff officers. D'Callan had dragged him along, saying it would be OK if he sat in on the briefing as long as he stayed towards the back of the room and kept his mouth shut. He was accomplishing both with great success. D'Callan had glanced over in his direction once already and Dunn couldn't tell if he was looking serious and concerned or was about to die of laughter at the site of the cowering Ensign  in the darkened corner.

Either way, he felt privileged to be here. He knew he was going on the away mission and knew that unlike the situation on the Tiberius where the danger unfolded aboard their home turf, this time they would be planetside in an alien environment dealing with a alien culture while trying to protect the Prime Directive. It was a challenge in the extreme and one he relished. Although he had never been very good at engineering issue's, the thought of trying to help upgrade their weaponry was exciting and he hoped to be able to make a contribution.

Deep within the metal bowels of the Arabella where a human would feel claustrophobic and cut off from all hope.  A crystalline spider enthusiastically busied herself with her engineering duties, the confines and strange architecture of this domain were not a hindrance to her.  She enjoyed the solitude these assignments gave her, her fine limbs reaching into areas no humanoid appendages could reach.

The fine cilia on her underbelly picked up a unexpected resonance.  She secured the relay she was working on and scurried along the trunkline following the sound.  She entered the hub and stopped in suprise.

It was music.  She laughed in suprise and sheer enjoyment.  Her mirthful tones sounding like wind chimes, she had not expected to be serenaded as she worked.  This ship was indeed full of suprises...  This one would be her personal secret, if she were to let this slip her benefactor may not return; and she would be deprived of more of these beautiful concerts.

She was unfamiliar with the instrument being used but whoever was wielding it was a true master, and it was played with much vigor and intensity.  She rested for awhile and allowed the music to wash over her, enjoying the way the soundwaves resonated with her glasslike carapace.  As enjoyable as the musical pieces were Hamalki's are workaholics, and she could not be truly happy unless she was multitasking.

K'il'tik sighed and looked to her log and sought out her next assignment, she hoped it would be somewhere that would allow her to continue to listen to the musical performance.

Joint Post Omra and Jen
---
Korridan tried his best to not look uneasy as the Trill prepped the biobed and did her best to reassure him that it would be painless and quick.

"OK, Chief," said Doctor Drett as she patted the mattress on the surface of the biobed. "Have a seat."

He watched her as she methodically moved around the bed in a graceful dance of medical efficiency, while continuing a dialogue of reassuring anecdotal stories meant to keep him distracted and calm.  "Do you know any good jokes?" she asked in a soft soprano. Usually the first to crack a joke Korridan shook his head anxiously as he sought to fight the panic rising within him.

"No?" she said in mock surprise.  "I know quite a few. Most of them are horrible, but I think I know one or two that are passably funny...well, they're funny to me at least," She chuckled. "OK, how about this one? How many Borg does it take to change a light-bulb?" The Bajoran stared at her blankly as she moved a tricorder over him. When he didn't answer she lifted her gaze from the device, and regarded his expression. Either he hadn't heard a single thing she had said or he was exceedingly uncomfortable. "All of them," she laughed as she delivered the punch line.

She was good, he had to give her that...  And easy on the eyes, though he tried not to think of that for fear it would register on a monitor and she might take offense.  And then she might hypospray him with something nasty....  Nah, she was way too nice to do that. The readings on the scanner caught her attention and she glanced back to the Bajoran, "Try to relax, Chief," she said as she offered him a dimpled smile. She closed the tricorder and picked up another implement.

He watched as she then approached with an apparatus, which was clearly used for neural scanning.  He began to panic, he wanted to keep Yuki a secret as long as possible until he knew who to trust, and he knew that the scanner would detect his neural net and cause a cascade of questions he did not wish to answer. 

"Oh..." she said as her forehead furrowed  slightly. "Don't worry,  this is an unobtrusive device designed to scan your brain.... It won't harm you, I promise." She gave him another smile and waited for his acknowledgment of her reassurance.

Korridan wrestled with what to tell her, he could feel Yuki's presence rising within him trying to calm him.   He was about to tell her of the surgery he had undergone on Vulcan, but realized it is pointless... the records of the operation are classified.  He wrestled with the idea of having Aeric explain to her about his situation, but realized the silliness of that idea.

The Trill hid her confusion well, but was understandably concerned by his eccentric behaviour.  Yuki finally forced herself into the forefront of his mind, "You have to trust someone eventually, it may as well start here."  Her imaginary form strode into his vision and stood beside the nymph like Doctor admiring her, "I trust her Father," she looked to him, "I think you should too." 

His eyes focused on the mental illusion she had created within his troubled mind, Ryla looked around trying to see what he was looking at.  Yuki's almond eyes bore into him, "If you lie to her in a futile effort to hide me from her, she will find out and it will destroy any hope you may have had in finding an ally in her," she turned her sculptured face back to look at the worried Trill, "You cannot build a relationship of trust on a foundation of lies."

She moved over to comfort him, she knelt and held his hand sending phantom sensations there.  "I know you wanted more time, to seek out those you felt you could trust."  "You feel backed into a corner, do what you always do,... improvise!"  Her smile lifted his spirit, and gave him hope.

The anxious Bajoran gestured for Drett to follow him into another room. "Where are you going Chief?" asked Ryla as she glanced about Sickbay looking for any help she could find to calm the nervous man. She followed him, into her office as Korridan searched about for an imaging system with a large memory buffer. Yuki sent out a signal and Korridan noticed the green light of a positive test.  He sat down at Ryla's computer terminal and then collapsed from the strain of the download.

As Doctor Drett rushed to examine Korridan's unconscious body a voice addressed her from behind, "Is he alright?"  Ryla nodded, and replied in a relieved voice, "Yes he seems exhausted is all..." She turned to look at the individual addressing her when she realized that the voice was not Myella's. Instead, it was an elegant Asian woman in a crisp civilian contractors uniform.  The woman bowed politely to the Trill, "Konnichi-wa Doctor Drett. It is an honor to finally meet you. I am Yuki Yamamoto."  She glanced past the surprised doctor to the unconscious form lying beside her on the floor, "Please forgive my suspicious Father, he is very... protective of me."

The Doctor's eyes moved from the stranger to Korridan back to the stranger, "Father?"

The woman smiled and gestured to the chair, "Perhaps you would like to sit first, it is a long story..."

Joint Post Omra and Hawkeye Meds
______________________________

Drah'Vehn's eyes darted among the quaint huts and foliage seeking out possible threats, "I don't get it Shyn, a training program?"  She looked to her team mate, "What is the point?"  she shook her head, "we aren't going down to the planet, we can't..." Shyn stole a glance at her, her face a question mark.  The Elloran explained, "They can't alter our appearance surgically," she spread her arms giving a 'see for yourself' gesture, "we aren't even allowed on any of the proposed extraction teams..."

A peasant woman stepped from her humble abode, when she saw the two strange looking women she screamed, "DEMONS!" dropping her crude tin implements and flatware she turned and ran.  The village stirred to life, people peeked from their doorways pointing at the invaders and calling for a gathering of arms. 

As the villagers gathered farming implements and carpentry tools and began surrounding them, the two former adversaries took up defensive postures. 

Once the Village Elder and the local Pastor arrived the villagers started putting on a show for them, their demeanor changing from scarred and nervous, to rowdy and ready to kill.  The pudgy and dirty woman who had run screaming was tugging at the servant of God's sleeve pointing to them, "See Father, Demons... I told you."  He patted her hand and nodded.  The Elder turned to him and asked, "What should we do with them Father Malakai?"    The Priest looked to the two security  personnel and struck a dramatic pose and perpared to deliver a rousing speech.

Shyn rolled her eyes and growled, "Oh for God's sake just ATTACK US ALREADY!"  The priest was taken back and stammered.  Drah'Vehn glared at Shyn, "Nice First Contact Furryball!"  Shyn returned the glare, "It's just a Hologram," she spat on the priest.  The villagers erupted in fury and attacked, giving the Phen'rell just what she desired.

The young feline countered the thrust pitchfork redirecting it away from her and throwing the attacker off balance, she pulled the foul smelling farmer towards her interupting two other attempted attacks.  She stuck her boot into his stomach and propelled him into the nearest attacker with a long reaching weapon.  She turned her attention to the shaking cobbler with a hatchet, her staff shot forward and struck full into his nose, the pain and blood taking him out of the fight. 

The sound of weapons pounding on Drah'vehn's shield was like hail on a metal roof.  Shyn hurled the now abandoned pitchfork into a tall blacksmith preparing to bring his hammer back down on the Ellorans shield.  The horrifying scream and the image attached to it drew the attention of the ill prepared villagers.  Shyn pulled Drah'Vehn to her feet and pushed her forward screaming, "Press the advantage!" 

The warriors flew into the would be vigilantes at a full run, taking the battle to them in close quarters.  Removing the advantage of the villagers longer reaching weapons.  Without a battleplan or any training the peasants ranks broke and they scattered.  Drah'Vehn gave into temptation and gave chase, taking advantage of the situation and incapacitating stragglers.

Shyn called after her, "This isn't a contest, get back here,"  Drah'Vehn looked back to her with reluctance in her eyes, Shyn pleaded, "We are stronger together, and we need to watch each others backs."  The Elloran nodded in response and then froze, she pointed past Shyn, "reinforcements," she waved for Shyn to join her.  Shyn climbed to the higher ground and looked to where Drah'Vehn was pointing. 

A small detachment of Castle guard were approaching, professional soldiers...  They ran to the stash of weapons D'Callan had provided and found more appropriate weapons against lightly armored foes.  They moved to the best defensible position they could find and prepared for the worst.

They stood back to back atop the small hill and watched the approaching soldiers, their former petty rivalry seemed so distant; and so silly now as they watched armored death making its measured and calculating approach.

They looked to each other for comfort and smirked with the typical gallows humor of a bloodletter facing death.  "Side by Side sister," Drah'Vehns dry throat rasped.  Shyn responded in kind, "Back to Back sister."

The slow march of approaching death stopped.

The arch appeared and in strode the Lietenant in a crisp uniform wearing a triumphant smile on his face.  His cricket bat firmly placed under an arm he energetically clapped his hands, "Well done." 

As the walls and floor of the Holodeck reappeared.  Realization dawned upon the two security officers, they smiled and bowed to the lieutenant basking in his applause.  He indulged them for awhile and then stopped, his mood turning more serious.

He eyed the two dirty and bloodied team mates, "Now do you realize what this was REALLY all about?"  Shyn answered first, "There is no room for rivalries or agendas on a team."  Drah'Vehn nodded, "You need to be able to trust the person watching your back." 

As he approached the two reflexively went to attention.  He eyed them suspiciously walking a tight circle around them, they stared at a point on the wall refusing to make eye contact.  His inspection ended in front of them, seemingly satisfied he addressed them, "If it were not for what the two of you had displayed," he gestured with the cricket bat to where the hill had once stood, "I would think you were simply telling me what I wished to hear." 

He cleared his throat, "But, as they say; 'the proof is in the pudding'..."  The two girls looked at one another not understanding the reference.  He walked to the doorway and gestured for them to leave, "Now go clean up, you smell like a Pakled's locker room."

Shyn shoot past him, but as Drah'Vehn approached the cricket bat blocked her exit like a railroad crossing gate.  She stared at it nervously as he spoke, "and you my Lady have earned the right to wear a REAL uniform, please do so..."  It rose allowing here to freely pass, she did so eagerly.

Shyn waited for her in the hallway, "What was that about?"  The Elloran turned, showing Shyn the back of her jacket.  On the back a big red and white target was emblazoned, just like the uniforms Shyns sabotaged replicator had been spitting out the day before.  Shyn laughed aloud.  The Elloran joined in as they went to their quarters to freshen up and change.

Joseph D'Callan watched them laugh and chatter as they departed.  The strict expression he had worn while addressing them dissolved into an expression of hopeful satisfaction, the two former combatants had now bonded together.  He brought his bat down into his open palm with a loud smack, "Mission accomplished."

His expression changed to one of pain,"ow..............................................."

=/\= 

Tossing down the PADD, Science officer Ensign Taryn Rayna tore his reddening eyes away from his family's image and heal-heartedly tried to rouse himself from his bunk.  He was late for reporting for his scheduled mandatory physical, and Commander Sevryll would not be pleased.  Besides,lateness just wasn't a character trait he wished to embody.  But this was a case of the "Mind is willing, but the flesh is weak" variety.  Half-Vulcan, he had been struggling with the human emotional side of his personality since leaving Starbase 35, and with it his family...refugees of vulcan, a world they would never call home.  He had left his father, sister and a Katra-carrying baby Sehlat in their care, to catch a ship heading to the Sol system, and on to Mars...home.  But no, that wasn't right.  "Home" was now the U.S.S. Arabella, and he had new horizons to explore.
He was sure that his skills in the Sciences, Laboratories and a growing knowledge Medicine could be put to good use on the currently assigned mission. He would just have to leave his past behind him, and forge ahead.  His family was strong and could take care of themselves.
He shrugged himself into his newly-designed Starfleet regulation duty uniform and headed to the Infirmary.  After clearing sickbay, he would delve into study of Earth's Medeival history, and then see how he could be of service to the Captain, the ship and her crew....
=/\=

A disembodied voice interrupted the private solo, permeating the bowls of the ship. The unexpected summons caused her eyes to open abruptly and her violin to make its first unpleasant sound, as the bow tersely scratched the strings in an awkward arrest. She gently laid the violin in her lap as the call was repeated, "Lieutenant Zremm to Commander Sevryll."

Somewhat disoriented and intoxicated by the frenzied emotional release, she replied with a slight slurring of words, "Yes, Lieutttenant."

"I hope I'm not interrupting. I know our department briefing isn't for another thirty minutes, but I thought you and I could touch base before hand."

The diligence that Sevryll admired in Ch'Fras Zremm, had been the primary reason she chose him as her Assistant Chief Science Officer. Though she was on break, the commander had no intention of discouraging his enthusiasm, "Of course Lieutttenant. I'm on my way... to the Science briefffing room now." Said the Vulcan as she placed the instrument in its case and pulled the strap onto her shoulder.

She paused midway up the ladder as her peripheral vision registered movement in the tube on her left. The Vulcan remained still on the rung a moment, as she listened intently. When no sound met her ears, she continued to advance to the access she originally entered.

The Science Briefing Room was very near the access. Sevryll opened the door cautiously, sneaking a peak to ensure that no one was near by, before quickly making her way to the small meeting room.  The door hissed open to reveal the tall Andorian science officer, waiting in a chair at the end of the long black table.

Dr. Peterson was woken gently by his wife who told him about the senior staff briefing, he quickly got up and went back to his quarters to read the material that The commander had put together for the department heads. He found the information fascinating, and believed it would be almost next to impossible for this society to advance so quickly without some type of outside help or influence.

Casey went back to sickbay to receive another anti-inflamitory shot for his shoulder so that he would not be in pain for the briefing then headed to the afterburner for something to eat before heading to the briefing.

Back in the tactical briefing room, Lt. Commander K'Tan stepped from behind his podium.  Hands clasped behind his back, he took several confident steps towards the gathered group, stopping a few feet short of the first row of seats.  Slowly scanning the group to meet as many eyes as possible, he continued his speech.

"Centuries ago, a visionary named Zephram Cochrane had a wild dream.  He dreamed of doing the impossible; of traveling faster than the speed of light and pushing the boundaries of humankind's knowledge.  Using nothing but his own determination and the scraps left over from earth's last world war, Cochrane made that dream into a reality.  Not only did he break the light barrier, he made humanity's first contact with an extraterrestrial race."

"This one man, fueled by a desire to excel, helped usher in an era of unprecedented exploration.  With his historic flight, he planted the seeds for the founding of the Federation.  And his ultimate, defining dream still lives on today, and serves as one of the central tenants of the Federation-- 'To seek out new life, and to boldly go where no one has gone before'."

K'Tan made a sweeping gesture, encompassing the entire group.  "That dream lives on today in each and every one of you.  Whether you realize it or not, all of you are the living embodiment of that dream.  Each of us share Cochrane's desire to expand our knowledge, to find our own boundaries and push past them.  If it weren't for this fact, you wouldn't be where you are today.  Captain Quinn has personally pulled all of you together because he saw in each of you the potential to live up to that dream.  We have been charged with carrying Cochrane's torch forward, and continuing the pursuit of his dream of universal peace and exploration."

K'Tan paused for a moment. Somewhere in the back of the room, Ensign Dunn's heart skipped a beat as the gravity of K'Tan's words hit home for the young Ensign.

K'Tan's expression turned suddenly grim.  "Unfortunately, There exist forces in the galaxy that don't share our aspirations.  The universe is a vast and wondrous place, but it also holds dangers.  And that's where we come in.  As tactical officers, it is both our duty and our privilege to shield the ship and her crew from that danger.  As I mentioned earlier, this ship represents the cutting edge of federation technology.  Many of her weapons upgrades have yet to be introduced to the rest of the fleet.  Some of you might be asking yourselves, 'Why focus on weapons; we're interstellar diplomats, aren't we?'  Well, an ancient earth politician had a saying:  'Diplomacy is the ability to walk quietly, but carry a big stick'.  K'Tan paused until the obligatory chuckles died down.

"I believe that to be true; but there's a quote from a famous earth industrialist that is even more accurate: 'Peace means having a bigger stick than the other guy'.  Which brings us to the point of this meeting.  In the spirit of Zephram Cochrane, we are going to push for more.  Together, we are going to see how far we can push the previously established limits of the tactical systems at our disposal, and make sure that the Arabella is carrying the biggest stick in town!  The Chief Tactical officer turned and placed a hand on the shoulder of the man standing next to him. 

"Lt. Otak here is one of the most capable phaser techs I've had the pleasure to work with.  His grasp of plasma flow rates and nadion emission standards is so impressive, one would almost think he served as an engineer in a previous life.  I have therefore appointed him head of our phaser-test team.  I'm going to turn the meeting over to him now;  I look forward to reviewing the progress that the team makes."  K'Tan stepped away from the podium, gesturing for Otak to step forward.   "Lieutenant?"

"Yes, Sir," Otak said.  The Lt. quickly stepped up to deliver his report; each system on the LCARS display lit up as he mentioned them.

"The Arabella is armed with 13 type-XII arrays, distributed across the ship to provide a nearly 360 sphere of coverage.  Each array is composed of multiple emitters, each of which can put out up to 8 megawatts of power per second.  Through careful modulation  of the iris controll valves, our current fire control algorithms allow the energy of up 6 emitter sections to be combined, creating a maximum power output of just over 16 MW per second.  This rivals the power output of the current type-ten arrays utilized by most Starfleet vessels. Our current maximum range is 300,000 kilometers."

Each staff member nodded along with the presentation; so far, they weren't hearing anything that they didn't already know.  With a smile of growing confidence, Otak continued.  "Commander K'Tan has a couple of theories that should increase both the range and power output of our phaser arrays.  Our task will be to see if we can put those theories into practice."

K'Tan quietly looked on as Lt. Otak gradually fall into a comfortable rhythm, and nodded to himself in approval.  The phaser specialist was finally beginning to realize his leadership potential. 

After watching the assembled officers productively brainstorming for several minutes, K'Tan turned to head for his office.  A mission briefing of the senior staff was scheduled for 0800 the following morning, and he wanted to spend some more time reviewing the documentation that had been forwarded to him by commander Sevryll. 

As he stepped out of the dimly lit conference room into the bright hallway running the length of the tactical department, K'Tan smiled to himself.  He was about to venture out into uncharted territory, accompanied by some of the finest officers in the Federation. 

Life was good.

Ryla stared at the girl silence, after Yuki completed her briefing. "You will observe doctor/patient confidentiality won't you?" asked the girl.

Nodding first, Ryla glanced to the Bajoran whose unconscious form was still stretched out on the office floor. She scanned him with her tricorder as he stirred.  "Yes, of course... provided your secret doesn't risk the safety of this ship."

"It won't, I promise," said Yuki. "It was nice to meet you Doctor Drett. Perhaps we will see each other soon."

Keeping her eyes on the tricorder, Ryla nodded as the girl waved good-bye and blinked out of existence. Instantly, the Bajoran sat up and nervously glanced to the Trill who was kneeling beside him.

"Are you alright?" she asked as she slipped the tricorder into the pocket of her lab coat, and moved to help the much taller man up.

"Yes...I'm fine. Thanks Doctor." Said Korridan, as he stood to his full height.

"Well, everything seems...normal, aside from the specter you have locked in your head. I'm not sure I understand everything that was imparted to me. What I do know is that I don't like keeping information like this secret. But as long as you two aren't a threat to the crew, this detail will remain confidential... as I told "Yuki", I will observe doctor/patient confidentiality."

"Thanks," replied the Bajoran as he stepped out of her office. "So, we're done here?" he asked.

"Yes," she replied. Ryla shook her head as she watched him walk out of Sickbay. "There's certainly no shortage of interesting crew members on this ship," she said to no one in particular.

D'Callan looked at the numbers on the monitor counting down. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 initiate. The red alert sign went up and D'callan's voice boomed over the computer intercom.

" Red Alert. All security personnel to deck 14, repeat all security personnel to deck 14. Breach. Repeat we have a breach"

D'Callan stood back from the monitor and tapped his comm badge.

"D'Callan to the Captain"

Quins voice came through

"Yes Lieutenant"

"Security drill has begun Captain."

"Understood. Quinn out"

D'Callan walked to the holding cells all four of them was on fire and inside several prisoners screamed for the lives. Joseph watched the prisoners try to force themselves through the fire but to no avail. Stepping back to the side of the room out of view Joseph looked at the time on his monitor.

"Wish i had some marshmellows" was the second thing that came through his mind, the first was how long it would take for the first security crewman to burst into the room. It didn't take long.
Ensign Dunn burst into the room his phaser ready, D'Callan leaned over to get a better view, Dunn's phaser was set to stun. "Good" though D'Callan.
Dunn ran towards the flames and he was quickly followed by Drah'Vehn and Shyn'Nahl'Brah'Thai, both of them armed and ready and D'callan smiled to see that both had their phasers set to stun.
Dunn screamed at Drah'Vehn
" cover me I'm going to try and extinguish the flames. Computer sprinkler system on"

D'Callan pressed a button on his monitor.

"Sprinkler system inoperative" came the computers reply

"Damn" shouted Dunn "Medical emergency in on Deck 14 security cell. Medics needed"

The cover fire crewmen looked at each other and then back at Dunn.

"What are you doing"  screamed Drah'Vehn

Dunn removed his jacket and put it over his head looking back he shouted.

"We need to get them out, keep cover and when the other security personnel arrive get them ready to help."

Dunn stepped back and got ready to run, he took a deep breath and ran at the cells. He glided through them unhurt.

"Computer. Halt holo emitters"

The fire and smoke along with the screaming prisoners suddenly froze and D'Callan walked through them.

"Computer. Clear the room"

A buzz was heard as the room returned to normal. Dunn stood there with his coat over his head.

"Stand to attention crewmen."

The three officers stood to attention.

"You are probably wondering what is going on and why there are only you three here. Well you have passed my own little test. Your timing again Dunn is excellent and i see you two are working well together. You shall be pleased to know that i count you three as my best security personnel. And i will be counting on you during the forth coming mission. Stand at ease."

The crewmen stood easy and Dunn removed his jacket. D'Callan removed the holo emitters and put them in his jacket pocket.

"Now then team. I believe you all owe me a beer in the Afterburner i'll see you there later on."

D'callan smiled as he walked past them, the security team, still shocked watched him walk past.

"Bar" shouted D'callan and they soon followed.

-joint post by HawkeyeMeds and wraith1701



With his team in tow, D'Callan headed toward the turbo lift. He had hoped to go to K'Tan's tactical meeting earlier, but his holo simulation to make sure his own security team worked well together had to come first. D'callan swung his bat over his shoulder as they traversed the brightly lit corridor. As he turned the corner, he saw K'tan; he had a wide smile on his face.

"You look happy," D'Callan said.  "Killed anything lately?"

K'Tan's smile wavered as he shook his head slightly.  "I don't take joy in killing for killing's sake; I simply find it gratifying to test myself and discover what my limits are.  It just turns out that combat is one of the most intense ways to challenge my abilities.  Put another way, being Klingon isn't about wanton violence, it is about self discovery and development.  A Klingon warrior is like a finely balanced blade, and combat is the fire in which that blade is forged.  "

K'tan's smile didn't leave his face as his eyes darted to the bat.

"Out polishing your bat I see."

D'Callan also smiled and faced the doors to the lift.

"Afterburner."

The turbo lift moved and K'tan looked at D'callan.

"Was that to me or the lift?"

D'callan smiled but focused on the door.

"Both."

K'Tan stretched his back and cracked a few bones in his wrist.

"Bloodwine is a fine addition to the end of a working day."

Nodding in agreement, D'Callan turned to K'Tan.

"I'd like to talk to you about Dunn. I agree with your recommendation and I'd like to get a report ready for the Captain."

K'Tan nodded his head.  "That sounds good.  We can also go over Commander Sevryll's pre-mission report.  I'd like to determine what coordination will be needed between security and the rest of the tactical department on the upcoming mission."

"Good idea,"  D'Callan said.  "By the way, Dunn and two others of my security team will be in the bar later.  Would you care for a game of pool?"

K'Tan looked at D'callans bat.

"I will not allow cheating. You'll use a cue just like everyone else."

D'callan raised his eyes and waited for the lift to stop.

"Commander."  The Andorian said as First Officer Sevryll entered the briefing room.  He stood somewhat stiffly as his Vulcan friend moved towards him.

"At ease, lieutenant.  Please have a seat."  Sevryll said, trying to put Zremm at ease.  She knew they had not had time to talk much since the new mission had begun.  At least in a more private setting.  Even without her Vulcan abilities she could tell her trusted assistant still was concerned for her well being.  Even though a great deal of time had passed since the virus had been eradicated from her system she knew sometimes it took time for others to move forward again.

"Sevryll, I mean commander, I just wanted to mention that you look well.  I regret not having time of late to, what was the human expression, 'catch up' on things.  I have been somewhat, preoccupied."  Which was partly the truth.  Zremm had been spending a great deal of his off duty time with Marie Barton.  The young engineer that he had become very close to for more than a year.  Also, there was a part of him that had been worried that Sevryll might still be feeling the effects of the virus that had claimed so many lives.

"I am well, lieutenant.  I must also add that you look in good health as well.  No doubt due to some off duty, exercise."  Sevryll said, with just the tiniest hint of a smile.  Of course being the First Officer of the Arabella, she made it her business to keep up to date on the status of the crew.  Sevryll knew that Zremm had passed his physical easily and was in perfect health.  But of course, she was also quite aware of Zremm's relationship with Ensign Barton.  They hadn't tried to hide it and she found she was pleased that her friend had found someone to care for in such an obviously strong way.

"Yes.  The doctor did his usual fine job poking and prodding me with his scanners.  But, I know the briefing time is approaching and I just wanted to give you some data that I have extrapolated from the scans of Ter'Oss you passed on to us.  I have attempted to locate the most likely locations to begin our search for the missing scientists.  Based on the factors of geography, population and weather patterns I have come up with a priority listing of search locations."  Zremm said, with a slight touch of pride in his voice.  Since the planet had a significant ice covered portion, he had found the data similar to the history of his own home planet.

"Excellent work lieutenant.  I am certain this data will help greatly with our mission ahead."  Sevryll said, taking the isolinear chip from Zremm's blue hand as he gave her the data.

"Thank you, commander.  I did want to speak to you about one other thing, before the others arrive."  He said, feeling a slight nervousness inside.

"Certainly Zremm.  Please, speak freely."  Sevryll said, not quite understanding her friend's apprehension.

"It's about the mission.  I have been thinking it over, and I was wondering if it might be best if I stayed behind on the Arabella.  I know the plan was for me to go with you, but I thought it might be better for me to help coordinate the search from the bridge.  I still think there might be a way to scan the surface by modifying the sensor frequency & power.  Also, frankly with the CSO on the away mission it might be better to have me stay aboard.  Of course I will do whatever you think is best, commander.  I just needed to let you know my thoughts on the matter."  Zremm said, feeling better.  Of course he failed to mention that part of the reason for staying aboard was certainly Marie.  But he honestly did feel it would be more valuable to have either himself or Sevryll at the science station during the mission.

"It seems you have given this considerable thought, lieutenant.  I shall consider your request.  Final teams will be announced soon.  Was there anything else Zremm?"  Sevryll said.

"Not that I can think of at the moment.  I'm certain things will come up during the briefing that will have something to comment on.  Perhaps we can get something to eat after and catch up more."  Zremm said with a smile.  Something he found himself doing more these days.

"That would be most agreeable lieutenant."  Sevryll said as she found herself pleased that her friend seemed so happy these days.

Aeric's quarters still smelled of the various herbs and aromatics that had gone into the just finished meal that he had prepared. Rory smiled as she assisted in removing the dirty dishes and return the quarters to a more pristine status.

Aria sat on the couch with Beth on her lap as they reviewed her counting skills in several languages. The family meal had become a weekly tradition since Vulcan. Those of the James household would share at least one meal each week together then another with Sevryll's family. It was partly to unwind for the week and partly to enjoy the company of family. This meal happened to be a lunch, but it was still a chance to spend time with family.

"Now that you know that the kitchen is operational, should I inform mother and the twins of the standing dinner invitation?" Aria ask.

"I would have enjoyed if they had attended this one, but they are having a briefing for their department." Aeric said, placing the last of the dishes in the replicator to be recycled.

"I'm surprised that you still have time to cook with all of the preparations for the away mission." Rory added.

Aeric smiled. "Beth helped. She's become remarkably talented when it comes to grating cheese."

Rory and Aria both laughed at that. One look at the slivers of cheese sprinkled like snow on the kitchen floor told them just how much their sister had contributed to the lunch.

"Since it's my turn for sitting duties, I finish the clean up while the two of you return to your shifts." Rory said.

Aeric nodded. "Store the pattern of the sauce for me before you recycle it. I'm surprised at how well it came out this time."

Rory nodded while Aria moved Beth to the couch. She and her father both needed to change uniforms before returning to duty.

With the Science Depart Briefing complete, Sevryll and Zremm headed to the Afterburner for dinner. As the two science officers found a table, Sevryll noticed Doctor Drett sitting alone, nursing a Raktijino. Ryla's roaming eyes met Sevryll's and the Vulcan nodded to her.  It was obvious she was waiting for someone.

"Good evening Commander, what can I get for you?" asked the Bajoran. Sevryll turned her attention to the waiter, "hello J'Dan," she replied. Without a moment's hesitation she ordered her usual: a bowl bertakk soup and a cup of Spice Tea.

"Don't you want to experiment?" asked the Bajoran. "Isn't that what you 'scientific people' do?"

Sevryll arched an eyebrow at J'Dan, "I have always found bertakk soup agreeable. I have no desire to sample another dish."

The Bajoran shook his head, "I'll break you of that habit eventually, Commander." he smiled.


"I'll have the same," said Zremm. Sevryll inclined her head at the Andorian's order. She was aware of his interest in Vulcan philosophy, but did not know he also enjoyed the cuisine.  "I acquired a taste for Vulcan food during my stay there." he smile.

Ship's time was 1900—their briefing was only 13 hours away and the meeting the next morning would herald the start of the Arabella's first mission...

As the doors to the Afterburner slid silently open, k'Tan was hit by a wave of sights, sounds, and smells.

The murmur of genial conversation and the soft clink of dishes and cutlery filled the room, punctuated here and there by polite laughter.  An undercurrent of tantalizing aromas lingered in the air, some of which he recognised as belonging to various earth and Vulcan dishes; others he simply couldn't place. 

k'Tan glanced around the room.  Although not as large as the Five-Forward lounge of the Tiberius, the room was pleasantly comfortable, and had its own definite charm. 

As far as K'Tan was concerned, all of that charm was currently concentrated at a small booth near the bar, and was personified by the attractive form of Ryla Drett.  At the moment, the lithe Trill was quietly sipping a raktajino, her left hand absently twirling a short lock of her untamed blond hair.  The doctor casually glanced up, and caught sight of K'Tan.  She smiled, and K'Tan found himself automaticly returning the gesture, his face suddenly feeling slightly flushed. 

K'Tan turned to D'Callan.  "You'll have to pardon me friend; there's someone here who I've been meaning to speak with.  I'll have to take a rain check on our pool game." 

As he made his way towards the doctor's seat, K'Tan felt like a comet captured by the gravity well of a supernova; he couldn't sway from his path even if he had wanted to.  His heartbeat seemed to quicken the closer he got to Ryla Drett's booth, and he found himself caught off-guard by his reaction.  Finally reaching her table, he gestured at an empty chair.   "Good evening, doctor," he said with a smile.   "Is this seat taken?"

D'Callan watched his friend walk over to the Doctor. He couldn't help but smile.

"Charming" whispered D'Callan

The barman walked over and asked D'Callan what he wanted.

"Vodka, neat ice cold, a beer and a glass of Bloodwine in case my friend over there comes back looking sorry for himself"

The barman smiled and went to get the drinks.

Having a few moments left for himself until the beginning of his next shift, Aeric found himself entering the rear bar of the Arabella. He knew that he could have enjoyed a drink in his quarters, but this time he wanted to socialize with his fellow crew member.

The doors to the cabin slid open and Aeric headed directly for the bar. He scanned the room and noted the familiar faces, but wanted to have a drink in his hand before he interacted with others. As he drew closer to some of others, he could feel the presence of their minds, but did not attempt to scan their thoughts.

"J'dan. Could I please get a Klingon martini?" Aeric asked.

The bartender nodded his acknowledgement of the request, but first worked to complete the drink orders of those that had come before him.

Ryla Drett had been waiting for sometime, and was just about to leave when Lieutenant Commander K'Tan caught her eye. Abruptly, the Trill stopped twirling her hair and smiled. "Hello, Commander," she said as he approached her table. " I was just waiting for Ensign Farmer, but you're more than welcome to join us. Please, have a seat."

Oblivious to the iron butterflies her guest battled deep within his core, she chattered on.  "I've never had Klingon Coffee before," she said as she considered the transparent mug held in her right hand. "I guess your suggestion to have a cup prompted me to give it a whirl. Its actually quite good—reminds me of an Italian Espresso." She laughed as she continued, "I guess I always expected it to kick me in the teeth." The tactical officer just smiled so she continued to yammer on.

"So, are you anxious about the mission..." she shook her head, "of course your not, Klingons don't get anxious do they? I guess I should have asked if you're looking forward to it. I had a chance to review the files that Commander Sevryll sent. The planet is beautiful; I bet the cave systems are just as stunning... I'm beginning to wish that I had been assigned to the away team too,"  she sighed.

