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91
Episode 02: Cosmic Imperative / Re: CH. 3 S [Day 01 | 1315] Growing New Roots
Last post by P.C. Haring -
[ Lt. Reggie Suder | Shuttle craft Faraday | IKS Kolath landing bay ] @AbsintheDeux‍ 

On the surface, Artimis Saugn seemed a pleasant enough individual, but there was something about the woman that left Reggie a bit unsettled.  She had only just met the Petty Officer, so the pilot wrongly assumed that it was just a matter of initial nerves.  As such, the Betazoid pushed down whatever unease she felt and channeled her efforts into being as pleasant as possible.

“I’d be happy to help.  Can you grab one end and I’ll grab the other?”

It took them an extra minute or two to load the trunk, but once the gear was secured in the Faraday’s hold, Reggie took her seat, strapped in and began running pre-flight.  She had left the main engines on line, as she hadn’t planned to be staying any longer than necessary so in this case the pre-flight checklist was somewhat short, though none the less important.  Even so, Reggie allowed herself to take the list a little more slowly than normal if for no other reason than to allow Saugn enough time to settle in.

The Betazoid jumped, startled by the normal noises her passenger made as she took own seat and strapped in and it was in that moment when she realized why she felt so unsettled.

She couldn't read Saugn at all.

Stay calm, she admonished herself. 

It was not like this was her first time around someone she couldn’t sense.  There were many species in the galaxy who were telepathically mute, Ferengi for one and while she had long since come to accept that inevitable fact, it had always left her feeling a bit… empty.  Without trying, betazoids were always able to, on some level or another, sense and discern the thoughts and feelings of those around them and while she, like every other of her race, had learned at a young age how to filter out the telepathic ‘noise’ when so desired, the sounds of others had always brought her comfort even just knowing they were there in her presence.  Telepathic ‘mutes’ had likewise stuck out like a sore thumb; a cloud of darkness in an otherwise bright array of minds and thoughts.

[Faraday, standby for departure clearance,] came the voice of the Klingon over the comm.  He did not comment on the nature of the delay, but given the circumstances, Reggie suspected there was traffic along her departure vector back to the Helmet.

“So,” she finally said.  “What brings you to Theurgy?”

It was a horribly awkward question, Reggie knew, but without any sense of how Petty Officer Saugn felt at the moment, it was the best she had to go on.
92
Interregnum 01-02 S2 / Re: Day 09 [15:30 hrs,] Once Upon the Island
Last post by P.C. Haring -
[ Lt. Cmdr. Hathev | Unnamed Island | Qo’Nos] Attn: @Ellen Fitz‍ 

Looking back on the situation as her Vulcan mind was want to do, Hathev could not comprehend the thought process that had led her to this inescapably illogical conclusion that commandeering the Klingon Marauder's sea vessel was the correct course of action for the two of them.  By all objective measures they were out manned, out gunned, and in a tactically inferior position to defend themselves.  Logic dictated that Cross was, indeed, correct to suggest a beam out back to the ship. Despite that, one other inescapable fact remained.

Hathev did not wish do leave.  She did not desire for their trip to be cut short.

So, when Cross affixed one of the belts to her waist and gave her the opportunist to return the favor, the Vulcan was more than accommodating.  She let him take the lead on setting the stasis web trap, assisting him where needed and in particular in the translation of the Klingon language in places where he encountered difficulties and she offered a confident nod when he asked “Shall we” after returning from burying the disruptor that had been holstered in her belt.

The Vulcan was not ignorant of the entendre by Cross’s comment about her ‘lovely’ legs, and while she had not particularly given much though to her legs up until now, she took a certain satisfaction that Cross had offered a complimentary statement as to their appearance.

She refrained from reminding him of the obvious, that as a Vulcan her strength and stamina potentially exceeded his as he had been, up until recently, a hybrid Vulcan.  As they ran, Cross firing blindly behind him, she considered that in the wake of his so called ‘correction’ that Cross’s endurance might now more closely resemble that of a Vulcan, and that such a boast about her own physical superiority would not only be needlessly hurtful to him, but also factually inaccurate.
Logically, of course, none of these thoughts mattered as the lovers feet pounded the sand as they ran for the shore where the ship had been moored.  She matched Cross stride for stride, taking care to stay in step with him and not get too far ahead or behind.

