Star Trek: Season 6 - Arabella

[Geekyfanboy]

Computer began Personal Log...

It's been one year to the day since the Tiberius was destroyed. Though I know it was the only decision I could make, I still ask myself if I made the right choice.  So much has happened since then. My crew and I spent three and a half months in quarantine on that decaying Vulcan station.  We did the best we could at making it livable but being stationed bound was hard on us. We managed to survive and found a cure for the deadly "Lucus" virus. The results of the investigation were shocking. Not only did this conspiracy to create the virus involve Doctor Lucas's wife, a very prominent Vulcan scientist, but several of the Vulcan counsel leaders as well as several high ranking Starfleet Officers. The trials that followed were painful to both Vulcan and Starfleet.

My crew has mourned the loss of so many of their fellow shipmates...our family members. There were countless ceremonies in their honor, but the pain of losing them cannot be removed with sympathetic words spoken at empty memorials. I'm not even sure, as the old adage claims, that time can heal the wounds.  The weight of it all has taken its toll on us especially me. My countenance over the past few months did not go unnoticed by Starfleet brass, and command felt it best that I take some time off to deal with it all. To be honest, I looked forward to the break.

The rest of my people have been reassigned to various ships and stations. I myself am currently teaching at Starfleet Academy.  I miss the openness of space... and my crew. I don't know if or when I will ever be given another command, but I hold onto the hope that it will be sooner rather than later.

I have kept in contact with my former first officer, Commander Sevryll. She and her children came for a visit a few months ago. She seems to be doing well, though she is burdened with emotions in the wake of the virus—It seems we all have our scars. She is cooping the best she can through alternative suppression techniques. She says playing music has proven to be the best method of control.

During our visit, Sevryll informed me that she was offered another position as first officer aboard the "Navajo"—she refused it... stating that she would wait for my next command and would rather retire than take another post. I have no doubt that she would do just that. She's a exceedingly stubborn woman in addition to being a loyal friend.

I've kept in contact with several of my senior staff. Many of them have gone back to Starfleet after taking several months off to recover....  Oh, I have to cut this short I'm running late for dinner with Nicholas ....

... Computer end personal log.

[X]

Lieutenant commander James took a seat in the Captain's chair of the ship as the skeleton crew finalized their work. She was the second vessel to be finished in the last two weeks at the new Vulcan Fleet Yard.  He smiled to himself as he listened to the unique hum of the background systems. With the new quantum reactors, the ship had a sound that was all its own. It was a low sound that reminded him of the purr of the sehlats that roamed the planet below them. The ships that were coming out of the Vulcan Fleet Yard were a labor of love. It was still going to be a few weeks until a name could be painted on her hull and a dedication plaque created.

This was also the only Fleet Yard that was construction the new warp shuttles based on the Aurora's space frame. Star Fleet had decided it was too expensive to mass produce the Aurora design, but they did wish to use many of the advances discovered in fielding the testbed. The Corona class were being made more in line with Aurora's sister ship. They had been stripped of many of the advanced features of the Aurora to focus on speed and range. They would function as wonderful support craft to the new ships, but they didn't have the fire or teeth of the Aurora.

"All systems functioning within specifications," Aeric said to the techs as the maneuvered themselves around the bridge. The vessel would soon be assigned a shakedown crew and Aeric wanted to have everything in order. He had spend most the last year of his life attached to the new Fleet Yards and the two ships being constructed there.  When he wasn't working on ship schematics, he had been spending time on Vulcan. "How are things functioning on your end chief?"

"Commander, the engineering teams reports that she has full operational status," Master chief petty officer Rina Grant said as she worked from the secondary engineering console. She had been happy to transfer to assist with the new ship and continue her work with the man that had become extended family. It was from the newly promoted commander's recommendation that she joined the team that helped to finalize the build and shakedown of the new ship. "Temporal core is online and all other enhanced systems are now operational. It was nice of Starfleet to increase the comfort levels of the crew cabins with the space they save by installing the new power systems."

Aeric laughed. "If I had known you wanted your own quarters, I would have put in a requisition for you back on the Tiberius. I'm sure I can get you something better at drydock."

Rina smiled. "Are you happy that Aria got her own quarters  on Vulcan or do you miss her presence while you are raising Beth?"

"It's hard being a father all over again, but I think I'm up for the task. She deserves a good family and I don't mind sharing my personal space with a toddler. I also think that Aria need to have her own space to spread her winds." Aeric said as he rose from the comfort of his chair. "We still have a few hours before we're all scheduled to report in. I'm going to take Beth down to Vulcan on the Aurora and have dinner with Sevryll and the rest of the family."

"It's good to see that the two of you have come to terms with being Aria's parents. I don't get to interact much with our former XO, but I think that she actually likes your friendship, if such a thing is possible for a Vulcan. It's also nice to see that Aria has been accepted. I think that the girl would do anything for those that she calls family regardless of blood ties. I'm lucky that she put me in that category." Grant said as she rose from her workstation. "When she's not busy, she always takes the time to see how I'm doing. Hopefully you won't forget about the people in the trenches when you decide on your new posting and join the enlisted for dinner sometimes."

"You can count on that chief." Aeric said as they made their way to the turbolift. "I'm not going to forget how well you performed on this project. It's not just any team that could transform a bare spaceframe into one of the best ships in the fleet in only a few months time."

"It's about time that the Federation returns to the business of exploration after the mess of the Dominion War and other crisis." Grant said and she stepped onto the lift with Aeric. "Primary shuttle bay."

"The vessels that we are producing here are great start for that." Aeric agreed as the turbolift started to move. "It's been years since the treaty between Dominion and Federation was signed, but we still haven't fully recovered from the personnel losses. I think that the time of flying cities like the Galaxy and Sovereign classes are still viable, but there are going to be more ships like these that pave the way to spread the ideals of the Federation."

"They should be looking to fill the crew manifests of the ships soon?" Grant asked. "Did you put your name into the hat?"

"They've been surprisingly tight lipped about the ships. You have to remember that this is the first new shipyard since the war and our projects are first Starfleet ships to be constructed over Vulcan in a long time. I think they are going to want crews and captains that understands how important these ship are. They symbols of the Federation's recovery not just from difficulties of the last few years, but from the damage that the virus caused to the moral of the Federation." Aeric said as the turbolift halted. "I think that it was only fitting that the Vulcan Fleet Yard was moved to orbit at the site of the Tiberius' destruction. In this place, we are literally building on the ashes on the past to a better future. Still, we can only do our parts and hope that the people that get these ships love them as much as we do."

"Nice sentiment. Where did you think that little pearl up?" Grant asked as they headed towards the Aurora.

"During the week that Aria and I spent in the Forge, I was able to put a lot of my life into perspective. I was too busy constantly worrying about when the next temporal crisis would occur and I really wasn't living my life. After I left Aria planet-side to continue her training, I knew that I had to relax a bit. It wasn't until my approach to the new ship that I realized the symbol that she could become." Aeric said. "I'm actually thankful for being able to work on this project. It's been really helpful in dealing with all that we lost in the final hours of the Tiberius."

"You signed on to get the production schedule back on track, but now that both ships are nearing final completion, this tour is almost up. Have you decided on a new posting yet? I know that you've had offers." Grant said.

"I'm waiting for the right offer and I'm also taking as much of our team as I can with me." James said as they entered the Aurora. "In fact, I've been looking over the personnel jackets of several people to see who I might recruit depending on the position that I decide to take. I can say that I'm pretty much done with running the flight deck of a ship. I need something more challenging and I think I was more in your way than not."

"Do you think that you could just walk away from what we've built here?" Grant asked as she referred to the ships that they had poured their sweat and heart into building. "I didn't think it would be so hard letting go."

