Star Trek: Season 6 - Arabella

[Jen]

Saapsigo strode into his home where two robed individuals awaited his arrival. The pair greeted him in the traditional way as Saapsigo gestured for them to sit.

"Do you have anything of use to me?" Asked Sevryll's former bondmate.

The Vulcan man sitting across from him motioned to the unknown woman. "T'vras has had dealings with Sevryll's children. She informed me that there was an altercation with a young woman who claimed to be M'rynn and N'vall's sister," said the man.

"Is this true?" inquired Saapsigo as he glanced to the woman who had argued with Aria earlier in the day.

"It is." She said flatly.

"How old is this young woman?" Prompted the academy master.

"No more than twenty." She replied.

Saapsigo arced a single brow and steepled his fingers, "and you are certain she is Sevryll's daughter?" he asked, as he sat back in his chair.

"Her children bare a resemblance to her, but are not wholly vulcan...The same can be said for the one who confronted me. Each of the children readily displays emotion as did the older girl. In fact, she threatened me."

"Indeed?" replied the inquisitor. "This is not the way of Surak." He said evenly. "Sevryll was married only five years ago... to a human no less. This older girl could not be a product of that union...yet another example of her irreverence. This girl could be the basis for Sevryll's dismissal from the Academy, and perhaps grounds for having her declared "vrekasht".


"Do you have anything else for me?" he asked his guests.

"Yes. I have spoken to another who was attacked in a fit of rage."

Inwardly Saapsigo's heart smiled...

[X]

Joint post by Just X, BryanCD, and Wraith1701

Aeric smiled as he looked to those that had gathered for the meeting. In the window behind him, the new painting Tiberius A could be seen in her berth and hovering in the darkness. Lt. Commander James had already dismissed the staff heads from the first part of the meeting and only himself, Grant, K'Tan, and K'arath remained.

As he prepared to speak, one of the still unnamed Intrepid refits could be seen returning to her docking berth after a better than successful shakedown cruise.

"Grant, thank you for remaining and gentlemen, thank you for coming." Aeric said as he took his seat. "Starfleet has requested that we finish the new Tiberius and at least one of the Intrepid refits by weeks end and I need your input to make sure that this is done."

Taking a moment to catch his breath, Aeric passed out PADDs containing information on the work ahead. "It seems that the care that we've been putting into these new ships have been paying off. They are operating above the acceptable specifications in almost areas. The new Tiberius would be able to run circles around her predecessor and it's my hope that we can apply the same standards to the Intrepid refits. I hope you can help me with that."

"The new shuttle bay that was added to the refit will almost double the support craft capacity." Rina said as she looked over the notes. "I'm just wondering where the extra power is going to go?"

"We've made astrometrics and even a temporal lab as part of the standard package with the new refits." Aeric replied. "Starfleet has even asked us to include a holographic's lab on them, but I think the ship is still missing something and the Tiberius could also use any extra ideas that you might have."

"So what do you need sir?" Rina asked.

"I need ideas on how to make use of the extra power and extra space we've got on the new ships. Since advanced to former systems have allowed us to gain additional space and we have some additional power from the new reactors, is there anything that you feel we can do to make these ships better?"

Rina considered that as she looked to K'Tan and K'arath. She assumed that they had been brought into the meeting to give suggestion that went beyond the tweaks and changes she had already suggested.

K'arath made a conscious effort to remove the stunned expression from his face. He had been aware of the Akira Class refit James had been overseeing and had been impressed by the new innovations. What he wasn't expecting was the name on the hull. He quickly composed himself.

"Weapons and emergency power systems. We had been working on enhancing phaser power when you first arrived aboard," he said looking over at Aeric, "as you may recall. Assuming a continuation of our mission, I think that should be a priority. Also, the extra power and space could be used to create an entirely separate emergency power system to provide impulse power and shields in the event the warp core is off line."

"Continuation of our mission? I wouldn't start to get my hopes up about getting a new ship just yet." Aeric said. "As far as Starfleet is concerned, the only mission that they have set is the completion of these ships so that their new captains can tour them two weeks from now. I'm recommending that we attempt to avoid assumptions because I don't want anyone let down if things turn out differently."

K'Tan smartly patted down his chest and shoulders, knocking loose some of the grit and dust that still clung to his tunic, and strode towards the trio.  As he addressed Aeric, a hint of wry amusement played across his features.  "Of course commander; we want to make sure that these ships are the best they can be for whichever crews Starfleet sees fit to place in them."

K'arth smiled as the dust scattered across the room. K'tan had the heart of a warrior having been raised Klingon. He wondered what he had gotten himself into to present in such a fashion.

K'Tan glanced at the towering Klingon engineer.  "With that being said, I agree with Chief K'arath; weapons must be a priority.   The galaxy is not the friendly place it was back before the Dominion War.  Even with the current armistice between the Federation and the Founders, there are many elements of Dominion technology that may have found their way to the hands of many would-be warlords.  The war has also left the entire quadrant on somewhat shaky ground-- Both the Romulans and the Klingon Empire suffered much in defending the quadrant; a need by both powers to reinforce their infrastructure might lead to political adventurism.  In such a potentially volatile environment, it is only common sense to make sure that all vessels are adequately protected, regardless of their mission profile.  I believe an ancient human once said it best-  'The best defense is a good offense'."

"That's a reasonable view." Aeric said. "I think that the construction teams might benefit from your ideas. So which of you wants to work with the Akira teams and which of you will help on the Intrepids?"

K'Tan's arm immediately shot up.  "Given the choice, commander, I'd prefer to work with the Akira team."  The lieutenant turned to peer wistfully out the viewport behind them, drinking in the majesty of the gunship-grey leviathans slumbering quietly  in their docking berths.    "I've developed a certain fondness for the class," he added with a smile.