The rhythmic pounding of foot step after foot step echoed from the treadmill to through the almost empty gym. A soft alarm alerted Aria that her run had been complete. She was slightly breathless, but like the Vulcan's of her mother's side, there was little perspiration that resulted from the 10 kilometer run.

As the treadmill slowed, she finally stepped from the machine and connected her mind to her machines. Pulse and respiration were within the normal specifications for her exertions. She had taken on the habit of spending several hours in the gym on days that time permitted. It wasn't that she needed to work out, the machines worked to keep her perfectly fit. Her sessions where there to push her limits and the limits of her body to increase the efficiency of her machines.

If she had learned anything from her father, it was that life was better when you pushed yourself to be the best. She knew that she needed to be the best her before she could be the best in anything else.

Having spent two duty shifts in Engineering working with Lt. Took on the sensor array upgrades, K'arath needed to relax before the mission began. He had started towards the holodeck for a 20 kilometer run, but decided what he really needed was a drink. The doors to the Afterburner opened and he strode into the crowded room. He nodded a greeting towards Second Officer James who stood at the bar sipping what appeared to be a Klingon martini. K'arath favored James with a broad grin.
"Impressive!" he said and James raised his glass towards him.
He found an open bar stool next to Lt. D'Callan.
"How go's Security preparations for the landing party?" he asked.
"We just finished a series of tactical exercises and are working on hand phaser modifications. Our team will be more than ready," he responded.
"I have no doubt of that, Lieutenant! Your C.O. is a very capable warrior." He looked around the room and spotted K'Tan sitting with the young Dr. Drett. Curious, he thought.
He glanced at the bar and saw a glass of bloodwine unattended.
"Ahh, I see you knew I was coming," K'arath said as he reached for the glass.
"Oh....ummm, why yes sir, happy to oblige!" D'Callan responded, a hint of mischief in his voice. As K'arath downed K'tan's bloodwine in one gulp, D'Callan amused himself at the image of the Klingon Engineer and the Security Chief having a good old fashion scuffle.

Margon sat down on the stool.  No one really paid any attention until the unit he was clutching in his hand automatically linked to the sound system on the tiny stage.  The Afterburner was full of crew members enjoying themselves.  Usually he would unwind by reading a good book, but tonight he wanted to make music.

The counselor closed his eyes and the most beautiful melody came out of the speakers.  It was a flute and oboe along with a cello.  The music was soothing and the pulsating lights surrounding the stage were nice too.  A few couples stopped for a moment and gazed into their partners eyes.  Margon opened his eyes in time to see a few of them cuddled close. 

Just then J'dan strolled by.

"Hey boss!" he grinnned, "why don't you try something more up tempo? Don't be causing all these fine people to fall asleep."

Margon rolled his eyes and then broght the current song to a close.  A few folks clapped for the tune as the Counselor barked out... "Any requests?"

Spring took one step into the Afterburner and her eyes widened. The smell coming off of her friend, Ryla Drett, and Lieutenant Commander K'tan was potent. They were across the lounge, but Spring could smell them from the door. Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later. They were genetically compatible, healthy.... Spring headed to the bar, eyes on the chatting couple, when the signal scent of soap alerted her. Her face flushed and she sat, or rather tried to sit, on empty air. Her bottom landed hard on the deck and the scent of overripe fruit suffused the area. The pleasant music of Counselor Margon paused.

Aeric James' smoky grey eyes looked merrily down at her.  "Careful, there, Ensign. The deck is harder than it looks." He reached down and helped her up. "Are you all right?"

"No, I'm--" She swallowed. "Just fine. I should--" She shook her finger at the flaming letters over the lounge doors. "Uh, be going. I... must be really tired." Spring was a bad liar and the smell of burning pineapple proved it.

His hand was on her elbow. "Really, there's no need to be embarrassed."

"No, sir. Thank you, sir." She scurried out. When the door closed behind her, she paused and took a deep breath of the empty hallway. This was bound to get worse before it got better. 

Drah'Vehn and Shyn stood outside of the 'Afterburner'.  Their superior had asked them to come down along with their associate Dunn.  But they were both nervous, they were used to hanging around with other non humans.  They did not understand human customs, or their mysterious non verbal cues.  

Shyn peered through one of the viewports inset in the door using the mirror from her compact.  Drah'Vehn whispered, "Well is he there?"  Shyn sighed, "Yeah, he's at the bar... alone."  The Elloran groaned, "We can't just leave him there like that."  Shyn nodded, "It wouldn't be right, we owe him."  She panned the mirror around wanting to survey the area before their insertion.  She spotted a blue man, she excitedly tapped Drah'Vehn and pointed, "Look it's a Bolian!"

Drah'Vehn leaned too close to the mirror to look, triggering the door sensor.  It slid open revealing the two female officers.  They froze in embarrassment as eyes turned towards them, having heard the hissing sound of the doors opening.  Most of the eyes returned to their ongoing conversations, two of them remained on the blushing ladies.  The two petrified aliens flashed smiles and waved at D'Callan.

He smiled and shook his head, "Are you here for a drink?"  he asked, "Or are you here to secure the area?"  The two tried to walk in as nonchalantly as possible, D'Callan turned back to the bar and his drink.  By the time Shyn was at the counter J'Dan was waiting for her order with a pleasant smile on his face.  Shyn nervously glanced about for a menu, unsure what to ask for.  She glanced at Drah'Vehn who merely shrugged, and then over to her commander who wore an expression of silent expectation.  When she looked back to the patient bartender she nervously blurted out the first thing which came to her frantic mind, "Ello Gov, al' ave me a frosty pint."  

The bartender stood stunned, his eyes wide in wonderment at the unexpected accent.  Drah'Vehn jabbed Shyn in the ribs as she saddled up next to her and gave her a 'what the hell?' expression.  When Shyn's senses returned  she looked over to the Lieutenant who's eyes were nearly as big as the bartenders.  He burst out in raucous laughter and had to set his glass down to stop it from spilling.  When he slapped the table during his laughter the two girls jumped, still unsure what the outcome was to be.

D'Callen laughed and pelted Shyn in the middle of her forehead with a roasted peanut, "Bloody Cheek!"
Drah'Vehn asked in a hushed tone, "is that good?"  Shyn softly answered, "I'm not sure, but he is laughing," she stole a glance at her, "That is a good sign."  The Elloran nodded, "And he did not use his bat," she pointed below the bar to where it rested.  They looked from the bat to each other and smiled, they may survive this after all...

When the bartender returned with her drink he saw her brushing salt from her forehead, "are you alright?"  She looked down at the granules on her fingertips and smiled, she held them up for him to see, "Well, I was a'salt'ed..."

D'Callen burst out laughing again.

Commander Sevryll approached the Counselor who was mentally playing a Klingon Opera at Lieutenant Commander K'ararth's request. The Vulcan didn't wish to interrupt his concentration, but the noise was beginning to grate on her stoicism. "Counselor," she whispered,  "perhaps you could play something by Moyer? Plasma Cloud is an agreeable tune. I would prefer that piece to the opera you are currently performing."

He opened one eye to meet her own, before concluding the tune with a grandiose ending. Smiling at his friend, the Counselor began the whimsical tune by Richard Moyer. Sevryll arched an eyebrow and returned to her chair to finish her dinner in peace.

The next day would be an eventful one and so when her meal was over, she said good-bye to Zremm, nodded to the counselor, and retired for the evening. Young Ensign Farmer bumped into her way out of the After Burner. The Fertillian was visibly disturbed. "Oh! Pardon me, Commander. I was just... I didn't... I'm sorry," she uttered as she brushed past the Vulcan. Sevryll glanced over her shoulder to see Aeric James wearing a bewildered expression. She had not noticed her friend until then, and walked to the bar to say good-night. "Ensign Farmer was quite upset... What happened?" she inquired.

Plasma Cloud, by Rick Moyer (Moyer777)  http://www.christrocks.com/forum/plasmacloud.mp3

Tears ran down D'Callan's eyes as he continued to laugh.

"Oh my, strewth guys, oh dear ha ha. Lets get you two sorted out".

The bartender put four beers down and D'Callan looked up.

"Four J'Dan. Four?."

The bartender looked at D'Callan.

"Ensign Dunn sent these over, he's been waiting at his table since you and K'tan walked in"

D'Callan looked over to see Dunn waving at them. He looked back at his two companions.

"Come on Stan and Ollie lets go."

Drah'Vehn and Shyn quickly looked at each other and then behind them until they realized he was talking to them. D'Callan had picked up his and Dunn's drink and had already began to walk over. Just as they was about to join them Shyn stopped and turned back to J'Dan.

"Can i have some of those peanut pellets, i think i'll enjoy fighting with these"

J'Dan smiled and tossed her a packet.

"careful now, they are dangerous".

Shyn held the packet carefully and headed to the party.

Near the bar, K'Tan sat captivated by the talkative Trill doctor, focusing on her eyes and and trying not to stare at the sprinkling of spots that artfully traced a path down either side of her face.

"I had a chance to review the files that Commander Sevryll sent," she said.   "The planet is beautiful; I bet the cave systems are just as stunning... I'm beginning to wish that I had been assigned to the away team too."

K'Tan nodded in agreement.  "Yes, the planet has a very diverse ecosystem; I find it beautiful as well."  A slight smile lit his face.  "You would fit in well there." 

The doctor's cheeks colored slightly as she tilted her head with a smile of slight puzzlement.  Suddenly, the pair heard the sounds of a disturbance nearby.  K'Tan turned to see the disoriented form of the Fertillian ensign being helped up off of the floor.

"Isn't that ensign Farmer back there?" he asked.  "I wonder what happened to her?"

K'Tan nodded in agreement.  "Yes, the planet has a very diverse ecosystem; I find it beautiful as well."  A slight smile lit his face.  "You would fit in well there."

The Trill returned his smile impulsively. Is he flirting with me? She thought as she felt her cheeks grow warm. Great, I'm blushing. No, he's not flirting, Lieutenant Commander K'Tan is just being friendly. Besides, he's human, a decidedly handsome one at that, adopted by Klingons and raised as a warrior on the Klingon home world. He moves like them, speaks like them, thinks like them...or does he? Well, one thing I'm certain of is that he wouldn't be interested in Polly Anna. Suddenly the awkward moment was interrupted by a quickly moving blur that she recognized as Mackie Farmer...

"Isn't that ensign Farmer back there?" K'Tan asked.  "I wonder what happened to her?"

Ryla's smile faded as the concern for her friend began to build. "I think I know..." she said and then  bit her bottom lip in thought.  "I'm sorry, Commander, I have to go... It was very nice to talk to you." The Trill stood and exited the lounge leaving the smitten tactical officer alone at her table.

"How are you doing this evening Sevryll?" Aeric ask as he downed his martini in one sip. It wasn't Deltan sparkling wine, but it was among his favorites. "As to your question, it appears that gravity became subjective for our new ensign."

He had wanted to check on her, but when he saw Ryla follow her out, he knew that she would be in good hands.

He continued to survey the bar and the various grouping of individuals as he smiled to the XO.

Seeing the now alone K'tan, Aeric whispered to his companion. "It seems that the bird of prey seems to have experienced a warp core failure."

The situation reminded him of his own troubled courtships with temporal exes and the current situation with his marital status. He had found a strong relationship with a female from a species that he was bound not to speak of to the Federation. It had been a short five year courtship and was one of the few things that had remained constant in last few temporal changes. Part political and part love, it allowed him to return to the Federation, but it had prevented him from seeing Oona as much as he would have liked.

"What are you drinking tonight?" he asked the vulcan. "Perhaps I can get you a drink and another round for our tactical officer?"

After a few rounds the two young security officers had relaxed.  Perhaps too much, whenever they started tossing peanuts into each others open mouths for amusement, Joseph had to clear his throat in order to bring proper decorum back to his table. 

As D'Callan and Dunn were talking scuttlebutt, Shyn and Drah'Vehn's eyes surveyed the room trying to see from others behaviour how they should act, sit and interact.  But there seemed to be no clear protocol, or at least none that they could understand or interpret.

Dunn noticed that Drah'Vehn kept inclining her head in the direction of the Denobulan, and Shyn would shake her head and silently mouth 'no'.  He asked, "Is there something I can help you with?"  Drah'Vehn looked at him cautiously, "Is he," she nodded in the direction of Margon, "a musician?"  Dunn nodded, "Yes."  The Elloran shot a look at Shyn, "See!"  Dunn continued, "not professionally, but he is quite good as you can hear for yourselves..."  Shyn pulled a face and explained to Dunn, "She wants to know if he is from Vegas."

D'Callan and Dunn looked at each other, and then to the girls, and answered almost in unison, "I don't think so..."  They looked to Drah'Vehn with questioning faces.  She looked somewhat embarrassed but leaned close and whispered, "I went with some cadets from the academy to Vegas on winter break, and we saw these guys in concert that, " she diminutively pointed to Margon, "looked like him..."

Dunn kept a good poker face, not wishing to embarrass her further.  But D'Callan couldn't help himself, he started laughing.  Drah'Vehn covered her face.  Dunn turned to his superior and in an effort to help her save face said, "Well he is blue; and he is a musician..." 

Joseph said between laughs, "Do you two ever stop?"  Drah'Vehn slinked away to the bar and started doing shots.  In defense of her friend Shyn pelted him with a peanut.

Startled he shouted, "OY!"

When Ryla Drett caught up with Spring, she made an effort to alleviate her friend's discomfort.  "Mackie! Are you okay?"

"Oh, that. I'm fine. I honestly didn't think you noticed. You and K'tan were pretty focused in the lounge."

Ryla ruffled her hair. "No, that wasn't anything. You could have joined us." The women entered Ryla's quarters.

Spring's eyebrows disappeared into blonde bangs. "Not with those pheremones flying. That was strictly a one-on-one conversation."

The symbiont, usually quiet, chose this moment to voice its opinion. "That's what I've been trying to tell her. Remember, I've been around the galaxy a few times..."

Spring giggled at Ryla's open-mouthed expression and her white chocolate shock.

"You mean K'tan really was..."

"He wasn't alone. You're still pretty ramped up."

"Ah." Ryla cleared her throat and plopped down on a sofa. She motioned her friend to sit. "How about we talk about why I wanted to talk to you. This Medical Priority One you used on the holodeck?"

Spring's face fell. After several fits and starts, Spring finally explained why she had made use of the medical protocol. She stared at the floor, blushing furiously. The smell of Risan lotus surrounded her.

Ryla Drett smiled across at her. "You mean you've never...."

"No! Of course not. You remember what I said: once and that's it. Dead."

"But what about romance? Haven't you looked at anyone and felt something---"

Spring cut her off. "No. I'm young." She snatched off her wig and began figeting with it, pulling out the ponytail and twisting the hair. "Not that it's unheard of at my age, but most people live into their thirties, at least. Besides, romance is for aliens."

"Okay, let's get into what we can do. The pheromones were a trigger. You masked the scent with what, soap, and everything went back to normal." She looked down at her padd. "Your physical showed no changes from last time. I'm guessing that's good. Mackie, I wish there was more medical research available on your species! I feel like I'm starting from scratch.

"What can you tell me about how mating works?" Spring's eyes widened; her fingers moved faster through the wig and the lotus smell was renewed. "Oh, come on, Mackie. We've talked about other species. You learned about them in the academy."

The wig was definitely getting the worst of the conversation. If she slipped it on now, she'd look like a blonde kazon.  "I know. That's normal, for them. That's biology. But it's just not discussed on Fertillier. I don't think I even have the smells..."

Ryla rolled her eyes and blew into her hair. "I'm a doctor! And I'm your friend." She grabbed Spring's hands and looked meaningfully at her friend. "If you can't talk about this, I think we should include someone else in this conversation: Counselor Margon."

Sevryll looked across the room at Lieutenant Commander K'Tan and considered the man's expression.  "He doesn't have the air of a disenchanted man. Perhaps he is not as disappointed as you think." She turned back to the Second officer, "Thank you for the offer Aeric, but I was just about to retire for the evening. I will see you at the meeting tomorrow morning. Enjoy your drink with the bird of prey." She said, lifting a single brow to emphasize the latter part of her statement. Sevryll left just as Counselor Margon began his rendition of Dave Brubeck's Take Five.

D'Callan spun round to look at Margon.

"Oh my!"

Shyn and Dunn looked at their chief.

"Sir are you OK?

D'Callan glance quickly to Dunn and then back to Margon, who's fingers glided in wonderment.

"This is Take 5, this is Brubeck, this is one of my all time favorite jazz pieces. This and Dirty Dude by Dizzy Gillespie. Quiet now people sit back and relax. This will take you to more places then anything you will ever encounter. Well not everything aye Dunn"

D'Callan winked at Dunn who looked at Shyn slightly embarrassed.

The music glided across the room and everyone listened to the beat. Jazz was a good choice to get the room going and D'callan signalled to J'Dan waving a drinking motion to his lips, spun his hand round his table to signal a round and then pointed over to K'tans table so his friend could have a drink.
Joe sat back stretched his legs out and listened. When he was married, this was the song they played during the signing of the register. It used to upset him when he heard it but not now. Now he had friends, now he had family aboard a great ship, now, Joseph D'callan felt at peace.

The counselors data pad beeped and he glanced down at it.  "hmmm, interesting" he said.

As he closed the song out, he called to the computer- "Computer, more jazz, and keep it coming"

The computer chirped and spoke back, "Specify artist and time period"

"Oh, let that be up to the crowd"

The computer defaulted to a popular jazz tune and the crowd all clapped for Margon as he got up from the stool.

"Thanks everyone" 

He strolled out of the Afterburner and went back to his office.  He was expecting guests now.

As he watched the Trill doctor exit the lounge, K'Tan sighed.  Way to go, Romeo, he thought ironically, the hint of a self deprecating smile forming on his lips.  While he was disappointed with the briefness of his visit , he respected the doctors' commitment to her duty and to the welfare of the crew.

I hope ensign Farmer is allright, he thought.

Grabbing his drink, he stood and headed for the exit.  He noticed the Opps chief regarding him with a bemused expression; K'Tan silently raised his drink in acknowledgement.  Moving on, he drew near Lt. D'Callan's table; the security chief shot him a smile. 

"Well, how did that go, mate?" D'Callan said with a grin. 

"I'm honestly not sure," K'Tan replied to his friend.  "But I was true to myself, and acted on what I felt.  To have done otherwise would have been dishonorable.  And you have to hand it to the doctor.  Like us, she is charged with guarding the welfare of the crew.  She saw a comrade in distress, and immediately acted on it."   K'Tan smiled.   "A very Klingon attitude, if you ask me."   

The Lt. Commander set his drink on the table, and turned to leave.  "I'm going to get some sleep.  I'll see you tomorrow at the Captain's briefing."

Joint post with Moyer 777 and Jen


   Margon met them at the door.

    "Welcome Ensign, Doctor," He smiled. "I've been expecting you. I have looked over your communication and think maybe I can help. Have you ever had holotherapy?"

    Ensign Farmer looked at the counselor. "No, not the kind you are offering."

    Counselor Margon invited them in to a pleasant-looking office complete with three chairs. The group sat down. Margon bother with small talk: he got right to the point.

    "So I understand you're afraid of breeding."

    "I'm not ready to die yet. That's why I left."

    "Computer," the Counselor said, "Activate interface, Farmer one."

    The computer chirped and the lights darkened a bit, the chair Ensign Farmer was sitting on expanded and kicked back a bit, making her more comfortable.

    Ensign Farmer's eyes were closed and her direct olfactory interface with the ship's computer was working perfectly. The holo-emitters created everything she could describe.

    "Tell me the first thing you remember." Margon said in a calm voice.

    The surroundings changed before them, the holo-interface was working perfectly.

    "The gate. Wash and Stone were with me." A gate with a complicated latch appeared in the middle of the room. Three small naked and filthy children worked together to open it. They used sticks and a long strip of bark as tools.

    "Where was the gate?"

    "The second yellowfruit tree reservation. That's where I was born." Behind the children appeared lush trees, filled with golden fruit. A delicate nectar floated on the breeze. The children succeeded in their task and ran out of the gate, into the arms of smiling and laughing young adults. Unlike the adult Ensign Farmer they knew, all of these Fertillians had three facial gill-slits on either side of their noses. One woman in a saffron skirt laughed as she lifted the young Spring Farmer and bore her away.

    Margon felt something. He wasn't an empath, but he was compassionate and had discernment. He felt goosebumps rise on the back of his neck. If they were going to explore her past like this it would call for a combination of holo- and hypno-therapy. He didn't want to risk exposure of a past negative experience that could trigger a breakdown.

    "Computer," the counselor said softly,"Farmer, program 3."

    A soft light began to pulsate above Ensign Farmer. She opened her eyes and seemed to be mesmerized by the pulsating rhythm. Soon her eyes closed and her body relaxed. She was under now, so the Counselor could explore her past without disrupting her present.

    Ryla watched, fascinated by the whole scene.

    "Let's go back," he said, "Back before the gate. Show us what's away from the gate."

    A young holographic Spring led Margon and Ryla back through the gate and into the trees. The scent of the yellowfruit was pleasant but not overwhelming. As they passed through a glade, the smell of rotting meat assaulted their nostrils. Ryla spotted a discolored meaty bone and headed toward it. "What's this?"

    The young girl shook her head and repeated the rotting meat smell. "No good. That's not food." She continued through the glade, passing the richly laden yellowfruit trees without interest.

    Ryla asked, "What do you eat?"

    The girl turned a blank face to her. "Food."

    "Can you show us?"

    A short walk brought them to a gory vision: two adult Fertillians, wrapped in each other and unconscious or dead, crawling with eight or nine voracious infants that were slowly devouring their parents. The partially eaten corpses of an equal number of infants lay nearby. The holographic girl pointed to the hideous tableau: "Food." She knelt and reached toward them.

    Ryla's gorge rose and she spoke quickly. "Computer, end program!" After the holoimages had dispersed, Ryla and Margon looked at each other, faces mirroring the other's shock. The Trill had paled, her spots standing out more than usual around her usually light tan face. She looked over at Spring, still deep in hypnosis. "Should we tell her?"

    Margon's blue face darkened. "Are you kidding me?"



    "Here's the pheromone profile." Ryla punched up a combination of scents, their pungency amplified for the convenience of those the Fertillians would call nose-deaf. A holographic image appeared to match it. "Oops. I didn't mean to..."

    The rotund Bolian stayed her hand. "No. I need to know this." He slowly circled the familiar form and looked back at Spring, relaxed in the reclining chair. "So that's our little girl's crush. Surprising it hasn't happened before now, considering."

    Ryla turned a concerned face to her colleague. "Somehow we need to bring her back to prepubescence. It would be an invasive procedure, and complicated, considering the state of Fertillian medicine. I'd hate to subject her to that, but I can't think of anything else I can do."

    Margon tapped his chin. "I've got an idea. It's going to take some time, and she'll have to come in for therapy. Have you heard of post-hypnotic suggestion?"

When Shyn had finished the beverage her supervisor had provided and watched the cheery looking blue man leave.  She realized her friend had still not returned from the bar.  When she looked over and saw the number of empty shot glasses on the counter beside her she grew worried.  Drinking alone was bad enough but drinking when you are distraught is self destructive.  Shyn rose to rescue her friend.

The sound of Shyn dragging her argumentative friend back to the table broke the two men's musical reverie.  They watched as the tipsy Elloran plopped down into her chair.  Dunn took the opportunity to try and patch things up among the squad, "I am sure the Lieutenant meant no disrespect when he laughed at your comment..."  He nudged D'Callan's elbow who then nodded and explained, "Right,... I wasn't laughing at you," he gestured to the now empty stage, "I was laughing at the image in my mind of Margon dancing around in tights banging pipes and waving sticks to make music..."

Drah'Vehn snorted and laughed, "Dat wood be foonie..."  The table laughed and the nervous tension that had arrived with the Elloran dissipated until she reached for a beer.  Shyn slid it out of her sloppy grasp.  Drah'Vehn scowled, "Aye, whot's al' this then...?"  D'Callan looked to Dunn, "Is my accent contagious?"  Dunn answered totally deadpan, "Accent?" he looked to him quizzically, "who's got a bloom'n accent?"  They laughed.

Drah'Vehn's fingers twitched as she stretched trying to reach the beer, Shyn pulled it back further, "You know the rules..."

D'Callan and Dunn spoke in unison, "Rules?"  Drah'Vehn's bloodshot eyes narrowed, "Your eeeeeeevvvviiiiilll..."  The two men looked to Shyn expectantly, she smiled when she saw their eager faces, and then looked back to Drah'Vehn who now was crossing her fingers in a makeshift cross as if to ward her off.  The Elloran hissed, "Evil..."

Shyn explained, "In order to keep her from getting into too much trouble we have an arrangement, if I think she has had too much to drink she must pass a test."  Drah'Vehn glared at her and in her best Jean Luc Picard voice pronounced, "There are ... FOUR... lights!"  D'Callan and Dunn burst out laughing, slapping the table and almost coming to tears.  Joseph stated, "Oh God, she almost deserves one after that..."

Drah'Vehn looked to Shyn expectantly after his comment.  Dunn interupted to bring the conversation back on track, "What is this test?"  Shyn smiled, "She has to say my FULL name."  D'Callan winced, "Ouch!"  He laughed and looked over to Dunn.  Dunn smiled and stated, "Don't look at me, I can't say it sober..." 

Shyn looked Drah'Vehn in the eyes, which was not easy since the Ellorans eyes were not tracking well.  And she ordered her to, "Say it." 

The Ellorans lips twisted and out came, "SShhh... Shhh... Channella'Broccolli."

The Ellorans expression went from one of hope to defeat when she heard the men's laughter, she sighed and hung her head.

D'Callan leaned forward on the table,"I bet there is an interesting story behind this test."  Shyn chuckled, "Ellorans don't seem to react to Synthahol the way most Humanoids do," looking at her semiconscious friend, "I am not sure why, but their bodies seem to treat it like real alcohol."

She patted Drah'Vehn's hand, "we were having drinks with one of Korridan's friends, and she started slurring."  Nearly drooling Drah'Vehn muttered, "I like Pooch, he's gotta..."  Shyn dug her claws into the Elloran's hands.  She drew her hand back and rubbed it, "Whot was that foh?"  Shyn gave her a hard 'we aren't supposed to talk about that' look.  Realizing her mistake Drah'Vehn looked sheepish.

D"Callan chuckled, "We already know about Hooch's still."  The two ladies looked shocked.  He smiled, "Half of Starfleet knows about Hooch's stills," he shook his head, "how do you think he got the nickname?"  The girls looked at each other.  Dunn explained further, "He's one of the best tool pushers in Starfleet, that is why on every ship to which he is posted they look the other way when it comes to his 'hobbies'..."  D'Callan shook is head in amazement, "The funniest thing of all is," he couldn't help but chuckle, "he doesn't even like to drink the stuff, he uses most of it to clean parts."

The two women looked like they had just had a joke played on them.  Shyn scowled, "That sneaky old..."  The barely upright Elloran asked, "Wash he make it foh 'en?"   D'Callan looked to Dunn, Dunn shrugged, "It has something to do with his past, something to do with that colony he was on," his face pinched, "I think now he does it mostly because of the rep, people expect him to have it."  Dunn was transfixed by the Elloran's slow sliding slump to the tables surface.  He nudged Joseph, and inclined his head toward the deflating Elloran.

The Lieutenant rose, "Right, I think we better get her home..."  Shyn straightened her friend up and pulled the chair away from the table.  Dunn secured the cricket bat for his friend as D'Callan lifted the limp security officer from her throne.  Shyn grabbed her legs and they proceeded to the exit, surprisingly they drew little attention, or at least the occupants were too polite to stare.

The door whooshed open as they neared the exit, and in walked one of the girls roommates, a young J'naii named Sorena, Drah'Vehn waved to her, "Hey Sorey..."  Sorena walked up to Drah'Vehn with a big smile, "I am so happy for you, I am sorry I missed the ceremony."  Shyn and D'Callan exchanged puzzled looks.  Sorena noticed the Lieutenant's funny expression, "You are carrying her across the threshhold are you not?"  His jaw dropped and he looked down to the Elloran, she winked and blew him a kiss.  The J'naii took that as a 'yes', she walked over and patted him on the shoulder, "You are a very lucky man."  And then strode off leaving the stunned man holding the giggling Elloran.

He looked over to Shyn who was still holding the Elloran's feet, she just smiled back and joined in with the inebriated officers giggling.  Dunn chimed in, "Sir perhaps we should leave before any more rumors get started."  Joseph nodded, "Right, next thing you know I will have children too..."   Drah'Vehn smiled and was about to say something, D'Callan cut her off, "Don't say it!"  They got moving again and were nearly out of the 'Afterburner' when Drah'Vehn noticed Korridan standing beside the entrance staying out of everyones way, and watching with measured intrest the unusual procession.  She waved, "Hey Kory!"

Shyn looked in the direction of Drah'Vehn's gaze, and a smile came to her face when she saw her friend.  Valcore was about to greet her when a hand came to rest on his shoulder, he turned to see the owner, it was Rina.  Shyn's smile vanished, she became transfixed on the hand, she looked like she wanted to rip it off of its owners body.  Drah'Vehn saw Rina hold up a flat screen display for him to look at, the act had been purely innocent but Shyn missed it all because she had kept staring at the hand.

Drah'Vehn's heart pumped, panic set in, she needed to stop her friend from doing something stupid.  As glands started secreting 'fight or flight' enzymes into her bloodstream the reactants in the Synthahol finally kicked in.  And the fog began to lift from her mind, she needed to distract everyone and save her friend.  She blurted out for all to hear in a cheesy cockney accent, "RIGHT!, It's a fair cop!, but society's to blame!"  Shyn was startled back into reality and looked to her friend in puzzlement.  And no one else had noticed the dangerous fire that had been in Shyn's eyes, it had worked.  D'Callan snickered at the comment and added, "Right; well, we'll get them latter."

Once in the safety of the hallway Drah'Vehn stopped her act, she struggled to her feet and poked Shyn in the chest,"You need to address this whole Korridan thing before you get into some REAL trouble."  A bewildered expression took over Shyn's features, "What?"  And an urgent and hushed argument erupted.

Dunn muttered, "Oh crap, Girl Talk."  He shoved the cricket bat into D'Callans chest, "I'm outta here..."  And he strode off in the opposite direction of the intense conversation.  D'Callan watched his friend disappear down the hallway and then looked back at the scary exchange going on in front of him.

The 'World of Women', it is as mysterious and dangerous as a First Contact situation.  He looked to his chronometer; the time for the Mission briefing was not far off, he better excuse himself.  He looked back to the two feisty women, he raised a hand to wave goodbye but soon realized they were oblivious to everything else around them.  He shrugged and turned on his heels and casually strode away, twirling his cricket bat and whistling 'take 5' while thinking, "Well I shan't be bored here, that's for sure..."

FINAL BRIEFING

The poised Vulcan stood before the viewer as the screen displayed the planet's various inhabitants and planetary regions. "As you know, the geology of this planet will interfere with our ability to scan. She casually glanced to Aeric as she continued, "We will not rely on the transporter because of this.  The Aurora will be used to shuttle the away teams to the surface and ferry any materials that we recover during our investigation, back to The Arabella."

"To ensure that our squads are prepared for any situation, we have decided that both away teams will be comprised of engineering, science, medical and security officers.  I will lead a team to the northern hemisphere and the captain will lead a team to the southern hemisphere.  We will discuss which officers will be on each team, after everyone has had a chance to offer strategy suggestions and make mission inquiries." She nodded toward the Trill seated at the end of the table, "at the conclusion of this meeting, Doctor Drett will begin seeing patients for surgical alterations." Sevryll clasped her hands behind her back as she continued,  "to ensure that darkness covers our descent, we will transport to the surface at 0200 (2am). That provides us with thirteen hours to prepare for the mission and undergo our surgeries. Are there any inquiries or mission proposals?"

Aeric looked at the commander then spoke up. "Due to the fact that you are going to have a lot of ground to cover, I've worked with my team and we have added infiltrator technology to two of our runabouts. This will give us three vessels capable of covert planetfall."

Tapping a few commands into his PADD, Aeric brought the runabout schematics on the main display. "The two vessels will give each team a mobile command center while the Aurora maintain a low orbit in the event that emergency extraction is needed. Due to the inability of the sensors to function properly, I will assign my best pilots to getting the ships through the mission in one piece."

D'Callan watched and logged every detail. It was important to him that all members of the away team stayed safe. He raised his hand out of politeness.

"Regarding security personal. We'll need to be armed but i am fully aware of our situation regarding cover. I think we need to consider defense. Are we to issue standard weapons or shall we go for more conventional forms of defense?". 

"Since this is a pre-warp civilization, it would be best to minimize the amount of advanced technology we bring down with us," said K'Tan.  "However, you bring up a valid point."  After risking a furtive glance at the doctor sitting at the end of the table, he focused his attention on Commander Sevryll.

"My team has recently concluded a test of the Arabella's phaser capabilities, and I believe that our results have the potential to aid in the mission.  I've asked the head of our phaser team, Lt. Otak, to present those results."  K'Tan turned to the officer silently sweating next to him.  "Lt. Otak?"

Otak nervously cleared his throat, and stood to address the group.  "Th-thank you, Commander K'Tan," said the Lieutenant, his voice breaking as he tried to recover from his stutter.  He turned to address Quinn and Sevryll, visibly shaken by the prospect of reporting to the Captain and Executive Officer of the ship.  He silently focused on the coaching he had received from K'Tan earlier that morning-

'Remember,' the commander had said.  'The captain and first officer are people just like you.  Granted, their talents are extraordinary, and they are therefore due the utmost respect.  But they put their pants on one leg at a time, just like you.  They aren't going to strike you down with a lightening bolt if you look at them the wrong way.'

The commander's words had helped bolster his confidence, but Otak still felt intimidated by the presence of the Arabella's command team.  Otak gathered his thoughts, and continued.

"Commander K'Tan challenged us to improve on the performance of the ship's phasers, and I think we've made some noteworthy progress on range, accuracy, and power output.  Through the application of a number of different algorithms, we have managed to increase our emitters' nadion particle production rate by 7.5%."

Otak smiled at the assembled officers. "As I'm sure you all know, this will increases the amount of power available to the phaser emitters while easing the surge power requirements of the EPS emitter trunks.  In layman's terms, we have increased the kick of the phasers without placing undue strain on the Electro Plasma Shunts that rout plasma from the ship's engines to the weapons systems."

"The increase in available power made possible by this has allowed us to come up with several new fire-control and targeting algorithms.  Theoretically, our new settings will allow up to seven segments of each phaser strip to discharge simultaneously, combining their force into one beam.  This force multiplier should give the Arabella enough accuracy to punch a pin-sized hole in a structure on a planetary surface from orbit, as well as the power to reduce that same structure to vapor."  Otak quickly returned to his seat, a sigh of relief escaping from his lips.

