Star Trek: Season 3 - Shore Leave

[KingIsaacLinksr]

After hearing the announcement, Ensign Isaac felt a bit down.  He had no family, no friends, no-one on Earth.  In fact, he wasn't sure what he was going to do.  'What am I to do now....this ship is being repaired and doesn't need my help...' sighed Isaac.  He wasn't much for ceremony either so his indecision whether or not to join that special ceremony was getting to him. 

He wandered down to the Tiberus's version of the Enterprise's 10-Foward.  'How I miss the Enterprise, although the Tiberius is a good ship, the Enterprise sure has style.'  He sat down at the bar and ordered a Romulan Ale.  Romulan Ale had always been his favorite drink as he was somewhat immune to its potent effects so he could drink it without having serious issues like many ppl had afterwards.  Ever since the Enterprise-E incident with Picard's clone, Romulan Ale was becoming less and less illegal.  However, it was still frowned upon.  He took a sip of it and then sighed.  Then he heard someone walking up to him......

TBC :)

King Linksr

[Duffster]

Tain knew where the trouble was going to come from long before it happened. There were five of them sitting at a corner table. Five sleezy looking thugs. They had been casting glances over at Tain for the last hour, while he played pool. Tain knew the type, had been one of them long ago. He only hoped they had some brains. As one of them got up and strolled Tains way, he knew they didn't.

"Hey big guy", the group spokesmen said, "You look like you can handle yourself pretty well. You wanna make some creds tonight?"

Tain looked down at the grubby little man. The cretin was twitching and sniffing, obvious tweeked out on something, and smelled of rot and decay. He knew it wouldn't work but tried anyway.

"Just shootin some pool mac. I ain't lookin for money.... or friends tonight."

Tain turned his back to the man, bent back down to the pool table and sighted up the nine ball.

"Ohh I see. Big shot are ya??" the little man sniffed. "Well me and my boys need some muscle, and you look like you'll do. I was just playin at being nice, it really wasn't an invitation ya see."

Tain sensed the movement behind him and slowly straightened up and turned around. The odorous fellow had something resembling a weapon pointed at him.

"Now why don't you and me head back over to my table." The mans eyes had a crazy glint to them now.

Tain knew he would need to time things perfectly. The weapon the man held looked hacked together, but that didn't mean it wouldn't be lethal if he got hit with it.

"Well now.", Tain rumbled, "Since you put it that way, maybe I could use the extra credits. Let me clear the table here."

As Tain bent down to sweep the balls from the table into the pockets he heard the sleez-bag start to say. "Hey..leave the balls alone...STa.."

That was the last sound the man made for a very long time, as Tain grabbed one of the pool balls and quickly threw it as hard as he could into the mans chest. It made a sickening crunch, and just kind of stuck there lodged in the rib cage. The thug dropped immediately.

Immediately the other members of the thugs group were on there feet running towards Tain. Tain looked them over quick. Two of them could cause some problems, so he focused on them first.

The patrol asked the bartender later what exactly he saw.

"I ain't never seen anything like it." the bartender recalled. "How can someone that big move that fast?. He dropped the two biggest of 'em in seconds. I don't know what he did to 'em, but they dropped like they was dead. The other two looked like they was gonna run, but 'e didn't let 'em. He broke both their arms and left 'em there squeelin like stuck pigs 'e did. After dat he kicked 'em in the ribs, came over 'ere and sat right there where he is now. He passed me over a cred chip, and told me to take out damages, and call you all. Nope, never seen anything like that".

The patrolman looked over at the big man. He sat there sipping his drink looking with those dead eyes back at him. The patrolman sighed and went over to talk to him.

"Well buddy. Even though these guys are the scum of the earth, we gotta take you in."

Tain looked back at the cop. He slowly reached in his pocket and slapped open his Star Fleet id, and laid his orders on the counter.

The patrolman looked over the id.

"Crap. This makes it more difficult." He looked over at his partner. "Billy, call over to Star Fleet. Tell 'em we got one of ther Lieutenants down here and he is in a bit of trouble."

He looked over at Tain and thought to himself that it didn't look like it's the first time he had been in trouble, nor the last.

[Darkmolerman]

He knew that most kids would laugh but a laughing Vulcan child seemed "odd" to him. He walked with Sevryll into the hall. It was almost as large as a stadium... a very big one. After he entered, he did the worst thing he could doâ€"he walked near the kitchen. The "chef", if you could call him that, had prepared his favorite recipe...but it didn't look that great. He walked away disappointed. This is going to be a real blast, he thought sarcastically to himself.

[iceman]

The Stadium was filling up fast now with only 5 minutes to go before the ceremony was about to begin.

Peterson could sense the electricity in the air as the dull hum of people laughing and talking loudly as they consumed various concoctions that would ultimately result in a line up in sick bay afterwards to ward off the impending  hang overs that were sure to follow. such a grand event.

Peterson, although unwilling to admit it publicly, welcomed the distraction of the ceremony with great anticipation as this past mission had affected him more then he was willing to admit, and had led him to question his abilities as a doctor and starfleet officer as he took the death of Lt. Peters very hard.

Peterson glanced at the children and watched with amusement as they watched and observed everything around them with great interest and were curious as to what all the excitement was about and what roll their mother would play in the events that would follow.

The doctor thought to himself how lucky he was not to be working tonight and found himself being drawn into the excitement of the events that were to commence shortly.

[KingIsaacLinksr]

Ensign Isaac turned to see who it was, but no one was there.  It made him wonder if he had hallucinated, but he had only had one drink.  Sighing, he got up from his chair and walked out of the bar.  Walking slowly down the hallway, he looked around dispassionately examining the walls. 