The explosion, however, had other ideas.  Hathev had not tracked the time on the disruptor’s overload status and when it went off, the blast wave threw her off balance and she tumbled to the ground.  Looking behind her, as she regained herself, she saw Klingon bodies strewn about and a blast crater that had been left behind.  She rose to her feet, accepting any offer of help that Cross might have given, but she did not delay and she took off again, for the ship.

Hathev reached the gangplank to the ship just a few strides ahead of Cross and almost lost her head as the Bat’leth swung at her neck.  The act of pulling away from the swing threw the naked Vulcan off balance once again and she scrambled to get away from the next slash of the guards weapon.  For a Klingon, the mercenary was fast.  Not as fast of a Vulcan, but fast enough to keep Hathev scrambling on arms and legs, trying to evade the attacks long enough for Cross to arrive and assist.
93
Episode 02: Cosmic Imperative / Re: CH 2: S [Day 01 | 1435 hrs] When Trolls Dance, Vulcans Growl
Last post by EnigmaTales -
[ Lt. JG V'lana | Sickbay Lobby  | D. 21 | V. 2 ] Attn: @Ellen Fitz

V’lana was either making excellent progress, or none at all. Well, that wasn’t quite right, as two things could be true at once - On the one hand, V’lana had returned to active duty and was settling into her current assignment, having made friends with anyone who did - or did not - feel receptive to her attempts. Friends were something she would need, and something she was unfamiliarly short of.

On the other hand, she was still avoiding taking time for herself. Not because she didn’t want to, but whenever it grew too quiet for comfort, she didn’t quite know what to do with herself. As some trained in dealing with patients who had suffered either mental or physical trauma, she knew the importance of dealing with it. But she also knew that “dealing with it” wasn’t something one could do on a schedule. At least she had never seen minor breakdown on anyone’s timetable, and she wasn’t going to be the first to put it on hers.

But all in all, V’lana was doing okay. And okay was good. Not perfect, but good enough. 

The Elsarian had just begun her shift, and thus far it had been just the right amount of busy, but perhaps a little… boring? Which was an odd way to look at it. V’lana wasn’t someone who would ever regard someone’s medical problem as minor. What people struggled with was nothing she wanted to put on a scale, and pain was a highly individual experience. She had seen young science officers hold a broken arm and politely wait their turn before revealing it to the medical attending, and she had seen grown men cry in agony over a toothache.

Once finished with the first patient of a mildly interesting day, she made her way to the lobby - just on time to note one of the nurses hurry into her direction, then past her, making some sort of excuse as to why she was leaving her post. V’lana sighed, and decided that she wasn’t going to make friends if she pointed out that the woman ... well, shouldn’t do that. Instead, she made her way to the now deserted post, finding a man leading against the previously occupied desk.

And he didn’t look good. Aesthetics aside, his grimace and bodyposture came across as almost threatening, like an animal that was most dangerous when wounded. That bumped the day up to “somewhat interesting”, and V’lana approached carefully.

“The let’s get you sorted.”, she said in a warm, yet professional manner. Not overly cheery, but also not sharing in the growl the man’s voice had lowered to.

She extended her hand toward his shoulder, then thought better of it. Since waking from stasis, she hadn’t actually touched all that many people, and this was neither the time not the place to try out if her touch-telepathy allowed connection, or if any damage had been done.

“I’m V’lana, and you’re in luck, I specialise in pain management.”, she explained, motioning for him to follow her to the nearest bio-bed. “But before I can help, I need your name, and I would need to know a little more about that headache you are experiencing. I’ll make it quick, I promise.”



She would have preferred to administer an analgesic right away, but medical data on whoever her patient was, was crucial. After all, she had ended up in a stasis unit because a well-meaning Ensign hadn’t considered her Elsarian physiology, and effectively fried her neural pathways.
94
Interregnum 01-02 S2 / Re: Day 19 [1430 hrs] A Quick Course in Cardiovascular Acceleration
Last post by P.C. Haring -
[Lt Reggie Suder | Lower Gymnasium Locker Room | Deck 14 | Vector 03 | USS Theurgy] Attn: @RyeTanker‍ 

Reggie opened her mind, inhaling the Zhen’s thoughts and feelings telepathically like a vacuum cleaner.  They warmed her soul as the larger woman’s arms wrapped around her body, and Zark’s breasts pressed into her, warming her skin.  It was a shame that non telepaths could never know this level of sensuality and, for a moment, Reggie considered pushing her own emotions into Zark’s mind. 