Smiling with pride, K'Tan turned to Otak.  "Outstanding work, Lt." 

He then turned to address Captain Quinn and Commander Sevryll.   "My team has also been working on a prototype targeting enhancer.  Once completed, the devices should operate in a manner similar to the portable transporter patern-enhancers currently used by the fleet.  While they won't have the ability to create a signal strong enough to aid our transporter system, they should be able to provide a targeting lock for the Arabella's phasers.  While I hope that such drastic intervention will not be needed, I feel confident that if things on the surface go badly, the Arabella will be able to provide long-distant support to the away teams."

Noting a look of concern from one of the gathered officers, K'Tan quickly raised a forestalling hand.  "Of course," he added, "I'm not recommending that we use such drastic measures unless it can be done without violating the prime directive.  I understand that maintaining the integrity of any civilization we encounter should remain our primary concern."

D'Callan lent back in his chair and looked at K'Tan who looked back at him. Joe lifted his thumb up and winked. He was impressed with K'tans command of his own team and equally impressed with Otaks presentation.
Joe stood and walked behind his chair.

"My security team have been in training and have undergone some serious tests to make sure they are up to your standards Captain. I will make sure each security officer will have a small tracking pin hidden just in case we get lost, judging by our info that could easily happen and i want to make sure we are easily located.
Also taking into account  Lt. K'Tans words i suggest we have basic weapons similar to our Camelot session. With the Tactical team keeping eye ball from the ship i have every confidence in them so we don't have to worry about our own weapon power on the planet."

D'Callan nodded at Quinn and Sevryll and smiled at Qtak as he sat down.

Aria James sat more quietly than usual as she listened to the briefing. She has several questions, but she decided to focus on the scope of the mission.

"How much technology are we going to bring with us as we conduct our searches?" She asked as she looked over the department heads. "What medical supplies are we to bring with us and just how far will we be willing to further contaminate this culture to protect our people?"

She knew that they might need to work in primitive situations, but she need to know how far they would have to go to complete the mission. While this was far from her first away mission and in theory it seemed to be much safer than pretending to be a Romulan on their homeworld, this mission was not without its own dangers.

"It might be possible to disguise some of our equipment or use alternatives on site. It would also help if we knew the length of each search mission to better equip our teams." Aeric said. "I don't expect two teams to cover an entire world in a few days. Rations and survival gear should be a deciding factor in the length and success of the mission."

Aria had considered that as well, but her thoughts took her question in another direction. "Is this going to be like the Romulas mission? Should we expect that we will not be rescued if captured and it requires exposing more of our technology?"

She didn't expect to be rescued because her first exposure to an away mission had shaped her perspective. She just wanted to hear the answer aloud and make sure that the others on the mission heard it as well.

Counselor Margon raised his voice,

"If any of you need to talk before we head out, I'll be having my office open for the next couple of hours.  Just give me a heads up and I can chat for a few minutes with you."

The crew looked at each other and then at Margon.  From their expressions you could tell who was nervous about the away mission and who wasn't.  The counselor suspected as much.  He would probably have a couple of visits before the away mission began.

Korridan looked to his Supervisor for approval before standing to address the room, Aeric inclined his head.  Korridan stood and felt nervous at all the attention it drew, he wanted to be polite and look everyone in the eyes when speaking but felt it would only make him more nervous.

He focused on the Captain and his trusted First Officer, "Hooch and I have created a collection of authentic weapons and assorted armour used by all of the different clans; based upon the information we could gather from the observation teams findings, and the newer info we received from Starbase 35's more comprehensive database."  "We have aged and weathered the materials so that it all looks used and battered, and the fabrics are all as authentic as we could get them for your clothing." 

"I believe all the away team members should familiarize themelves with these weapons," he looked to D'Callan and gestured to him,"please have them make use his departments expertise."  "I have tried to insulate the phasers for your away mission in an effort to minimize the planets harsh effects on our technology."  He smiled at D'Callan, "But as I am sure the Chief of Security would agree it is best to prepare for the worst; besides the more familiar they seem with their equipment and garb, the more effective it will be for them to blend in."

"I only have one serious concern," his expression became more severe, "we had no actual fabric dyes or paints to go on."  He shook his head, "so without knowing what pigments they use, all we could do is go by what we could see in the image files."

He paused for a moment trying to gather his thoughts, "And that worries me, why does that worry me?"  He pointed to Sevryl, "because she sees the light spectrum differently than he does," pointing to Quinn.  He pointed to Dr Peterson, "And you see it very differently than he does," pointing to K'arath.  "But we all tend to forget this because Starfleet is so very good at adjusting for that with paints, metals and fabrics embedded or laminated with refractive crystals."  He held his PADD as further evidence, "Another perfect example of how we take this all for granted is in our interfaces, in the old days we used to have to calibrate our equipment to make it easy on our eyes, now most of the 'big ticket items' we work with these days simply use passive scanners to read the rods and cones of our eyes and self adjust for us without us even noticing."

"So in other words, we may see the the armor and fabrics in the colors that they are supposed to be; but I can't guarantee that they," pointing to the dislay screen on the wall showing a collage of the indigenous peoples, "will see it that way."

He sat down and clandestinely tried to calm himself.  He didn't mind doing presentations, but he didn't know these people yet, and felt intimidated by them.

Ensign Farmer took a deep breath, smelling the honey tone of success and approval in the air. She looked around at her crewmates.  A vague undertone of salty confidence seeped from her gland covers.

"If I may?" She looked to Sevryll, who nodded. "I've been studying the atmospheric samples we replicated from what was stored on StarBase 35. The base levels of argon, sulfur, and nitrogen in the air, combined with the slightly lighter than standard gravity gave me a general idea of the planet's scent profile." She punched up a diagram that should have shown the profile, but instead was a replicator file. "Oops. Just a sec." Ryla Drett was probably the only one there who recognized it as the recipe for jellybeans she had shared with the ensign only last night. "Ah, here it is." The correct file appeared on the screen.  "From this profile I was able to create simple scent packages that I can refine once we arrive. We may smell like raccoons for a while, but we won't be pegged as outsiders. Most species tag smell as the sense most evocative of memory, so if we just evoke dirt or air, we should blend in.

"And I'm guessing that a judicious application of dirt or plant life should mitigate any color distinction," she suggested.

"It sounds like the away team is going to have an interesting time on the planet, but a successful one as well." Commander James smiled at the presentations. Each new voice made him more curious about the surface, but everyone has their roles to play. Given what he new about both planet and culture.

"Captain, I'm still working out the details, but I have an idea. With their current technology level and the size of their planet compared to the estimated distribution of the population, it might be possible to put the Arabella on the planet if it become necessary to hide. While budding astronomers might look to the heavens and see the Arabella, it would be impossible for that to happen if we hid either behind an orbiting body or below the curve of the horizon."

During the meeting Sevryll observed an unusual number of anxious demeanors. The source for their nervousness eluded her, even though she herself was not beyond feeling the emotion on occasion. The briefing thus far, had been productive and the commander was pleased with the consideration each officer and crewman had given to their mission strategy. They were indeed a diligent group of dedicated Starfleet personnel. Commander Sevryll glance to the Captain, seated at the opposite end of the table; he made a gesture with his hand, indicating that she had the floor. A number of individuals had contributed during the course of the meeting, and the Vulcan felt that it would be best to address each of their concerns in the order they were given.

She turned to the second officer who sat nearby, "the additional shuttles should prove useful, and your forethought regarding the Arabella's concealment is warranted.  As for the time frame of this mission, that is impossible to determine. Yet, I believe it could be significantly shortened if we concentrate our efforts in the largest cities within these two regions."

Sevryll pointed to the viewer as it transitioned to an orbital image, "The planet's major cities are situated here and here.  If the scientists have deserted, they may have assumed that these locations would provide them with the best cover. And if they were detained by the monarchies that rule these provinces, it is logical to assume they would be held by their captors in one, or both of these structures within these cities." She touched the viewer and the image zoomed in to display a large building constructed of stone, guarded by a contingent of armored soldiers. She touched it again and the image zoomed out before focusing in on a similar structure located in the southern hemisphere. "According to the information provided to us, these buildings not only house the monarchy, but they also contain subterranean prison systems. We may learn more about the whereabouts of our scientists after we've interviewed the citizens of these municipalities. But remember, our mission is to investigate the sudden advancements in technology as well. Locating the scientists is only one of our objectives."

The crewmen and officers seated before her nodded in agreement as she then turned to Lieutenant Commander K'Tan. "The modifications your department has made to the weapon systems, is impressive. Obviously the Arabella will not utilize them to obliterate concentrated populations, yet they may serve to solve any unforeseen problems our teams may experience. Thank you Mr. O'Tak, Mr. K'Tan."

"As for the issue of weaponry, Mr. D'Callan. We will not risk further contamination; therefore our defense will depend on the weapons of the inhabitants and our ability to wield them. The only technology that we will take  to the surface, are combadges and pattern enhancers disguised as jewelry."

Next, Sevryll glanced to the nervous Bajoran, "I appreciate your diligence Mr. Korridan, but replication would eliminate the difficulties you have experienced. While I am certain your workmanship is above reproach, it would have been more efficient to replicate the items we require." She didn't want to discourage the chief, yet it was highly illogical to divert so much time and energy into hand forging these items. She noted his careworn expression and attempted to reassure him," "Again, thank you for your thoroughness, chief. I will forward the necessary information to you so that your team can replicate the remaining gear. Please work with Mrs. Farmer to see that our equipment is infused with the necessary bouquet", she said as she inclined her head in appreciation to the young ensign.

In their Department Briefing the day before, Sevryll learned that the Assistant Chief Science Officer had made inroads in modifying of their sensor capabilities. She found it curious that Zremm had not brought the subject to light during their current assembly. In fact, he had said nothing at all since the briefing began. She glanced at the man seated at the far end of the table. "Lieutenant Zremm?" The Andorian failed to acknowledge her; instead he continued to stare at his reflection in the table's glossy surface. 

Joint post by Rico & Jen

Lieutenant Zremm found himself rubbing his antennae. This was an old habit of his when he was tired. Andorian antennae much like the large ear lobes of a Ferengi and contained a much higher level of nerve endings than any other area of the body. These could be stimulated in a variety of ways. Currently, Zremm was using them to wake himself up more. He hadn't gotten much sleep last night. He smiled when he recalled the sensation of Marie in his arms. Being a little tired was a tiny price to pay for last night, he thought to himself. But he was quickly pulled out of his thoughts when he heard his name called.

"Zremm?" repeated Commander Sevryll a second time; dropping the formality to gain his attention.


"Ah, yes Commander. Sorry." Zremm quickly said as he pulled his hand away from his right antenna.

"Perhaps you could inform the team of your work on the sensor modifications." Sevryll said as she stood at the head of the table.

"Of course, Commander. We all know that the planet Ter 'Oss makes traditional scans near to impossible, but I have been working on a solution to that problem. I have run numerous simulations in order to find methods for enhancing their performance under such conditions." Zremm said as he tapped the LCARS panel in front of him. A display of the planet quickly appeared on the wall monitor behind him. He turned as he tapped the controls once more, and stood from his chair.

"By using class five probes, I believe I can create a sensor relay web around a good portion of the inhabited area of the planet. Much like an old style satellite system works, these probes would communicate and relay information to each other and back to the Arabella. The probes have limited functionality and wouldn't give us our normal sensor resolution, but I do think they might help in the search." Zremm said.

"Well done, lieutenant. But this class of probe has a very limited energy source. How long do you estimate such a grid could be adequately maintained?" The Vulcan first officer inquired, as she clasped her hands behind her back and inclined her head in curiosity.

"Yes, that is a problem. We would only have thirty to forty-five minutes before the probes lose power. After which, they would burn up in the atmosphere as they fell harmlessly to the planet," Zremm replied. He knew it wasn't a perfect solution, but as a science officer it troubled him greatly to enter a situation without sensor capability.

"Excellent lieutenant. I believe the probes could be put to better use by serving to pinpoint the location of our teams, should they require emergency extraction. I would like you to remain on the ship and prepare your sensor grid for such an event." Said Sevryll.

"Certainly, Commander. I will continue to work on optimizing the grid through simulations." Lieutenant Zremm replied with a pleased look as he sat back down.

Sevryll glanced to the Captain who addressed the room, "If there are no further questions, then you are all dismissed. I would advice you all to schedule your appointments with Doctor Drett as soon as possible. Doctor Peterson, Perhaps you should undergo you surgery first, so that you can aid her." Peterson nodded to the Captain and the crew began to shuffle out of the Briefing Room.

Ryla and Doctor Peterson walked together to the briefing room door, "I guess you're the lucky winner, doctor," she remarked with a chuckle.

"I've always admired the color blue," he said. "Perhaps you could see to it that my physical alterations accommodate that preference?"

"Certainly, Doctor."

Peterson's surgery was over in less than an hour and though he was proud of his new skin tone, his wife was not as enamored. Doctor Drett grinned as she noticed how Casey's blue skin and Myella's red hair were now perfectly complementary. "Don't get me wrong..." said Myella Peterson in a distinctly Irish brogue. "Blue is certainly a beautiful color...in fact it's my favorite. It's just that you no longer look like the Casey Peterson I married."

Ryla smiled as she helped Casey sit up, "Good. That was our goal, Myella," said the Trill.  Casey cast his new, piercing gray eyes upon the red head standing beside him and offered her a familiar smile.

Myella seemed to brighten at the sight and whispered, "I recognize you now." Doctor Peterson's wife moved her hands to his long, gray hair and helped him tie it back. When it was secured, she brought her fingers to the pointed ears that were dotted with intricate tattoos. "What do they mean?" she asked

"They denote a healer's specialization. My tattoos indicate that I can cure their equivalent to gout."

"Oh... I assumed they had a deeper, more charming meaning," she said with a smirk.

"How would you like to split the surgeries?" Interrupted the Trill.

"You take Engineering and Security Ryla, and I'll take Science and medical. That leaves Myella to tend to the rest of the crew if need be."  Said Doctor Peterson.

The doors to Sickbay admitted another patient and Ryla left the two alone to see to the new visitor.

Aeric patted the warweary Bajoran on the back as he passed him in the hallway, telling him silently with a smile not to take it too hard.  He nodded to Aeric as he melded into the surging crowd, letting him know that his message was received.

Korridan was old school, used to working with his hands, and was proud of it.  In the Resistance they had never had the luxury of replicators or any of the myriad niceties that Starfleet personnel take for granted.  Acclimating to this new environment was going to take some getting used to.

He kept thinking about what that Andorian had said about a network of sensors in orbit.   It was a good idea; but being a scientist his mind was thinking only of utilizing the items he had at hand.  Korridan was a tool pusher, if there wasn't something that already existed that you needed, in order for your idea to come to fruition; you built it.  He smiled, thinking, "Maybe I can redeem myself."

He wandered the corridors of the ship paying no attention to where he was going, or caring.  His attention was on his PADD and the ideas that were taking shape on it.

Quinn sat back in his chair as the last crewmember left the briefing room. Quinn didn't say much during the briefing but he really didn't have too. He knew he put together one of the finest crews in Starfleet and this was the proof. Everything had been checked and doubled check for this mission. Quinn couldn't be prouder of what his crew had done.
Of course he felt the anxiety, nervousness, and excitement of his fellow crewmembers but none of them showed it outwardly. They were ready for this mission.

Nathan grabbed one of the padds sitting on the desk and began to read. His appointment for surgical alterations wasn't for another two hours.

On the penal planet the old man watched a small army of men search the near by huts. They were quick. He stroked his beard and for a short amount of time had clarity. This would wear off soon, his drugs were beginig to fail him. He looked down at the bodies.

"I'm so sorry, i'm so sorry to you all. I need to find you boys, i need your help"

He began to twitch, and his schizophrenia began to kick in. Talking to himself ws the first sign that the madness was returning.

"You want to experiment on them"

"No, no i've done my work. I want to rest, please."

"We do not have results. You're failing us. Use them, use the wretched humans"

He held hid head trying to fight off the demons.

"Noooooo!, Leave me alone damn you"

The evil side to him began to take hold, his finger nails dug into the rock causing them to split opne.

"YOU WILL LISTEN, KILL THEM. KILL THEM ALL!!!!!!!!"

Commander Sevryll examined her reflection in a mirror that Doctor Peterson held before her. The Vulcan's fair, olive tinged hue, was now a deep jade green. She turned her head to one side and observed a series of delicate tattoos winding their way from her long, tapped ear, over her jaw, down her neck and across the top of her shoulder. Apparently, the decorative art only graced the right side of her face. She blinked copper colored eyes and brushed a lock of long, copper colored hair away from them to study her features in greater detail. Her eyebrows were no longer Vulcan, they were somewhat Terran in appearance. She arched one experimentally before nodding to Peterson. "Thank you doctor."

Her ordinarily svelte stature was now more athletic, yet not at all masculine. The doctor helped her off the biobed as she glanced to the Captain. Doctor Drett had completed his alterations, and he waited nearby for his first officer. Nathan's turquoise toned cheeks pushed upward in a smile upon seeing her alien appearance. "Green looks good on you," he said as they exited Sickbay together to continue their preparations.

After wandering the corridors of the ship for hours deeply lost in thought, Korridan looked up and found himself way down on a lower deck of the ship he did not recognize.  He ran a hand through his white hair and looked around, there was not a soul to be found.  It was almost eerie.

He tapped the display on his PADD to bring up the chronometer function,and when he saw how long he had been wandering he felt suddenly tired.  He rubbed his tired eyes with his left hand, then heard a cheerful beep from his PADD.  When he opened his eyes and looked at the display it was back on the schematics for the surveillance satellite he was designing.  He looked at it with a puzzled expression and then turned it off.  He could hear a sound like glass beads being mixed together.

He looked over his shoulder seeking out the unusual sound, it seemed to be coming from behind him but there was nothing to be seen.  His PADD beeped once more, and when he looked back to it, it was on again and displaying the schematics.  He muttered, "What in the..."  As he stared at the screen the sensation of being watched became unmistakable.  The unwelcome sensation coupled with the eerily empty corridor caused goosebumps to form on his darkly tanned skin.

He quickly turned around hoping to suprise whoever was watching him, but no one was there.  But he thought he could hear something move when he did.  Frustrated he quickly turned back the other way, but again no hidden observer could be found.  Be began to doubt his instincts and wondered if he was just tired and edgy.

He tapped the side of his head with the PADD and quietly chuckled to himself, he was just starting to relax when he felt the PADD vanish from his fingertips.  He frantically looked around, his eyes seeking out the thief.  But none could be found. 

He was beginning to think the ship was haunted when in his peripheral vision he caught movement.  He turned to see a crystalline spider scurrying across the ceiling, it disappeared around a corner.  And by the time he peered around the corner he could only faintly hear it ascending in a Jefferies Tube.

He shook his head and laughed, "Nobody is going to believe this..."

Spring was rhythmically flicking the long indigo ear-tips Dr. Petersen had attached to the sides of her head. She enjoyed the vibration. As Fertillians had no auditory organs, ears were a novelty. The blonde wig she usually sported had been tucked into a drawer in her quarters, replaced instead by lighter blue locks, subdermally implanted.

She tapped her comm-badge. "Farmer to Sykes. Five minutes."

Ginny's nut-laden tone came through the translator, unusually terse: "Gotcha."

The ears were fun but one thing she did not enjoy: she still felt a little light-headed with her gill-slits sealed. It was not dissimilar from the symptoms she had felt immediately after the surgery that moved them from her face to just below her jawline, shortly after her arrival on Earth. The reasons for that surgery were similar, too: Spring wanted to blend in, to be like everyone else. The wig and flattened face allowed her to appear human; the ears and blue-almost-violet skin-tone would help her to imitate the denizens of Ter'Oss.

A turbo-lift ride and a long corridor later, Spring arrived at her shared quarters. She entered. All seemed normal, excepting a slight squishiness to the carpet and the lingering scent of plankton.

Ginny sat at the table, working on a strange piece of equipment. "You finally got here. I'd say that took more like five-point-seven minutes, but who's counting? See, I lived up to to our agreement. Nothing weird." She looked around the common room and noticed a crystalline tendril dangling from the ceiling. She snatched it and stuffed it in her mouth.

"So I've been working on a project that might be useful during your away mission, but I still have to run it by Cheif Ka'rath. It's something that I came up with, based on the holodeck training you've been on." She picked up an ivory horn from the table and tossed it to Spring. The finger-length horn had a complicated spiral groove running down it. Spring sniffed it, but smelled nothing.

"It's a unicorn's horn. Ancient Earth myths call for a unicorn's horn to detect poison. You were supposed to wave it over your food and it would turn purple if it was no good. I figure tricorders are kind of out, but you still have to eat, and you'll want to mix in,  so... Pretty fun, huh?" She hopped up and went to the food replicator. "Mistletoe, one ounce." As a sprig of the round-leaf poisonous plant appeared, she continued talking. "I had to rig it to give me anything useful. I tried arsenic and wormwood. I couldn't even get nicotine." She set the sample on the table. "Try it."

Spring waved the horn over the mistletoe. It remained its pure ivory color, but began to grow warm in her hand. "See, color change might be too obvious, but I thought heat would do the trick."

The horn became uncomfortably hot. "Ow!" Spring gingerly set it down and blew on her blue fingers.

Ginny nodded. "Yeah, I have to work on that. Have you ever tried Antedean vermicula? It's not so bad if you eat it dead. My father worked on Antede III when they were petitioning to enter the Federation: just as well that didn't work out.  I like blue hair on you--you should keep it."

Joint post by Wraith1701, HawkeyeMeds, and Just X

As K'Tan headed towards sickbay for his surgical alterations, his commbadge gave off a chirp.  After tapping the badge to open a channel, he was mildly surprised by the voice that greeted him.

"Ensign James to Lt. Commander K'Tan."

"K'Tan here," he replied. "How may I help you, Ms. James?"

"I have recently completed an interactive analysis of the aliens' physiology, and believe that I have come up with a few techniques to incapacitate them without causing permanent damage.  In keeping with the prime directive, I feel that it is vital that we cause the natives as little harm as possible."

The hint of a smile lit K'Tan's face as he slowly nodded in approval.  "Outstanding, Ms. James, and I agree; we don't want to cause any undue damage.  Would you be willing to brief the security team on your findings?  I can have a group gathered within the hour."

"Certainly, commander.  I'll see you shortly."

K'Tan headed back to tactical, his smile growing.  Any information that would improve the chances of successfully completing the upcoming mission was more than welcome.  'I have to figure out a way to convince Ms. James to join the tactical department,' he thought to himself.  'She would be a definite asset.'

K'Tan tapped his combadge once again.  "K'Tan to Lt. D'Callan.  Please gather your away team candidates and meet me in the exercise room in one hour. We have a guest who may have some valuable information to pass on."

An hour later, K'Tan and Aria stood before the assembled officers.  "Thank you for your prompt response," K'Tan said to the team.  "Ms. James here has some techniques that may come in handy should we have to resort to physical force on the away mission."  K'Tan stepped aside, making a sweeping gesture with his left arm.  "Ms James?"

Aria gave a slight smile as she brought a visual of the new species into view using the room's holographic emitters. Next to the youthful looking acting Ensign, now stood one of the green hued members of the species.

"Due to the time restraints of the launch of the mission, I believe that it is best that I quickly move to the point of this briefing."

Pressing another key on her PADD, six blue and three red points appeared on the unmoving hologram.

"Each of the blue points on the body represents a nerve cluster or pressure point that when struck with moderate human force will disable the target through a non-fatal attack. If you note the target on the elbow, one strike there will cause the target to release a possible weapon. If followed by a second strike to the elbow itself, it will result in breakage."

Aria continued to explain each of the blue points, their locations, and the amount of force needed for the desired effect. She only paused in her presentation when it came to the red dots. Located slightly below the sternum, the left side of the neck, and under the right arm were the three locations that she determined could cause fatal damage to the new species.

"The locations depicted by the red points with more than likely be a fatal strike when similar force in applied to these points. We should avoid targeting those points."

She gave a look over the gathered then continued.

"This is only a partial list of places that will cause incapacitating pain or terminal damage. There are more than likely many more points of interest that could be used to the same effect or kill the target if applied incorrectly. Time has not permitted me to discover more of those locations, but I believe that this might give the away teams a tactical edge when it comes to unarmed combat."

D'Callan un-crossed his arms and walked away from the wall.

"This is excellent information Ms James"

He turned to his security team and looked quite stern.

"Take this information and make sure you use it. We have no excuse for mistakes. Understood?"

His team nodded, and D'Callan himself nodded to Aria and smiled slightly with approval.

D'Callan's team converged on the holographic image of the alien, and Aria turned to leave.   As she approached the doorway, the young woman paused, adding over her shoulder, "All of the information that I have gathered is on file for your team to pursue at their own pace.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I will be in medical getting my alterations." 

As the doors slid closed behind the departing woman, K'Tan turned to address D'Callan. 

"That girl is impressive," K'Tan said.  "She's a good fighter, and has a sharp mind to boot."

"I agree," D'Callan replied.

K'Tan gazed at the holographic display, trying to commit the indicated pressure points to memory. 

"Do you have any openings for combat instructor on your security team?"

D'Callan turned his head to look at KTan.

"You seem to be having some fine ideas for promotions and team building my friend. And once again you've hit the nail on the head. I beleive our good capatain is going to be busy with recommendations at this rate."

K'arath sat up from the biobed, his surgical alterations complete. He glanced over towards Dr. Drett who had a bemused look upon her face.
"Well," she said,"try not to frighten any small children while you are down there."
K'arath stood and strode over to a surgical equipment cart and grabbed a small mirror. Even he was startled by the visage. His normally dark tan colored skin was pure black. His brow ridges had been completely masked. His light hazel colored eyes were now a bright gold which contributed to his aggressive and startling appearance. His hair was black as well, indicating he was to be part of the "Blate" class of the native society. It was hoped that being perceived as part of the ruling aristocracy would provide the Engineer with access to all area's of Ter'Oss society. He really did look very intimidating.
"Thank you, Doctor," he smiled at Drett and made his way back to his quarters to get into costume.

Korridan walked in to Logistic's and stood before the clerk who wore a welcoming expression, "Hello I am afraid I need a new PADD, I seem to have...a...misplaced mine."  The clerk smiled and glanced at Korridans uniform, noting it was a operations uniform and chuckled, "let me guess; a Hamalki took it?"   The Bajoran's expression changed from embarrassed to puzzled," a what?"

The clerk walked over to a storage locker and entered a code, he answered over his shoulder, "a Hamalki... we a have a rather spirited one on board."  Korridan replied, "Do they look like glass spiders?"  The clerk laughed as he pulled a PADD from the locker, "they sure do..."  He eyed the clerk, "Thank the Prophets I thought I was going mad; I gather I am not the first one to come in here about this."  The clerk shook his head chuckling as he returned to the counter, "No there have been a few others."

Before Korridan could ask another question the clerk pointed to a slot in the counter, "Please insert your chip."  As the clerk assigned the serial number of the PADD over to Korridan he said, "you must have had something really interesting on your PADD."  Korridan only answered with a quizzical look.  The clerk smiled and explained, "Hamalki's are Engineers and Theoreticians by nature, and K'il'tik has a voracious appetite for knowledge and problem solving, and she only sleeps for 2 hours every 30 hours; she was probably reading over your shoulder for a long time before you ever noticed her."

The clerk snapped the PADD into an interface and downloaded Korridans personal settings and work files from his account.  He looked at Korridan and continued, "She probably only took your PADD because you kept turning it off, and she is very shy."  The expression on the Bajoran's face made the clerk laugh, "to a Hamalki an engineering conundrum, is like waving candy in a little child's face."

The interface beeped, and the clerk pulled Korridan's PADD from the port.  He handed it to the baffled Bajoran, "see you in a couple of days..."  Korridan looked at him with a worried expression, "Why, is she building a nest?"  The clerk laughed and explained, "No; once she solves the problem, she returns the PADD," he gestured to the new PADD, "in a few days your old PADD will probably mysteriously reappear, just like all of the other ones."

Korridan left the Logistics Office weary, tired and confused thinking, "This is really shaping up into one strange day..."

Aeric smiled as he looked at his almost unrecognizable daughter before him. She retained many of her physical traits, but her skin hair and eyes had been drastically altered. Gone was the lightly tanned skin and black hair. Her skin was now a perfect turquoise with long lavender and almost hypnotic silver eyes. While many of the enhancement had been done of the well train hand of the medical staff, the eyes were her own. It was a simple trick of the nanites that brought more of them to the surface and bringing out a more metallic color.

"Well?" she ask, using her internal translator to speak in the flowery tongue of the Ter'Oss.

"It looks nice on you, but do me a favor and don't get hurt." Aeric replied as he tried to see his daughter in all of the changes that were made. "Is there any signs of rejection with the cosmetic implants?"

Aria shook her head. "No, I updated the protocols of my system to factor in and ignore the additions."

"Speaking of additions, I'll almost done with your medical kit. The good news is that I've been able to disguise several single dose injection devices in metal cylinders and give them a digital lock." Aeric said.

"What's the bad news?"

"They need to be activated to use the hypospray device and there is no external activations points. You'll have to use your abilities to activate them and that limits the use."

"One person with a few tools is far better than no one with any tools."

"I have half a dozen of the tubes with preset compounds that I'll have in a leather case for you. I can't give you anything else like a tricorder, but we might be able to disguise a sensor that you can link to a small database unit stitched into leather."

"I'll have to link to it to actually understand the readings, but that would limit them discovering any usable technology." Aria finished her father's briefing.

"It's not much, but it might be the difference between life and death." Aeric concluded. "I'll have it ready before you depart and the patterns added to the Aurora's replicator file."

"Thank you." Aria said and kissed her father's cheek before slipping out of his quarters.

Joint post with Bryancd


"So you see the horn would just heat up if the substance was poisonous to the holder. It passively scans your race and then reads the substance it's pointed at." Ensign Ginny Sykes scampered down the ladder to hand Ka'rath the eight-centimeter long ivory horn.

K'arath held what for all what looked as much as an oversize Targ tooth as anything else. "Ensign, are you saying this....enamel....spear....has the ability to detect poison? Like a medical tricorder....somehow gone wrong?" He hoped his new black complexion and golden eyes hid his bemusement. Ensign Sykes, along with Lt. Took, were his new favorites in Engineering. "And you spent last night building it?"

She shifted her weight, uncomfortable with standing still. "Well, part of the time. I para-sailed in the holodeck, did a small comparative study of Antidean underwater engineering techniques, recorded a letter to my brother, and knitted a pair of socks for my roommate. But the knitting was just to keep my hands busy while I read." She popped a sweet into her mouth and continued talking. "I was going to recalibrate the warp core when it's offline tonight, but I figured I'd better check with you before I start. Since you had me review command etiquette, I mean. So can we use it?"

She very deliberately stopped talking. It was hard, holding herself back. There was just so much to talk about, so much on her mind, so much to contribute! The diminutive ensign looked eleven inches up, meeting the confused look in the chief engineer's now golden eyes. She nodded at the object he still held. "The unicorn's horn?"

K'aratrh allowed a smile to creep across his face as he handed the horn back to the nervous Ensign. He was going to enjoy keeping an eye on this one. "Permission granted, Ensgin."

"Good. I'll make three, one for each away team and a spare, just in case." She bit her lip and held her breath, a technique she had developed in the academy to keep her teachers from getting dismissing her in exasperation.

K'Tan couldn't tear his eyes away from the mirror.  His normal brown skin tone had been changed into a brilliant bright red.  The medtechs had also stimulated his hair follicles; as a result, his hair had returned to the length that he had worn before arriving aboard the Arabella.  His thick, braided locks were once again confined by a pony tail that  hung down to just past his shoulders, but his hair's normal black color had been changed into a vibrant, liquid silver.

The hair was tied back in a manner that left his new ears entirely exposed. They were tapered and pointed like a vulcanoids, but were several times longer,their tips extending to just beyond the top of his head and tilting slightly back.  An intricate pattern of minuscule, squiggle-like marks covered the outer edge of each ear.  On his right ear, the pattern continued on to his face; the entire right side was covered with slightly larger versions of the indecipherable writting.  The pattern went down to his chin and up to his hairline, and ended at the edge of his nose.

K'Tan stared into the reflection of his eyes.

His iris color had been changed to a piercing green that strongly contrasted his new hair and skin, with a thin black border that separated the iris from the whites.  His pupils remained black, but seemed elongated and almost catlike.

The Chief Tactical Officer set down the small mirror, and turned to his desktop LCARS display.  Pulling up the roster of away team members, he began to move names around, trying to come up with a scenario that would provide the most balance to each of the two teams.  It was a given that Commander Sevryll and Captain Quinn would have the final say on the composition of each team, but he felt confident that they would consider his recommendations. 

"Jade?"

D'Callan sat alone in his room looking at his image.

"I'm Jade!"

He couldn't believe his skin colour was Jade. Looking to the side he flicked his pointy ears, his eyes were both blue, the contact lens now hiding his grey eye. This he liked, it had been a long time since his eyes matched. The hair though, no. D'callan did not like the blue hair.

"I look like bloody football freak."

Standing up he looked at himself in the long mirror and turned round.

"No wonder i'm still single"

He smiled slightly and bowed to his reflection. Looking around his room he suddenly thought of something.

"Computer  what is the location of Lt K'tan"

The computer answered back.

"Lt K'Tan is in his quarters"

D'Callan laughed at the thought of K'tan staring in the mirror in disbelief. D'Callan sat on his bed chuckling to himself and gazed at the photo of his wife. The smile stayed on his face.

"You'd have enjoyed this love"

Lt. (JG) Akhibar Otak sat alone in his quarters, the desk in front of him illuminated by the adjustable spotlight shining down on it.  Laying across the desk was his prosthetic right arm, a coldly gleaming reminder of his life-altering mishap in the engineering room so long ago. 

While serving as an engineer aboard the USS Antilles, Otak had foolishly tried to singlehandedly stem a reactor coolant leak.  Ironically, the attempt, while successful, had left him literally 'single handed'.  Just a few stray drops of the violently corrosive fluid had splashed onto his right arm, and within moments, the arm had melted away into a mangled bit of flesh that even the Federation's most brilliant minds had no hope of saving.  While he had recovered physically over time, the incident had been so emotionally scarring that it had cost him his marriage, and had instilled in him a deep seated fear of starship engine rooms.  The incident had opened a new door for him, however; he had discovered within himself a talent with ship-mounted weapons systems.  But although he had come to accept his new role in Starfleet, he still had occasional trouble accepting the plastic and metal replacement arm that had been given him.