'Will I ever make a difference?  Will I ever find that day when I come out?  Will I ever show them my true colors?'  He pondered these things as he continued to walk down the corridor.  The crew of the Tiberius had preformed admirably.  He had no reason to doubt that they couldn't survive the challenges that lay ahead.  But, something was disturbing him. 

Something in the future seemed dark, evil, but unknown.  He didn't know what, but he was worried, this....evil.....might be beyond them.  Yet he disregarded this, as it was probably something to do with him, more than the crew.  'I hope though, that if my feeling is true, that it doesn't happen for a long time...' 

But he knew he was kidding himself, the evil incident with the Enterprise D had been the same way, a dark presence on the horizon, and even though he disregarded it, it still happened to the crew of the Enterprise.  He had told himself it wasn't his fault.  Besides, he wasn't predicting her death in anyway, he knew no more about the future than Captain Picard did.  But this feeling...

He was interupted by his thoughts by an Ensign Orucc.  "Sir, do you wish to beam down to the ceremony?"  'Now, how did I get here?  Must have been lost in my thoughts....ah well, I'll go and see what the ceremony is all about.'  "Yes Ensing Orucc, I will be beaming down to the ceremony."  replied Isaac.  He stepped up to the transporter pad.  He had no problems with transporters, in fact, he rather liked the feeling.  Which Starfleet exams had found peculiar during his testing.  As the beam took him, he smiled.

He entered the stadium five minutes before the ceremony was about to begin.  It was really full, but he found room in the front row.  He had chosen a large glass of water for his drink.  The ceremony then began to start.......


TBC :starwars:


King Linksr

[Geekyfanboy]

Commander Nathan Quinn turned to his right, and gave Servyll a smile as he stood and walked over to the podium. The crowd that filled the grand room fell silent as the Starfleet personnel detected his presence at center stage. Quinn waited until the room was quiet then he took a deep breath, and began to speak.

"I would like to thank the crew of the USS Tiberius for the outstanding job each and every member has done during these difficult months. Calling our missions "arduous" would an understatement, but each crewmember preformed his or her duties with distinction and I am proud of you all." With the last two words, he allowed a smile to invade the seriousness of his expression. "Captain Bell and I knew this crew was special when we put it together..." He looked about the room, finding the faces of Doctor Peterson, Counselor Margon, and Ensigns Morgen, Manrique, and Starstriker, at a table in the front row.

"We could never imagine the trials we would face yet despite the disappearance of Captain Bell, early our first mission, this young crew stepped up. You all demonstrated what it truly means to be Starfleet officers...and I sincerely thank you for your service."

The room surged with applause; after a minute or so, Quinn raised his hand to quiet the audience. The applause died down and  Quinn grinned as he looked down at his jacket and brushed his lapel, "Yet, I assure you the purpose of this event was not only an elaborate scheme designed to trick you into wearing this ridiculous dress uniform..." A collective chuckle arose as he continued, "I wanted to gather as a crew, before we each depart for our two weeks of shore leave...but this event is also meant to acknowledge a few members, for their exceptional deeds during our last two missions." Admiral Talbot cleared his throat to gain Quinn's attention. Nathan looked up, surprised by the interruption,  "but... before we continue, Admiral Talbot would like to say a few words."

Quinn nodded to Talbot as they passed on his way back to his chair. Everyone clapped as the distinguished looking Admiral strode to the podium. He smiled at the on-lookers as the applause slowly died away.

"Starfleet only accepts the best of the best, and the crew of the USS Tiberius is a true example of this. But a starship crew is only as good as it Commanding Officers."

Talbot turned to Quinn, "could you please stand Nathan?" Quinn exchanged looks with Servyll, and got to his feet.

Talbot continued, "Commander Quinn, you are truly the best of the best. Captain Bell chose wisely when he selected you as his First Officer. When you first joined Starfleet, you swore to uphold its regulations, as well as the laws of the United Federation of Planets. You took an oath to become an ambassador of peace and goodwill, to represent the highest ideals of peace and brotherhood, to protect and serve the Federation and its member worlds, to serve the interests of peace, to respect the Prime Directive, and to offer aid to any and all beings that request it. You have done all of those things and more. Commander Quinn, you have been acting Captain of the Tiberius for four months now. Starfleet and I feel it is time to make it official. I hear by grant you the full rank of Captain... Congratulations."

Quinn stood before Talbot, stunned, as the crowd roared its approval. The crew of the Tiberius had been the first to their feet...Quinn could see them cheering but he could hear nothing but his own heart beat pounding in his chest. Then, all at once, the sound of applause came rushing into his ears.  Talbot shook Quinn's right hand and with his left he presented him with a small, black box. Quinn accepted the box and opened it to discover a gold pip inside. A large smile spread across his face and he turned back to Admiral Talbot, "thank you Admiral, I will not disappoint you." He then returned to his chair staring down at the open box in his hands. Lt. Commander Servyll gently took the small box from him, and attached the pip to Quinn's collar. With the slightest hint of a smile glinting in her dark eyes she quietly said, "it looks good on you... Captain". Quinn beamed as Admiral Talbot continued speaking.

"Of course, what is a Captain without his number one? And from the reports I have read, Captain Quinn couldn't be more pleased with his acting first officer, Lt. Commander Servyll. Please join me at the podium Sevryll." Everyone in the room, except Sevryll knew was about to occur yet she showed no emotion as she met the Admiral at center stage.

"As you all know, a Captain relies on his first officer, not only to maintain command structure, but for moral support. Through out history, every great Starfleet Captain has had an equally great First Officer standing behind them. It is only right that with the promotion of Captain Quinn that you, Lt. Commander Servyll, should be promoted to the rank of full Commander and First Officer of the USS Tiberius... Congratulations."