The Betazoid decided against it, however, though not for reasons of selfish greed.  To perform such an act without permission was a violation and, in this moment, the Betazoid could not determine how best to obtain the Andorian’s consent without ruining the mood.

As Zark plunged  into her neck and shoulder, Reggie’s long fingers found their way to the back of her head and gripped her white hair, finding the balance of gentle force enough to show she was there without trying to inflict pain.  Her other hand found the small of the Andorian’s back and pulled her in to her as she felt herself start a gentle rhythmic motion of her hips.  Her breath deepened, the warmth of her body grew and she found herself acting more and more on instinct and less on a pre-planned track. 

Before she knew it, the hand that had been holding Zark’s head found one of her antennae and she gently stroked it, fingered with it, and teased with it, much as one might do with a male penis.  She did not, could not know how Zark would react to this, so Reggie tried to keep her activity gentle and light, and would take her cue’s from Zark’s reactions as to whether or not she should continue.

Then came the Zhen’s question about their venue.  Already, Reggie was drowning in the sensuality between the two and she could not think clearly enough to make a decision.

“Lady’s choice, ZamothZark,” she said, her pronunciation of the Andorian’s full name influenced as much by the thoughts and emotions she picked up from her partner as anything else.
95
Episode 02: Cosmic Imperative / Re: CH 2: S [Day 01 | 2115 hrs] After Hours Consultation
Last post by Relatively Insane -
[ Ens. Murphy | Temporary Quarters | Deck 11 | Vector 2 | “Ranger” of USS Theurgy] Attn: @Ellen Fitz
[Show/Hide]

Caitlyn nodded along to Cross' reply, unable to help a slight grin at his comment about the warp core. And what a fine warp core it is, what I'd give to- Nope. Not the time for this Murphy, focus. Trying to concentrate, she focused her gaze back to the senior officer. "Right sir, sorr-" Catching herself with a dry chuckle, she continued. "That is, I understand." Reaching warily for her tea, she was glad to feel that it had finally cooled enough to drink. Was Cross' mug cooler than mine? Or maybe he just prefers everything to be piping hot? What does he do, scald himself with every shower?

Her mind wandering yet again, Caitlyn raised an eyebrow at Cross' mention of "piratey moves," picturing the officer in an outfit similar to Black Beard from the so called "golden age of piracy." In an effort to conceal her grin, she took a sip of tea and found... nothing. Perhaps a minty aftertaste, though otherwise it tasted like water. Either my taste buds have been completely burnt to a crisp, or the replicators really do need calibrating. Mulling over the thought for a moment, she looked up and realized Cross was now holding a PADD. Wait, was I dismissed? She wondered, her question answered a moment later when he began to speak, having evidently pulled her file.

Straightening up a tad, Caitlyn observed the usual discomfort she felt when someone talked about her in an "official capacity," the hue of her cheeks quickly matching her hair color when Cross paused to give her a look. "Semi-Obstinate." That's a new one, though it's not exactly my fault if they had a backwards way of doing things. The Commander continued, his words provoking a slight frown from Cait. And as for that, "if you want something done right do it yourself," as the saying goes.

After what seemed an eternity waiting for Cross to finish with her file, Cait having drained half her mug by this point, she thought a moment before deciding her reply. Placing her mug on the desk, she looked up and nodded. "Aye sir. I'd say it's one of my defining qualities, aside from that 'stubborn nature' my old CO mentioned." Grinning a bit, she continued. "But I can assure you that my full, undivided attention will be focused on the task at hand. You've got my word on that.
96
Parallel Universes - "What if?" / Re: USS Theurgy: What if - The Public Baths
Last post by Krajin -
[ Dominic Winters | Public Baths | Vector 1 | Deck 12 | ATTN: @tongieboi @AbsintheDeux

Dominic looked between each as Joseph seemed quite intent on trying not to ogle the attractive, naked woman who oddly, Dominic could not get any kind of empathic reading on. Very strange. “It doesn’t do much for the fur or skin, but does amazing wonders for muscles.” He spoke up. The steam spreading their scents throughout the room far more than it would elsewhere allowing Dominic to pick up on even the subtle things from both entities here.