Otak gripped a pair of micro-scaled pliers, and pried open an access panel over the arm's bicep.  Beneath the panel lay several bundles of steel-like cables, each composed of hundreds of strands of strong yet flexible elastic polymer.  These synthetic strands were electro-conductive, and acted much like the real muscles of his left arm.  When exposed to a minuscule electric charge, the strands would shorten and contract, pulling the firmly anchored ends of each bundle closer together and causing the artificial limb to bend. 

After some gentle probing, he discovered a strand that had frayed; bits of the damaged wire had unraveled to mingle with the surrounding fiber strands.  As his probing continued, the arm twitched, and the hand at the end of it began trembling uncontrollably. 

Otak sighed, and grabbed a molecular welder.  Slowly running the beam of the welder over the offending fiber, he eventually managed to repair the damage, returning the strand to a factory-new condition.  The trembling of the hand gradually ceased.

Satisfied with his work, Otak lifted the limb and guided it back into the metallic housing at the end of the stump of his right shoulder.  With a soft clank and whirr, the mechanical and electrical fittings sealed, locking the artificial limb into place.  The Junior Lt. stood, absently smoothing down the sheath of synthetic skin that covered the arm.  After a quick glance in the mirror, he decided that he was presentable.  He slipped on his uniform tunic, and headed out into the corridor of the Arabella.  His duty shift in Tactical was scheduled to begin in thirty minutes. 

Ensign Dunn walked out of sickbay feeling completely out of sorts. The surgical alterations has been brief and painless, but he just couldn't get beyond the dramatic change, although temporary, they had made upon him. Why couldn't he have been black like Lt. Commander K'arath, intimidating and fierce? Or red like Lt. K'Tan, he looked a warrior from an ancient Indian culture on Earth. Instead he was....
He ran directly into Counselor Margon who was exiting a turbolift. The Counselor looked at Dunn and burst out laughing in that good natured way he always seemed to have.
"Ensign! Why, you are.."
"I'm blue," he replied sheepishly.

Korridan was walking back toward his quarters in the hope of catching some sleep when he spotted Hooch merging into his hallway.  He called out to him, "Hey you old redneck, whats with the Dufflebag?"  The grizzly old man looked startled, "Oh there you are, I was hoping I would catch you before I go..."  The Bajoran raised an eyebrow, "Go where?"  Short of breath he answered, "Starbase 35, Commandeer Brennan asked for me by name," the tall grey haired man smiled, "can you believe that?"

They walked in silence for awhile neither saying anything, words were not really necessary.  They both shared a deep respect for each other and had each suffered a hard lot in life, which gave them an even deeper bond.  Finally the gravely voice of the mountain man broke the reverent silence, "your not going to get all mushy on me are you?"  The Bajoran smiled, "Nah, I thought I might just grab ahold of your leg and cry and beg for you not to go when you try and board the runabout."  They stood in front of the turbolift doors and laughed.

Their laughter ended when the doors opened, and a blue elflike creature exited the turbolift and walked past them.  They stared in wonder at it until it rounded a corner, it must have encountered others down the hall because they could hear giggling.  Hooch looked to Korridan, "PLEASE TELL ME YOU SAW THAT!"  Korridan smirked, "What?"  He turned to the nervous moonshiner, "The Blue Elf?"

  The tall mountaineer relaxed, "What is it with this ship?"  He entered the turbolift,"First it was Knights and Damsels," he leaned on the wall of the turbolift, "now it is technocolored Fae..."  Korridan entered and stood beside the him chuckling.  Hooch droned on, "what is next?" he rolled his eyes, "giant spiders?"  Korridan groaned, "Oh, don't even get me started on the spiders..."  The bearded hunter turned to Korridan with his eyes wide, "Man I'm getting out of here just in time..."

As the doors closed Hooch could see a Jade colored elf walk by swinging a cricket bat in his hands, "Jesus, Mary and Joseph!"  His voice could be heard as the turbolift descended, "It is one thing to see elves when you are drunk, but when you are as sober as an Amish Librarian..."

Lieutenant Commander James slowly walked the deck of the lower shuttle bay as the shuttle bay teams finished loading supplies onto the three ships that would serve as foundation of the away mission.

Rina Grant, now disguised as a ebony skinned elf, sat aboard the Tiberius runabout and completed that last of her preflight checks. While her time on the planet would be confined to the runabout and communications between the base sites, the modifications were made in the even of some sort of emergency that would require her to depart the ship.

Rory James, still in her normal appearance, readied the Aurora and double checked that her own modification program was ready to activate. As a photonic lifeform, she was one of the few people on the ship that had the ability to quickly adjust her visual look, once the new look had been properly programed into her matrix.

"Computer, notify the captain and XO, that all ships are ready to depart and ready for away teams to board." Aeric said aloud. The flight crew had done their jobs well and it was now up to the pilots to get them down to the surface. With limited sensor ability, he had to rely on the people that he knew had a better chance to get the ships into suitable landing sites.

Dr. Peterson was in sickbay checking the supplies that he would bring on the runabout, he made sure that he had all the equipment necessary to perform any type of medical surgery required in the primitive environment that the crew would be in. He was trained in all the advanced techniques, but also prided himself in the ability to perform those same surgeries in less then ideal situations.

He left his office and proceeded to say goodbye to his wife Myella. She stared at him for a moment, then gave him a big wet kiss as she whispered in his ear telling him to be careful and to come back safely.

Casey looked into his wife's eyes and said I will my love as he chuckled, " besides I would be afraid as to what you would do to me if i did not".

Peterson grabbed an Antigrav unit and had an orderly load up the supplies on the antigrav unit and then proceeded to the hanger bay to load up his supplies into the runabout.

The away teams' surgeries were now complete, leaving Ryla a chance to relax a moment. She headed to her preferred table in her favorite place on the ship, and accessed a message she received from the friends she left behind in Guatemala City. A moment later, George and Pepe appeared on her PADD, causing the Trill to don a large dimpled smile. "¡Hola, Ryla!" said George in his delightfully accented Federation Standard. The stocky, dark-haired man lifted his pudgy brown and white dog to the viewer, as the dog barked mirthfully at the sound of Ryla's named. "Hola" she replied quietly, despite the fact that the message was prerecorded.

Instantly, her friend began a familiar prattle about Pepe's health and his allergy to Mrs. Delgado's cat, "Adagio". "You know how he loves felines, but the feeling is never mutual." George began every conversation with that line, when Pepe's allergies were the main topic.  "Adagio is a volatile Persian, as you know, and I think he may have gotten some of his dander on Pepe again. That cat  sprang on poor Pepe from the stoop this afternoon! I swear, I think he's out to kill my dog!" The last time George told her about one of his dog's mishaps, Adagio had leapt from a second story window to pounce on the Chiuaua, as the two were headed outside for a morning walk. "Pepe was frightened at first, but when he realized it was just Adagio he stopped barking and started sniffing." He lifted Pepe and pushed him towards the screen so that Ryla could see the dog's runny nose and watery eyes. Like the last time, the canine's bulging brown eyes communicated a silent humiliation. And like the last time, George turned the little dog back towards himself to touched noses with him. The poor thing released a whimper of quiet disgrace as his master began speaking baby talk to him, "that's when I think Pepe may have inhaled the dander...yes he did.... Yesss he diiid."  The dog sneezed, and George shifted the pooch back to his lap once more.  "Anyway, he's been sneezing ever since, and his eyes are all gookie again... As I've told you before, Pepe is very sensitive. Ryla, the vet won't prescribe any antihistamines. I was hoping you could forward a prescription to the pharmacy... he suffering."

She smiled at her friend and sighed as she and George simultaneously uttered, "I'm a people doctor... not a puppy doctor."

George's prerecorded voice continued, "I know, I know, but I thought you might help him anyway."

Ryla put the PADD down and ordered a raktajino from J'Dan. She took a sip and thought about the last cup she had. The Trill smiled at the thought and began her written message to her friend, "Dear George and Pepe, I miss you both immensely. I am sorry to hear that Adagio refuses to befriend you, Pepe. Perhaps his opinion of you would change if you offered him a mouse." She laughed at her own joke and bit her bottom lip as she considered her next line. "I will speak to Doctor Fernandez about an allergy medication. She owes me a favor anyway. If it hadn't been for me, she would never have been admitted to that club where she met Jose."

"The Arabella is a beautiful ship. When we come back to Earth, I will make sure to give you two the grand tour. The people here are very friendly. There are several officers from Tiberius aboard, and all of them have come by to see me in Sickbay for a physical...well, everyone except for the captain that is. Though he did come by for a 'procedure' that I'm not privy to tell you about right now."

"I had a raktajino for the first time last night. It was quite good, in fact I'm having another one right now. It's a lot like Espresso. If it hadn't been for Lieutenant Commander K'Tan, I may never tried the beverage. He invited me for a cup after I saw him in Sickbay. You would like him, George. He's extremely... interesting. Well, I have to get back to Sickbay. I look forward to hearing from you again. Take care of Pepe. Sincerely, Ryla" 

She finished off her cup of Klingon java, waved good-bye to J'Dan and returned to Sickbay to finish her shift. "Maybe Mackie will come by before she leaves", she thought as she stepped into a turbolift.

Quinn walked down the corridor greeting crewmen as he passed. At first it bugged him that everyone would take a double take and stare but then he remembered his alterations and laughed to himself as a young Ensign passed by with her mouth hanging open. Quinn nodded as she passed.

Moments later he entered his quarters and found Nic laying on the couch reading a book. As Nic's eyes looked over the top of the book and saw Quinn he immediately dropped the book and jumped to his feet. Quinn gave him a big smile, which calmed Nic down. "Nathan is that you??" Quinn held his arms out wide and turned around. "What do you think?" Nic walked over, "you're turquoise", he said as he walked around Nathan. Nic took a closer look at the ornate tattoo that started at the base of Quinn's neck and wrapped around his neck once before heading down to the small of his back. Took then looked into Nathan deep purple eyes," I just have one question", Nic said with a smirk, "How far down does that tattoo go?"

joint post by iceman and moyer777

"Counselor Margon to Peterson" said the Bolian.

"Peterson here" Casey answered. 

"I was busy getting things ready, is there a chance you could do my alterations?"

The Dr. was busy loading things up but agreed to help the counselor. 

"Well at least we don't have to change your color!"  he said with a chuckle. 

"Yes, but I was thinking of a bright red?"  he responded.

"I have a couple of things to finish and I will meet you in sickbay, Peterson out"

Casey Arrived in sickbay and showed his friend to the nearest biobed. The surgery took aproximately 1 hour too complete.  When the procedure was completed the Bolian was now a bright red in colour with silver grey long hair and tatookes going down from his left ear and neck and ending up across his left face. Peterson handed his friend a Mirror and waited for his his response.

"WOW!" exlaimed Margon.  "That is something! You won't miss me from a mile away!"  He chuckled and thanked the Doctor.

Dr. Peterson looked at his comrade and asked him why he waited so long to do the alterations.
"I was busy talking to some of the away team.  There are always concerns right before we plunge into the unknown.   It seems that many are really excited for this mission."

As Korridan escorted his friend to the shuttle bay he couldn't help but ask, "What was the name of the Commander that requested you again?"  Hooch answered proudly, "Brennan, why you think you know him?"  The Bajoran mused aloud, "Is he bald, got beady eyes and bushy eyebrows that look like angry caterpillars?"  Hooch snorted, "Well yeah, I guess you do know him..." 

Korridan chuckled and shook his head.  Hooch stopped and stared at him, "look if you got some inside dope, you better tell me."  Korridan just smiled like a cat that had cornered his meal.  Hooch grumbled and shoved past him into the shuttle bay.  The Bajoran followed him, "You wouldn't believe me anyways, you'd just think I was trying to get even for all that nonsense you were trying fill my head with about Shyn." 

Hooch stopped and looked back at his friend with a concerned expression on his face, "You still don't want to believe it do you?"  The Bajoran grimaced, "I don't think it is about wanting or not wanting to believe it, I just don't see any evidence of it."  Hooch shrugged, "Hmm, well I guess that is the way it always is, it is obvious to everyone except for the two it is happening to."

The attention of the two tool pushers was diverted when a sleek arrowhead shaped craft entered the shuttle bay.  Hooch grinned like a Cheshire cat, "I think that is my ride."  He started toward it, "I'll keep in touch buddy, I'm just down the street."  He nodded towards the shuttles, "take good care of my babies, "and don't let Rina give you a hard time."

Korridan watched him board the Arrow Class Runabout, "Rina never gives me a hard time, because I never refer to her as *ahem*'Sugar'*ahem*."  Hooch dropped his dufflebag near a seat and turned to Korridan, "Yeah I guess that would do it wouldn't it?"  Korridan leaned on the entryway, "You are unmatched in mechanical skills, but your people skills have always left a lot to be desired." 

Speakers announced the runabout was about to depart, the outer doors began to rise.

Hooch spoke to Korridan hurriedly as the runabout's entryway door began to close, "You want your evidence?" he grinned, "watch what happens the next time she comes near you."  Korridan looked puzzled.

The door closed.  Hooch got right up to the portal so the Bajoran could read his lips, "Her fur changes color."

The runabout left, stealing away his friend, and taking the only person he trusted away.

He felt very alone.

Joint Post by Just X and Jen

Sevryll spent the remaining time reviewing her roster of away party members and packing what little she could take on the trip to Ter'Oss. They were now approaching the planet and the teams were completing their preparations.

Saying good-bye to her children now, after her transformation, would only frighten them. Sevryll spent the night before with M'rynn and N'vall, reading them stories and watching them play with the dog that Aeric created for them. She said her good-byes then, and hoped that the private moments she spent with her toddlers would be memorable to them in the future.

The concern that they would be left alone, weighed heavily upon the Vulcan and was the primary reason she had resigned from Starfleet after the virus. Their father could not leave Section 31, and it was likely his employment status would remain the same for many years whether his children needed him or not. That left her parents to care for them, in the event that she was lost. They were older now, and her father's condition was far from healthy. Sevryll pushed the worry from her mind and tried to focus instead, on the enjoyment the twins would find in stories she planned to relay to them regarding the Ter'Osick.

Clad in a brown wool bodice trimmed with decorative ribbon, a cream-colored chemise, brown bracers and leather boots, she lifted her bag and left her quarters to meet her team in Shuttlebay Three.

The inside of the shuttlebay was abuzz with activity. Crewmen and officers worked hand in hand to direct passengers and equipment to the correct ship. Aria James sat on one of the many cargo boxes in the bay and looked over a rollout brown leather case that contained what would be her medical tools for the assignment. They would provide a higher standard of medical care, but the risk of exposure would be minimized.

While not feeling entirely like herself, Aria used the new look to become a new person. This version of her was not going to let her fears hold her back. She almost lounged on the container in her dark blue leather pants and short sleeved shirt, that were almost painted on her. Over the tight yet flexible leather like material, she wore a loose fitting coat of the same material and color. Had the outfit been red, it could have easily doubled as a klingon wedding dress. it had been one chosen for several reason, mobility and their distractive properties being only two of them.

If combat occurred, she could shed the coat and free herself of any extra fabric that might give an enemy an edge. Next to her rested a pack of a similar color that contained a few additional items that she might need for success of the mission.

She ran a finger through her lavender hair, tucking a few of the stray strands behind her ear and then continuing to trace her finger tips over the tribal tattoos that ran from her ear and down her neck. She stopped as her fingers hit the collar of her coat, but knew that the marking continued down her arms, shoulders, and almost the entire length of her spine.

The willowy first officer stepped beside the humaniod she sensed was Aria, for her appearance definitely did not clarify her daughter's identity. Sevryll glanced down at the kit the other examined on her lap.  "Is everything in order?" asked the elder woman in a soft alto.

"It is. Someone will need to inform the doctor that we can't bring half of sickbay on the shuttle, but I have what I need if things go bad." She said as she hopped from one of the many medical containers that would need to stay behind. "If things get terminal, we can make use of the Aurora med center, but I hope it doesn't come to that."

Aria folded the leather case and stowed it in the pack that still rested on the container. She had decided that it would be best to travel light and her choice of equipment reflected that.

"What are you bringing on the mission?"

Sevryll arced an eyebrow at Aria's irritated tone and glanced to the individual that she suspected was Doctor Peterson—now a bright blue being who carried a large pack on his back. "I will speak to him." She glanced back to her daughter and listed the items she had brought, holding them out for Aria to see as she described their uses, "a commbadge disguised as a broach, a hand held holographic imager for the purpose of capturing images that our teams will study in the holosuites—also disguised. And a dagger."

She put the items back in the pack and slung it over her shoulder, then sheathed the dagger kept in a shoulder harness under one arm.

Aria nodded at her mother's selection of equipment. "I believe that the people that have some idea of what to expect on a covert away mission will pack their gear accordingly. Were it not for my own experiences on Romulas, I would be lost on what to bring."

Aria checked her own daggers that were sheath on each hip, they were the only visible weapons she carried, but she was sure not to bog her movements down with too many additional hidden ones.. "I fully expect many on the teams to pack far too much or not enough. Has the team assignments been issued yet?"

"Yes," replied the commander as she lifted her PADD and read the roster aloud, "Doctor Peterson, Lieutenant D'Callan, Counselor Margon, Lieutenant Witko, engineering, Ensign Dunn, and Ensign Tev-Awash, science, will join the Captain. Chief Korridan will pilot the runabout Courage of Tiberius.

Lieutenant Commander K'ararth, Lieutenant Commander K'Tan, Ensign Spring, Ensign Fissual, science, Ensign Talon Bowers, security, and yourself will join me. Master Chief Rina will pilot our runabout the Shadowfax."

She looked back toward the ships as more of the away team began to congregate near by. Ahead of them waited the Courage of Tiberius and the Shadowfax as the flight deck crew directed the away teams to their ships. Rory and the Aurora were already primed for takeoff.

"Each seems a fine team," Aria said and hefted her pack to her slender shoulders. The two Ter'Osick females strode toward the group.

"Indeed," replied her mother. Commander Sevryll then discussed the crew roster and final preparations with Aeric as they awaited the Captain's arrival.

Aeric could only be amazed at the beautiful fae-like creatures that strode the deck of the Arabella. He could easily notice his daughter, but the others took some getting used to.

In his office on deck 14, K'Tan was wrapping up his prep for the away mission. He walked to the mirror and twisted at the waist, testing the fit of his new garb. 

His pair of dark-brown pants hung loosely.  Their hide-like texture appeared well maintained, yet had the suppleness of well-worn leather.    The pants ended in a pair of leather-like boots of an even darker brown.  His torso and arms were covered by a formfitting black shirt which stretched to conform to his every movement.  Over the shirt he wore a coat-like garment made of the same material as his pants.  Colored a deep, walnut brown, the coat ended at mid-calf, giving it an almost robe-like appearance. 

K'Tan's unobtrusive, earth-toned outfit struck him as being designed to blend in with the shadows.  The only concession made to ostentation was the series of small, burnished silver chevrons that traversed the edge of each of the coat's lapels.  The only other ornamentation he wore was what appeared to be a stone carving of a Ter'Osik fertility symbol, hanging from a strap of leather draped over his neck.  In actuality, the pendant was a miniature communicator, which should hopefully provide an unobtrusive means to maintain contact with the other away team members. 

K'Tan slung a midsized rucksack over his shoulder.  Contained within were several bladed weapons designed to mimic the aesthetic of the Ter'Osik, as well as a minimal change of clothing.  Twelve of Lt. Otak's phaser targeting emitters were sewn into the lining of the sack,  along with several yards' worth of tightly coiled, high-tensile cord.  Several extra communicator pendants sat in a side pouch of the pack, should any other team member need one. 

As he headed towards the exit, K'Tan grabbed an ebony colored staff.  Designed to look like native wood, the staff had a core of ultra-dense titanium, and would be able to shatter stone if wielded with enough force. 

K'Tan glanced at the communicator badge lying on the gleaming obsidian surface of his desk.  Leaning over, he tapped the badge, opening a channel. 

"K'Tan to Otak."

"Yes, Sir," came the reply.

"I'm heading to the shuttlebay," K'Tan said.  "While I'm on planet, you will be in charge of the Tactical Department.  I'm counting on you to hold things together here, and to give Commander James your full support.  Remember; Opps and Engineering keep the ship running, but the Tactical Department keeps the ship alive."

"Understood, Sir," Otak replied.  "You can count on me."

As the office door closed behind him, K'Tan marched towards the waiting turbolift.  As always, he eagerly anticipated the adventure this mission promised, but he felt uncharacteristically torn.  He looked forward to exploring a new world, but at the same time, a part of him longed to remain aboard the ship.

I wonder what Doctor Drett is up to, he wondered idly.

With a sigh, K'Tan stepped aboard the turbolift. 

"Shuttlebay," he commanded as the doors slid closed.

Korridan leaned against the 'Tiberius' runabout, watching the activity in the shuttle bay.  It in many ways resembled the arrival of a traveling carnival, the oddly colored peoples and their assorted strange outfits.  They loaded their gear and then spoke among themselves full of nervous energy.

As more arrived the noise level rose.  And even though there were more people in the bay than he had ever seen, it felt oddly empty.  He shook his head violently trying to shake the unwelcome feeling from it.

A brightly colored elf asked him, "S'matter Chief, didn't get much sleep either?"  The Bajoran smirked and played along, "Nah, premission jitters; you?"  The elf nervously smiled, "Not a wink, I was too wound up about the mission..."  The Chief saw the kids eyes go distant, "Don't worry, kid they train you people well at the Academy," he smiled reassuringly, "if the hammer falls your training will kick in, you'll do well."  The elf nodded and smiled back, "Thanks Chief."

The noise level rose again and yet nobody else had entered, his eyes scanned the room; it must be about time to depart.  The elf watched the others slap each other on the back and split up into teams each heading to their assigned ships, he rose and went inside the runabout.

Korridan watched him go inside and then realized, "I have no idea who I just talked to."

Dr. Peterson was not surprised that some of his gear was not allowed on board the runabout. It was an occupational hazard trying to anticipate the medical needs of a crew, on a mission that had very little and sketchy information to begin with. For the most part, the crew would be going in blind, and would have to rely on their skills and training to adapt to any situation that came up.

No one faulted the doctor on his over zealous packing of equipment, In fact, Sevyll certainly expected it, as she had come to rely on his medical skills as a surgeon and a doctor., It was one of the reasons he was on this mission, his medical skill as a surgeon was second to none and if their were injuries she did not want anything but the best patching up the crew. It was really the reason that all members of the teams were chosen, because they were the best at what they did and would sacrafice themselves for success of the mission and the safety of their crewmates.


Peterson looked at his crewmates, they were a good team that included Lieutenant D'Callan, Counselor Margon, Lieutenant Witko, Ensign Dunn, and Ensign Tev-Awash, Chief Korridan and the Captain. They were all well trained in their fields of specialty and would be very helpful on this mission.

Dr. Peterson really hoped that their was some other reason for the sudden advancements that had taken place on the planet below, other then the scientist, otherwise the damage that had been done to this planet could have far reaching consequences not only for the people planet side, but for the Federation as well. History has shown the Federation that no good comes from such meddling.

Acting ensign James took her seat in the runabout and began to formulate her ideas on a PADD that she would leave on the ship. Data and text seeming formed from nothing as she used her ability to link to the system to transfer her thoughts.

Her thoughts were focused not only on the completion of the mission, but on how to use the information to create a system that would allow greater success missions on these types of missions. She was reborn with a measure of skill that was far beyond her age and she had the need to apply that knowledge.

She smiled politely as the others took their positions on the ship. When she saw that Rina had taken the same coloration as herself, she chuckled. Her father would more than likely suggest that they had been spending too much time together.

"How are you feeling chief?" Aria asked their pilot.

"I'm actually feeling good." Rina replied. "I think that this is going to be a good chance to really put this interface to the test. It's going to be more difficult to put her down without the normal sensors, but I'll get us there."

"Good to hear."

"How are you holding up?" Rina asked with a bit of concern in her voice.

"I'm doing fine. My emotions aren't overactive and I'm ready."

Rina nodded. In the time that she had gotten to know the girl, she learned that Aria might be half vulcan, but she didn't have a normal vulcan's emotion restraint. Rina saw the girl as more a throw back to the time to before the awakening. Sure the kid could use her tech to deaden her emotional range, but without it, she could burn with a fire that could be frightening.

Aria had the passion and fury of a warrior, but it was tempered by a mind of logic and the hands of a healer.

"I think you'll do well down there kid." Rina said. "I'm going to start the preflight countdown."

Aria nodded and returned to her work. She liked keeping herself busy and her proposal was doing just that.

K'arath put the finishing touches on his costume for the mission. He wore dark brown leather boots which came up to his knees, the black trousers tucked into them at the top. A white buttoned down undershirt was worn beneath a leather top shirt with ties in the front and long tabbards. A large belt was around his waist and cape of dark green was clasped at his neck.

Beneath the cape, K'arath had concealed his b'atleth, the ships library computer assuring him the bladed weapon would not seem out of place on the planet. He hoped he wouldn't have to use it or the daqtagh dagger hidden in his boot. In a small pouch on his belt was concealed an Engineering Tricorder and his combadge.

Satisfied he was prepared, he made his way down to Main Engineering to check on Lt. Took who would be in charge while he was planetside. He had the utmost faith in the young man who had proved himself time and again. Ensign Skyes would have ample opportunity to keep him on his toe's as well. His next stop would be the shuttlebay and to meet with with the First Officer who would lead his team.

As the Away Teams assembled, Lieutenant Zremm was continuing to work on the sensors.  Currently he was on his back under the science station on the bridge.  The LCARS station's panel could handle almost any new configuration or task but in order to feed multiple probes signals in at varying intervals and frequencies he had to make a few adjustments to the power relays.  And actually, Zremm enjoyed 'getting his hands dirty' from time to time as the humans liked to say.  He was becoming slightly frustrated with the modifications though.  His simulations had not been going well.  He was able to punch through the interference from the simulated Ter'Oss, but only for extremely short intervals.  After which a new wave of interference would disrupt the signals.  He was trying to compensate for this by setting up a modulating field signal, but it still wasn't having the desired effect he had hoped for.  As he finished hooking the final power coupling his comm badge chirped.  He put down his spanner tool and tapped his chest badge.

"Zremm here.  Go ahead."  He said quickly.

"Lieutenant.  How goes it?"  The soft, friendly voice of Ensign Marie Barton spoke to the Andorian as he closed the science station access panel.

"Not as well as I had hoped, Ensign.  Thanks for asking."  Zremm said, keeping his response fairly neutral.  He and Marie had decided that while on duty they would not be unduly familiar with each other.  But off duty was another matter, Zremm thought to himself as he stood up and sat back down at his station.

"I just wanted to let you know I'm not feeling that well.  I'm going to skip our lunch "meeting."  If that's ok?"  Marie said, sounding a bit tired.

"Are you ok?  You don't sound like yourself."  Zremm said, trying to keep too much concern from entering his voice.

"Yeah, lieutenant.  Maybe just something I ate.  If I don't feel better soon I'll check myself in to sickbay.  I didn't want to bother them right now while they prep for the mission.  I know they have their hands full right now."  She said.

"They've got it handled.  And with several senior staff about to leave we need the rest of us in top shape.  So if you don't feel better soon, make sure you have sickbay take a look.  That's an order, Ensign."  Zremm said, feeling a bit odd giving an order to someone he had become so close to and shared so much with.

"Yes sir, lieutenant.  Good luck with the sensor modifications.  Barton out."  She said and the comm channel went quiet.  Zremm wanted to talk more, but he did have more work to do.  He thought about Marie as he reinitialized the sensor simulation program.  He had a feeling it was going to be a long day ahead.

K'Tan smiled as he witnessed the bustling activity of the Arabella's shuttlebay.  Hanger techs bustled to and fro between the two sleek gray insertion craft, servicing each like ants attending their queen.  Boarding the craft were the motley away teams, each member wearing archaic garb designed to blend in with the planet's populace.  The Lt. Commander shifted the weight of the pack slung across his shoulder, and made his way to the quietly thrumming spacecraft. His night-black fighting staff rapped out a tattoo on the deck plating as its end came down with each footstep. 

He mentally ran down the teams that had been assembled: The Captain's team consisted of Doctor Peterson, Lieutenant D'Callan, Counselor Margon, Lieutenant Witko, Ensign Dunn, and Ensign Tev-Awash.  Their transport would be the runabout Courage of Tiberius, piloted by Chief Korridan.

K'Tan turned his attention to the runabout Shadowfax, piloted by Master Chief Rina. The team led by Commander Sevryll consisted of Lt. Commander K'ararth, Ensign Spring, Ensign Fissual, Ensign Talon Bowers, acting Ensign Aria James, and himself.

As he passed between the two ships, K'Tan gave a nod of acknowledgement to the bajoran pilot leaning against the hull of Captain Quinn's shuttle, then turned to enter the Shadowfax.  Upon entry, he greeted a turquoise-skinned woman at the pilot's seat.  He then quickly scanned the dimly lit passenger compartment.

Seated on the left was another woman; a svelte, athletic officer with skin matching the turquoise hue worn by the pilot.  Her skin tone complemented her arresting, almost metallic looking eyes.  Based on her height and build, K'Tan felt fairly certain that this was the half-vulcan daughter of the Chief of Opps. 

"Ensign James, I presume?" he said, taking a seat opposite her.  At her nod of confirmation, K'Tan pulled one of the carved stone pendants from his rucksack.  "My team put together a set of disguised communicators for the team.  They might come in handy should we become separated."

With a slight, enigmatic smile, Aria patted her traveling pack.  "I already have a similar device, as does Commander Sevryll.  There may be other team members in need, however."

K'Tan put the pendant away.  "I'm frankly quite impressed by your tactical acumen, ensign James," he said.  "Have you ever considered putting your talents to use in the Tactical Department?"

D'Callan took his seat in the shuttlecraft and looked around. He eyed the personal and smiled with satisfaction. He was looking forward to this mission and he felt confident in the away teams. He looked at Dunn who was trying to look like he was not nervous.

"You Ok Ensign?"

Dunn looked at his superior and put on a smile.

"Bit nervous sir."

D'Callan lent forward and looked into Dunns eyes.

"And so you should be. Your nervousness will help you stay alert. You're a good officer Dunn, i have every confidence in your abilities."

D'Callan lent back and examined the pendant around his neck. Looking back up at Dunn D'Callan couldn't help buy let out a small laugh, he threw one at Dunn and then handed some more out to the shuttle crew.

"Lt Otak has excelled himself with these communication devices, carry them with you, round your neck, or round your wrists, whichever is comfortable. This will help us stay safe and secure."

Lieutenant Enapay Witko entered the Courage Of Tiberius and found his seat. His ordinarily olive skin tone was now a jet black, yet the crow's feet at the corners of his bright blue eyes were still evident, as were the laugh lines that accented his chiseled features. Doctor Peterson had offered to remove the creases but Enapay declined, stating that had earned every line on his face in his fifty-five years and he wasn't about to give them up.

The broad shouldered engineer smiled down at the nervous blue female seated beside him on the runabout. Ensign Nareen Tev-Awash was all of twenty-one, and it was apparent that it was her first away mission. The inexperienced Lorillian usually wore a large friendly smile, but at the moment her round, azure face bore an anxious expression. 

She turned to Enapay and introduced herself, "Ensign Tev-Awash, Science," she said in a small voice, as she offered him a hand painted with tattoos and decorated with piercings between each digit.

His smile broadened as he shook it, "Lieutenant Enapay Tashunka Witko, Maintenance Support."

Her hand was clammy and her posture demure. "Don't be nervous Ensign. You'll do fine," he reassured her.

She brightened slightly at his encouragement before flinching in nervous apprehension as the runabout began to move. The Lorillian flushed with embarrassment when she realized the other passengers were watching her. Enapay caught the Counselor's eye and gestured to the Ensign with a slight nod. Margon had counseled the young Ensign early the day before and moved to her side as the ship skated through the bay doors and into the blanket of stars that seemed to wrap the planet below.

Joint post by Jen, Just X, and wraith1701-



Sevryll stepped into the cockpit of the Shadowfax, as the engines came to life beneath her feet. Instantly she felt the pulse of the runabout pounding rhythmically through the deck plates.  Through the viewport, she could see the Courage of Tiberius and her thoughts were drawn to its namesake. The late Akira class vessel and a third of her crew were lost, but their spirit lived on through the Arabella and those who served aboard her. The Captain's runabout was a prime example of their dedication to honor the sacrificed ship. Her heart skipped in her side and she forced back the smile that threatened betray her stoic, jade expression.

Commander Sevryll took a seat next to Chief Rina as the pilot finalized her preflight operations. "Without standard sensors, it might get a little bumpy, but the Aurora is already in the atmosphere finding us landing sites and approach vectors," said Rina as her fingers danced over the console and engaged the neural link of the ship.  She had logged thousands of man hours in flight and on the simulators for runabout class vessels. With the addition of the neural link, it would be far less difficult. A thin metal interface extended from the headrest of the chair, and covered part of her forehead. With a thought, the engines of the shuttle lifted the craft off the deck.

The two runabouts rose slowly, and paused, hovering 3 meters above the pristine, mirror-smooth floor plating.   

As the drifting craft rotated in place to face the sealed shuttlebay doors, the energetic deck gang withdrew to the outskirts of the bay.  The warning klaxon echoed through the cavernous room with two short but blaring bursts of sound, alerting the crew to the impending opening of the shuttlebay doors. The massive doors slowly parted, and the light panels of the titanic door frame pulsed to life with a steady, neon-blue glow-- a shorthand signal to the crewmen that the atmospheric forcefield was now active.

Like a pair of dolphins cast in steel and ceramic composite, the runabouts drifted casually towards the doorway, their twin shadows passing lazily over the deck crew below.  The crewmen craned their necks to gaze up at the ships as they approached the invisible barrier separating the warmth of the shuttlebay from the cold, life-stealing vacuum of space. As the ships swam slowly forward, an almost imperceptible ripple in the air around them marked their passage through the forcefield, and their escape into the freedom of the void.

Liberated from the artificial gravity of the Arabella, the two ships swam out from the starship, then reeled about with a seemingly effortless, casual grace; a testimony to the skill of the pilots guiding them.   As the distant shuttlebay doors slowly closed, the runabouts altered their heading, gradually picking up speed as they made their way to the planet rotating slowly below.

Myella finished her shift in sickbay and went to the observation deck. She looked out the window just in time to see the backend of the runabouts head toward the planet surface. She placed her hand on the windowpane and whispered quietly to herself...

" Dear God please watch over and keep my beloved Casey safe and bring him back home to me "

Myella stared out at the stars for a few more moments then headed back to deck 2 to her quarters.

