Captain Sevryll

[Jen]

Previous Timeline Profile For Commander Sevryll (Pre-season 10)[spoiler] Character's Name: Commander Sevryll

approx. 59 Earth years old

Place Of Birth: ShiKahr, located on the edge of Vulcan's Forge on the planet Vulcan.

Gender: Female

Species Of Origin: Vulcan

Hair:  long, dark brown hair

Eyes: brown

Height: 5'9"

Weight: 125

Skin Tone: medium/fair

Body: Tall and slender

Face: Vulcan in appearance—upswept eyebrows, pointed ears, oval face, shinning brown eyes.

Telepathic/ Empathic abilities: contact telepath

Marital Status: Married to a human, alias: David Locke, a Section 31 operative. Ships records indicate that he is an archaeologist. The records also state that David and Sevryll are separated—a status imposed by David, for the protection of his family.

Children: Four-year-old twins. A boy named N'vall, and a girl named M'rynn

Habits: tucking her hair behind her ear.

Quarters: Her children's artwork is displayed on the walls of her quarters on the Arabella and home on Vulcan. Ancient Vulcan artifacts are spread through out. A hologram of her husband is also present—David personalized the program himself, and it greets each child as they wake and helps tuck them in at bedtime...he also acts as the guard dog.

Likes: Historical and archaeological discussions with colleagues. Time with her children, Vulcan Spice Tea.


Dislikes: arrogance, lies, and violence... basically the nature of her husband's profession.

Ambitions and Goals:  That her husband leave Section 31 and join her on the vessel she currently serves on. That her children would grow up to value both their Vulcan and Human lineages.

Temperament: kind, charitable, soft spoken but not a push-over.

Hobbies: gardening, playing the violin.

Notable Vulcan family members include: her great grandmother T'Pol

Father: Krell, the grandson of T'Pol, a diplomat who is involved in Ambassador Spock's mission to further the cause of Romulan/Vulcan unification.

Mother:  Sareth, a professor of history at Star Fleet Academy.

Siblings: None

Character History:
As a child, her father's stories of their Vulcan Ancestors stirred her to wander the terrain, in search of the tangible traces of their ancestor's long vanished existence. She formed such a connection to the people in her father's tales that her thoughts of them became virtually perpetual. What did they look like? Did they look like me? How did they live?  Her questions were inquiries that could never be completely satisfied, yet tangible evidence could be uncovered and studied; and so began her interest in Archaeology.

Inspired by her grandmother's service, Sevryll attended Starfleet Academy where she studied archaeology and anthropology. Seven years before her assignment to Tiberius, Sevryll was stationed aboard a Science Research vessel, the U.S.S. Anasazi, as the ships Archaeology and Anthropology Officer. The ship's primary function was to explore the ruins of a mysterious, ancient civilization known as the "Solesh".  Starfleet designated their operations as "top secret". Unbeknownst to the crew of the Anasazi, Section 31 inserted an operative, alias: David Locke, within the team of archaeologists. His assignment was to gather intel and his mission continued for 2 years; over that time he became romantically involved with Sevryll. On the last day of his assignment, he proposed to her—she accepted and they were wed on Risa on her shore leave. No guests attended.

One year later, after the birth of their twins, David confessed that he was not who he pretended to be. He argued that if he had been honest, he would have jeopardized her life. David had chosen to live with the lie rather than risk her safety. When the danger had passed, he chose to tell her the truth rather than continue the ruse.  David vowed that his profession was the only facet of himself that was false. He told her he would leave Section 31 for good, but before his resignation could be formalized he would have to persuade his superiors to permit him leave. He alleged this was an exceedingly difficult task to undertake, and he warned that it could take years before he could resign completely. If Sevryll were not Vulcan, she would have been enraged. She detests deceit, but loves him despite the lies he told to protect her. Although it is not an ideal arrangement, she cherishes their marriage.

Soon after David departed for his next mission, Sevryll accepted a post aboard The U.S.S. Tiberius, as Chief Science Officer.  Though it rarely ever comes, David takes any opportunity to see his family.

Sevryll was promoted to Commander of the Tiberius and awarded the Combat Readiness Medal for demonstrating superior combat ability while in active operations against an attacking Acamarian vessel.

Sevryll's DNA was taken without her knowledge and used to create a binary clone (See Season Three-Four). Her genetic material was combined with that of Aeric James to create adult version of Aria, a child that was born to the two in an alternate timeline. Initially, Sevryll refused to accept the clone as a daughter, but over time she developed a meaningful relationship with Aria and befriended Aeric James, who had been a stranger prior to this event.

Soon after, Sevryll contracted the Lucas Virus, a pathogen that initially was passed telepathically. It was designed for the expressed purpose of wiping out the Vulcans who stove to unify their people with their sundered kin—the Romulans (See Season Four-Five). Her father, a diplomat within this movement, was the intended target. Sevryll was merely the vessel.