Admiral Talbot gently grasped Servyll's hands in his,  then he turned back to the podium to lift another small box that contained a solid gold pip. He presented it to her and the room exploded in applause. Servyll took the box, nodded to the Admiral and turned to take her seat next to Captain Quinn. Nathan took the box from her hands, opened it, and removed the pip. He then removed the black pip from her collar and replaced it with the new one. "Congratulations... Commander," he said with a grin.

Admiral Talbot returned to his seat as Captain Quinn and Commander Servyll picked up several small boxes and walked over to the podium....

[Geekyfanboy]

Quinn stood at the podium next to Servyll, as Admiral Talbot took the boxes containing various medals from them. The two officers had conspired to nominate several crewmembers  for commendations, and now those individuals were assembled in a line, near the platform, wearing looks of bewilderment. None of the recipients were aware that they would be honored for simply doing their duty, but each would soon be recognized for their valuable contributions to Starfeet.

Admiral Talbot took the boxes and cleared his throat, "tonight we honor those who have performed in the best traditions of Starfleet service by demonstrating, in the midst of peril, that they place duty before of self. The officers standing before you now, are being commended not only for their acts of bravery and personal risk, but also for their resourcefulness, initiative, diligence, professionalism and devotion."

He glanced over to Quinn and Sevryll as he continued, "the first commendation I am presenting, is  being given posthumously, for one of our fallen comrades. " Admiral Talbot motioned for Quinn to approach the podium, he said something to Nathan and passed him a black box. Quinn looked down at it as he attempted to draw the strength to speak.

The strength came slowly, and after what seemed like minutes he said, "Lt. Peters was not only our Chief of Security but he was my friend. He died saving my life, and no medal can ever repay that debt...Despite that fact, I know that he would have been proud to receive this honor. I will never forget my friend, or his sacrifice ." Quinn swallowed as he struggled to keep his composure.

"I would like to introduce you to his mother, Emily Peters." A very beautiful, silver haired woman rose from a chair, situated in a row of Admirals on stage. Quinn stooped to hug her as she approached, then presented her with an opened black velvet box. "The Federation Star is awarded to Lt. Peters, who distinguished himself through bravery and valor at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. His deed was one of heroism and self-sacrifice, and one that we will never forget." A tear rolled down Emily's face; Quinn kissed her cheek and whispered comforting words in her ear. The crowd stood respectfully, as Quinn escorted Mrs. Peters back to her chair.

After a moment, Commander Sevryll called for Ensigns Manrique, Starstriker and Morgen to step forward. The young officers straightened as they made their way up to the platform. The nervousness they felt at that point, was more pronounced than it had ever been during their dangerous mission but they managed to look uneffected. Starstriker and Morgen exchanged smiles as they climbed the steps to stand before Admiral Talbot, Captain Quinn and Commander Sevryll.

Admiral Talbot nodded to them and said, " these officers have distinguished themselves through gallantry and heroism in action, and we recognize their service by presenting them each with the Nebula Star." The audience applauded as Quinn motioned for Morgen to come forward. The young science officer stood proudly before them, as Commander Servyll removed the medal from the box and pinned it to his dress jacket. For a moment, Morgen thought he saw pride in the Chief Science Officer's eyes...he inclined his head to her in thanks, as Quinn gave the officer a broad smile and shook his hand, "congratulation Ensign." Ensign Morgen thanked them all once more, and returned to his place along side the other two Ensigns.

As Ensign Johnny Manrique was asked to step forward, he fought to stifle the grin that threatened to stretch across his face. The grin was persistent in its relentless pursuit to ruin his serious expression. It ultimately conquered his face as Servyll fasten the award to his jacket. "Congratulation Ensign," said Sevryll as Quinn shook the young man's hand. Ensign Manrique nodded to his superior officers and started to join Morgen and Starstriker, when Quinn held him back."Hold on Ensign... not only are you being honored with this medal, but you are being promoted as well." Manrique's face quickly lost the grin he fought so hard before to suppress.

"Lt. Peters regarded you as one of his best officers—its only right that you are offered his position aboard Tiberius, as Chief of Security. I hereby grant you the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade." Johnny shifted on his feet in astonishment as Captain Quinn pinned a new black pip to his collar. "Congratulations Lt." Quinn said with a smile. Manrique swallowed hard as he shook Quinn's hand, then turned to join Starstriker at who stood at his right. Isaac gave him a congratulatory salute, as Johnny rejoined them.

Ensign Isaac Starstriker stood before Admiral Talbot next. He would have never imagined that such an honor would ever be given to him—he was sincerely humbled by the gesture. Quinn carefully pinned the award to the ensign's dress jacket and patted him on the shoulder, before shaking Isaac's hand. He offered his captain his gratitude and nodded to Commander Sevryll.

"Counselor Margon, please step forward. " Margon left the line of officers, in front of the stage, and made his way to the podium. Quinn offered his friend a warm smile and a pat on the shoulder as Admiral Talbot spoke, " Counselor Margon, you have been invaluable not only to your Captain, but to the entire crew these past few months...tonight, we award you the Meritorious Service Medal. This commendation is given to Starfleet officers who distinguish themselves with outstanding achievement and meritorious non-combat service to the Federation. " The crowd applauded as Commander Servyll pinned the award to his white dress jacket. Margon beamed at Sevryll and shook Quinn's hand before joining the young ensigns who still stood on stage.