Dominic did appreciate both were talking so comfortably and this being a small group he didn’t feel like his social battery had limitations. “I’ve been on the Theurgy for a day or so now. Pretty new.” Now Dominic didn’t view nudity as a strictly sexual thing as his species often went about completely naked where they could.

His tail twitched as he considered the possibility of what might go on in this space. Maybe a little fantasy at least if either one was interested in fooling around. Especially with what was going on outside near the pool. “I heard about the bathhouse and had to come and see. Though seeing what is going on outside, I am rather intrigued. It seems people here are finding ways to unwind and relax.”

“So here I am. Course, if I find myself propositioned for that kind of thing I would not turn it down.” Dominic laughed lightly in amusement.
97
Episode 02: Cosmic Imperative / Re: CH 2: S [Day 01 | 1700hrs] Cross on the Titan
Last post by Krajin -
[ Dominic Winters | Lower Gymnasium | Vector 2 | Deck 14 | The Ranger ATTN: @Ellen Fitz

Dominic listened intently as Cross explained his side and perspective of things.His tail twitched slightly as the man brought up correctness that folks seemed to be in on. “To be quite honest, I am not a creature for political correctness. Or correctness in general. If a Bajoran is an asshole then an asshole they are. Doesn’t matter what they’ve been through. I’ve met my own fair share who were complete dickheads during the conflict. Always using what they have suffered through as a means to bludgeon people with guilt to get their way or lean into the ‘woe is me’ bullshit.” He spoke rather candidly, feeling comfortable enough to do so since Cross, the head of tactical was doing so!

“Hated it. Granted, I hate Cardassians and the Dominion with as much fury considering my own treatment at their hands and what I witnessed during the conflict. Honestly correctness isn’t something I dig. You’re fine with me if you want to be ‘incorrect’. I’ll just be upfront in turn if it pushes a button. Sound fair?” He asked with a twitch of the ears.

“It’s unfortunate that your mentor considered you a failure, you’ve not gone mad or turned into a Romulan spontaneously because you never became coldly logical." He does shake Cross’ hand when it is offered and does not deliver a bone-crushing shake. He’s not one of those sorts. “Why not spar? I trained in Judo, Kickboxing, Suus Mahna and the Lirpa, plus a touch of that stuff the Klingons do. I did not do well with Suus Mahna but I learned a great deal of self-control with my physical strength. Same with in Judo, kickboxing.” He added.

“Besides, I’ve only ever intentionally hospitalized one officer outside of the Academy. So I can pull my strength and know how to apply it properly. Or else they wouldn't of let me into Parisses Squares, Ice Hockey or Football. Besides, you’re a Vulcan. Physically speaking your species is rather tough and twice or more the strength of the average Human. You could handle me. In fact you and Avandar Lok so far would be the only ones.”

“More than happy to be your spotter if you’re still not keen. Or be on the receiving end of some Krav Maga drills if you want to run them. Throw more strength behind it eh?” He offered. “Just no shots to the groin or grabbing my tail and injuring it. I’ll take that personally.”
98
Episode 02: Cosmic Imperative / Re: CH 2: S [Day 01 | 2115 hrs] After Hours Consultation
Last post by Ellen Fitz -
[ Lt. Cmdr. Cross | Temporary Quarters | D. 11 | V. 2 | “Ranger” of USS Theurgy] Attn: @Relatively Insane

Cross gave a breathy chuckle while offering a fairly Vulcan-typical single eyebrow raise at the ensign’s claim of managing. The fact that she’d neglected to tell him her name was a clue she wasn’t wholly managing. Though Cross was slowly starting to recall the names of the newcomers, he figured the surname Murphy fit the woman sitting across from him far more than Lok did. Both engineering personnel had been recently brought out of stasis.