"That's fine K'Tan. Have at her. I'm going to recommend some of those additional weapons upgrades to the Intrepids that we have," Aeric couldn't help but chuckle to himself. He couldn't tell them that his denials were actual denials to what he didn't know because they took it as an evasion. The only thing that he did know was the none of the prospective captains of any of the ships had been disclosed to him. The more he tried to deny what he didn't know and the more the people would assume he was covering.

K'arath acknowledged the LT.'s decision. "Agreed. I would also suggest that commander James and I, " he said looking at Aeric," coordinate our efforts on the Emergency Power back up systems."

"I'd love to K'arath, but I'm going to need to make sure that all of the other projects are in order. I'll speak with Starfleet during tomorrow's briefing and let them know that the Tiberius will be ready to sail by week's end. Hopefully we can make the last adjustments in that timeframe."

[ElfManDan]

David slaved over his homework, he had finished it an hour ago, but he had returned to check for errors. Everyone else was out doing something fun on a night like this. A night like this referred to most nights. David had rechecked his work twice and felt like he needed a break. He decided a walk would be nice.

Slipped on his little jacket and made his way out of the student dorm. He needed a chance to think about everything. He had a spot about a mile away that he went to all the time since he came to the academy. He felt lonely, not much different then what he felt like when he had first arrived. This last year had been hardest since Ashley, his previous girl friend had graduated and left him behind. He was feeling particularly regretful about leaving her. It was a mutual thing she was out exploring the universe and he was stuck on Earth. The long distance was hard on them and their relationship was left a fading memory. That was five months ago.

The wind was cold on David's face. The temperature felt cold in contrast to the warmth of the day. He proceeded to walk down the path. There were trees on either side. He walked till he found the small opening between the trees that lead to an unused little path. It was long and muddy. David's boots seemed to be magnets for mud. The path was like a maze, but David knew the way. He final reached the exit stepping into a clearing that looked over the water and had the best view from land of the Golden Gate Bridge. He sat down on the large smooth rock. Next to him a space left for Ashley.

He couldn't stop thinking about her tonight. He hadn't talked to her for weeks and he didn't understand why his feeling we're bothering him again. He watched the water and the lights from the city and ships for near an hour. He wondered if Dylan would ever stop being a Bigoras boy. "He never had to go through what I did," David thought. He pushed that memory out of his head for the memory of home. He hadn't sent that Statue of the Liberty figure from his trip to New York last week to Dorothy, yet. Her birthday was in a few days. She loved those kinds of things, she had never been to Earth, Bigoras is so faraway. David figured the trip the Bigoras for the statue would only take a few days, a trip for a person or persons would be a few weeks. He wondered how hard it would be to stowaway on one of the mail ships to Bigoras. He wondered "Where was he going, what would the future bring?" He felt scared, he worried he would become what he had worked so hard to change.

[Ricardocameron]

=/\= 

The Vulcan Homeworld T'Khasi...

The Shikhar Academy- The office of Saryn Rayna, Assistant Proffessor of Engineering(Warp Theory) for the Theoretical Propulsion Group's Vulcan Division....

"Oh, she's so cute," she said, cradling the newborn sehlat and reaching for the feed bottle.

"It's a 'he', T'Kara", Ensign Taryn rayna corrected his sister, handing her the bottle.

"Well, regardless, where can we take 'HER' till we decide what to do? And what will Father say about..." T'Kara's question was cut short by the sudden arrival of her Father in the doorway of his office.

"What will Father say about what?" Saryn Rayna asked, an eyebrow raised quizzically.  He knew his children well, and was less than surprised that their penchant for 'quandaries' had not discontinued with their arrival to young adulthood. Without their Mother's guiding hand since her death several years ago, he sometimes wondered how it was that they avoided being declared "vrekasht" or outcast.  But this..what could be so bad about an infant sehlat?

"But Father, it's not just any baby sehlat!", Taryn exclaimed after relating the recent events.

"Perhaps, my son, but you cannot house it HERE," replied Saryn.

"then WHERE, Father?" T'Kara asked a little too hotly, "This cub now holds the childs Katra.

We MUST get it safely into the hands of kin of the child's House!"

"Remember your 'arei'mu'!-- "Kup-putash-tor kashek". You will control yourselves.  And as you know, I am not fully convinced of the so-called katra's existence" Saryn stated firmly.

"There is some recent turmoil among the Academy staff, and I cannot afford to have suspicions of trouble within the Rayna family leveled upon my position here...especilly not now.

"Taryn-kam, T'Kara-kam", their Father explained, adressing them with the Vulcan name-endearment, "There is ,as you know, talk of effort to return Vulcan to the Days of Presundering--Separatists and Unificationist factions will challenge us all as to our beliefs and where we stand."

"But Father," asked T'Kara,"How should that affect us, who are of Vulcannsu blood, yet born of Mars?  Surely..."

"Remmber, YOU children are of Mars, yet I am of T'Kasi.  They will not consider you separate from me.  Your older brother was also born here, and has been heard to vocally support Ambassador Spock.  There is much retoric and the arising of fear in the Academies and the High Council and as it is said: 'Pthak svi'zherka -- dan-karik heh dan-karhrashik'--Fear is among the strongest and most violent of the emotions."

"You are scaring me, Father", said T'Kara," Perhaps then we should return to Utopia Planitia.  After we find the deceased child's family, of course."

"I am sorry, frightening you was not my purpose.  I just wish to keep you informed. I am considering our return to Mars.  Logic dictates we consider all possibilities. But there are many issues, many facets to consider: How to contact the child's family and present the facts of the child's death in such a way as to minimize further suffering; what to do with it's 'katra. What to do concerning the Academy.  I believe our mettle will be tested."