"You couldn't think of any easier questions?" Aeric asked as he mentally connected to the ship and began the exit procedures to leave the shuttle bay. A second thought brought the Interface systems online to allow the chief to connect to the Aurora. She had been a lot of help to him and his family when they left quarantine, it was only fitting that she was brought into the inner circle of those that could truly understand and access the shuttle. "If I the decision was mine, I would try to bring the family back together as best as I could. Wouldn't you?"

"In a heartbeat commander." Rina said as she initiated neural implant that allowed her to access the Aurora's systems. With the commander spending more and more time on Vulcan, she had almost taken up residence in the guest quarters of the shuttle as she familiarized herself with the systems. She had also used those insights in many of the recommendation that she made during the construction of the new ships. Some of those recommendation where implemented because Aeric had fought for her voice to be heard. She understood what he meant about the Aurora being a part of his family because she now felt that same tie the new ships. Rina had become as attached to the ships as any mother would on seeing the face of their newborn children. She could only hope that she would play some minor role in their destinies. "These ships have a destiny for adventure forged into thier bulkheads. It would be amazing to be a part of the destiny of something that my own hands helped to build."

[Jen]

Joint post by Jen and Moyer777

The small girl's pretty face contorted, forming a dreadful frown. M'rynn rubbed her arm and after the initial pain was gone, she smiled up at her mother. Sevryll was vulcan, yet her children's father was decidedly human and their mixed heritage created a few minor physical difficulties. The twins had never set foot on their mother's home world until the day quarantine ended, and as a result, they had not been acclimated to the thin, hot air of Vulcan. Her children did not particularly enjoy the treatments, but the drug helped them to breath with ease. It also afforded them the ability to keep up with the other children, and so they happily braved the daily therapy. The twins were now four-years-old, and though they were smaller than children their own age, they had grown taller and more clever in the time since they entered quarantine. "Your father would be proud," said Sevryll as she kissed the girl on the forehead.

Curious little faces peered at them over the low wall that surrounded their property.
N'Vall and M'rynn looked to their mother for permission to join the Vulcan children, and received her consent in the form of a single arced brow. The twins respectfully stifled their giggles, and rushed to play with their friends who waited for them just outside the gate. Their holographic dog bounded after, barking gleefully as she pursued the group. Sevryll followed; the heat of the desert rose to welcome her from the cool shadows of the courtyard. Her raven hair shone with the vibrant intensity of the afternoon sun as she called out to her children, 'we are having our dinner very soon. Do not wander far.' A breeze whipped her azure robes about her ankles then playfully lifted several strands of hair from her shoulders. 

She felt a contentment that was far less reserved than it had been one year earlier; and as the young mother watched her children play, she failed to impede a smile that touched her lips. The vuclan's smile transitioned to a stoic expression as she remembered where she was, and she glanced about to confirm that her neighbors had not observed her offensive emotional display. Once she was confident that her emotive error had gone unnoticed, she casually withdrew to the shadows of the garden.

The austere, ancestral domicile belonged to her family, and her parents preserved it for their daughter with the expectation that she would one day take up residence there in ShiKahr. The thought of remaining on Vulcan was appealing, and since the destruction of Tiberius she had given it much deliberation. The twins were safe and happy in their new home, and her parents were content to have them near by.


A month after quarantine was lifted, the ShiKahr Academy offered Sevryll a tenured position and a seat on the preservation council. She had decided to accept the job, but had yet to give them a definitive answer. Consequently, Starfleet had also offered her a post as first officer aboard the "Navajo".   Sevryll was an archaeologist, and had never actively pursued a command position. She was promoted to first officer only after the former captain of Tiberius, Captain Bell, disappeared... leaving Nathan the commanding officer. It was a post she accepted, but had not initially wanted. She remembered the sharp answer she had given to Admiral Watts after he tried to push her to accept the post on the Navajo, "I will only return to Starfleet if Captain Quinn is given another command, and only if he requests that I serve with him. Until that occurs, you may consider me retired." The arrogant Terran had been none to pleased with her response, but she never appreciate his supercilious attitude and quite frankly did not care what he thought of her.

The slender woman entered her abode and began to set the table for dinner. Sevryll was expecting company—her parents and Aria, Aeric and Beth were guests once a week, but this day Counselor Margon would be joining the family. As she prepared the place settings, she recalled the last time she saw the counselor:

"GET OUT!" She shrieked with a rage that typically visited her only once every seven years. The door opened and a handsome vulcan male backed out...then dodged a projectile that rocketed from somewhere inside the house. The vase shattered against the doorframe and pelted him with ceramic shards. He raised his hands in surrender and quickly left her home. When Sevryll rushed the entry, to confirm his retreat, she noticed the Bolian Counselor standing just outside, wearing a look that denoted either fear or shock... perhaps both. Flushed with anger, she paused in the doorway to watch the Vulcan go then she turned to Margon, lifted an eyebrow and inclined her head in a silent request of forgiveness. 

"Should I contact the authorities? Is everyone alright?" he asked in a quick succession of rapid-fire questions.

She had learned long ago, that her Bolian friend had a propensity for surprise visits, "No... thank you, Margon. That will not be necessary," she said as she pushed a stray strand of dark brown hair behind her right ear. "Please... come in."  He briefly sized her up, ascertaining whether it was safe to do so, then warily followed her inside.

The house was 'typically Sevryll'—orderly, yet comfortable. Margon considered taking off his shoes, to prevent the tracking of sand into her immaculate home, but she beckoned him past the entry and into the sitting room, where brightly colored settees, divans and couches waited for visitors. Lining the walls were ancient Vulcan artifacts, resting upon pedestals of varying heights—replica relics from numerous archaeological digs.  Under his feet, beautifully crafted Vulcan rugs broke the monotony of the gray stone floor that they strode across, on their way into the sitting room. She offered him a chair and a beverage as his eye traversed the wall that displayed various drawings and paintings the twins had created. He nodded and she disappeared into the kitchen leaving him alone a moment. Margon's eye paused on picture of a blue blob with arms and legs—a smile spread across his face. It was a portrait of himself... a drawing he helped M'rynn make while in quarantine.

Margon had been tying up loose ends on Vulcan and was getting ready to go back to Earth for some business before trying to figure out what the future held for him.  He had been in contact with Counselor Deanna Troi, during the quarantine.  She was a wonderful person to help a fellow counselor get his bearings.   After sharing his theory on holo-therapy, she had recommended that he look up Reginald Barkley on Earth and work with him on developing this technique. He had agreed, but needed to spend a few more hours with the family he had come to adore.  Sevryll returned with two cups of Vulcan Spice tea and sat across from him on a settee with red cushions. "I am sorry, I do not have a root beer recipe programmed into my replicator."

"Oh... that's all right. I like to try new things. Besides, I haven't come for a glass of root beer! I came to talk to you." he said as he took an experimental sip of the tea—it tasted like grass but he managed a convincing smile and a nod of approval. He sat back in his chair and considered her a moment.

"What was that all about?" he asked carefully. "Where are the twins?"

"They are at their grandparents'."  She said as she glanced at him over her cup of tea. She turned it in her hand, took a sip and continued, "how are you, Margon?" Since quarantine, which they had been released from two weeks before the day of his visit, he had made it customary to call on them once a week.

"I'm OK. Don't change the subject..." he replied with a slight smile.