Next, Admiral Talbot called Doctor Peterson to the stage. Though he had healed from most of his physical injuries, he was still a bit sore.  Sevryll stepped down to offer her help, as he made his way up the steps to the platform. She braced her friend by the elbow as Talbot spoke, "Doctor Peterson ignored his own wounds as he worked to save a fallen comrade. The Starfleet Purple Heart is awarded to personnel who are seriously injured in the line of duty." Sevryll took the medal the admiral handed to her, and fixed it to the doctor's jacket. He never looked down at the commendation, but held the gaze of Lt. Peter's mother who was still seated on stage. When Sevryll had finished, he thanked her, and Counselor Margon came over to help him back to his chair at their table below the platform.

Quinn and Sevryll walked over to their officers to congratulate them as the audience clapped. Admiral Talbot interrupted the applause, "there are two more commendations that have yet to be presented. Without her knowledge, Captain Quinn nominated Commander Servyll for an decoration."  Quinn smiled at the Vulcan who arced an eyebrow at her new Captain. "What's mommy doing?" came a very loud  voice from the audience. The crowd chuckled as Sevryll's son, N'Vall, continued to ask Lt. Li Sameria questions in his "outside voice".

"Commander Sevryll,  I hear by award you the Combat Readiness Medal for demonstrating superior combat ability whilst in active operations against the enemy." A wry smile came to Talbot's lips as he muttered to Nathan,  "who would have guessed that an archaeologist could be good in a scrap?" Talbot handed Quinn the medal and the newly promoted Captain pinned the award to Servyll's jacket.

Admiral Talbot continued as Nathan congratulated his first officer, "And finally, the Starfleet Achievement Medal is awarded to Captain Nathan Quinn, for acts of heroism and meritorious service rendered specifically on behalf of the Federation." Quinn stepped forward to accept the commendation. Talbot shook Quinn's hand and the audience rose to its feet to applaud the officers, standing on the stage before them. Admiral Talbot then insisted that they all enjoy the rest of the evening. Soon after, a Jazz band began playing Jack Teagarden's rendition of "Dame Blanche" as they left the stage to rejoin their fellow crewmembers.

The dance floor soon swelled with dancers, swaying to the cheerful Dixieland music. Couples laughed as they danced in the dim light, amidst fellow crewmembers moving to melodious tunes. Though the crew of the Tiberius had been dismissed, free to begin their shore leave, most stayed to enjoy the party. Yet as the night wore into dawn, they one by one they left the festivities.

[iceman]

Dr. Peterson had left his fellow crew members at the ceremony for many hours He had stared at his purple heart for what seemed like hours and tore it off his uniform and threw it across the room with such force that when it struck his mirror, the impact caused it to shatter into a million pieces into a million pieces  and bounce across his floor.

At this moment he felt a sharp pain on where his suture had been and realized at that moment, that his fit of anger over his failure to save Lt Peters from death may have inadvertently hastened his own as he felt a gush of blood begin to rush out of his now open wound that was oozing blood.

He reached for his comm badge and managed to yell out for help in sick bay as he staggered out of his room and headed in that direction trying not to loose consciousness as quickly as he was loosing blood.

He some how managed to make it to the corridor leeding to sickbay before his feet gave out from underneath him, He barely managed to see a blurr of medical personnel running towards him before he co lapsed and darkness surrounded him and his unconscious form.

While unconscious, he dreamed, dreamed of a simpler time when both his parents were still alive, before the Borg, and before the battle of wolf 359  that would see him alone, in the world, alone with no family and no friends, before he had come aboard the Tiberius, Before he had friends and a new family...

Meanwhile The counsellor had decided to check in on the doctor before settling in for the night, he had turned the corner that led to the corridor that would lead to the Doctors Quarters, When his face went cold, he saw a trail of blood leading from the Doctors quarters.

He ran down the corridor and looked in the doctors quarters, he was horrified at what he saw. he saw a large pool of blood and a shattered mirror with broken glass on the floor, and in the corner against a part of the broken mirror  Dr. Petersons Purple heart.

Counsellor Morgan reached for his communicator and called the XO and the Captain in a Panic. Dr. Peterson is in trouble and needs are help, I think his sutures have Broken.

Morgan Yelled at the computer, Locate Dr. Peterson. The computer Responded.

"Dr. Peterson is outside of sick Bay."

With those words the counsellor ran as fast as he could. He needed to get to his friend. Morgan felt guilty and realized that from the scene in the Doctors room he was suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

The counsellor mentally began checking off the signs in his mind,

Changes in behavior: cracking jokes, were unusual for Doctor Peterson, Survivors guilt, for living when Lt. Peters had not. His lack of sleep and nightmares from being captive on the Arcadian Ship and having his life placed in danger and almost losing it on several occasions in the last mission.

Yes, Dr. Peterson had endured in one mission, what most starfleet officers would take a lifetime to experience. Counsellor Morgan marvelled at the Dr's Survival skills and made a mental note to add this to his Psychological profile.

He realized that his friends injuries were much more extensive then the physical ones, and that his mental scars from the last mission were just as extensive as the physical ones.

As he rounded the corner to sick bay he saw the XO and the captain running over to the crumpled and motionless body of his friend. The Xo's face was grim and he heard the captain barking out orders to get the Dr. onto an antigrave stretcher,.

The captain turned to counsellor Morgan.

"What Happened, I thought you and the Commander here were suppose to be keeping an eye on him, I cant afford to lose the best CMO we have in starfleet." He looked at them both with a concerned look and said

" Please keep me informed of his condition, Meet me in my ready room in 10 minutes."

With that the commander stared down at her friend and realized that she too had failed him by not checking on him sooner and for failing to return his messages asking to join her on  shoreleave. She made a mental note to be their for him during his recovery.