Saryn sighed, continuing,"Also, whether you Taryn, should resign your Starfleet commision and accept the Bracchus Scholarship and remain on Vulcan, or accept Starfleet's offer of re-assignment as a Medical Assistant at Mars Station.  I should not sway you, one path or another. These choices are your's to make."

"Yes, that is true Father," offered Taryn, "And yet, there is little time to deliberate.

Unless extended, your duty here is to end in a few weeks, and I must choose my future's path.  I have sought your counsel, and I will choose wisely, Father."

The door chime rang.

"We will speak more of these matters soon," said Saryn, answering the door.

A young student intern stood in the doorway, well known by T'kara and her father as an disciple in one of the Academy's anti-Reunification factions.

"Please pardon my interrruption, Sir. My name is Sunal", he began,"I am here on behalf of 'the Sons and Daughters of Vulcan' student union.  We seek audience with Academy Masters who may have interests aligned with those of Ambassador Spock. Master Saapsigo and others here have an interest in speaking with you.  May I escort you?"

"Hmmm..Yes, you may" said Saryn, "Just wait outside one moment please."

He turned to Taryn, speaking softly, "Contact your brother Soryn at the Science Academy. 

Notify him of recent 'events', and seek his assistance in finding the child's family, if you can. We will speak further of this 'Katra' problem upon my return. Take your meal this evening in my quarters."  Turning to leave, he gestured toward the sehlat, "And take that thing with you."

As Saryn left, T'Kara called after him, "It's a 'he', Father!"

=/\=

[Omra]

He watched her with a teachers pride, she had come a long way in two weeks.  He had expected far more resistance, but something in his sermons had struck home, that much was clear.  If she passed this next test he had determined that he would tell her about Yuki.  He knew she suspected something, the suspicious and curious glances, he often forgot how good Shyn's hearing was.  She was constantly catching pieces of conversations, or catching him laughing at something she couldn't hear.  He wouldn't be surprised if she thought he was insane.  He watched her as she strode back and forth doing her duty, so far so good, but lets see how she does when our suprise guest arrives...

Shyn walked her route under the harsh Vulcan sun, back and forth along the steps of the customs building, in the foreign sector of the Starport.  Wearing the sandwich boards Korridan had made for her, they said, 'I have been a bad girl, please insult me.'  And all morning and into the early afternoon many assorted Aliens had enjoyed accepting the offer.  But she had held strong, letting the insults and namecalling roll off her like water.  She was proud of herself, weeks ago this would never have been possible.  She looked towards Korridan, she felt he was proud of her too, though she could tell from his expression he was up to something.

He was an enigma to her.  He was spiritual and yet a warrior, she knew little about him, and yet; she trusted him.  Though she has found his behaviour quite eccentric lately, talking to some one she could neither see, nor smell.  And making references to obscure literature and media from earths history, he is not even from earth; why would he...?  Some one was talking to Korridan.  He looked familiar, and that was unusual in and of itself.  She was on a planet she had never been to before.  The Vulcan turned towards her, oh no...

The Vulcan stoically descended the steps toward her, Shyn stood nervously awaiting him.  He stopped before her, his fingers laced together across his chest, appraising her as if she were some new lifeform.  "Good afternoon Shyn," the Vulcan said, "I believe the phrase goes... 'long time no see'."  The faintest hint of a smirk worked its way into his expression.  "Yes, thank you," Shyn replied, "so, did you get that promotion?"  The former aide raised an eyebrow, "Indeed I did, thanks to your antics."  Trying her best to sound Vulcan, "I am gratified to hear so, may I inquire as why you are here?"  He gestured towards Korridan, "your instructor asked me to come on my lunch break."  He nodded toward her, "to help with your training."  "And since you were so insturmental in the betterment of my career," his arms spreading wide in a gesture of gratitude, "how could I not be a part of helping a dear friend better herself.?"  Shyn leaned to her right to give her Sensei a 'thanks' a lot' look.  When she looked back to the Vulcan he was producing a orange root vegetable from his tote bag.  To her horror he raised it to his mouth.

CRUNCH!  Her face screwed up into a mask of horror and disgust.  Her eyes transfixed on the gut wrenching display of FLAT TEETH bearing down on brightly colored vegetable matter.  It was so alien; so utterly disturbing to her.  But she could not tear herself away from it.  The texture; the smell; the sound, it was all so wrong... 

He exaggerated each bite, reveling in her unease, eatting with his mouth open, much like a child trying to gross out a classmate at lunchtime.  Bile rose in her stomach, the corner of her mouth twitched.  He stopped, "how rude of me."  He reached into his tote, "I am such a absentminded host," he pulled out a bulbous root vegetable with long fronds, "I forgot to ask if you would like to join me."  He waved the fronds under her nose, she squirmed as if it were a poisonous snake.  It gave off a pungent licorice like scent, her nose wrinkled up, her stomach heaved.  She found it hard to breathe, and her eyes watered.

"No?"  He asked, "you don't know what you are missing."  She was barely able to gasp out, "I am fasting."  "I am so sorry," he feigned the apology, "your teacher must have forgotten to mention that."  He mercifully placed the vegetable back into his bag.  Shyn sighed in relief, her muscles relaxing.  Her sinuses inflammation lessened. 

CRUNCH!  She winced, again watching the fluorescent root matter tumble around in his mouth like a load of laundry.  Her stomach began to tumble in sync with the orange lump.  And each time he crunched down on the tuber, her muscles tensed and she grit her teeth.  By the time he was finished, Shyn was exhausted.

The Vulcan watched her with a mixture of disguised admiration and amusement.  And then stated, "wait, I remember now," as if it were possible for a Vulcan to have a faulty memory, "you preferred a different snack."  He reached into his tote and produced a tribble with a flourish.  She looked at it as if it were a live hand grenade.  He set it upon her shoulder, it cooed at her, blissfully unaware of the danger it was in.  Her mouth salivated; her jaw trembled, remembering the sensation of rending flesh and warm blood.  She looked away, trying to ignore the cooing snack sitting on her shoulder.