“One thing you’d best stop doing is apologizing to me unless you’ve actually cocked something up.” Cross grimaced. “I mean, made a mistake that requires reporting and making amends for. From where I’m sitting, you’ve nothing to apologize for. Unless you were the one to screw up our warp earlier today and left us drifting across the RNZ.” He shot her a wink as he brought the mug up to sip at the tea. “But, in truth, ensign, you’re not wrong. This crew is different for what it's been through, and while it is still a Starfleet ship that acts according to proper Starfleet regulations and protocols, we’ve had to pull out a few piratey moves now and again to stay ahead of the Infested and their cronies. The fact that we’ve had to live in this balancing act of standing nearly alone against the parasites cut off from our family and friends except through back channels and dealing with some fairly shady individuals to create strong enough alliances to have a chance against the infested has been trying on even the strongest minded in the crew. Even the ones who claim not to give a fu..frying pan for what others think about them have struggled with all the propaganda spouted by the official networks labeling us the villains in this story.”

Cross held up a hand to pause the conversation. Quickly moving to his temporary desk, the Vulcan retrieved the PADDs he’d been given earlier in the day, detailing all the new personnel he could utilize for the upcoming missions. After giving them a quick scan, Cross returned to the table with Murphy’s PADD.

“Known for taking on unwanted duties, staying on tasks well after shifts were over, Murphy is dependable, though with a tendency to problem solve outside the parameters set by her superior officers that sometimes manifests in a semi-obstinant stance towards any options suggested or ordered that she seems as inefficient.” Cross paused in his reading to study the redhead, expression neutral. After a moment, he continued, “A cooperative team player, Murphy has been taken advantage of by many of her peers in that she struggles to say no to extra duties or picking up the slack their negligence creates. Would recommend for more leadership roles, but am wary as she still seems the type to do everything herself instead of delegating to others and overseeing their efficiency as a superior officer should.”

Setting down the PADD, Cross again reached for his mug, offering Murphy a reassuring smile. “I see no reason you can’t be reinstated to full duty. Our present mission is delicate, to say the least; we’ve already had engineering issues. Undoubtedly, we’ll need all hands on task and from what I just read, your hands are dedicated to a fault,” he chuckled before adding, “or so one of your prior superior officers noted.”
99
Director's Cut / Re: The Falcon and the Kite
Last post by Griff -
[PO3 Lillee t’Jellaieu | Combat Tactics Lecture Hall | Starfleet Academy | Earth ] Attn: @Dree

[Show/Hide]

Rear Admiral Sobral was a short and unassuming man, but the authority that he commanded was palpable. Upon reaching the podium, he took a long moment to look around the hall, smiling somberly, allowing the tension to build. Behind him, the other officers appeared interested, if only to be polite. The one exception was the Romulan, who wasn't even paying attention, simply typing on a computer interface embedded in the table. She'd been active during the lecture, calling up presentations on the large screen behind her or aiding the various guest speakers, but was now clearly ready to be done for the day.

"Before I let you go, cadets," Sobral began, his voice thick with his Portugese accent, "I want to end on a solemn note." Many cadets looked crestfallen, realising that there wouldn't be any surprises or challenges today, but all paid close attention regardless. "During the Dominion War, thirty one percent of all Starfleet fighter crews were killed in action. You all know that statistic. Now I want you all to think about what means."

Many cadets looked uncomfortably at each other as he spoke. Nobody had expected this. "Look to your left, then your right. If a major war begins tomorrow, then within two years, either you or one of those two people beside you will likely be dead. That is the reality of Tactical CONN. No matter how good you think are, no matter how superb your spacecraft is, there will always be someone better than you. Smarter, faster, luckier. You are the best and brightest of the Federation's member worlds, but never overestimate yourselves or underestimate others. Arrogance is something that far too many fine officers have suffered from, and far too many have paid for it with their lives. Don't be among them. Learn. Adapt. Improve. Overcome. Win."

Sobral stopped for a moment, allowing the message to percolate. "Good luck, cadets," he said gravely. At that, slowly, some of the cadets began standing up, but were startled when the admiral snapped his fingers. "Oh no, wait! I'm forgetting, aren't I? I know I am...how odd...ah, right, of course! The challenge!" Within moments, excitement once again thrummed throughout the hall and everyone sat back down. Sobral grinned. "Now, as you all know, every year, I arrange something fun for the graduating class, usually with a prize on the line for the winners...and a penalty for the losers."