She remembered first meeting the doctor and instantly saw through his gruff exterior and new right away that they would be friends. She was jolted out of her daydream as the medical staff gently lifted the Dr. onto the Antigrav unit.

She took one last look at her friend before being told that although her friends condition was quite serious, he would survive this, but that his recovery would be much slower then first thought, and that he would be in surgery for at least 8 hrs to repair the wound and would be sedated for several days. She made a mental note to delay her shoreleave till she new her friend would be well enough to go to Earth to recuperate.

The XO stared at the counsellor and asked herself  how this could have happened  when she had not Even been on the job for one day yet. She quickly thought of what to tell the captain and was thankful that at least she could tell the captain that the doctor would survive his injury.

[KingIsaacLinksr]

Isaac congratulated Morgen for his commendation.  "You deserve it.  You did a great job on that ship."  he said.  "Thank you Isaac, so did you." replied the smiling Morgen.  Isaac excused himself from Morgen and wandered through the crowd.  He then called to the ship to have himself beamed aboard.  He didn't like parties very much. 

After beaming aboard, Isaac wandered around the ship a little, then went to his quarters.  There he meditated, but his mind was distracted.  He tried to search his feelings, but all he found, was loneliness, and it hit him.  A wave of loneliness.  He admitted to himself, that he did indeed had no true friends.  Only acquaintances.  A single tear drop hit the floor and he went to sleep. 

In the morning, Isaac woke up feeling a little dazed.  Deciding that all he needed was breakfast, he walked to the mess hall where sometimes the cook would serve real dishes rather than replicated stuff.  Since they were above Earth, he reasoned that they would have brought something up. 

When he got there, he began feeling really dizzy.  He couldn't understand why.  Walking a little forward, he slipped on the wet floor and went flying across the floor behind him and landed on a table on his back.  His last thoughts were "What the......"

An ensign Rojack who was allowing himself to inhale the beautiful smell of three pancakes, a side of bacon, and two pieces of toast, noticed Ensign Startstriker come in looking a bit odd.  He was about to get up to ask him if anything was wrong when Isaac slipped and went flying onto a table becoming unconscious immediately.  Rojack was stunned, never having seen this sort of thing before on a starship.  He then slammed his chest, where his communicator was, yelling, "WE NEED MEDICAL ASSISTANCE IN THE MESS HALL IMMEDIATELY" all the while running to the fallen Ensign.  Upon reaching Isaac, he touched his neck for a pulse, it was still there.  'Thank the heavens' thought Rojack.  He was not even sure what to do but make sure that the ensign didn't move and no one got near.  The medical team came in what seemed like 15 minutes later, even though it had only been 1 minute.  They put him on the stretcher as gently, but quickly, as they could.  Though it was a glass table, there were no missing pieces from it to suggest that it got stuck in the back of Ensign Starstriker.  "Thank goodness" said one of the nurses. 

Upon reaching Sickbay and putting him on a bio-bed, the doctor looked at his vitals.  The one nurse, Nurse Chistrina, talked about what Ensign Rojack had seen and how the ensign was when they got there.  "His vital signs are too low, and yet there are still dropping, what is going on??!" asked the doctor.  "Nurse Galloway, began a deep scan of him and see if you can find anything internally wrong."  He shifted his attention to another nurse, "did you see if that table had any missing glass?  I know that Starfleet made it so that if they did break, they would break inward, but in this case its not comforting notion."  "No, the glass table was pretty much intact." replied Nurse Chistrina.  "Good to hear, OK, Nurse Regian, begin figuring out if his brain has been damaged in anyway, during that last mission or when he fell." stated the Doctor.  "DOCTOR, his vitals are stabilizing, but they are too low still.  Do you think...he could be in a coma?"  asked the nurse to the doctor's left.  "No, that's ridiculous.  At the very least, he isn't dying now.  OK, Nurse Chistrina and Galloway, I want you monitoring his condition and try to figure out what is going on."  ordered the doctor.  "Yes sir" they replied.

"Sickbay to Captain" said the doctor.  "Captain here."  "Captain, Ensign Isaac Starstriker's condition is stabilizing, but he isn't waking up.  I don't know what is wrong with him or why he is even this way. I'm having him being checked over, but so far, anything could be wrong with him."  stated the doctor.  "Thank you doctor, keep me informed of any changes.  Give me a full report in one hour.  Quinn out."

*In the Ready room*

"What is going on?  We're supposed to be on shoreleave, not in sickbay." said Quinn.  "As long as it isn't contagious." said the commander.  "Did you notice anything odd about Ensign Starstriker during his mission or after?" asked Quinn in Morgan's direction.  "Nothing odd, but then again, I haven't even really talked with him.  The only person who has had any real conversation is perhaps my son, but even then Morgen wouldn't be really useful because no one knows how Isaac acts 'normally.'"  "OK, I want you to keep an eye on the crew and make sure we don't have any more people in sickbay." ordered Quinn.  "Yes sir."


King Linksr

*The plot thickens*

[Jen]

A couple of hours after receiving a promotion and subsequent commendation, Commander Sevryll beamed aboard the Tiberius with her two very sleepy toddlers.  M'rynn and N'Vall had spent the past two,hours, dancing with Counselor Margon and Lt. Manrique. The children's Vulcan diet did not include sugar, and their over indulgence of the sweet substance caused them to transform from the well behaved children that they were, into crazed Le-matya cubs.