Korridan rapped his staff on the permacrete step.  Shyn knew what that meant, and turned her eyes front.  And tried her best not to look annoyed.  The Vulcan looked pleased, "I remember something else you said that day, you said: 'they are mostly hair'," he reached into his bag, "that it would take a dozen of them to fill you up," he pulled out another tribble.  And placed it onto her opposite shoulder, the two tribbles started chatting with each other as if something interesting had happened in the last two minutes since they had seen each other.  She fought to ignore them. To her the little tribbles were saying, "eat me, eat me."  Her stomach growled.

She starred at the Vulcan, thinking, "you are eeeeeeeeeeeevvvvvvvvvviiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiilllllllllllllllllllllll..."

Trying ever so hard not to smile, "oh, wait, that is only two tribbles," reaching into his bag, "we have ten more to go..."  Her paniced mind thinking, "what is this guy, a freaking magician?"  She watched in rapt horror and shock as he began producing more and more tribbles, and placing them all about her head and shoulders... 

They crawled in her hair, around her neck, across her chest.  Cooing and trilling, begging her to devour them.  Their scent filled her nostrils.  Her head spun.  She fought to meditate, to place herself outside of the situation.  The sound lessened, little by little, as she slowly entered a dark and solitary place.

Whack!  Whack!  "Get up," she heard.  She opened her eyes, she saw darkened skies.  Many hours must have passed, and she was lying on her back.  Korridan stood above her leaning on his staff, looking down at her, "congratulations, you passed the test," he smirked, "though some may consider blacking out, cheating."  He looked in the direction of the customs building, "your friend was impressed with your self control," he looked back towards her and smiled, "so much that our runabout is no longer impounded, or quarantined."  She just laid there letting it all sink in, her head still swimming.  He whacked her on the soles of her feet with the staff, "let's go get something to eat, you look like hell."

She certainly felt that way.

[Jen]

Joint post by Jen and Just X

The sands of Vulcan swallowed the sun as Sevryll and Aria sat alone in the courtyard outside her ancestral home. "I hold you in highest regard and I am appreciative of your defense, but you should not have challenged her Aria. They will remember your defiance. If condemnation is to fall on anyone in our family, let it be me who bares the burden...let it be me they call impetuous." 

Aria slowly shook her head, "We both know that all vulcans have emotions, regardless of whether we are capable of suppressing them or not. You cannot control your own as before, yet you are not overwhelmed by them. The virus has not weakened you, it has given you new strength and perspective. Do not allow them to convince you otherwise."

Aria shifted her gaze towards the ground for a moment before continuing, "I believe the criticism directed at the children, which I overheard, was premeditated. And if you had been the one to arrive for the children, your reactions would not have been dissimilar. They hoped for such a display, but not from me...from you. It is not right for you to carry that burden alone. If someone is to have a public outburst, it should be me. My half-vulcan status makes me the more logical choice for responding in such a manner."

Sevryll considered the young woman sitting beside her. Aria was wise for her years, but she had no understanding of the reproach her people were capable of casting on their own. Still others were in opposition to Unification, and her father's affiliation had put them in danger once before. Sevryll began to worry that the growing tensions would soon become far worse. "That may be, but I do not wish you to endure the disparagement that is sure to arise after such an encounter."

The conversation soon turned to their recent visit to Mount Seleya. "Not all who follow Surak are as closed minded as the extremists, we saw that much with the respect given to us at Mount Seleya. I've never felt more at home as when we spent time as a family to the place where the IDIC was codified. Even the father of Vulcan logic knew that one day you would one day exist, and that we would follow. If our family does not hold to the IDIC, I don't know who would." Aria said as she looked out towards the beauty that was the setting Vulcan sun. "I don't think we belong on Vulcan at this time mother. There are too many factions competing for success... and many view our presence as a threat."

Sevryll turned her eyes to Aria. The girl kept her own fixed on the horizon—looking toward an unknown future. As Sevryll cast her scrutiny back upon the same perspective, she hoped that what the girl, saw was not destined to be.

[moyer777]

The wind blew leaves around as they danced before the Counselor.  The colors were magnificent.  He sat on lawn chair that computer rather nicely provided when he realized he had programmed in the remote area. 

It was where they were going to live if they had built the house.  It was so peaceful. Peaceful but remote.  The graba's croaked in the distance and the sun was setting.

This is where he had found them dead.  His wives. 

Oh, he wasn't trying to be morbid or anything like that.  He was simply trying to use the holo therapy program to relieve some pain and get his head straight.  It wouldn't be long and he would be on a starship racing through the galaxy on a quest for exploration and knowledge.  He thought that he better make the best of his time.  At any moment he could be called up.  He had made sure to get his name at the top of the list for the next deep space mission.  Still, he longed to work with the crew he had come to know.  They were good people, in fact, they felt like family.  But, at this point, he would take whatever seemed best.   He couldn't wait around forever.

A trazzle wolf howled in the distance and Margon shivered.  He didn't like that sound, it was lonely, lonely and bitter.  Something he had determined he would NOT be.  A familiar sound shook him out of his thoughts. 

"Purrrrrrr, meow!"  Mr. mouse, his orange cat stretched next to him and jumped into his lap.

"Hey there.  Who let you in?"

"Uh, Uh,  I did" said Barkley, "He looked lonely, and I knew he helps you relax.  I, I , hope it's ok."

"No problem Reg, I welcome the diversion.  Say, I wanted to thank you for all of your hard work over these past few weeks.  I couldn't have done all this without you!" 