Sevryll frowned and then set her cup on the small stone table next to her. "Mother is under the impression that I require a new husband. She believes a Vulcan would make the best father to my children.  Soleran was the fifth suitor in as many days; he was also the most persistent." She worked her jaw in aggravation and proceeded, "Mother invited him to dinner the night before, and to breakfast this morning. He stopped by again a moment before you arrived." She sighed, "I have tried to politely inform her, as well as her contingent of potential son-in-laws, that I am uninterested." Her voice had risen slightly but she called it down when Margon shifted in his chair.  "Since they have all failed to accept my verbal dissent, I determined that a 'demonstration', such as the one you witnessed, would be a more effective means of communicating my objections. It is likely he was disgusted by my emotional reaction and will now cease his purists."

"Yes...I don't think he'll be coming around anytime soon. If he knows what's good for him that is!" replied Margon as he took a sip of his tea and smiled. "That was a pretty convincing performance. Are you sure it was all an act?"

During quarantine, the counselor had spent time with Sevryll and her children. They helped him with his grief and in turn he helped her learn to cope with the range of emotions that surfaced as a result of the virus. He enjoyed the music therapy sessions with the twins.  He treated M'rynn's timidity by using his Bolian Martra, an electronic mind probing/musical composition device.  She, Margon and her brother would spend hours composing songs that would explore their emotions in a non-threatening way. He couldn't get Sevryll to try it, but the twins enjoyed it thoroughly. 

On the day she threw Soleran out of her house, Margon had brought her a violin to replace the Vulcan harp that his cat and Aeric's holodog had ruined during their skirmish in her quarters on Tiberius. Music had been his prescription to manage emotion. His theory being that the instrument would serve as an outlet for the emotion that could no longer be concealed through traditional means—if it couldn't be bottled up, it had to be expelled productively. Since that visit, she had practiced everyday... and over time, she found the act of playing the instrument, in conjunction with daily meditation, to be an effective suppression technique.

"I'm headed back to Starfleet headquarters, Sevryll" the counselor stated matter of factly.  I have some things to take care of.  I'm meeting up with J'dan Marley and we have some exciting things to work on together.  I'm going to be developing some holo-therapy techniques to use on long range deep space missions."

The counselor bent forward in his chair and touched Sevryll's shoulder. He felt a strong bond to her—she was like a daughter to him.

"I am thankful for your help during this difficult time.  I just wanted you to know that you can call me anytime.  I'm hopeful that we can work together professionally again.  I have come to see you as family.  I really enjoy spending time with you and your children Sevryll.

The Vulcan glanced at Margon—in her eyes was a glint of admiration. " You are important to us too Counselor, please stay in communications with us while you are at Starfleet." 

The sound of the door chime towed her back to the present—a guest had arrived. She set her stack of plates down and opened the door. Standing in the entry was Margon with M'rynn, N'vall and their dog Laika.  "Greetings Sevryll" said the counselor as the twins ran inside.   

[Meds]

The sun's rays glinted off the clinking champagne glasses.
"To us"
The young couple looked into each others eyes as they sipped the vintage liquid. A giggle came from behind them and they both turned round to see their little boys sitting on the picnic blanket playing with their toy ships.
"Joseph. Why did you buy them those ships?"
Joseph turned to Juliette; a smile came across his face.
"Watch this; it's my present for you"
Joseph bent down to the nearest of the boys.
"What is the name of this ship Daniel? Tell mummy."
Daniel held up the toy star ship and said in a quiet whisper,
"interproose"
Juliette burst out laughing and this caused Daniel to gleam with delight.
"There's more watch this. Telan. Can you tell mummy what your ship is called?"
Telan was not as shy as his brother and shouted.
"Tibersus"
Joseph looked at Juliette
"I think he meant Tiberius"
The couple laughed and Joseph turned to pick up the food pack. Suddenly a blast of phaser fire hit the ground by his hand. He looked up to see a small group of people firing randomly at the startled families.
"Quick get the kids move to the shuttle, I'll cover you"
Juliette did exactly what Joseph asked, both their Star Fleet training kicked in. Joe ran towards the attackers but suddenly another blast came from his left which knocked him over and he hit his head on the rocks.

"Arghhhhhhhhh" Joseph sat up in bed, beads of sweat dripping from his fore head.

"The same dream Joe?"  The voice came from the corner of the room.
Joseph looked over to the hidden figure.
"It's been a while, but yeah Doc, same dream"
The Doctor stood up from his chair and walked around the bed in the medical remembrance room.
"I saw on the monitor that you were restless, that's a good sign believe it or not".

Joe threw the sweat soaked covers off his body and climbed out of the bed. He looked at his hands, they were still, and this was a good sign. The dreams used to make his hands shake, but lately he would just sweat.
"I just wish I didn't sweat so much, my laundry bill is becoming ridiculous" He looked at the doctor who simply smiled at his wry remark. The doctor held out his file and pressed the smooth panel on the front, Josephs face came on the screen with his medical history and progress reports. He looked at his patient.
"Joe, you'll be leaving any time now. I feel it's right, the board feel  it's right and Star Fleet Command feel it's right but I want you to tell me ,right now,  if you feel it's right to leave"

Joseph walked to his sink and cupped his hands under the water sensor. The cold water dripped into his hands and he threw the contents onto his face. This was it. This was the decision he had been waiting for. A year he had been in the hospital, and at first he understood why but after three months he'd began to worry. Now the decisions of his senior officers and medical staff had all agreed that he was sane, that he was healed and that he was capable of carrying on his career. All he had to do now was for himself to agree and sign the report screen. He turned round drying his face and approached the Doctor.
"Give me the panel to sign Doc, I'm ready to go".
With that the Doctor handed the panel over to Joseph who signed it, pressed his thumb onto the I.D screen and a door previously hidden opened behind him.
"Good luck Joseph, be safe"
The Doctor took the medi panel off Joseph  shook his hand and left the room leaving the door open.

[Omra]

Korridan sat in his bed, eatting his plomeek soup.  His head still swathed with bandages. The headaches had lessened, and he had been told the scarring would be minimal and could be easily treated after healing.  Being vegetarian, be was delighted to be able to try the Vulcan menu firsthand.  Much better than at the replamat.  He was happy and calm, eatting and listening to Vulcan harp music.  He could hear Shyns frustrated footsteps coming down the hallway.  So much for his calm...

The door burst open, and Shyn came bustling into the room.  She distractedly greeted him, "hey."  As she hooked her PADD to the power outlet in the wall to recharge.  Then she scooted a chair beside his bed and plopped down into it.  "Lots of homework?" he asked her, while eying the recharging PADD.  "No," she wearily answered, "just playing games on it, there is nothing to do on this rock."  "There is if you know where to look," returning to his soup.  She watched him for awhile, "any news on when we can leave?"  After he finished his mouthful, "in a hurry are we?"  "Well," Shyn answered, "it's boring, and I just wanna..."  "Not running from anything are we?"  he asked, and then took another bite.  She looked at him apprehensively.  His soup finished, he wiped his mouth and pushed the traystand away from his bed.  "I believe someone would like to speak to you,"  he picked up a remote from his bed and pushed a button.  The monitor over his bed came to life, on the screen was Colonel Keryn, and he did not look happy.

"What the hell did you do woman?!?!"  He bellowed.  Shyn stammered, I...I..."  "One hour," He angrily stated, "You were there only one hour, and you managed to create a diplomatic incident."  "I...I..." Shyn continued to practice her vowels.  "An entire squad of shock troopers could not have done as much damage as you did," He glared at her, "what do you have to say for yourself?"  She managed a weak smile, "I am ... efficient?"  "YOU THINK THIS IS A JOKE?"  He yelled leaning closer to the camera.