She decided to send a communique to her parents, as she spoke the words appeared on the computer terminal. She told her parents about the people she had worked with and about Casey going on an away mission and how she worried about him. She was careful not to reveal any details about her husbands mission and went on to say how she enjoyed her life on the Arabella.

Myella finished her communique and felt better that she was able to vent, but knew it would be several weeks before she would get a reply. She decided that she would go to the afterburner for dinner as it would take her mind off her husband for a little while.

Lt. Peterson opened the door to the Afterburner and her senses were rewarded with a cornucopia of smells which were both pleasant and unknown at the same time.

She took a seat at a window and watched as people entered and left the Afterburner. She marvelled at how diverse the crew of the Arabella was. Their were species from every quadrant and planet that were members of the Federation.

Myellas thoughts drifted back to her husband and wondered how he was doing. At that moment a waiter came and interrupted her thoughts by asking her what she would like to order.

She thought for a moment and decided to try the Rigillian Chocolate mouse that her husband had often raved about. A few moments later she was rewarded with a crystal glass that held a dark brown substance that looked like chocolate pudding her mother used to make.

However she was wrong, this substance was heavenly, the rich velvety texture melted so softly in her mouth and slid down the back of her throat, it was like eating a chocolate cloud with fluffy airpockets of white chocolate that burst into more intense flavours of chocolate of varying intensities and sweetness. Myella had never tasted anything like this in her entire life and made a mental note to thank her husband for suggesting this delightful desert to her when he returned from his away mission planetside.

The desert was finished and reordered again by Myella and by the time she finished her second helping she was full and decided to head back to her quarters and go to bed as she had eaten far too much,but she was happy and content and drifted off to sleep easily.

D'Callan had his eyes closed when the shuttle craft left the dock, he held onto his bag and took a deep breath. Ever since he was a child he'd never really enjoyed travelling on small crafts. The movement made him feel somewhat queasy and the spray that Peterson had given him thankfully had begun to work. In his ind the mission temporarily drifted from his mind and images of a three year old Joseph sprung into his mind. There he was sitting on a shuttle coach holding his stomach as it arched round the Blue Mountains of Australia. D'Callan opened his eyes and took another deep breath, he didn't want to think of that three year old version of himself throwing up over his parents. Looking at Dunn, D'Callan patted his stomach.

"Never a good idea to have a fry up before travelling."

He gave his trade mark wink and re-closed his eyes.

joint post by Bryancd and wraith1701-



On board the runabout Shadowfax, K'Tan glanced up as an especially striking figure strode confidently towards his seat.  The man's skin was as black and foreboding as the void itself, and as his piercing eyes swept the seated crewmen, an aura of quiet strength seemed to precede him.  K'Tan felt an odd kinship with the new arrival, and knew immediately that it could be none other than the Chief Engineer, K'arath.

Smiling, K'Tan rose, and grasped the Chief by the forearm.  "Q'pla, Commander!",  the tactical officer said in greeting.  K'arath returned K"Tan's firm grip.  K'arath had been amazed by K'Tan's quick rise through the ranks to his current station, one well earned and well deserved.

"Finally we shall stand together, my brother!"  K'arath replied.  "It will be an honor."

K'Tan pulled out one of Lt. Otak's disguised communicators, and handed it to K'arath.  The engineer studied the device, turning the pendant over slowly in his hand.

"Something to help the away team members keep in touch, should we become separated," K'Tan said.  "As with our standard communicator badges, it also contains an integrated universal translator.  I think it may come in handy; I doubt any of us is fluent in Ter'osik."

The Shadowfax rocked gently as it skimmed the upper atmosphere of Ter'Oss.  Intermittent flashes of blue lit the viewports as the steadily thickening soup of oxygen and nitrogen molecules collided with the runabout's shields.  The ship continued its slow, steady descent; its engines emitting a steadily growing whine as it made the transition from vacuum to atmosphere.  K'Tan and K'arath reclaimed their seats, and within moments, the inky blackness outside gradually lightened; first turning a deep purple, and gradually brightening to a familiar sky-blue. 

K'Tan turned, glancing out the viewport.  A vast expanse of thick clouds spread out below them like an ethereal, pristine carpet of white.  To the west, the light of the planet's sun seemed to set the clouds ablaze; the white of the clouds on the horizon had been turned into an inferno of vibrant reds and yellows.

As he drank in the splendor of the alien sky, K'Tan smiled and quietly gave voice to his thoughts.

"Glorious."

Joint post by Jen and Just X

Aria smiled as she exited the runabout and inhaled the sweet fragrant air on the high plains of Ter'Oss. The deep hum of machinery had been replaced with the sounds of animals scurrying away through the grass and soaring high above. Rina had brought them down at the point where the forest met the plains; the area would serve well as their base of operations.

Violet tinted fruit hung in the trees behind the runabout. Rina's skill at landing had knocked no more than a handful of outgrowth from their limbs. They rolled beneath the ship as the Shadowfax hovered three meters above the surface of the ground to allow the native fauna to continue their lives unmolested; it would remain in this position as a safety precaution.

Despite the fact their small vessel was completely camouflaged, the animals in their vicinity sensed the team's  presence.  Commander Sevryll walked some distance from the ship and gazed up at the early dawn to observe the blue-green sky. She watched with great interest as a flock of bright multi-colored avian, rode swift air currents in accordance with one another. As they preformed their aerial ballet high above, the birds brayed an awkward alarm—a warning to others that danger was near.

The runabout rested roughly eleven kilometers from the nearest settlement. The commander felt it was unlikely that the Ter'Osick had observed their landing, but she could not be entirely certain. Sevryll calculated a three point zero two five percent chance that at least one individual witnessed her team, stepping through a"doorway in the sky."

They were adrift on an undulating sea of scarlet grasses. Sevryll stretched a slender hand to brush the tips of the seed heads as she warily scanned the rolling hills around them, searching for hidden spectators. The open plains offered little in the way of concealment, thus leaving them with no other option than to move out. She flicked a glance to her senior officers before approaching them to discuss their options.

Joint post Startrekfanatic5, Wraith 1701, HawkeyeMeds, Moyer777 and Omra

After leaving the shuttlebay of the Arabella, the runabout Courage Of Tiberius shot towards the southern hemisphere of the planet Ter'oss.  Within minutes, the image of the lower portion of the planet grew to dominate the upper half of the ship's forward viewport.

At the pilot's seat, Chief Korridan glanced up at the spinning orb,and smiled. Seated to his left, Captain Quinn found himself sharing the smile.  Quinn couldn't help but sense the pride the chief took in his piloting skills, nor the joy he took in commanding such a fine-tuned, responsive craft.

Korridan's hands danced deftly over the control interface, slowing the ship's approach.  Moments later, the deck of the runabout seemed to sway gently as Koridan took the ship into a sharp bank, then expertly flipped the craft over to present it's belly to the slowly spinning blue and green planet.

Gazing out a nearby viewport, ensign Dunn looked on as "up" and "down" abruptly traded places, and struggled to suppress an acute sense of disorientation and nausea.  Looking on as his subordinate's blue complexion took on a greenish cast, Lt. D'Callan chuckled.

"Not been on many away missions, eh Dunn?" D'Callan asked.

Fighting to conceal his discomfort, Dunn managed a quiet nod of affirmation.  "I assisted Lt. Commander K'Tan with a project on Vulcan before we joined the Arabella, but this is my first official away mission."

D'Callan, himself still feeling the nausea of travel smiled at the Ensign. K'Tans report regarding the promotion of Dunn had been approved in D'Callans mind but this would be a ideal time for the Captain to see how impressive Dunn could be and so make their case easier.

As the ship drew near the outer boundary of the planet's atmosphere, the hull began to gently vibrate.  In an attempt to distract himself, Dunn hurriedly added, "Actually, I don't have a problem with away missions, Sir.  It's the trip to the mission that is giving my stomach such a hard time."

D'Callan looked at the other members of team and then back to Dunn, he leaned forward and tapped his stomach.

"I'll let you into a little secret ensign. You're not the only one. Next time you go on one of these things visit the good Doctor for a bit of help. Travel sickness gets to us all."

Leaning back he closed his eyes for a few seconds, he opened one of  them and looked at Dunn who had copied him.

As the ship descended further into the atmosphere Quinn's mind made contact with the inhabitant. Millions of voices rushed into his head all at once. He took a deep breath and began with process of slowly filtering them out.

Nathan had never processed the thoughts of these new beings and was having some trouble. He noticed Counselor Margon looking over at him.

"Captain" are you alright?

Nathan rubbed his temples, "I don't know, it's all so confusing.  The thoughts are  overwhelming"

"Perhaps we could give you an inhibit..." as Counselor Margon was speaking he was interrupted as Captain Quinn screamed out in pain and grabbed his head with both hands.  He slumped over with his eyes squeezed tightly shut. "Why can't I stop the voices..."

Far to the north, Commander Sevryll's team was tentatively exploring their immediate surroundings.

Lt. Commander K'Tan made the short jump from the Shadowfax down to the clearing, reflexively scanning the area for any immediate threats.  Ahead, Commander Sevryll appeared to be doing the same.  K'Tan respected the Commander's field-savvy, and reigned in his instinct to shield her.  He knew that the commander was no novice when it came to away missions, and that she could be counted on to exercise caution.

The Lt. Commander glanced around.  The landscape, while vaguely reminiscent of other M-class worlds, was like nothing he had ever seen before.  Staring at the sea of blood-red grass surrounding them, he knew that there was no chance of him forgetting that this was truly an alien world.  Detecting no immediate threat from the local flora and fauna, K'Tan approached the Vulcan First Officer; she turned and acknowledged him with a slightly raised eyebrow.   

"Excuse me, Commander," K'Tan said.  "I have a proposal.  Once we secure our local base of operations, I recommend that we select a small scouting party.  This party should gather as much information as possible about the nearest gathering of Ter'Osick: their societal structure, social patterns, and customs.   Once we have a firmer understanding of how we should conduct ourselves as Ter'osicks, we can attempt our infiltration of the nearest village.  Hopefully, once we are able to insinuate ourselves into their society, we can pick up some clues about the whereabouts of our missing scientists, and how much damage they may have caused."

K'Tan tapped the stone-looking pendant hanging from his neck.   "The communicator badges that my team put together contain an integrated universal translator program, but we should feed as much data into them as possible before we try to actually use them with a native.  The scouting party should therefore also try and surreptitiously record as wide a sample of the local language as possible."

Sevryll's head tilted slightly as she raised an inquisitive eyebrow.  "Go on, Mr. K'Tan."

"Yes, M'am," he continued.  "I don't think it is wise to send a large group on our initial probe; the less people we send, the less likely we will be discovered before we are ready.  I recommend the scouting team consist of myself and ensign James; I believe the two of us have the  best chance of reconnoitering the nearest settlement without being discovered."  K'Tan paused, not sure how the commander would react to his next suggestion. 

"There is one other team member who is relatively inexperienced, but has some innate talents that may help us.  If I understand correctly, Ensign Farmer has a prodigious sense of smell, as well as the ability to produce pheromones that can affect the mood of other sentients. Her senses will help us to detect any approaching natives, and if we should be discovered, her pheromones may help to convince the natives that we are just part of the crowd.  What do you think?"

Sevryll glanced to her daughter. Concern scuffled with logic despite her knowledge of the young woman's skill set. In another timeline, Aria had gained all the experience necessary to be of help to K'Tan. In this timeline that experience was limited and her instincts as a mother drove the wedge of concern deeper.  The Vulcan shifted her weight as she wrestled her apprehension to the core of her being and glanced back to the Lieutenant Commander, "Your logic is sound." She knew he did not require a reminder to be wary, and his exemplary service on the Tiberius reinforced that fact.

Sevryll joined K'ararth, Ensign Fissual, Ensign Bowers and Chief Rina as they busied themselves with preparations. The day was growing older and there was much to be done.

Joint post Startrekfanatic5 & Iceman

Dr. Peterson jumped out of his seat and moved forward to the Captains position, he flipped open his medical tricorder and ran it up and down the Captains form pressing a few buttons as he went.

The Doctor pulled out his hypo spay and injected a neural inhibitor into the Captains neck, this was followed by the customary "Hissss" sound that let the doctor know that the contents of the hypo spray was being delivered into Captain Quinns neck and would be coursing through his blood to soon relieve him of his pain.

Casey looked at the captain who still had his eyes closed "Captain you should be feeling better". Casey paused a moment and grabbed another hypospray and injected it into Quinn's neck once again. Still there was no change. Nathan fought to keep from crying out in pain as the pressure in his head built. Millions of voices all talking at once.

Peterson's face changed from a look of concern to a look of panic. "Take us back to the ship now!!!" he yelled,

Chief Korridan pulled the shuttle around and began to climb out of the atmosphere. The further they ascended the better Quinn felt; finally the voices were completely gone.

Quinn looked around the shuttle, "I'm sorry I don't know what happened, it was as if I wasn't able to tune out the millions of voices... it was overwhelming." Casey ran a tricorder over the Captain's head. "Sir I don't read any anomalies. Everything seems to be fine." Quinn smiled at the doctor, "I'm alright, but something in this planets atmosphere is interfering with my telepathy and my ability to filter the voices out. I will not be able to lead this away mission". Quinn pressed his comm badge. "Captain Quinn to Lt. James", a few second passed. "James' here Captain.. is everything alright?" "Lt. please see Dr. Drett immediately and have her alter you as quick as possible and met us in shuttle bay 2... I'll explain when we get there.... Quinn out."

Doctor Drett stood within the Shuttle Bay Two as the Courage of Tiberius passed through the force field and came to a rest upon the mirror finish of the deck. The willful Trill pushed past the crewman who had been keeping her back, and jogged to the ship before it came to a complete stop. The door opened on the runabout as she rushed forward, med kit in hand. She paused at the base of the short ramp as two men started down.  The alien features of Doctor Peterson were scribed with concern as he turned his gaze to meet Ryla Drett's.

Casey rattled off the drugs he administered and gave her a quick synopsis of the events leading up to Nathan's episode, as they edged their way down. The petite Trill met them half way and slid under the Captain's free arm to aid him.  With Casey's help, she tried to help the Captain onto an antigrav sled that the medtechs brought to the runabout. "No... I'm better now. I'm just a little tiered," he protested.

Ryla flicked her eyes to one side in order to meet the sluggish captain's, "with respect, sir...that's what they all say right before they pass out." He managed a weary chuckle and allowed the physicians lowered him onto the stretcher. Peterson continued issuing medical advice to the nodding Trill as the medtechs pushed Captain Quinn out of the bay. "Yes sir," she said. "Don't worry, he won't leave my sight until I'm certain he's well."

Aeric James quietly lay on the biobed as the medical staff completed the last of his modifications. He rose after the medical teams backed away from the bed and looked into the mirror to review the changes.

His skin was now a deep green with long black hair and haunting black eyes.

"Fantastic," Aeric said as he slid off the bed and looked at the collection of brown leather clothes they had laid out for him. According to information they had gathered, it was a fashionable travel outfit and should allow him to blend into the culture with ease.

While many of his colleagues had decided to follow the path of one of the society's nobles, his calculations assured him that blending in with the commoners would give him a better chance of diverting attention from his presence there. He had attended all of the briefing on the planet, but becoming a part of the away team would require him to plan accordingly.

Ensign Tev-Awash's apprehension became exacerbated after witnessing the incident that necessitated their return to the Arabella. Quinn was the first captain she served under, and the fresh faced ensign looked to him as a sort of father figure. Now that he was ill, her anxiety over the mission transitioned to concern for her captain.

The Lorillian had come aboard  Tiberius as a bumbling newbie, but in the final hours of the doomed vessel, she became a dependable officer. As he struggled to keep his ship and crew alive, Nareen had watched Captain Quinn closely during that trying time. Despite indomitable odds, Captain Quinn had managed to see his crew to safety and save the planet Vulcan from certain disaster. Her blue cheeks flushed as she thought of how childish she had been—worrying the way she had about the mission on Ter'Oss. She set her jaw with renewed determination. Captain Quinn had been there for his crew—she would be there for him now—he needed her. It was essential that she preformed her duties to her fullest, and being a "Nervous Nellie" would not help the team accomplish their goals. In her mind she was fervent and resolute, yet as she glanced to her hands she noted how they still shook nervously. If only she could send a signal to the rest of her body that she was calm, cool and collected.

She smiled sheepishly at Enapay who sat next to her aboard the Courage Of Tiberius. He had been watching her carry on conversation with herself, within the privacy of her own mind. The Lieutenant started to speak, but was interrupted when their new teammate entered the runabout. If they hadn't known that Lieutenant Commander James would take Captain Quinn's place, they would never have recognized him. 

Knowing that the other away team was already on the planet, Aerc wasted no time in giving the orders for the runabout to return to it's previous location.

He mentally process additional information regarding the mission to get him up to speed on any changes they might have been briefed on. Aeric smiled as he looked over the team that they had assembled. As the runabout reentered the atmosphere, he had no doubts that they would succeed in the tasks ahead of them.

"I know that the change in mission leaders is short notice," Aeric said. " but I believe that we can still succeed in the tasks assigned us without further contaminating this culture. Any tools that won't pass inspection as one created in their culture will need to remain at base camp. We need to be swift, professional, and covert for us to be successful. I have no doubts that each of you will perform your jobs with the professionalism and intelligence that is the hallmark of Starfleet."

Ensign Dunn stared up at Lt. Commander James. The Captains sudden illness had made them all anxious, but James put that to rest. He knew K'tan's shuttle was already on the planet and he and D'Callan would be in charge of security for this flight. The responsibility made him nervous, but he had D'Callan to lead him and he had the utmost faith in the man. He didn't want to let them down...and he knew he would not.

joint post by institches, Just X, and wraith1701-



After several hours of marching across the grassy plain, K'Tan, Aria, and Spring neared the outskirts of the alien settlement. The sun had nearly completed its arc across the sky, and dusk was rapidly descending. As the sky darkened, the scattered, glowing squares of numerous windows could be seen in the distance.

Ter'lara, as ensign James would be called on the mission, walked quietly as a hidden sensor nodes displayed the limited information it could gather directly into her line of sight. She marveled as the buildings in the distance. They appeared to be more sculpted than traditionally fabricated. It was as if the city had been built by master artists and craftsmen.

"My father would love this place," she said in her attempt to speak the Ter'Osik tongue. She had reviewed the linguistic database and via her machines, she had become somewhat conversational with the language. She would need to hear far more of it to fully understand the tone and dialects.

Crouching in the grass to the right of the ensign, K'Tan heard her statement as 'Kheli'-safar bekheir chi tashakkor'. He recognized the language as being one of the primary languages of the Ter'ossik people, but couldn't understand it. He tapped the pendant hanging from his neck, activating it.

"Could you repeat that, ensign?" K'Tan asked.

"I said, 'My father would love this place'," she repeated.  Once again, K'Tan heard the Ter'Ossik, but it was echoed by a translation in the micro-speaker embedded in his ear.

"It is impressive," He replied. "The buildings almost look as though they have been grown, rather than built."

Spring listened quietly to this exchange. To her, it was repetition as the two worked out their communication. The universal translator that translated all communication to scent seemed to be working perfectly. It had been built into the decorative prosthetic ears that graced the sides of her head.

Minutes later, the trio lay concealed in the tall grass bordering a cobblestone path. They froze as a rhythmic, clomping sound rapidly drew near. K'Tan slowly reached out a hand and parted the clump of grass immediately before him. As he looked on, he saw a reptilian, horse-sized animal steadily marching down the path. Each of the creature's six legs ended in steel-shod feet which echoed hollowly as they struck the road's surface.

Thrilled to be seeing a non-holographic creature, Spring took in its musky smell as best she could, given that her gill-slits were closed and she was limited to her nose. "Working, alert but calm. Hungry." It had scented them, but gave little notice as she echoed some of its fragrance back.

K'Tan stiffened as the strange mount  seemed to slow its pace.  After letting loose an agitated snort, it resumed its steady march along the road, and K'Tan felt his heart start beating once again.  As the creature traveled on, K'Tan studied the beast's alien rider.

Sitting astride the mount was a decidedly militaristic looking Ter'Ossik male. The alien was covered from head to toe in a stiff, organic looking armor. Overlapping plates of a dark gray, chitinous substance comprised the bulk of the armor; and a helm that appeared to be fashioned from the same material covered the rider's head. The only exposed areas of skin were his emerald-green face and his ears, which protruded from openings on either side of the helmet.

Apparently agitated with his mount's brief pause, the rider gave the creature's haunch a firm pat.  "Come on, girl, hurry up," the man said in lilting Ter'Ossik.  "My shift ends in a half-cycle, and I don't want to be late for tonight's festival.  Lady Silah has promised me the first dance."

The sky transitioned from blue-green to vermillion, as the Ter'Oss sun submerged itself in the sea of grass on the distant horizon. Daylight sank with the Population I Star and took with it, the warmth of the day.  Twelve hours earlier, the sun's rays had welcomed Sevryll by caressing her jade skin with an embrace of heat. Now the cool night air nipped at her like a cornered animal. A bitter breeze stirred, prompting the fine hairs at the nape of her neck to stand on end. Sevryll subdued the urge to shiver, and headed back to the runabout where replicated wool blankets, robes and shawls were stowed. The Vulcan seemed to be swallowed up by the gaping mouth of an invisible monster, as she entered the emitter-cloaked vessel. Striding through the narrow corridor, she soon passed Rina and K'ararth who had begun a game of poker with the crewmen in the ship's small galley.

With their preparations complete, all that remained for her team to do was wait for K'Tan and his small scouting party to return. Chief Rina smiled as Sevryll walked through the room, "join us, Commander," she said as she skillfully shuffled a deck of cards. Sevryll arched an eyebrow at the chief's invitation to sit in on a game. The Vulcan had not played a single hand of poker since her days on the Anasazi, some seven years prior. At the time, the only game she knew was Kal-toh, the Vulcan game of logic. Yet a persistent suitor by the name of David Locke managed to talk her into playing Dom-Jot. When she easily bested him during the first match, he decided to teach her poker.

David often referred to her as a "card shark", even though they never played for money. Little did she know at the time, that the high-stakes wager he lost was his heart. After that, as an excuse to spend time with her, David decided to instruct her in the art of Dabo, tongo, Kadis-Kot, Strategema, Blackjack, Baccarat, Spanish 21 and Dominoes. All were just as quickly mastered.

She could never resist a game that exercised her logic. "Deal me in," she said as she returned with a russet -colored shawl and took a seat between Ensigns Fissual and Bowers.

K'ararth bellowed a hearty Klingon laugh as the Chief exchanged a surprised glance with him. "The name of the game is Seven Card Stud," said Rina as she dealt each crewman two cards face down and one card face up.

joint post by Just X and wraith1701-




On the outskirts of the Ter'Ossik settlement, Aria studied the sentry as he moved past their position. Odds, statistics, and other measures of their possible success rate flowed through her thoughts. Once the mount had moved a sufficient distance, she spoke.

"If I can get closer to one of the natives, I can attempt to discover what this festival is via telepathy. Once we are aware of the custom, we could move our people in without making social mistakes that would cause us to be noticed."

Her heart beat strongly in her chest at the anticipation of deeper discovery. While she enjoyed her work in medical, it was in the times where their boots were on soil and danger in the air that she felt most alive. She thought about her next words carefully and what they might imply. It was the most logical course of action, but it was a course that most full vulcans would not consider.

"We need to incapacitate one of these people so that I might retrieve the information that we need without revealing our presence."

K'Tan was taken aback by Aria's proposal.  His first instinct was to dismiss the idea out of hand.  After all, the purpose of the mission was to shield the Ter'Ossiks from contamination by the Federation, and violating the mind of one of the natives flew in the face of that goal.  Then he thought back on a famous quote by one of the Federation's most celebrated diplomats- "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one".  It was true that Aria's proposed mind probe would likely facilitate the team's blending in with the Ter'ossiks, and therefore aid their mission.  But was the price worth it?  And then there was a more practical question:  Was the young woman skilled enough to  cover her tracks after her probe?

K'Tan turned to Aria.  "Your idea has merit, but I have some concerns.  As I understand it, Vulcan telepathic probes are difficult procedures, best performed by highly trained individuals. Are you confident in your ability to successfully extract the needed information?  And with such an intimate connection, is there a risk of your subject acquiring information from you?"

"I am more than vulcan, commander," Aria said matter-of-factly. "I don't need personal contact to probe a mind and in the event that a meld is needed, it might be possible to adapt our anti-discovery techniques from Romulus to this situation."

Aria pushed a few stray strands of hair behind her ear. "I don't need to probe very deeply to gather information on the culture specific events, but I have considered the possible problems and concluded that an unconscious target would yield the best results."

K'Tan quietly weighed Aria's words.  Time was a factor in this mission; every moment wasted was a moment during which the missing scientists could possibly infect the society of the Ter'Ossiks.  He gave a nod, and said, "Very well ensign, we will carry out your proposal."  K'Tan took another glance at the armed and armored sentry as he and his mount rounded a bend in the road.  "Let's move in a bit closer to the settlement, and see if we can find a likely candidate."

Moments later, the trio approached a lone, isolated structure.  Light spilled from the ring of windows circling the small dome-shaped building, creating an island of light in the otherwise dark night.  From within issued the sounds of drunken revelry; loud Ter'Ossik voices rang out in alternating bouts of singing and laughter.  As they looked on, an unkempt, silver-haired male stumbled out of the building's elliptical doorway.  After pausing to lift a dark-brown bottle to his lips, the man made his halting, weaving way out into the darkness.  As the man stumbled nearer to the hidden scouts, a smile split K'Tan's face.  "I think we have a winner," he whispered.

Aria nodded softly and assessed the target. He needed to be rendered unconscious with the minimum amount of damage and swiftly. she spoke softly. "Ensign Farmer, will you be able to briefly distract the subject using your pheromones? Aroused males tend to ignore all but the obvious when engaged with the subject of their interest. I can then move behind him and render him unconscious while the Commander provides us with a lookout."

Aria then turned to K'Tan. "Is this plan acceptable commander?"

As the inebriated alien stumbled through the underbrush, K'Tan sighed.  There were aspects of the plan that didn't sit well with him, but he knew that it was the most pragmatic approach available.  Sometimes, one had to venture into morally gray territory to protect the light. 

K'Tan nodded. "Proceed."

Joint post by Rico & Jen


Meanwhile, back aboard the Arabella...

"Sickbay," said Zremm as he entered the turbolift on the bridge. The door quickly closed and the lift descended. Even his brief experience in the 'center seat' couldn't relieve the trepidation he felt now. When Doctor Drett asked him to come to sickbay, Zremm's heart had skipped several beats. He knew Marie wasn't feeling well and he couldn't help but be concerned for her. Counselor Margon would probably tell him that his anxiety stemmed from the trauma he and Marie experienced while aboard the Tiberius. Sometimes it seemed that the virus, which had almost taken Marie from him, followed them to this new starship—it was haunting his steps even now.

Zremm found his mind wandering to the quarantine. "Ch'Fras? Is that you?" The weak, soft voice of his Marie woke him from a brief sleep at her bedside. He lifted his blue head from the mattress where Marie had been confined. She looked so pale and fragile. Zremm had a very hard time meeting her questioning eyes, but he was determined to do just that in hopes of somehow giving her his own strength.

"Yes, Marie. It's me. Are you feeling any better after the injection the doctor gave you?" Zremm recalled asking her, after the latest attempt at a treatment made its rounds in the space station's Critical Care Center.

"Maybe a little. My head seems a little clearer. But look at you. My 'blue boy' is a bit green today. I thought I told you to go get some real sleep, in a real bed." Marie said with a slight smile. Zremm was constantly amazed at how Marie could think so much of his welfare, while she herself was so ill. The doctors did find the virus in his system as well, though the disease hadn't adversely affected his body or mind as it had so many others.

The turbolift doors whisked opened before him and pulled Zremm back to the present. When his mind snapped back to reality, he quickly exited the lift and made his way down the short corridor to Main Sickbay. Marie was seated near Doctor Drett within a cramped, muddled office. They were speaking quietly to one another as he stepped through the doorway. Trying to remain calm and keep his voice steady, Zremm asked, "What is it Marie? Doctor, is she alright?"

Marie quickly stood, moved to the tall Andorian, took his hands in hers and looked up into his ice blue eyes.

"We're fine Ch'Fras." She said with a large smile as her eyes began to well with tears.

"You don't seem that way." He glanced to the doctor who stood and offered her chair to the Lieutenant. "Doctor?" he asked.

"Have a seat Mr. Zremm." She replied pleasantly.

He moved to the stool while continuing to hold tight to Marie's small hands, "what did you mean by 'we're fine', Marie?"

"I'm pregnant, blue boy. You're going to be a daddy." She said in a delightfully melodic tone and then embraced the dumbfounded science officer. Zremm's mouth opened but no words came out. After another brief hug and a kiss on the cheek, Marie directed him to the small couch nearby. The Trill quickly removed the various PADDs, lab coats and other clutter from the blue sofa, so that the couple could sit down.
Ryla couldn't help but smile at the turn of events. The virus had taken so much from them all, yet here was a case where it had actually given something back. She hoped the Andorian was as happy as Ensign Barton that this miracle had happened to them. Perhaps his speechless state was due to the fact that his people could not produce children with Terrans.

"How is this possible?" he asked.

"I'll have to run more tests, but Myella and I believe it is due to the virus and its affect on your DNA, Mr. Zremm." Drett said as Marie looked up at Zremm, waiting for the impact of what he had just learned to sink in. After several more moments he seemed to have his thoughts collected.

"That's incredible Doctor. But I was tested just like everyone else before we left quarantine. The virus was gone from my system." Zremm said as the young ensign shifted slightly closer to him.

"True. The virus was purged, but we think it may have altered your DNA. The change was so subtle, so minute... it evaded my detection. You we're one of the fortunate crewmembers. But as I said before, we'll know more after I run a few tests." The doctor said calmly to both Zremm and Marie. Then the Andorian turned to Ensign Barton and smiled.

"How far along are you?" He asked.

"About three months. The doc says everything looks perfect for now. You still look phaser stunned. Are you happy about this?" Marie asked her closest friend.

"Oh Marie, I've never been happier!" He said as he gave the woman he loved more than anything a gentle hug, not wanting to ever let go.

Ryla left her office, giving the couple a few minutes alone together. As she watched them from her duty station on the floor, the Trill thought back upon all the little ones she... no...Drett's hosts had brought into the world. Her dimpled smile shrank slightly as the memories floated into her thoughts like falling leaves. She missed them. Though Ryla had never been a mother, she had felt the bliss that Zremm and Marie were experiencing in that moment. Life would never be the same for them, but it would change for the better.

K'arath had been disappointed at first to not be part of the exploration part, but Lt. Commander K'Tan's decision had been a sound one tactically and he could not argue it's merit. He had been pacing up and down the central corridor of the shuttle like a caged selat, he did so enjoy his encounter with that magnificent cat back on Vulcan. Finally, unable to take much more of his restlessness, Chief Rina had him sit down across from her at the small table in the main hold and broke out a deck of cards, some chips, and a mischievous grin. There game was about to start when Commander Sevryll joined them.
"Deal me in," she said stoically, her face a mask of complete calm and serenity. K'arath knew he was in trouble. The Chief dealt out the first three cards. K'ararth was showing a five of clubs, the Chief had a nine of spades, and the Commander had a Queen of diamonds. K'ararth checked his face down cards and saw a ten of clubs and another five of hearts. He had a feeling two pair would not be enough to carry the hand but decided to raise on the first round of bets. He stared at Sevryll, trying to read her expression and saw only what must be the finest poker face in the Alpha Quadrant.
He knew for sure now he was in trouble... big trouble.

Sevryll examined the cards dealt to her with a casual movement then met the shadowed expression of Lieutenant Commander K'ararth. The Klingon's stern black face remained so, as he worked his square jaw in quiet contemplation. A moment later he nonchalantly toss a few chips to the center of the table. They pieces made a soft clack-clack... clack...clack as they struck the growing pile of colored chips. Without so much as a twitch of his eyes, the Klingon had raised. Sevryll admired his attempt at impassiveness, and would have nodded her approval if she were certain that the gesture would not be interpreted as an affront to his usual mien.

The Vulcan slowly moved her dark brown, deadpan eyes, about the table, making eye contact with each player. It was a strategy she often employed to fluster emotional persons, during games such as these. It wasn't always successful, but the odds were in her favor that at least one individual would find new reason to doubt his or her hand and fold.

In a voice that lacked its usual buoyancy, Ensign Fissual called. A hollow 'clinking', flanked his statement as his chips joined K'ararth's on the table. Rina knew that the Ensign had nothing, but then her own hand was absolutely pathetic. She couldn't blame the dealer's inability to shuffle, because she was that individual.  The pilot smirked in disappointment and folded, turning her upcard face down and discarding the rest. The coated paper cards made a stiff 'fliff' as she tossed them aside.

The game progressed through the night as Rina and Bowers made small talk over the newest advancements in shuttlecraft technology. K'ararth and Sevryll joined the conversation, yet Fissual remained silent. The Ensign didn't want to be distracted by idle chit-chat—he liked to win too much. In an effort to read the Vulcan's thoughts, the fresh-faced Fissual flicked a gaze towards Sevryll. He started to raise, but the Vulcan's tested tactic of quiet intimidation, made him doubt his decision...

"Ahgah," he wailed as he sighed in defeat and tossed his cards on the table. Folding his arms across his chest, he leaned back in his chair and pretended to study the ceiling above.  Sevryll resisted the instinct to arch an eyebrow at his overtly irritated response. "Some people are entirely too competitive", she thought. 

Sevryll and K'ararth were the only players left in the game. The Klingon continued his conversation with Rina and Bowers as he raised. "A strategic move," thought Sevryll. It was exceedingly evident that he had played this game many times before. She found her thoughts drifting to her husband—a skilled poker player by his own right. What would he do in this situation?  The Commander spared one more glance to her hand then met the Klingon's blasé expression. "I will call your bet and raise you...everything," she stated coolly. The Vulcan then pushed the three columns of color-coordinated poker chips to the center of the table. A few pieces fell from the stacks, and she picked them up and dropped the stray chips onto the heap dramatically. A stagy clink, clink, clink rang hollowly in the small cabin.