"Th thanks Counselor, you've helped me a great deal too.  Glad I could be of some help to you"  he paused, "I think I need to show you something before I go though"

"What is it Reg?" the Bolian looked serious.

"Oh, just some strange readings.  It looks like someone has tried to use one of your holo programs that will going out to the various starfleet vessels to piggyback a signal.  I haven't been able to crack the code yet, but when I do, I'll let you know. In the meantime, I removed it from the mass distribution file and made it look like it will still be going out.  I haven't figured out who put it there, but I thought you might want to know."  Reg looked uncomfortable, he usually tried to figure things out in more detail before presenting information like this.

"hmmm, there really are only a few people that it could be." Margon thought for a moment while scratching Mr. Mouses ears, "I mean after all you, me and J'dan are the only ones that have had access to all those files."

[iceman]

Joint post by Iceman, Moyer777 and Jen


Peterson had finished marking his student exams for the day when his thoughts had returned to his wedding day one month earlier, and what a day it was.


Flashback  To One Month Earlier


The day had arrived. Dr. Peterson looked dashing in his dress uniform. The day he dreamed of was now a reality. He was getting married.

He had asked Counselor Margon to be his best man, a job that he readily accepted and did so with honor. The smile on his face was priceless.

"Casey, I'm happy for you" he said looking daper, his blue skin against the black tuxedo.

"Thanks Margon, I appreciate that. Look, I'm so sorry for all that you have been through, I know this is tough on you" said Peterson.

"It's ok Casey, it's ok. I'm coping. This is your day now, don't be worrying about me. It's not everyday you find a beatiful woman like Myella."

"Yes, I know. I am very lucky indeed. She is a good find."

"Sevryll sends her regrets that she could not attend. Her children have just begun their schooling, and since the virus, she has been reluctant to leave them." said Margon. "She sent a gift to present you and your wife—an orchid she obtained from Tuvok."

Nathan Quinn stepped up and said, "Alright guys, that's our cue, let's go."

Captain Quinn, Margon and Dr. Peterson took their place in front of the group on the beautiful garden grounds of Starfleet headquarters. The sun was shining and many of the surviving crew were in attendance.

Nathan cleared his throat and began, "Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to this happy occasion. As a Captain one of the most wonderful gifts of command is to be able to join together those who feel they are meant for one another. Our friend the Doctor, has found his soul mate."

Dr. Peterson beamed with pride. He really had found his dream wife.

The chamber orchestra began to play a beautiful Irish folk song as Myella walked through the rose garden and approached the three men standing by the fountain.

With her father, arm in arm, they stopped just short of the gentlemen.

"Who gives this woman to be married to this man?"

"Her mother and I" said Mr. O'leary.

"Then Casey, go get your bride!"

Dr. Peterson stepped over and shook Darcy's hand, then took Myellas arm in his own and approached the smiling Margon and Quinn.

"I believe you have something you would like to say to each other" said Captain Quinn.

Dr. Peterson tool Myella's hands in his and stared into her eyes, he faught to keep the tears from his eyes as he spoke in an ancient Galic dialect the following words:

" I Casey, have come to you today, Myella, to pledge my undying love and devotion to you. To Love and Honour you, in health and in sickness, in goodtimes and bad, for all the days of my life. You are the part of me that makes me whole, You are the reason for my happiness, and reason for me waking up to start another day. I want to share all of lifes ups and downs with you, and mostly I want to grow old with you. For You are and always be the Love of my life."

Myella stared into Casey's eyes and repeated the same ancient words while holding her husbands hands as tears began to fill her eyes.

Andrus Sudder was stretched out on one of the folding chairs with a grin on his face. He was excited not only for his friend, but for the great reception planned aftward. The Dr. had asked him to provide the musical entertainment. He found the prospect appealing.

"Do you have rings?" said Nathan. He took the rings an placed them in his hand and held them up for everyone to see. "These rings symbolize the everlasting relationship these two have formed. May the fire of your love never grow cold."

Someone in the audience shouted out "Here Here!" and then the rest of them echoed.

They placed rings on each others fingers and Nathan looked out over the audience.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss your bride."

The Dr.'s eyes teared up as Myella embraced him, their kiss was enchanting. They were obviously in love and it showed.

Nathan cleared his throat once more and spoke up, "May I present to you for the very first time, Mr and Mrs. Casey and Myella Peterson!"

The crowd cheered and the couple walked back down the center of the park as many threw rose petals on them.

Margon smiled but couldn't help but feel a sadness in his heart. He knew the joys of marriage and the pain of seperation. He only hoped that Dr. Peterson would be a blessed man. Myella was a wonderful lady, and if they played their cards right their marriage would last a lifetime.

J'dan had set up the bar in the hanging basket area, he hovered over the drink station as the guests began to arrive for the reception. The newly married couple made their way to the dance floor for the first dance. It was a good day for the crew of the Tiberius, they needed this, it was healing.

[Omra]

Shyn stepped from the shower, toweling and drying herself off.  As she left the bathroom, she turned and headed down the hall, she stopped in front of the den.  There it stood in the den, the large strange collection of electronic components, she stepped to the threshold.  And peered in, it had newer parts now, he had been upgrading it, she stepped closer.  "Ahem," Korridan cleared his throat from the kitchen.  She scowled, "how does he do that?"  Every time she tried to examine it, he knew; no matter where he was.

She entered the kitchen, and frowned at the fare.  Sushi for him, and raw fish for her.  Well; it was better than vegetables.  Fish had a different texture than she was used to, but it was meat.

Korridan washed his hands, "before we eat, there is someone I would like you to meet."  She looked around, "I didn't hear anyone come in while I was showering..."  He smiled while drying his hands, "she was already here."  She looked at him with a puzzled expression.  He gestured for her to go with him to the Living room.