An excited murmur spread through the hall before Sobral spoke again. "At 2100 tonight, five volunteers from Nova Squadron will report to Holosim 1 for a seek-and-destroy exercise in Peregrines. Your opponent will be Petty Officer 3rd Class Lillee t'Jellaieu." The Romulan looked up in surprise and bafflement. Sobral, undeterred, gestured for her to join him, and with a sigh, Lillee walked over to the podium. She stood with her hands clasped behind her back, facing the cadets impassively.

"PO3 t'Jellaieu," Sobral continued, "is my aide and shuttle pilot, when the need arises. She is also due for some much deserved vacation. The mission profile is simple. If t'Jellaieu evades you for twenty minutes, you fail, and she gets an extra two weeks of vacation. If you shoot down t'Jellaieu during this time, all of Nova Squadron will, upon graduating, be assigned immediately to the USS Illustrious. The ship will be delivering a squadron of new Mark III Valkyries to a classified location, where you will begin Tac CONN earlier than anyone else in your class."

It was hard to miss the excitement of many cadets, but Sobral raised an admonishing finger. "However," he emphasised, "if Petty Officer t'Jellaieu shoots any of you down, the 'dead' cadet will pay a forfeit. For six weeks after graduation, they will work as my personal aide in Khartoum. They will get me coffee, and do paperwork. They will fly my shuttle, and do paperwork. They will handle calls from angry admirals, and do paperwork. They will sit at a desk all day, obeying my every whim, which, of course, includes paperwork. Perhaps worst of all, every one of your classmates will remember you as the elite pilot who got shot down by an admiral's aide, someone who has never been part of Tac CONN, or even attended this Academy."

"Best of luck, everyone!" Sobral finished cheerfully.
100
Episode 02: Cosmic Imperative / Re: CH 2: S [Day 01 | 2115 hrs] After Hours Consultation
Last post by Relatively Insane -
[ Ens. Murphy | Temporary Quarters | Deck 11 | Vector 2 | “Ranger” of USS Theurgy] Attn: @Ellen Fitz
[Show/Hide]

"Right sir, sorry. Wording has never really been my strong suit." Caitlyn answered with a rueful grin, pinching her thumb behind her back. At his motion she entered his quarters, observing that they were noticeably larger than hers. Damn. Makes you wonder how much space the skipper has in their room... I really gotta make rank at some point, she mused, suppressing a smile before realizing Cross had asked her something. "Sorry-? Oh erm.. I'll pass on that whiskey, though some tea would be divine." She replied hastily, claiming one of the seats and lounging for a moment before remembering where she was and straightening her posture. Accepting the other mug from Cross, she took a sip and winced, a tad too hot for her taste. Mourning her burnt taste buds, Caitlyn instead elected to hold the mug in her lap, enjoying as the warmth seeped into her freezing hands.

Nodding along to Cross' introduction, she tried for what she hoped to be a smile. "Aye sir, I've been trying to get caught up to speed as best I can but there was a.. decent amount to cover." She blew on her tea, attempted another sip, and found herself betrayed again by the scalding liquid. Either her tongue was still frozen, or something was seriously wrong with that replicator. Biting back a curse, Cait placed her mug on the desk between her and the other officer, her gaze wandering to the window of his quarters as he continued and frowning slightly when he mentioned the Savi. Evidently, I need to read more of the after-action reports. I thought the Savi were the ones who helped put me back together?

Hearing that Cross had finished speaking, Caitlyn pondered his words a moment, the full gravity of her situation having finally set in. Snapping out of it, feeling as though the silence had gone on for an eternity, she directed her eyes back to him and answered rather hastily. "Honestly sir, you're right. It seems like everything's changed; the people, the mission, even the damn replicators. And-" Cait stopped, kicking herself mentally. At this rate she'd be yelling at the poor man, which certainly wouldn't help her chances at put back on duty. Not to mention, her accent was rapidly becoming indecipherable. Would a UT translate a thick English accent? It's still English, though also sort of not? Shit wait wrong time for this. Trying to take things back a notch, Cait tried again in a steadier tone. "Sorry sir, what I meant to say is I'm.. managing. All I'm asking is for a chance to join in on the upcoming assignment. I believe I'd be a valuable asset to the team, and, between us, I think it'd be good for me to have something to distract myself with."
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