The two senior officers had kindly offered to bring the twins off of their sugar high, through rigorous activity. "Dancing always worked for my kids," shouted Margon over the music that filled the room.  He then waded through the dancers and made his way toward the band to request  "Lullaby of Broadway".  After a few numbers, the children's frenzied dancing had reduced their frantic sugar rush, to a more manageable state of hyperactivity.   

When the band began playing "Swing, Swing, Swing", Margon motioned to Sevryll, insisting that she join them on the dance floor. After much protesting, the slender Vulcan was escorted onto the floor by Captain Quinn, who quickly showed her the basics then passed her to the Bolian Counselor.   Margon tossed his dress jacket towards his chair, rolled up his sleeves and loosened the collar of his gray vest...this piece was fast and required maximum flexibility.   It wasn't the ideal song in which to introduce Sevryll to the art of dancing, but it was Margon's favorite—all his friend had to do was hang on while he twirled her around the floor.

The drums beat away as Sevryll looked down in a futile attempt to match Margon's steps. His black dress shoes were a blur as he shuffled and stomped them against the old wooden dance floor. Margon was an excellent dancer,  and though the Vulcan had no idea what she was doing,  her professional partner made her look as graceful as a ballerina.  At the end of the number  Margon dipped her suddenly.  She was not expecting the grand finale and wasn't quite sure what to do next, as she looked upside down at the clapping Quinn, Starstrker , Morgen and Manrique.

The counselor lifted her back to her feet with a quick motion and laughed as she arched an inquisitive eyebrow at his flamboyant ending.  She pushed long strands of raven hair out of her face and inclined her head at Margon, relieved that the ordeal was over. The table continued to clap, as the Counselor escorted his friend back to her chair. It was then that Sevryll noticed that the doctor was gone. He had taken his leave while she and Morgan danced.

Sevryll closed the door on her sleeping children's room and replicated a cup of Vulcan Spice Tea. As she lifted the cup to her lips, Margon's frantic voice sounded over her comm. alerting she and Quinn to his discovery of Doctor Peterson. She activated Dennis's hologram, alerted him to the situation, and rushed down the passage way towards Peterson's cabin.

Margon was holding his white dress jacket against the doctor's side, in an attempt to stop the bleeding, when Sevryll arrived on scene. "How could this happen?" Asked Quinn over the comm, "his wounds should have been completely cauterized after the surgery. "

"I don't know said Margon. I've never seen this type of injury reopen.  Captain, I found his Purple Heart the floor in his room. I think he threw it at the mirror. There's glass all over the place." He handed the Doctor's, recently awarded ,Purple Heart to Sevryll. "I think he's suffering from Post Traumatic  Stress Disorder. Sevryll and I noticed a few odd personality changes and have discussed the possibility that his captivity and the loss of Peters may have effected him deeper than he would admit to any of us.  I approached the doctor about starting counseling sessions, but he dismissed the concerns I expressed. "

"Could he have purposely wounded himself?" Sevryll asked as she knelt beside the doctor. By that time, the medical team arrived.  She stood and backed away to allow them room to work.

"Yes...that would be yet another indication of the disorder." He turned to Sevryll as the med team rushed the doctor to the sickbay.

"Meet me in my ready room in 10 minutes.  Well talk more about what's to be done, when you get here."

[Bryancd]

Relieved that the ceremony was fianlly at an end, K'arath quickly made his way to the Starfleet Command transporter station. The ceremony had delayed his departure and he didn't want to waste any more time. He appreciated the outstanding efforts for which his crew mates were being fetted, but he never could understand the human necessity for these kinds of celebrations. The rewards was in the doing of deeds, everything else was superflous, and he was headed now to do a deed he had never attempted.

With the advent of technology, there were very few places on Earth or his home world of Kronos not contaminated by creature comforts. Well, perhaps Kronos still clung to a more primitive, harsh from of existance as per our warrior traditions, but even that seemed to be diminishing. Earth had become almost alarmingly safe and cozy. Except here, the place where the transporter beam deposited him just now.

The wind immediately stung his face and exposed hands, the air was sharp with the cold and altitude. All around him, primitive tents swayed back and forth and colorful pendants snapped in the breeze overhead. The camp was a hive of activity, humans of variuous races packing gear in packs, herd animals heavy with the burden of gear, ands the curious chatter of the small Asian men who's responsibility was to guide their parties towards the summit which towered overhead.

Mount Everest was still a cruel mistress and if she so decides to deny K'arath his glory, then today will be a good day to die.

[Geekyfanboy]

"Sickbay to Captain" said Doctor Lucas.  "Captain here."  "Captain, Ensign Isaac Starstriker's condition is stabilizing, but he isn't waking up.  I don't know what is wrong with him or why he is even this way. I'm having him being checked over, but so far, anything could be wrong with him."  stated the doctor.  "Thank you doctor, keep me informed of any changes.  Give me a full report in one hour.  Quinn out."

Just then the Captain's ready room doors slid open and Servyll and Morgan entered and took seats in front of the Captain's desk.

"How is Doctor Peterson doing?" Quinn asked with concern. "He's physically stable for now" Servyll said, Quinn looked at the counselor, "But...." Counselor Morgan took a breath, "But we are not sure if he is stable mentally. We think he is suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder." Quinn stood and walked to his window and looked out over the starry landscape. "I'm sorry Counselor but you are going to have to postpone your shore leave and take care of this matter" Morgan nodded.

Quinn sat back down behind his desk. " I just got a message from Doctor Lucas about Ensign Starstriker. What is going on?  We're supposed to be on shore leave, not in sickbay. Did you notice anything odd about Ensign Starstriker during his mission or after?" asked Quinn in Morgan's direction.  "Nothing odd, but then again, I haven't even really talked with him.  The only person who has had any real conversation is perhaps my son, but even then Morgen wouldn't be really useful because no one knows how Isaac acts 'normally.'"  "OK, I want you to keep an eye on the crew and make sure we don't have any more people in sickbay." ordered Quinn.  "Yes sir."