She entered the Living Room and there was no one there; she turned to him, crossed her arms across her chest and gave him a wary look.  He sat on the arm of the sofa, in a relaxed manner.  "I believe that I can trust you enough to meet an important member of my family."  He gestured past Shyn, toward a corner of the room, "Shyn, meet Yuki."  Shyn turned to the corner he indicated, and saw a young adolescent Asian girl standing there.  Shyn did a double take, thinking, "how did she get there?"

The young lady barely even acknowledged Shyns presence, she simply looked to Korridan, and  bowed in the proper Japanese fashion.  She wore the traditional sailor style school uniform, and had her hair in pigtails tied with ribbon.  And though she was quite pretty and demure, she seemed peeved with Shyn. 

Shyn looked to Korridan, "I don't think she likes me..."  And before he could answer her, Yuki burst out with, "YOU KILLED ROYO'OKI!"  When Shyn turned to her, Yuki had her arms across her chest, and a scowl on her face, which was turned away from her in disgust.  Shyn looked back to Korridan, "who's Royo'Oki?"  He told her, "that was the name Yuki had given to the little creature on the runabout."  Shyn's eyes went wide; she turned back to face the petite girl pointing a finger at her, but was interupted before she could speak.  "And then, YOU-ATE-HIM!"  The girl was on the edge of tears, "how could you?"  Glaring at Shyn, "he was so cute..."  Now her lower lip was jutted out in a cute little pout, and her little fists clenched .  Shyn was completely out of her element, she turned to Korridan for support.  He said, "tell her your sorry."

Shyn turned to the girl, pleading with her, "I am sorry."  She then heard him say, "And tell her you will never do it again..."  Shyn's jaw dropped, she turned to him, with a 'are you serious?' look.  He tilted his head towards Yuki.  She looked back to the indignant girl, "I'll never do it again."  Yuki's anger evaporated, a smile slowly appeared and she said, "okay; thank you." 

Shyn observed the young girl as she walked around the room touching things, as if the world were all new to her.  Shyn's eyebrows shot up, "she was on the runabout?"  Yuki and Korridan both laughed.  "Royo'Oki wasn't the only thing she saw," Korridan chuckled.  The flat of Shyn's hand shot up and smacked her on the forehead, "Oh, yeeez."  Yuki laughed at her.  "Don't worry about it," Korridan chuckled, "those records are deliberately vague."  "The Federation would have nightmares if they ever knew what had really happened during the occupation," he said a little more somber.

She looked at Yuki, who was poking at a pillow, seemingly amazed and amused by the interaction.  Shyns' forehead furrowed, and eyes darted back and forth between Korridan and Yuki, realization erupted in her expression, she looked at Korridan while pointing in the direction of the den.  Korridan smiled and nodded.  Yuki giggled, "I thought it would take her longer."  Shyn starred at her as she went back to playing with the pillow.  "Yuki has been a good little girl here on Vulcan," a fathers pride in his voice, "she has been so well behaved these last few weeks, that the Vulcan's finally granted her a holo-emitter."  Shyn watched her running her fingers along the fringe of the pillow.  Korridan smiled, "today is the first day she has had a body."

He looked at Shyn, "until today, she only existed in here," pointing to his head.  Understanding came to Shyn, "the nanites, they formed a neural net."  He smiled, "that's right, I could see her, feel her, and hear her," he looked back to Yuki, "but only through my nervous system, and my eyes," a sadness entered his voice, "she was a ghost."  Shyn watched Yuki pick up the pillow, and drop it, again and again, smiling.

"But you said she saw me kill my dinner," Shyn asked," you were in cryostasis, how did she see me?"  Korridan answered as he watched Yuki interacting with her new world, "She interfaced with the runabout, much in the same way she used to do with my freighter."  Turning back to Shyn, "she used to practically run my freighter for me," a nostalgic tone entered his voice, "and helped to keep me sane, while I was along the frontier of the outer rim."

Shyn starred at the girl, "I cannot place her race, she is a Terran?"  Korridan smiled, "Dr. Yamamoto fashioned her after his Japanese daughter," emotion crept into his voice, "and as far as I am concerned, she is; Yamamoto's daughter,... and now mine."

Shyn starred at him, not sure what to say, or think.  He looked at her, "let's go eat, this is a lot to digest all at once."  Smiling at his culinary pun.  They headed for the Kitchen.

He stopped to say something in the direction of the Living Room, "Yuki, be care..."  The sound of breaking glass interupted him.  Yuki giggled, "sorry..."

Korridan sighed, "great, now she can break things..."

[X]

Aeric slowly walked the hallway of the still unfinished Intrepid refit. He smiled to himself at the progress that was being made. Throughout the vessel, the latest in holographic emitters blended seamlessly into the ceiling and walls. Engineering crews were working to integrate the new shield generators into the power grid. K'arath was right about putting the extra power to use and it let them the incorporating the regenerative shield systems common in the Sovereign and Prometheus classes.

Reports from tactical and suggestions from the SCE had suggested that new class be fitted with top of the line phaser arrays and two prototypes of the latest development in pulse phaser cannon technology. Like the new Tiberius, these new versions of the Intrepid class would run circles around their older counterparts. Unlike the new Tiberius, the new ships were a complete redesign and updating of almost all internal systems while maintaining over 80% the spaceframe design and a majority of the internal layout of the Intrepid class. Commander James was impressed at the work that was going into the new ships. They were a culmination of his own concepts combined with the ideas and discoveries of Starfleet's greatest minds.

"Engineering Team Beta to Commander James," came the voice of an unknown crewman through the ship's internal speakers.

Aeric moved to the wall and input the command to take the call. "James here."

"Sir, this is crewman Marcus. You asked for a progress report on the systems revisions," the voice replied.

"How are the revisions going crewman?"

"We have completed the changes on Intrepid Alpha and Intrepid Beta is at seventy percent completion."