Her children were also infected and came dangerously close to death. To save them, she agreed to have them placed in cryostatsis. Aria James discovered the inhibitor and, with the help of Ryla Drett, the cure that later saved them.  The virus soon mutated to an airborne disease and struck down 1/3 of the Tiberius crew while on route to Vulcan. Before the ship's orbit decayed and crashed into the planet, killing more people, she aided Captain Quinn in destroying the ship whose bio gel packs had been infected with the same virus.  

After a year of quarantine, on a space station near her home world, she left Starfleet and she and  her children took up residence on Vulcan.  The virus effected her ability to suppress her emotion and on more than one occasion, she lost control in public. These incidences were witnessed by other Vulcans and action was taken against her. She was dismissed from her position as a master at ShiKhar Academy and attempts were made to declare her an outcast. Sevryll left Vulcan to avoid the hearings at her great-grandmother's request—T'Pol died shortly after. Sevryll recently accepted Captain Quinn's offer to serve with him as First Officer of the USS Arabella. [/spoiler]

[Jen]

Alternate Timeline / Post Season 9 (Result of Romulus/Vulcan Destruction)

Character's Name: Captain Sevryll

Born: 2325,  62 Earth years old

Place Of Birth: Earth, Starfleet Medical, San Francisco

Gender: Female

Species Of Origin: Vulcan

Hair: Long, black hair. Off duty or on, she wears it down. Sometimes two small braids, starting at her temples, circle the crown of her head, while allowing the remainder to spill over her shoulders in raven waves.

Eyes: Dark brown

Height: 5'8'"

Weight: 128 lbs

Skin Tone: Medium/fair

Body: Tall and slender

Face: Vulcan in appearance—upswept eyebrows, pointed ears, delicate features, oval face, shinning brown eyes.

Telepathic/ Empathic abilities: Contact telepath. Enhanced telepathic abilities that extend only to her husband.

Marital Status: Married to Aeric James

Children: A twelve-year-old daughter: Aria James, and Five-year-old twins: A boy named Nevaul, and a girl named Murynn

Habits: tucking her hair behind her ear. Forgets and sometimes speaks telepathically to her husband instead of verbally in situations that demand audible communication.

Quarters: Her children's artwork is displayed on the walls of their quarters on the Arabella. Vulcan artifacts are spread through out. The space is immaculate, despite the fact it is also home to three children, a husband and a holopet.: a sehlat cub named "Dennis" that grows in size when threatened.

Likes: Dom Jot. Time alone with her family. She listens to Jazz and Blues as a cathartic release of emotion. Vulcan Spice Tea, waffles (thanks to her husband)

Dislikes: Arrogance, violence, ignorance and the words "I can't".

Ambitions and Goals:  That her children would grow up in peace. To serve the Federation and her people...the few that remain.

Temperament: Is quick-witted, has honed her dry Vulcan humor, by the book, duty bound, loyal, kind, charitable, soft spoken but not a pushover.

Hobbies: playing Dom Jot, reading, excursions with her family on the holodeck and when time permits, her home on Earth.

Notable Vulcan family members include: her great-grandmother T'Pol

Father: Sokrell, the grandson of T'Pol, a diplomat who is involved in the mission to further the cause of Romulan/Vulcan unification amongst the new Vulcan worlds.

Mother: Admiral Sareth who now works at Starfleet Academy

Siblings: None

Character History:

Inspired by her great-grandmother's service, Sevryll entered Starfleet Academy in 2343 where she studied Probability Mechanics and Astrophysics. There she met her future husband, Aeric James; an El-Aurian/Nacine who, a year prior to meeting her, transitioned from cadet to professor. He soon suspended his career as an educator to stay within regulation and pursue his budding relationship with the younger Vulcan woman.

2345, Aeric and Sevryll are engaged in a private Kan-Telan ceremony, as was traditional before being fully bonded as husband and wife.

2347, Sevryll graduated from the Academy as Lieutenant Junior Grade. She is assigned along with her intended, to the USS. USS Goforth. She was later married to Aeric James on the Vulcan Colony at terraformed Ceti Alpha V.

2353, Sevryll was promoted to full Lieutenant.

2360, Sevryll is promoted to lieutenant Commander. Sevryll and Aeric consult Sevryll's Academy roommate and friend, Doctor Selar, at Starfleet medical about their their ability to have children.

2367,  Battle of Wolf 359 with the USS Goforth as the only surviving ship. Sevryll and Aeric's infant son, Rok (Vulcan for something that is hoped for or desired) is born prematurely as a result of the injuries he and his mother sustained during the Borg attack, and he dies as a result. Because of his Nacine heritage, Sevryll and Aeric's bond is enhanced when his desperation and grief overwhelm him in sickbay. Sevryll suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (known as "Mind Shock" to the Vulcan people). Aeric and Sevryll resign commissions due in part to her issues, and travel to explore the Rigel system in the Aurora.