"Bajor is in a precarious enough position with the Federation, without you going around and kicking sand in the face of its eldest and most loyal member."  She could practically feel the heat off of his breath in her face.  Even though he was 50 light years away, he was able to project his presence as well as his image into the room.  "I gave you diplomatic immunity to get Kor into treatment quickly," he sneered, "not to be used as a club,to beat some one you decide you don't like over the head with."  "He kept me waiting," she meekly offered.  "He keeps everyone waiting," he sighed, "it is expected, we all joke about it around here over drinks."  Shaking his head, "at least we used to..."  He leaned back in  his chair, ""thanks to you and Kira, he has been commited."  "What?"  She inquired.  He looked off screen, "When Kira laughed at him, when he called to complain about you, it sent him over the edge."  She just stood looking shocked. He looked back at her indignantly, "he has been sent deep into the desert, some Vulcan ritual to help him recenter himself, some colon-ear thing."  Shyn could not imagine the fat toad like Vulcan doing well in a desert, he sweat just walking from the building to the runabout.  She looked to Korridan for emotional support, he ignored her, instead focusing on his nails, as if pondering getting a manicure.

"The Vulcan Port Authority wants the runabout impounded and quarantined," rolling his eyes, "and you banned."  Her mouth hung open in shock.  First Quarks', and now an entire planet.  How do you top that?

"Kira and I are trying to keep this quiet and under the radar," he looked seriously worried, "but if this leaks out, Nerys and I are going to be in serious trouble."  He leaned towards the camera, "we didn't exactly get you that ship and status through proper channels."

"I am sorry,"  Shyn offered, "I never thought that..."  "NO YOU DIDN'T THINK," he growled, "THAT IS YOUR PROBLEM!"  "You are impulsive," glaring at her, "and obviously not in control of your species nature."  Shaking his head, "and if it meant that YOU were to become the only casualty of your actions, that would be one thing."  He paused for effect, "but life never works like that, fools always take others down with them."  He sighed, "If we were to do nothing, not only would you leave a wake of destruction behind you wherever you went."  Solemnly, "but every person who should befriend you, would suffer for your actions as well."

After letting his little speech sink in, he held up a document for the camera and her to see.  "As of now, you are no longer considered a recruit."  The document came down, to be replaced by Keryn's menacing face, "you are now on special assignment with the Bajoran government," a gleam in his eye, "you are the first inductee in our new 'mentor program'."  She starred at him like a deer caught in the headlights of an oncoming aircar.  He gave her a feral grin, "Congratulations."  The screen went black.

She stood starring at the blank screen, her face as blank as the monitor.  When she looked over at Korridan he was starring back, his face impassive, a perfect poker face.  She pointed to him.  He smiled. 

"Oh dear God."  She collapsed into her chair with a thud.

[iceman]

Peterson sat at his desk at Starfleet Academy, He had accepted a teaching position in Starfleet Medical teaching advanced surgical techniques to forth year students. He enjoyed his position, but constantly longed to be back on a starship.

Starfleet had offerred him Several Positions on ships but he refused them saying he would only return to space under the command of his former Captain, Nathan Quinn. So for Now, he took a position as a teacher as it allowed him to maintain his skills as a surgeon while learning new skills himself that he pass on to his students.

This last year had been one of much sorrow and pain, but much unexpected joy as well, It had been a month since his marriage to Myella his long lost sweetheart from his days in starfleet medical training to be a doctor. They had reluctantly gone in differrent directions then met again after his quarantine was up. The quick whirlwind romance was sudden but not unexpected as they both felt like kindred spirits who fate allowed to meet again. Except this time they vowed to never be parted in the same way again.

Myella was more adventurous and spontaneous then Peterson was, but was also a kind and caring compassionate soul like Peterson, so she brought him out of his shell. This was what attracted them both to each other, the compassion and caring that they showed others.

For the first time since the loss of his family, he felt whole, Myella made him feel complete, she was the missing piece in his life and his reason enjoying every moment of his life at the moment.

Petersons thoughts drifted back to his chance meeting with Myella at the Captains Chair, a local pub hangout just a few blocks from where he was living. They talked for hours and hours as he relayed the ordeal of his last three months in quarantine to her. She was horrified at the ordeal he had gone through and vowed to help him through his recovery to the point that they became inseparable. One date became two, then three until they both realized they loved each other.

Petersons thoughts drifted to the day he proposed to Myella., They sat on a beach overlooking San Francisco Bay and watched the sunset. He got down on one knee and proposed the old fashioned way. He remembered the tears they both cried as they embraced.

Peterson was jolted back to reality as his computer console Announced " You have an incoming Message from Myella Peterson."

Peterson stated, "On Screen" The image of his wife appeared she had long flowing red hair and went past her shoulders and contrasted nicely with her blue starfleet uniform. She was calling to inform him that she would be delayed for lunch by about 1/2 hr. He smiled and said

" Dont worry my dear, I will bring lunch to you", with that she smiled and blew him a kiss and said "till then my dear". Then the screen went blank.

With that Peterson got up from his chair and left to pick up lunch for himself and his wife.

[ElfManDan]

Joint post by Sheppard and StarTrekFanatic5


Quinn sat behind his desk and looked up as David approached. He handed his padd to Quinn, "Thanks for letting me go over time just a little." David said appreciatively, "Some of these concepts seem so beyond me at times."

Quinn smiled and lookover the padd. "You'll get it eventually, Reese."

David had hopes Quinn was right. He began collecting his things, shoving them into his bag.

Quinn stood and walked over the David. "Your academy days are almost over, any ideas where you want to be posted?"

"No, I don't want to get my hopes up in case my request gets denied." David said as he placed his padd with Advance Physics labeled delicately on the front into his bag.

"You need any advice?" Quinn asked 

"If you don't mind I would be very...". David's comm screeched the noise of an annoying voice, "David I need your help, I've got myself into a little trouble." David was feeling very embarrassed about the interruption and hoped Quinn would understand, "Dylan now isn't really a good time." "It's important I'm in your room." Those words put David into a bit of a panic, "Yeah, I'll be there in a minute." "Thanks Davs"

David felt bad about his brother. He was always causing trouble. This wasn't the first time he had done something like this. "Sorry about that, least he knows better then to do that during class."

Quinn smiled and gave him a friendly nod, "I understand Reese, see you tomorrow."

David slung the bag over his shoulder, "Bye and about the advice if we could save that for another time." Quinn nodded, "Thanks for everything." David said has he hurried out to fix whatever problem his brother had got himself stuffed into.

[Geekyfanboy]

Quinn sat in his office at Starfleet Academy looking over padds occasionally making corrections. The sun was shining through the large window to his left, the warmth was very comforting. He leaned back in his chair and felt himself slowly drift away.

"Sir" someone yelled from behind him. "All escape pods and shuttle crafts have docked with the station. Everyone is accounted for." Suddenly an avalanche of noise and confusion enveloped Quinn. He looked around and there were people rushing around here and there. They were yelling out commands, children were crying, people were pushing their ways through the corridors. Quinn shook his head slightly and stood up on a table. "QUIET!!!!" Quinn yelled. Everyone stopped and stared at their Captain. "Listen, there are rooms assigned for everyone on this station, Please take care of your family and things then report to your department heads, they will assigned your task. This station needs a lot of work if we plan on staying here." Someone from the crowd of people yelled, "And how long is that going to be?" Quinn looked down at all the anguish faces looking back up at him. " I don't know, until a cure can be found." People started to mummer. Quinn raised his voice once more. "But we are still Starfleet officers and we will do our best with our situation. I want everyone to proceed in a calm and organized manner... dismissed." The mummer began once again but it was much more quieter and organized as everyone made there way down the corridors to an uncertain future.