The slight Trill ran a hand through her short, flaxen hair as she stood before the mirror in her cluttered bedroom. Her white, two-piece pajamas glowed softly in the low light of Ter'Oss, as the orb cast a blue hue through the view port behind her. She turned to stare out at the planet they orbited, and wondered how her friend Spring was doing on the surface below. The Trill hoped that the young Ensign was having the time of her life but felt a twinge of envy. " I know I would," she uttered aloud as she smile down at the blue-green world below. The young doctor turned back to her bed and pulled back the sheets. It had been a long day, and she was ready for the rest that her pillow offered. She climbed onto the soft mattress and buried herself beneath the blankets and, as she stared at the barely discernible ceiling above, her mind thought upon the events of the day. She thought of Captain Quinn, Ensign Barton, Lieutenant Zremm, and their unborn child. She dwelt upon faded memories of past lives that she herself did not live, and fought the visions of Lieutenant Commander K'Tan's charming smile and piercing green eyes. After some time, Ryla turned over on her side and gradually slipped into a world of dreams where she could fly.

JOINT POST BY JEN, JUSTX, BRYANCD, ICEMAN AND HAWKEYEMEDS

Night finally crept in as the cloaked runabout, the Courage of Tiberius, rested on the cliff of one of the two massive red tinted mountains that looked down upon a stone and wood Ter'Ossik jungle city that lay almost two kilometers away. As the day transitioned to night, hot sweltering humidity still clung to the valley below.

Commander James headed to the rear of the ship and looked to the away team that had been gathered. "I know that you have all been getting restless, but we're finally ready to begin our mission. With sensors failing to operate properly, we have had to rely on strictly visual observations. That can only go so far and that is what we're here to resolve."

Aeric took a breath then continued. "We are going to do things the old fashioned way. Optical observations combined with deductive reasoning. We will also be moving a group. It will mean we cover less over all ground, but we can be more through and keep our people protected."

Doctor Peterson looked at Aeric for a moment then spoke. "Commander I have a suggestion, perhaps we should contact the Shadowfax and find out what observations they have made, although some of their observations may not be pertanent, some of their general observations may help us make up for some lost time."

Peterson could see that Aeric considered his suggestion for a moment before replying.

"I would rather limit communications for now Doctor. We have missing scientists that might have communicators. Until we know the location of the scientist and the reason they have failed to report, we risk giving away our findings. We don't know if they are in hiding or captured and right now I believe radio silence should be maintained."

"As I see it, we need to start our own survey." Aeric continued. "We might need to separate the Blate from the commoners to avoid suspicions, but we will depart in one hour to begin."

D'Callan waited for his senior officer to finish before offering his suggestion.

"Sir may I suggest myself and Ensign Dunn here do a small sweep around the runabout. It would be wise for us to do a check before we all leave the ship, One or two of us waltzing around isn't too bad but if we all pile out we're bound to cause suspicion. Once safe in our knowledge we have not been detected we can then let Commanders Sevryll and K'Tan know we have arrived safely."

Commander James nodded slowly. "We have been sitting here for over an hour watching to see if we were noticed. I believe that the runabout doesn't need any additional sweeps, but we can never be too careful. I want to send D'Callan and anyone that can pass for the common caste ahead to scout. We need to limit interactions until we can confirm that what we do know about this planet is the correct information."

Aeric knew that there were scientist there, but if they had gone rogue, what was to stop them from distributing false information to alert them to any attempts of recovery. "Until our information is confirmed, treat everything you know as unverified rumor. Once we have boots on the ground we can better plan."

"D'Callan, take Dunn and one other and find us the best trail to the settlement. Maintain radio silence until further notice."

D'Callan crossed his arms and nodded at Dunn to stand up ready. Dunn's once pale complexion brought on by the journey had disappeared and he now looked ready for action.

He checked his gear for what must have been the fourth time since landing, making sure he was not forgetting anything. D'Callan caught movement out of the corner of his eye.

"You're good to go, Ensign," he said quietly.

"Sir," Dunn replied with a smile.


The Chief Of Security beckoned Ensign Tev-Awash over and the three of them left the runabout. D'Callan quickly looked all around him and the pointed at the two crewmen. He lifted his hand put one finger to his lips to remind them to be silent and then pointed two fingers to the side of a jagged rock. Dunn nodded and held Tev-Awash's shoulder so she would follow him. Lieutenant D'Callan watched the two go. These were young officers, he had full confidence in Dunn. He had recently read Tev-Awash's record and although she seemed slightly unsure of herself, he was impressed with any officer who showed a willingness to try anything. What better way to build her confidence than to include her on the recon team. Nareen's skills were limited to science, so she followed the two security officers closely, just in case they ran into trouble.

D'Callan joined the two crewmen by the rock and looked straight ahead. His eyes squinted and with his hawk like nose D'Callan seemed to blend into a bird of prey searching for his food. He turned to Dunn and smiled and nodded into the direction he had been looking at. Dunn peered over the rock and in the near distance he saw what looked like movement.


Nareen stole a quick look around the side of the rock and confirmed Dunn's assessment. "It must be our  other party," she whispered. "Now what?"


D'Callan looked at Nareen and Dunn.

"Normally I'd go down and join in on a party"

Dunn leaned forward but D'Callan stopped him.

"Not tonight Ensign. We report back to the Lt Cdr and we let him know our findings. We have the path. ."

Joint post by Just X, Wraith1701, and Institches

The cool night air clung to the scouting team like a damp cloak as they watched the stumbling male. Frost escaped their mouths with each exhalation but did little to betray their position in the starlit darkness.

Pheromones, oh, boy. This had to be fast: Mackie had to work from memory and without tools. Even taking the time to pull the scent easel from her rucksack was time she did not have.

As she hadn't gotten within whiffing distance of any Ter'ossik females, much less any in heat, Mackie was going to have to extrapolate and, she gulped, guess. She couldn't use the musk of the male himself; most species sought alternate scents for arousal, something other, something perfect. So she took the only other scent she could think of: the warrior they had spied earlier.  She streamlined the scent, combing out the essential "maleness" and added the commonality she had noticed in the female aliens she had encountered, strengthening that pheromone until it was almost too sweet.

She waited until the signal came from Ensign James. Then she puffed out her cheeks and blew, hard.

K'tan's had whipped around. His eyes were dilated. He swallowed and seemed to take control of himself. He nodded, shakily. "Well done, Ensign," he whispered.

Mackie gave a half-smile. She ducked her head and smoothed her blue candy-floss hair.

Aria rose slowly to her full height, shaking her hair loose and making her seem even more the exotic predator that she was. She nodded to her teammates and moved with exaggerated feminine grace towards the male. She watched him as she studied how best to incapacitate him with the least harm. She had every pressure point memorized and her vulcan physique allowed her to effectively use the nerve pinch on a wide range of targets including the Ter'Ossik.

Aria smiled as the male took more notice of the scent and less notice of her action. Without saying a word, she boldly moved close enough to whisper.

The Ter'Ossik word for hello would be the last thing that he would actively remember as a sensual caress of her hand suddenly shifted into a incapacitating strike.

It was time to gather the information they needed.

The night passed slowly for the scouting party, but the intelligence they gathered appeared to be quite valuable.  Eventually, they concluded their task, and prepared to return to the Shadowfax.  The intoxicated Ter'Ossik lay unconscious in the grass, a huge grin plastered on his face.  If all went according to plan, all that he would remember was that he had had a legendary night of amorous adventure.

The first rays of the sun were peaking over the horizon as K'Tan's team approached the landing site.  The rays warmed the team's backs, and their shadows stretched before them like 3 arrows pointing towards the cloaked runabout.  As they drew near an apparently empty spot in the grassy clearing, a rectangular doorway sprung into existence, drifting in the air before them.  The weary trio slipped through, relieved to be back in the company of their comrades.

As ensign Farmer slumped into a nearby chair, K'Tan and Aria headed to the crew cabin.  Commander Sevryll sat at the compartment's table, along with Lt. Commander K'arath.  Each of the two held a set of cards fanned out before them like a pair of defensive shields.  Their eyes were locked in an intent stare as they gazed over the multicolored poker chips piled high between them. 

K'Tan found the competitive tension in the room invigorating, but was compelled by duty to break it and give his report.  Reluctantly, the Lt. Commander gently cleared his throat.  As one, Sevryll and K'arath turned their heads to regard the red-skinned tactical officer.

"We were able to gather quite a bit of information," K'Tan said.  Sevryll returned her cards to the deck on the table, and gestured for K'Tan to take a seat. 

Across from her, K'arath quietly fumed.  "Great timing, K'Tan," he swore silently.  "I could have won that hand!"  Sevryll arched an eyebrow at the engineer's comment, and K'Tan struggled to suppress a smile.

"First of all, our database on the Ter'Ossik language appears to be complete," K'Tan said.  "We found no inconsistencies between what's programmed into our translators and what we encountered in the field."

"Our assumptions regarding the society's social stratification appear to be on the mark as well," he continued.  "The Brok and the Blate rarely mix, except on a formal level.  There are exceptions, however."

A smile lit K'Tan's face.  "Last night was the first of a series of five nightly festivals.  These celebrations seem to be marked by a prodigious amount of drinking and revelry, and are akin to the harvest festivals held on many other agrarian worlds.  They are aimed at honoring the work done by the society's farmers and manual laborers; for five nights, the nobles pay respect to the contributions the working class make to their society.  During the festival, most societal restrictions are temporarily lifted, and Brok and Blate are encouraged to interact socially.  I believe that this offers us the perfect opportunity to infiltrate the local settlement.  The relaxed atmosphere of the festival should help to mask all but the most glaring social faux pas."

"Excellent work, Mr. K'Tan," Severyll said.

"Much of the credit goes to ensigns James and Farmer," K'Tan replied with a smile.  "They both performed admirably."

The Lt. Commander steepled his fingers on the table before him, his smile growing into an unabashed grin. 

"There's more, Commander.  It seems as though many Ter'Ossiks believe that their world is under attack from 'the spirit realm'.  They believe that witches and wizards walk hidden among them, and many of the more wealthy nobles employ their own private magicians to counter this threat.  The head of the local settlement is rumored to have his own 'Pet Magician'.  A possible showing of this 'Magician' is one of the main attractions of this year's festival."

Dr. Peterson took his spare time to take some samples of the surrounding vegetation. He wasn't sure they would be useful and may have been done by the missing scientist, but figured it would give him something to do.

Casey took his time and gathered samples of grass, shrubs, weeds and some fruit from the trees. After gathering about Twenty differrent samples, he headed back to the runabout to start his initial scans and begin cataloging his samples.

Peterson took several hours to do a chemical analysis of his samples and meticulously logged his finding, he wanted to be sure that none of the local fruit and vegetation would be poisonous or harmful to the crew. When he was sure that at least the samples of vegetation and fruit he had gathered was safe he preserved his samples to be futher studied by the hydroponics lab and reported his findings to Lt. Commander Aeric.

As the light of the sun fell on the city below them, Aeric James sat upon one of the many stones in the area to enjoy the sunrise. His mental contact to technology detected something intermittently, but he could not begin to pinpoint the location.

With a thought, he had transfered the information that they gathered to the Aurora. Rory still worked to give them what she could from her position in low orbit, but there was little new information to consider.

Shortly before he took his position on the rock, he had received a burst data package. It had been transmitted from Aria and relayed through the Aurora in a short burst narrow band communication. As the information decompressed, Aeric stood. It was time to work.

Taking cues from the movements and manner of the natives, Aeric boldly strode into the runabout. His words were sharp, direct, and clipped. "We move in thirty minutes. Grab your gear. Leave any high level technology."

"A 'Magician'?"  Said Sevryll curiously, as she laid her ace high straight onto the table and stood. "I wonder if his first trick was to vanish from the Federation?" Questions flitted through her head like butterflies as she turned to her senior officers. "Rest now, we have a long journey ahead of us."

                                                      ------------

Lead by Lieutenant Commander K'Tan, they followed a dirt path worn into the ground by the feet of a thousand eager pilgrims. They passed many as they traveled to the settlement that K'Tan had spoken of.  Sevryll caught fragments of conversation as the Ter'Ossick hikers passed by. Many spoke of the conjurer who could summon 'mirror spawn' to defend the Principal of Eruback. "His magic is old," they said in whispers blended with wonderment and fear. "He spits magic through his teeth," said a mother to her small children, as they brushed past the incognito band of Starfleet personnel. Whoever he was, he held the reverence of many people in the palm of his hand.

After some time, they entered a maze of stalls and awnings. They navigated narrow paths packed with bins and baskets filled with brightly colored fruits and vegetables. The smell of cooking food and animal excrement assaulted their sense of smell, as the pungent aromas drifted on a light breeze.  Music and voices crowded the air. Venders singing the praises of their wares mixed with dialog from numerous individuals. K'Tan searched the crowd warily as the others took in the sights, sounds and smells of the festival—seeking anything out of the ordinary.

Without warning a cavalcade of playful Ter'Ossick rushed K'ararth. His eyes widened as they enveloped him, chanting the word for 'candy' like hatchlings begging their mother for regurgitated worms. Sevryll heard the disruption and turned to see the Chief Engineer surrounded by a ten children. Apparently his upper class disguise was quite convincing to the youth of Eruback.

As the children swarmed around the Chief Engineer, he immediately regretted his choice of societal class disguise. Red, blue, green, a veritable riot of colored faces looked up at him expectantly, their small hand palm up awaiting a treat. His experience with children did not extend past a few interaction with Servyll's offsspring, and even those moment had been...awkward. His colleagues seemed to be enjoying the moment immensely. K'arath was not one of them

"Children!",he said,"I...uh....I have no candy ." The looks of disappointment were profound. He thought quickly. "But, perhaps you can assist me and my...staff," he said gesturing to the rest of the landing party.
"We have traveled far to see the Magician whose powers are known throughout our land. Could you help us find him?" He glanced over at the Commander who nodded in silently agreement.

Disappointed by the tightfisted Brock and his company of equally stingy staff members, the children dispersed as quickly as they had descended upon them. All but one dissolved into the throng of Ter'Ossick. A small, azure skinned youngster with dark blue hair remained behind to show them the way. "Follow me!" she squealed suddenly as her bare feet carried her swiftly away.

Sevryll pivoted on her heels and followed as the girl scurried past her like a desert rodent fleeing a predator. The Vulcan's copper eyes were set on the child as she weaved through the crowd. Pushing her way through the tangle of festival goers, Sevryll made a mad effort to keep her eyes fixed on their expeditious guide. The jade woman craned her neck in an attempt to see over the mass of people and caught a fleeting glimpse of the girl, "this way!"  Shouted the child.

Sevryll cut her way through the crowd like an angry lirpa, only to have her path suddenly blocked by a cart pulled by a pair of purple beasts. "Fresh Hoska fruit, straight from the Kerritop Mountains!" The crowd pushed in around her, offering fists of currency to the vender standing beside the cart. Sevryll pressed her way around him but was cut off by another merchant who pushed a spiny, red globe in her face. "Straight from the Kerritop Mountains!"

"No thank you." She said, her voice dripping with annoyance.

"I guarantee that any barren woman will conceive after eating the Hoska fruit. How many shall I set aside for you, good lady?"

Sevryll narrowed her eyes at the purveyor of fertility fruit and, as politely as she could, shoved her way past him to search for the child who promised to take them to the magician. 

D'Callan gave his report to the Lt Cdr and headed off with Dunn to prepare the bags. Looking over to Dunn who was again rechecking his equipment D'Callan leaned to him.

"Are you a Virgo by any chance?"

Dunn looked slightly puzzled.

"Why"

"Well you have checked that bag six times so far Ensign. Only Virgo's would be like that, checking and checking again."

Dunn went to reopen his bag again but stopped when he saw D'Callans eye quickly look up at him. Joe folled the cover over his bag and passed it to Dunn.

"Take these outside will you. Oh and Dunn."

Dunn stopped and looked back to see the Lt holding a small bag.

"I'll bring your food sachets that you forgot to pack then shall i."

Dunn turned his head and left to meet the awaiting party, while D'callan followed him smiling.

Mackie jogged a little to keep up with Sevryll. The Ter'ossick child moved quickly, as did her Vulcan pursuer. From a distance she could smell the Hoska fruit, its sour-sweet scent not dissimilar from the yellowfruit that grew in the mating preserves on her home planet. But unlike the yellowfruit, with its complex nuances from tree to tree and bite to bite, the Hoska sounded one note. One strong, rich note. This was unknown to Mackie in the natural world. Could this be evidence of cloning? It was certainly worth investigating.

But how to obtain samples? She had none of the metalized ceramic currency that the crowd was exchanging for the rapidly diminishing supply of spiny scarlet fruit. She looked down at her costume: nothing of obvious worth to trade.

So she did what she did well: she sped up, ostensibly chasing her commander. She allowed the long split tunic to spread out and catch on the vendor's wagon. This, in turn, caught her. She let her weight to carry her forward and she sprawled into the dirt, dragging the short Ter'ossick merchant down with her. Hoska fruit rained around them. Two relatively unharmed pieces rolled close and she quickly tucked them into a pocket before turning to the bemused man.

"Oh, thank you, sir," She blew out a minor version of the seduction scent used earlier. "You saved me from a terrible fall." He stood with a scowl, his face darkening under the deep blue.

The vendor was just beginning to wind up for a good scolding when he caught a whiff of her pheremone mix. "Miss," he toyed with the fertility symbol he wore. "You knocked over my fruitstand. I think a little apology is in order. We can't let this spilled fruit all go to waste..." He picked up two of the fruits and held them suggestively.

Mackie smiled and swallowed, thinking hard. She had just come up with a strategy to unman the obviously worked-up merchant, when Ka'rath appeared beside her. "What business do you have with my servant?" he demanded, his eyebrows lowered, making an already imposing appearance absolutely frightening.

Back to business, the merchant shook the dirty Hoska fruit at Mackie. "She upset my cart! I have a business to maintain," he whined.

Ka'rath placed his hands on his hips, his elbows pushing out the dark green cape and making him appear even larger."Then keep it out of the way of travellers." From out of nowhere, Ka'rath held a coin under the man's nose. "For your troubles..."

The man snatched the coin and jammed it into a pouch at his waist. He turned away and began to redisplay his wares, grumbling, "But she wore no mark..." The crowd closed in around him again, willing to bargain for the fallen fruit as Mackie and Ka'rath hurried to find their comrades.

After being diverted by a merchant peddling fertility fruit, Sevryll lost sight of the juvenile within the diverse pallet of painted people. Pausing briefly to scan the crowd, the Vulcan stood amongst them, like an obstinate boulder in a raging river as they streamed against her. Some grumbled angrily while others made lewd observations as they brushed roughly past. Preoccupied by her mission, she ignored them all.

Just when Sevryll thought they had lost their guide in the sea of celebratory people, she glimpsed the girl standing on a crate of animals, waving fiercely at her team.  The cerulean child waited for them to draw near, before bounding from her perch and dashing away once again.

Though Sevryll enjoyed a challenge, this particular game was highly illogical and becoming old very quickly.  She was about to leave the child to her game, when the girl emerged from the densely packed crowd before them. Sevryll hastened her steps as the teasing tot wove her way through the sea of boots and bare feet. "This way!" encouraged the girl. 

A moment later, the team found themselves at the foot of a craggy flight of outdoor stairs; they scaled them quickly. The chase abruptly ended as Sevryll topped the steps.  Clinging tightly to the leg of a man, who towered ominously over her jade pursuer, the girl proclaimed proudly, "Here he is! Now where's my candy?"

A joint post by Jen and Startrekfanaitc5

"Ninety-eight...ninety-nine.... plffttt."  The winded Trill fell back to the mat.

"Come on doctor, one more." Nic said was a large smile.

Ryla smirked at the Lieutenant.

"Don't wimp out on me now," he said.

"OH, alright. No need to get pushy."

She managed one more sit-up as he held her feet.

Still sitting, she thanked him and leaned back to brace herself on the palms of her hands. Tilting her head to one side the bright-eyed Trill asked, "So, do you work out every morning at this time?" Took moved to sit cross-legged on the mat beside her.

"Yep," he replied as he tossed her a towel.

"Great. Can you hold my feet and call me a wimp tomorrow?"

"Sure, if you'll do the same for me," he laughed.

"Done," said Ryla holding out a hand. The two shook then Nic stood and helped the much shorter officer to her feet.

"Well, time to get ready for my shift. I'm going to drop in on our captain. I know he's avoiding me, but I promised to keep an eye on him and that's exactly what I intend to do."

"Good Luck..." Took laughed as Ryla exited the gym.





She smoothed her uniform and took a breath. It wasn't like her to come to the bridge without an invitation, but it was her duty to care for the crew and the Captain of the Arabella was not exempt. The door opened on the bridge, but Ryla hesitated to leave the turbolift. A few bridge officers turned their eyes in her direction and after a moment, the captain did the same. "I assume you're here to wave that device over me again?" he smiled. "As I've said before doctor, I'm fine."

Ryla shook her head slowly at his stubbornness, and he shook his at her persistence. "Yes. I'm sorry Captain. I just want to ensure that you are free of any residual effects. We're not entirely certain that Ter'Oss caused the episode, which necessitated your return to the ship."

She waited for an invitation to step out of the lift. He read her thoughts and waved her onto the bridge. "You're always welcome on my bridge Doctor Drett," he said.

"I promise I'll make this quick, sir," Ryla produce the tricorder and scanned her patient, who kept his seat. The gentle whirring of her tricorder merged readily with the melodious ambiance of the Arabella's bridge. Her ears found their harmony enchanting and an inherent smile pressed dimples into her cheeks in response to their song. As she absorbed the tone of her surroundings, the doctor examined the readouts on her scanner with interest. The determined captain's bio-signs told her he was perfectly healthy.

Ryla's eyes wandered from the tricorder to the chair that he sat in. The large padded armrests seemed offer their 'guest of honor', a welcoming embrace. The chair's gunmetal-gray, ribbed, leather lining, appeared particularly supple and beckoned her to touch its soft surface.  She had heard the command chair was the most comfortable perch on the Arabella, or any other ship for that matter, and she wondered if the rumor was true.

When the whirring ceased, Nathan looked up from his PADD and caught Ryla studying his chair. "Well, am I going to live, doctor?" he inquired playfully.

"You're fine," she said as she crossed her arms.

"I've been trying to tell you that," he replied. Nathan heard her thoughts and smiled, "have a seat, doctor." He rose and gestured to the chair.

The Trill's doe colored eyes beamed at the offer, "am I that legible?" She asked.

Nathan nodded, "you wear your thoughts on your sleeve. Please, have a seat...but don't get too comfortable."

The Trill's fingers graced the arm of the chair as if testing the temperature of a bath, before she slowly lowered herself into it. The cushioning gave slightly under her lightweight as the diminutive woman met the yielding surface.

Just as she started to relax, it struck her that she was sitting in the seat that housed the brain of the Arabella's central nervous system. The doctor thought of the job that came with the chair and decided its splendid comfort was an insignificant compensation for the awesome responsibilities, which rested squarely on the Captain's shoulders. Ryla rose from the chair, "Thank you, sir. It truly is the best seat in the house, but it comes with a lot of baggage. I don't envy you." She took a few steps towards the lift, "you will let me know if you have anymore headaches, won't you?"

Quinn smiled and gave her a quick nod, "Of course, doctor. Thank you for making a house call." Her smile broadened as she entered the turbolift and turned to face the door, "anytime, sir."

Joint post by Jen, Just X, Bryancd, and Hawkeyemeds

Nareen jumped as a stocky Ter'Ossick male brought the large, wedge-shaped butcher knife down on the neck of a squawking feathered creature. A heart beat later, and its green and blue crested head tumbled into the thick, red, mud that formed at the base of the butcher block. She blinked in horror as the bird's beak opened and closed reflexively— as if struggling to warn the ensign to 'run'. The oblivious butcher continued dressing the animal brusquely, by plucking its pretty plumage. Feathers stuck to his hairy, callused fingers and floated in the air about him as he worked perfunctorily.

"This way," said Lieutenant Commander James as he gently took her by the arm and lead her away from the gruesome sight. To say that she was suffering from 'culture shock' would have been an understatement, for this was Nareen's first visit to any alien worlds other than Earth. Within the Federation, the use of replicators had long ago eliminated the need to slay animals, and though the young Lorillian was aware of such practices, it was quite another story to witness it with one's own eyes. At his words, the young science officer regained her wits and continued to scan the crowd for anything of interest to their investigation.

Against his better judgement, commander James found himself wandering the market of the stone and wood alien city without even a third of his team around. They had been held up in their descent from the mountain and they needed to cover more ground. Splitting the team into three smaller teams was the only option to speed their covering of the ground.

He and Tev-Awash comprised one of the groups. Peterson, Margon, and Witko comprised the second team, leaving D'Callan and Dunn as the final group. He and Tev-Awash were designated the science team and part of their mission was to investigate possible sources of technology or advanced scientific information.

Margon was placed in charge the medical team. Their responsibility was simple. Investigate anyone that might be a non-native in disguise due to discrepancies in their biology or their behavior.

D'Callan's team had the dubious honor of searching the entire city for any sort of physical signs that the missing scientists were in the city. Given the large gathering of people for the festivals, they would need to move quickly in their search.

D'Callan and Dunn picked their way through a small cluster of rocks, suddenly out of the repetitive scenes stood the city. Sounds could be heard coming from the milling people. Dunn walked forward and obserevd the area's they were ordered to search.

"It looks busy Sir"

D'Callan walked behind Dunn to take a look, he took a deep breath.

"Hmmm, i feel Ensign we may have a long day and night ahead of us. I suggest we have a quick bite to eat, we may not know when the next time we get the chance."

D'Callan turned and sat down down behind the roks and searched in his pack for food sachets leaving Dunn to keep watch.

Joint Post by HawkeyeMeds, Jen and BryanCD

Ensign Dunn stood several yards away, watching a small child play with colorful toy rings near a cliff edge. Behind him, Lieutenant D'Callan emptied the food sachets and studied the packets with dubious eyes.
Dunn smiled to his Chief who was inspecting the rations with a disgusted look.

"Is that edible?" asked the young ensign sarcastically.

Joseph sniffed the bowl, "it will have to do till we find something better."

Ensign Dunn watched with concern as the child lost one of her loops
over the rock face. Kneeling he called out,

"Hello, what have you got
there?" 

As she looked toward him, his eye registered movement in the
trees ahead of them and stood up to have a better look. The child who
had been his focus, blurred as his eyes shifted to the seething beast
that charged out of the underbrush. Hot breath steamed out of its
nostrils and blood oozed from a wound on its back. Dunn stole a quick
glance back to the frozen child as the animal's hooves began to scrape
the dusty ground. It bowed its three razor sharp tusks to the ground
and glared at them over a wet snout, which dripped long strings of
tawny mucus. The young man slowly began to move towards the child, who
stood between he and the fuming creature.

The beast sounded a roar that erupted in the valley around them. Clods
of dirt were flung into the air as its hooves vengefully charged the
defenseless child. Instinctively, Ensign Dunn did the same.

The famished Chief of Security jumped up with a start when he heard
the roar, and turned his eyes just in time to see Dunn heading towards
the child. Lieutenant D'Callan then leveled his gaze upon the
rampaging beast. It was going to be close.

Dunn's strong hands managed to grab the child and he tossed her to
safety, before landing with a thud upon the hard, red clay. He rolled
onto his side and lifted his head in time to see the beast tearing
towards him. The angry hooves were unavoidable. Closing his eyes, the
ensign waited for the inevitable pain that the three ton monster would
visit upon him.

Something about the smell of the magician reminded Mackie of an incident in her past. Her mind danced between that and the Hoska fruit "straight from the Kerritop mountains." While the rest of the team were involved in discussion, Mackie could hardly keep her attention on her surroundings.

During her first semester at Starfleet Academy, she had attended various biology classes, but one of her favorites was with an intriguing scientist, Dr. Era-Khellen. Mackie had never met a Denobulan before and she was fascinated with the facial ridges cresting her cheekbones, which exaggerated her every expression.She had taught an intensive workshop on cloning, which featured her work with flora from seven different worlds.

The Denobulan woman had insisted that her technique was so simple, she could teach it to anyone. "Cloning is nothing new. It occurs in nature. I call to mind the Terran shrimp, the Bolian tribow yeast, the list is endless. And then there is the simple cutting method that has been used since time immemorial." There was a murmur from the assembled students and she smiled, a wider smile than was usual among the assembled species.  "What, you didn't realize your ancestors had access to cloning technology? They did.

"Now my technique is little more than refinement and acceleration of that very same process." Dr Era-Khellen looked around the room at the otherworldly variety of plants and spotted a Terran ballerina rose. "Ah, the Gaura lindheimeri." Using simple tools and a bio-computer, Dr. Khellen took a sample and rapidly replicated the cutting."You see, I'm asking the rose to create it's own clone, rather than doing the work myself." She set the medium green stem in a vial of growth accellerant and they watched as it sprouted narrow elliptical leaves and root tendrils, budding a purple-pink flower, which opened into four narrow pink petals surrounding delicate white pestels. She took it out and matched it to a flower on the parent plant. Mackie drank in the intense scent of the rapidly maturing plant.

"A perfect clone." It wilted in her hand. There was silence from the assembled students and she laughed. "Well, almost perfect." The students let out a collected breath and laughed a bright citrus fragrance. "As I've just demonstrated, growth accellerant technology still has a ways to go. In the field, I use a much slower and much more stable medium. This level of maturity," she brandished the drooping rose, "would be acheived in less than a month, and it would be normal.

"You can see how this would assist famine-threatened populations and terra-forming projects. Let's discuss applica--"

Mackie had interrupted at this point, carefully moving her mouth along with the translator. "Why not just use bio-mimetic gel? Then you'd get a mature plant right away."

"You mean besides the restrictions on its use within the Federation? That's hard to say and certainly worth some thought." Dr Khellen raised golden  triangular eyebrows and nodded to herself. Mackie had picked up a sweet creamy smell of speculation. "Perhaps the research could be approved..." She made a note on the PADD on the worktable and resumed the discussion. "Now. About applications of cloning technology..."

Joint Post by JEN, BRYANCD, AND HAWKEYEMEDS

Lieutenant D'Callan pumped his arms furiously as his legs carried him at a dead run toward Ensign Dunn. He flicked his gaze from the young security officer, to the rampaging beast and back to Christopher Dunn, who was propped up on one arm, facing down the monster. The fiend bellowed once more as it closed in on its victim. It took all he had, but Joseph willed his feet to move faster and managed to shoulder barge Dunn out of the way just in time. A tusk narrowly missed Christopher's right shoulder, but the remaining two dug deep into D'Callan's abdomen.

The animal continued to power ahead with the Chief of Security impaled on his tusks. Screaming with pain Joseph smashed his fists down on the beast's head. Red dust blanketed them as D'Callan continued to beat wild-eyed animal. All he managed to do was slow the best to a trot. It turned its head, and Joseph,  back toward Dunn and the helpless child.

Though his mind was muzzy, Lieutenant D'Callan understood what the animal was thinking; it wouldn't stop until they were all dead. Despite the damage it caused to himself, Joseph stretched towards the animal's back, plunging the dagger-like tusks deeper into his core. Grasping the neck of the beast with one hand, he stabbed his free fist repetitively into the wound on the animal's back.

"Not today you beauty!" Shouted D'Callan. The animal began weave about as it ran. Pain clouded its vision as it staggered towards the lurking precipice. Racing to aid his superior, Dunn dived towards the edge just as the animal toppled over the cliff and plummeted to the valley below, with the skewered Lieutenant struggling against him.

Ensign Dunn scrambled to his feet, as the crying child came to his side. "NO!" he cried as the little girl in his arms wailed louder still. His heart thumped hard in his chest as he crawled forward and looked over the edge.

Quinn strolled down the corridors on his way to Engineering. It's been unusually quiet aboard the ship. The away teams had been down on the planet for 26 hours and the Arabella was in high orbit. There wasn't much going on so Nathan left Lieutenant Zremm in command of the bridge and was on his way to surprise Nic with a lunch invitation.

Nathan entered Engineering and immediately spotted Nic over by the warp core. As he approached several crewmen stood at attention. Quinn smiled and nodded at his passed. Nic looked up and a broad smile came across his face.  Looking around he saw several crewmen glance at each other. Took's smile disappeared instantly, "Captain, I wasn't expecting you... everything is running smoothly here.. sir." Nic said this very quickly. Quinn smiled, "I'm sure everything is under control. I was actually going to see if you felt like grabbing some lunch."  Took's smile returned, "Of course Captain." Quinn raised an eyebrow.

As the bridge shook around him, Lt. Otak gripped the tactical console as though it were a lifeline.  The deck rocked violently beneath him, and he flexed his knees in an effort to ride out the undulations and retain his footing. 

To his left, the main science console exploded in a shower of sparks and plasma, throwing a young ensign mercilessly to the floor.  As the blaring of the red-alert klaxon echoed through the smoky bridge, Otak risked a glance back at the prone ensign.  The entire left side of the young man was a mass of smoldering, charred skin, and the ensign's uniform tunic had partially melted, fusing with the man's ruined flesh.  The smell of burnt meat and scorched plastic dominated the air.

Fighting back his gag reflex, Otak redirected his attention to the main viewscreen.  In the middle of the screen, a green speck stood out from the background of black space and white stars.  The speck rapidly grew as it drew nearer, finally resolving into the twin-hulled form of a Romulan Warbird.    The titanic craft's weapons array seemed to wink as another barrage of phased energy shot towards the bridge, smashing into the shields with an eye-searing explosion of light.  The deck rocked again, and this time, Otak was thrown off of his feet.

"Lt. Otak, RETURN FIRE!" yelled the captain, barely audible over the screeching of the alert klaxon and the roaring of the fire that now engulfed the science station.  Otak scrambled back to his feet, leaping to the tactical console to carry out his orders. 

His heart froze as he studied the readout- 

Weapons off-line.  Shield strength at 3%.

Otak hung his head in resignation.  Where did I screw up?, he thought to himself.  Because of my negligence, we're all doomed.

Another  explosion shook the bridge, and the lights flickered.  Directly above  Otak, the domed ceiling creaked as a series of cracks raced across it.  As the Lt. looked on, the ceiling fractured, then exploded out into the dark vacuum of space.  As the air around him whistled out into the void, Otak drew in one last, desperate breath, and gave a final, desperate shout--

"Computer; End Program!"

Instantly, the carnage around him was replaced by the familiar black-and-yellow grid of the holodeck.  The trembling, sweating Lt. took a slow, shuddering breath as he struggled to compose himself.

Four times I've tried this scenario, and each time, I've failed.  I'm not ready for bridge duty yet, he thought bitterly.

He stepped out into the brightly lit corridor, tugging down on his uniform tunic as the door closed behind him. 

Lt. Commander K'Tan seems to think that I have it in me to beat this, Otak thought.  A look of grim determination settled on the Lieutenant's face. 

I can't let him down, he thought to himself.  I'll try again tomorrow.