2373, Outbreak of the Dominion War. Sevryll becomes pregnant with Aria James. Aeric James and Sevryll are recalled to Starfleet and are stationed at Starbase 375 to assist in the war efforts.

2374, Sevryll is replaced by a Changling. Lieutenant Commander Sevryll finds herself aboard a Founder prisoner vessel bound for Betazed. She manages to organize the prisoners and overtake the ship with the help of her former Starfleet Academy rival, Captain Shannalyn Hagen. She saves Hagens life during the skirmish. Aeric James and Sevryll are promoted to Commanders afterwards.

2375, The Dominion War ends.  Aria James is born, delivered by a visiting Doctor Selar.  Aeric enters reserve status to be a father and with Sevryll who is assigned to the USS Hercules, assigned to border patrol of the Federation.

2379, Relaunch of the USS Tiberius under the Command of Captain Quinn. Aeric returns to Starfleet as the CAG of the Tiberius. Sevryll transfers to Tiberius and assumes the duties of First Officer.

2382, Murynn and Nevaul are born on the Tiberius and safely delivered by Doctor Ryla Drett.

2385, The Lucas Virus is used in a plot against the Vulcans of [New] Vulcan. Sevryll becomes ill as a result, but her children and husband are immune due to their El-Aurian immune systems. Aeric heals his wife through their enhanced bond. She helps Quinn destroy Tiberius. Aurora is also destroyed over New Vulcan.

2386, Sevryll teaches at Starfleet Academy as her new ship, the USS Arabella is being constructed.

2387, Loss of Romulas and Remus. USS Arabella is brought online. The USS Arabella, under the Command of Captain Sevryll and XO Commander Aeric James, is assigned to deal with issues in Romulan space at the invite of Empress Donatra.

[Jen]

Joint Backstory by Jen and Just X (a prequel to this story can be found in Aeric James' profile):

"...the next thing I know, Sevryll has incapacitated Shannalyn with a nerve pinch."

"What?!"

"Yep...dropped that Betazoid like a sack of potatoes right there in Archer Hall."

A laugh erupted in the acoustic environment of engineering. "Geez, remind me not to mess with your wife!" said one of the men.

"She sounds like she'd be good in a pinch...get it? Pinch?" This time there was a collective moan as the group rejected his flat joke.

"Did she get arrested?" asked another officer.

Aeric smiled, "nope...I toasted the boys from security as they came in and offered to buy them a round of drinks. About that time, Shannalyn started to stir. She sat up and in a slur of words asked where she was. They assumed she'd been drinking and hauled her to the brig to sleep it off."

They laughed again as Aeric made his way to the door, "got to run, Sev's waiting for me... I'll see you guys tomorrow."

Aeric smiled to himself as he moved down the corridors of the Goforth. It was a ship that he had come to know like the back of his hand. He and Sevryll had spent their twelve years of marriage serving aboard the Ambassador class vessel.

His destination was sickbay, to see his wife who had been feeling ill.  Aeric rounded the corner and entered the ward. He smiled when he laid eyes on Sevryll, who was resting on a biobed. The doctor was standing beside her, discussing something with her.

"Hey, doc. How's she doing?" Lieutenant James asked and moved closer.

"Lt. Sevryll is doing remarkably well given her condition," Doctor Murphy said.

The Vulcan extended a hand to Aeric and he took it in his, "I am going to have a baby."

Aeric blinked rapidly and the shock on his face quickly transformed into a smile. For the first few seconds of the revelation, he couldn't find the words to speak. "That's great! Doc, we're going to have a baby!"

"I know Mr. James," Doc Murphy smirked. "Congratulations to you both."

Sevryll felt his tangible joy through their bond, and despite the mask of impassiveness that she worked so hard to maintain everyday, he could taste the sweet euphoria she held deep in her heart.

"I am pleased ..."

Aeric nodded. They had been together long enough for him to know her emotions well. With their shared bond, she didn't need to say or display how she felt. He knew her feelings as well as he knew his own. This child was a blessing for both of them.

"At some point, we're going to have to inform your parents." he added.

"Soon..." she replied. "But we should keep the news to ourselves until we are certain that the danger has passed."

[Jen]

Joint Backstory by Jen and Just X:

They had gone far outside of Federation space on an exploration mission that ended up lasting almost a decade. On the return, they found themselves at war with the Borg. What was once a mission of exploration had become a mission of survival. Due to the fates, they were the only ship at Wolf 359 to survive, but the Goforth's crew sacrificed much to persevere.

"Do something!" Lieutenant Aeric James said as he gripped the uniform of the doctor and held him against the wall. White hot rage poured through him at the sight of his pregnant wife, in a medical crisis that the doctor was not able to rectify. "Help them!"


"Calm down Mr. James," the human doctor said. "Your wife has just come out of her healing trance. You should be able to see her soon. There is just nothing that we can do to save the pregnancy. The baby simply isn't viable despite the long gestation that has occurred."