Quinn woke with a panic as his tabletop computer started to beep. He pressed the button to the right and Admiral Decker's face appeared on screen. "I hope I'm not interrupting you Professor Quinn." Quinn smiled and shook his head, as Admiral Decker knew Nathan didn't like being addressed as Professor Quinn. "I was just correcting some of my students work. How can I hope you Sir?" A smile spread across the Admirals face. "We have a propositions for you... Captain."

[Bryancd]

K'arath scrambled up the rocky ledge, the loose shale giving way beneath his grip, his feet struggling for purchase. Sweat flowed freely down the ridges of his forehead and stung his eye's. The roar of the shelat behind him provided ample motivation. The Forge was proving to be as challenging as he had anticipated.....and he was suddenly overcome by a strong sense of nIb'poH, what humans called deja vu.

It had been just over one year ago this very day that he had been running a holodeck simulation of the Forge in hopes of visiting it on the ill fated initial journey to Vulcan. He laughed out loud at the irony....that was until he remembered that the shalat behind him would provide no quarter and there were no safety protocols here. This was real. He never once considered using his phaser against the magnificent creature. If the beast fell upon him, he would draw his mek'leth and fight with the honor such a battle would deserve. A battle for survival is what the crew of the Tiberius had encountered upon reaching Vulcan that day. He lost many of his engineering staff, many good friends had been sent to their species own Sto-vo-kor and he had mourned them. And the Tiberius, his first Chief Engineering stationing was no more. She had sacrificed her own existence to save the lives of those she carried, a most honorable way to die.

But the battle wasn't yet over. The three months on the station in quarantine had been trying times for the crew, for those that lost loved ones, for the First Officer, whose affliction he couldn't begin to understand, and for the Captain, a man of great batlh, honor, who stood amongst the ruins and held them all together. For him, the time on the station was a blur of crawling through conduits in an effort to make the station functional and to provide for the needs of the Tiberius crew. It had been a hard three months, but he always enjoyed the challenge. Long hours and kept him in relatively good physical condition, but he longed to stretch his legs and run through the wilderness, like he did as a child. Sometimes for the exercise, more often to escape the expectations of being born into the house of Kang, his grandfathers legacy a large gap to fill. Being smaller than most other Klingon's, flight became a preferential strategy over fight. And run he could, for days on end. Like the days he spent here.

The shelat still was determined to make an example of him for invading her territory. K'arath realized his options were limited. He may need to turn and fight. He had cleared the top of the embankment only to find a steeper climb he could not negotiate. He reached behind his back and withdrew the blade and spun around.

Once they had been cleared from quarantine, K'arath had approached Captain Quinn and made it known he would like to be considered for a Chief Engineering assignment on the Captains next command, whenever that may be. He had spent the last 9 months here on Vulcan, learning much of their engineering expertise which was a few hundred year more advanced than either Klingon or Starfleet technology. He even had occasion to visit Commander Sevryll and the ships counselor Margon who was staying with family. Like Klingon's, Vulcan's were not prone to idle chatter, and the visits and been appropriately brief and satisfying. He had grown rather found of her children as well, although while on the ship he had found them a nuisance.

The shelat had stopped at the top of the embankment and regarded him with cold eye's. K'arath stared back and crouched low in preparation for an attack which never came. The big cat bared her massive fangs, turned, and jumped back down to the ground. Perhaps by luck, K'arath had just wandered out of her territory, or perhaps she recognized a kindred spirit. A warrior alone in the vast emptiness. K'arath stood and replaced the mek'leth. He raised his head to the sky and cried out in honor of being alive this day.

[Rico]

The slender Andorian and human woman continued their steady climb up one of the lower peaks of the Mountains of Andoria.  Both were heavily clothed to fight off the bitter cold surrounding them.  The climb at this stage was not difficult as they were coming to a small plateau.  Even though it was the middle of summer the temperature was still very cold around the pair.  Just as he reached the flat clearing, the Andorian heard the sliding of rock behind him.  He quickly turned and reached his hand out to the woman behind him.  She grabbed his hand and he pulled herself up and close to him.  He breathed a quick sigh of relief even though they were both tethered to a strong guide rope.  The woman then put her arms around the Andorian and hugged him closely.

"You know, we could of just transported to the lodge."  The blond human woman said with a slight grin.

"Now, Marie.  Where's the fun and adventure in that?  Besides, transporting wouldn't have let me show off the beauty of Andoria to you."  The Andorian countered as his blue eyes sparkled in the cold air.

"It is amazingly beautiful.  Hard to believe this is just a moon."  Ensign Marie Barton said to the Andorian Ch'Fras Zremm.  As he held her in his arms, Zremm found himself not wanting to let go.  Ever since he had nearly lost Marie to the terrible virus that had killed so many of his shipmates aboard the Tiberius he had found it difficult to even let her out of his sight.

"Yes.  I've made this climb many times and the sight still takes my breath away, in more ways than the obvious."  Zremm said as he released his arms slightly and let Marie move around and take in the view from the plateau they were on.  About half a kilometer ahead he could see their destination.  A rustic lodge built into the mountains.  A favorite spot for visitors to stay while on Andoria.

"Have you thought anymore about Captain Hughes offer?"  Marie said as she wandered back next to Zremm.

"A little, I guess.  I'm not sure I would feel right about returning to the Sheppard after my time on the Tiberius.  It seems like a step backwards.  Don't misunderstand, it's a fine ship.  A little older, but I know the crew and Captain Hughes was a scientist before she started the command track so we understood each other.  And there's,....."  Zremm said but hesitated slightly.  Marie smiled and moved next to him again.

"Me.  You were about to say, me.  Look Zremm, I'm not a china doll.  I won't break in two if you take this assignment.  You don't have to look after me."  Marie said, with a slightly raised tone in her voice.

"But I like looking after you.  And at you, for that matter."  Zremm said with a smile and slight chuckle.  He reached up and brushed back some of Marie's blond hair that was being blown around due to wind.  He tucked it gently back into her parka's hood. 

"Well, I have to admit I've really gotten to like the color blue over this last year.  Who knew it came in so many different shades and textures."  Marie said as she pressed up next to Zremm and kissed him.  He pulled her close and gently kissed her forehead.  He stepped back a little and took her arm in his and started to walk away from the incline behind them

"Come on Marie.  Let's get to the lodge.  Believe it or not, it's going to get even colder out her very soon as night comes.  We can talk more about this later."  Zremm said as he led her forward along the marked path ahead of them.

"That's what you always say.  Have you spoken with Sevryll since we left Vulcan?  I know she's your friend.  Maybe she might have some news from the Captain."  Marie said trying to work back into the subject Zremm wasn't found of talking about.

"No, I haven't Marie.  She had a very difficult time of it.  Maybe more than anyone.  I guess I always thought Vulcan's were almost indestructible.  My people don't have the best history with them and have kind of always thought they were always so cool and logical.  There's even some who think that it's the Vulcan's that should of been living on an ice world like ours.  But of course, I've kind of always known better.  I think it's very hard for Sevryll to be seen when she loses her emotional control."  Zremm said as they quickened their pace.

"Yes, I sensed that too.  But you know her much better than I do.  You do know we can't 'hide out' on Andoria forever."  Marie said.

"Marie, I'm not hiding out.  We are both just taking an extended leave, like we told Starfleet.  Besides, I think we've earned it.  Now, let's get to the lodge.  Did I mention it has access to a geothermal vent which creates the most amazingly huge, indoor sauna chamber you have ever seen?"  Zremm said as he tugged on Marie's arm, pulling her gently along.

"I think once or twice.  You know another thing I didn't know about Andorian's is that they actually can blush.  Hehe!"  Marie said as she tossed a clump of snow at her companion.

"Oh, that's it.  You don't want to start a snowball fight with me young lady.  You're on my world now."  The Andorian said as he quickly tossed a tightly packed ball of snow and hit Marie on her side as she tried to escape.