"Thank you crewman, I hear that Starfleet command wants to do an inspection of the Alpha. They have also notices that with the amount of systems changes in the works, they wish to reclassify the girls as Intrepid II class starships. Please relay the news your team, James out."

Aeric ran his fingers over the panel again to access the transporter system. "Computer initiate a site to site transport."

Within moment Aeric felt the cool sensation of transport as he was moved from the halls of the Intrepid to the bridge of the new Tiberius.

"Commander on deck!" an ensign shouted as James fully materialized.

"As you were," Aeric said as he looked across the bridge to the engineering team currently installing the new dedication plaque of the ship. "I'm just here for a quick inspection of the ship, please don't let me interrupt you."

Aeric moved slowly across the updated bridge. It felt both familiar and alien.  It reminded him of the ship that they had lost, but at the same time, this ship was something new. She had her own great destiny ahead of her. Soon she would have a captain and a crew and Aeric could not help but wonder how she would carve her place in history.

[wraith1701]

After a much needed shower and change of uniform, K'Tan tried to review the weapons upgrades scheduled for the new Intrepid and Akira ship-frames.  He was disturbed, however, by his inability to focus on the different weapon specs.  Being back in space, even if only in an office on an orbital shipyard, had reawakened his lust for exploration and adventure.  He didn't want to be confined here, studying the different space-frames, he wanted to be out there, riding them off into the unknown. 

He sat back from his data terminal with a sigh.  He had been certain that capturing Lucas' wife would sate his hunger for adventure, at least for a little while.  He had been sure that with that out of his system, he would be content with a little down time.  But now that he found himself tied to a desk, he was having second thoughts.  I always used to look down on desk-drivers, he thought.  Now look at me; I'm turning into a  Hu'tegh pencil-pusher!

K'Tan stood and strode to the portal overlooking his work station.  His eye felt magnetically drawn to the infinite array of stars filling the fathomless night.  More than anything, he wanted to be out there testing himself; finding out what his own personal limits were so that he could smash through them and become a better person than the man he was today.  In a perfect universe,   he thought wistfully, he would be out there with the old crew of the Tiberius.

As he started to turn away from the portal, K'Tan caught a glimpse of something that caused his breath to catch in his throat.

He whirled back towards the portal, his hands pressing firmly against the cool, glass-like surface .  Outlined against the diamond points of starlight, he saw a shape that instantly brought a parade of images to mind--  images of razor-sharp bat'leths clashing together with joyous abandon, images of worthy advesaries being crushed beneath his boot-heel... he found his ears ringing with remembered songs of honor and glory; songs of dangers shared willingly by noble comrades, and honorable death met with open arms...

The angular, winged form of an emarald-green Klingon Bird-Of-Prey swooped majestically past the viewport; and like a siren's call, K'Tan felt its passage stoke the quietly burning fires of his heart...

The insistent beeping of the workstation behind him snapped K'Tan out of his daze; he tore himself away from the viewport and returned to the console. The bland face of a starfleet administrator gazed at him from the monitor.  "Lt. K'Tan, we've been asked to patch a comm from a visiting ship to you." 

K'Tan struggled to keep his expression calm.  "Go ahead; patch it through."  The officer's face vanished, and was instantly replaced by a familiar, viciously grinning visage.  The man's strongly ridged forhead was cast in stark relief by the deep-red glow of the bridge-lighting behind him.  "NUQNEH, K'Tan; it has been a long time," the man said. 

K'Tan sat down and stared unflinchingly into the eye of the man addressing him.  The Klingon on the screen smiled, revealing his sharpened teeth.  The man's eyes shone with a predatory glint as he leaned foward agressively. 

"I would like to speak with you, little brother," he said.

[X]

Aeric sat in the primary command chair as the view screen showed the new Tiberius docked at her berth. Information flooded the monitors of his console. He appeared to stare blankly at the screen as his mind linked directly to the main computer of the Fleet Yard. It has only been a few moments since the running lights of the vessel activated and highlight the lines and beauty of the craft.

"This is Commander James to Captain Denosia," Aeric said aloud as the communications systems transmitted. "We are recalling all workbees and releasing all docking clamps."

The view screen wavered and switched to display the now fully staffed bridge of the USS Tiberius A. The gruff and bearded captain Denosia, a human born on Mars, sat in his new chair with a smile on his face. "VFY, this is Captain Denoisa of the USS Tiberius," he said. "The crew of the Tiberius would like to thank you for the excellent attention to detail you maintained in the construction of our new vessel. We hope that we don't let down the name attached to her."

"I am sure that you will do fine captain," Aeric replied. "She is a fine ship and I am glad that she has been given such a decorated captain. Where are you headed to now?"

"While the Venture was kind enough to bring a large portion of my crew, I still have several officers that I need to retrieve before we begin our mission."

"Hopefully patrolling the Breen boarder keeps you busy captain." Aeric said.

"I hope we won't be too busy. I'm expected to give our science teams some time with the new sensors as we keep with our mission."

"Good luck captain," Aeric said. "You are cleared to leave your berth."

Aeric linked the exiting of the ship to all available viewers. He wanted his people to see the results of their efforts.

The last of the docking umbilicals detached themselves from the hull of the Tiberius as the massive impulse engines began to glow and slowly move the vessel away from the berth. Inside the VFY, numerous crewmembers paused to watch screens or move to windows that would allow them to see the departing vessel. No sooner than the ship had cleared the berth completely did she move to full impulse. Aeric watched as the ship grew smaller and smaller until it was replaced by a bright flash of light that indicated it moving to warp speed.

[Omra]

As Shyn ate her raw fish using the awkward wooden sticks, she watched korridan dip his sushi in the bright green concoction, which even from across the table burned her nose.  She heard noises coming from the living room, and from the corner of her eye she could see Yuki rolling items across the floor.  And playing much as a flesh and blood girl would, she could see how Korridan would think of her as real.