"He..." Aeric growled. "He is not just a baby! He's our son and you will save him!"

As soon as he noticed his wife starting to wake, Aeric attempted to control his furry. She had carried their child for thirteen months—where another child would have been well on the way to birth, their child was not. External forces had conspired against them and now it was costing them their son. When the war with the Borg broke out, he knew that there would be casualties. He knew that there would be deaths, but not this...

Sevryll could feel her husband's palpable distress, what happened? He was too emotional to hear her unspoken inquiry, which caused her heart to beat rapidly in her side. His distraction told her that something terrible had occurred. In a panic, she willed herself to rapid consciousness; the effort caused her head to spin. Aeric's angry words became more intelligible as she roused herself from the self-induced trance. The bright lights of Sickbay blinded her vision as she opened her eyes. Blurry silhouettes moved about her as she turned her head in the direction of Aeric's voice. Sevryll projected the question again when the words failed to leave her mouth.

Aeric swiftly moved to his wife's side and took her hand into his, "You were injured in Borg attack. Your healing trace managed to help...but... the doctors don't feel that the baby is going to make it. They don't have enough information on his physiology to treat him. There's nothing that they can do..."

She slowly shook her head and swallowed down the anguished cry that threatened to escape her lungs. Tears welled in her eyes, but she refused to allow them to fall. She moved her lips, but again the words hung on her tongue. With a great effort she was able to stubbornly forced the hoarse whisper into the room, "...no...no... no.."

With his free hand, Aeric stroked her face and then kissed her forehead. "They don't know how much time he has left, but the captain is trying to get us to the medical facilities on Starbase 47. It's a long shot, but he's is doing what ever it takes to get us there... The ship is barely holding together as it is."

Doctor Murphy moved closer to the couple. "We've attached a monitor so that you can be aware of the changing conditions. I'm going to be in my office until I'm needed. You should have your privacy..."

As her eyes slowly adjusted to the lights, she could see Aeric's grief stricken expression and the tears she tried so hard to keep from falling poured over her cheeks in a sudden deluge. She kept her focus on her husband as Doctor Murphy left them alone. "Where is he?" she moaned between sharp breaths.

Aeric released his wife's hand and moved to the incubator.  Aeric spoke softly as he quietly brought it into view, "he's here. He's a fighter...."

She tried to roll on her side, but she found it difficult to move. Sevryll couldn't remember the incident that had injured she and the baby, but that did not matter now...all she could think of was her son. She moved her hand to the incubator and touched the side. The baby lay motionless with his face turned toward hers. He had delicate features that were somewhere between Vulcan and El Aurian...he was beautiful.  

Time ceased to exist outside of the room as the two parents sat with their son. Only the rapid tones of the monitor broke the silence with a cadence that rivaled the flapping of a hummingbird's wings. In that timeless moment, Sevryll and Aeric simply watched their child... With each heartbeat, the sound slowed until the beat was replaced by a single tone.

Sevryll shook with the tremor of a silent lament and turned her face away as the quiet sobs became vocal and the streams flowed with greater intensity—control was unachievable. The loss was too much and the walls of her composure disintegrated under the weight of their son's death.

[Jen]

Joint Backstory by Jen and Just X

Aeric James smiled to himself as he ran the latest diagnostics on the Aurora. While it had been over six years since he and Sevryll had resigned their commissions, they had managed to make the Rigel System a home. Most of their time away from the Federation had been spent healing the wounds of their loss and exploring the system and the mystery surrounding it... they had found peace in their new lives.

Aeric and Sevryll had managed to find a small parcel of land to build a home for themselves. It was a place to rest and conduct needed repairs on their aging craft. It was also a place to stretch their legs and review the research that they were putting together.

Space itself had become more dangerous in recent days with the conflict with the Dominion suddenly erupting into all out war. Aeric and Sevryll had both been through more than their share of wars during their time in service, but the Dominion War was a conflict that had yet to touch their lives...and they knew it was only a matter of time.

Aeric had just gathered his jacket to return to the dwelling when his thoughts were interrupted by the communications systems. Moving to the station, he acknowledged the request and opened an audio channel.

"USS Challenger to Starship Aurora," a familiar voice said through the ship's speakers.

"Aurora here," Aeric replied. "How can we help you Challenger? You're a long way from the standard space lanes."

"Admiral's prerogative." Nicholas Johnson said. "Can you spare a few minutes for old friends?"

"Of course," Aeric said with a smile. It had been almost a decade since he had last seen Nick and Thelora in person, but they did keep up with them over the years. The two had become a powerful team and when Nick was granted his Admiral rank, Thelora was the only captain that he wanted to command his flagship. "I'm sending you transport coordinates, but give me a minute to run into the house and let Sevryll know that company has finally arrived."

Nick's deep laugh echoed over the comm channel, "Sounds like you were expecting us."