"Come on, blue boy.  Race you to the sauna."  She said and took off quickly towards the lodge ahead.  Zremm laughed and chased after her.  Even though the last year had been hard, he had a feeling things were about to get a whole lot better.

[institches]

Spring Farmer wiped the sweat from her eyes as she gazed out across the treetops. Starfleet Academy training had strengthened her so that climbing the Great Pyramid of Tikal was an easy feat, but the Guatemalan heat was quite a change from San Francisco's clammy comfort. Still, the trip was more than worth it. The view was amazing: seeing other pyramids lifting their massive tops out of the jungle was inspiring and the flora was exactly as her professor had intimated. New species were always proliferating. The che-mahoghany had proliferated in the last hundred years, nearly taking over the forest, with its sweet, cedar-like smell. She smiled, opening the gills below her jaw to fully experience the jungle.

A troop of howler monkeys were nearby: she could smell two males and five females. They were eating the zapote from the fragrant sapodilla trees. No wonder. The golden flesh of the zapote fruit was delicious. Mackie hoped there might be some available at lunch. Replicated food had its place, but was no substitute for the real thing. Thank God the Guatemalans seemed to feel the same way.

The smells reminded her somehow of the Trill homeworld, the first place she had ever visited offworld, outside of Eath. There was a strange mix of purity and complexity, almost musical.

She had particularly enjoyed the Hoobishan Baths, where she had befriended Ryla Drett, a Starfleet doctor. After introductions, Ryla had said, "Your species is fascinating, but I have one question."

Spring  self-consciously touched her cheek. "I know. I had my gills moved shortly after I arrived on Earth. It's purely cosmetic."

There was a whiff of honey and whiskey-scented laughter from the symbiant. "No, she wanted to ask why you move your mouth when you speak? Your species does not use that organ for communication."

Spring closed her mouth. "Habit, I guess. It made my classmates more comfortable if I looked and acted as close to human as I could."

Ryla leaned forward. "Starfleet officers have a difficulty not giving out advice to cadets. So allow me to tell you: diversity is one of the most important tenets of Starfleet. You are not doing your classmates any favors by keeping them ignorant of your differences." She softened the statement with a lopsided smile as they exited the baths. "Now, if you have time, I'd like to introduce you to an ancient earth delicacy."

"On Trill?"

"It's hard to find a replicator programmed with the recipe, even on Earth. Have you ever heard of... jellybeans?"
_________________________________

Spring smiled. She took another deep breath and noted the musk of attraction coming off of the human male tourist who had joined her at the top of the Great Pyramid. I guess I'm not doing him any favors, either.  She pulled off the blond wig, exposing her bare scalp and opening her gills to their fullest. She turned and smiled. His musk abruptly changed to something like startlement. The attraction was clearly over. Well, maybe not everybody is ready for diversity.

[moyer777]

Joint post with Jen, Just X and moyer777

Sevryll inclined her head and gestured for the Counselor to enter, "It is good to see you again Margon, come in." She said. Though her face remained expressionless, her voice expressed happiness at seeing him again.

The dog brushed past him before he could step over the threshold, almost knocking him over. Sevryll scolded the holographic dog and called to the children to apprehend the beast before he broke anything else in her house.

"I apologize, Counselor."

"No problem" he smiled, "Pets will be pets!  It's good to see you Sevryll, you seem content."

Margon laid a hand on her shoulder and thanked her.  "I appreciate the invite to dinner Commander, I understand you have some things to talk to us about?"

The Bolian stepped in side and Sevryll stepped over to the replicator, "Root beer, with one teaspoon of vinegar, cold". She said and glanced over her shoulder at the smiling counselor. She removed the frosty mug from the niche and handed it to an eager Margon then continued setting the table. "Please, have a seat." She said.

"I have been offered a tenured position at ShiKahr Academy. I have decided to retire from Starfleet and accept the Academy's offer."

"Well, you are so matter of fact Sevryll" he said as he watched her face.  He didn't want to sound alarmed but was looking forward to serving with her in the future.  "Have you given up on Starfleet so quickly?  There is a lot more to discover out there my friend." 

He kept watching the Vulcan woman to gauge the emotional response, but she stayed stoic in her appearance. 

"I can't imagine you would be happy cooped up in a classroom.  You are an explorer.  How long do you plan on doing this?" he asked.

Sevryll placed the last eating utensils on the table as the children came back into the room. "I have..." she started to say but M'rynn interrupted, "excuse me." She uttered in a small voice. "I'm thirsty."

Sevryll ordered a glass of Hirat juice for the girl from the replicator. "Me too," said N'vall. With another request a second glass of juice appeared and the children were ushered into two chairs at the table to drink their beverages.

"I.." The door chimed again and Sevryll excused herself to answer it—Aria and Aeric had arrived with Beth in tow.

Aria quietly entered dressed in traditional vulcan robes as her father followed behind in similar dress. Cradled in a sling over Aeric's chest was Beth, his adopted half Vulcan daughter. She looked around the room with wide and curious eyes as the two adults gave a polite nod to those that had already gathered.

"Counselor ... Mother, it is pleasing to see you both again." Aria said in respectful tones showing little emotion until her gaze fell upon her younger siblings.  Her stoic face melted into a bright smile for the twins.

"Sevryll, children ... Are we late? Margon, how have you been?" Aeric asked as he closed the door and turned to offer the gathered his own smile. Out of respect for his adopted home, he attempted to reduce the amount of emotional displays he showed while in public, but that facade quickly vanished when he was in his home or Sevryll's.

Aeric had wanted to say more to the counselor, but never knew how to approach the subject. Aeric had experienced more than his share of loss. He knew first hand how the loss of a child felt, but he had gotten his daughter back. He didn't know how to express his understanding of Margon's loss without reminding the counselor that his own child had returned from death.

As Aria removed her hood, Aeric freed the dark haired toddler to slowly waddle towards the twins. Beth moved as fast as her stubby legs could carry her as Aeric smirked at her determination to walk on her own. He could already see a stubborn streak developing in her and couldn't tell which side of her family that it came from.

"Rory would have joined us, but she was attempting to finish her updates to the Aurora's tactical systems. She does send her apologies." Aria said as she followed her newest sibling in the direction of the twins.

"You are punctual as usual, daughter. I am disappointed that Rorry could not attend but I do understand. Would any of you care for a beverage?"

The chime sounded a third time and N'vall rushed to welcome the next guests. Sevryll's parents were standing in the entry—her mother Sareth bracing her recovering father's arm. He still could not speak due to the torture he endured on Romulus to extract information regarding Ambassador Spock whereabouts. Krell was frail and weak, yet his demeanor changed when Sevryll and the children were near by. Perhaps it was because they did not treat him like an invalid. Krell and Sareth shuffled into the home and were promptly seated at the table with the rest of the company.  Aria greeted her grandparents and sat beside her mother.

The conversation soon turned to quarantine and the Tiberius as Sevryll spooned a helping of Mashya onto her children's plates, and then her own. She passed the brown, minimalist ceramic dish to Aria as Aeric quietly moved over to the replicator and ordered drinks for himself and his daughters, "Margon, what have you been doing with yourself in these last few weeks? You really don't get out to Vulcan enough." Aeric said as she distributed the water to Aria and Beth.

"Oh, I have been plenty busy.  I've been on Earth working on a couple of projects.  I have been consulting with some other counselors and doctors on the use of Holo-therapy.  It's really rather fascinating.  I just need some practical applications now.  I'm working on being assigned to a new ship.  I'm not sure which one yet.  I was hoping to work with some of my former colleagues." He glanced at Sevryll hoping to make eye contact with her.  He wouldn't be working with her if she accepted the position at ShiKahr Academy.