After wiping his mouth with a napkin, Korridan began his tale, "Kai Meressa asked me to participate in a clandestine flight program."  He picked up a California roll, "a corporation sympathetic to our cause, was going to donate a prototype fighter in exchange for using me as a guinea pig, and test pilot."  "It was a first generation Katana fighter, really cutting edge for its time," he eyed the sushi roll, though his stare seemed much further away, "and with the neural interface, the neosensor mesh overlay, and the adaptive ECM package, it was nearly untouchable."  He put the sushi down, "I racked up some pretty impressive kills, and the resistance was thrilled."  Shaking his head slowly, "But something was wrong; in the way that Doctor Yamamoto behaved, and it was strongest when I interfaced with the AI, I felt we were all being used."

Shyn interjected when Korridan seemed lost in painful memories, "the file said you had an Orb experience."  He nodded absently, "When I told the Kai of my suspicions, she told me to consult the Orb of Change."  He seemed to slip away again, caught in an undertow of memories.  Shyn said, "Those things scare the crap out of me."  He seemed to come back a bit after her statement.

From just down the hall Yuki playfully laughed, "You said crap..."  Korridan chuckled, "You can always count on a child to break you from a gloomy mood."  "Well I will try to get through this without wandering off tangent," he nodded, "or leaving too much out."

"The Kwaidan/Yurei interface was designed to be a device for healing, to help people to get through the grieving process," starring off into a far off place, "Through memory retrieval, and the personality/imaging matrix, a person could seemingly bring a loved one back to life."  "They could interact and speak to a lost one," his fingers slid through his hair, "they could say their goodbyes, and take care of any unfinished business, thereby expediting the grieving process."  He sighed, "a beautiful idea, but the Orion Syndicate had a different idea." 

"They uprooted the doctor and his work," his jaw clenched, "and stuck him on a hidden base on a Bajoran moon, to incorporate his technology into the tactical interface and AI of the fighter."  "Perverting his work into a weapons system," pain crept into his voice, "a purpose for which it was never intended, under a ridiculous timetable."  "He melded the Yuki personality with the ships AI." his eyes moistened, "in the hope that she would be able to find a way to warn me of what was really going on."

He stopped, the memory was just too painful.  Shyn stepped in, "There was a caveat..."  He nodded, still unable to speak.  "You have never told anyone of this before have you?"  She softly asked.  He shook his head, "No; and it is a lot harder,...than I thought it would be."  Shyn was seeing a side of Korridan she had never known existed; she had thought of him as a grizzled old veteran, full of war stories and bawdy jokes.  He seemed so vulnerable now.

"Take a break, we'll have plenty of time for your story; later," she pointed to his plate, "besides, your food is getting cold."  Korridan laughed, "It is sushi, it's always cold."  They laughed and ate, as Yuki sang in the background.

Shyn found herself gradually listening more and more intently to Yuki's singing as the meal dragged on; while her words were foreign to her, the emotion behind them was universal.  How could a mere program emote?  Or a collection of algorithms, express love and loss?

She leaned back in her chair so she could get a better look down the hallway.  Yuki was lying on her back, watching how the light from the sunset played across the artwork and architecture of the room.  Her song and lyrics would meander as her eyes moved about the room, she was not merely reciting, nor was she mimicking.  The tune changed as her mood changed.  She was improvising...

[Geekyfanboy]

Joint writing Startrekfanatic5 & Just X

Quinn sat behind his desk in his office, he just finished speaking with Admiral Decker about his new ship and mission. Quinn was very excited to get things started. He will be heading to Vulcan in two hours to inspect his new ship, but first he wanted to see if he could get members of this former Tiberius crew back together.  He planed on visiting Sevryll tomorrow in person to offer her the position of First Officer, he could think of no one better for that job. He only hoped she would except.

As for the rest of the crew.

"Computer," Quinn said, "please began recording".. several beeps could be heard.

"To my former officers and crew,

It is with great pride and pleasure that I report that Starfleet Command has granted me a new ship. Though she is a smaller vessel than the Tiberius she will be perfect to complete our new mission. Command has tasked me with exploring a new section of the Beta Quadrant and I could not think of a better crew than many of you that I have served so proudly with.

I am currently in route to Vulcan to inspect my new ship. Hopefully your current duties have not taken you too far away because I wish you to return as a part of that new crew. Please contact me at your earliest opportunity so that we can discuss your new role in our new ship.

I look forward to serving with you all again. I expect to place some of you in new positions that better fit the fine skills that you have displayed both during the last hours of the Tiberius and the past few months. For those of you still on active duty, Starfleet has authorized your transfers pending your agreement to this new posting.

I look forward to working with you again. No, I look forward to having our family back together again. It will be on a new ship with some new faces, but hopefully this new ship can become a home to us all. I think that it's long past time for us to come home.

I hope to see you soon,

Captain Quinn

Computer End message and send to Tiberius crew alpha one data."

The computer beeped and the message was sent, now it was time to pack for his trip to Vulcan.

[Bryancd]

Back in his quarters near the Vulcan Fleet Yards, K'arath poured himself a glass of Merlot. Although he enjoyed bloodwine on occasion, the red wines of earth offered a more complex experience and in a pinch he could pass off as bloodwine if confronted by fellow Klingons. He sat down at his desk and silenced the beep which told that a new message had been received.

He read Captain Quinn's words and allowed their importance to take hold. He smiled.

"Computer!" he bellowed, "record the following response!"
"Recording," the sterile Vulcan voice replied. He missed the voice of Federation starship computers he suddenly realized.
"Q'pla!" he said. "End recording, transmit."
"Transmitting." came the reply.

Captain Quinn had his answer.