"The Federation is going to war Nick," Aeric replied as he rose from his chair. "As Sevryll has pointed out, it would be illogical for Starfleet not to send visitors to our doorstep."

"Your wife has always been the brains of your duo." Nick answered. "Let's us know when you are ready for us. Challenger out."

Sevryll pulled back her hair and straightened her jacket as she and Aeric prepared for the arrival of their old friends.

"I do not wish to return," she said to her husband as she searched in vain for something to straighten or clean in their already immaculate home. "I can endure no more pain."

"I know," Aeric said softly, "but I don't believe that we'll be able to side step it this time. War is coming and I can't see a way to avoid it. We should hear them out. Perhaps they can provide us with insight as to what we should do."

Aeric reached out and touched her hand lightly to pause her. "We are just going to hear them out and see why they would come all this way for us."

Her answer was inaudible but he still received it, I can only promise to listen, k'diwa.

Aeric smiled and tapped his communicator, "James to Challenger. Permission to beam down has been granted."

"Understood Doctor James," replied a younger voice over the channel.

Within moments, the tell-tale sound of figures materializing could be heard outside of their small residence followed quickly by a series of firm knocks on the door.

"Enter," Aeric said as he walked to the passageway.

The doors swiftly slid open revealing the aged, but still very much in shape figures of Nick and Thelora dressed in their duty uniforms. Nick also carried in his hand an elegantly designed glass bottle. One of the few remaining bottles of brandy that survived the destruction of old Vulcan.

"Peace and long life," Nick smiled to the two as he and Thelora fully entered the home that served as both a residence and a lab. "Starfleet Command sends their warmest regards."

"Welcome," replied Sevryll in carefully guarded, yet respectful tones. She took the bottle from the pair and ushered it into the kitchen as Aeric escorted them to the brightly colored couches. "Would you care for a beverage?" She asked, "perhaps a glass of the brandy you have brought?"

Nick glanced to his companion and nodded. "I think that will be acceptable."

Thelora nudged the admiral in the ribs with her elbow. "You could remember your manners Nicholas... How have you both been? I'm actually surprised how hard it was to find you."

Nick rubbed his side , "You look wonderful. Almost exactly how I remember you, Sevryll."

"Thank you," she replied as she poured three glasses and distributed them to Aeric and their guests.

"Aren't you going to have one?" Asked Nick with a grin...he knew she didn't drink, but he always pretended to be surprised by the fact.

She ignored him as was her way when he teased. "I am certain your visit is not a casual one..."

"Starfleet needs you back," Nick said softly. "Our best have been running projections and it doesn't look like we can win this war with what we have. We need you both back in the fleet putting your skills to use saving lives."

Thelora nodded in agreement, "I know that the wounds from the Borg haven't fully healed, but we need you both. They have already reactivated your commissions. They've done it with every able body officer and noncom. But Nick pulled strings—you won't have to be on the front lines. We need war veterans to help direct our efforts and end this quickly. If the Dominion is successful, everyone on this side of the wormhole is in trouble."

Aeric sighed, "We have just decided to try to start a family again. This is a really bad time Nick."

"I don't think the Founders are willing to pause the war for your family plans," Nick grumbled before taking a sip of his brandy. "Here's the bottom line...If we don't win, your family will have no where else to go. The only success for the future is if you fight in the here and now."

What Nick did not know, was that Sevryll was already expecting a baby. "You are correct. The Founders will not cease their efforts until they are defeated. What Aeric has failed to make clear is that our family is well on the way.... I can not sacrifice another child to war. I will not..."

"Congratulations," Thelora smiled.

Nick nodded, "Congratulations...but that doesn't change the problem. War is already here. Would you rather some rookies, who don't know the price of war, are the ones planning our battle strategy? You'll be on a Starbase. One with the finest medical care possible. Not some backwater world that's four days warp from a Federation medical facility. Just by being here, you are already involved in the war. There is only one question to ask yourself. Will you be a part of the decision making process, or will you be one of the people that we'll have to rescue when the Dominion invades?"

"I see.." was Aeric's only response as he considered the weight of the request.

Sevryll knew Nick was right—she stood and walked a few steps away to suppress the emotion that was rapidly surfacing. There was no other option, no way out...she felt trapped. It was a sensation she had experienced on more than one occasion.

The memories of the Borg attack that stole their child had returned a few months after they left the service; they came flooding back in nightmares.

Dreams were typically rare for Vulcans, which made them all the more traumatic. They had caused her to relive the raw emotions over and over again. Trapped... no way out... she had been pinned beneath the bulkhead within their smoke filled quarters aboard the Goforth. Aeric had not physically left his post during the conflict, but he was with her. Had he not, she would have died in the flames with their unborn son. Fortunately, he was able to alert security to her situation. Help came quickly, but not before panic and blood loss aided the smoke in rendering her unconscious. She felt that wave of dizziness threaten to return as she listened to Nick and Thelora. The doctors diagnosed her symptoms in the weeks that followed the Borg attack, as Post Traumatic Stress; a condition Vulcans knew as 'mind shock'. It had been some time since she had experienced another episode. The peace of their distant world had aided her slow recovery.