Beth analyzed the spill proof cup as she considered if it was yet another toy or the drinking vessel that it was suposed to be. Deciding it was in fact a drinking vessel, the young child took a sip from of the cool water contained within.

It was quiet at the table, more quiet than Margon was used to.  As a Bolian it was always difficult to keep his mouth shut.  And of course sensing the awkwardness of silence, opened his once again.

"We have all been through a lot now haven't we?"  asked Margon.  "But we have much to be thankful for." He felt a sudden wave of emotion well up in him as he made that statement.  Being a Counselor is not always as easy as it looks.  It takes great effort to not be overwhelmed by all of the emotion that is dealt with on a daily basis.  Being in the company of so many Vulcans made this easier, but thinking back over the last many months, it had been quite a journey.

The twins glanced towards the Bolian seated across from them.  "I like you. You play pretty music." The little girl whispered with a shy smile. 

"Thanks" Margon said, "I like you too!"  He grinned and eyebrows were raised around the table.  How do you show a smile when you are Vulcan?  Arc and eyebrow, it works every time.  "The children and I spent a great deal of time exploring our inner thoughts through the use of my Martra," explained the Bolian Counselor.  "It is a musical instrument, which is in direct contact with sub conscious and conscious brain patterns.  It is expressed mathematically through musical notes and different timbres that the brain is feeling."  He paused for a moment, what was he saying?  It probably wasn't the right place to be discussing this particular therapy.  They simply stared.  Sevryll's mother looked at Margon.  "Fascinating" she stated flatly. "And what sort of music did my grandchildren create?" she asked cooly. 

Margon thought for a moment.  "Actually, they reacted similarly to many of the crew while being cooped up on a space station.  Their pieces were mostly forlorn in its composition, the music many of the crew created was therapeutic if not a crucial part of the healing process."

Margon looked at Sevryll, "So are you going to tell everyone about your new job?"

Sevryll glanced up from her vegetables to meet the Counselor's nervous expression. Her eyes cut to her friend and former crewmate Aeric and then back to the Counselor, "I have been offered a position as Dean of Archaeology at ShiKahr Academy. After what happened on Tiberius, I have decided to no longer pursue a career at Starfleet. Nathan has yet to receive another command and has moved on to teach at Starfleet Academy. I made my decision soon after my visit with him in San Francisco. I informed him of the proposition I had received and my rejection of the offer to serve as First Officer aboard Captain Jaosh's ship." She could see the disappointment welling up in Margon and it pained her to inform him of her decision. She was thankful that she had time that morning to play her violin and meditate, otherwise she may have embarrassed herself in front of her parents with an emotional reaction. "I should not be a command officer... I am a scientist and if I were to continue with Starfleet, I would only do so under Nathan Quinn's command. But he is happy where he is," she glanced to the children, the virus had almost taken their lives and thus had been the root of her decision to leave Starfleet. She just couldn't trust their safety to a less capable captain. "The children are safe and contented here."

"It's nice to hear that you will be staying on Vulcan," Aeric said. His own career path had placed him into heading up the operations of the Fleet Yard and it was good to know that Aria would still be able to be near both of her parent while she worked on the details of her medical certifications.

Aria smiled at the news. "I'm sure your decision has been well considered mother. Beth will also enjoy having her favorite playmates remaining within transporter range."

Aeric nodded. "There's that too. Beth will benefit from growing up in proximity of other children like her."

[X]

"Chief Grant," Aeric said as took a seat across from Rina in the mess hall of the Fleet Yard. Mess was one of the few times that she didn't appear covered in grease.  He was still dressed in his vulcan robes, having had to transport back to the yards in order to make his weekly briefing. "Why is there a ship still occupying Berth Five? I thought that she was all set to sail?"

"It's in my report sir," Rina said as she took a sip of her tea. She had allowed her brown hair to grow over the last year and the new length fit her slender face well. "It seems that there was some problem with her registry. The brass sent orders to us to delay the final painting until they can work out the issues with her name and registry number."

"We have another ship due in for refit in five days. If they don't have this settled by then, they might find themselves painting her by hand as they move her to her next port of call." Aeric said with a smile. "We're finally back on schedule and I'd rather not be the one telling the Captain of the Thunderchild that his refit will be delayed because of another vessel's paint job."

"Well, the good news is that our Intrepid projects are running ahead of schedule. Final review and instillation of the weapon systems will be completed within a week of finalizing the design. I'm hoping we can settle on a final weapon load out within the next few days and begin instillation of them." Rina said as she reviewed several documents on her PADD. "Did engineering sign off on the new brig designs yet?"

"I'm waiting on recommendations from K'Tan. He likes to be through, but he hasn't missed a deadline yet. He has another seventy-two hours to file his report." Aeric said as he glanced to his own PADD. "I just got an update from the engineering team in berth four. They are having problem with power management with the Katana Class we have there. There are some notes about the addition of the quantum reactors causing a load imbalance in the primary EPS conduits. Can you take your team and lend them a hand?"

"Of course commander," Rina said and smiled. When Aeric had taking over the running of the Fleet Yard, he had gathered many of his former department members to serve as roving assistance teams. If the designers and construction teams were having a problem, they were there to come in and figure out a working solution. While it created a larger than normal staff for the shipyard, Starfleet Command had authorized the staffing increases to get them back on schedule. "I'm pretty sure it's the same problem that we've been getting with the Intrepid Refits. I'm sure that we can have the problem solved without interrupting her projected completion date."

"Thank you Chief," Aeric said. "You're a lifesaver."

"Don't mention it Commander," Rina said as she finished her drink. "I am curious to know where we are headed from here?"

"From here?" Aeric asked.

"Starfleet isn't going to allow this place to keep a bloated staff once we finish up with those new builds. It was good of you to keep us together this long, but do you have any ideas on the postings that we're going to?"

"Going in we knew that this was a temporary assignment for us all." Aeric said. "The VSY will be getting a full time commander in the next few weeks as my tour ends. Starfleet has accepted the Aurora's spaceframe into production, but refuse to invest the resources needed to duplicate all of her other systems in a full production run. I understand their hesitation, but it's still good to see some of our work going into the field. I'm trying to decide if we should say on and see the first production order through to completion."

"How long do you have to decide if you want to return for another tour here?" Rina asked.

"Admiral Volm says the position is mine if I want it, but I need to make a decision in the next two to three weeks. That's all they can give me. They have other candidates that are very interested in furthering their careers by working on the construction of the next generation of the fleet. They have full commanders that are bucking this position Rina. I need to make sure that this is the path I want to take and I don't have that much time to decide."

"Many of the old crew are hoping that Captain Quinn gets a new ship. Shuttlebutt says that the problem with our unnamed Akira is that the brass is trying to decide if they are going to make her the new Tiberius." Rina said. "I don't buy into rumors, but I would explain the delays we are getting in something simple as deciding her designation."

"I don't want to argue with rumors, but I think the problem might be because this is a new Fleet Yard and there is just a lot of paperwork involved in getting all of the systems online." Aeric said. "It would be nice to see the Tiberius in the skies again, but I've heard that someone is the admiralty is pushing for one of the new Sovereigns coming out of Jupiter Station to become the new Tiberius."

"A Sovereign? That's a whole lot of ship sir." Rina said as she grinned in anticipation. "It wouldn't be the same as the Akira that we put together here. There's something special about crewing on a ship you help build, but I think I could grow to be comfortable with a Sovereign."

"I think you'd  be comfortable crewing any vessel that keeps you arms deep in grease." Aeric laughed. "Even if we get another Tiberius in the air, there is no assurances that we will get the call to crew her. Quinn and Peterson are back on Earth teaching. Sevryll is thinking about staying retired. I'm just going to focus on today and avoid the wishful thinking for just a little while longer."