Joint Post by Jen, Wraith 1701, Institches, BryanCD and Just X

Mackie focused on the magician. What was the connection here? Then suddenly it came to her: It was the Hoska fruit vendor, or rather the vendor's wagon. The magician carried the same jarring sickly-sweet nectar smell, perhaps on his voluminous robes. She moved closer to help filter out the away team's natural and assumed fragrances. No, not his clothing, and not his natural smell, either. Something he had next to his skin: it mingled with the not unpleasant Ter'ossick male musk.

Commander Sevryll bowed slightly to the towering man standing before her, "Sir, my master has come a great distance to see you."

The conjurer smirked as he placed a hand on his daughter's head and stroked her silky blue strands. "Yes� as have many." His eyes flashed with arrogance then turned to leave.

Sevryll swept her gaze towards K'arath and without uttering a word, spoke volumes to the Chief Engineer.  He knew it was now time to put his choice of surgical alteration to the test. The Klingon nodded in understanding, cleared his throat and shook a pouch of coins for the conjurer's benefit. The magician stopped and glanced over his shoulder at the Chief Engineer. Seeing that he had the man's attention the Klingon improvised, "I am in need of your services and I am willing to triple the wages that your master currently pays you."  He was now fully engaged with K'arath. Clearly his services were for sale and the Klingon knew that greed could be a powerful motivator.


Although she had chosen to disguise herself as one of the noble caste, Aria had begun to regret that decision. Like many children, she once desired to play the role of a princess, but the reality was stifling. She simply observed the exchange and the negotiations with the wizard.  When they forced her mother from their world, she had become fascinated by the rich past of her mother's people and the legacy of the V'tosh ka'tur and of the Vulcans before the awakening. She craved more out of her existence and these missions were something that fulfilled that need.

The man glanced from one group member to another then scanned the immediate area in a nervous manner and gestured for K'ararth to follow. The magician led the group over a wooden catwalk and into a room at the far end. As the oval door closed behind the last of their group, he turned to address K'ararth. "My employer is mistrustful of his servants. Your loose words could mean my death�he would kill me if he knew I was speaking to you now." He eyed the coin purse K'ararth held in his hand with anticipation, "what service do you require?"

"I am a man of great power and influence in my land," K'arath explained. "My enemies are as vast as my wealth and I require the services of someone with your particular...skills." Clearly the magician was interested in the job, but K'ararth needed to see the extent of the man's powers to better determine if he truly was being supported by any Starfleet technology or was simply a consummate showman. "I will require a demonstration of your power before I name my price."

Sevryll found it odd that a man employed to protect his master from assassins would be fearful of him. The Vulcan remained silent, simply observing his manner as K'ararth wove an impressive tale about his need for protection. The commander rolled her gaze to Spring and Aria to gage their reaction to his delivery.  It was her husband's job to lie, and he had crafted quite a few for her. But Sevryll was not the best judge when it came to the quality of the performance, for she had bought all of David's.

Mackie glanced back and met Sevryll's eyes. She raised pale blue eyebrows to indicate her interest before continuing her mission to sniff out the truth.

As K'arath concluded his spiel, the magician simply stared at the group in silence.  Overcome by a need to seize control of the situation, K'Tan stepped forward.  "You need not fear a reprisal from your master," he said.  "If you agree to work for my lord, we will take you with us.  Your master will have no hope of finding you then."

As he took in the group gathered before him, the magician's demeanor seemed to gradually change.  "Take me with you, eh?" he asked.  "Excuse me, but which province are you from, exactly?"

"The southern continent," K'Tan quickly replied.  "Our ship delivered us here a few days ago."

The magician glanced at the pendant hanging from K'Tan's neck, and as his eyes drifted back up to meet K'Tan's, an enigmatic smile formed on his face.  "It is said that the southern seas are extremely dangerous this time of the year; the currents are nearly impossible to navigate. Your ship must be one of the stars of your fleet to have made the crossing safely."

Detecting what seemed to be an unusual stress on two of the words in the magician's last sentence, K'Tan quirked an eyebrow in an almost Vulcan manner.

"You could say that," he replied.

Joint Post by Jen and Just X

Aria bit her lip as she heard confirmation of the man's knowledge. She was furious that they had tainted such an interesting culture. One of the most sacred rules of the Federation was not only being violated, it was being flaunted. She moved closer to the magician and focused her ire upon him. "Are you going to make a scene now? I would love to show you my magic, but it's nowhere as grand as our magician here."

She gave a quick glance at K'Tan. "His is an old magic that involves calling down from the sky to smite sinners that continue to willfully spite the laws of heaven and break the covenant they were entrusted with."

Unable to completely quell the feeling of unease, Commander Sevryll shifted her weight and crossed her arms. "If you mean that that the sailing ship that carried us here was swift and sturdy, then yes, it our ship is an excellent sea faring vessel."

The wizard swept an appraising eye from Sevryll to Aria and K'ararth, "Why do you allow your servants to speak to me. And the female, though she is a Blate, she should not address me directly. Either you truly are foreigners, or your command over others is more limited than you let on." He waved a hand in dismissal as K'ararth began to intercede. "I care not. As long as the currency you disburse is legitimate. I will demonstrate my skills only after you allow me to examine the coins, to verify they are not counterfeit."

Face heating, K'Tan scowled at the magician's insulting, dismissive tone. His first impulse was to shake hands with the man's neck.   Glancing at his comrades, he followed their cue and held his tongue.

The magician's mention of "Star" and "Fleet" could have been nothing more than a coincidence, or it could have been a subtle hint to let the team know that he suspected their true identity.  As demonstrated by Commander Sevryll, the best course of action in either case would be to stay in character, and wait for the Ter'ossik to slip-up.  If he truly was one of the missing scientists, it would only be a matter of time.

The man held out a hand towards K'arath.  "The coins, please?"

Aeric James and the ensign moved unmolested though the city as they followed his senses. He had randomly detected a technological signal since their arrival, but it had become more constant when arrived in the city.

Their path had taken them towards the entry of the stone carved necropolis that held the dead in their final rest. Their interaction with the locals had revealed that there was a recent addition to the tombs. It contained the body of what they called the Ter'Draq, beings that would be the Earth equivalent of Faeries and changelings. The discovery of the crimson blooded male was all the proof that the blue blooded Ter'Ossic needed to confirm their myth.

"We need to see that body." Aeric whispered and made sure the ensign was aware of the heavy guard presence. "It seems they don't want the body disturbed until those from other settlements have a chance to confirm their story."

Dunn fell to his knee's. The body of Lt Joseph D'Callan lay motionless on top of the silent beast. The child released her arms from Dunns neck and looked at him, her tears had stopped, she put her hands on Dunns face and turned his head towards her.

"Sorry"

Dunn's eyes registered the young girls words.

"Go to your parents young one. Go home"

The child waited for a bit and then backed off, and ran into the woods from where the beast had come from. Dunn returned his eyes to the bodies below. He took his pendant from around his neck and tapped the edge.

"Dunn to Commander James. We've had a serious incident here. I need the runabout straight away. Repeat hurry i need transport back to the Arabella"

He was surprised how calm he sounded, but inside his stomach churned and his emotions were shot. Waiting for a reply he fell back onto his side,his eyes locked on D'Callans body.

A young soldier walked towards the entrance to the cave, he shone his light into the blackness. waving the torch about he glimpsed what looked like a boot. Holding his phaser up he edged forward. On the floor lay several bodies, their faces contorted with horror. The officer went to tap his communicator when he was suddenly smacked to the ground. The old man stood looking at the fallen officer, bending down he began to remove the clothing.

While Korridan was certainly grateful for the break in monotony from playing solitaire, and chaperoning the away team; hauling a seriously wound crew member back to the Arabella was not what he had had in mind. 

As he broke the planets atmosphere he could feel Yuki returning to his consciousness, the Japanese phantom appeared in the seat beside him.  She leaned on the center console while looking at him; concern etched her smooth porcelain like features, "How is he?"  Korridan returned the look out of courtesy, even though he knew in the back of his mind that she was not actually there, she was merely an illusion.  He smiled reassuringly, "I have him in a stasis pod, he will be fine." 

He sighed, "Lucky for him I was nearby scanning," he adjusted his course, "I was looking to see if there were any hidden entrances to the burial catacombs that Lt. James and his team are investigating." 

Yuki's almond shaped eyes gazed out of the cockpit windows and watched the planet scroll beneath them.  Korridan watched her from the corner of his eye; she seemed distracted and introspective, but not in the good way, more like a cat trying to figure out how to claw the drapes without getting caught.  He needed to distract her before he got in trouble; she had already cost him one runabout with her scheming, he was not about to lose another one.

He tried to sound interested, "So how was the trip?"  She looked at him with annoyance and suspicion.  He tried again; "You know..." he nodded in the direction of the Aurora.  She went from annoyed to patronizing, "It was interesting..."  This is not good at all, he thought.  She should be as chatty as a little kid coming back from their first day at school.

His eyes narrowed, "You were on a 'one of a kind' warp capable vessel, visiting for six hours with another non biological sentient life form and all you can say is it was... 'interesting'!?!"

She now looked hurt as well as annoyed, "What do you want from me?"  She leaned closer for emphasis, "You are NOT a non-biological life form, I don't know how to describe the experience for you in words or terms you would understand."  She calmed down a bit and took a less aggressive stance, "I thank you for the experience but please do not press me for details, I am still trying to digest it all myself..."

He looked at her warily thinking, "Yeah, right; and Malons are environmentalists."  "You are up to something and it is in my best interests to keep you distracted..."

He pressed on, "Was she nice?"  She just shrugged," I don't know..."  He looked apprehensive, "How can you not know if she was nice or not?"  She blustered and straightened her back up, "I have only met two," she held two fingers up for emphasis, "that is TWO of my kind."  "And one of those meetings was not even in person, it was over subspace communications."  Her jaw clenched, "So I don't exactly have a large demographic sampling to go by now do I?" 

Yike's, it is like we are married...

She threw herself back into her chair dramatically, crossed her arms across her chest and blew out her cheeks while scowling out the front viewport.

Korridan smiled inside thinking to himself, "Good, maybe if she is mad she will stop scheming..." 

But a few minutes latter as they were on their approach to the shuttle bay Yuki's expression abruptly changed.  You could practically hear the loud clicking sound as the pieces all fell into place in her mind; a wry smile crept across her dainty lips.  When she looked askance to Korridan all he could think of was, "Oh TANJ here it comes..."

She leaned across the center console getting close to him.  He tried to ignore her, but there was no point.  She was in his head after all; it was not like sticking his fingers in his ears and loudly singing 'La-la-la-la-la' would do any good.

Her breath tickled his ear as she whispered, "I need you to do something for me my dear Otoosan."

I am so screwed...

Joint post between Iceman and Moyer777


Dr. Peterson, Margon and Lt Witko strolled down a field of red covered grass toward what looked like a very crudely made road that had been worn down through use over along period of time. The air was thick with a heavy mist of fog and the heat and humidity made it difficult to breath. Beads of moisture and sweat appeared to be forming on the foreheads of the landing party due to the humidity. The landing party continued to walk quietly down this makeshift path for hours in silence to conserve as much energy as possible, each locked in deep thought until....

Margon stopped them. "What's that sound?" the men stood silently and heard a whimper from the side of the road.

Lt. Witko searched for a moment and found a native female huddled up against what appeared to be some sort of animal. The animal was obviously dead, but young woman was breathing frantically and whimpering between breaths.

Dr. Peterson strolled over and bent down. As Margon watched he got the feeling they weren't alone. Just as he looked behind him a large Blue individual pounced on him knocking him to the ground! Lt. Witko grabbed the native and pulled him off Margon only to receive a punch in the face.

Margon and Peterson looked at each other in horror as They heard an unhealthy crack come from The young Lieutenants face which was followed by a gush of red Blood.

The blue Man looked on in horror as he saw the the red liquid gush out of Lt Witkos face, He Gasped as he said, "His face, his face is bleeding red blood..." He began to yell and scream something that the translator could not translate as he started to run away from the landing party.

Margon cried out "We can't let him get away!" as he began to chase after the individual...

Theran D'callan sat in his light blue office reading the reports on the recently completed chips. Each one of the recovered Intel chips taken from the victims eyes had not been exactly what he had expected. His own chip had been damaged when being processed but the others, all in tact completed a circuit. Only his damaged one would finally make the circuit work.

In front of him his monitor bleeped on.

"Agent D'Callan"

Theran looked at the screen his commanding officer of this investigation appeared.

"Good morning Sir"

The look on the commanders face did not bode well.

"Theran, we have some bad news. You must transport you out to Penal A1 immediately. They've broken free"

Theran sat back his eyes wide with shock. They were not meant to escape.

"How many?"

The commander took a drink of water and looked down to his pad and the back to Theran.

"Four escaped, three of them have been found dead. Two of our security team also. Theran, the last fugitive is your Father"

Theran looked away anger building in his mind.

"Theran. There is something else. Your brother has been severely injured in a incident with the Arabella away team. We do not have full details yet. I'm afraid for the time being you're orders are to find your Father first and bring him in. Then you will have time to see your brother. Do i make myself clear?"

Theran straightened his jacket and fixing the monitor with a hollow stare answered.

"Understood. Theran out"

The monitor switched off and Theran turned to look at the photograph of Joseph and his mother, a mother he never knew thanks to his Father.

Ensign Dunn had pulled himself together after watching the runabout cloak. He'd earlier watched with small relief D'Callans chest slowly move up and down. Making the decision to leave the two tusks in D'callan could be what will save him, though the white Bubbly foam that oozed from the beasts mouth caused Concern. If the animal had some kind of rabies then D'Callan may not recover. Using his Starfleet training Dunn had put two sample filters one filled with the white foam, the other with the animals blood onto D'Callans body so Drett could investigate any possible problems that may cause concern to the well fair of the fallen security chief.

Keeping an eye on where the young girl had vanished to Ensign Dunn decided to track her. His recent spell in the holodeck simulation now became obvious. He was not now searching for King Arthur he now searched for not only the missing starfleet personal but also the young girl. She would have a family and maybe that family could give answers. Looking back to where the runabout had been Dunn gave one last thought of his fallen commander before putting all his concentration on the mission ahead.

Doctors Drett and O'Leary-Peterson rushed to prepare for their patient's arrival. Myella had been awakened from a deep sleep by Ryla's short hail over the comm. Five minutes later she joined the trill in Sickbay. The two female physicians were prepped and ready for surgery by the time The Courage Of Tiberius left the planet bound for the Arabella. Because of planetary conditions, the CMO's medical tricorder was considered unreliable. On the flight to the ship, a verbal description of the wounds and a report on his stats was the best he could do to prepare the awaiting surgical team.

Doctor Drett had seen many awful wounds in her eight years in the medical field, but the injuries Joseph bore were ghastly and her heart caught in her throat as the med techs brought his bloody body into Surgery on the anti-grav lift. An air of high tension settled in the room as the extent of his wounds became all to apparent. Myella was affected in much the same way as Ryla. Neither doctor was specialized in this type of surgery, but both had preformed numerous minor operations. In order to give Lieutenant D'Callan the best chance of survival, Ryla decided to activate the Emergency Medical Hologram, and assist rather than lead.

The EMH appeared as the nurses quickly removed the tattered remnants of D'Callan's blood-soaked uniform, and began prepping his body. "Please state the nature of your medical emergency," said a wiry, mousy looking man with sandy blond hair and dark brown eyes.

"We have a patient who was gored by a wild animal and he's bleeding profusely," snapped Ryla matter of factly. "Our first task is to stop the bleeding, which happens to be surging from a gaping wound in his abdomen at the moment." Continued the trill.

"Ah, yes... that does look problematic. We should begin immediately."

The surgical support frame was pulled over D'Callan and Ryla activated the steri-field to keep the surgical site completely free of contamination. The radiation field would automatically disinfect their hands and medical instruments each time they entered and exited the field.

Myella scanned the unconscious Chief Of Security and rattled off his heart rate and blood pressure then handed the EMH an autosuture. He wasted no time in attacking the complicated task of closing up the wounds.

Ryla wasn't particularly fond of Emergency Medical Holograms, as they tended to be on the pompous and arrogant side. This one was no different, and he proceeded to lecture the assisting physicians on the proper use of the device that he skillfully wielded.

"The autosuture is a surgical implement used to close and promote the healing of wounds from surgery or deep trauma by stimulating the patient's own anabolism," he began.

Both doctors had used the implement many times. Ryla and Myella exchanged annoyed glances... This surgery was going to be grueling on many levels. The trill only hoped that the end result would be Lieutenant D'Callan's complete recovery.

Ensign Nareen Tev-Awash gazed upon the stone spire that rose from the necropolis like a sword stabbing the sky. Its white surface caught the rays of the sun and shone brilliantly—signaling the importance of the location and the contents hidden within.
How would they move past the heavily armored sentries without being discovered? "Perhaps there is another entrance", thought the young science officer. But if one existed, how would they find it?
She turned her gaze from the blinding edifice to Aeric. "If you were an ancient, royal architect Commander... where would you position the back door?" A smile started to form on his face and she returned it shyly.
They started down a path the lead to the foothills beyond the construct. As civilization shrank in the distance, Ensign Tev-Awash removed a PADD, disguised as a scribed book, from a pack she carried at her side.  The two officers stopped under the shade of a massive tree, as she called up maps of the area, made with images taken from orbiting probes in years past. After studying it a moment, she turned her eyes from the device and pointed at a curiously symmetrical outcropping in the distance.
Aeric nodded approvingly, "Very good, Ensign."

An hour and several kilometers later and they were standing at the mouth of a man made cave. The only way to determine if this was the backdoor, was to step inside and explore its mystery. Aeric removed a small hand held lamp and illuminated the black quarried corridors. "Ladies first." He said.

"Age before beauty," she replied instinctively then flushed when she realized she had said it out loud. Nareen was not at all qualified to take point and was more than a bit nervous at the prospect.

Dunn's eyes levelled the ground and he studied the pathway. the little girl had ran through this way. Running on he caught a goimpse of ovement ahead. Looking through the underbish he saw a few small buildings a couple of people and in the corner he saw  Lt Cdr James studying the on going activity.

Dunn made his way to James, and blended in with the away team.

"Are you alright Ensign?"

Dunn looked straight at James.

"He saved my life sir. He looks in a bad way i..."

James stopped him from speaking.

"We have a mission to do Ensign. Lt D'Callan, Joseph, will be in the medical ward now. Come on. We all need to concentrate on what lies ahead"

Mackie had not carefully read the report about the missing scientists, preferring to focus on the biological and botanical details. However, a detail she had skimmed flew to the forefront of Mackie's mind: the missing scientists were two humans and a denobulan: Dr. Era-Khellen! Of course, the woman who had been so enamored of her own work in cloning technology. This was the only Denobulan Mackie had ever met: she had affected an overly sweet smell; perhaps it was her natural pheremone but Mackie suspected it was a perfume.

"Let me demonstrate a little of the power I hold," said the magician, waggling his carefully groomed lavendar eyebrows in a showman's way. From a voluminous sleeve he pulled a shiny metal ring thirty centimeters across. He spoke in a magician's patter familiar on countless worlds. "Tek'fel, my master, is a mighty Blate: he commands many men, willing and," he met Ka'rath's eyes, "unwilling." He spun the ring to show that it held nothing but a thin clear film. "He is most talented at holding that which is not his. He keeps his friends close," he picked up a mottled blood-red gourd from a nearby table, tossed it into the air and caught it on the top of his head. "And his enemies, closer." He dropped the gourd through the hoop and caught it. The clear membrane remained intact, but immediately extruded a second identical blood-red gourd, which he caught in the same hand. He twirled the ring and secreted it back into his sleeve.

He then placed both gourds in Sevryll's hands. "Which is which? Which the mimic and which the original?"
----------------------------

Dr. Era-Khellen ran a hand through her short golden curls, the only untouched part of her anatomy. She had long ago come to regret the green skin, the pointed ears, the smooth face: would she ever be herself again? She looked back at her guards. Bored, they studied the red fields around them, breathing deeply of the sulfur fumes that burped from the springs less than a kilometer away.

If they knew what I really am, would they treat me so kindly? What would they do to an alien, an offworlder? Would they add torture to imprisonment? Or would I still be alive? She touched her right ear, newly tattooed to show her unwilling fealty, and sighed. She had made many mistakes on this mission, but resolved not to betray any more secrets than she already had.

" Why is it black?

Where am i?

I hear voices.

Can anyone hear me?

I can't see anything.

i can't feel anything.

Hello !

Dunn. Dunn are you there, is the girl ok?

The beast.... Is it dead?

I know your voice. Is that you Ryla?

Ryla !

Why won't you answer me?

How did i get hear?

I feel no pain, I, I feel tired.

I did it? I saved them?....... Didn't I ? ........



Am i dead?"

Joint post between Iceman and Moyer777


Dr. Peterson let Margon Run After the blue man as he refocused his attention on Lt Witko, Doctor Peterson looked at Lt Witko's nose and  exclaimed " boy he got you good didn't he, It is definitely broken so after we look after this women you will need to head back to the shuttle, I am afraid this mission is over for you."

The young Lieutenant replied in a somewhat disappointing tone "Yes sir" Peterson Smiled and said "their are a lot of worse ways to be taken off of a mission, I would say that you performed your duties with distinction and my report will reflect that when we get back to the Arabella."

Peterson  moved toward the broken down cart and surveyed the Damage, he saw the broken left wheel and surmised that the accident was the result of a broken Axel which undoubtedly was responsible for the untimely death of the animal pulling the cart. The doctor could hear the buzzing of the flies as they swarmed around the dried blood of the dead animal. The stench was only made worse by the heat and humidity of the morning sun.

As the Doctor Approached the young women who was definitely in her final stages of labour, the bushes from behind the cart parted and the Blue Man who had run away from Margon appeared, he was out of breath and breathing hard but recognized Dr. Peterson as a healer. "We need your help!" he exclaimed. "My wife is with child and her time is now! Our steed has succumbed to death and she is at her time!"

Dr. Peterson quickly responded to him.

"I will need something to wrap the baby in and some warm water." Dr. Peterson yelled out to Lt Witko as he positioned the woman so she would be comfortable and placed his knapsack under her head, He continued to focus his attention on her as she continued her breathing exercises.

Lt Witko had gone quickly to get the water and kept the expectant father busy so that he would not interrupt the Doctor.

"Do you have something to wrap the child in?" he asked the man.

"We have some skins of a denfloan, they are soft and warm" he said as he rummaged through his bag. "Here, will this work? This is our first child.. oh and my name is Roflilio"

"Yes, that will work just fine Rofilio" said Witko. "Come with me, and help me find water please"

Roflilio agreed and led him East.

Lt. Witko had started a small fire and had it ready to heat up the water. It was hard not to use a phaser or technology from the ship. They couldn't risk being detected.

The woman was dilated and the contractions were only a few minutes apart.

"I do not know you healer" she said. "Where are you from?"

"Never you mind, you are in good hands." he said.

"But you don't have the regulator, you need the regulator!" she said looking very concerned.

"The regulator?" he looked at her for a moment.

"Our other healer was given the regulator from the magician, it is a wondrous thing!" she stated. "Can you really help me without it? ,will my baby be safe?"

The Dr. made more small talk and tried to get information from his patient as her contractions came closer together.

After about an hour Margon heard the Doctor yell out " Push, Push" this was soon followed by the cries of a baby who was quickly cleaned up and wrapped in an animal skin blanket before being presented to the proud mother and father. The father looked at the small blue child, raised his head up into the air and made the most amazing sound that the landing party had ever heard. It was as if deep trumpets were being blown. The sound made the little one turn it's head and then much to the amazement of Margon, Peterson and Witko the baby opened it's eyes and smiled.

Joint post by Jen and Just X


Aeric removed a small hand held lamp and illuminated the black quarried corridors. "Ladies first." He said.

"Age before beauty," replied Ensign Tev-Awash instinctively then flushed when she realized she had said it out loud. Nareen was not at all qualified to take point and was more than a bit nervous at the prospect.


"Exactly how old do I look ensign?" Commander James questioned as he led the way down into the cool stone tunnel. He had found himself quite amused at her statement and decided to continue the conversation that she started. "I'm hardly a teen in comparison to your race."

Nareen kept her eyes fixed on her boots as she followed close behind the Lieutenant Commander. "Oh, I didn't mean... I was just... you look..." unable to call upon the proper words, she followed with a pathetic, "I...I'm sorry, sir."

The commander simply laughed. "No offense was taken Nareen. I also think that you should call me Aeric for the duration of the mission. Titles might be a giveaway to our mission."

"Of course, sir....Aeric."

Luckily, the dim passage hid her embarrassment. You were born with both feet in your mouth, Nareen, she thought to herself.


The air around them was stale and humid.  The constant dripping of water filtering through the rock could be heard in the distance. The duo climbed a set of steps craved into the floor of the corridor. It was quite a hike, but before long they cleared the top. Aeric's light illuminated a pair of crumbling statues covered in the dust of bygone centuries. He concentrated for a moment and focused on the weak technological signal and led them in the general direction of the source. "So, what made you decide on this sort of life Nareen?"

The echo of their boots grinding grit into the ancient stone floor accompanied them as they sliced their way through the darkness, "The females on my planet are limited as far as career choices are concerned. They're either wives, concubines, nursemaids or servants. They don't aspire to anything other than that because they don't know anything other than oppression. Its illegal to educate a female. They're not allowed to speak to anyone other than their caretaker. They have no rights and abuse is commonplace.  I was lucky.  My brother taught me to read in secret. He smuggled me off the planet with him when he left for the Federation. Banaron helped me submit my application to Starfleet Academy, and here I am."

"That's an interesting world you have there. Is there anything being done about the society?" He said and turned down another dimly lit tunnel.


"No."

Alcoves carved out of the wall were marked with scripts indicating the name of the occupants. With a few more steps, they reach their destination. In an unmarked crypt rested the mummified body that contained the source of the signal. "Looks like we're here."

"My scientific instincts scream that we should take him to a controlled environment where we can prevent contamination of the samples or damage to the body," said Nareen.

Aeric nodded. "That's a fantastic idea. However, we don't have the tools we need to move the body without being discovered. Once we are back on the surface, we could call for the Aurora to move in and get it from us."

Aeric drew closer to the mummy and simply observe the body. It was almost two meters tall and from casual observation, it would be hard to tell the difference between it and any of the other remains stored there.

The other sarcophagi contained various burial goods, but the one they studied was empty, save the mummy itself. Nareen held her breath in a futile attempt not to exhale on the remains or inhale any foreign particles, and examined the fairly new addition to the necropolis. "We'll have to do an autopsy to determine if he is in fact Ter'Ossick... but his ears look... odd." She removed a pair of gloves from her back and slipped them on. Then she reached into the sarcophagus and traced the cadaver's ear. "Something feels wrong here."



"Wrong how Nareen?" Aeric asked and observed her examination of the corpse. Medical was not his field of expertise and one of the reasons that he developed his nanotech system. It was designed to keep him healthy during those times he had been a solo explorer. "Do you have what you need to figure that out here?"

"While the rest of his body is drying, his ears are in relatively good shape. If the rest of his extremities were in similar condition, I would simply chalk it up to good technique and optimum environmental conditions... but it's dank down here. Humidity and bacteria has taken its toll despite their best efforts to mummify him. Yet his ears remain relatively supple." It flexed under the touch of her gloved hand. "I think his ears are cosmetic, but we should take him with us to confirm my conjecture."



"Do you have any suggestions on moving the body and preserving the condition with our limited resources?" Aeric asked. It would have been much nicer if he could have just transported it out, but conditions on the planet made it hard to do that. "If we can manage to get it to the surface. I believe that we could use a line of sight close ranged transport to beam it to the Aurora, but she might need to get closer to us."

Standing on tiptoe, the lithe diminutive woman pulled one leg over her shoulder and stretched, her split silken skirt allowing freedom of movement. She smiled widely, as only a Denobulan can, and fell into a forward roll, ending just short of the elaborately painted wall of her cell. She easily stood and jumped, grasping the perfectly polished window bars overhead. She drew her legs up and hung there, upside down. Not bad for the mother of seventeen, she thought.

Mistress Goldenhair, she heard in her mind. I would have an audience with you. The Blate's sardonic mental voice could not be ignored, nor would she want to. She had experienced the pain he could deliver over a distance.

She dropped and flipped, smoothing her appearance and her mind. Drawing on over sixty years of circus experience, Dr. Era-Khellen was used to putting on a brave face or even a smile while under great duress. This was one of the great performances of her life. She had even learned to fool herself into an everpresent calm, which came in handy with the low-level telepathy practiced by the Blate commander.

It had become easy. She thought once more of her third and most recent husband, Nuun, a human deeply commited to preserving the traditional way of life of his Inuit ancestors. It was that commitment that had first attracted her to the robust man. She had expected to be away from him for two years at most, but since this mission had turned sour, she began to worry. Two years were but a blink to her, but the human attention span was attuned to the human life span. She missed his touch, his deeply human heart, the heat he fostered beneath his parka. After 297 years, her fertility, and her interest, was still intact. Perhaps one day they would graft a human-denobulan mix into the tree of life. A tiny smile pulled at the corners of her mouth and she breathed deeply.

She opened the unlocked door of her prison cell and stepped from the richly embroidered carpet to the stone hallway floor. Two brick-red guards came to attention and followed her to the audience hall.

Taking the soldiers uniform Saul D'Callan looked at I.D tag and tapped the com badge..

"Arron Salun to beam up"

The transporter beam swirled around the old mans body, looking up Saul D'Callan began to smile. He wanted revenge on the people who stopped his experiments. He knew it would take time, but he was out of the asylum and he knew that the only companion he would need would be that of death..

The audience chamber was well-lit and sumptuous in its appointments. Purple and gold woven tapestries warred with crystal plates and golden sconces for the observer's attention. A gem-inlaid map of the world took precedence directly across from the commander's heavily padded chair. "It has come to my attention, my dear woman, that you have been withholding secrets again." The Blate commander gestured with a teal-green hand at the jade Ter-ossic peasant seated below him. "Troth, here, tells me you helped his brother."

Era-Khellen pretended to study the man while she envisioned an ancient painting of water-lilies she had once seen. The grey-blue pigments suited her calm admirably. There was no reason to prevaricate; she could speak the truth without fear. "Commander Letwik, I can honestly say that I have never seen this man in my life."

Letwik's eyebrows drew down. "He tells me his brother's heart stopped." The jade man nodded nervously. "You used your," he paused, "otherworldly skills to bring him back to life. Is this true?"

Of course it was. She remembered the day clearly. She had been less than a league from this very stronghold, in the Kerritop mountains. Dr. Era-Khellen had gone out alone, ostensibly collecting samples from the thinning Hoska trees. She had snuck a tiny amount of bio-mimetic material out of the storage container where it was supposed to remain until she received approval for her experiments. But her impulse was strong. She chose the best of the spiny red fruits and duplicated it.

That was when she heard the thump of a falling body. She turned to find a rapidly greying green man lying still in the tall grass. His heart had indeed stopped, probably out of shock from seeing her actions. Medical instincts, long dormant in her current career as biologist clamoured to be used. The Denobulan doctor's oath was remarkably similar to the Hippocratic oath embraced by the Federation medical officers, but there was one notable difference: the oath she had taken stated "Allow no harm," rather than "Do no harm."

The memories flashed into her mind, carefully subsumed by a lullaby she mentally crooned to herself ."Not exactly, Commander. He fainted, and I gave him succor."

Troth spoke up. "No! I was nearby! I hid when I saw....I saw... I saw things..." He shuddered. "You cut him open with mystic light. You placed a horn--" A stint, she thought. "Inside him. Then you sealed his chest--"

The Blate gestured for the frightened man to stop. "No need. It is all there, in the top of your mind."

"Forsooth, sire, I did no such thing. I am but an artisan with small healing skills. He dreamt the whole--"

"Do not attempt to deceive me. I would that you would demonstrate." He narrowed his eyes at the peasant. Troth clutched at his chest, eyes bulging. He collapsed.

The events of recent days had left the normally fairly reserved and calm Lieutenant Zremm a bit out of his element.  With the landing parties still on the surface of the planet he had little time to register everything he was thinking and feeling.  Perhaps a trip to see Counselor Margon was in order when he returned, Zremm thought as he leaned over the science station on the bridge.  He had to admit to himself that the news of Marie's pregnancy had caught him completely off guard.  But he was very happy about it.  Zremm even found himself humming slightly as he worked to adjust the sensor frequency range on the probes now orbiting Ter'Oss placed there by the Arabella. 

"Zremm to engineering."  The blue Andorian spoke into the panel comm system.

"Engineering, Plummer here."  Said the friendly voice from below decks.

"Lieutenant, I'm trying to increase the frequency gain on the sensor probes we placed around Ter'Oss.  How far do you think I can push the power gain before I start frying isolinear chips?"  Zremm said to the engineer.

"Hmmm, let me check.  Oh, Zremm I hear from Marie that congratulations are in order.  It's wonderful news."  Plummer said as Zremm heard her tapping into the library computer banks and running a quick diagnostic.  He was amazed at how fast the news of Marie's pregnancy had spread through the ship.  But he knew she was well liked and had many friends in engineering.  And he certainly had not told her to keep it secret.  Besides, he knew how excited she had been and she wasn't the type to keep secrets.  Just one of the many things he loved about her as he started to hum a little Andorian song from his younger days as Plummer worked on the request he had made.

"Hmmm, oh thank you Elizabeth."  Zremm said between humming the tune.  He had to admit the idea of being a father was starting to sink in a little more each day.  And it was a good feeling he noted.

"Your welcome.  Nice tune by the way.  Remind me to get the name of it from you sometime.  Ok lieutenant,  the computer says this class probe can handle up to 125% past the frequency power cutoff.  But if you ask me I'd say you might be able to go to 130 or even 135.  The engineers build these things with a lot of extra overhead.  Something about Starships always pushing things past the red they say."  Plummer said with a touch of pride in her voice.  Zremm knew how she felt.  So far his sensor probe idea had been slightly successful.  He had been able, for very brief periods, to cut through the Ter'Oss interference.  But it was sporadic and didn't last long.  He had been trying to compensate for it but so far it had been a lot of trial and error.  Two probes had to be replaced when they had been burned out in his attempts.  And he was getting a bit impatient with the results.

"Ok.  Thanks for the information lieutenant."  Zremm said.

"That what we're here for.  Give Marie my best.  Plummer out."  She said as the channel closed.  The science officer then set the sensor controls to 125% over their normal frequency power output.  All readings looked stable for now.  Zremm wanted to wait a little before reporting anything to Captain Quinn.  But he noticed was starting to be able to pick up life signs now from certain areas on Ter'Oss.  The readings were variable and intermittent, but they were better than he had seen until now.  As he sat back slight in his chair, Zremm thought again about how much things had changed in such a very short time.  As his mind wandered a bit again, he found himself humming and smiling as he continued to tweak the sensor grid. 