As the silence echoed within the room, she attempted to center herself through measured breaths.

Aeric rose and moved to his wife's side. He felt the turmoil that rolled through her mind and did not have to guess the cause. His hand reached out and lightly touched hers. It was an act that most humanoids took for granted, yet it was electrifying to them. Nerve endings tingled as their already stronger than normal bond intensified from the physical contact. Aeric suppressed a shiver and opened himself to his wife—lending his strength to her through their unseen communications.

The weight of their shared pain pounded in his chest, but there was also joy in that bond. The joy of that tiny life that she carried inside of her. He had once made a vow of a peaceful life to Sevryll. It was a promise that new enemies threatened to break. It was a peace that they would never achieve with a war being waged around them. There was only one option for them, but the best of several bad options did not suddenly make it a good decision.

Aeric's fingertips trailed lightly over the back of Sevryll's hand, an action that was visually missing the explosive sparks that the contact provided. His heart still burned with the loss of their son, but he could not simply leave their friends and family to the wolves at the gate. As much as he hated the position they were being placed in, Nick was right. They were needed. Sevryll would also require better medical care than he could trade or barter for in their little corner of the universe. Nick had simply given them a greater reason to return to the Federation. For the former Starfleet officers, it came down to one simple realization. In this one case, the needs of the many might actually be beneficial to the needs of the one. Their one. The life inside of his wife.

Like many couples, her husband's presence was often a soothing elixir, but that affect went beyond the metaphorical in their case. The bond they shared became enhanced the day they lost their infant son. A bond that was once typical among her people, became much more in that moment as his Nacine heritage magnified the intensity, and previously unknown abilities were added to the equation of their bond. In his anguish and desperation he mentally pulled his wife from the brink of death, by sharing his life-force with her... He had divided his own resilience and longevity and gave half to Sevryll. It was a gift that was impossible to share with anyone else, and so their son did not see the benefits and quickly slipped away.

As he brushed his hand against hers, she drew on his support and felt the fire of trepidation quickly doused. Soon her breathing became normal and her heart returned to a steady pace. Her impassive expression turned to their guests, who had silently observed the exchange between them. "Your logic is sound...we will return."

Aeric nodded slowly, "I think that settles it. We'll help, but no front line action unless we sign off on it."

Nick nodded slowly, "We'll make sure of that. We don't need extra hands to man the phasers, we need minds that can think us out of these problems. Sevryll will work with our strategic planning department and you'll be working with R&D to see if we can come up with something that will turn the tide and retroengineer their technology. How does Starbase 375 sound?"

"Acceptable," Aeric said to their guests, but his eyes were still focused on his wife. Their encounter with the Borg had cut them deeply and only now were the wounds starting to heal. Aeric had invested most of his free time in designing a nanotech system that would bring the war back to their enemies, but it was starting to cross lines that Starfleet wouldn't accept. Perhaps their returning would distract him from his plans to destroy that which took so much from them.

[Jen]

Joint Backstory by Jen and Just X:

Sevryll felt a kick from within—the baby was reacting to her father's presence. Aeric smiled; he sensed it too. On a plane of light, husband and wife embraced...but not physically. Through their bond, a very pregnant Sevryll had sought a very worried Aeric James. Sixteen months after reentering Starfleet, she found herself light-years away from him on a prison ship bound for Betazed. She was captured a few weeks prior when the 'relative safety' of their starabase was compromised by Dominion spies. The Vulcan was acquired quickly and kept unconscious for weeks to prevent contact with her husband.

I haven't much time, she whispered in his ear within the metaphysical void.

Aeric nodded in agreement and drew her closer in the radiant white space, I understand. I face a similar problem here...I have missed you both.

Sevryll had no time to reply with the thoughts a wife would offer when such an admission was made by her husband. Instead, she focused on suppressing her emotions in order to quickly communicate the situation, I organized the other prisoners, we're going to attempt to take the ship...

Aeric took a slow breath, I want you home, but isn't that dangerous? I hate feeling so damned helpless...my hands are tied as far as what I can do from here....

No sooner than the words left his mouth, Aeric stopped abruptly and pushed back the fear for his family. Forget I said that. I know that you have considered the odds and the sooner that you're safe, the sooner I can end the farce of a relationship that I've been forced to accept.

Sevryll had purposefully blocked herself from learning what the 'farce' entailed. She didn't want to know the details, but understood why he had to pretend to be fooled. He had yet to learn the plans of The Changeling who had replaced her.

She momentarily disappeared from the field of light in order to reenter the physical realm. With a viper's reflex, she nerve pinched a Jem'Hadar. When she reappeared before Aeric, her mind's eye brought his weapon with her. The ship...can you help me find the bridge and access the navigational system? The baby moved again, causing her psychic visage to wince with discomfort.