They stood and started to exit the Captain's ready room when Quinn spoke up. "Commander, I'm not sure what your plans are for your shore leave, but I would like to invite you and your children to come with me and visit my family. They have a large house and my mother has been bugging me to meet you. I hope you will accept."

[iceman]

Dr. Lucas looked over the comatose form of Dr. Peterson when a nurse handed him the bloodwork for the Doctor. He asked the nurse attending Dr. Peterson to redo the tests.

Dr. Lucas continued to mutter to himself about the unusual readings in the Dr.s blood " Well it seems that I have found part of the answer to the Dr.s strange behavior" he muttered to himself.

It appears as if he has picked up an alien organism that has slightly altered his blood chemistry resulting in him being overstimulated by his serotonin receptors. This in effect would result in him overreacting to normal situations and altering his perceptions of his surroundings. This organism essentially has the effect of LSD, an ancient earth drug that acts as a powerful hallucinogenic on the mind. It also acted as a blood thinner and slowed down the healing process of the Dr.s wound which resulted in his current heavy blood loss.

Dr. Lucas tapped his com badge and asked the XO to meet him in sick bay. He relayed the new found information on the Dr.s current Medical Status and his findings.

Dr. Lucas suggested that perhaps under the current situation, he would like to introduce some medical nanobots into the Dr.s blood stream in order to facilitate the healing of his wound. The XO concurred with Dr. Lucas's suggestion.  A powerful antibiotic was also administered in order to kill the alien organism and facilitate the Dr,s healing.

At this point, The XO entered the sick bay and greeted Dr. Lucas.

"Commander, I suggest that all members of the away team who have been off planet come in immediately to be screened for this organism as we do not know at the moment how the Dr. got this nasty bug to begin with and I think it would be best to to take preventive measures to prevent any further  outbreaks."

The Commander agreed and  glanced at the form of the Dr. and was still concerned for her friend. She was somewhat relieved that their was a possible answer for his strange behavior over the past few days, but was still concerned at how his purple heart got to be laying on the floor of his quarters. She still wanted Counsellor Margon to keep a close watch over her comrad until she was sure he did not have any psychological scars that needed to be dealt with from their last mission.

She relayed  Dr. Lucas's current findings on Dr. Petersons condition the Captain and then headed to Counsellor Margons office to relay the current medical findings to him.

Meanwhile:

Dr. Lucas watched as the medical nanobots began to regenerate layer upon layer of muscle tissue mm by mm of the Dr. Petersons wound and would be at least a day before the Dr. would be awake from this procedure.

Dr. Lucas remembered how happy he was to be posted on the Tiberius and working with Dr. Peterson. He requested this assignment to work close with the Dr. because of his expertise in alien xenobiology. He was very relieved that his friend and colleague would live through his medical ordeal and that he would have the opportunity to get to know him better.

Dr. Lucas continued to Monitor the Medical Nanobots progress on the Dr.s wound and marvelled at their efficiency. He slowly was lulled off to sleep by pure exhaustion and the low methodical hums of the medical equipment as it went about its mechanical operation that would result in the Dr's recovery.

[Jen]

Sevryll was about to accompany Margon out of the ready room, when Nathan requested that she remain behind.  She assumed Captain Quinn wanted to continue their discussion regarding the doctor. But instead, he asked her to join him on shore leave, at his mother's home.

"I am honored by your invitation, but the doctor's condition concerns me. Perhaps I should remain aboard to assist Counselor Margon." The half Betazoid Captain could sense that she was withholding the truth. Yet, it wasn't a lie she had told him—she was in fact concerned for the doctor, but there was more to the story than she willing to volunteer. He motioned towards the couch and Sevryll took a seat, as he positioned himself on the corner of his desk. Vulcans were nearly impossible to read, but the fact Sevryll was bonded to a human,  made her  thoughts,  detectible ...on occasion.

"I know Vulcans  prefer to keep to themselves, but I could sense your hesitation the moment I informed you of our shore leave on Earth. That announcement  was given days before the doctor 's episode... you have other reasons for bowing out don't you?"

In typical Vulcan fashion, Sevryll raised a single eyebrow at the keen observation.  Quinn offered a disarming smile,"I have come to regard you as a friend Sevryll, and I respect your privacy. If there is anything you wish to confide in me, know that it will go no further than these walls."

She stood, and slowly walked to the viewport, to stare at the glowing blue globe below. "I consider you a friend as well Captain. " The quiet rumble of the engines was the only sound in the room for a brief moment. Then she continued, "my mother is a professor at Starfleet Academy, and is undoubtedly aware of the Tiberius's arrival."

"Ah." Quinn said in a tone denoting sympathy.  He joined her at the viewport, "my mother can be overassertive too, but she means well." The Vulcan watched Cargo Shuttles and workpods  moving about the space dock before adding, "she is a difficult individual." Quinn nodded his head in understanding. "Mine is just a bit eccentric."  He could sense that Sevryll was willing to continue the discussion so inquired, "what makes your mother 'difficult'?"

"Vulcan children are schooled in the art of logic from a young age, as well as the mind discipline needed to retain that control. My children, as you are aware, are half human. Though I teach them the philosophy of my ancestors, I balance their education with thier father's beliefs as well. I have never shielded my children from the their heritage. Doing so would only hinder their ability to cope with inevitable difficulties. Regrettably, my mother disapproves of my approach."