Dr. Peterson Stepped back for a moment and and watched as the new mother held her baby for the first time, this was one of the few things he really enjoyed about being a doctor, being able to bring new life into the world.

Casey walked over to the blue man, Roflilio and extended his hand, " your wife shall be fine and your baby as far as I can tell is perfectly healthy".

Roflilio extended his hand, replying "I can see that, You must be a very talented Doctor for having delivered our baby without the regulator."

The Blue man continued to explain that it was given to them by another healer, who was killed in a raid on their village,.

Peterson thought about the words Roflilio  had said then asked the man if he still had the regulator. He replied " Why yes I do let me get it for you, it is in the back of our wagon"

Peterson thought to himself quietly, Hoping that the device was not Federation in Origin. .....

Doctor Drett and Doctor O'Leary-Peterson were about to implode due to information overload. Ryla was certain that the mousy holographic man had recited the entire contents of the medical database during the surgery. "It would be an understatement to say that his social skills are deficient," she thought.

"The bone-knitting laser, also referred to as a knitter, is a specialized medical instrument used for..."

The trill cut in with a forced smile and a quick word, "Though we do so appreciate your help, I think we can handle it from here, doctor.  Computer, deactivate EMH." A surprised expression washed over the Mark III's face before he blinked out of existence.

"Thank you, Ryla. If you hadn't stepped in when you did, I would have carried out my plan to suture his mouth closed," said Myella in a clipped Irish accent.

Ryla laughed as she moved their patient to the recovery area, "I would have gladly held him down for you. It would have been much more satisfying than simply deactivating his program."

Myella brushed a lock of hair away from Joseph D'Callan's forehead before attaching a Neuroelectric suppresser to inhibit his pain. Nurse Caine stepped to her side and tucked the sheets around him. There was something in the young woman's eyes that told Ryla that the care that Nurse Caine was providing the Chief Of Security was more than just an obligation to duty. Doctor Drett observed her a second longer before stepping into her office. She was exhausted... but before she could close her eyes for a short nap, she owed the Captain an update on the Lieutenant's condition. Ryla removed her surgical coat and cap then tapped her com badge, "Sickbay to Captain Quinn,"

"Quinn here."

"Sir, D'Callan's surgery went well. He's in critical, yet stable condition. It's too soon to say if he will make a full recovery, but I'm optimistic."

"Thank you, Doctor. Let me know if there's anything I can do. Inform me if there's any change."

"Of course, sir." She uttered before lying back on the cluttered couch and closing her eyes.

The girl, who looked no more than seven Earth years old, watched the exchange with a mature bearing, which contradicted the playful, mischievous manner that she exhibited earlier. Sevryll found the change in the child's demeanor suspicious. Having two emotional children of her own, the vulcan was attuned to their means of non-verbal communication. More often than not, their facial expressions telegraphed everything they were thinking. Yet this child was an enigma.  She continued to observe the youngster, as the magician  haggled over the number of coins that K'ararth would impart to him.

After a lengthy debate the wizard accepted K'ararth's payment and began his demonstration. The group watched as he removed a ring from his sleeve and then picked up a single gourd from a table near by. With a flourish he dropped the gourd through the ring and caught it in his right hand. Sevryll observed, unimpressed, until she noticed the membrane inside the ring, undulating. A moment later, it produced a copy of the fruit from mid-air.  The magician moved to the tall vulcan woman, and placed both gourds in her hands. "Which is which? Which the mimic and which the original?" he inquired. Sevryll instinctively quirked an eyebrow and lifted her dark eyes to meet the Ter'Ossick's.

The little girl giggled and clapped impishly as the commander turned her gaze from the magician to K'Tan. Lieutenant Commander K'ararth noted the First Officer's unspoken communication with the Chief of Security and squared himself before the door, to block the Ter'Ossick's exit; then slowly began to join the child's applause. The girl's laughter tapered along with her clapping. In a small voice she repeated her father's question, "which is which?"

"They are indistinguishable," replied the vulcan as she handed the gourds to Ensign Farmer for her assessment. "I am interested in the device you utilized to create the second fruit. Perhaps you would allow us to examine it?"

"A magician never reveals his secrets," he replied. 

K'arath new he and K'Tan were going to have to prevent this man from escaping if things began to go wrong. He positioned himself before the door while K'Tan slowly began to move in the opposite direction in an effort to get behind the magician. Clearly the magician was in possesion of replicator technology and there could be only one explanation for it's presence here.
The small girl looked very nervous, her eyes darting from her father to the members of the away team. At first K'arath felt she was attempting to size them up in case of a confrontation but then he realized it was something else. It was almost a look of....recognition.

K'Tan felt the tension building as K'arath moved to block the magician's path.  If this wasn't one of the missing scientists, he was at least in some way connected to them.  His cleverly disguised replicator device was a dead giveaway; it was most definitely not native technology.

K'Tan slid slowly to the side, positioning himself behind the magician.  I'd hate to resort to violence in front of the child, but if it comes to that, so be it, he thought. 

K'Tan smiled as his heart raced; his pulse quickening in anticipation of a possible scuffle.  D'Callan would probably love to have a piece of this action, he thought.  I wonder how his team is doing?

K'Tan glanced at the child, whose applause slowly tapered off.  As her eyes darted to the different members of the away team, her expression seemed to flicker. 

K'Tan did a double-take.  For a split second, it was as though the girl was wearing a mask of innocence that temporarily slipped, revealing a cold and cunning mind lurking below the surface.  Noticing K'Tan's stare, the child broke into a grin, but the smile failed to reach her eyes. 

"What's the matter," she said as she edged closer to the magician.  "Didn't you like the trick?"

Joint post by Jen and Just X

With the mummy between them, Lieutenant Commander James and Ensign Tev-Awash made their way back through the dark corridors and toward the entrance of the hidden tunnels. They had created a make-shift stretcher from the thin, metal lid, of one of the surrounding coffins and strapped their friend to it to ensure that he did not slip from the surface.

Sweat beaded from Aeric's brow as he carried his portion of the weight. "This is lighter than I expected."

He had not even considered the possibility that they would become grave robbers during the mission, but Nareen had done well to secure the body and all that was left was to acquire transport. "I'll send a signal to one of the ships when we get closer to the surface.

The young ensign's nervousness fled when the time had come for Nareen to focus on her duty, but she wanted to make sure it didn't come back. She believed the best way to keep her discomfort at bay, within the cold dark, passages, was to maintain a conversation. "Do you believe the technology you sensed is located in the mummy, sir?"

"Yes, I do." Aeric said as they continued. "I can sense it clearly now. We've got our target. Now we just need to see how all of this makes sense."

"If you were to guess at what was producing a signal, what would you say it was?" Any answer he gave would be pure speculation, but she was curious, and other than personal questions, it was all she could come up with to keep herself from focusing on the eerie cry created by the wind as it blew through the cave.  She nervously sidestepped a shadow on the floor that turned out to be a rock, and strained to see any indication in the distance that they were nearing the exit.

Aeric thought about it for a moment. "Now that you ask, I'd have to say it was either a implanted comm device or universal translator. I wouldn't normally be able to make it out, but the lack of technology makes the faint signal stand out."

Shadows hungrily consumed them as they continued to trudge through the infinite black. Even if his back wasn't facing her, Lieutenant Commander James would not have been able to see Tev'awash's eyebrows shoot up in epiphany, "Maybe he was murdered..."

Aeric nodded slowly as another turn took them closer to the surface and moonlight lit opening. "That might be the case, or it could have been an accident. We'll have to see what they say when they look over the body."

Using his hidden communicator as a relay, Aeric transmitted the recall code to the hidden runabout. "I've sent for our ride."

They continued on in silence until Nareen felt the need to ask another question, "how much further? I don't think I can stand being down here much longer. I'm claustrophobic." In the distance Nareen could see the first rays of daylight light piercing the inky void; it teased her with an offer of fresh air and freedom.

"Maybe ten meters and then we're home free." Aeric said softly. "Once we get our guest aboard, we can get it to the Arabella and finally find some answers."

It was not much longer until the two officers finally exited the catacombs. Hovering silently and invisibly above them, the Aurora waited to retrieve the body.

Dr Peterson Held the Object that had been given to him by Roflilio , he had no doubt that it was of alien origin, but could not determine wether it was of Federation origin. To determine this and discover what the objects function was, they would need to return to the shuttlecraft.

Roflilio , looked at the doctor with gratitude, "We have no money to pay you for your services, so please take the Regulator as payment for your services".  Dr. Peterson thanked the blue man for his generosity before heading over to Margon.

After a long discussion they decided to escort Roflilio and his wife and newborn to their dwelling before deciding to headback to the shuttlecraft, Peterson and Margon fiqured that this course of action would be most prudent as Lieutenant Witko's injury needed tending too in order to prevent unwanted attention to his red coloured blood.

Peterson also wanted to examine the alien object to determine if the Federation was responsible for the planets improper advancement in technology or if someone else was.

The landing party said their goodbyes to their new friends and decided to look in on them in a few days if time permitted and headed back to the shuttlecraft under the cover of darkness in order to avoid any further unwanted contact.

Mackie sniffed. Something didn't smell right. Or someone. Human, she thought. They all carried so much salt in their bodies that they smelled like their own oceans. Not the magician--she had already established that he was definitely Ter'ossic. Human female... but not a mature female. It was the child; the Ter'ossic child! She moved closer and noted a stale pastry odor, one she normally associated with great age. Interesting. An olfactory puzzle, not unlike the riddles posed in her childhood. When is a child not a child?

In a Starfleet philosophy class, Mackie had learned about Ophiucus IV, a beautiful Earth-like planet colonized by humans in the early 2100s. A Federation ship, she couldn't remember which, arrived 150 years later to find a planet populated only by children, children who had benefited from a life-extension project. The actual science behind this was banned, much like the bio-mimetic gel, due to the possibility of dangerous applications.

The passage had devolved into discussion of the ethics behind life-extension, more general than specific. But what had become of those children? The more she considered this possibility, the more convinced she became: this child, despite her blue skin and pointed ears, was a human, and well over two centuries old.

Joint post by BryanCD, institches, Jen, Just X, and Wraith1701

Sevryll had to exert considerable effort to maintain her calm; her heart beat excitedly in her side.  She held out a hand to the magician, and asked calmly, "May I see the ring?"

Finally noticing K'Tan and K'arath closing in on him, he clutched the device protectively to his chest.  Glancing about like a trapped animal, the man stepped behind the little girl.  "Stay back!"

Commander Sevryll turned to K'Tan.  "I believe that the ring is stolen property.  We had best return it to its rightful owners."

"With pleasure," K'Tan replied, grinning evily.  As he lunged towards the magician, the little girl sprung forward, wrapping her arms around his leg.  When the Lt. Commander stumbled, the magician took the opportunity to pulled a small, rectangular object from his robes.  Grasping the device in his fist, he held it before him at arm's length.

"Behold the power of my magic!" he yelled.  "Mirror Spawn, I summon you!"

The air before the magician wavered, and in a flash, a shimmering collection of light motes coalesced into a dark-robed duplicate.  Strapped to the doppleganger's arm was the device formerly held by the magician.

K'Tan smiled in recognition as he eyed the device.  "A remote holo-emitter!"

The ter'ossik child released her hold on K'Tan, and darted back to the magician's side.  Fists clenched in fury, she glared up at her alleged 'father'.  "You incompetent imbecile!" she raged.  "Your idiocy has undone all of my planning!"

The magician looked down at the girl in confusion; she returned his look with a kick to his shin and gestured at the disguised Starfleet Officers.  "They know!"

The duplicate magician echoed the original copy's apologetic response as they circled the room in an effort to avoid K'Tan. "A thousand pardons, your liege—I suspected as much. But you are infinitely more knowledgeable than I, and when you did not stop me from performing the demonstration, I decided my suspicion was unwarranted."

"Shut up...both of you," said the girl. "Do something before they put an end to our plans!"

It was obvious the girl was his master, for he and his holoclone jumped at her words and quickly carried out her order.  Both the magician and his duplicate pulled razor-sharp, meter-long daggers from their robes, and slowly advanced on the away team members.

K'Tan glanced from Aria to K'arath, his grin broadening.  "I'll dispose of the hologram!  The others are up for grabs!"

Aria nodded slowly before drawing the twin daggers from her waist. She wasn't quite in the mood for a fight, but it was either fight or get hurt. She moved towards her prey with feline grace and the blades for claws. She would deal with the wizard. She crouched low to the ground when she reached combat distance and spoke flatly. "Surrender or bleed, but choose quickly."

The holoclone sprung at K'Tan, his arms spread to engulf the tactical officer.  K'Tan dropped into a crouch, simultaeneously sweeping his leg out in a scything motion that caught the duplicate at the ankles.  The faux-magician vanished into a cloud of sparkeling light particles as he fell, only to reapper seconds later standing over K'Tan.

Tricky little program, K'Tan thought.

His musing was cut short by the elbow of the holographic Ter'ossik as it came crashing down onto the top of his head.  A galaxy of stars exploded across his sight, and quickly dispersed as K'Tan shook his head to clear his vision.  He chuckled in amusement, thankful for the many headbutts he had recieved from his Klingon peers over the years.

"You have to do better than that, petaQ," he growled.  "I've received firmer blows from my closest friends!"

The magician had evidently chosen to improve upon nature as a second set of arms unfolded from beneath the first, armed with a quarterstaff. He continued to grapple with K'Tan but swept the staff in a wide arc, catching Mackie on the temple. Her eyes crossed as she crumpled to the ground, senseless.

Hesitation gripped the heart of the Ter'ossik. The young female before him, one that he had dismissed so easily, faced him with no fear on her face. It was the coldness that worried him. She looked almost bored at the situation and that terrified him. It was in that moment he knew her to be a killer. The fear made his voice shake. "It is you that should fear my magic!"

Aria danced towards her foe, the light clothing that she had selected did nothing to restrict her movement. The magician struck out at him only to find her no longer where he thrust his blade. She ducked under his blade and retaliated quickly. A backhanded strike combined with a slight twist of her wrist focused her enhance strength into the pommel of her blade. The focused blow stuck the under arm pressure point with surgical precision, but her simulations had not been as accurate as expected. What should have been a blow to render him unconscious had only yielded unexpected affects.

Pain blurred the vision of the wizard and forced his weapon from his hand. Had she applied more force or the pointed end of her weapon, her blow would have been fatal. She had struck the first blow, but the fight was far from over.

The "girl" who had commanded the wizard with such authority used the skirmish as a cover for retreat. Yet Sevryll kept an eye on the brat as she evaded Aria's fight with the magician. The willowy vulcan seized the ancient child as she started out the door. The girl tried to bite the science officer in self defense, but Sevryll was quick and swiftly disabled the livid fiend with a focused grip that instantly brought the void of slumber upon the little monster. She slumped in the first officer's arms and Sevryll scooped her up as if she were one of her own children.

With their cargo safely aboard the Aurora, Rory brought the vessel into higher orbit. Aeric and Nareen, worked in the medical quarters of the ship to process the cellular extractions of the corpse. They had even managed to retrieve Dunn before heading back into space.

Soon the shuttle would be far enough out of the atmosphere to relay their finding. Their mummy was not a native, he was human. Aeric knew that finding one scientist was not the end of their mission, but it was a step closer to completion.

It would only be a matter of minutes before they cleared the field blocking the transporters. Once they transported the corpse to the ship they could return to the planet and complete their mission.

Joint post by Institches, Jen, Wraith1701, Just X, Bryancd


Mackie lifted her head and looked around at the other grass-eaters. She became thoughtful as she chewed. Their gentle green eyes and damp noses communicated so little. One evidenced a flutter of eagerness as she found a patch of particularly sweet clover, but not a one thought much beyond their noses, much less beyond the pasture itself. But not her: she wanted to explore, to push her boundaries, to fly!

And with that thought, the two spots on either side of her withers spread out, becoming wings. She trundled forward, gathering speed, flapping her bovine wings, and jumped into the air! She circled the pasture, smelling exotic grasses, exhaling her joy!

Other flying creatures joined her: turquoise snakes, tiny energetic mammals, birds with four wings. This was her family: not those happy on the ground,but these who dreamed and strove and became. At last she belonged!

The gland covers Mackie habitually wore as part of her Starfleet uniform, and now in her Ter'ossic guise, had slipped when she was knocked unconcious. The spicy smell of her happiness and sense of belonging flooded the enclosed space.

The magician breathed deeply of the seductive scent. He smiled and stepped back, deactivating his holo-emitter and tossing it into the air. Both the device and the hologram vanished. He gazed at his tiny benefactor asleep in Sevryll's arms and shook his head. "This is ridiculous. We must be able to come to some kind of agreement."

With the disappearance of the hologram and the magician's change of attitude, the away party relaxed. Each reacted in their own way to the joyous odor. Sevryll's hold on the child became more tender, the child herself smiled in her sleep, her jaw loosening. The first officer felt a peace she had not experienced all her fifty years. Her face seemed to glow as an enigmatic smile pushed the corners of her mouth upward. She braced herself against the wall as she held the smiling child in her arms.

K'arath felt a wave of serenity wash over him. A feeling of complete and utter satisfaction, of calm. It was a feeling he hardly ever felt. Only those few time when he had challenged himself to the extreme and prevailed had he known such peace as he felt now, the forces which drove his life were suddenly silenced. Perhaps, he thought, this is what Stovokor was like.

K'Tan felt a tickling, tingling sensation that seemed to start in his nose and then spread slowly from his head to fill his entire body.  Along with the curious tingling came a gently spreading feeling of warmth and well-being... his face relaxed into a smile, and his fists slowly unclenched.

He inhaled deeply, trying to place the scent that seemed to be the source of the curious sensation.

The smell was elusive; trying to pin it down felt like trying to grab a handfull of fog... one moment, it brought to mind cinnamon and wildflowers; the next, it made him think of the heady, enticing scent of a woman's skin. 

K'Tan's vision blurred with unshed, bittersweet tears.  He couldn't recall ever feeling so whole and at peace with himself, and he feared that once the feeling passed, he would never experience it again. 

Ensigns Fissual and Talen-Bawers nodded to each other and looked around the tent. Aria knelt by Mackie to check her vitals and inhaled concentrated levels of the scent. The pounding of her heart slowed in response to the chemicals that caused calm to wash over her. Threshold warnings of excessive emotion that echoed in her head were easily ignored in favor of the feel of peace. It was not unpleasant and easy to allow herself to feel it.

Satisfied that Ensign Farmer was unharmed, Aria gently shook her awake. Her eyelids fluttered. "Mmmm... grass," her translator vocalized.

Joint post Jen and Startrekfanatic5

"Are you positive sir?" asked Quinn as he sipped a cup of hot tea and gazed at the monitor before him in his quarters. "I can't believe this." The door chimed. "Well Thank you Admiral for the update. I will contact you when this mission is complete. Quinn out."

Nathan turned in his chair to face the door, "Come".

It slid open to reveal an absurdly large man flanked by and two small vulcanoid children. "Captain." said the man as he greeted Nathan in a voice so deep that it seemed to resonate within the corridor. "I wanted to make sure they made it to your quarters safely. I'll be in the After Burner if you need me." He said to the children. The hologram sentinel gave the captain a slight salute and dramatically spun into an about face before marching to the Afterburner for a cup of coffee and some "innocent flirtation".

"Bye," said the children in unison.

The door closed behind the twins as they walked into Quinn's quarters. A smile crossed the Captain's face as he kneeled down on his knees. "Well hello M'rynn, N'vall. You're right on time." The young boy held out his hand for Quinn to shake.

"Mommy says punct...punctu..."

"Punctuality?" asked the captain.

"Yes. It's very important," replied N'vall.

Quinn shook the boy's hand. "And she would be correct."
His sister poked her head from around her brother's shoulder. "Where are Phil and Grant?" She asked softly.

Quinn smiled and stood up. "They're here, and they're very excited to play with you guys." Nathan made his way into his bedroom while N'vall and M'rynn followed behind.

"I really appreciate the two of you coming over everyday. I don't have much free time and they do enjoy their playtime with you." Quinn bent over a large cage and removed a rather large, fat brown and white rat. "Here you go M'rynn, you can play with Grant" He bent over the cage again and pulled out a slimmer and slightly smaller black and gray rat. "And N'vall, you can play with Phil." The two children gently took the rats from Quinn's hands and proceeded to the nearby couch where they both climbed up, while both rats sat on their shoulders. M'rynn giggled as Grant whiskers tickled her pointed ear. Quinn smiled and walked back into his living quarters, sat down and picked up a PADD to begin reading the updates the away teams had recently sent.

"When is mommy coming home?" asked N'vall as Phil climbed to the boy's head where large brown curls waited to hide him.

With Nareen and the corpse safely aboard the Arabella, Aeric returned his attention on the world below and deftly directly directed the Aurora back towards his team. He now resided in the pilot's chair with Dunn at the controls of the sensors and communications systems.

Rory, having spent most of the mission alone on the Aurora had been granted a few hours leave and chose to spend that time socializing. She deserved a bit of social time to herself and he now needed to get information on the progress of his team.

"Sir," Dunn said from his position. "I believe that we're getting a little less interference from the planet surface. It's not enough for sensors and transporters to function yet, but it's the first time that I've seen things in flux."

"Nice catch ensign. Relay that back to the Arabella before we get too far into the atmosphere. They might be able to use that information." Aeric said.

Dunn's fingers moved over the controls to transmit the data back to the larger ship. While the loss of his CO had been an emotional setback, the young ensign had found a way to refocus himself and find the strength to complete what they had started. "Data sent."

Aeric nodded and directed the ship towards that last reported location of his remaining team members. He wasn't sure how much they would be able to accomplish where they were, but it was his hope that those remaining on the planet had made progress in their tasks.

Joint Post by Jen, Institches, Wraith1701 and Just X

Aria was seated next to her in the lush grass muttering something to her about 'covers'. Spring chewed her cud contently and stared glassy-eyed at Ensign James a moment.  Each time Aria repeated herself, her voice seemed to become clearer in tone and in meaning.  Reality eventually washed over the young Fertillian like an unexpected summer shower. Suddenly alert and aware, she couldn't help but gaze at each of her crew mates. They were like a small mob of happy drunks milling about the room that had been a field of dreams moments before. For reasons unknown to Spring, Ensign James was the only one unaffected. The commander's daughter handed the gland covers to Spring, and she wasted no time putting them back on.

After a moment, Commander Sevryll's cheery expression slackened and she donned her mask of stoicism once more.  The Vulcan pushed away from the wall that she had been leaning against, and straightened to her full height.  She felt refreshed. It was a sensation she had not experienced since the day the virus stole her ability to maintain a reticent air. As sobriety returned to K'Tan and the others, Sevryll gained their attention. "We must clear the room of any technology foreign to this world."  K'Tan commandeered the devices and he and K'arath subdued the magician who was still tipsy. With the unconscious child in her arms, Sevryll continued, "we're going back to the runabout. Bring them with us... We'll decided what to do with the Ter'Ossick later."

K'Tan and K'arath each took one of the magician's arms and they exited the building. As they walked, they laughed and joked about the Ter'Ossick's inability to hold his liquor. With the festival in full swing, no one paid any attention to them as they left the grounds and began their journey to the base camp.

Night was descending as the group arrived at the clearing housing their cloaked runabout.  K'Tan looked at the magician and the disguised child, his eyebrow quirked in puzzlement.  An insipid grin was still plastered on the Ter'Ossik magician's face, and the girl dozed contentedly in Commander Sevryll's arms, sucking her thumb.

"I wonder why these two are still loopy?" he asked K'arath.  "It seems as though the rest of us have more or less recovered from Ensign Farmer's 'happy spray'."

As the disguised Klingon engineer shrugged noncommittally, Sevryll glanced back at the pair.  "I suspect that we are all being exposed to trace amounts of Ensign Farmer's pheromones on a continuous basis.  It is possible that over time, we have built up a slight resistance to their effects.  Our guests, on the other hand, have not had this opportunity."

As the alien sun dipped below the horizon, a cold wind whistled through the few, rust-colored trees surrounding the clearing.  K'Tan suppressed a shiver as he and K'arath led the magician towards the clearing's center.  A few strides ahead of them, Commander Sevryll paused and raised a hand before her, her fingers nimbly tapping a tatoo on apparent thin air.  With a beep and a hiss of escaping air, a brightly lit vertical seam of light appeared directly before her, hovering in the air.  The crack in the air widened, spilling light out onto the gathered away team members and their two guests.


Standing in the middle of the growing pool of light, the magician's eyes widened.  His calm suddenly washed away, he struggled frantically against the hold the two starfleet officers kept on his arms.  His jaw dropped as he gazed into the waiting doorway of the Shadowfax.  "Whe-where are you taking me?" he stammered.

"Please calm yourself," K'Tan replied.  "You will not be harmed.  It's just that you and your people have been exposed to some potentially harmful things, and we want to try to repair any damage that may have been done."

Ensign Farmer worked her magic and the Ter'Ossick and his miniature master once again became amenable. Within the Shadowfax, they would be questioned about the remaining scientists, and when the away team obtained the information they desperately needed to complete the mission, Ensign James would then step in to take care of the magician's memory of the entire event and plant new ones to cover their tracks.

Tears streamed down the child's face as the funny lady asked again, "Who are you?" Her inquisitor wasn't smiling and that was humorous for some reason; in fact the girl couldn't stop laughing. The woman's face did not change, she simply glanced to another woman and raised an eyebrow. The individual she exchanged looks with was shorter in stature and much more animated than the inquisitor, which was also hilarious to the girl. The other people, who were standing nearby, took a step away from the girl as the animated lady puffed out her neck. A moment later, the girl ceased her uncontrollable laughter—she felt relaxed, happy and completely at ease with her interviewer.  These were nice people. The question came again in a flat, impassive tone, "Who are you?"

"Bella," said the girl.

"That is a beautiful name. Am I correct in my assumption that your name is of Earth origin?"

"Yes."

The lady nodded. "Are you human?"

"Yep."

"How old are you little one?"

The girl giggled... "older than you."

"Why are you here?" asked the lady as she studied the girl's face curiously.

"I was sent to work here, but my job has become very boring," said the girl as she stuck out a bottom lip and crossed her arms.  "Make-believe is much more fun."

The woman glanced to the men standing behind her before turning her gaze back to the girl, "What work did you perform before it became too boring?"

"I studied boring people. I was an anthropologist. But that's not fun... I want to be a princess instead." She pointed to the dozing magician, "he was going to help me... but he's not as smart as I am, and it's hard to explain things to stupid people."

"Did you know other anthropologists?" asked the animated woman, standing beside the one who never smiled.

Margon, Doctor Peterson and Lieutenant Witko arrived at the coordinates to be beamed up to " The Courage of Tiberius" by dawn. It had been an extremely hot and humid night and their uniforms were stained with the accumulation of days of sweat.

Little flies and bugs swarmed around them attracted by the dripping sweat falling from their heads. The team looked worn and exhausted. Lieutenant Witko pain could be seen plainly on his face, as his nose had by this time swollen to the size of a large grapefruit and would need surgery once they had returned to the Arabella.

" It wont be long now Lieutenant before we will be able to look after that nose of yours" Peterson said.. The Lieutenant nodded with a weak smile in response to the doctors words.

Casey had gone over the mission in his mind and was thankful that nobody in his group and suffered any fatalities. He did not like to end a mission Prematurely but did not want to expose the Lieutenant to any further risk of injury. Furthermore, Doctor Peterson did not want to risk losing their alien device; or getting the information of one of the Archaeologists death back to the ship.

As ,the Doctor, continued to go over the mission in his mind, the team became engulfed in a gold shimmerring field that began to disassemble their molecules one by one. The doctors thoughts were halted mid thought only to be continued as his molecules began to reassembled one by one on shuttle.

Peterson continued to go over the mission in his mind and mused that although it was not a total success it was not a failure either. They had managed to help bring an a child into this alien world safely without Breaking the Prime Directive. They had recovered an alien device called " The Regulator" which might hold other information that might lead to the discovery of the other Archaeologists, and they had confirmation that one of the Scientists was dead...

Joint post by Jen and Just X:

With the help of Ensign Farmer's pheromones, Belle told Commander Sevryll that Captain Kirk discovered her during the Enterprise's first, five-year mission. Her life had been artificially prolonged. In actuality, she was hundreds of years old and from a planet identical to Earth. The life prolonging process that had preserved the children of her world—killed the adults who underwent the same treatment—leaving the young to fend for themselves. She described how two Starfleet officers, who had once served aboard Kirk's Enterprise, came back and adopted her. The girl's face stretched into a wistful smile as she spoke of them.  They were scientists, and their stories of new life and new civilizations, promoted her to follow in their footsteps and study anthropology.

After examining Belle, Sevryll determined that her condition was deteriorating. The 'girl' had been suffering from dementia—it was unclear for how long, but the damage was irrevocable.  Science had only prolonged the inevitable. Despite her youthful appearance, it seemed that time had finally caught up with Belle, and had begun to chip away at her aged mind.

The change in Belle's condition may have been too subtle for the doctors to detect, before she was cleared for her assignment.  Did her colleagues become aware of her illness? Did Belle have something to do with their disappearance?  These answers were not forth coming, but not because Belle would not volunteer them. More accurately, her mind failed to recall them for her memory had been affected as well.

The scientists they sought, might as well have been Starfleet Intelligence. It was likely only a handful of higher-ups knew for certain who the anthropologists were, or where they were stationed.  The Federation's failure to include the scientists' records in the information given to Captain Quinn, was due in part to the security measures set in place to protect Ter'Oss. Those records were likely 'misplaced' not only for the sake of the planet's security, but to protect the anthropologist upon their return from their mission. It would simply be too easy for felonious individuals to track down and exploit the planet, if they could enlist one of the scientists to aid them.

Ter'Oss and other pre-warp civilizations were guarded like precious gems. They were kept safe from those who sought to profit from the resources of their naive populations.  Ironically, the Scientific branch's effort to protect the Ter'Ossick, had instead contaminated their culture  and would likely bring about a premature Renaissance during the civilization's Dark Ages.



Once the Arabella had accomplished it's mission, the Federation would no doubt send a "clean-up" crew, in an attempt to rectify the situation.

"Ensign James, relay a message to the Arabella and the Courage of Tiberius. Tell them we have located and detained one of the missing scientists and have pinpointed the location of a another." Said Sevryll. She glanced to the magician, and back to Aria, "and make sure that our friend has no memory of us, or Belle." 

The Commander then moved into the next cabin, where K'Tan stole a quick nap. She cleared her throat to wake him. "Mr. K'Tan, prepare a small team to recover Dr. Era-Khellen. According to Belle, her colleague is being detained at a fortress in the Witherwind Province, located 6.437 kilometers north of our current position. Her captor is a telepathic Blate. I am uncertain how covert your operation will be because of this. Caution, as always, should be observed. But I am certain that you do not require this reminder."

Joint Post by Jen and Just X

Aeric sat at the controls of the Aurora and watched the last of his team enter the runabout below him. Everything was proceeding smoothly, until the ship's sensor abruptly flared into full operations.

"Sir," Dunn said from the secondary console. "I don't know how to explain it, but we suddenly have sensors and transporters online!"

Aeric nodded. "I'm getting an incoming transmission from Aria. They've  found another scientist. Open communications with the Arabella and relay the sudden change in the mission. See if they can help with the final extractions."

"I'm on it sir." Dunn said and hailed the Arabella. "Ensign Dunn to Arabella. We have sensors and transporters operational. Request emergency transport of all non-native equipment and personnel from the surface."

"Aurora, this is the Arabella, we have confirmed your data and relayed the request to Captain Quinn."

Aeric smiled at the break that they were finally being given as he then shared the information with Aria, who was still on the surface.


Ensign James opened her eyes and turned to her mother, "It seems that the Arabella has temporarily solved our transport issue. They don't know how long the window will hold, so they are targeting anyone or anything not native to the planet."

Sevryll nodded, "tell them to search for Denoblian bio signs. They should be focused 6.437 kilometers north of our current position."

From his station aboard the Arabella, Lieutenant Zremm verified that the technology he adjusted to enhance their transporter capabilities, was ready. Captain Quinn tugged at his tunic and ordered the ensign at ops, to open a hailing frequency. "Aurora, pattern probes are in place and standing by. Ready when you are," he said.


Ensign Dunn relayed the message from the Captain to his team leader. "Arabella is waiting on a reply, sir."

"Commander James, begin transport. Also be advised that there is a Denoblian north of Alpha team that needs to be retrieved."

"Understood, Aurora," said Captain Quinn. "you heard the man, Mr. Zremm."

"Aye, sir. I'm sweeping that area now." The Andorian's antenna flattened as his expression transitioned to reflect his stubborn determination. After a moment they pivoted forward. He lifted his face from his console and glanced toward Captain Quinn. "I've located one Denoblian female. Sensors indicate that she's scaling a wall. I'm picking up five pursuers...I believe she's attempting to escape a compound sir."

"Have Mr. Frep beam all foreign technology aboard, including our Denoblian friend," replied Quinn as he slowly stood from his chair.

The comm squawked again, "Arabella, this is the Shadowfax, we're coming home," said Chief Grant as the runabout lifted off. As the ship rotated, she could see the magician still sleeping against the tree they left him under. Aria had given him with four months worth of substitute memories. He would not recall Belle, or his experience aboard the Shadowfax and could resume his life as though he had never encountered any of them.


Aboard Arabella, transporter room one was soon filled with an array of scientific equipment that was previously scattered all over the planet. In the middle of it all was one very confused Ter'Ossick female. Her body, still in a climbing position, stumbled into the piles of gadgetry as her form solidified on the pad. Chief Frep's smile spread, "Welcome aboard, ma'am."

It seemed their mission was accomplished. All they had to do now was give their report to Starfleet and stand back to let 'damage control' swoop in to tidy up. Sevryll leaned back in her seat aboard the Shadowfax and glanced to Belle, who was sleeping soundly in an axillary chair. Belle's future was unknown, but what the commander was certain of was that the scientist's career was over.


A shimmer of light on the Arabella's bridge caught Ensign Thorne's peripheral vision, causing him to turn his gaze from his Op's console. A veil of shock passed of his face as his eyes focused on the now empty command chair. Thorne stood as Lieutenant Zremm stepped down from his station, "Computer, locate Captain Quinn!" shouted the Andorian.

"Captain Quinn is no longer aboard the Arabella," Came the cool, impassive voice of the ship's computer.


To be continued.....

END OF SEASON SEVEN.

Season Eight will begin August 12th or 13th of 2008. Stay tuned for more on the Ready Room Microcast, and in the Season Eight OOC thread.