Aeric nodded softly, Finally something I can do.

Without another word, Aeric opened his mind more fully with that of his wife. Regardless of the distance involved, they were one. They were always one. Apart, yet never apart. It was through this connection that Aeric knew of his wife's condition and the Changeling spy that replaced her. It was through that very connection that his insights to technology would become her own. It would give her the edge she needed to succeed.

Instantly, she felt an empathic sense of the ship's technological environment. It was not the first time she had experienced the phenomena, Aeric had experimented with their bond during their time away from Starfleet. They learned through the broadened link he could share his abilities with her, but it could not be maintained for long, for it quickly became overwhelming to them both. She would have to act quickly. A voice echoed within their formerly exclusive domain, Hurry, Sevryll. Aeric's wife turned to an individual he could not see and answered the telepathic demand...telepathically. I can sense the bridge...it's in this direction....follow me...

The very act of creating a long distance mind meld drained Aeric rapidly. In practice they had never attempted it from such a distance and the practical application required more of himself than he expected. Hunger ate away at him as his body rapidly consumed the energy it needed to maintain the meld. His head throbbed and his muscles ached with each passing second, but he needed to endure the pain. His wife and child were depending on him. His wife could feel the urgency in his thoughts. He would hold on for as long as she needed his guidance. He had no other choice.

Sevryll took Aeric with her as she vanished from the field of light. Now, he witnessed what his wife was experiencing and the first thing his mind's eye observed was the face of Shannalyn Hagan—Sevryll's rival at Starfleet Acadamey and Aeric's former flame. The Betazoid's hair had become frosted with a touch of gray, and the corners of her eyes held the signs of maturity. She also looked gaunt and tired. He heard another voice call her "Captain" and she turned her face from Sevryll to answer it, "Here, take this weapon and scout the corridor ahead of us...Sanchez, you go with him. Two men in dirty Starfleet Uniforms snaked their way past the women to engage any Jem'Hadar between their location and the bridge.

Through his wife's eyes, Aeric watched as the prisoners slowly made their way toward the bridge. In the corridor, just outside, he saw a sudden burst of fire and smelled the ozone as the servants of the Founders defended their ship's nerve center. Aeric felt a sudden pain and heard the sickening crack as Sevryll smashed her elbow against the dense skull of a Jem'Hadar. The target fell instantly, allowing the Betazoid Captain to acquire his weapon before adding her own volley to that of her fellow prisoners.

"Seal the bridge," Sevryll ordered once they cleared the threshold of the small windowless chamber. Aeric watched from her perspective as she settled the confiscated weapon on the ship's Vorta commander and fired. His body crumbled to the deck just as his crew went for their own weapons.

Movement out of the corner of her eye warned Sevryll of the danger to her rival—a fallen Jem'Hadar manged to bring his weapon to bare on the Betazoid. In the nanoseconds it took to analyze the situation, Sevryll knew that the angle would place a fatal bolt of energy into the distracted woman's chest. With no time for communication, and with little hesitation, the pregnant Vulcan acted.

With every ounce of strength behind her strike, the heel of Sevryll's bare foot connected with Hagan's knee just as the deadly blast left the weapon. Bones cracked and the Captain screamed as she fell to the deck. The blast that would have hit her directly, had suddenly been reduced to a burning and less fatal wound to her shoulder. It was the sudden combination of pain that sent the Betazoid falling swiftly into unconsciousness. Sevryll knelt over her protectively as the last of the Jem'Hadar were eliminated by the prisoners. She felt her link to Aeric slipping as she did, and grabbed the Betazoid by her jacket to drag her behind to the conn. She rose and fired at the last of the Dominion soldiers. When he finally fell, she wasted no time in finding the navigational controls. Her vision was blurred with mental fatigue, but she managed to quickly key the coordinates that her fading husband projected through the broadened link. A moment later, their stolen ship leapt.

[Jen]

Joint Backstory by Jen and Just X:

After eight hours of intense labor, Sevryll cradled their newborn daughter in her arms. The child was sleeping...exhausted by the effort. "What shall we name her?" Sevryll inquired of her husband who sat on the edge of the biobed on her left. The debate had been waged for eighteen months and still neither had agreed on an appropriate name. "Murynn," said Aeric; his intoxicating smile making it difficult for his wife not to return it. She nodded slowly as she looked up at him.


"I thought we agreed on 'Tpethia'," she replied.


"No...that's a stuffy name."


They fell quiet as they watched the baby.


"How long do you think she'll sleep? Given the volume of her cry, I doubt that we are going to have many quiet moments," Aeric said softly.


"What do you think about 'Aryanna'? I believe that it means 'most holy' in one of the Earth tongues." Aeric thought for a moment, "We could call her Aria as a nickname. It was one that my mother went by in a visit to ancient Earth. She told me that it meant lioness in the Earth language of Hebrew. A name representative of the world that we first met."