"I'm sorry," replied Quinn compassionately. "Sevryll, please accept my invitation. My mother would love to meet M'rynn and N'Vall."

"But the doctor..." Quinn interrupted her, "you said that doctor Lucas has Peterson on the mend and the away teams have all received their inoculations. You and your children are in need fresh air Sevryll, pack your bags."

The Vulcan could bring to mind no other excuses, so she politely accepted.  Soon after, Quinn received a message from Starfleet Command. One of their new crewmembers, one Lt. Cedric Tain, had been arrested. "I hate to do it, but I'm going to have to delay Manrique's shore leave." Nathan walked over to the replicator and requested two cups of Vulcan Spice Tea. "First Peterson, then Starstriker now  'Lt Tain'. We haven't even completed the first day of our leave Sevryll...What else could possibly go wrong?" They still wore their dress uniforms from the night before as they sipped the warm beverages. It was four A.M., San Fransico time—Quinn yawned as Sevryll asked, "Do you know anything about birthday parties Captain? "

[Duffster]

Tain looked around the cell at his fellow prisoners. As he met eyes with them, they quickly glanced away, nervously avoiding the eye contact. Tain was pleased, he'd done what he needed to quickly and he knew that he wouldn't have any more problems with this lot. He thought back to when they placed him in the cell.

````````````````````

The two officers escorted Lt. Tain to the cell. The elder of the two licked his lips and looked up at the Lt.

"Sorry buddy", said the lawman. "I wish we had some other place to keep you. You seem like a decent sort, but since your gonna be released to Star Fleet when they arrive, the only place we have to detain you is the general cell. Just stay to yourself and I am sure that someone will be here soon. Fleet said they had communicated with your ship, and someone would be here soon."

The man looked up and smiled at the Star Fleet Lt. in the hopes that what he just said would make an impact.

Tain looked down at the officer.

"I never go looking for trouble sir.", Tain grumbled. "The problem is it's drawn to me like a Ocascian Wrabbler hearing it's mating call. Just seems like there's no avoidin it. I'll try to not cause you any troubles here."

The lawman shook his head and powered down the force bars, opening the cell.

"See that you do Lt. Tain, I don't stand for any trouble in my jail."

Cedric walked into the cell, and immediately knew that once again he'd rolled snake-eyes. It was very clear who was in charge of dregs of this cell. The largest Andorian Cedric had ever seen stood in the corner with a sneering smile, staring at Tain as he entered the cell. The Andorian said something to human next to him and the human nervously walked over to Cedric.

"Sandos wants me ta talk ta ya, new meat.", sniveled the human. "Dis is his place and he wants dat I should tell ya his rules"

Cedric looked down at the wretched creature and sniffed in disgust. He remembered what he told the officer and smiled as he tried to avoid the inevitable.

"Tell your friend I don't want any trouble. I am just going to sit down over here and wait. I shouldn't be here long, and won't interfere with him."

Ced walked over to a vacant spot on the bench and sat down. He started desperately thinking of someway to avoid what he new was coming, but resigned himself the the knowledge that there was probably nothing he could do to avoid it.

The cringing human walked back over the large Andorian and talked to him softly. The Andorian laughed loudly and walked over to Cedric.

"I always knew that Orions were pathetic creatures, not worthy of cleaning an Andorians garbage bin.", proclaimed Sandos loudly. "But normally they have a bit of a backbone, and don't act like cringing Ferengi. You think your better then us and don't belong in here? Whatever you think, you spineless worm, you're here and your mine. Now stand up and let's see what use I can make of you."

At the first insult Tain felt his Half-Orion blood start to boil. Cedric had always had a bad temper, and while on duty never had a problem controlling it. But at times like this, when an insignificant creature such as Sandos goaded him, he could rarely keep control. He decided he would keep control this time, but in his own way. No need to let himself go this time, he just needed to end this quickly.

Cedric stood and looked the Andorian in the eye.

"Listen you blue skinned freak.", Tain rumbled. "I told you I don't want trouble with you or your friends."

Cedric looked passed the Andorian at the others in the cell. He then looked back at the Andorian.

"Since you don't listen I say we compromise."

The Andorian looked at Tain and sneered.

Tain continued, "And here is the compromise, I don't tear your friends limb from limb.... And you take a little nap."

As the Andorian started to laugh in surprise, Tain hit him with all he had. In a normal brawl Cedric had learned to hold back his strength, but this was different. He knew he wouldn't't permanently damage this huge creature, and he needed to end things before they started. The force of the blow on the Andorians jaw was staggering. It literally lifted the creature off his feet and he flew across the cell and crumpled to the floor.

Cedric looked at the others in the cell and nodded satisfied.

"Now, get away from me and leave me alone!", Cedric growled at them. Tain sat back down on the bench.

They nervously moved away from the big Orion.

```````````````````````````````````````````````

Cedric glance over to the door as he heard the bars power down. The old officer stepped into the cell.

"Tain", said the lawman. "Come with me. There is a Lt. Manrique here to collect you."

Cedric stood up to accompany the officer. As he left the cell he fervently hoped that trouble would leave him alone, at least for a little while.

The lawman looked up at Tain as the exited the cell.

"And by the way Lt.", the officer glanced over to the Andorian still crumpled in the corner. "I appreciate how you handled that. Sandos had it coming. Buy by St. Mary, that was a hell of a blow you put on him. Thanks for behavin. And if your ever looking for something outside of the Fleet. I think we could find a place here for you."

Tain looked at the officer and smiled.

"Thanks fellow, that's much appreciated. But the Fleets my life."

Tain heaved a heavy sigh.

"I'm ready, were's the Lt they send to fetch me?"