"Fair enough, I'll be more than happy to daydream about us coming back together on another starship." Rina said with a smile that seem to reach her dark brown eyes.

"You do that Chief. I have a meeting scheduled with the Admiral. I'll see if I can find something out that will put a halt to these rumors." Aeric said as he rose. "Enjoy the rest of your meal Rina."

"Aye sir!"

[Omra]

She laid in bed, aching.  Thinking about the strange twist her life had taken. 

It had been a rough week, the exercising and sparring she liked.  But the studying, and meditating was agonizing.  Though nothing was as rough as the new diet.  No hunting, no fresh kill, not even raw meat.  Shyn was in her own personal purgatory.  But, as the days dragged on she began to actually wonder if she deserved it.  And she was beginning to see that indeed she might.  All of her other classmates had gotten postings, on ships, stations, and outposts.  It was coming close to 8 months since her graduation, and still no assignment.  She did have a reputation, not an official one of course.  But any good captain knows how to get the lowdown on a potential recruit.  She was difficult, and impulsive and prone to anger.  She could hardly blame them for not wanting her.

Sure, she had fought the new 'mentor program' at first, it was her nature to fight.  But it soon became clear that this was not entirely punishment.  It was meant to make her better.  There was nothing in Korridans eyes to indicate this was being done so he could watch her suffer.  Everytime she complained he would make another 'raw steel into a sword' analogy, he clearly saw this as 'forging' her into something better.  And there was that one day that really got her thinking...

"Who would you rather fight?"  Korridan asked her, "A Klingon, or a Vulcan?"  Shyn answered quickly, "A Vulcan."  Amused by her answer, "really, why?"  "They are vegetarians, pacifists, she retorted, "not trained warriors."  Korridan just shook his head and smiled.  "What?" she demanded, "you would choose differently?"  "Of course I would," he answered.

His hands across his chest, "A Klingon is easily provoked, a little taunting, pushing the right buttons, etc."  He smirks, "And all reason goes out the window, they rage and attack blindly."  Puzzled she asks, "I fail to see how an upset Klingon can ever be considered a good thing."  He raises an eyebrow, "I should think it would be obvious, a Klingon in a blind rage is not thinking, he does not plan his attacks, he resorts back to instincts, he has no regard for his own safety, or those of any others with him, or of his own finite resources."  "What good is training," he smiles, "if it vanishes after a couple of taunts?"  She dwelled on this.

"The Vulcan," he continues, "on the other hand, is calm."  Watching her absorb the information, "he analyzes his opponent, studying their fighting style, looking for any weaknesses, patiently waiting for just the right moment to attack."  "Now who do you think is the more dangerous?" He asks.  She shakes her head in acknowledgement, "I see your point."

"Both cultures came from a violent and bloody past," Korridan continues, "the Klingons choose to embrace their violent nature, reveling in it."  Tilting his head, "The Vulcan's went to the other extreme, attempting to divorce themselves completely from their nature, embracing logic instead."  "My choice for you, Korridan smiled, "is neither, but instead a third choice."

"I don't want you to either embrace, or divorce yourself of your nature,"  looking serious, "both are extreme."  "I see your species nature as 'anti matter', a source of great power,"he mused aloud, "but uncontrolled, dangerous to everyone."  "Right now, you are not in control of it," pointing at her, "it is in control of you." 

It took a few days, being as hard headed as she is, but she came to realize he was right.  She hated meditating at first, and her mind always seemed to want to wander.  But during her sparring sessions, she found that she gained greater and greater control.  He was finding it harder to provoke her into mistakes, or dropping her guard.

Upon researching she discovered just how bloody the Vulcan's history really was, they had nearly wiped themselves out.  And look where they are now, very impressive.  She saw them in a new light now, they both shared the same burden.  Shyn never would have believed that she and Vulcan's had anything in common.  But indeed they did, and if they could learn to control the raging beast inside them, then so could she.

Though in her case, she may let it out to go for a walk every  now and then.

[iceman]

Peterson waited in line, at the Captains Chair, to get his order, His lips smacked with anticipation at the deep fried fish and chips he and his wife were about to consume, it was his wife's favorite and he enjoyed it as well.

He paid for his order and walked down the crowded walkway to the bench outside his wife's office building and waited for her to arrive. It had turned into a lovely day the air was fresh with a hint of apple blossom and honeysuckle in the air.

Petersons thoughts drifted back to his first meeting with Myella, her long flowing red hair, fair complexion and slender build were only outdone by her inner beauty. Peterson considered himself lucky to have married such a kind and caring person. He remembered her walking into his fourth year class on Alien biology. She sat down beside him and introduced herself as Myella O'leary. Her strong Irish accent was quite apparent. Peterson laughed to himself quietly as he did not remember much about that class, but he never did forget Myella who was now his wife.

Their was a slight breeze blowing in the air and the suns rays danced off the waters of San Francisco Bay. Peterson's thoughts began to drift back to his crew mates who he missed dearly. Counsellor Margon was the first person he told about his engagement to Myella.

The expression on the counsellors face was priceless, The counsellor was drinking Rootbeer at the time, and at the hearing of the announcement, the Rootbeer shot out of  mouth and nose at the same time, like a cruise missile. Nevertheless, he was ecstatic at the prospect of Peterson getting married and welcomed the distraction from all the funerals and wakes the crew had attended for their fallen comrades.

Petersons thoughts drifted to the night that he had gone to Myella's parents house to ask her Parents for permission to marry their only Daughter. Darcy O'leary had been a Chief Engineer aboard the USS Apache, a nebula class cruiser, he has since been reassigned to a teaching position at the Daystrum Institute. Patti O'leary was a short plump women with a heart of gold. Peterson Remembered how she had welcomed him into the O'leary home with open arms.

Darcy O'leary was not quite as welcoming and eyed all potential boyfriends and husbands as oversexed predators who only wanted one thing from his little Princess. It took many years for Peterson to win Darcy O'Leary over, but in the end Darcy came to truly like Peterson.

Peterson remembered as he was greeted at the door by the tall image of Darcy at the door to his house smoking his pipe and and stroking his grey beard. He looked down at Peterson and said..

" Its good to see you lad, we read about your exploits awhile back, Your somekind of a hero, taking a phaser hit in the shoulder, or something like that and being awarded the Starfleet Purple Heart." Darcy continued, we kept the newspaper article they wrote about you and the U.S.S. Tiberius."

Peterson remembered being nervous, he had sweaty palms and the droplets of sweat that had began to form on his forehead were visible. He remembered asking Darcy for permission to marry his daughter and shocked by his father-in-laws response.

Darcy looked at Peterson and replied, " Casey we were wondering if you were daft or something, Patti and I were wondering when you were going to get around to ask Myella to Marry you. I thought I was going to have to beat you over the head wit a rock or something. Of course you have our blessings my boy, Myella is crazy about you, your all she talks about."

With those remarks, Casey remembered the knot in his stomach releasing and the colour returning to his face. It had been the most nervous he had ever been accept for his wedding of course.

Peterson was  startled back to reality by the voice of his wife as she called out to him

" Hi honey, sorry I am late" as she sat down beside him and gave him a big kiss, "Have you been waiting long dear."

Peterson replied, " No dear, I just got hear."  With that Myella replied  " you got my favorite, Fish and Chips from the Captains Chair"

Peterson smiled as they both began to eat the delicately fried fish that was crispy on the outside and nice and tender on the inside, the chips were just crispy enough as well, they both laughed as they wiped the grease off of each others lips and enjoyed the rest of their lunch together.