Sevryll considered the name a moment before trying it on their daughter, "Aria." The infant stirred; her yawn resembling a silent roar. "Yes. I believe it suits her well."


Aeric grinned and picked up the small baby, "Welcome to the universe Aria James. We've been waiting for you."

[Jen]

Joint Backstory by Jen and Just X

The captain of the newly minted Intrepid Class Starship, took stock of her surroundings before stepping off the transporter pad.

"Welcome aboard Captain Sevryll," said the transporter chief.

She nodded to the Denoblian officer manning the station—the stoic expression she wore, pursuant to her responsibility as commanding officer and indicative of her Vulcan linage. "Thank you Lieutenant Frep."

The smile the Denoblian wore climbed upward in a manner typical of his people as the hefty man stepped around the console and met the Vulcan at the foot of the pad. "Commander James is waiting in Holodeck One. Do you know the way Captain? Or would you like me to escort you there?"

"No need," replied the tall, slender woman. Sevryll was familiar with every aspect of her ship. Aside from the Bridge and Engineering, Holodeck One was perhaps one of the spaces she frequent most aboard Arabella.

Sometimes vulcan logic had a way of hindering imagination, but the game of dom jot demanded creative thinking and allowed an unimpeded flow of inventive solutions—especially when she her competitor was as proficient at the game as Aeric. The Archer Hall program Commander James designed, aided the procurement of resolution during their forty year marriage, and had proven itself just as effective in developing Arabella's crew rosters, resolving scheduling dilemmas and determining department heads. As such, Holodeck One had become Captain Sevryll's informal Ready Room.

The vulcan's footfalls padded softly on the taupe carpet as she strode through the vacant corridors toward her destination. The lonely decks had a surreal nature about them. This fact supported the captain's supposition that only a craft occupied by busy personnel could be deemed a 'vessel'. Some would find her conclusion illogical, but Sevryll knew that a starship was only made whole by the addition of a crew.

As she continued through the passage way, her thoughts lingered on the many things that were yet unfinished. Arabella would be launching in a few days and there was still much to do in order to ready her. The systems tests were nearing their final stage and the crew would begin boarding within the next few days, but these facts were not the only issues concerning her. That morning, the Admiral had briefed Sevryll on the tragedy that befell the Romulan Star Empire. News of the disaster had been little more than rumor until he verified the reports. In a serious tone he informed Captain Sevryll that there was a remote possibility the Arabella would be sent to the Neutral Zone, as a part of a proposed humanitarian effort, but that the Federation had yet to receive permission from what remained of the Romulan governments.

The Admiral promised Sevryll that she would be the first to know if the seventh fleet was deployed. Should it come to fruition, Captain Sevryll would require crew members who were knowledgeable of the region and the people who occupied it. She and Aeric had several individuals in mind; one of which had worked at the ship yards with Commander James. It was this candidate they would be discussing over dom jot.

The doors to Holodeck One opened to reveal a setting from her academy days. Archer Hall was teaming with socializing cadets, dressed in the crisp red uniforms that were the standard attire four decades ago. She stepped through the arch and surveyed the crowded room. After a brief moment, the vulcan moved purposefully toward the bar—disregarding Cadet Locke's ineffectual attempts at flirtation as she did. The vulcan took the unoccupied stool at her husband's side and pushed a loose strand of hair behind one ear, "I thought we decided to delete David Locke from the program."

Aeric turned to observe the brawny human from his place at the bar, "but he adds authenticity ...If we get rid of him then it just wouldn't be Archer Hall, would it?"

Sevryll and Aeric watched as Locke toasted them from across the room. "See, he's just being friendly. He's much tamer than the real McCoy," said Commander James. Though the Captain's face remained impassive, she flicked expressive dark eyes at her First Officer. He in turn, presented his wife with a wry smile, "Okay, okay... I'll delete him tomorrow. Let him enjoy his beer in the mean time."

Aeric was dressed in black civilian clothes complete with a long leather coat. He lifted a mug and sipped the beer it contained; the crowd buzzed around them, but his attention was focused on Sevryll. The El-Aurian reached around her and grabbed a PADD that rested on the bar. "Here's her record. I think she would make a great addition."

The Vulcan took the device and studied the profile that was displayed on the screen. After a few minutes she lifted her gaze, "have you arranged a meeting with the Ensign? I would like to included Lieutenant Commander D'Callan."

Aeric smiled, "I haven't made any formal plans yet, but I'd be happy to include Joe in on the meeting. I think we could do well hearing his opinion."

Aeric finished off the beer and met his wife's eyes, "We need to make sure we have the best for this crew. We're not going to be able to depend on Starfleet for support out there. I know that the ship will pull her weight. It's why we designed her. Aria and Rori have also been briefed on what we expect from them should we run into serious danger. Aria is more than ready, she takes after her mother in that regard. If our crew is a dedicated to their duties as our twelve year old, we shouldn't have many problems."